Get around like a local: Explore Amsterdam's Streets by Bike

The Origins of Amsterdam's Cycling Culture

Considered an elitist past-time during the 19th century, cycling peaked during World War II, when bikes irked the Nazis whose convoys were often slowed down by cyclists who refused to give way. In the 1960s, the automobile boom led to cars taking over the streets. The breaking point came in 1971 when a spate of accidents resulted in the deaths of more than 3000 cyclists. The people had had enough and decided that bicycles would reclaim the city streets once again. Heavy investment was pumped into cycling infrastructure and new urban planning started to take into account cycling paths. The result is the cyclists' haven that can be seen today.

Amsterdam Bike Tours

To make new friends and join forces with other cyclists it is best to take a bike tour. Group sizes are deliberately kept small so as not to disturb the traffic flow. Most tours pass through the infamous Red Light District, along the canals and past the Rijksmuseum. Other highlights on many tours are the house where Anne Frank lived, the harbour, the uber-chic neighbourhood of Jordaan with its Saturday farmers' markets, Vondelpark and Rembrandt’s house. The knowledgeable guides animate the tour with interesting anecdotes you will probably not come across in a guide book.

Cycling Solo in Amsterdam

It can be rewarding to explore Amsterdam independently too. An entire day is enough to cycle though the city as it is relatively flat and has a formidable network of routes designated for cyclists. Start your tour at the Central Station, turn left and go along the waterfront where you will encounter the Saint Nicholas Church, the Tower of Tears, the ship-shaped NEMO Science Centre and the Maritime Museum.
Then turn right into Schippersgracht and cruise along Plantage Park till you reach the Jewish District where the brown Portuguese Synagogue comes into view. Keep going straight and turn left at the Amstel River where the Magere Brug drawbridge, “skinny bridge”, appears on your right. Then comes the Prinsengracht canal with the Reguliersgracht, known for its seven bridges all lined in a row. Next is the chic Jordaan Quarter and the inner most canal ring called the “Gentlemen’s Canal”. Nieuw Spiegelstraat brings you to the Rijks Museum and a right turn from here takes you to Vondelpark. Conclude the day by sating your hunger in the charming D'Vijff Vlieghen restaurant, which is a mere 6 minutes cycle from Vondelpark.

Day Trips out of Amsterdam

To escape the hustle and bustle of the city, consider a day trip to the surrounding Dutch villages. You can ride at your own pace, stop whenever you want to take pictures and not worry too much about getting in anyone's way. Leave early in the morning and catch the free public ferry from behind Amsterdam Central Station, which will take you to Amsterdam-Noord - an inviting mix of culture, art, modern architecture and nature.
As you cycle along the wetlands and polders, the pretty villages of Edam, Zuiderwoude, Monnickendam, Katwoude and Volendamm come into view. Look out for traditional Dutch farmhouses called 'stolpboerderijen' the roofs of which are in the shape of cheese-covers. The villages along IJsselmeer lake have a number of waterfront cafes serving fish and chips, mussels and other Dutch treats - perfect for a lunch break. The roads are so well sign-posted that it is practically impossible to get lost, but make sure you have a map on you anyway.

Useful Information

Do not worry too much about city traffic rules as staff at the rental shops give visitors a quick rundown of how to blend in with the locals. Lock up your bike at designated locations only as authorities are quick to whisk errant bikes away to the pound. Stick to the cycle paths, signal with your hand before taking a turn, and most importantly, do not go through red traffic lights. Remember that Dutch law requires all cyclists to use front and back lights after dark. As cycle paths are not very wide, try to avoid pulling over to consult your map or to take pictures as you could block other cyclists. It is not uncommon for newbies to get their tires wedged in the tram rails - avoid this by crossing at a ninety degree angle.
Amsterdam's 400 kilometres of cycle paths await.

Get more for less when exploring Amsterdam. Discover Amsterdam on a budget with our affordable hotels.

Author: Lana de Wit

Guest Relations Manager at Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky

My name is Lana de Wit, Guest Relations Manager at Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky. Together with the Guest Relations and Guest Services team we are making sure that all guests are having the best experience at our hotel and look after their special requests, celebrations and expectations. I get energy out of solving problems and striving for the best there is possible and I love the fact that every day is different and full of surprises. I always wanted to work at Krasnapolsky since I was a little girl, so being able to work here the past years has been a dream together with my fantastic colleagues. My biggest mission is to let every guest leave with extraordinary stories and unforgettable memories to take home. I look forward to welcoming you here in Amsterdam to give you the true Anantara experience!