Amsterdam by bike, tips and tricks

The cycling guides to many European cities featured on our blog already constitute an exceptionally rich collection. We've described how to explore Berlin , London, Vienna , and Tel Aviv by bike. However, we were still missing the cycling gem of Amsterdam! As a student who spent two full years in the city, I managed to get a pretty good feel for the atmosphere and appreciate the unique character of this place. It's an incredible, dynamic metropolis that surprises visitors with its incredibly forward-thinking approach to life. It's also embodied in the traditional Dutch philosophy of lekker , which means living a simple and enjoyable life, but with a sense of responsibility towards one's surroundings.

English Tour - LONDON by Bike

Why Amsterdam by bike?

Amsterdam, like the rest of the Netherlands, is practically made for cyclists. However, this wasn't always the case. After a rather heated rivalry between car and bicycle supporters after World War II, the pro-bicycle camp won the campaign. Therefore, by choosing a bicycle, we connect with the spirit and history of this place in a certain way. Thanks to numerous protests, primarily aimed at reducing car traffic in favor of cycling, excellent infrastructure and numerous regulations favoring cyclists have been created. This is also true in the event of an accident. In the Netherlands, a cyclist hit by a red light has a better chance of winning their case than a car driver.

Infrastructure-wise, one-way bike lanes on both sides of the streets are a common sight. Traffic lights at intersections, much more often than pedestrians, allow cyclists longer to cycle. The government's approach to helmet wearing is also interesting. It has been found that they only provide a "false sense of security." They are not mandatory primarily because studies have shown that 60% of people would not ride a bike if forced to wear a helmet. This is partly due to the Dutch lekker philosophy and the government's desire to see cycling as the most common and widespread mode of transport. Otherwise, this busy and dense city, not to mention its canals, would lose some of its charm.

Some interesting facts from the cycling paradise:

• Length of bicycle paths: 35,000 km
• Number of bicycles in Amsterdam: 880,000 (population is… 800,000)
• Sunny hours: 1500-1800
• And if it's not sunny? Over 50 museums, 17 cinemas... art galleries.
• Place in the ranking of the best cities for cyclists (The Copenagenize Bicycle Friendly Cities Index 2019) - 2
• Place in the ranking of the best cities to live in the world according to Monocle magazine (Top 25 liveable cities 2019) - 14

More about bikes in Amsterdam

It is estimated that in the 1920s, approximately 80% of road traffic consisted of cyclists. This was a result of the civic-minded attitude of residents, who built the first cycle paths themselves. There was also widespread interest in the relatively new (at the time) invention. However, after World War II, the popularization of motor transport began. The streets gradually became more dangerous for bicycle owners. The capital was mired in traffic jams. Year after year, it became a more noisy, frustrating, and tiring place for its residents.

Fortunately, history has taken a full circle (literally in this case!) in the 1970s, chanting citizens took to the streets demanding restrictions on car traffic, the construction of more paths, and a general improvement in the quality and safety of Amsterdam's streets. Bicycle protests were organized, with entire streets blocked by endless lines of cyclists, and citizens themselves marked the routes of new paths with paint. It's impressive that the Dutch can unite in this way and fight peacefully for their rights. However, change didn't come immediately. Disputes raged for almost a decade, as it wasn't until the 1980s that the first steps towards a decisive overhaul of Amsterdam's road infrastructure were taken, as well as in other Dutch cities. We've already written about the unequal struggle between the car lobby and urban planners who thought about cities from the perspective of their residents on our blog .

How to get to Amsterdam (but probably not by bike)?

The fastest and most convenient way to get to Amsterdam is by direct flight from Warsaw. The connection is operated by LOT and the Dutch airline KLM. Departures from Chopin Airport and arrivals at Schiphol Airport, near Amsterdam city center. Tickets are available at almost identical prices. On KLM flights, passengers receive a delicious sandwich or wrap and can order unlimited free wine and beer, which LOT cannot guarantee. Ticket prices range between 500 and 1000 złoty when arriving around the weekend. Flying during the week or taking advantage of a promotion can, of course, find a much cheaper ticket.

There are also cheaper flights to the Netherlands. You can fly to Eindhoven from many Polish cities, such as Katowice or Gdańsk, with Wizzair. However, you'll need to add €20 for a one-way bus to Amsterdam to the ticket price. The bus journey will take about two hours. You can also fly to Eindhoven from Modlin with Ryanair. In this case, including the €40 bus fare, a trip to Amsterdam can cost up to 300 złoty.

The cheapest way to get to Amsterdam from Poland is by bus. You can find a ticket from Warsaw at www.thetrainline.com for around €40. Flixbus operates the route, and they often offer discounts, so you can even get a cheaper ticket. The journey will take just over 18 hours.

