Summer on Two Wheels: Canals, street art and museums by bike
The Netherlands is known for cycling, which is no surprise since there are over 23 million bikes and only 18 million people. Feel like a local this summer and explore Amsterdam by bike. Hop on and follow one of the three artsy routes we have mapped out.
Amsterdamse Grachten Route
7.7 km | 32 minutes
This route truly showcases the diversity of Amsterdam. Bike past the canals while admiring the local street art or stop a minute to see the statues. It’s even possible to step into a boutique that catches your eye along the way.
Stop 1: Prinsengracht 70
On the corner of Prinsengracht 70 and the Tuinstraat, you’ll find a mural by artists The London Police. This piece of modern art, created on the side of a classic Dutch building, depicts the artists’ Lad character being operated by a robot.
Stop 2: Wolvenstraat 16
This small artwork is easy to miss, but worth searching for. “De Kleine Jongen” (The Little Boy) was created by Iranian brothers ICY and SOT, and he can be found in other major cities around the globe including New York, Los Angeles and Berlin. Look near the stairs at Wolvenstraat 16 to spot this piece of art.
Stop 3: FOAM Photography Museum Amsterdam
An international museum all about photography. With regular exhibitions, showing works from both upcoming talent and hardened masters, this museum is not one to miss.
Tickets and reservation required and available on their website.
Stop 4: Hortus Botanicus
Explore the wonders of nature in Hortus Botanicus. This Botanical Garden has 10 different gardens and greenhouses, perfect for a relaxing stroll around after a bike ride.
Tickets required and available on their website.
Stop 5: Oude Kerk
Discover modern art in one of Amsterdam’s oldest buildings. This building houses a national museum, binding the church’s storied past with contemporary art.
Tickets and reservation required and available on their website.
Stop 6: art’otel Amsterdam
Finish your biking route at art’otel Amsterdam’s gallery before heading back to your room. Explore ever-changing exhibitions curated in partnership with NOCKNOCK, alongside an art’beat calendar full of cultural events and workshops. From vibrant contemporary pieces to intriguing portrait series, this public gallery celebrates diverse styles of modern art.
Amsterdam-Noord Route
12.2 km | 52 minutes
Just on the other side of the river, a whole new area of Amsterdam is waiting to be explored. This route takes you over the Noordzeekanaal by ferry and continues with a nice bike past various works of art.
Stop 1: Nieuwe Leerwarderweg 15
The first stop is a public gallery showcasing the work of up-and-coming street artists. Check out De Roze Tanker for upcoming events and exhibitions going on to make the visit extra special.
Stop 2: Noorderpark
Breathe in the fresh air at Noorderpark. This wonderful piece of green is the perfect place to walk around and relax for a moment.
Stop 3: NDSM-werf
An area with a rich history, NDSM-werf started out as a shipyard in 1894 and has now transformed into an artistic cultural hub. The terrain is filled with art, exhibition spaces, ateliers and various businesses, so everyone can explore something they like.
Stop 4: STRAAT Museum
Don’t forget to stop by STRAAT Museum, a haven for street art and graffiti. It’s found on the NDSM-werf, so it’s easy to add as an extra stop.
Tickets required and available on their website.
Stop 5: Buik Sloterbreek
Stop in Buik Sloterbreek for a nice little break before heading back down the canal. This small park makes the perfect lunch stop, or you can skip this to decrease the last stretch on the bike from 18 to 14 minutes.
Stop 6: Carstens Steakhouse
Finish the day right at Carstens Steakhouse. This Dutch restaurant in central Amsterdam blends local flavour and fresh ingredients, plus the Josper grill turns premium steaks and seafood into dishes you’ll remember.
Amsterdam Museum Route
8.2 km | 27 minutes
The route for all museum lovers. It might seem short, but this itinerary takes you to entertainment for the whole day. This is the perfect bike ride if you’re staying at Park Plaza Vondelpark as well. The hotel’s location makes it the perfect starting point for a fun cycling day.
Stop 1: Reflex Gallery
Stop at Reflex Gallery for a moment to explore various artworks by smaller artists. Keep an eye on their current and upcoming exhibitions for the latest.
Stop 2: Museumplein
One stop with many opportunities. Museumplein is the cultural centre of Amsterdam and has something for everyone. Visit Moco Museum for modern, digital and immersive art, Van Gogh Museum to learn everything about his life and art or Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam for even more modern art and design. Paying a visit to the Rijksmuseum is perfect if a whole day needs to be filled. Don’t forget to take a break in the Rijksmuseumtuinen either. These gardens are free to enter and a great place to relax.
All museums require a ticket and reservation, available on their website.
Stop 3: Vondelpark
Step away from man-made art and explore nature-made art in Vondelpark. Walk around, breathe in the fresh air and relax after a day full of museums.
Stop 4: TOZI
Indulge in a delicious dinner before heading back to art’otel. TOZI is an Italian restaurant in Amsterdam offering a relaxed and authentic Venetian cicchetti dining experience. Named after the Venetian slang for “a group of friends”, TOZI is perfect for an Italian dinner in Amsterdam.
Use our guide to plan your day and book a stay at art’otel Amsterdam.
