Amsterdam and bikes are like bread and butter – they just go hand in hand. Whether you're a born Amsterdammer or a tourist, biking is the way to explore the city. But why do we cycle so much here? And why is the bike so typically Dutch? Dive into the history of the bicycle with us and discover some surprising facts about the city on two wheels.

The history of the bicycle in Amsterdam

Cycling in the Netherlands goes beyond a trend – it's a culture. The bicycle became increasingly popular here in the 19th century and quickly became an indispensable mode of transport for both the city and the countryside. After World War II, there was a strong focus on sustainable and practical transportation solutions, and the bike was a perfect fit.

In the 1970s, Amsterdam began investing in cycling infrastructure, and the results are now visible: cycling is not only practical, but it’s also a symbol of city life. In Amsterdam, we don’t just bike to get from point A to point B – it's an integral part of the urban experience.

The development of the bicycle began in the early 19th century with the dandy-horse: a wooden frame without pedals, which people propelled forward by pushing with their feet. Over the years, the bike was improved with the invention of pedals, chain drives, and later, pneumatic tires.

Today, the well-known "grandma bike" is the most popular model. However, electric variants are also gaining more ground. From electric cargo bikes packed with children to teenagers on fast fat bikes and young urban professionals on sleek models.

Fun facts about cycling in Amsterdam:

There are more than 880,000 bikes in Amsterdam. That’s more bikes than residents.
At Central Station, you'll find the largest underground bike parking garage in the world, with 7,000 parking spots.
Every year, an average of 15,000 to 20,000 bikes are pulled out of the canals.
On average, a student in Amsterdam goes through 3 bikes during their student years. The biggest reason? Theft or forgetting where the bike is parked.
50% of Amsterdammers use their bike daily for work or school.
Amsterdam has more than 1,200 bridges, and cycling over these historic bridges is one of the most beautiful ways to explore the city.

Discover the city on two wheels.

There’s no better way to discover Amsterdam than by bike. The following routes offer you the perfect opportunity to explore different parts of the city, from lush parks to the vibrant city center:

Bike route 1: East & Oosterpark (30 minutes)

Start: Pillows Hotel Maurits at the Park
Cycle along Mauritskade towards Oosterpark.
Explore Oosterpark and then bike along Wibautstraat towards Amstelstation.
Continue cycling towards the Amstel for a beautiful view of the city, and then return to the hotel via Rijnstraat.

Bike route 2: Canals & City Center (45 minutes)

Start: Pillows Hotel Maurits at the Park
Cycle along Mauritskade to Weesperplein and continue towards Utrechtsestraat.
Make a short stop at the Magere Brug and cycle along Herengracht.
Continue to Leidseplein and return via Vondelstraat towards the hotel.

Bike route 3: Vondelpark & Oud-Zuid (60 minutes)

Start: Pillows Hotel Maurits at the Park
Cycle along Mauritskade and pass under the Rijksmuseum towards Vondelpark.
Take a loop around Vondelpark and then head towards P.C. Hooftstraat for some shopping.
Finish in Zuid and cycle back to the hotel via Olympisch Stadion and De Boelelaan.

At Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Maurits at the Park, you can rent a bike and explore the city at your own pace. Ask the reception and our Amsterdam concierges for more biking tips!

Visit Pillows Maurits at the Park

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