When choosing ground transportation, it's also worth considering trains. However, the price-to-quality ratio and travel time are unsatisfactory. Departing from Warsaw, passengers will need to transfer in Berlin, and the fastest journey time to Amsterdam Central Station is 12.5 hours. Deutsche Bahn operates the service, and the journey costs around €90. Tickets and a detailed timetable are also available at www.thetrainline.com .

Traveling to Amsterdam by car is also worth considering. Warsaw and Amsterdam are 1,193 km apart, and the journey, assuming there are no traffic jams in Germany, will take about 11 hours.

Where to stay in Amsterdam?

The cheapest option for staying in Amsterdam is to find something on Airbnb. However, apartments offering complete privacy start at 200 złoty per night. The only cheaper options are motels and other establishments offering shared rooms. Traveling with a larger group, this can save you a lot of money. The standard of these places is quite good.

For those on a budget, Amsterdam offers countless hotels in every category. Below, I've included a few truly charming hotels recommended by Monocle magazine. All offer a friendly atmosphere, interesting interiors, bicycle rentals, and sumptuous breakfasts.

• The best choice is a stay at the V Hotel. This hotel chain has two locations in Amsterdam: one in the city center and the other in the eastern part of the city. A room in the city center will cost around 450 złoty, while in the eastern part, 250 złoty. It's worth noting that the eastern location is a 16-minute bike ride to the city center, the same distance as public transportation. The metro station is a 9-minute walk away. Then, it's a 5-stop ride to the main train station. ( https://fizeaustraat.hotelv.com/ )
• The second option is the Lloyd Hotel Amsterdam. This is a unique option, as it offers a room for every budget. Therefore, it offers rooms ranging from 5-star to 1-star. The cheapest option will cost 250 złoty including breakfast. The most expensive rooms cost just over 600 złoty. Furthermore, the hotel is located right next to the central station and ranked 8th in Monocle magazine's rankings. ( https://www.lloyd.nl )
• Another interesting option is the Morgan & Mees Hotel, ranked #3 by Monocle magazine. It's located right in the heart of Amsterdam. Its advantage is its intimate atmosphere. The hotel has only nine rooms and attracts attention with its stunning wooden interior. Nightly rates start at 500 złoty. ( http://www.morganandmees.com/ )
• The final option is quite pricey but incredibly luxurious. It's the Pulitzer Hotel, ranked second in the Monocle rankings. It earned its high ranking thanks to its 225 rooms, none of which are duplicated, and the interior design reflects 400 years of Amsterdam's history. The oldest-looking rooms are styled after the 17th century. From there, the decorations and style extend to the modern era. Accommodation starts at 1,300 złoty. ( https://www.pulitzeramsterdam.com/?utm_source=GMB&utm_medium=organic )

Amsterdam by bike, but where does the bike come from?

It would be unheard of if it weren't easy to rent a bike in the cycling capital of the world. There are over 2,000 bike shops across the Netherlands, not to mention repair shops and rental companies. In Amsterdam, you can rent a bike practically anywhere. Almost every street with good transport links has a spot where you can find a bike, whether it's better or worse. Unfortunately, Amsterdam doesn't have a public bike network like Veturilo in Warsaw. You can rely solely on local rental companies. The cost of renting a bike for a day will range from 8 to 16 euros, depending on the distance from the city center. Interestingly, if you're visiting Amsterdam for a week or longer, it might be more economical to buy a used but durable Dutch bike (or a Dutch bike, of course), which can cost around 60 euros. Cheap bikes can be found, for example, in a Facebook group ( https://www.facebook.com/groups/BikesAmsterdam/ ) and at the market organized on Waterlooplein .

Even more about cycling adventures - How to plan a bicycle trip and what to take with you?

How to spend a weekend in Amsterdam by bike?

Amsterdam is an incredibly popular destination. The city attracts business and leisure travelers like few others. Some people come to experience its charms for the first time, others return seeking new experiences and surprises, and still others may be a bit bored with the city. That's why I've prepared a cycling guide consisting of three quick chapters, each with something to suit their needs.

For those visiting Amsterdam for the first time

Regardless of your personal interests and preferences, there are places and attractions in this city that we simply can't miss. First on our list is Museumplein, home to Amsterdam's four most important art museums ( the Rijksmuseum , the Van Gogh Museum , the Stedelijk Museum , and the Moco Museum ), collectively showcasing works from the Middle Ages to Banksy's murals. Surrounding this spacious, green square are numerous other cultural institutions, such as the Diamond Museum and the National Philharmonic, where concerts are held almost daily. From Museumplein, you can easily reach the beautiful Vondelpark next door. This is one of the largest parks in Amsterdam and certainly the most visited, mainly due to its many charming nooks, small lakes, and infrastructure consisting of interesting bridges and paths connecting the land. Another attraction of this park, like several others in Amsterdam, is the small parrots that live there. Unfortunately, for the city, these cute parrots are a threat to local wildlife.

