Cycling through Amsterdam: A guide for first-time visitors

Posted on: Mar 17, 2025 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Cycling through Amsterdam: A guide for first-time visitors

The whole of the Netherlands is bestowed with spectacular natural richness. Moreover, the Dutch government keenly observes maintaining an eco-friendly approach in as many sectors as possible. This makes bicycles one of the most popular modes of transport here, including Amsterdam.

As a first-time visitor, you must undertake one or multiple bicycle tours to enjoy the authentic Dutch experience. The entire country has miles of special lanes exclusively devoted to bicycles, and Amsterdam is no exception.

There are special bicycle trip programs for tourists, offering you the principal highlights of the city. You can easily rent one here to enjoy such tours.

Safe cycling in Amsterdam

As a tourist, bicycle tours might hit your adrenaline a bit too high, but never deviate from the traffic rules prevalent here. To enjoy your trip to the fullest, you must ensure to maintain certain basic rules while cycling:

1. Wear a helmet:

It is best to wear a safety helmet while cycling, although it is not compulsory here. However, it is for your own safety, especially in a foreign land.

2. Avoid intoxicated driving:

Never indulge in bicycle driving while remaining intoxicated. It is not only dangerous but illegal too here, eventually landing you up in a legal soup of hefty fines.

3. Maintain cycle lanes:

Almost the whole of Amsterdam maintains separate cycle lanes. Do not try to break into other lanes or pavements to ensure safety.

4. Lights:

Always ensure that your bicycle possesses working lights both at the front and back. This is highly essential, especially during fog and poor visibility conditions.

5. Tram route:

Always avoid getting on tram routes on your cycle. This can be lethal, especially during busy hours.

Best cycle trip routes in Amsterdam

Amsterdam features over 8000 cycle routes, making it quite overwhelming especially for first-time tourists. However, we have selected some of the best routes that will help you create fine memories of a lifetime:

1. Floral route:

Amsterdam is noted for its tulip fields. If you are a nature-lover, then you must indulge in this cycle trip of 31.6 miles, giving you a charming insight into some of the best floral displays in the city. It begins at Blowmenmarkt, the solo floating flower market in the city, and moves towards Vondelpark to Aalsmeer, the world’s largest flower auction centre. You need to invest at least 3 hours to complete this trip well.

2. Amstel River route:

As the name suggests, this 27-mile route gradually saunters alongside the recognised waterway. On this trip, you will witness the famous Reikermolen windmill built in 1636 and the noted bronze statue of Rembrandt. It will then take you to Rembrandt Hoeve farm, noted for Gouda cheese-making and conventional clogs. Then witness the charm of the medieval village Ouderkerk aan de Amstel, built in the 12th century. This takes about 2.5 hours.

3. Looiersgracht-Magere Bridge loop:

This 16.1-mile easy tour begins at Amsterdam Science Park. It covers all the famous highlights along the way which include the UNESCO Grachtengordel area, Dam Square, and several canals and bridges. This is a comparatively shorter trip, taking 1.5 – 2 hours.

4. Durgerdammerdijk-Prachtige coastal loop:

This is a comparatively more challenging trip of 23.3 miles. It goes to the northeastern peninsula of Marken. This is a very popular small seaside town, marked with colourful traditional wooden houses. This takes nearly 2.5 hours.

5. Haarlem- de Adriaan loop:

This 30.1-mile journey is ideal for intermediate cyclists which begins at Vijzelgracht train station. It will take you to the west part of the city to witness the charming Gothic architectural marvels and the signature cobbled roads of Haarlem. You can see the famous Amsterdamese Poort old city gate, Molen Adriaan, along with Molen de Veer windmills during the course. It takes about 3 hours for this tour.

6. Rijksmuseum-Vondelpark loop:

This 23.6-mile route is also quite suitable for intermediate cyclists. It begins at Noorderpark and gradually moves around the city to the wonderful Rijksmuseum, the green shades of Vondelpark along with the UNESCO Grachtengordel area. This trip lasts for nearly 2.5 hours.

7. Small group bike tours:

This compact bike trip covers all the important tourist highlights of the city like Vondelpark, Jordaan, the Hermitage Amsterdam Museum, and the Museum Quarter, along the scenic Amstel River.

8. Countryside bike tours:

As the name suggests, it will give you a pleasant and charming insight into the countryside marvels of this city. This is a 13-mile trip and is a comparatively longer one, lasting for around 4 hours. During this course, you will witness the wonderful Riekermolen windmill, visit the authentic and conventional clog and cheese-making farms, and end the trip after witnessing the celebrated Rijksmuseum. This trip also lasts for nearly 4 hours.

9. Hidden Gems of Amsterdam:

The smallest bike company in the city arranges this intimate trip with no more than 12 members per trip. During this 8-mile course, you will witness some of the most charismatic hidden gems of the city, including the fascinating canal district, secret courtyards, National Museums, Vondelpark, Jordaan, Anne Frank’s house, etc. This tour lasts for around 3 hours.

10. Guided bike trip of Central Amsterdam:

This tour begins at the Centraal Station, where the guide will show you the enchanting warehouses and drawbridges of the Western Islands, the chic popular eateries and boutiques of Jordaan and De Pijp, Vondelpark, and the Museum Quarter. This trip also lasts for around 3 hours.

There are several bike rental centres in the city. You can easily rent one to complete the trips. You can easily contact local travel agencies and book one or multiple bike tours. Most of these cycle trips offer free cancellation facilities. However, you must confirm such details with your company before booking. The trip charges may vary from one company to another. So, it is best to consult multiple companies to undertake the most reasonable ones and make the most out of it.

However, whatever safety measures you undertake, while undertaking a foreign trip, you must invest in a reliable comprehensive travel insurance plan. If you are more into foreign travel, it is advisable to maintain an international travel insurance policy, with medical coverage. This acts as a protective shield against unprecedented emergencies and losses, be it medical or otherwise.

Conclusion

Irrespective of your level of cycling experience, this city has something or the other to offer you to have an authentic Dutch transport experience on a cycle. The city is dotted with exclusive cycle routes and lanes. All you need to do is book your trip and ensure to maintain all the necessary safety measures throughout the trip. You can always take the help of professional tour guides as first-time visitors.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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