Cycling

Mexico City’s Chapultepec Park is the oldest and largest urban park in Latin America, and one of the oldest urban parks in the world. Originally sited on the outskirts of the city, today this large forested area is completely surrounded by the urban center. Containing nine museums, a zoo, an amusement park, and a variety of green recreational spaces located near popular commercial districts, Chapultepec Park is an invaluable ecological oasis, and a cultural, social, and civic space for the city residents and its visitors. Up to 15 million people visit the urban park each year, often keeping to a few of the more popular areas. https://www.wmf.org/project/chapultepec-park

Opened in 1954, during Sao Paulo's 400th anniversary, the Ibirapuera Park has a 1.6 million m² area and sports courts, bicycle racks and restaurants. The project was led by Oscar Niemeyer, the architect who created most of the buildings in Brasilia. It also involved several professionals, such as architects Ulhoa Cavalcanti and Zenon Lotufo, besides landscapers Burle Marx and Augusto Teixeira Mendes. The Ibirapuera has been elected "one of the 10 best urban parks in the world" by The Guardian, and it gathers athletes in the running lanes, soccer courts and open gym equipment. It also charms people looking for culture. The Museu de Arte Contemporânea (Contemporary Art Museum), the Museu de Arte Moderna (Modern Art Museum), the Museu Afro Brasil (Afro Brazil Museum), the Auditorio Ibirapuera (Ibirapuera Auditorium), the Pavilhão Japonês (Japanese Pavilion) and the Oca are all in the park. Take the time to also visit the Museu de Arte de São Paulo (Masp), which is only 6 km away. https://www.visitbrasil.com/attractions/ibirapuera-park.html

Stretching across the East River, the iconic Brooklyn Bridge opened up back in 1883 to carry traffic (nonautomotive at the time) between Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. One of the most recognizable parts of the New York City skyline, the bridge has been featured in movies and on television shows, and is a real piece of New York City history. A stroll across the elevated pedestrian walkway provides a true New York City experience. The Manhattan-side entrance is at Park Row and Centre Street, across from City Hall Park, east of City Hall; over on the Brooklyn side, enter at Cadman Plaza East or where Boerum Place meets Tillary Street. https://www.nycgo.com/attractions/brooklyn-bridge

Set right in the heart of London, Hyde Park offers both world-class events and concerts together with plenty of quiet places to relax and unwind. Dip your toes in the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain, brave an open water swim in the Serpentine, or just admire the views across the lake from a waterside café. Have a go at boating, tennis, horse riding, or join the many joggers, walkers and cyclists enjoying the open air. Hyde Park has a long history as a site of protest, and still hosts rallies and marches today. Visit Speakers’ Corner on a Sunday morning to hear people from all walks of life share their views. Hyde Park is one of London’s eight Royal Parks and covers an area of 350 acres. https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/hyde-park

It is one of the very few places in Hong Kong that still hangs on to its old fishery ancestry customs and traditions and a real treat to visit any time of the year. It is hard to imagine that only 20 short minutes away from the sparkling skyscrapers and maelstrom of Central, you can find yourself in a different kind of sparkle: Gleaming white sand beaches with crystal clear blue waters; Contrasting brilliant green hills; Sleepy fishing villages; Fantastic fresh seafood in the waterfront... Whether for a day or only a few hours, Lamma Island is a great option for an escape from the tumult of the city. There are no vehicles or public transport here, except for service vehicles. It's either walking or bikes... a nice change of pace! https://www.hong-kong-traveller.com/lamma-island.html

Lumpini Park (or Lumphini Park) is one of the largest green spaces in central Bangkok. Founded in the 1920s, this inner-city park spans over 500,000 sq m and is home to various flora and fauna. Over the years, it's become a popular gathering spot for Bangkok residents, who would gather for a round of jogging, light workouts, aerobics, and leisure activities throughout the day. Lumpini Park appeals to just about everyone – you'll often find the elderly practising tai chi and couples lounging by the lakeside, as well as 9-to-5 workers relaxing on benches and enjoying exercise in the evenings. On weekends, this green space is often populated by families and the cheery sounds of children. Lumpini Park's onsite facilities include paddle boats, playgrounds, and an outdoor gym. Before sunset, you can sweat it out at Lumphini Park's free aerobics sessions and high-energy techno tunes. There's also a basketball court if you want to shoot some hoops. Local jazz outfits (sometimes a classical orchestra) often perform during late Sunday afternoons. http://www.bangkok.com/sport-parks---activities/lumpini-park.htm

