Biking in the Netherlands

People in the Netherlands ride their bikes everywhere...and why wouldn't they? There is an amazing infrastructure set up for bikes, it's environmentally friendly, and everything is so close by in this country! At times it seems as though there are more bikes than cars in the Netherlands, and it seems as though everyone owns at least one! You can see every type of person riding a bike through the streets: children, teens, adults, and even seniors! They carry their groceries, children, briefcases, laptops, and daily shopping on their bikes! You can find bikes customized with crazy garden gnomes, ones painted pink and gold, and others that look like every other black bike in the city.

During my time in the Netherlands, we took bikes out everywhere. At first I found it extremely challenging to navigate through the busy streets of Hilversum during rush-hour traffic (both bike and car traffic), but eventually we became pros.


While most people want to try bike-riding on their trip to Amsterdam, I would highly recommend against it. Biking is the main mode of transportation of the citizens of Amsterdam: they know how to ride with traffic, hoards of tourists, and other bikes. Perhaps practicing outside of the city center or along the canals near Centraal Station is your best bet if you are planning on renting bikes. Jumping right into the main center of Amsterdam could cause some serious bike accidents! There are bike companies which offer bike rentals for a marginal cost, and operate near Centraal Station. Mac Bikes is a common rental destination for tourists because it is located at the front of the train station. Their red bikes with large "Mac Bike" logos can be found throughout Amsterdam.



Here are some facts/tips on bike-riding throughout the 3rd most densely populated country in the world!

1. Always use the bike paths which are found everywhere in the Netherlands. A typical street will have the main roadway for cars, then bike paths on each side of the road, and sidewalks near that. Use the bike paths as though you were driving...never ride your bike on the opposite side of the road's bike path unless it is absolutely necessary!

2. People here don't wear helmets, unless they are training for the Tour de France.

3. Girls usually ride on the backs of their boyfriend's bikes with two legs over one side of the bike. Guys ride on the backs of their friend's bikes with a leg over each side of the back.

4. If you want people or other bikes to move aside, use your bike bell! Ringing a bell is not considered impolite or rude in the Netherlands, instead, it is a simple courtesy letting pedestrians know you are coming up behind them.

5. Use the traffic lights which are specifically designed for bikes. If these are not at an intersection, use the traffic lights designed for cars. If there are bike traffic lights, however, it is important to realize that they do not operate in tandem with car traffic lights. Bikes have their own specific set of rules here, especially at round-a-bouts. Oftentimes at round-a-bouts, bike lights will turn green at all intersections, giving the bikes permission to ride freely around the circle with out cars interfering.


6. If you want to stop randomly, make sure that there are no bikes behind you! If there are, gradually slow down and move your bike as close to the side of the bike path as necessary.

7. If you hear a bike bell ringing, it is a courtesy to move over to one side of the bike path to let the other bike pass.

8. Bikes always have the right-0f-way with cars. Even if you ride your bike at the wrong time and are hit by a car (who was technically in the right), the car will be considered "in the wrong."

9. There are plenty of bike accidents involving two bikes, a bike and a car, and a bike with people. Be careful at all times, as these accidents are extremely common. When there are two lanes of traffic, tons of wandering tourists, motor scooters (which seem to follow their own rules), and ten other bikes moving around you, it can be intimidating and confusing to know where to go.

10. The bike paths often look like part of the road or sidewalk. If you are a tourist, your best bet is to watch where the other bikes are riding and follow suit.

11. If you are turning left or right on your bike, put your respective hand out to the side to signal your turn. This is to let cars, people, and other bikes know where you are going.



12. It sounds simple, but beware of pedestrians!

13. Sometimes the cobblestone roads can be slick or sandy, so be careful when making sharp turns that your wheels don't slip out from under you!

14. You will likely be inclined to look up at all the beautiful canal houses and architecture around you while riding your bike...beware of canals if you do this! There are no guard-rails for the canals!

15.Don't worry if you need to ride slowly. As I experienced, the locals will often ring their bell, gesture with hand signals, or swear at you in Dutch. However, if you are riding off to one side of the bike path, and not swerving through the lanes, you will be just fine. It's better to ride at your own pace and risk being yelled at than ride too fast and risk injury/collision.


If you have any questions about bike-riding in the Netherlands, just post a comment to this article and I would be happy to answer!

You can find links to major bike-rental places in Amsterdam on my links section on the right-hand side of the page.

Amsterdam's Best Hotspot.....Elf!

