Amsterdam is one of the best European cities for cycling. See the city, speed along the canals, and act like a local.
Ready to roll? First, grab a good map. The tourism office facing Centraal Station offers a bike-specific map with highlighted biking paths and touring suggestions.
Then, go get a bike! Where?
Mike’s Bike Tours
Kerkstraat 134
One of the most popular bike rentals in Amsterdam, Mike’s (along with other rental agencies) requires you to leave some sort of deposit when you rent a bike: your passport, an imprint of your credit card, or a deposit of €200. They provide you with two bike locks, and will even demonstrate how to use them!
(A word of caution: Mike’s also has a location in Munich and it can be a bit tricky to navigate their web site, so if you decide to book online, make sure you’re on the Mike’s Amsterdam page!)
Rates – 1/2 day: €5 (€8 with insurance); 1 day: €7 (€10 with insurance).
Frederic Rental Bike
Brouwerstgracht, 78
All bikes go for €10 a day (no hourly rentals) and Frederic requires a deposit of either a credit card or passport. Insurance is included in the price.
The advantages of renting from Frederic are simple: It’s cheap, you don’t have to deposit any money, and the bikes are free of giant logos that make them look like dorky, commercial rental bikes. These bikes are “originals,” and thus great for cycling hipsters. Also, Frederic’s staff claims they are “gastronomical freaks” and will fill you with their culinary expertise before you speed off. While we don’t recommend eating your meals on wheels, you’ll at least know the best places to stop for a meal.
Canal Bike
Weteringschans 26- 1 hg
Ok, so this isn’t a traditional bike company. Canal Bike only rents “canal bikes,” which are pedal boats for two, three, and four people. With pedal boats, you’re free to tour the city via its famous waterways. Canal Bike holds onto a €50 deposit due at the time of your booking. Dock your boat at the Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank House, or countless other city attractions.
Rate – €8 per person for 1-2 people; €7 per person for more than 2 people.
Mac Bike
Multiple locations around the city
If you’re making a group booking (10 people or more), we think Mac is the best plan of attack. They offer great rental discounts and even lead some of the most unique tours in town, grouped by interest (gay, architecture, even Hans Brinker).
Rates – From €6 (3 hours) to €25 (1 day), depending on type of bike and length of rental.
Bike City
68 – 70 Bloemgracht
Bike City is great if you plan to rent for more than a day. They offer really reasonable 5-day rates (€34-44.50) and prices are significantly reduced if you rent for more than 5 days.
Rates – €10-14.50 per 24 hour period.
Note: Prices are shown for half-day and full-day rentals, although multiple day rentals are available through most bike agencies. A half-day rental makes sense for a fun tour of the town, although real cycle nuts (we see that Lance Armstrong bracelet!) and tourists looking to use their bike for daily transportation will want a longer rental.