The most beautiful cycling routes in and around Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a bustling and lively city with constant traffic in motion. Cars, scooters, pedestrians, cyclists—sometimes it all seems to move in a chaotic flow with no clear order. But that’s exactly why exploring Amsterdam by bike is such a fantastic experience.
You can easily get anywhere, and you can take a break along the way to enjoy some food or a drink. Afterward, you can continue on to the next beautiful, unique, and cozy spot.
Of course, traffic rules also apply to cyclists, but the many bike-friendly roads, the amazing city sights, and the beautiful parks make cyclists feel like royalty in this city. That’s why the bicycle is the number one mode of transport in Amsterdam.
Important buildings and landmarks are only a stone’s throw away from each other, making it absolutely worthwhile to explore the historic city center, with its numerous canals and surrounding neighborhoods, by bike.
Would you prefer a day without the hustle and bustle of the city? In just a few minutes, you can cycle out of Amsterdam and quickly find yourself surrounded by fields and nature.
For example, within half an hour of cycling, you’ll reach the vast dune and coastal area around Zandvoort and Bloemendaal.
You’ll encounter truly Dutch landscapes to the north, as you cycle past the famous windmills of the Zaanse Schans and visit iconic fishing villages like Volendam.
No matter what you choose to do—whether you follow an existing route or make up your own and see where you end up—you’re sure to enjoy yourself in and around this beautiful and versatile city.
That’s why we’ve put together a list of fun cycling routes that are easy to navigate in and around Amsterdam.
Of course, there are many more, but these routes will already take you to various beautiful spots in and around the city, each unique from the other. Some are shorter and require little effort, while others are longer and suited for more experienced cyclists.
Don’t have a bike? No problem. They are easy to rent all over the city.
As a tourist or a “local-to-be,” you can also experience what it’s like to enjoy the city as a true Amsterdammer. And if you find it difficult to navigate the city on your own, don’t worry—there are plenty of bike tours you can book, complete with a guide and bike rental!

Along Rembrandt’s Amstel (27 km)

Curious about what inspired Rembrandt? On this ride, you’ll follow Rembrandt’s beloved Amstel route. From his house on Sint Antoniesbreestraat (now Jodenbreestraat), Rembrandt could quickly escape Amsterdam.
Rembrandt often captured the picturesque landscapes along the Amstel, especially in the direction of Ouderkerk. This route takes you to places where Rembrandt once paused to sketch. The path follows the winding river as you pass beautiful farmhouses, old mills, and the most charming little homes.
You can start this route at Amsterdam Central Station and follow the cycling junction signs: 5-56-50-57-60-61-62-61-50-56-5.

Tour around Amsterdamse Bos (14 km)

With a bike, you can endlessly explore the Amsterdamse Bos. The Bos has a total of 50 kilometers of bike paths winding through the forest. There is also a clear 14 km cycling route, marked with red posts.
Along the way, you’ll encounter all kinds of fun spots. You’ll cycle past farms, ponds, cherry trees that blossom in spring, and various attractions. This is also a great cycling route to do with children or grandchildren.

Amsterdam-Noord (28 km)

Amsterdam-Noord is also a must-see. This part of Amsterdam has its own unique style and is definitely worth exploring by bike.
Start your route at Pontplein in Amsterdam-Noord and cycle along the IJ shore, passing the beautiful dikes of Nieuwendam and Durgerdam. Follow the signs to Ransdorp and return via Holysloot and Zunderdorp.
Breathe in the fresh polder air and enjoy the stunning waterside scenery. You’ll end your ride around Amsterdam at Buiksloterweg.

Tour around the Hoep (18 km)

Everypone living in Amsterdam knows this route: the Ronde Hoep, a circular polder between Oudekerk and Uithoorn.
Not only is it beautiful, but it’s also a historically significant area with a fun cycling route. And it’s just a stone’s throw from the big city! You’ll cycle along winding peat rivers like the Waver and Bullewijk, and through the marshes of the Botshol.
Along the way, you’ll see the open peatlands of the Polder de Rondehoep and Bovenkerkerpolder. You can start this route at any point you like.
Just follow the cycling junction signs starting from any number: 62-69-50-49-Nessersluis-49-68-Nesserlaan-67-61-62, and enjoy all the beauty around you.

Westerpark Nieuw-West (various km)

The largest district of Amsterdam is Nieuw-West, but surprisingly, this is not the first place people think of for a cycling route through the city.
From the city center, you can follow a varied cycling route through Westerpark toward Nieuw-West. Along the way, there are plenty of spots worth stopping for: the Westergasfabriek, the beach at Sloterplas, the village of Sloten, and De Oeverlanden nature reserve.
The starting point for your cycling route through this part of Amsterdam is Haarlemmerplein, and the endpoint is Max Eeuweplein.

Cycle past Nobel Hypotheken

Lastly, don’t forget to stop by the best mortgage advisor in Amsterdam and the surrounding area. At Nobel Hypotheken, located at Jacob van Lennepkade 296 in Oud West, the door is always open, and the coffee is ready.
Feel free to drop by for a pleasant and non-obligatory conversation. You are always welcome!

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