Centennial Parklands is the 'green lungs' of Sydney. Comprising three urban parks – Centennial Park, Moore Park and Queens Park, almost 31 million people visit our parks annually.Dedicated to the people of NSW as an open space for recreation by Sir Henry Parkes in 1888, modern-day Centennial Park's sports fields, BBQs, playgrounds and picnic areas are aligned with his vision of ‘The People’s Park’.Popular with Sydney’s sport-lovers, Moore Park’s 115-hectares house the Hordern Pavilion, Hall of Industries, Entertainment Quarter, Equestrian Centre, E.S. Marks Athletics Field, a public golf course and sports centre.Queens Park is a haven for Sydney's sport lovers! Located in Centennial Parklands, the 26-hectare park features sports fields, a kids playground, free BBQ facilities, a café and spectacular views of the Sydney region. https://www.centennialparklands.com.au/

Melbourne's lower Yarra River is the city's tourism and recreation heart. It hums with activity, on land and water. River boats link the vibrancy of Federation Square, Southgate and Crown. Outstanding dining and shopping opportunities blend with museums, leading galleries, an aquarium, concert halls and theatres to create one of the most diverse visitor precincts in the country. http://yarrariver.melbourne/

Covering over 125 hectares and comprising more than 15,000 trees, El Retiro Park is a green oasis in the heart of the city. In it you’ll find all kinds of interesting monuments and gardens, including the Jardín de Vivaces, the Jardines de Cecilio Rodríguez (Andalusian-inspired classicistic gardens), the Jardines del Arquitecto Herrero Palacios, the Rosaleda rose garden and the Parterre Francés, which holds a Mexican conifer that is nearly 400 years old and is believed to be Madrid’s oldest tree. https://www.esmadrid.com/en/tourist-information/parque-del-retiro

In 1968, Manuel Herrero Palacios designed these 8 hectares of gardens so that one could sit and admire the magnificence of the Temple of Debod, which had been donated to Spain by the Government of Egypt. The Debod Mausoleum, which is more than 2,000 years old, was rescued from the waters of Aswan Dam by a group of Spanish archaeologists. They brought back every stone and rebuilt it in its present location, after the Government of Egypt donated it to Spain. It was set on the remains of Cuartel de la Montaña, retaining the orientation to the sun it had at its place of origin. From here, the famous Manzanares cornice, with the Royal Palace, Casa de Campo and, possibly, the most beautiful sunsets in Madrid, can be seen. The garden’s parterres on both sides are merely a vegetation frame. They are enclosed with squares, banana trees for alignment and groups of palm trees and Mediterranean plants on the meadows. https://www.esmadrid.com/en/tourist-information/jardines-del-templo-de-debod

Villa Borghese of Rome is one of the largest urban parks in Europe. The State acquired the gardens from the Borghese family in 1901 and opened them to the public on 12 July 1903. What differentiates Villa Borghese from other large parks such as Hyde Park or Central Park is the perfect combination between nature and Roman art. Villa Borghese is home to interesting architectural elements, sculptures, monuments and fountains created at different times by famous artists. If you have enough time in Rome, travel with children or are looking for a little relaxation, the Villa Borghese is a mandatory stop in your itinerary. If you want to tour the Villa Borghese and take advantage of the time to do some exercise, it is possible to rent rollerblades, bicycles and other forms of transportation at the main gates. https://www.rome.net/villa-borghese

