Amsterdam isn’t a city you rush through—it’s a place to soak in, one street, one canal, one hidden café at a time. Whether you're biking like a local, cruising through its historic waterways, or walking along its cobbled alleys, every route reveals a new side of the city. Let’s break down the best ways to explore Amsterdam and what makes each experience unforgettable.

Discover Amsterdam by Bike: The Local Favorite 🚲

Amsterdam runs on bikes—literally. With more than 880,000 bicycles and 400 kilometers of dedicated bike lanes, it’s the most bike-friendly city in the world. Renting a bike here isn’t just a way to get around; it’s how you blend in.

Why Take a Bike Tour?

• 🚴 Go at your own pace – No schedules, no waiting for trams—just pedal and go.
• 🌍 Access hidden gems – Cruise through neighborhoods most tourists never see.
• 💰 Affordable & eco-friendly – Rentals start at €10 per day, and guided tours run €25-€40.
• 📍 Cover more ground – See more than you could on foot, without missing the details.

Some of the best routes? Ride through Vondelpark for a nature escape, follow the Amstel River for stunning water views, or explore the artsy charm of Jordaan.

For inspiration, here's a 3 of the most popular bike tours in Amsterdam:

• Bike Tour of Amsterdam's Highlights and Hidden Gems - $42.00 / person

  Orientate yourself in Amsterdam and discover the city’s highlights as well as its hidden gems on a bike tour. Zip easily between landmarks, saving time and covering more ground that possible by foot, ideal for visitors with limited time in the city. Enjoy the more personalized experience of a small-group tour of max 11 people, and gain insight into Amsterdam’s history and culture from your guide.

• Amsterdam Highlights Bike Tour With Optional Canal Cruise - $38.33 / person

  Get an intimate glimpse of the Netherlands' cycle-loving capital on this 2.5-hour bike tour. Stay clear of the crowds as you cruise through areas such as Jordaan and Vondelpark, and benefit from your small-group guide's personalized attention and insights as you pass by landmarks including the Anne Frank House and Rijksmuseum. Cycle hire comes covered in the price.

• Amsterdam's Countryside Half-Day Bike Tour in Small Group - $44.38 / person

  Cycle through the countryside without the worry of being left behind with this small-group bike tour from Amsterdam. In a small group, you’ll enjoy a more intimate way to discover the landscapes beyond the city. Follow a guide at a leisurely pace for 18 miles (30 kilometers), and see farms, fishing villages, and, as always in Holland, a lot of cows. Halfway through the tour make a stop in Holysloot for a slice of apple pie (own expense) to refuel for the rest of your journey.

Experience Amsterdam’s Beauty on a Canal Cruise 🚤

They call it the “Venice of the North” for a reason—Amsterdam has 165 canals stretching over 100 kilometers, forming a stunning backdrop to the city’s Golden Age architecture. A canal cruise gives you front-row seats to some of the city’s most iconic views.

What Kind of Canal Cruise is Right for You?

• 💸 Budget-friendly tours (€15-€25) – Classic sightseeing routes with audio guides.
• 🍽️ Luxury dinner cruises (€80+) – Fine dining with illuminated canals as your backdrop.
• 🛥️ Private boat rentals (€100-€500) – Create your own itinerary with a small group.
• ⛴️ Hop-on, hop-off boats (€25) – A flexible way to combine cruising with sightseeing.

Sailing past landmarks like the Anne Frank House, Westerkerk, and the grand canal mansions is a must, whether you opt for a quick daytime ride or an atmospheric evening cruise.

For inspiration, here's a 3 of the most popular canal cruises in Amsterdam:

• Amsterdam: Luxury Canal Cruise Unlimited Drinks & Bites Option $19.97 / person

  Glide through Amsterdam's canals in style and comfort aboard a 100% electric, luxury boat. In summer, ride in an open boat to soak up the city sights with a drink in hand, and when the weather is chilly, warm up with provided blankets. Listen to anecdotes from your host who also pours you drinks like beers, sodas, or cocktails, from the onboard bar. The cruise departs multiple times daily from three different departure locations in the city center of Amsterdam, so it's easy to fit into most sightseeing itineraries.

• Amsterdam: Luxury Canal Cruise with Onboard Bar $25.46 / person

  Get the ultimate Amsterdam experience during this open boat cruise on the city's canals. With the hospitality of a captain and hostess, you'll enjoy the city's sights, such as the Magere Brug, the Amstel River, and the Old Church, with a drink in hand (available for purchase).

• Amsterdam Small-Group Canal Cruise Including Snacks and Drinks - $66.55 / person

  Want to see the sights of Amsterdam from a boat, yet avoid the tourist crowds? Step aboard an electric sloop with a small group of 12 people max and enjoy unobstructed views of the city through panoramic glass windows. Enjoy Dutch snacks like bitterballen, stroopwafels, and local cheese as well as drinks from the open bar—including beer, wine, mulled wine, hot chocolate, and Dutch jenever—while your captain shares stories about the secrets of the city.

Walk Through Amsterdam’s Historic Neighborhoods 🚶‍♂️

Amsterdam is built for walking. Its compact size, pedestrian-friendly streets, and maze of picturesque canals make it one of the most rewarding cities to explore on foot.

Best Neighborhoods for a Walking Tour

• 🏡 Jordaan – Once a working-class area, now packed with indie boutiques, cozy cafés, and local markets.
• 🌆 The Red Light District – Famous for its nightlife, but also home to historic churches and Amsterdam’s oldest streets.
• 🍜 De Pijp – A lively district known for its multicultural vibe and the bustling Albert Cuyp Market.
• 🌉 The Canal Belt – A UNESCO-listed area filled with postcard-perfect bridges, houseboats, and 17th-century mansions.
• 🎨 Museumplein – The cultural hub, featuring the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Stedelijk Museum.

Walking tours let you slow down, peek into courtyards, stumble upon local bakeries, and take in the little details that make Amsterdam so special.

For inspiration, here's a 3 of the most popular walking tours in Amsterdam:

• Absolutely Amsterdam - the Essential Introductory Walking Tour - $6.00 / person

  Enjoy a wide-ranging introduction to Amsterdam’s highlights and history on this small-group walking tour. Pick between morning and afternoon start times, meet your guide right in the heart of the city, and set off on foot. You’ll see highlights like the Royal Palace and the Red Light District, will learn about the city’s origins and key moments in its history, will admire its UNESCO-listed center, and more.

• Anne Frank and Jewish Quarter Guided Walking Tour in Amsterdam - $36.06 / person

  Discover Amsterdam’s WWII history and follow in the footsteps of Anne Frank on this walking tour of the Jewish Quarter. See the Jewish Historical Museum, the Portuguese Synagogue, and the Auschwitz Monument; learn about events such as the February Strike and Winter of Hunger, and end the tour outside the Anne Frank House (entrance not included).

• Amsterdam Food and Cultural Tour with Tastings - $77.00 / person

  Discover the culinary delights of Amsterdam, from classic Dutch treats to beloved street food, when you embark on this small-group tasting tour through the city. Explore Amsterdam's streets, indulging in Tom Pouce, Dutch fries, herring, and more. Delve into the city's history with entertaining anecdotes and learn about Dutch culture with your local guide.

Conclusion 🎯

There’s no wrong way to explore Amsterdam—only different ways to experience it. 🚲 Pedal through its streets for an active, local-style adventure. 🚤 Cruise its canals for unbeatable views and a laid-back ride through history. 🚶 Wander its neighborhoods for an up-close look at its character and culture. Mix and match your approach, and you’ll uncover an Amsterdam that’s uniquely yours.