Amsterdam bike tours: Everything you need to know
Take advantage of an Amsterdam bike tour while you’re in town. Savor the capital of The Netherlands as you pedal past iconic waterways, green pastures, and storybook streets. Strap on your helmets, folks, because we are taking the town by bike.
What will I see on a bike tour in Amsterdam?
While cycling through the sights of central Amsterdam, you will no doubt admire the windmills and inspiring scenery. Make your way down main roads to experience the crowds and culture or cut through backroads for an eye into the city's core. You can see a few of the following sites on your way through town.
Cycle past ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo, the first zoo built in The Netherlands. Opened in 1838 and located in the middle of the city, this zoo contains a bird house, planetarium, savanna, butterfly pavilion, and aquarium. It even houses the world’s only microbe museum and invites you to check out nature’s tiny organisms.
You can also see the Magere Brug, or Skinny Bridge that crosses the river Amstel. When erected, this Dutch-built bridge barely allowed room for two pedestrians to walk side-by-side across it. Reconstructed in 1871, the beautiful bridge allows both passersby and cars to cross. It even lights up at night and welcomes romantic evenings and photo ops.
Bike through Amsterdam’s Latin Quarter, De Pijp, and experience the Albert Cuypmarkt street market, Sarphatipark gardens, and bohemian pulse
If you think your garden back at home is exceptional, you need to check out the Hortus Botanicus. This botanical garden boasts over 6,000 plants and exudes peace as you breathe in the fresh air and take in the plentiful plants.
Pass by the Joordan District where you will find unique homes, restaurants, and shops. You can make your way through the canals, visit the flea markets that locals set up throughout the week. This will also be your chance to hear the Westertoren church bells chime at different times during the day.
Looking for a peek into The Netherlands' past? There's a museum for that. Rijksmuseum, or the State Museum, abounds with paintings, antiques, and classic photographs that represent the change in Dutch culture over the years.
What can I expect on a bike tour in Amsterdam?
The tour will provide you with a bike, a live guide, and sometimes a city app available in different languages. Still, you will also need to pack a few things for the trip. Charge your smartphone before you arrive so you can take advantage of the free app and take photos while you’re out. A dead cellphone is a useless cellphone.
Also, pack along a pair of headphones. If you find yourself in the back of the pack, you can listen to the historic information and interesting facts through the app. Lunch is usually not provided but fear not. You can park your bike at a café for a stroopwafel pastry and a cup of coffee along the way. Don’t know what a stroopwafel is? It is only one of Amsterdam’s most famous pastries.
Last but not least, the best news of all: Amsterdam is as flat as the pannenkoeken, or pancakes, they are known for. The city’s terrain makes it perfect for a leisurely bike tour. It invites you to see the city as the locals see it since many prefer to bike around town over walking or driving. Beginners are just as welcome to saddle up as expert cyclists.
Family-friendly bike tours in Amsterdam
Don’t leave the kids behind for this treat. As long as they are able to keep pedaling, they can come along. Infants get off easy and can enjoy the ride from a complementary baby seat while their parents sweat their way around town. If your children range anywhere from 0-17, a parent needs to be present. So, make it a family day.
How long are most Amsterdam bike tours?
You get to choose the bike tour in Amsterdam to embark on, which will prescribe a time allotment. The tours last from about 1.5 to 3 hours, but there are several you can join if you want to experience a half day tour. You can book a morning, afternoon, or evening tour and enjoy the diversity of commotion that ebbs and flows throughout the day.