The Tuileries Gardens take their name from the tile factories which previously stood on the site where Queen Catherine de Medici built the Palais des Tuileries in 1564. André Le Nôtre, the famous gardener of King Louis XIV, re-landscaped the gardens in 1664 to give them their current French formal garden style. The gardens, which separate the Louvre from the Place de la Concorde, are a pleasant place for walking and for culture for Parisians and tourists; Maillol statues stand alongside those of Rodin or Giacometti. The gardens’ two ponds are perfect places to relax by. The Musée de l’Orangerie, where visitors can admire the works of Monet, is in the south-west part of the Tuileries. From March to December, free tours in French are organized. Lovers of candyfloss and fairground rides will enjoy the Fête des Tuileries, from June to August. https://en.parisinfo.com/paris-museum-monument/71304/Jardin-des-Tuileries

An amusement park for many, place of nostalgic dreams for some, oasis of greenery for almost everyone – and the location of the Giant Ferris Wheel, one of Vienna’s most famous symbols. The Vienna Prater is in season from March to October. But the world-famous Giant Ferris Wheel and a few other attractions are open all year round. The Vienna Prater is entertaining and exciting, but it can also be relaxing and quiet. One part of it contains attractions ranging from a nostalgic merry-go-round to an ultra-modern roller coaster. In the other area, known as the “Green Prater,” one finds widespread meadows to lie on, shady trees, and quiet paths. The motto is to have fun and enjoy yourself. Today, the Green Prater is a paradise for walkers, runners, bicyclists and horseback riders, and is highly appreciated as a large leisure area within the city limits. To get an overview of this green oasis in the city of Vienna, one best takes the Liliputbahn, a miniature railway spanning more than three miles. https://www.wien.info/en/sightseeing/prater

Mushrif Park in Dubai is so big that you can actually drive through it. It is the ideal spot for family picnics, and strolls under shady trees. Mushrif Park was opened to public in 1982 by the Dubai Municipality, and spans 5.25 square kilometres in the eastern part of the Dubai city in Deira. It is 15kms away from the Dubai city centre on airport road, leading to Khawaneej area. Mushrif Park has an international village, comprising 13 models of Arabic and English houses. The park also includes entertainment services such as electronic games, barbecue and trip areas, pool services, child games areas, sport playground (including basketball, volleyball and handball), walking and bicycle tracks, prayer rooms, green areas, restaurants, canteens, train ride services, camel and horse riding, park theatre, and facilities for people with special needs. The horse and camel riding areas introduces visitors to the traditional life pattern, wherein there are camels, horses, Bedouin tents, goat, well etc. Visitors get to ride camels and horses and will get to know the Bedouin lifestyle, while enjoying a picnic. The Park’s theatre can accommodate 500 people where musical concerts are performed during holidays, Eid and other special occasions. http://www.dubai.ae/en/Lists/Topics/DispForm.aspx?ID=35&category=Home

As the name suggests, Creek Park sits right on the edge of Dubai Creek – making it really stand out from the other green spaces in the city. It’s also the second largest park in Dubai, featuring vast acres of lawns, botanical gardens and children’s play areas. Although this retreat is in the centre of the city, you can enjoy sprawling lawns and endless views of the creek. Stroll along the paved promenade, watch the dhows bobbing in the water, or enjoy a show at the theatre. You can even explore the park by renting a bike for just a few dirhams. Popular with picnickers, there are plenty of barbecue spots spread across – just one of the many free facilities you can enjoy at the park. Families will especially appreciate the mini golf, a go-kart track and numerous playgrounds designed to keep the little ones happy. https://www.visitdubai.com/en/pois/creek-park

The Phoenix Park is the largest enclosed public park in any capital city in Europe. It was originally formed as a royal hunting Park in the 1660s and opened to the public in 1747. A large herd of fallow deer still remain to this day. The Park is also home to the Zoological Gardens, Áras an Uachtaráin, and Victorian flower gardens The Phoenix Park is only a mile and a half from O’Connell Street. Both passive and active recreational pursuits may be viewed or pursued such as walking, running, polo, cricket, hurling, and many more. The Glen Pond is set in very scenic surrounds in the Furry Glen. There are many walks and cycle trails available to the public. http://www.phoenixpark.ie

