Yellow Bike

Yellow Bike is a family company that was founded in 1990 and describes itself as a pioneer of guided city bike tours in Amsterdam. More than three decades on, it offers a full programme of tours in the city and the countryside, as well as bike rental, from two locations close to Central Station. Its eco-tourism certification and hospitality awards reflect a long-standing reputation.

The Amsterdam Highlights Bike Tour lasts about two hours and departs at 9.30am, 11am and 1.30pm, covering the main sights of the centre at an easy pace. A one-hour tour covers the essentials for those short of time, and a combination ticket adds a visit to a canal house museum. Beyond the city, the 3.5-hour Countryside Bike Tour heads north into the wetlands of Waterland, while a six-hour e-bike day trip covers about 40 kilometres to the Zaanse Schans, with windmills, a clog maker and a cheese farm. Private tours can be tailored with lunch stops or themes such as crime and beer or North Amsterdam.

Guided tours are an excellent way for visitors who are not used to Amsterdam's traffic to get comfortable on a bike, as the guide handles route-finding and explains the local cycling rules. Tours run in English every day, and in French and German when guides are available. The countryside routes are good for families with older children and anyone who wants to see the flat Dutch landscape.

Bike rental is available with options including child seats, children's bikes and frame sizes from XS to L. The Nieuwezijds Kolk shop, between Central Station and Dam Square, opens daily from 9am to 5.30pm, and a second location inside Central Station, at De Ruijterkade 34b, opens daily from 9am to 8pm. Booking tours in advance is recommended, particularly in summer.

Before setting off, remember that cycle paths are for bikes only, that you should always use lights after dark, and that the tram tracks in the centre can catch a wheel. Lock your bike to a fixed object whenever you stop. The Nieuwezijds Kolk shop is a few minutes' walk from Dam Square and the Royal Palace, so it is easy to start a day of sightseeing here.