Madrid by Bike

For a holiday dedicated to ecology and healthy living, choose Madrid by bicycle: two wheels are the most fun way to ride through the streets of the capital, be it the grand boulevards of the centre or the narrow streets of the historic districts, and discover hidden corners inaccessible by bus and metro.

Beware, however: some areas of Madrid are not exactly bike-friendly due to traffic or the constant ups and downs. To visit the tourist areas on a bike without taking risks, it is advisable to join an organised tour.

If you usually use a bicycle and feel ready to cycle even in a new city, you can rent one and follow your own itinerary.

Madrid Bike Tours

Participating in a Madrid bike tour is the most fun and safe way to explore the Spanish capital with an environmentally friendly means of transport and at the same time get some physical activity… necessary to get rid of the croquettes, jamon iberico and other tasty but somewhat heavy local delicacies.

The bike tour is ideal for those who have little time and want to concentrate the best of the city in a few hours, but it is also suitable for those who want to learn their way around the city and for those who know Madrid well but want to see it from a different perspective.

Madrid bike tours usually last three hours and take you to the city’s most famous monuments and attractions, such as the Royal Palace, Paseo del Arte, Almudena Cathedral, Plaza Mayor, Retiro Park, Plaza de España and the Temple of Debod. These are easy routes, within everyone’s reach, and include roads closed to traffic so you can cycle in total safety. There is usually a snack stop.

The tour price includes bike rental and a guide; some agencies also provide helmets. Both private and group bike tours are available.

Bike rental in Madrid

The growing popularity of the bicycle as a cheap and environmentally friendly means of transport has encouraged the spread of shops offering hourly or daily bike hire services. Your hotel will certainly be able to tell you which one is closest to you or even book the bicycles for you.

Another option is to take advantage of BiciMAD, the public electric bike rental service of the city of Madrid, which provides residents and tourists with more than 2000 bicycles at 165 stations, including some at popular tourist attractions such as Puerta del Sol, the Prado Museum, the Mercado de San Miguel and Independence Square.

In addition to resident passes, 1-, 3- or 5-day tourist cards are available.

Bike-friendly areas of Madrid

If you are unfamiliar with the city, you may come across some areas that are not suitable for cycling because they are too busy or have steep slopes.

One of the neighbourhoods best suited for cycling is La Latina. If, on the other hand, you want a relaxing bike ride, surrounded by greenery, the best area is Madrid Río, a charming 10 km route along the river made from a former road that will allow you to discover a less touristy Madrid.

The Retiro Park is also full of cycle paths suitable for a relaxing ride through the greenery.