subject: A Cycling City Break In Amsterdam [print this page] A Cycling City Break In Amsterdam A Cycling City Break In Amsterdam
Bicycles tend to be inextricably associated with Amsterdam by many visitors, and for good reason. The Dutch city is often ahead of the curve when it comes to environmental awareness and relaxation, and riding a bike around the charming streets of Amsterdam can be the best way to see the sights of the city - without having to worry about finding a parking space.
You only have to look at the figures to see how popular cycling is in the Netherlands - with a total of 17 million bikes reportedly being owned by its 16.4 million residents. In Amsterdam, the figure stands at around 800,000 cycles, and many more are easily available to hire by visitors.
Even if you've cycled in other international cities, the Amsterdam cycling experience is likely to be very different. For starters, bicycles have right of way over other forms of traffic, so you won't feel like a second-class road user as you might in London, or have to worry so much about safety. That doesn't mean you should put safety concerns out of your mind entirely, of course, as a map-reading tourist on a bike could present a danger both to themselves and others.
You should be able to find free bike rental at many locations throughout Amsterdam, especially if this is offered by your hotel, but even if you do hire a cycle for the day the rates are usually very fair - and you shouldn't have to pay more than 10 euros for the whole day. Be aware that a deposit will usually be required, and you may also need to show your ID before mounting your bike and taking a scenic tour through the city.
With more than 400 kilometres of cycle paths in Amsterdam, you'll never be short of places to ride, and you'll be able to access many more areas of the city than car drivers. There are many cycling tours you can join if you want to see the major sights of Amsterdam, including Anne Frank House, Dam Square, the Nieuwe Kerk and the Royal Palace.
Security should be a key concern on your Amsterdam city break, especially as bike theft is a common problem in the city. This can be easily avoided by taking extra vigilance when securing your cycle, and you should also remember to use your lights when cycling at night to avoid run-ins with the authorities.
