Amsterdam has more bikes than people. Here's how to rent one, where to ride, and how not to get in everyone's way.
The Bike Capital of the World
With 900,000 bicycles in a city of 800,000 people, Amsterdam's relationship with cycling is unlike any other city on earth. For visitors, renting a bike is both the most practical and most enjoyable way to see the city.
Where to Rent
Black Bikes and MacBike are the most popular rental companies. Expect to pay €12–18 per day for a basic city bike. Avoid the overpriced central station rentals — head a few streets in for better prices and less queue.
Rules of the Road
- Always use the red cycle lanes — never the pavement or car lane
- Signal with your hand when turning
- Don't use your phone while cycling (it's illegal and unsafe)
- Lock your bike to a fixed object with a good lock — theft is very common
- Go with the flow — don't slow down suddenly or stop in the middle of a lane
Best Routes for Visitors
The ring of canals is a natural circuit. Start at Centraal Station, head along Brouwersgracht, loop down through Jordaan via Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht, then out to Vondelpark. This covers the best of the city in about 2 hours of relaxed cycling.