The Netherlands by Bike
A flat four-city ride linking Amsterdam, Haarlem, Leiden and Utrecht on cycle paths through dune parks, bulb fields and canal-lined old towns.
- Stop: Amsterdam
- Stop: Haarlem
- Stop: Leiden
- Stop: Utrecht
- Binnenstad: The medieval centre is the most visited area of Amsterdam and is home to tourist hotspots like Dam Square and the Red Light District. The area is filled with narrow streets, shops, tourists and coffeeshops. It also contains other interesting areas like the bookstores near Spui and the cafes of Nieuwmarkt.
- Canal District: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Canal District was dug in the 17th century to attract wealthy home owners. And is still a posh neighbourhood and home to the Dutch cultural elite. The Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein are the city's prime nightlife spots.
- Jordaan: A traditionally working class area gone upmarket with plenty of art galleries, hip boutiques and happening restaurants. Also includes the shopping streets of Haarlemmerbuurt and the quiet islands of Westelijke Eilanden.
- Zuid: One of Amsterdam's prime areas, a trip to the city is not complete without a visit to the Museum Quarter. Snooty Oud-Zuid and Apollobuurt are filled with upscale boutiques, cafes and brasseries. You can chill in the Vondelpark with a bottle of wine or go hunt for bargains at the Albert Cuyp Market in multicultural De Pijp.
- Plantage: Intended to be an extension of the Canal District, lack of demand made this into a leafy area with lots of greenery, botanical gardens and Artis Zoo and a large university presence. Also includes the Weesperbuurt and the Oostelijke Eilanden.
- Oost: Oost is a large and diverse residential area. The Eastern Docklands and IJburg stand out as lively upper middle class neighbourhoods known for their modern architecture. Include the parks of Oosterpark and Park Frankendael.
- Source: Wikivoyage, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Amsterdam?oldid=5327366 (CC BY-SA 4.0)