Prague is a city of cobblestones, hills and tourist crowds in the centre — which is exactly why the best bike rides begin where the Old Town ends: on the embankments, in wooded valleys and along rivers. This selection works for families with children who want to ride smooth asphalt along the Vltava, for mountain bikers ready to tackle the dirt trails of Šárka, and for anyone dreaming of pedalling all the way to a genuine medieval castle. All of these routes can be ridden in a single day from the city centre, or reached by suburban trains, which in Czechia happily carry bikes.
Prague's best-known and busiest route runs along the right bank of the Vltava. Route A2 is Prague's most significant cycle route, running along the right bank of the Vltava from south to north, with a total length of 31 km. A pleasant stretch leads from Zámky through Troja, Těšnov, Karlín, Podolí, Modřany and Komořany to Zbraslav. Beginners and families with children will find it easiest to pick a short segment: along the Vltava from Výtoň to Troja Chateau — 15 km of flat asphalt following the river. The route passes the Dancing House and the Rudolfinum, so it doubles as a sightseeing tour.
If you want to escape the crowds on the embankment, turn east from Výtoň. The Greenway Botič route along the Botič stream is 24 km long. The trail runs mostly alongside the Botič stream — start at the railway bridge at Výtoň and finish your ride in Újezd. Keep in mind that signage can be patchy in places, especially between Hamr–Košík and Hostivař–Petrovice–Křeslice, and the trail is less comfortable to ride near Záběhlice and Petrovice — this route is better suited to experienced cyclists on a touring or mountain bike.
Located in Prague 6, starting from the Divoká Šárka tram stop. Route A163 follows the valley of Wild and Quiet Šárka along the Šárka stream, running for 5.4 km, with a gentle descent towards Jenerálka. The stretch between the Vokovice turn-off and Vizerka is passable only on a mountain or touring bike — expect stretches of rocky and gravelly surface with narrow passages. The area lies within the Šárka-Lysolaje nature park, parts of which are protected as nature reserves and monuments — here you'll find rocky outcrops, the Džbán pond and old vintners' homesteads.
For those who want to cross the city without cars getting in the way. In southern Prague, route A2 connects directly to the circular cycle route No. 8100, the "Prague Wheel," which runs to Vrané nad Vltavou. In practice, this means you can ride relatively safely and with minimal traffic from Klecany in the north all the way to Vrané nad Vltavou in the south — roughly 35 kilometres in total. The route passes through Zbraslav, where it's worth stopping at the chateau of the same name.
A continuation of route A2 heading north out of Prague, along the right bank of the Vltava. The route is 44 km long, and apart from the Klecany–Na Dole ferry crossing, it follows the Vltava almost entirely without any climbs. Along the way, it's worth detouring into a baroque park: after a couple of minutes you reach the Veltrusy Chateau complex (open daily except Mondays in season, admission 100 CZK, family ticket 270 CZK), after which the road continues through the park to the ruins of the Egyptian pavilion with its sphinx, and past the restored Red Mill to the village of Všestudy. The route ends in Mělník, at the confluence of the Vltava and the Elbe.
Perhaps the most popular long-distance bike route among Praguers. The route starts right in the centre of Prague, follows the left bank of the Vltava to Lahovice, and then continues along the Berounka through Radotín, Černošice, Dobřichovice and Hlásná Třebaň to Karlštejn. It's an easy, largely flat route suitable for any cyclist — the so-called left-bank road along the Vltava, and later the Berounka, begins just below the Barrandov Bridge. Measured "from the golf club," the route is about 26 km long, and trained cyclists cover it in under two hours. Tired legs can rely on the train — on the way back you can simply hop on a train to Prague, which takes bikes without any fuss.
A sportier way to explore the same area. The Wild Šárka valley is a pleasant ride along paved paths — from Jenerálka the route heads to Nebušice, climbs towards the forest near the church, and from there offers a wonderful view over the whole Šárka valley. The loop connects to route A166 from Veleslavín metro station (Prague 6) and suits anyone who wants scenery plus a bit of exercise without leaving the city.
A lesser-known but pleasant route for those tired of packed embankments. This is a trunk cycle route in southwest Prague, running from Radotín through Zadní Kopanina to Řeporyje — thanks to its paved surface it suits any type of bike, including road bikes, and near Řeporyje a gradual climb turns into a descent. It's a good extension to a ride through the Prokop Valley and Motol.
A compact route for an evening ride without leaving the city. Cycle path A28 runs through Zámky, Bohnice and Velká Skála — along the way you'll pass through the Bohnice housing estate, with light car traffic. In Bohnice, near Čimická street, route A273 branches off towards Troja — a handy link if you want to combine this ride with a trip to the zoo.
Most of these routes don't require a mountain bike — a regular city or touring bike will do, though for the tougher dirt sections of Šárka and Botič it's worth taking something more rugged. Bikes can be rented from several spots near Old Town Square or in Karlín, and for longer routes like Karlštejn or Mělník, it's convenient to return by train — most Czech suburban trains carry bikes without any hassle. Start with a short ride along the Vltava, and then pick your route by mood — whether that means a medieval castle or a wild valley right in the middle of the city.
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