Amsterdam: Bike Tour with Graffiti & Magnet Fishing

Summary

Cycle secret Amsterdam corners paint walls cast magnets in canals

You’ll cycle through Amsterdam’s quieter neighborhoods with a local guide, try your hand at graffiti in NDSM, and fish for metal treasures in the canals—all on Dutch bikes sized for you. Expect laughter, odd finds, and glimpses of daily life you’d miss on your own.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is our guide, Sander, waving us over by the row of mismatched bikes outside a tiny café in Jordaan. He handed me a bike that was just my size (I’m not tall, so I appreciated that), then joked about how Dutch kids learn to ride before they can walk. The city already smelled like fresh bread and rain—classic Amsterdam morning. We set off wobbling through narrow alleys while Sander pointed out a bakery where his grandma used to buy stroopwafels. I nearly crashed into a flower stand because I was staring at the canal houses—those crooked windows really are something.

We stopped by Westerpark where birds seemed louder than the trams for once. There was this old drawbridge painted white, creaking as we crossed it; Sander told us locals call it “the most beautiful one” but shrugged like he didn’t want to brag. After that, we zigzagged through Jordaan’s tiny lanes—honestly, I lost track of which street was which because every corner had another story or mural or someone cycling past with a dog in their basket. Somewhere along there, we tried magnet fishing in the canal. It felt weirdly satisfying when my friend pulled up an old bike bell (Sander said that counts as treasure). My hands smelled like river water and rust for hours after.

The ferry across to Amsterdam North was quick but cold—the wind off the water woke everyone up. Over there it’s all shipping containers and street art, especially around NDSM wharf. We got to spray paint on a wall ourselves during this graffiti workshop; my “art” looked more like a confused octopus but nobody cared—one of the locals laughed and gave me tips on holding the can steady. Paint fumes mixed with the smell of coffee from a bar built out of containers nearby. I still think about that weird mix of colors and sounds—cranes creaking, music from somewhere far off—and how different it felt from central Amsterdam.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Amsterdam bike tour and canal fishing

• Cycle through Westerpark and bird heaven
• See the most beautiful drawbridge
• Cross tiny drawbridges and canal houses
• Bike through old Working Class alleys
• Take ferry to Amsterdam North
• Visit bar made of shipping containers
• Explore old Western Gas Factory
• See street art at old shipyard

Top questions

Is this Amsterdam bike tour suitable for beginners?

You don’t need to be an experienced cyclist; routes are easy and bikes are provided for all sizes.

What areas does the bike tour cover?

The tour goes through Jordaan, Canal District, Westerpark, and Amsterdam North including NDSM wharf.

What is magnet fishing on this tour?

You’ll use a strong magnet attached to a rope to fish for metal objects from Amsterdam’s canals during the tour.

Is there a graffiti workshop included?

Yes, you’ll join a hands-on graffiti experience at NDSM in Amsterdam North guided by locals.

Are bikes provided for children?

Bikes are available for kids aged 12 and up; contact organizers for younger children or private tours.

Does the tour include ferry transport?

The ferry crossing to Amsterdam North is included as part of the experience.

How long does the bike tour last?

The total duration is about 3 hours from start to finish.

What happens if it rains during the tour?

If weather is poor and unsafe for cycling, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

What’s included

Your day includes use of a Dutch bike sized just for you, all gear needed for magnet fishing and graffiti painting at NDSM wharf, ferry transport across the river, plus guidance from a local who knows every shortcut and story along these quieter corners of Amsterdam.