Like in other European capitals, it is possible to see and explore Budapest in a refreshing manner. Yes, you can forget the cars and railways as there is a cheaper and easier option in the form of rented bikes to move around the city. When you have a bike on rent, you have the time on your side as you can not only go to far off and congested places, you can stay at a place for as long as you desire as you do not face the traffic that cars and busses have to face on roads in Budapest. There are apartments in Budapest where you can park your rented bikes easily without any worry. Krakow apartments and Madrid apartments also happen to have this facility as these cities also encourage sight seeing through biking.
Though there are many advantages associated with biking around the city of Budapest, one should know before hand that cycling paths designated for bikers are also used by pedestrians and the motorists in the city are not too kind for the cyclists in the city. But biking is a unique way of sightseeing and a tourist can get to all places without having to wait for any time. Just rent a bike from a good company and you get the helmet and all the information about the cycling paths where you can pedal along and get to seethe tourist attractions on your own.
Long cycle path in the city
The number of cycle paths in the city has grown in the last few years but many tourists feel the exercise is still problematic as there are people from other European countries not used to pedaling around in the very congested areas such as the city center and other main traffic routes. However, there are areas in Budapest that have very light traffic and enjoyed very much by the bikers such as Buda Hills and the Margaret Island. Currently, there is a network of around 178km of cycle paths in the city and the administration proposes to increase this length to about 300 km by 2015.
Balaton Lake and Margaret Island
One place that is really very interesting and allows the bikers to move around in a lovely path built around it is Balaton Lake. It is the largest one in whole of Central Europe and what is amazing is that it is surrounded by beautiful small villages where the bikers can go to easily and come back in a short time period. Margaret Island is ideal for all those tourists who wish to get away from the hustle and bustle of the capital. There are no cars around and the bikers can move around the big Island free from all worries. There is even a zoo and lots of places with shade to take some deserved rest. These two places are safe and total fun for tourists of all ages if they have rented bikes.
There are many companies that rent bikes and organize guided or independent bike tours to move around Budapest. One company that has good reviews about its services is http://www.budapestbikebreeze.com/ .
I wanted to visit Budapest for the longest time and I think I’ll finally be able to by this summer. I purposely didn’t go on a vacation last year so I could save up for Budapest this year, so it better be a great experience. As far as bike tour goes I don’t know if I’ll take part in, but relaxing rides through Balaton Lake and Margaret Island sure sounds sweet.