Cycling in Amsterdam for the first time: my bike tour experience
If you had to pick one activity that feels unmistakably Dutch, it would be cycling.
In the Netherlands, cycling isn’t just a hobby or a leisure activity. It’s part of everyday life. Locals ride them to work, to school, to dinner, and basically everywhere.
There’s even a running joke that Dutch mothers give birth to their children on bicycles.
So naturally, when I visited Amsterdam, I knew I had to try cycling there too. What I didn’t expect was how terrifying it would feel at first.
If you’re wondering whether cycling in Amsterdam is worth trying, or if it’s too intimidating for beginners, here’s what the experience is actually like and what you should know before getting on a bike.
Affiliate disclosure
Some links in this post are affiliate links, including Amazon Associates and other programs. That means if you buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Why cycling is such a big deal in Amsterdam
Cycling isn’t just a tourist activity in the Netherlands. It’s everyday life.
The country has around 17 million people and more bicycles than residents, and millions of trips are made by bike every single day.
Amsterdam itself has an extensive network of cycling infrastructure, including over 500 km (310 miles) of dedicated bike lanes. Because of this, the city is often ranked among the most bike-friendly cities in the world, alongside Copenhagen.
Bike parking alone is a sight to behold. Around Amsterdam Central Station you’ll see enormous multi-level bicycle parking areas filled with thousands of bikes.
For locals, cycling is second nature.
For first-timers, it’s like being thrown into a crowded dance floor where everyone’s moving twice as fast as you… on wheels!
Is cycling in Amsterdam difficult for tourists?
Honestly? It can be.
There are a lot of bikes in Amsterdam. And I mean, a lot. During rush hour, thousands of cyclists move through the streets at high speed, weaving around trams, cars, and pedestrians.
Local riders are confident and efficient. And why wouldn’t they be? Many probably learned to cycle before they even learned to walk. They move fast, often close to one another, and don’t always follow traffic rules.
For someone who doesn’t cycle regularly, it can feel intense.
That’s why many visitors choose to join a cycling tour first instead of renting a bike and navigating the city alone.
A guided tour lets you get used to riding in Amsterdam while someone else handles the route and traffic decisions.
How to book a bike tour in Amsterdam
There are plenty of cycling tours in Amsterdam, which you can book through online platforms such as:
- official websites of local tour companies
- travel marketplaces like GetYourGuide, Klook, or Viator
Prices usually range from €25 to €40 per person, and most tours include the bike rental and helmet.
It’s a good idea to book in advance during the busy travel season (spring through early autumn), when tours can sell out quickly.
My experience on a bike tour in Amsterdam
I joined a guided cycling tour that heads out toward the countryside.
The tour lasted about 2.5 hours and started near Amsterdam Centraal. After a quick briefing and bike fitting, our small group set off into the city.
The first part of the ride was the most stressful for me.
We had to cycle through busy streets filled with cars, tram, pedestrians, and what felt like thousands of other cyclists. It made me understand why locals get so annoyed when tourists wander obliviously onto bike lanes.
You need to stay alert and keep moving. Thankfully, once we left the city center, I was able to breathe a little.
Cycling through the Dutch countryside
As we moved away from central Amsterdam, the traffic thinned out and the scenery opened up. Suddenly the ride felt a lot less chaotic.
We passed through quiet neighborhoods, farms, canals, and open green landscapes, although for the most part of it, I didn’t get to enjoy the scenery much because I was too busy taking videos while trying not to fall off the bike (in the end most of the videos were unusable because they were too shaky).
Along the way, our guide stopped several times to explain how the Dutch manage water in a country where large areas lie below sea level. The system of canals, locks, and flood management infrastructure is incredibly sophisticated.
Even if you’re not usually interested in engineering, it’s fascinating to see how the landscape itself is shaped by these systems.
The windmill (and my slight disappointment)
One of the things I was most excited about was seeing a traditional Dutch windmill, which was included in the tour itinerary. I couldn’t believe there was one so close to the city.
