Amsterdam is a city of canals, culture, and world-class cycling lanes.
But while most visitors stay within the busy centre, the real magic begins when you pedal beyond the crowds, into peaceful neighbourhoods, slow-moving waterways, and the open Dutch countryside.
This guide blends insider knowledge, timeless tips, and two of the best countryside routes (North & South) to help you cycle Amsterdam like a true local.
Table of Contents
Why Cycling in Amsterdam Is More Than a Mode of Transport
Cycling here is not a trend; it’s a way of life. Over 60% of locals use their bikes every day, making Amsterdam the cycling capital of the world.
Riding through the city connects you instantly with its rhythm: the sound of bells, the glide over red-brick bike lanes, and the sight of waterways and heritage houses blending into daily life.
But the real joy comes from venturing outside the tourist loop.
Just 10–20 minutes from the centre, you’ll find quiet villages, windmill-lined rivers, 17th & 18th century wooden houses, and endless green polder landscapes. This guide shows you exactly how to reach them.
What This Guide Covers
- Essentials of cycling safely and confidently in Amsterdam
- Renting the right bike: city, hybrid, or e-bike
- Local rules, etiquette, and “unwritten” behaviour
- Two of the best countryside routes:
- Route A: Rural North (Villages of Zunderdorp & Ransdorp)
- Route B: Rural South (Along the Amstel to Ouderkerk)
- Best times, weather tips, and how to avoid crowds
- Gear, packing, and family-friendly advice
- Optional challenges and advanced ride extensions
Cycling Basics in Amsterdam
Amsterdam’s cycling infrastructure is unmatched. Dedicated red bike lanes, priority signals, flat terrain, and scenic routes make the experience smooth even for beginners.
Nearly every road has a separate cycling path, clearly marked and safe to follow.
Renting a Bike
Most rental companies offer:
- Standard Dutch city bikes
- E-bikes for longer or windier rides
- Cargo bikes for families
- Tandems for two-person riding
Tips for renting:
- Choose a bike without bright tourist branding
- Ensure you get two locks
- Test brakes and seat height before leaving
Local Cycling Etiquette (The Secrets Visitors Never Learn)
Riding in Amsterdam is easy if you know the invisible rules locals follow every day.
Stay Right, Pass Left
Always keep to the right side of the lane. Locals cycle fast and expect a clear overtake path on the left.
Use Your Bell
One polite “ding” signals overtaking, not anger. City cycling depends on subtle communication.
Don’t Stop in the Lane
For photos, maps, or adjusting your bag, pull over. Never stop in the middle of a bike lane.
Beware Tram Tracks
Cross tram rails at a slight angle and keep your steering straight to avoid slipping.
Respect Rush Hour
Avoid 8–9 AM and 5–6 PM. Bike traffic is intense, fast, and not beginner-friendly.
Two Evergreen Cycling Routes Beyond the Tourist Loop
These countryside routes allow you to experience the real Netherlands, calm, green, spacious, and deeply historic. Both are suitable for beginners and perfect any time of year.
Route A – Rural North: Dikes, Wooden Houses & Village Charm
Why This Route Is Special
Head north to discover:
- 17th and 18th-century wooden houses
- Open fields and grazing cows
- Car-free lanes along canals
- The postcard-perfect villages of Zunderdorp and Ransdorp
It’s peaceful, scenic, easy to navigate, and feels far from the city even though you’re 20-30 minutes away.
Step-by-Step Route
1. Take the Free Ferry Behind Central Station
Take any ferry heading to Amsterdam-Noord. Bikes are free on board.
2. Find the Noordhollandsch Kanaal (100 m to the right)
Follow the canal until you reach a bridge. Cross it and continue straight.
3. Enter Nieuwendammerdijk
A historic, narrow street lined with wooden houses dating back to the 1500s.
4. Continue to Zunderdorp
Follow Beemsterstraat (name may change) all the way to Zunderdorp. Quiet, small, and surrounded by farmland.
5. Ride to Ransdorp
Turn right at the start of Zunderdorp. The road leads to Ransdorp, famous for its unfinished church tower.
Stop for tea or lunch in the small village café.
Route B – Rural South: Along the Amstel to Ouderkerk
Why This Route Is Special
This riverside route gives you:
- Windmills and wide river views
- Quiet paths lined with benches
- A classic Rembrandt statue
- The historic village of Ouderkerk aan de Amstel
A perfect half-day ride with stunning, timeless scenery.
Step-by-Step Route
1. Start Along the Southern Bank of the Amstel
Easy to find and well signposted.
2. Stop at the Windmill & Rembrandt Statue
A favourite photo stop, with a café nearby for hot chocolate or coffee.
3. Ride to Ouderkerk aan de Amstel
A charming riverside village with cafés, bakeries, and walking paths.
4. Optional: Try the “Ronde Loop”
A 15 km circular route perfect for confident cyclists.
Gear, Safety & Practical Tips
What to Wear
- Breathable layers
- Waterproof jacket (Dutch weather changes fast)
- Gloves in colder months
- Comfortable shoes
What to Bring
- Phone with an offline map
- Water bottle
- Portable lock
- Small repair kit (optional but smart)
Safety Essentials
- A helmet is optional but recommended
- Lights are mandatory at night
- Never cycle with headphones blocking outside sound
When to Ride: Best Time of Day & Year
H3: Best Times
- Early morning – quiet lanes & golden light
- Late afternoon – beautiful scenes and fewer crowds
H3: Best Seasons
- April–October for warmth
- Autumn & Winter offer clear skies and crisp views if you dress warmly
H3: Avoid Crowds
Steer clear of:
- Damrak & Red Light District at peak hours
- Weekends in the city centre
- Rush-hour commuter traffic
Advanced Options for Enthusiastic Cyclists
Full-Day North-South Loop
Ride north in the morning, return to the city for lunch, then take the southern route in the afternoon.
E-Bike Extensions
E-bikes allow you to explore:
- The Waterland region
- Durgerdam coastal paths
- Further villages like Holysloot and Broek in Waterland
Family-Friendly Variants
Use a cargo bike or attach a child seat, stopping at:
- Parks
- Village playgrounds
- Riversides
Cycling Sustainably & Respectfully
- Use bike lanes responsibly
- Don’t block locals
- Park only in designated areas
- Avoid leaving rental bikes in narrow alleys
- Ride gently through residential villages
Cycling is not just transport here; it’s a shared cultural space.
Final Thoughts: Ride Beyond the City You Thought You Knew
Amsterdam is famous for its canals, cafés, and charming streets, but it becomes unforgettable when you explore its countryside.
Whether you’re riding north to centuries-old dikes or south along the tranquil Amstel River, these routes show you a timeless, authentic Netherlands that many visitors never see.
Choose your direction, rent a comfortable bike, and follow the paths that locals love.
Two wheels. Open sky. Fresh air. And Amsterdam as it’s meant to be experienced.
Sustainable Travel in Amsterdam
Exploring Amsterdam by bike is one of the most rewarding and environmentally friendly ways to see the city.
If you’d like to take your trip one step further and make every part of your journey kinder to the planet, don’t miss our complete guide to sustainable travel in Amsterdam.
It offers practical tips, local insights, and easy ways to explore the city responsibly while still enjoying everything it has to offer.