St Stephen’s Green Park is a historical park and garden, located in the centre of Dublin city. Cared for by the Office of Public Works, the park is an important public resource in the area, and provides an oasis of green calm in the middle of a bustling city. Its four centuries of history are eventful and complex, involving such important figures as Arthur Guinness, 1st Baron Ardilaun, and Countess Constance Markievicz. The park itself hosts a large number of important sculptural monuments to Irish history. Many species of birds and plants also call the park their home. Public facilities at St Stephen’s Green Park include a playground and a garden for the visually impaired. http://ststephensgreenpark.ie

Trek through refreshing lush green tropical and subtropical forests in the lap of the Himalayas, where, you leave behind modern-day-life and venture off walking along trails that offer extreme geographic features and exotic flora and fauna. https://www.welcomenepal.com/places-to-see/must-see-national-parks-of-nepal.html

Located in the heart of downtown Columbus, the Scioto Mile is an urban oasis comprised of more than 175 acres of lush parkland. Stretching along the riverfront from the vibrant Arena District to the natural beauty of the Whittier Peninsula, the Scioto Mile reconnects downtown to the Scioto River through an integrated system of parks, boulevards, bikeways and pedestrian paths. http://www.sciotomile.com/

Golden Gate Park is the third most visited park in the United States. While the park is free to visit during the day, popular attractions charge admission, such as deYoung Museum, California Academy of Sciences and Conservatory of Flowers. The park is filled with gardens, museums, art, flowers, trees, lakes, birds and wildlife. There are also plenty of opportunities to participate in sports, clubs and other activities. Browse the site for information on parking, maps, weddings, hotels, permits, making reservations, transportation, contact numbers, and the history of Golden Gate Park. https://goldengatepark.com/

Tayelet is the Hebrew word for promenade. In Tel Aviv, this refers to the pedestrian promenade running the length of the city’s beaches from the Tel Aviv Port in the North through to Jaffa in the South. Beyond the city’s borders, the promenade also reaches North to Herzliya and to Jaffa’s southern neighbor of Bat Yam. The Tel Aviv Tayelet is bordered on one side by the Mediterranean Coast. In many areas, sandy beaches filled with sunbathers, volleyball nets, paddle ball games (matkot) and cafes accompany the sparkling blue waters. The Jaffa section is comprised of Charles Kalore Park, featuring grass, playgrounds and rocky breakers for breathtaking views. The Tel Aviv Port offers boardwalks, restaurants and a variety of entertainment options and special events. The main stretch of the Tel Aviv Tayelet is surrounded by large hotels and activities suited to a beach-filled afternoon. Everything from top-quality fish restaurants and steakhouses to McDonald's and Kentucky Fried Chicken can be found along the Tayelet. At night, there is a bar option suited to every taste; beach-side venues filled with couches for relaxation, dance bars, live music and rooftop lounges are open every night of the week. The Tayelet is also home to Tel Aviv’s Tourist Information Center, many health and beauty spas, ice cream shops, and schools for surfing and sailing. It is also a popular place for jogging and biking. http://www.bookingisrael.com/israel-attractions/tel-aviv-tayelet

For exceptional views of Auckland city make your way up Maungakiekie, otherwise known as One Tree Hill. Rising up 182 metres, this volcanic peak is the largest, intact volcanic cone in Auckland - apart from Rangitoto - and is a relaxing drive, walk or cycle up. The volcano is made up of three craters and a lava field that stretches all the way out to the Manukau shoreline. https://www.experienceoz.com.au/en/auckland/one-tree-hill/one-tree-hill

Located in the heart of the CBD, Albert Park is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city scene. Easily accessible by walking paths around the city, exploring Albert Park is a definite must for visitors to the region. Open to the public 24 hours a day, there is so much to see and do in the Park. Some of the main highlights of the park include the Victorian fountain, Queen Victoria statue and the Laidlaw floral clock that was constructed in 1953. There are a number of different paths leading through the park making exploring it easy and enjoyable. In terms of facilities, the park is fitted with public toilets located between Albert Park House and the Wellesley Street East walkway. https://www.experienceoz.com.au/en/auckland/albert-park/albert-park

