Last Updated on July 22, 2024
One of the most iconic aspects of Amsterdam is its vibrant bike culture. The city is famous for its sheer number of bicycles, with more bikes than residents. π²
Cycling is deeply ingrained in Amsterdamβs culture and is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience the city. Renting a bike is practically a rite of passage for visitors looking to immerse themselves in the local lifestyle.
The Bicycle Capital of the World
Amsterdamβs bike culture is unparalleled. The city boasts over 800,000 bicycles, and cycling is the primary mode of transportation for many locals.
With dedicated bike lanes, traffic lights, and parking areas, Amsterdam is designed to be cyclist-friendly. The cityβs flat terrain and compact size make it perfect for biking, allowing residents and tourists to easily navigate its charming streets and canals.
Renting a Bike: Joining the Local Scene
To truly experience Amsterdam, renting a bike is a must. Andy, Schatze, Mikael, and I decided to embrace this aspect of the city during our visit.
Although it had been a while since I last rode a bike (read about my previous biking adventure along Virginia Beachβs bike path here), I was excited to join in on this local tradition. π
We located a MacBike bike rental & repair store where we were able to secure bikes for the day.
Note: Planning on renting? Go early in the morning during peak season. Believe it or not, we nearly faced an issue where none of the rental bikes in the city center were left the day we were searching! Thankfully, we managed to secure the last two at a MacBike location!
If you’re renting and you’re not a regular cyclist, it is good to be aware of this too: note your bike’s unique number before you lock it up someplace! π
I would urge you to jot it down or snap a photo of it so you don’t accidentally forget the number and location. There are so many bikes in Amsterdam and with rentals all looking so similar, you may accidentally forget which one is yours! π¦
Exploring Vondelpark
Our first stop was Vondelpark, Amsterdamβs largest and most popular park. Spanning over 120 acres, Vondelpark is a beautiful urban oasis filled with winding paths, picturesque bridges, serene ponds, and lush greenery. Itβs a favorite spot for both locals and tourists to relax, exercise, and enjoy the outdoors. ποΈ
Riding through Vondelpark was a delightful experience. The parkβs design makes it easy to navigate by bike, with wide paths and plenty of space to ride at a leisurely pace. π²
We saw families having picnics, joggers running along the trails, and other cyclists enjoying the peaceful scenery.
The absence of traffic lights and the tranquil environment made for a relaxing ride, perfect for someone like me who isnβt the most experienced cyclist. π
A Challenge on the City Streets
After enjoying the calm of Vondelpark, we ventured out to explore Amsterdamβs bustling streets.
This was a bit more challenging. Amsterdamβs streets are filled with cyclists, cars, trams, and pedestrians, requiring constant attention and quick reflexes. Navigating the busy intersections and following the traffic signals was stressful causing my travel anxiety to spike. π
I became fearful of swerving into another rider, losing my balance, or crashing into someone. My mind raced with a long list of things that could go wrong with my lack of experience, but I took a deep breath and encouraged myself to ride onward just as everyone else was doing. Trusting in the process.
However, it was an exhilarating experience and gave us a true taste of the cityβs dynamic atmosphere.
A Memorable Day with Friends
Despite the occasional stress, our bike ride around Vondelpark and through Amsterdam was unforgettable. It was great to reconnect with friends and explore the city in such an authentic way.
We even stopped at various cafes for mint tea and matcha (this was before I gave up caffeine!) and enjoyed the lively ambiance of Amsterdamβs street life.
My friend Schatze, who told me she hadnβt ridden bicycles much since moving to Amsterdam, was initially hesitant but decided to join in on the fun. Andy and I were thrilled to see her enjoy riding the streets of Amsterdam alongside Mikael, making the entire day even more special for the four of us.
While the riding was a great pastime for us as tourists, I also want to call attention to how healthy a society must be where riding bikes to get around is the norm, not to mention all of the environmental benefits!
The rest of the world can stand to learn a thing or two from Amsterdam.
The Joy of Vondelpark
Riding through Vondelpark was the highlight of our biking adventure.
The parkβs beauty, the leisurely bike paths, and the absence of traffic made it an ideal spot for a relaxing ride. It was refreshing to pedal along the serene paths, taking in the sights and sounds of the park without worrying about the hectic city traffic.
A Day Well Spent
Cycling is an integral part of Amsterdamβs culture, and renting a bike is one of the best ways to experience the city. Whether youβre navigating the bustling streets or enjoying a peaceful ride through Vondelpark, biking in Amsterdam offers a unique and immersive way to explore. Despite the initial anxiety, the joy of riding through the city and the park made it all worthwhile.
If you ever find yourself in Amsterdam, donβt miss the chance to rent a bike and join in on this local tradition. Itβs an experience you wonβt forget and a fantastic way to see the city from a different perspective.
Stay tuned for more stories and reflections from my travels, and donβt forget to embrace the little adventures that make life so memorable.
I haven’t rode a bike in years, so I’m definitely shaky on doing so! But Amsterdam is the prime place to cycle, and you can really cover a lot of ground by riding through town. Thanks for sharing your adventure in cycling in Amsterdam!
I think it’s true what they say! You never forget how to ride a bike, so I bet you’d pick it right back up again! I hope you enjoyed the story, Rebecca! π
you are looking really GOOD, Rocky! Happy and healthy. so loved the pictures.
Thank you so much, Suze! I really appreciate that and I’m glad you’re enjoying the photos! π
I used to ride a lot as a kid and then again with my daughter as she was growing up. Now I have lower back pain that is made worse by a bike ride unfortunately. I miss riding! This looked like a beautiful place to ride!
Those sound like such happy memories! I’m sorry riding one has been a challenge for you in recent years because of your lower back. Maybe with time you’ll be able to go back to it at your own pace, if that’s something you’d like to do! Come to think of it, I don’t think I’ve been back on a bike since Amsterdam. I’d like to try again. Maybe I’ll set aside time for it this summer because it really is a nice way to spend time outdoors.
I hope you do so, biking is fun!