I used to think exploring a new city meant renting a car or relying on expensive taxis. But after spending months wandering through Barcelona, Copenhagen, and Tokyo, I’ve discovered that some of the best urban adventures happen when you ditch the car entirely. There’s something magical about moving through a city at human speed; you notice the small details, stumble upon hidden gems, and actually connect with the place you’re visiting.
My go-to method for getting around has become the electric bike. Last month in Amsterdam, I covered more ground in three days than most tourists do in a week. These bikes let you glide past traffic jams while still being able to stop whenever something catches your eye; like that perfect coffee shop tucked away on a side street or a vintage bookstore I never would have spotted from a car window.