In the mountains of the district of Coclé lies the small town El Valle de Antón, known as the second largest inhabited volcano crater. Once a crater lake it became home to Indians from the surrounding mountains. The microclima here, next to the cloud forest created amazing varieties of flora and fauna. Also El Valle is one of the best places in Panama for watching tropical birds. You will find them in the valley and in the cloud forest of the Gaital Monument. https://www.el-valle-panama.com/

From the Cinta Costera you can see an impressive view of the entire city of Panama. You can also observe the boats that line up to enter the Panama Canal from the Pacific Ocean, while enjoying the green areas, recreational parks and public spaces ideal for walking or exercising. In this picturesque route you will find the seafood market, which offers an excellent restaurant within the enclosure, and more than a dozen small outdoor restaurants selling fried fish with patacones and ceviches in all its varieties. https://visitpanama.com/destination/cinta-costera-de-la-ciudad-de-panama/

Atherton Forest Mountain Bike Park is a network of purpose-built, single-track mountain bike trails located in the Herberton Range State Forest. Trails meander through an open forest of gums, bloodwoods, mahoganys, she-oaks, grasstrees and cycads and some of the trails pass former forestry experimental plots of teak, blackbutt and tallowwood trees. https://www.queensland.com/en-au/attraction/atherton-forest-mountain-bike-park

Travelling around Iceland on two wheels is both challenging and rewarding. There is no better way to experience the beauty of Iceland than from the saddle of your bicycle. But the weather is unpredictable and the distances you'll need to cover can be long. Many bike enthusiasts come to Iceland to cycle the Ring Road, the well-known highway number 1, that runs around the country. Others choose more difficult paths into the highlands, such as the beautiful trail across Kjölur. Such paths are only suitable for experienced cyclists. If you intend to travel into the highlands, be prepared to face gravel roads, as most of the roads in the Icelandic highlands are not paved. You should not travel alone in the Icelandic interior. In some cases, you can expect unbridged rivers. Do not attempt to cross them without taking proper safety measures. Fully equipped bikes with shock absorbers are a good idea as well. Outside of urban areas, bike paths are uncommon, and cyclists will usually have to share the road with motor driven vehicles. https://www.inspiredbyiceland.com/things-to-do/activities/cycling/

Arrowtown is a living historic settlement with many stories to tell. Wander the tree-lined streets of restored cottages and explore gold mining sites. One of the most picturesque settlements in New Zealand, Arrowtown sits alongside the gold-bearing Arrow River and is just 20 minutes from Queenstown. The town was established in 1862, during the height of the Otago gold rush. The settlement grew quickly as pioneers constructed cottages, shops, hotels and churches, more than 60 of which can still be seen today. The gold days are long over (although you can still pan for gold in the river with some success), so Arrowtown's focus is on hosting visitors. Play a round at the challenging local golf course or take a 4WD journey to Macetown, a ghost town accessible only by wagon track, or simply while away some time wandering the streets, café hopping, or catch a film! https://www.newzealand.com/au/arrowtown/

Linking Queenstown, Arrowtown and the Gibbston Valley, this trail network is the ultimate way to reach many of the region’s iconic attractions while soaking up its world-famous scenery. Rides range from easy lakeside jaunts to cross-country treks to winery tours, offering adventures to suit cyclists of almost every ability and area of interest. Visitors are spoilt for choice on this trail network, which dishes up sublime scenery while linking many of the attractions the Queenstown region is famous for. Multiple access and bike hire points, open landscapes and clear signage make for easy navigation, while wide, smooth terrain means riders can keep their eyes front and camera at the ready. Gold rush-era Arrowtown is the starting point for the intermediate Arrow River Bridges Ride that takes in photogenic bridges, country lanes and an old gold miners’ road to historic Kawarau Bridge, site of the world’s original bungy jump operation and a chance to strike the big bounce off the bucket list. Kawarau Bridge signals the start of the Gibbston River Ride, an easy meander through the ‘Valley of the Vines’ and a brilliant way to explore the wineries lining this iconic Central Otago landscape. https://www.newzealand.com/au/feature/the-queenstown-trail/

