Rent a bike and other Amsterdam, Netherlands Things to Do Tips

Most standard city bikes feature a pedal brake and 1 speed (you don't need more, since the city is flat like a pancake). All the following bike companies accept credit cards as well.

If you want to avoid looking like a tourist, head to Bike City in the neighbourhood of Jordaan
Tel +31 (0)20 6263721
Bloemgracht 68-70 (Trams 13, 14 & 17: Westermarkt or 10: Bloemgracht)
Daily rate: €10
Deposit: ID & €25
Also for rent: Bikes with hand brakes/gears, children's helmets and seats, free baskets & pump/repair kits for longer journeys.
Reservations are desirable. City maps available for purchase. Staff-suggested routes available.

Damstraat Rent-a-Bike offers the most comprehensive collection of rental bikes, including the "Granny" bike, the most popular and traditional bike in the city. They also rent by the hour.
Tel: +31 (0)20 6255029
Damstraat 20-22 (Dam Square)
Daily rate: €9.50
Deposit: ID & €25
Also for rent: 21-speed touring bikes, mountain bikes, hybrid bikes, tandem bikes, foot scooters, children's bikes and accessories.
Reservations online. City and surrounding area maps for purchase. Staff will suggest themed routes (cafés, churches, markets etc.)

It's obvious you're not from Amsterdam if you rent from MacBike . All their bikes are bright red and have a big MacBike sign screaming "Imma tourist!" However, local bikers will know to be more careful when they see you! ;-)
Tel: +31 (0)20 6200985
Several locations:
-Centraal Station Eastpoint, Stationsplein 12
-Mr. Visserplein, Mr. Visserplein 2 (Trams 9 & 14: Waterlooplein)
-Leidseplein, Weteringschans 2 (Trams 1, 2, 5, 7 & 10: Leidseplein)
Daily rate: €8.50
Deposit: ID & €50
Also for rent: Bikes with hand brakes/gears, hybrid bikes, children's bikes & accessories.
Reservations are not necessary. Free city map with rental. Several tour maps (e.g. architectural, gay & neighbourhood) available for purchase. Guided tours with a 3rd-party operator.

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Amsterdam is famous (or infamous, however you like it!) for its Red-Light districts. The range of establishments in the area varies from brothels and sex shops to museums and live shows, and leaves little to the imagination. Whether you are just window-shopping or wanting to buy something, there is likely to be a place or two, that cater to everyone.

Amsterdam prides itself on its liberal and tolerant attitude, and the Dutch law enables the functioning of brothels as licensed legal businesses. The individuals working in these establishments are treated like any other self-employed tradespersons. They have access to the social security system, may join unions and pay income tax. The government ensures that they work in better conditions by regulating and monitoring working practices and standards.

The 'Walletjes' area is one of the oldest and most beautiful parts of the city with its long winding narrow, cobbled streets and charming 14th century architecture, such as the Gothic Oudekerk (Old Church). The area oozes charm with its buildings that lean at odd-angles and the tree-enshrouded canals. There are also several restaurants and eateries and it no longer is a dark and seedy part of town due to recently resurfaced streets, restored façades and trendier clientele to the area. In September 2007, the city bought 18 buildings in the area and aims to convert almost 1/3 of the 150 'windows' into flats and boutiques.

For those not easily offended, there are plenty of live shows at 'Casa Rosa' and 'Moulin Rouge'. For the merely curious, there are numerous peep shows that may come with video booths. For the more adventurous, there are more interactive shows (de Bananenbar). Exactly what goes on in these places is up to you to discover.

To make sure you get the best out of the area, don't at any circumstances take photos of the women working in the windows!

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Directions: There are in fact 3 Red Light Districts in Amsterdam: the main area is in the Walletjes area (around the Oude Kerk and along major canals) and the other two, in Singel (between Raadhuistraat and Centraal Station) and de Pijp (behind the Rijksmuseum).