Best cycling routes around Amsterdam (tasty food stops included!)

July, 1st 2022

If you are going to cycle in any city, make it Amsterdam. The capital of the Netherlands (and its surroundings) has so much to offer.

Best cycling routes around Amsterdam (tasty food stops included!)

If you are going to cycle in any city, make it Amsterdam. The capital of the Netherlands (and its surroundings) has so much to offer. From beautiful canals, sand dunes, windmills and beaches to picturesque villages. Whether you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, a lush forest ride, or an urban city tour, these 5 cycling routes are definitely worth exploring! Oh, no worries if you get hungry (or thirsty) during your trip, we’ve included the most amazing places to eat, spectacular hidden gems and the newest hotspots for drinks! Ready to experience Amsterdam on your city bike?

 

Discover Amsterdam on your bike: 5 amazing cycling routes (with tips for food)

Grab your city bike and hop on - ready, set, go!

 

Cycle route #1: 'Tour de Twiske'

Did you know that you can be in the beautiful ‘Het Twiske’ area with half an hour of cycling? You will find sheep, Scottish Highlanders (you recognize them by the long hair and horns) and beaches in this area. The bike tour starts at the ferry in Amsterdam-Noord, and you continue to cycle via Landsmeer towards Den Ilp. Oh, and bring your bathing suit/swimming trunks to take a plunge in the water when you pass the Stooterplas. Can’t get enough of the beautiful landscape? Book a boat trip at Ilperveld.

Eat at Paviljoen Twiske
Chill at Cafe de Ceuvel
Eat at Loetje aan het IJ
Have drinks at Pllek

Total distance: 25.1 km
Total duration: 1.5 hours (without stops)

Google Maps route

Cycle route #2: 'Life's a beach'

Up for some fresh air, beautiful beaches and sand between your toes? Hop on your bike! This route starts at Amsterdam Central, goes right through the Westerpark and goes from Ruigoord to Velsen-Zuid. During this tour, you will go through the National Park Zuid-Kennemerland; a beautiful area that is also great for walking. Next, go to Bloemendaal – known for its hip beach bars and laid-back vibe – or go all the way to Zandvoort. Zandvoort is one of the most famous beach resorts in the Netherlands; and for good reason. It boasts a 9km-long blue flag sandy beach, rolling sand dunes, and the famous Formula 1 race track. Finally, make a pit stop in Haarlem before heading back to Amsterdam. Truly feels like a holiday, right?

Eat at Ubuntu (Zandvoort)
Eat more at Republiek (Bloemendaal aan Zee)
Chill & have drinks at DeDAKKAS (Haarlem)

Total distance: 67.2 km
Total duration: 3 hours and 46 minutes (without stops)

Google Maps route


Cycle route #3: Forest trip (‘Amsterdamse Bos’)

Don't want to leave the city? Choose this popular cycling route through the 'Amsterdamse Bos'. You will start at one of the most beautiful places in Amsterdam: the Rijksmuseum. After taking a photo of this impressive museum, cycle to the Vondelpark towards the ‘Amsterdamse Bos’, where countless landscaped cycle paths will lead you to great places to eat, drink, chill or… make cheese! Go for a delicious lunch at De Veranda, eat pancakes at Boerderij Meerzicht or visit the goat farm 'Ridammerhoeve', where you can enjoy delicious organic food. Going for the full Dutch experience? Join a cheese-making workshop at the goat farm!

Eat pancakes at Boerderij Meerzicht
Go for drinks at De Veranda
Lunch at Ridammerhoeve
Fine-dining: Ron Gastrobar
Drinks (and some delicious finger food): Marathonweg
Drinks (& best ceviche) in town: Sjefietshé

Total distance: 23 km
Total duration: 1 hour and 25 minutes (without stops)
 

Google Maps route

Cycle route #4: 'Local': discover the heart of Amsterdam

The Dutch capital is a cyclist's playground where bikes outnumber people. This amazing cycling route through the centre of Amsterdam is one worth your time! During this trip, you will enjoy the most beautiful highlights of the Dutch capital:

• Dam
• The Jordan neighbourhood
• Anne Frank House
• Vondel Park
• The IJ
• Haarlemmerdijk
• Magere Brug
• Museum Square
• Rijksmuseum
• Nieuwmarkt
• The flower market
• Waterloo Square
• The Canal Belt

Whether you are visiting Amsterdam for just a day or the whole week, this cycling trip along the Amsterdam highlights is definitely worth it!

Best place for vibes, food & views: Vessel
Italian food: Ceppi’s
Drinks at Lolo
Eat at Happyhappyjoyjoy

Total distance: 18 km
Total duration: 1 hour and 10 minutes (without stops)

Google Maps route


Cycle route #5: 'Round Hoep'

A classic bike tour from Amsterdam in a southerly direction: the 'round hoop'. With this 36-km route, you start in Amsterdam's lively neighbourhood De Pijp. You follow the Amstel in the direction of Ouderkerk aan de Amstel until you return to Amsterdam at Nes aan de Amstel. You come across beautiful polder roads and countless excellent eateries during the bike trip.

Drinks: GlouGlou
Drinks: Bam Boa
Eat at George Marina
Eat at Loetje
Eat & Chill at Restaurant de Voetangel

Total distance: 36 km
Total duration: 2 hours (without stops)

Google Maps route