You’ll be astonished by the sheer number of bicycles in Amsterdam. They’re everywhere. In fact, bikes slightly outnumber the city’s inhabitants (approximately 936,000 in 2025). For locals, cycling isn’t just a pastime — it’s the preferred way to get around.
And it’s not just bikes parked along the canals. Many have also ended up in the canals, slowly rusting away until the municipal canal cleaners haul them out. Around 10,000 bicycles are fished out every year. Most of them end up forgotten on a scrapyard. How so many bikes got to the bottom of the canals? No one really knows…

Cycling in Amsterdam is for everyone, from schoolkids to CEOs In fact, renting a bike in Amsterdam is often faster and more efficient than public transport.

In most cases, biking is faster and more efficient than driving or public transport. It’s great exercise, too — no overpriced gym membership, no military-style trainer yelling at you.

People use bikes for nearly everything: commuting, school runs, shopping, visiting friends, delivering goods, picking up kids — and just enjoying the city or its green outskirts.

Hence, the variety of bikes is mind-blowing: classic Dutch omafietsen (granny bikes), bakfietsen (cargo bikes) loaded with kids, racing bikes ridden by middle-aged, beer-bellied men in lycra, retro single-speeds, e-bikes, speed pedelecs, and the occasional romantic tandem — or even a “beer bike” packed with a rowdy stag party.

Speaking of party, going out at night by bike is also a thing. Technically, no drinking and driving applies to bikes as well, but let’s say enforcement is… flexible. You’re more likely to get your wheel stuck in a tram track than to get fined for tipsy cycling.

Amsterdam’s geography is ideal for biking: the terrain is as flat as a pancake, and the city is compact — often dubbed “the smallest metropolis in the world.” From the city center, almost everything is reachable within 30 minutes (except maybe the far-out suburbs you weren’t planning to visit anyway).

Air quality is decent compared to other global cities, winters are mild, and summers are pleasantly cool (read: not hot, not dry, bring a rain poncho).

Thanks to its health and eco benefits, the city actively promotes cycling. More and more bike lanes are popping up, where cyclists rule and cars are mere guests. Then again, most Amsterdam cyclists have always acted like they own the road — with or without bike lanes.

Locals park their bikes wherever it suits them: chained to bridges, lampposts, trees — you name it. Often with two or even three locks. This habit dates back to the days when junkies used to fund their habits by stealing bikes.

Due to pressure on public space, the city now offers modern underground bike parking in the center. First day’s free. Ignore it, and you might end up on a quest to retrieve your confiscated bike from a far-off depot.

Unlike in many neighboring countries, helmets are rare in the Netherlands. And even rarer in Amsterdam. If you spot someone wearing one, chances are they’re not Dutch.

Why? Think Dutch pride, stubbornness, self-confidence — and the refusal to ruin a good hair day.

If you’re lucky, you’ll spot one of Amsterdam’s famous flower bikes — lavishly decorated with silk flowers. The first was created by Warren Gregory, aka the Flower Bike Man, for his wife who suffered from memory loss. He decorated her bike so she could always find it.

When passersby started loving the design, he began spreading more of these ‘public smile generators’ around the city — especially in photogenic or gloomy spots. Keep an eye out and snap a selfie with one!

You don’t need a license to rent a bicycle in Amsterdam — or even experience (though it helps). What is required: common sense and a little caution.

There are countless places to rent bikes — from well-known rental companies and bike shops to hotels and shady spots with rickety bikes for clueless tourists. If you prefer solid bikes, reasonable prices, and reliable service, we recommend the highly rated A-Bike Rent a Bike Amsterdam.

No old-school map reading, no fiddling with Google Maps, no pointless detours, no grumpy locals, no arguments with your partner or kids, no stress. Still need more reasons to book a guided bike tour?

A-Bike Rental & Tours is a top pick. Are they any good? Well, 3,000+ glowing reviews and a 4.8-star rating say yes.

They offer both comfy e-bike tours and classic pedal bike tours — from the Amsterdam city bike tour filled with history and architecture to laid-back Amsterdam countryside bike tours.

As mentioned earlier, experiencing Amsterdam by both boat and bike is a must. Short on time? No worries — meet the Amsterdam pedal boat.

This half-bike, half-boat hybrid lets you pedal your way through the canals. Rentals are available in the city center, right by the World Heritage canal belt.

Up to four people can hop aboard: two sweaty pedalers up front and two relaxed passengers in the back, drinks in hand and phones out for selfies.