New York City’s bike paths offer a unique way to see its famous landmarks, from the Hudson River’s waterfront to Central Park’s green loops and the Brooklyn Bridge’s historic span. This guide maps out the best routes across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and beyond, with practical tips for bike rentals and guided cycling tours. Whether you’re a casual rider or planning a full day on two wheels, these paths showcase NYC’s energy and diversity. A guided bike tour can help you cover key sights efficiently.
Hudson River Greenway: Manhattan’s Waterfront Ride
The Hudson River Greenway stretches 13 miles along Manhattan’s west side, from Battery Park to the George Washington Bridge. This car-free path offers stunning views of the Hudson River, with landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and One World Trade Center visible along the way. Start at Battery Park, where the path begins, and head north. The flat, paved route is ideal for all skill levels, with dedicated lanes for cyclists and pedestrians.
You’ll pass Pier 25, a lively spot with mini-golf and volleyball courts, perfect for a quick break. Further north, near Chelsea Piers, you can stop for a snack at food trucks or watch kayakers on the river. The greenway’s northern end near Dyckman Street offers a quieter vibe, with views of the Palisades cliffs across the water. Plan for 2–3 hours to ride the full length one way, or choose a shorter segment, like Battery Park to Midtown (about 5 miles). The path is open 24/7, but early mornings (8 AM–10 AM) are less crowded. Restrooms are available at piers like Pier 40. A guided tour of nearby Hudson Yards adds context to the area’s modern architecture.
Continue north past Riverside Park, where tree-lined paths and benches create a serene atmosphere. Cyclists often stop at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum (Pier 86) to admire the aircraft carrier or grab a drink at nearby cafes. The greenway’s smooth pavement and clear signage make it easy to follow, but watch for joggers and rollerbladers during peak hours (noon–3 PM). If you’re riding in summer, bring sunscreen, as some sections lack shade. A visit to the museum complements your ride.
Ride through blooming trees and iconic spots with this travel guide to biking in Central Park’s scenic loop.
Central Park: A Green Oasis for Cyclists
Central Park’s 6-mile loop is a must for any NYC bike ride, offering a mix of scenic paths, iconic landmarks, and gentle hills. Enter at Columbus Circle (59th Street and Broadway) and ride counterclockwise on the main loop, which is car-free during daylight hours (10 AM–7 PM). Key stops include Bethesda Terrace, with its ornate fountain, and The Mall, a tree-lined promenade perfect for photos. The loop’s northern end near Harlem Meer feels quieter, with open fields and birdwatchers.
For a shorter ride, try the 1.7-mile lower loop from 59th to 72nd Street, passing Strawberry Fields and the Sheep Meadow. The park’s paths are well-maintained, but some hills near 110th Street can challenge beginners. Plan for 1–2 hours to complete the full loop at a leisurely pace. Bike lanes are clearly marked, but stay alert for pedestrians and horse carriages. Restrooms are at Bethesda Terrace and The Dairy (near 65th Street). Morning rides before 10 AM avoid crowds. A guided park tour enhances your visit.
For a break, stop at The Boathouse near 72nd Street, where you can grab a coffee or watch rowboats on the lake. If you’re with family, the Central Park Zoo (64th Street) is a fun detour, with seals and penguins delighting kids. Cyclists should yield to pedestrians at crosswalks, especially near Tavern on the Green. If you want a longer ride, connect to the Harlem River Greenway at 110th Street for views of the East River. A walking tour of nearby Harlem pairs well with this route.
Cross Brooklyn Bridge on two wheels for unbeatable views and the ultimate Brooklyn tour guide experience.
Brooklyn Bridge and Beyond: Iconic Crossings
The Brooklyn Bridge bike path, a 1.3-mile stretch connecting Manhattan to Brooklyn, is one of NYC’s most famous rides. Start at City Hall Park in Manhattan and follow signs to the bike lane, which is separate from the pedestrian path. The ride offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, East River, and Statue of Liberty. The bridge’s wooden planks can be bumpy, so keep a firm grip. Morning rides (8 AM–10 AM) are less crowded, as tourists flock to the pedestrian lane by noon.
It takes about 15 minutes to cross at a steady pace, but allow extra time for photos at the bridge’s towers. Once in Brooklyn, head to DUMBO for Instagram-worthy shots under the bridge’s arches. The area’s cafes, like Juliana’s Pizza, are great for a lunch stop. Be courteous to pedestrians, as the bike lane narrows at peak times.
From DUMBO, continue to Brooklyn Bridge Park, a 1.3-mile waterfront path with views of Manhattan’s skyline. The flat, paved route passes Jane’s Carousel and grassy lawns, ideal for a break. Connect to the Williamsburg Bridge (1 mile) for a loop back to Manhattan, or ride south to Red Hook for a 5-mile round trip. Red Hook’s waterfront has food trucks and breweries, perfect for refueling. Allow 2–3 hours for a Brooklyn-focused ride. A street art tour in Williamsburg adds a creative twist.
Flushing Meadows offers one of the best Queens tourist attractions for riders looking to explore iconic city parks.
Queens: Flushing Meadows and Beyond
Queens offers scenic bike routes, especially in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, home to the Unisphere from the 1964 New York World’s Fair. Start at Willets Point (7 train station) and ride the park’s 3-mile loop, passing Citi Field and the Queens Museum. The flat, paved paths are beginner-friendly, with open fields and lakes creating a relaxed vibe. Plan for 1–2 hours to circle the park, stopping at the New York State Pavilion for photos of its retro towers. The park is open dawn to dusk, with restrooms near the Unisphere.