Another must-see is a canal boat tour, where you can learn about the city's history and admire its most beautiful monuments from a new perspective. Visitors visiting between November and January can also catch the Amsterdam Light Festival, which is best viewed from the water. If you're visiting Amsterdam for the first time, it's also worth exploring the city's extensive museum offerings. Besides art museums, there are many other museums related to other fields, such as the Amsterdam Centre for Architecture , the Eye Film Museum , the Foam Museum of Photography , the Van Loon Museum of Interior Design, the Willet-Holthuysen Museum, the NEMO Science Museum , and the very interesting Tropenmuseum . Importantly, each of these sites is practically located in the city center. Finally, a pleasant evening before your departure is a stroll to A'DAM Lookout. This is the top floor of a tall building, home to a restaurant and bar with views of the entire city. Plus, you can swing 100 meters above the ground on the world's highest swing. A beautiful view is guaranteed, perfect for bidding farewell to Amsterdam.

Amsterdam-practically

An important practical note: If you want to be sure to get into the most popular places, buy tickets online. It's practically impossible to enter the Van Gogh Museum from the street these days, for example. Also, remember that if you know English, you won't have any communication problems. Virtually all Dutch people switch to English fluently if they see a newcomer.

See also - Bicycle trips with B-bike

For those who already know Amsterdam

Once you know the main tourist spots and a rough map of the city, you can be surprised and delve deeper into the culture and rhythm of the community. Fortunately, Amsterdam offers a wealth of wonderful attractions and experiences, the existence of which might surprise even a native. Let's start with...herring. The Dutch learned to preserve herring as early as the 15th century. I recommend ordering the iconic herring sandwich (in Dutch, it's called Broodje haring) at Albert Cuyp Market, an equally iconic city market. It's a familiar place to every Amsterdam resident.

The Amsterdam Noord district, specifically the NDSM, is an interesting area. This is the old port area of ​​the city, which, with the decline of transshipment in the city itself, had to find a new direction. Once a month, Europe's largest flea market is held there. There's also a 'startup village' in a huge hangar, and several charming bars and restaurants right on the water. The Dutch are considered a nation very concerned about safety. It might come as a surprise, then, that there's a playground in Amsterdam where you can climb a structure over 3 meters above the ground. Without any safety precautions, kids navigate the obstacles up top. The playground is called Frederik Hendrik Plantsoen and is located near the well-maintained Westerpark, where you can enjoy nature as well as beer, good food, and live music deep in the park at Westergasfabriek.

The Het Schip Museum, where you can see paintings by the Amsterdam School, is located nearby. More delicious food in a wide variety of styles can be found at De Hallen. It's an old train hangar that was recently converted into something resembling Hala Koszyki. The main hall probably has 20 or even 30 places serving a variety of cuisines, from steamed dumplings to vegan fusion. Other rooms house select vintage clothing shops and antique shops. Just outside De Hallen, another iconic city market takes place.

Amsterdam is also famous for its good beer and very friendly bars. Brouwerij 't IJ is a bar located in an old mill and is known for its wide selection of beers. Right next to this brewery is the small district of De Plantage. It's worth a visit, if only because it's where the wealthiest Dutch people live. For me, it's also the most charming part of Amsterdam. For those interested, De Plantage is also home to the zoo. For bars, I also recommend Brouwerij Troost in the south and Het Papeneiland in the west of the city.

For those who are already bored with Amsterdam

Here are some ideas for trips outside of Amsterdam for those who are a little tired of the city itself. Luckily, the surrounding area of ​​the Dutch capital also has plenty to offer.

The first suggestion is to visit the Amsterdam Forest ( Het Amsterdamse Bos ), located south of the city. This vast green space offers many surprises. Much of the forest is situated on the water, and there are several beaches along the shore. On one of the banks, a rather challenging wooden obstacle course over water has been built, called Play Island. Furthermore, further into the forest, you'll find a hedge maze, which is also a thrilling experience.

Another suggestion is a trip to the town of Haarlem and then continue towards the sea, where well-maintained sandy beaches await. Haarlem is a small and very charming town with an interesting church in the main square in the center. It also makes a lovely stop on the way to or from the sea.

By far the most picturesque place you can visit from Amsterdam is Keukenhof. It's the largest and most beautiful flower garden in the world, dominated by tulips. Cycling through the vast flower fields takes place on specially prepared trails. The entire tulip route can take up to eight hours.

Van Gogh again..

My final suggestion is the Kröller-Müller Museum, which, for me, is the most wonderful place in all of Holland. The museum is located in the center of a nature park and the only way to get there is by bike. Numerous bike paths run through the park, offering views of vast heather fields and other incredible views. The museum boasts an incredible selection of works from the 19th and 20th centuries, including works by Van Gogh, the Futurists, and Giacometti. The museum is 86 kilometers from Amsterdam, and of course, there's a beautiful bike path leading to it...

What's it like driving in Amsterdam? See for yourself!

Witek Żebrowski

Below are some snapshots from my cycling trips around Amsterdam.

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