Well, technically, we did see one.
But it was much further away than I expected, and our route didn’t take us very close to it. I had secretly imagined taking the classic selfie with a windmill in the Netherlands, but that didn’t quite happen.
(If windmills are high on your list, you might want to visit places like Zaanse Schans, where you can see working windmills up close).
Returning to the city
The tour ended in Amsterdam Noord, from where we took a free ferry back across the IJ River to Amsterdam Centraal to return the bikes.
It was a nice, relaxed way to end the ride and gave us a different perspective of the city from the water.
Should you go on a cycling tour in Amsterdam?
If you’re not an experienced cyclist, a guided tour is one of the best ways to start.
It gives you:
- a structured route
- a guide who understands local traffic patterns
- interesting cultural context
- a chance to practice riding in the city safely
Once you feel comfortable, you can always rent a bike later and explore on your own.
Tips for cycling in Amsterdam
If you plan to ride a bike in Amsterdam, keep these tips in mind:
1. Stay in the bike lanes
Cycle lanes are clearly marked and often separated from car traffic and pedestrian walkways. Stick to them whenever possible. Cycle lanes are usually one-way, although sometimes there’s a dashed line in the middle indicating a two-way lane.
2. Watch out for tram tracks
Bike wheels can easily get caught in tram tracks. Always cross them at an angle.
3. Use hand signals
Signal when turning left or right so other cyclists know your intention.
4. Give priority to traffic from the right
In many intersections, vehicles approaching from the right have the right of way.
5. Stay aware of your surroundings
Do not wear headphones while cycling. Traffic moves quickly, and you need to hear what’s happening around you.
6. Check your bike before riding
Make sure the brakes, lights, and tires are working properly before you start.
How much does it cost to rent a bike in Amsterdam?
Bike rentals in Amsterdam typically cost €10–€15 per day. Do note that many bikes in Amsterdam are basic back-pedal and single-gear bikes.
Higher-end bikes with hand brakes and gears are available but usually cost more. If you’re not comfortable with back-pedal braking, ask the rental shop if they have bikes with hand brakes.
Final thoughts
I had very limited time in the Netherlands, so I had to choose between joining a cycling tour or taking a trip to Zaanse Schans. I really wanted to experience the Dutch countryside, and most importantly, see some windmills.
Since the bike tour promised both, and because visiting Zaanse Schans would have taken more time, I decided to go with the cycling tour instead.
However, I was a little disappointed with the “windmill” we saw. It was quite far away, so we couldn’t get a proper look at it, and it wasn’t even functioning anymore.
Aside from that, though, the tour itself was fantastic. The guide was fun and engaging, and she made sure everyone felt safe throughout the ride. I never thought I’d be able to cycle in Amsterdam, considering my less-than-impressive cycling skills and terrible sense of direction.
At the same time, I learned so much about the city that I probably wouldn’t have discovered on my own. And who knew that just a short bike ride from Amsterdam could bring you to a real Dutch countryside, complete with farms, water locks, and wide open landscapes?
If you enjoy iconic travel experiences like cycling in Amsterdam, check out my bucket list for more unforgettable things to try around the world.
Pingback: KLOOK Travel App – An Honest Review – Ummi Goes Where?
Pingback: Cheese Tasting in Amsterdam Cheese Museum – Ummi Goes Where?
bestnya kalau dapat berbasikal kat kawasan macam ni. senang nak ke mana-mana, taknyah fikir nak parking bagai..hehe
Ya, Nurul. Bukan saja dapat menyihatkan badan, belanja pun kurang. Parking basikal pun banyak tersedia.
You cycled for two hours? But like you said, so many bicycles on the road could be a bit intimidating. At least for me hehe.
