8 Iconic Cities to Discover by Tram, Ferry, Bike, and Unique Local Transport
Experience the thrill of local life by exploring cities via iconic transport like Hong Kong's double-decker trams or ferries gliding past Manhattan's skyline. It's an affordable, immersive way to travel authentically.
Ditch dull commutes for extraordinary journeys. Moscow's opulent metro stations rival museums, while La Paz's cable cars offer breathtaking aerial views. Transform urban travel into adventure across these eight standout transport experiences.
Ride Hong Kong's Iconic Double-Decker Trams
Known as 'ding dings' for their distinctive bell, Hong Kong's double-decker trams evoke vintage charm as they rumble through bustling streets lined with skyscrapers, neon lights, narrow lanes, and vibrant wet markets. Watch locals dart across tracks amid street food stalls. Secure a front-row upper-deck seat for panoramic views.
Transport tip: Board at the rear and pay cash or use your Octopus card at the front exit upon disembarking.
Try similar elsewhere: Cling to Lisbon's historic trams on steep hills or experience New Orleans' oldest streetcar system.
Soar on the World's Highest Cable Cars in La Paz, Bolivia
La Paz's extensive urban cable car network—the world's longest and highest—spans this elevated, rugged city with four lines (three more planned). Glide silently over bustling markets, traffic jams, office towers, luxurious homes, and favelas, framed by the snow-capped Cordillera Real. Eco-features include solar-powered gondolas for lights, doors, and Wi-Fi.
Transport tip: Steer clear of rush hour to avoid long lines.
Try similar elsewhere: Caracas' gondolas link sea to mountains, or Medellín's overlook lush hills and landmarks.
Wander Rome's Architectural Wonders on Foot
In Rome, walking reveals faded palazzi in warm ochre tones, ancient ruins amid lively piazzas, and Vespas zipping by. Join the evening passeggiata—a cherished ritual of leisurely strolls before dinner—as golden streetlights illuminate polished cobblestones and candlelit cafes in historic buildings.
Transport tip: Stroll Trastevere's maze of ancient lanes in Rome's historic heart.
Try similar elsewhere: Navigate Tokyo's neon streets or lose yourself in Fez Medina's labyrinth.
Cruise Manhattan by Ferry in New York City, USA
New York Waterway ferries offer stunning Hudson River views of the Empire State Building. Or take the free Staten Island Ferry, a iconic orange vessel providing sights of shrinking Lower Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, and Verrazano-Narrows Bridge linking boroughs.
Transport tip: Buy NY Waterway tickets onboard; Staten Island Ferry is free.
Try similar elsewhere: Venice's vaporetto past palazzi or Sydney ferries under Harbour Bridge.
Pedal Through Cycling Paradise in Copenhagen, Denmark
With dedicated lanes and flat terrain, over a third of Copenhageners bike to work. Cruise riverside paths past Nordic architecture, trendy neighborhoods, and parks like Frederiksberg Gardens with its 17th-century palace. Highlights include the innovative 230m 'Cycle Snake' elevated path twisting over water and buildings.
Transport tip: Stay right in lanes to let faster locals pass.
Try similar elsewhere: Amsterdam's canals and gables or Antwerp's bike elevators under rivers.
Thrill on a Tuk-Tuk in Bangkok, Thailand
Jump into a blinged-out, open-air three-wheeler for raw Bangkok: navigating chaotic crowds and gridlock with daring maneuvers. Accelerate through lighter traffic for a rollercoaster blur of city sights.
Transport tip: Agree on a fixed fare before boarding.
Try similar elsewhere: New Delhi's colorful tuk-tuks or Cairo's vibrant lanes.
Discover Moscow Metro's Underground Art, Russia
Moscow's metro showcases architectural grandeur: art deco at airports, stained-glass Soviet intelligentsia at Novoslobodskaya, Ukrainian frescoes at Kiyevskaya, indigo heroes at Taganskaya, and a beloved dog statue at Mendeleyevskaya.
Transport tip: One ticket allows unlimited transfers underground; visit off-peak for photos.
Try similar elsewhere: Tashkent's Islamic cupolas or Paris' art-deco entrances.
Go Green with Electric Tuk-Tuks in Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon boasts the world's largest e-tuk-tuk fleet—comfortable, open-air, hill-conquering rides through cobbled streets, past Praça do Comércio, and to miradouros overlooking the Tagus River.
Transport tip: Reserve ahead for availability.
Try similar elsewhere: Cape Town's seaside e-tuk-tuks or Zurich's fondue version.
