Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Best
Cycling
Bicycles are more common than cars in Amsterdam. Everyone cycles: young,
old, clubgoers in high heels, cops on duty, and bankers in suits. Pedalling not
only puts you shoulder to shoulder with locals, it puts the whole bloomin' city
within easy reach. And it's easy to get rolling, so don't be shy.
Rental shops are everywhere, and renting a bike is easy (see
click here
). Vondelpark and
the Eastern Islands and Docklands are easy destinations for DIY cycling.
Feeling more ambitious? Travel 20 minutes north of the city centre, and the landscape
morphs to windmills, cows and wee farming communities - all accessible via an afternoon
bicycle ride. Here's how: take your wheels onto the free Buiksloterweg ferry behind Cen-
traal Station, and cross the IJ River. The ride takes about five minutes, and boats depart
continuously throughout day. Then pedal north along the Noordhollands Kanaal. Within a
few kilometres you're in the countryside. Cycling maps are available at the VVV office
(
click here
)
by Centraal Station. Tour companies also cover the area.
Best Cycling Tours
hour tours take you around the centre of town and south along the Amstel river, past dairy
farms and windmills. Reserve in advance.
Orangebike
( 528 99 90;
www.orangebike.nl
; Singel 233; tours €15-33)
Offers several three-hour cyc-
ling jaunts, from a traditional see-the-sights Historic City Tour to themed options (Dutch
snacks, beer, Eastern Harbour architecture, countryside journeys). Reserve in advance.
Yellow Bike
( 620 69 40;
www.yellowbike.nl
; Nieuwezijds Kolk 29; 2hr city tours €19.50, 4hr countryside tours
€29.50)
Yellow Bike offered the original Amsterdam bike tour, so it's got it down pat.
Choose from city tours or the longer countryside tour through the pretty Waterland district
to the north. Reservations recommended.