Amsterdam's best restaurant/nightclub, Elf, is closing its doors at the end of the month. If you're visiting Amsterdam, a trip to Elf (which means 11 in Dutch) is essential. Elf is on the 11th floor of the Stedelijk Building, to the east of Centraal Station. It's only a short walk from NEMO, and offers 360 degree views of the city. In fact, it may just offer the best views of anywhere in the city! Elf has a prix fixe menu of EUR33, and serves up trendy cuisine in its sleek and minimalist space. While I haven't been to the nightclub, I have heard from many people that, not only is it the best bar in Amsterdam, but many believe that it is the best bar in all of Europe! The restaurant is open daily from 11am until 11pm, and after that the nightclub comes into full swing.


Don't be put off by the minimal entrance. If you didn't know Elf was there, you would walk right past it! (Isn't that how all good bars are though?) After walking down a somewhat empty/derelict alley, you'll enter the side doors to Elf. From there, you will be taken through a wide range of graffiti covered hallways before arriving at an elevator. Push the only button (11), and you'll reach the floor where Elf is located.

As soon as you step out of the elevator, make a left and head towards the sounds of music and chatter. Elf entertains with constant videos flashed on the walls, hip music, and of course, amazing views!


Entrance to Elf, on Oosterdokskade 3-5 in the Stedelijk Building. Definitely a must-see for anyone wanting unrivaled views of the city, great night life, and an overall amazing evening out!

Amsterdam Evening

Last night, Gabriel's cousin and his two friends (from NYC) met up with us in Amsterdam for a nice Argentinian dinner. The guys were backpacking through Europe, and decided to give us a call! Gabriel and I took the train into the city, and we all met up at the Dam Square. In front of the palace, there were three huge beach volleyball courts set up, with poffertjes tents and reggae music blaring! It was such a contrast to see the beautiful old architecture near fake palm trees and beach chairs! Gabriel and I sat watching them for a while, and enjoyed taking in the bustling city center.

We ate dinner at Gauchos, an Argentinian restaurant on the Damstraat. The service was poor, but the food was really good. We had to wait 15 minutes for a table, and they set us up at the bar with some drinks. The bar was literally squished into a corner of the restaurant, and we found it hard to avoid the dining patrons because the area was so cramped. Bad set-up. I had the "large tangy wild prawns" for dinner, and all the boys had the bife de lomo. For dessert, we ate dulce de leche crepes with vanilla ice cream! Yummy! It was nice hearing about their backpacking adventures, and telling them a little about the city! I can't believe how knowledgeable I am about the city already! It's so small that you really feel like you know the entire city after visiting it for a month! The guys had been to Madrid, Barcelona, Nice, and Paris, and said that Amsterdam was completely different. I would have to agree....it's much different in terms of architecture (definitely not a lot of Gothic cathedrals), and the canal houses are unique to Amsterdam! With canals at every turn, Amsterdam is a city of water! Other observations that they had were the fact that Amsterdam is much smaller than most cities, and a lot more liberal in terms of the atmosphere! Very relaxed city!

Ijshoorn = Ice Horn = Ice Cream Cone!

Completely random, but I thought it was funny.

Pampus: Laser Quest in an 18th Century Fort

Two days ago I accompanied Gabriel and the rest of his colleagues on a "team-building" adventure. We drove from Hilversum to the town of Muiden, where the famous Muiderslot can be found. Although we didn't go into the castle, Gabriel and I vowed to go back and visit the next time we're in the Netherlands!


We took a ferry to the island of Pampus, where we enjoyed an evening of free food and drink, overlooking the channel! There were beautiful old "pirate" ship boats, as well as sailboats surrounding the lake. We even saw some gorgeous yachts. From the island we could see Amsterdam, with it's almost non-existent skyline. Apparently the only Dutch city with an actual skyline is Rotterdam! After dinner, the company announced that we were going to play Laser Quest.... in an 18th century fort! The fort comprises the entire island, and was once occupied by Nazi forces in WWII. The group was split into 4 teams, and we were allowed to play 3 rounds, each of which lasted 15 minutes. Inside the fort it was dark, with tons of little passageways and creepy rooms. There was loud video-game sounding music throbbing throughout the fort, and birds flying everywhere...definitely a crazy setting for laser tag! When we were in the fort, it felt like we were actually doing battle, and was surprisingly the high-light of my time here in the Netherlands!


