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New Yorkers love to multitask. During the workweek, we read on the subway, listen to the news while walking and take calls in cars. But what if our days off were just as efficient?

This weekend, knock out leisure, exercise and sightseeing in one go by cycling the length of Manhattan.

On the Hudson River Greenway, a 13-mile path that stretches between Battery Park and Inwood, you can see the city morph several times, from cobblestone port and high-rise haven to river-flat and nature sanctuary, all while hugging the water and keeping insulated from cars.

If you don’t have a bike, you’ll want to rent one. (Citi Bike would have you pulling off regularly to dock and leave you stranded when its stations stop around 129th Street.) Blazing Saddles at South Street Seaport and Tread Bike Shop in Inwood bookend the trail; just remember that you’ll have to bring your bike back to your starting location, whether by riding the route again in reverse or by taking the subway.

Two pro tips before you kick up your kickstand: Start in the morning, when the sun is milder and the paths are freer (though they’re generally clearer farther north), and exercise caution. We know, we know, but cycling accidents are top of mind for New Yorkers right now. So in short, wear a helmet, ride in single file and at safe speeds in the designated bike lane, and watch for pedestrians and other cyclists as you enter and exit the path.

Now that our safety screed is complete, the path is your oyster. Start pedaling, and when you’re in need of a stretch or just a break, hop off at one of these spots along the way.

The lower portion

Here is where the sea meets the city. The Battery is a quick win, with acres of perennial gardens in view of the Statue of Liberty. And at the south end of the park, the SeaGlass Carousel spins ridable fish inside a swirly glass shell; it’s worth a quick ’gram at the very least.

A more compact viewing spot lies between Laight and Watts Streets, where paths marked “Jeffrey’s Tree” on Google Maps are tucked into a row of bushes beside the Greenway. Pull over to explore, and make sure to turn south for an impressive look at One World Trade.

And while you’re on the water, take advantage. Lock up at Pier 46, which juts into the Hudson at Charles Street, and toss a Frisbee, have a snack, and enjoy the movement of the river.

The middle portion

You’ll want to plow through some of this stretch, as is often the case with Midtown, but put on the brakes at 65th Street for the Sanctuary. At this “open air museum,” willows let down their hair while wood-planked paths wind through tall grasses scattered with sculptures. It’s an optimal spot for quiet reflection or for adding some creative photos to your day’s album.

By 79th Street, no matter which way you’re biking, you’re likely to be thirsty. Fortunately for you, the Boat Basin Cafe is right on the Greenway, so anytime after noon, stop and have an iced tea on the outdoor patio.

Note: There’s currently a bike detour on the Greenway from 72nd to 83rd Street.

The upper portion

In the path’s northern section, nature prevails: The trees are lush and the Palisades dramatic.

Around 119th Street, visit Riverside Park’s goats — they’re here only through August — and near 181st Street, poke around the Little Red Lighthouse in Fort Washington Park. A little farther north, around 190th Street, Inspiration Point delivers, its elevated, Doric-columned pergola framing optimal views of the Palisades. And just above Dyckman Street, where the Greenway ends (or begins), Inwood Hill Park harbors hiking trails and rock shelters once used by the Lenape in Manhattan’s last natural forest.

How many parks is that now? We’ve lost count. But look how much you’ve done today.

See all the stops on our Google Map.

Where to refuel

Le District, a cavernous food hall and restaurant complex in Brookfield Place, isn’t the coziest of places for a meal, but the bakery counter’s croissants and olive-packed ciabattas are a smart way to start your ride. If you’re ending your ride downtown, rather than beginning it, check out the market’s other options: a steak-frites restaurant, a roast chicken joint, a charcuterie counter with creditable grilled cheeses — all fitting rewards for a day on the road.
Exit the Hudson River Greenway at Liberty or Vesey Street.

Tulcingo del Valle on 10th Avenue is as endearing as restaurants get, especially when you order big, braised Pueblan home-cooking classics, such as chicken simmered with pipian (a lively green sauce thickened with pumpkin seeds) or pork ribs in smoky red adobo. The tacos and tortas also hit a sweet spot if you liberally apply the homemade salsas.
Exit the Hudson River Greenway at 46th or 48th Street.

The Hungarian Pastry Shop is too good to let the Columbia kids keep it to themselves. Seriously, when’s the last time you had a great streusel or danish, where the flaky crust shatters like glass and the poppy seed and apricot fillings taste of some bygone bucolic treat? Snag one of the outdoor tables, and order these things, as well as a big, sweet cappuccino, O.K.? And some of the walnut meringue cookies to tuck into your bag for later.
Exit the Hudson River Greenway at 102nd Street.

Elsa La Reina del Chicharron is, indeed, the queen of fried pork. You can’t ignore the audible crackles that pop around the tables amid the conversational din. You’re here on a day filled with physical activity, so load up a plate of that pork, some tostones (fried green plantains) and a bowl of brothy beans. Ask for extra limes and spritz them over everything; break with bites of pickled onion and avocado. You deserve it.
Exit the Hudson River Greenway at Dyckman Street.

See the restaurants on our Google Map.

Something free or cheap

It’s Summer Streets season! This Saturday and next, almost seven miles from the Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park along Park Avenue and Lafayette Street will be closed to car traffic from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and free for roaming, cycling, and much, much more. Keep an eye out for public art, including music and dance performances, and this weekend, get tips from the International Center of Photography, or try your hand at bookmaking. Oh, and did we mention there will be free food and drink samples?

Something for the weeknight

Start your week with books and beers at the Franklin Park reading series. On the second Monday of every month, the indoor-outdoor bar in Crown Heights holds free talks by emerging and established writers. This month, the lineup includes Angie Cruz (“Dominicana”), Xuan Juliana Wang (“Home Remedies”), Julia Phillips (“Disappearing Earth”), Leland Cheuk (“No Good Very Bad Asian”) and Annabel Graham (“No Tokens”). Gather on one of the long benches in front of the bar, grab a drink any time, or even order a burger from Dutch Boy, the attached burger joint. You knew reading was cool; this series is proof.

Something from a reader

If the 13-mile biking itinerary we outlined leaves you wanting more, Allison B., a Summer reader from Clinton Hill, has an idea for how to extend it. From Washington Heights, she recommends crossing over the High Bridge — the oldest bridge in New York City — and then, boom, you’re in another borough. “I’ve spent four years biking through most of Brooklyn and Queens, but this was my first time exploring the Bronx by bike. And wow! So many trails! Not just bike lanes — trails!” Afterward, she advises rewarding yourself with a dip at Orchard Beach and “a picnic under a shady tree.”

Share your favorite seasonal thing to do at summer@nytimes.com, and your idea might be featured in our next newsletter.

Tonight: See a sketch show about dystopia at The Tank.

Tonight through Sunday: The curators of our Culture Calendar want you to know it’s your last chance to see Shakespeare in the Park’s “Coriolanus.”

Sunday through Aug. 16: The Battery Dance Festival brings dozens of free dance performances to Robert F. Wagner Jr. Park.

Tuesday: See “Back to the Future” for free in Central Park!

Tuesday: Learn to tango in Washington Square Park. Also free.

Through Aug. 23: Catch a retrospective on Artforum magazine at Sotheby’s.