Cycling around Amsterdam and the Waterland countryside

In Amsterdam there are more bikes than inhabitants and the city is made for them: separate lanes, their own traffic lights and enormous parking areas. Cycling is the quickest way to get around the centre, but it is not a relaxed ride: locals go fast and the rush-hour bike traffic is intimidating.

Hire or guided ride

MacBike, with more than thirty years in the city and five shops in the centre (one next to Central Station), hires out city bikes from €5.85, with child seats, parent-and-child tandems, cargo bikes and electric bikes. If it is your first time, its guided City Amsterdam Highlights ride (2 hours, from €27.29) teaches you the rules as you go. With half a day, the e-bike route through Waterland crosses the IJ by ferry and heads out into the countryside of polders and dykes as far as Monnickendam (5 hours, from €39.88).

Rules you should know

Always ride in the cycle lane, red or marked, and on the right. Signal with your arm before turning. Watch out for the tram tracks: cross them at right angles so your wheel does not get caught. Always lock the bike to something fixed with the two locks you are given. At night, lights on.