Amsterdam Cycling Holiday – Discover Amsterdam on Two Wheels
Cycling Holiday: Cycling is one of the best ways to explore Amsterdam, and no tourist should head home without experiencing the capital’s famous bike culture. Almost every street here can be cycled thanks to the enormous, well thought-out infrastructure that makes pedalling anywhere around the city a pleasure, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced biking enthusiast.
Here are a few ideas for an unforgettable bike tour that will provide you with a great overview of Amsterdam and allow you to get a taste of what local life feels like in the city.
Central Station
Start your journey at Amsterdam Centraal, the largest railway station in the whole country and a place considered by many as the true heart of the city. There’s a huge bike parking garage just outside of the station that can store over 2,500 bikes. Pay great attention when cycling around this area as this is a busy place and the traffic can be quite chaotic.
Waterfront
Cycling Holiday: Turn left from the Central Station and pedal along the waterfront. As you ride, you will see the magnificent Basilica of St. Nicholas, the Tower of Tears, as well as the old Shipping Headquarters, a large, peculiar building that will surely catch your eye. Other highlights in the area are Sea Palace, a floating Chinese restaurant, the Maritime History Museum, and the NEMO Science Centre.
Plantage
Near the Maritime History Museum, go down Schippersgracht street and you will reach an area called Plantage (Plantation), renowned for its quiet streets and beautiful gardens – perfect for a relaxing stroll! The Jewish Quarter is in this area too, and it’s certainly worth a visit. The large, imposing brown building you will see here is the Portuguese Synagogue, a landmark dating back to 1675.
Amstel River
From the Jewish District, keep on riding until you reach the Amstel River. This is where you will see the Skinny Bridge (Magere Brug), the oldest bridge in the city.
Jordaan
Cycle to the Prinsengracht canal being sure to take notice of the splendid architecture in the area, and then head towards Jordaan. This is a neighbourhood that was originally build to provide housing for the working class, but has now been turned into an artist enclave, with plenty of cafés, art galleries, speciality shops and scenic outdoor markets.
The Lords’ Canal
Herengracht, or the Lords’ Canal, is considered as one of the most important and renowned canals in Amsterdam. Pedalling through the area, you will get to see the prestigious Golden Bend, as well as some of the most unique and impressive houses in the city.
Vondelpark
From Herengracht, head towards Vondelpark and take a spin around it to enjoy the peace and the beautiful scenery. The public park is centuries old and attracts over 10 million visitors every year.
Exploring Amsterdam on two wheels can be a wonderful experience, but quite a tiring one as well. To ensure you will get your well-deserved rest after all that cycling, you might want to book a room at Amsterdam Hostel Leidseplein – with affordable prices, a great location and comfortable rooms, this B&B can be an excellent choice.
