hand-picked cycling routes
Why hire a bike?
The best way to get around in Amsterdam is definitely by bike. There’s a reason that there is 2 bikes to every person in the Netherlands! Every road in Amsterdam has a cycle path that runs alongside it, and rules for cyclists are similar to those in cars (complete with zebra crossings and traffic lights). Plus, it only takes 30 minutes to cycle from one side of Amsterdam to the other which means it’s the quickest way to get around, too.
The whole of the Netherlands is connected by cycle highways – perfect for a cycling day trip.
1. City Centre
This is a great cycle trip if you don’t want to travel too far and you want to see some of the sites in Amsterdam city centre.
Distance – 29kmTime cycling – 2 hrs
2. Into the Countryside
On this route you’ll pass through the Dutch countryside towards the Zaandam windmills, the famous Zaan river and the Zaanse Schans.
Distance – 38kmTime cycling – 2.5 hrs
3. Amsterdam Woodland
A cycle route featuring the city centre and also some lovely parkland. In warm weather there’s an option for swimming, too!
Distance – 29km Time cycling – 2 hrs
Finding a good bike rental
Hiring a bike should cost 8-12 Euro per person /day. You usually have a choice of which bike to hire – handbrake or pedal brake.
- Handbrake bikes are what we are used to, and will usually cost a bit extra.
- The pedal brake bikes are typically Dutch, and performs two functions: It allows the bicycle to roll without forcing the pedals to turn, and it is also a brake, operated by turning the pedals backwards.
If you’re up for it try the pedal brake bikes, they’re easy to get the hang of.
Discount Bike Rental near the centre is a reasonable place to hire a bike from.