But mesti banyak views you able to see and captured along the way kan
Yes, we did, Rawlins. I found it more tiring than the cycling tour I did in Vietnam. It was intimidating for me too, especially with the unfamiliar roads and traffic rules. You also have to be careful of the tram tracks!
never been to Amsterdam. maybe one day insha’Allah. i will definitely use your tips then. thanks ummi
You’re welcome, Bae. 🙂
Yay!!!!!!!!!! Amsterdam is one of my favorite cities in the w.orld. Yes, cycling is a must here. I miss Amsterdam and wish to visit there again in the future. Thank you for sharing your experience with me
You’re welcome, Fadima! I can see why it’s one of your favorite cities. I love it too. I hope we’ll both get to visit it again in the near future.
The dutch are really “green” huh as cycling is their way of life. Like you have said, it is a shame that the windmill is not working anymore. Hopefully, you will be able to revisit this beautiful country again.
I hope so too, Tekkaus. There’s still so much more that I need to see in the Netherlands, a functioning windmill being one of them. You’re right — the Dutch are very “green”. In fact, I think the whole of Europe is much more environmentally conscious than the rest of the world. Here in our community, not owning a car is seen as a serious malady, bringing shame to the entire family. Haha.
wow padatnya dengan basikal! Kalau dekat Malaysia dah kena buang dah macam O-bike tu. Bestnya cycling sambil layan angin sejuk tengok view cantik!
Ya, Farhana. Our people can’t have nice things, it seems. Elok2 ada O-Bike aritu, dicampak-campaknya merata.
Good to explore a place with bicycle.. we can fully explore the neighborhood kan.. Been to Amsterdam once but only 2D1N trip.. couldn’t explore more pun except going to Keukenhof…
Well, that must have been quite an amazing experience too, going to Keukenhof. I wanted to see those tulip fields myself, but it was not the right season. My trip was a 2D1N too.
Salah satu wislist i nak ke sana, sebab Sis ada fren stay sana.. tapi entah bilaa laa dapat ke sananya.. betul ke di sana bersih dan orangnya berdisplin?..
Hmm.. rasanya di Amsterdam ni standard la macam bandar-bandar lain di Eropah Barat. Rata-rata memang bersih dan berdisiplin, tapi ada juga yang tak. Mana ada benda yang 100% sempurna kat dunia ni, kan, sis. 😁
Saya tak pernah lagi ke Amsterdam. Pengalaman yang sangat berharga dapat berbasikal di sana sambil menikmati pemandangan yang cantik.
Betul tu, Lea. Tambahan pula, berbasikal memang cara pengangkutan utama rakyat kat sini. Jadi, sambil beriadah, kita dapat alami sekali cara hidup mereka.
seronoknya dapat tour amsterdam dengan basikal. mesti rasa lagi puas hati and enjoy kan.
Ya, Ana. Tapi kalau nak cuba sendiri memang tak berani la, sebab kat sini banyak sangat basikal. Dan saya pun bukan expert sangat naik basikal. Jadi kena la join tour yg macam ni.
Basikal kat Amsterdam lak hehehehe nice place and nice environment for cycling activity… One day I must go and doing what are you do when travel like this love it….
That’s great, Maha. I hope you will. 🙂 Amsterdam is a great city to be explored on two wheels.
this seems like the most exciting way to explore the beautiful city. thanks for the detailed guide, will be useful in the future!
You’re welcome, Grace. Cycling is truly an exciting way to explore Amsterdam. 🙂
Menarik ni kalau dapat pegi Amsterdam.. bolehlah try buat aktiviti berbasikal
Ya, Ayu. Berbasikal ni memang antara aktiviti wajib cuba di Amsterdam. 🙂
Lain sikit kalau dapat cycling kat negara orang. sambil cycling sambil tengok view yang cantik dan lain dari kebiasaan. memang dapat rasa la good vibes dekat situ 🙂
Betul tu, ika. Bila naik basikal, baru la betul2 rasa dekat Amsterdam. View countryside tu memang cantik.