Amsterdam: City Bike Tour with Rijksmuseum Tunnel & Jordaan

Summary

Bike past canal houses, museum squares, and the Skinny Bridge with stories at every stop

You’ll ride Amsterdam’s streets with a local guide, passing canal bridges and famous sights like Anne Frank House and Museumplein. Pause for stories in Jordaan, coast through Vondelpark for a group break, and pedal under the Rijksmuseum tunnel. By the end you’ll feel part of city life — even if your Dutch is limited to “fiets.”

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t worry about the bells — just ring back,” our guide Bram grinned as we wobbled out from Centraal Station’s bike garage. I’d barely clipped my helmet before the city’s rhythm took over: handlebars rattling on old bricks, the sharp scent of rain on pavement, someone whistling from a window above. The first few turns felt like jumping into a moving river — but Bram kept glancing back, giving these little nods that said you’re doing fine.

We threaded through Jordaan’s narrow lanes where locals balanced groceries in one hand and handlebars in the other (how?). At Anne Frank House, Bram paused — not for a speech, just a quiet minute. The church bells next door sounded softer than I expected. I caught myself watching a woman light a candle inside. Sometimes you forget how much history sits right next to daily life here.

Halfway through, we coasted into Vondelpark for a drink. My hands were cold from the wind but it felt good to laugh with strangers over stroopwafels. Someone tried to pronounce “Magere Brug” and failed spectacularly — Bram just laughed and told us about lovers meeting on that Skinny Bridge. We biked under the Rijksmuseum tunnel (that echo!) and past Museumplein where kids played football in front of Van Gogh’s sunflowers. Honestly, by then I stopped worrying about looking like a tourist.

The last stretch was all golden evening light on canals and those crooked houses leaning together like old friends. I still think about that view sometimes when I hear bike bells at home — it’s not quite the same sound.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Amsterdam city highlights bike tour

• Start at Amsterdam Centraal Station
• Explore old Western harbour and islands
• Visit Jordaan neighbourhood
• Pass Anne Frank House
• See church where Rembrandt is buried
• Ride through Vondelpark and have a drink
• View museums on Museum Square
• Bike under Rijksmuseum
• Pass Amstelveld and wooden church
• Cross Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge)
• Stop at Holocaust memorial
• Pass Van Gogh Museum
• Pass Moco Museum
• Go over Nieuwmarkt and city gate
• See Dutch Maritime Museum and 18th century ship

Top questions

How long is the Amsterdam city bike tour?

The regular tour lasts 2.5 hours; there is also a 3-hour upgrade option.

Is bike rental included in the tour price?

Yes, your bike is included for the duration of the guided tour.

Do I need to be an experienced cyclist?

A moderate level of biking skill is required; this tour is not recommended for beginners.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The standard city highlights bike tour operates in English only.

Are there age restrictions for this Amsterdam bike tour?

The minimum age to join is 12 years old.

What are some key stops during the bike tour?

You’ll pass places like Jordaan, Anne Frank House, Vondelpark, Museumplein, Rijksmuseum tunnel, and Skinny Bridge.

Is lunch or food included?

No meal is included; there’s a group break halfway for drinks or snacks at your own expense.

Does this Amsterdam bike tour operate in bad weather?

Yes, tours run rain or shine—just dress appropriately for conditions.

What’s included

Your day includes a 2.5-hour guided Amsterdam city bike tour (bike provided), led by an English-speaking local guide with small groups up to 15 people. You’ll start from Centraal Station and ride through iconic neighborhoods and parks together—plus there’s time for a drink break halfway through before returning to your starting point.