Dutch Delight: Cycling in Amsterdam
I’ve been enjoying the guest articles we’ve put up lately that talk about cycling in various locations around the world. This time, we’ve got a great guest post about where I call the world headquarters for cycling….Amsterdam.
Cycling in Amsterdam
When people go on holiday, they usually return home feeling bloated, worse for wear or just generally out of shape. It might be because they spent a bit too long at the breakfast buffet or due to spending too much time lying down on the beach, but it’s possible to come back from your trip feeling better after getting a little exercise.
Walking, swimming, canoeing and even rock-climbing are all healthy activities which can be great for your physique, but for something a little gentler, why not get on your bike instead? Cycling can be a lot of fun, especially when with the family; and destinations like Dutch capital Amsterdam are perfect for cyclists of all ages and abilities.
Travelling among the tulips
Holiday firm Cheapflights recently did a blog post on top cycling destinations. One that surprisingly didn’t feature on the list was Amsterdam. It’s one of the most cycle-friendly cities in Europe, and the straight streets make it easily navigable for small groups who want to explore the place by bike.
Amsterdam has an extensive network of dedicated bike paths, which makes cycling through the city pretty easy to do. While on your bike, you could take in a few sights, visit some of the capital’s most famous landmarks or just go wherever you decide to pedal if you want to see something a little different.
Culture by cycle
Arguably the most important cultural site in Amsterdam is the Rijksmuseum. First opened in 1800, it has played host to exhibitions charting local, national and global history, and is a great place to take the kids. Admission is usually cheap, but be prepared to queue, as it’s very popular with tourists from all over the world.
The Van Gogh Museum is great for art lovers and plays homage to one of the city’s finest ever painters, while the Heineken Music Hall is a great music venue where you can see some of today’s biggest and up-and-coming acts. For a little peace and quiet or if you need a place to rest your legs, the Vondelpark is great, especially during summer.
You don’t have to convince me. I’ve been wanting to cycling Amsterdam for some time now.
I’ve always wanted to live somewhere in The Netherlands. What great cycling culture they have.