The Best Cycling Routes in Amsterdam That’ll Show You the Best of the City
If you’re looking to step up your fitness game and get beyond just walking around your neighborhood, why not try cycling around the city? It’s a great way to burn some calories while discovering hidden gems along the way.
To help kick off your cycling adventure, we’ve rounded up a list of routes around Amsterdam you can check out. Whether you’re into scenic views or urban vibes, we’ve got something for every mood.
Keep reading to find the perfect route for you!
Urban Exploration Routes
1. Canal Ring Tour
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Distance: ~10 km.
Cycling the Canal Ring in Amsterdam is a great way to enjoy the city’s beauty and history. This area, called the Grachtengordel, is a UNESCO World Heritage site with 17th-century canals that show off Amsterdam’s charm.
As you ride along canals like Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht, and Herengracht, you’ll see stunning canal houses and lovely bridges. It’s great for photos or a calm ride.
You can easily visit landmarks like the Anne Frank House or Museumplein. If you need a break, Vondelpark is nearby, with open spaces and a relaxing vibe.
Pro tip:Take a break at cozy cafes to enjoy a traditional Dutch snack. You can also explore nearby spots like the Eastern Docklands or Amsterdam-Noord, where you’ll find stunning waterfront views and a more modern atmosphere.
2. Vondelpark Loop
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Distance: ~3 km.
Vondelpark is a great spot for beginners and families. It’s car-free and easy to get to, with the main entrance near Leidseplein.
As you ride, you’ll see ponds, open green spaces, and even some cool art installations. The southern part of the park is popular with cyclists and feels like a “bike highway.”
The lively atmosphere, with people jogging and picnicking, adds to the fun.
Pro tip:The paths are smooth and paved, and they are safe to ride. However, be aware of pedestrians and other cyclists.
3. City Highlights Trail
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Distance: ~12 km.
The City Highlights Trail in Amsterdam is a fantastic cycling route that takes you through the city’s most iconic landmarks. Starting at Amsterdam Central Station, the route is super convenient to access and offers a mix of history, culture, and stunning sights.
Cyclists can enjoy must-see stops like the Anne Frank House, a museum located in the secret annex where Anne Frank wrote her famous diary. You’ll also ride through Museumplein, where you can see the famous Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum.
Make sure to also visit Dam Square, the lively center of the city. You can also check out the Royal Palace which is a beautiful 17th-century building you can tour.
Pro tip:For the best experience, start your ride early in the morning. This not only beats the crowds but also gives you a quieter and more scenic journey through Amsterdam’s highlights.
Nature-Focused Routes
1. Amsterdamse Bos (Amsterdam Forest)
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Distance: ~15 km.
Amsterdamse Bos, or Amsterdam Forest, is a huge park just south of the city. It features about 50 kilometers of well-maintained biking paths. It’s easy to get lost in its wooded areas, lakes, and meadows.
The park’s cycling routes are suitable for all levels, so both beginners and experienced cyclists can find a path that works for them.
There’s also a 14-kilometer cycle tour that takes you past spots like Bloesempark and Vogeleiland, where you might even see Scottish Highlanders grazing.
After cycling, you can visit a petting zoo with a goat farm for something fun and different. The main entrance is at Van Nijenrodeweg and Amstelveenseweg, where you can pick up maps and get more info about the park at the Visitors’ Centre.
Pro tip:
Pack a picnic basket and enjoy a meal surrounded by nature. If you want to switch things up, take a break from cycling and try kayaking on the lakes for an adventurous twist to your day.
2. Amstel River Ride
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Distance: ~20 km round trip
The Amstel River Ride route lets you explore the Dutch countryside while enjoying a break from the city. It starts at Amsterdam Central Station and takes you along the Amstel River to a village called Ouderkerk aan de Amstel. The ride is easy and takes about 2 hours.
Along the way, you’ll see peaceful river views, green landscapes, and traditional Dutch windmills like De Riekermolen. You’ll also pass through charming villages with old houses that show off the area’s history.
