Posted on 17 August 2021

Bicycles

As soon as you exit Amsterdam Centraal Station, you'll notice bicycles everywhere.

Cars and motorbikes are simply not a major part of the city's makeup, and attract high parking fees. Instead, Dutch men and women fly around on bicycles, largely because they are more convenient to use in the capital's narrow streets. They also help reduce traffic, noise and air pollution.

From bin collector to brain surgeon, they all get to work on a bicycle.

 

Rent a bike

As a visitor, hopping on a bicycle is a must. It's also very easy, with numerous bike hire points across the city.

You can rent a basic bike for around 10 euros a day. There are also children's bikes, tandems, cargo bikes, and even electric bikes, which cost a bit more.

Visit iamsterdam.com to view bike rental points.

 

Bike tours of Amsterdam

Organised bike tours show you the key sights of the city.

Great for everyone from bachelor's parties to families.

Costs vary from €15 - €60 euros, depending on duration and whether museum/attraction tickets are included.

Other popular tours include zipping along the Amstel River, and visits to cheese makers and clog-chiselers.

Amsterdam Boat trips

It's no surprise that the canal-laced capital of this great seafaring nation is rather fond of boats.

The city’s hand-excavated waterways offer a truly relaxing way to get around the centre, with hop-on hop-off services (around €32.50 for a whole day), as well as classic sightseeing tours (€16 per person). 

 

Smaller private boat tours

You can even enjoy a private tour in a little 1930s pleasure boat captained by Wim, and powered by a carbon-neutral electric engine, replacing its old petrol-guzzler.

Wim's tours include a free glass of Champagne and highlights include passing Anne Frank's House; the canal with the seven bridges; and the red light district.

60 minutes - €195 Ambolux.com

Segway tours of Amsterdam

Let's segue smoothly back to two wheels, with the Segway!

Unless you've been hiding under a canal bridge for 20 years, a Segway is a two-wheel electric machine that moves you around in an upright position. It balances automatically and has handles to grip as you go. You simply lean forward slightly to move off.

With its low traffic levels, Amsterdam is perfect for Segway tours, many of which include brief stops for historical talks on the various sights. 

Due to their open-air nature, Segway tours have not been hit by Covid-19 restrictions (notwithstanding the lack of tourists).

It costs around €59,00 for 30 minutes. www.segwaycitytoursamsterdam.com/

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