Lonely Planet Experiences: In the City of Bikes
Amsterdam, Netherlands
From USD 55.99
Office phone number: +31 64 367 21 86



Lonely Planet Experiences: In the City of Bikes
Amsterdam, Netherlands





Culture shock rating
Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.
Low
Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.
Medium
Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.
High
You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.

Physical rating
Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.
Low
Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.
Medium
Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.
High
Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.
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Tour snapshot
Inspired by Pete Jordan’s book “In the City of Bikes”, this is an Amsterdam bike tour like no other. Get the ultimate local perspective on the city’s incredible array of canals, dykes, and culture, complimented by a healthy dose of Amsterdam’s quirkiest tales. Hup hup!
Experience the best travel stories for yourself. Join a local expert and uncover hidden gems on this city adventure hand-picked by the world's leading travel publisher. Lonely Planet Experiences powered by Urban Adventures bring stories to life in the best-loved cities around the globe.
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Highlights
- Get a street’s eye view of Amsterdam like the locals do – by bike!
- Experience the city’s obsession with history, adventure, and fun
- Cycle Amsterdam’s dykes, bridges, and canals downtown and beyond
- Hear the city’s tales of resistance, love, confiscations, and anarchy
- Combine a local’s passion for Amsterdam with fascinating narratives
- Each Lonely Planet Experience comes with six-months free access to Lonely Planet’s Guides App which includes over 8,000 destinations guides and unbeatable discounts to Lonely Planet Guidebooks
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Schedule details
- Duration: 3 hours
- Meeting point:
“Rent-a-Bike” rental shop, Damstraat 20 -22, 1012 HK Amsterdam (http://www.rentabike.nl). Your guide will be in the shop wearing or holding something red with the Urban Adventures logo printed on it.
- Find the exact meeting point with what3words:
- Starting time: 10.00 AM
- Ending point:
Amsterdam City Center, Dam Square
Language: English
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, a Dutch back-pedal bike
Exclusions: Items of a personal nature incl. and coffee and/or snacks at the library terrace bar, tips or gratuities for your guide.
There are just a handful of destinations in the world that were built for biking, and it’s very fair to say that Amsterdam is definitely one of them! Join this quirky Amsterdam bike tour that gets you on the city’s most beloved form of transportation accompanied by a stories and tales from the city’s past and present. You’ll feel like a true Amsterdammer in no time!
You’ll begin your Amsterdam tour by meeting with your local guide in the city centre and hopping on a Dutch back-pedal bike. Your Amsterdam bike tour adventure is inspired by Pete Jordan’s “In the City of Bikes”, a tale of bike culture in the city throughout history, which lends an intriguing narrative to the day’s adventure.
We’ll weave our way through Amsterdam’s history and growth by starting out downtown and then making our way out to the northern dijks (dykes). Along the way we’ll hit up historical sites in the financial district and get an up-close look at the city’s defences, learning how windmills, canals, and walls helped build this nation and its people.
The sheer volume of bikes and cyclists in Amsterdam will be apparent throughout your tour, from a waterfront stop that’s home to no less than 500 bikes parked in stalls to thrilling infamous intersections where at least 30 bikes of all shapes and sizes whiz by every minute!
By the time you’re done, this Amsterdam bike tour will have you cycling and feeling just like a local.
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Additional information
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, a Dutch back-pedal bike
Exclusions: Items of a personal nature incl. and coffee and/or snacks at the library terrace bar, tips or gratuities for your guide.
Dress standard: Due to the changing Dutch weather it is important to make sure to be well equipped against rain and wind, and to be wearing proper footwear for the bike ride
Your Trip: This trip is offered on a "join-in" basis. Maximum group size is 12
Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point. Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher.
Child Policy: Children under 12 years of age are not permitted on this tour.
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Local contact
Office phone number: +31 64 367 21 86
Email address: info@amsterdamurbanadventures.com
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