Experience the history of Amsterdam by bike

Cycling is a national pastime in the Netherlands, and hiring a bicycle or bringing along your own can be the best way to navigate the winding streets of historic Amsterdam and experience the city like a local.



Even if you're used to cycling through other cities, the Amsterdam experience can be a unique one - just like many other aspects of this distinctive city. As long as you stick to the designated cycle lanes and paths (known as fietspaden in Dutch, and usually located on the right side of the street), you should have no trouble from motorists - and with around 400km (249 miles) of lanes to explore, it's not as if you'll ever feel restricted on your cycling adventure.



If you've just arrived in Amsterdam and you're eager to see as much as possible of the city, getting a reliable map is a must. These are available from all tourist information offices, and may even be provided by your hotel - look for cyclist-specific ones if you can. It can also be a good idea to familiarise yourself with the layout of the city before you go off on your own, so taking a few leisurely walks around the city centre or enjoying a river cruise along the canals should help you find your feet.

Renting a bike is very straightforward in Amsterdam too, and you won't have to travel too far in any direction before you find a store where you can rent a bike for a few hours or a full day. Favouring big-name establishments is always advisable though, as there are unscrupulous characters who have been known to rent bikes to tourists, and you could find yourself having to pay heavy fines if it's discovered you're riding a stolen bike.



There are a few practical considerations you'll need to make when renting a cycle in Amsterdam too, especially as many saddles may be uncomfortable to those unused to riding over cobbles. Spending a few minutes acquainting yourself with the bike and adjusting your seat before setting off down lanes and alleys could save you a lot of discomfort later. You should also make sure you lock your bike every time you dismount, as it's not uncommon for locals to toss them into the canals for sport.



There are plenty of places you can take a bike on Amsterdam breaks, whether you're eager to visit the city's many famous museums on cultural days out, or you're just happy to pass through its verdant parks and charming old streets.



Isla Campbell writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.