When you reach Ouderkerk aan de Amstel, it’s a good spot to stop for a rest. There are plenty of cafes by the river where you can enjoy some local food and watch the boats pass by.
The route also takes you through quiet neighborhoods like Diamantbuurt and Rivierenbuurt, where you can see some unique Amsterdam architecture.
Pro tip:
If you have time, you can visit nearby places like Martin Luther King Park. It’s also a great idea to drop by the Rembrandt Hoeve farm, where they make cheese and clogs.
3. Waterland Route
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Distance: ~25 km round trip
The Waterland Route is a beautiful cycling trip just north of Amsterdam, filled with charming villages and peaceful landscapes. The round trip is about 25 kilometers (15.5 miles), making it a great half-day ride.
Along the way, you’ll pass through picturesque villages like Broek in Waterland and Monnickendam. You’ll enjoy views of their classic Dutch architecture, 17th-century wooden houses, and scenic canals.
The route also offers views of lush fields, wetlands, and iconic Dutch windmills. Plus, there is plenty of space to take in the beauty of the surrounding waters and dikes.
Additionally, the route offers you a real taste of rural Dutch life. There are various spots to check out, like local cafes, shops, and some historical sites.
Pro tip:
Kick off your cycling adventure by catching the free ferry from Amsterdam Central Station to Amsterdam-Noord. It runs every five minutes, giving you a smooth transition from the city hustle to the peaceful countryside. Once you’re across, just follow the easy-to-spot bike paths into Waterland.
Cultural and Seasonal Routes
1. Tulip Fields Trail
Media credits: weovetulips
Distance: Varies (Keukenhof area)
The Tulip Fields Trail near Amsterdam is a stunning cycling route, especially in the spring when the tulips are in full bloom. It’s a great way to take in the vibrant countryside, with fields of colorful tulips and the iconic Dutch windmills.
The best time to bike the trail is from late March to early May, when the tulips are in bloom. You’ll usually hit the peak color around mid-April, but it can shift a little depending on the weather that year.
Along the way, you’ll also pass expansive fields filled with tulips in all colors, making for amazing views. There are also some traditional windmills that add to the charm of the ride.
Pro tip:
For an extra special touch, consider combining your ride with a visit to Keukenhof Gardens. It’s a great spot for photos with millions of flowers in bloom. Just a heads-up: it’s best to book tickets ahead of time to avoid long lines.
2. Zaanse Schans Windmill Route
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Distance: ~35 km round trip.
Zaanse Schans is a beautiful place just north of Amsterdam, known for its old windmills, traditional Dutch houses, and lovely cheese shops.
As you bike through the area, you’ll pass several famous windmills. You can visit these working mills and learn how they helped shape the Dutch industry.
You’ll also see wooden houses from the 18th and 19th centuries, which give you a glimpse of old Dutch life. And don’t forget to stop at one of the cheese shops to try some local cheese!
The bike ride from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans is about 35 kilometers (22 miles) and takes around two hours without stopping. If you want a shorter ride, you can take a loop around Zaanse Schans itself, which is about 11 kilometers (7 miles) and takes around 50 minutes.
Pro tip:If you want a smoother ride, renting an e-bike can be a good idea. It makes it easier, especially on longer stretches or when riding on hills.
3. Haarlem Ride
Media credits: brian_sweet
Distance: ~20 to 26 km.
Cycling from Amsterdam to Haarlem is a fun and scenic ride. Depending on the route you choose, it’s about 20 to 26 kilometers long and usually takes 1 to 1.5 hours.
Along the way, you’ll see beautiful views of the Spaarne River and classic Dutch windmills. One highlight is the historic windmill “De Adriaan,” plus some modern windmills too.
Haarlem is a charming city known for its art, like the Teylers Museum, which has a mix of art and science exhibits. The city also has lovely old streets and buildings, especially around Grote Markt, where you can visit St. Bavo’s Church and Haarlem City Hall.
Pro tip:If you’re tired after the ride, you can take your bike back to Amsterdam by train. The trains allow bikes during off-peak times, so it’s an easy option. Just make sure to buy a bike ticket at the station before you get on.