Early mornings are best to avoid joggers and families. For a longer ride, connect to the Kissena Park Greenway (4 miles), leading to quieter trails in eastern Queens. A borough tour highlights Queens’ diversity.
For a waterfront ride, try the Long Island City Greenway along Vernon Boulevard, a 2-mile path with views of the Manhattan skyline and United Nations. Stop at Gantry Plaza State Park for benches and photo ops of the Pepsi-Cola sign. The path connects to the Queensboro Bridge bike lane, a 1-mile climb back to Manhattan. The bridge’s incline is steep, so pace yourself. This route takes about 1 hour round trip. Queens’ mix of industrial and modern vibes makes it a unique ride. A photo tour in Long Island City captures the area’s charm.
Rent Citi Bikes or join small group tours to discover New York’s landmarks, parks, and neighborhoods with ease.
Bike Rentals and Guided Tours
NYC offers plenty of bike rental options. Citi Bike, the city’s bike-share program, has stations across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. Use the Citi Bike app to locate docks, like those at Battery Park or Columbus Circle. Rentals include standard bikes and e-bikes, ideal for longer rides. Return bikes to any station within 30 minutes to avoid extra fees, or keep them longer with a day pass.
For a traditional rental, Blazing Saddles (Pier 17, South Street Seaport) offers hybrids and road bikes, with helmets and locks included. Open daily, 9 AM–7 PM, they provide maps and route suggestions. If you prefer a guided experience, companies like Bike the Big Apple offer 3-hour tours covering Central Park or the Brooklyn Bridge, with local guides sharing history and tips. Book tours in advance, especially in summer. A city pass includes discounts on rentals and attractions.
Pairing Biking with Broadway
After a day of cycling, catch a Broadway show for a perfect NYC evening. From Central Park, a 10-minute ride to the Theater District gets you to The Lion King at the Minskoff Theatre (200 West 45th Street). This family-friendly musical, with stunning costumes and music, runs 2 hours 30 minutes, with 2 PM matinees or 8 PM shows. Check VisitNYC.com for last-minute tickets, especially for weekdays. For dinner, Carmine’s (200 West 44th Street) serves Italian family-style dishes, ideal for a 6 PM pre-show meal. A Broadway tour adds context to the area’s theater history.
Wrap up your cycling day with Broadway shows today—catch The Lion King just minutes from Central Park.
Where to Stay: Arlo Midtown
Stay at Arlo Midtown (351 West 38th Street), a 10-minute bike ride from the Hudson River Greenway. This modern hotel offers stylish rooms, a rooftop bar with skyline views, and a fitness center. Its Midtown location is near Times Square and Penn Station, perfect for accessing bike routes or attractions. The subway (A/C/E trains at 34th Street) connects to Brooklyn or Queens in 15 minutes. Request a high-floor room for less street noise. The on-site restaurant, Nearly Ninth, serves American dishes for breakfast or dinner. Free bike storage is a perk for cyclists.
Practical Tips for Biking in NYC
Plan your bike day for success. Ride early (8 AM–10 AM) to avoid crowds on popular paths like the Brooklyn Bridge. Bring cash for rentals or snacks, as some vendors don’t take cards. Helmets are required for kids under 14 and recommended for all. Use bike lanes where available, and follow traffic signals in shared areas. Download the Citi Bike or MTA app for dock locations and transit updates. Restrooms are limited, so use parks or cafes. Check weather forecasts, as rain can make paths slippery. Carry a reusable water bottle and lock for short stops. Yield to pedestrians, especially in Central Park. If you’re with a group, ride single file on narrow paths. A private tour helps plan your route.
Get a fresh view of the borough’s energy and hidden gems in Queens with this urban biking route.
Nearby Attractions to Complete Your Day
Pair biking with NYC’s attractions. Near the Hudson Greenway, The High Line (10th Avenue, 14th to 34th Streets) is a 1.5-mile elevated park with art and gardens, open 7 AM–10 PM. In Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum of Art (1000 5th Avenue) showcases global art, open 10 AM–5 PM. In Brooklyn, Coney Island (20-minute ride from DUMBO) has a boardwalk and amusement rides, open weekends. In Queens, the Queens Night Market (Flushing Meadows, Saturdays 5 PM–midnight) offers global street food. A Statue of Liberty tour is a classic add-on.
Your Ideal Biking Itinerary
Start at 8 AM with a Citi Bike from Battery Park, riding the Hudson Greenway to Chelsea Piers (5 miles, 1 hour). Head to Central Park’s Columbus Circle for the 6-mile loop, stopping at Bethesda Terrace (2 hours). Bike to City Hall Park and cross the Brooklyn Bridge to DUMBO (1.5 miles, 30 minutes). Ride Brooklyn Bridge Park to Williamsburg (3 miles, 1 hour). Return via the Williamsburg Bridge to Manhattan (1 mile, 20 minutes). End with a 6 PM dinner at Westville (210 West 10th Street) and an 8 PM show of The Lion King. This covers three boroughs and NYC’s top sights.
Navigate the city’s top sights on two wheels with this one day sightseeing tour and Broadway night combo.
Pedal Your Way Through NYC
Biking NYC’s paths lets you experience its iconic sights, from the Hudson River to the Brooklyn Bridge, in a fun, active way. This guide maps out routes and tips to plan your ride. Water for Elephants tickets New York can be a unique addition to your itinerary. Pair your adventure with a Broadway theater show like The Lion King using last minute Broadway tickets for flexibility. A New York in one day sightseeing tour reveals hidden gems across the city. Plan your trip with VisitNYC.com for the best activities and deals. Don’t miss the top of the rock or exploring the top 10 Manhattan attractions. Discover the best places to visit in Chinatown NYC and choose from the best places to stay with family in New York for a complete experience.
