A visit to Amsterdam isn't complete without a bike tour through the city. It's the most popular way of experiencing the Dutch bike culture. Many touristic highlights in the Amsterdam region are within cycling distance. Cycle paths will take you anywhere you like. Here are some tips for finding your way around Amsterdam.
Finding your way around Amsterdam. Photo © Holland-Cycling.com
One of the most popular ways of getting around Amsterdam - for both residents and tourists - is by bike. It's convenient, as you can cover more distance than on foot, it's fast and you can stop to look around and take photos wherever you want. Amsterdam has good cycling infrastructure. Most of Amsterdam's main streets have separate cycle lanes and a network of cycle paths takes you through the city fast - and away from other traffic whenever possible.
Many touristic highlights in the Amsterdam region, such as Marken, Volendam and Zaandam, are also within cycling distance. There are good through cycle routes that will take you from the centre of Amsterdam to the surrounding countryside and villages. It's a great way to experience the Dutch cycling culture!
Cycle maps of Amsterdam
To find your way around Amsterdam, you can use a regular tourist map, but there are also special cycle maps of Amsterdam and the region. These maps are made in co-operation with the Dutch Cyclists' Union. They not only give the touristic sights, but also help you find the most bike-friendly routes through the city and to the surrounding countryside. The maps can be purchased at local VVV tourist information offices and bookshops. See also: Amsterdam by bike maps reviewed.
Amsterdam op de fiets, 9th edition (2015)
Cycle map of the city of Amsterdam by Cito-plan
- 1:13,500
- all cycle paths
- bike friendly cycle routes through the city (marked in green)
- bicycle services (bike rental, bike parking, bike repair)
- touristic highlights
- public transport
- street names (with index)
- ISBN 978-9065802804
Stadsregio Amsterdam op de fiets, 4th edition (2015)
Cycle map of the Amsterdam region by Cito-plan
- scale 1:50,000
- all cycle paths, numbered cycle network
- bicycle services (bike rental, bike parking, bike repair)
- touristic highlights
- street names (without index)
- ISBN 978-9065802811
Of course there are cycle maps of the whole of Holland that also cover the Amsterdam region. For an overview, go to Planning your route - maps & books.
Signposting for cyclists
Dutch cycle paths are so well signposted, that even if you might not always know precisely where you are, you can hardly get lost. While the regular signposts for motorists are all blue, the signposts for cyclists are red and white or green and white.
Dutch cycle paths are well signposted with special signposts for cyclists. Photo © Holland-Cycling.com
The red and white signposts are for cyclists and moped riders. The green and white signposts are only for cyclists. These will usually take you along more scenic routes where mopeds are not allowed.
Smaller green and white signposts are used for signposting the national long-distance cycle routes (LF routes) and the numbered cycle network that takes you along scenic routes through the whole of Holland.
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