Dream Forest is the fourth largest park in Seoul, after the World Cup Park, Olympic Park and Seoul Forest, and has become a part of the lives of 2.67million residents of six districts, Gangbuk, Seongbuk, Dobong, Nowon, Dongdaemun and Jungnang. In the heart of the forest is a large lake named Wallyoungji, with the 7 m-high Wallgwang Waterfall and the pavilion Aewalljeong, not to mention grasslands twice the size of the Seoul Plaza. Situated on the rim of Wallyoungji stands the traditional Korean hanok building, Changnyeonggungjaesa (No. 40 Registered Cultural Property), in its entire classical splendor. The 49.7 m Observatory overlooking downtown Seoul is a special attraction point. The breathtaking ridges of Bukhansan(Mt.), Dobongsan(Mt.) and Suraksan(Mt.) roll out to the north, and Mt. Nam and the River Han majestically fill the scenery to the south. Five different wild flower gardens have been created behind the parking lot, such as Suro Garden, Sagaewon, Brown Garden and Hwamokwon, and the Chilpokchi, a waterfall with seven streams, is also worth experiencing. http://english.seoul.go.kr/life-information/natural-attractions-parks/parks/?pidx=2

Hermann Park has a bountiful assortment of entertainment: a golf course, an outdoor theater, a jogging track, a beautiful rose garden, picnic spaces, a butterfly exhibit, and even a museum.Hermann Park, presented to the City of Houston by George Hermann in 1914, is Houston's most historically significant public green space. Over the years, the Houston Zoo, Miller Outdoor Theatre, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, Japanese Garden, Rose Garden and Hermann Park Golf Course, one of the first desegregated public golf courses in the United States, all have added to the Park's importance as a recreational destination.Hermann Park, located minutes from downtown Houston, is a cultural and recreational hub surrounded by the Texas Medical Center, Rice University, the Museum District, and various residential neighborhoods. The entrance to the park is at the intersection of Main St. and Montrose Blvd. Upon arriving at Hermann Park the visitor is greeted by a statue of one of Houston's founders, General Sam Houston. He points in, towards the park, leading the park visitor in the direction of it's many amenities. https://www.visithoustontexas.com/listings/hermann-park/20202/

South Bank Parklands is Queensland’s premier lifestyle and cultural destination, open 365 days a year. Its world-class entertainment and leisure facilities include South Bank Parklands, Little Stanley Street, Grey Street and South Bank Cultural Precinct. South Bank Parklands covering 17 hectares of riverfront land, the free swimming facilities, walking tracks, licensed picnic areas and more. It is also home to a year-round calendar of events and plenty of eateries, including the award-winning River Quay. Little Stanley Street known as one of Brisbane’s most popular eat-streets, is bursting with more than 30 cafes, bars and restaurants offering an array of cuisines styles including Vietnamese, Italian and more. Like its sister street Little Stanley, Grey Street is a foodie haven - a stroll along the street will offer you plenty of places to eat. Grey Street is also home to the South Bank Cineplex, which is renowned for its cheap prices. The South Bank Cultural Precinct has something to suit all ages. It includes the Queensland Performance Arts Centre; Queensland Museum and Sciencentre; Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art; and State Library of Queensland. https://www.visitbrisbane.com.au/brisbane/things-to-do/shopping/south-bank-parklands?sc_lang=en-au

The Brisbane City Botanic Gardens are located at Gardens Point and are bordered by the Brisbane CBD and the Brisbane River. Originally the gardens were planted by convicts in 1825 with food crops to feed the prison colony. Then in 1828 the botanist, Charles Fraser, selected the site to become a public garden and by 1855 the garden was established. The gardens are now Brisbane’s oldest and most mature with many rare and unusual botanic species. There are many areas in the gardens ranging from large open grassed areas perfect for picnicking on, rainforest, beautiful lilly ponds and a fascinating mangrove boardwalk with an avenue of bunya pines. You’ll also find the Gardens Cycle Hire at the Alice Street Main Entrance so you can explore the gardens by bicycle, follow the trail along the Brisbane River and then hop on board a CityCat and visit further suburbs. There’s over 500 kilometres of bike paths in Brisbane so you can explore it all. There are bikes for everyone including kiddie carriers, baby seats and tandems. http://www.brisbane-australia.com/city-botanic-gardens.html