The laser tag equipment was really sophisticated; when you were hit by a laser, it flashed on the screen of your vest who hit you. Once you finished the round, all of the information was downloaded onto a computer, and the results of the battle were printed. You received 100 points for hitting someone on the opposite team and -25 points for hitting someone on your own team. If you got hit, you received -50 points. The first round, Gabriel and I were against each other. I ended up hitting him 6 times, while he only hit me twice! Muhaha! That round, Gabriel ranked 11th and I ranked 12th (out of 24 people).


In the second round, I honed my sniping skills and managed to rank 8th place overall. The final round, our team (B) was playing against team C for the championship. For the next 15 minutes I crawled in and out of passageways, hid in fireplaces, sniped people from tiny crevaces in the walls, and ran through the hallways! It was so much fun! When the results came in, I ranked 4th place!!! Gabriel was pretty impressed, and our team ended up winning! It was such a cool experience, and one that not many people get to have. The laser quest is not permanently set up on Pampus, instead, there are just tours that go through the fort. A regular ferry service runs between Muiden and the island, and the boat ride takes roughly 15 minutes.

Amsterdam Attractions: A Weekend Guide of What to Do!

Last summer my boyfriend and I visited Amsterdam for only 4 days. While it seemed like a short time when planning the trip, it turned out that we were able to see most of the city in that time span. After living here this month, I've realized that most people only stay in Amsterdam for a short amount of time before heading off to their next European destination. To find out what's worth doing and what's not, read on! I've listed the best attractions and the best neighbourhoods to visit.

Top Attractions:

1. Anne Frankhuis- When most people visit Amsterdam, they want to take in at least one museum. The Anne Frankhuis is unique to Amsterdam, and will satisfy anyone's need to experience a piece of WWII history in the Netherlands. The home is located on the Prisengracht canal next to the Westerkerk (church). It's about a 15 minute walk from Centraal Station. Due to the fact that this museum is such an important part of Amsterdam's history, it is often very busy. It's open until 9pm most evenings, and the best bet is to come around 7pm. Most tourists think that it closes at 5pm, so it's often not very busy in the evenings. The entire tour will take about 1.5 hours, and you may want to bring some Kleenex. Definitely one of the high-lights of our trip.


2. The Dam Square - This is Amsterdam's main plaza where many important monuments are found. The Royal Palace, the National Monument, and the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) are all located here, as well as a Madame Tussaud's wax museum. The National monument is for Dutch citizens who died during WWII, and is a popular hang-out for the locals of this city. The Royal Palace (Koninklijk Paleis) is the official home of the reigning royalty in the Netherlands, and when they are not occupying it, tours are available. It's best to check the website beforehand, as times and schedules are variable depending on when the royalty are living here!



3. Kalverstraat - Walking off of the Dam Square onto the Kalverstraat, you will experience one of Amsterdam's busiest shopping streets. You will find everything from clothing, souvenirs, shoes, and luxury goods on this street. Beware of pickpockets though (see: Warnings/Cautions entry), as this street is often very busy and full of unsuspecting tourists.



4. Bloemenmarkt - This is Amsterdam's floating flower market! The Netherlands is one of the world's main exporters of flowers, and a trip to the city deserves a stroll down this beautiful market. All of the stalls are floating on a canal, although they are permanently attached to the bottom. Here you can find bulbs of any kind of flower, little souvenir shops, cartography stores, and a Christmas shop! It only takes a few minutes to walk down this market street, but one look inside a busy tulip bulb shop will make you feel like you are truly in the Netherlands!



5. Begijnhof - This is a must-see! Begijnhof is a courtyard surrounded by Medieval homes, right in the heart of the city. It's located directly off of the Kalverstraat, but once inside the gates, you feel completely isolated. House number 34 is the city's oldest house, built in 1425. During the Medieval times, only single women lived in Begijnhof. Today, the tradition continues, with devout women living solitary lives within this courtyard. I've heard that Begijnhof may shut down soon because of the amount of tourists, etc. If you get a chance to visit, it truly is beautiful and worth seeing...it may not be available to see for long!



Top Neighbourhoods:

1. The Jordaan - The Jordaan is one of the most elegant neighbourhoods in Amsterdam, and a great place to see houseboats on the canals! If you are looking for a taste of what "real" Amsterdam is like, not "tourist" Amsterdam, then this is the place to visit. It has great boutiques and cafes, and all of the restaurants offer true Dutch cuisine in casual atmospheres. The Jordaan is located 5 min from Centraal Station.



2. The Red Light District - While I wouldn't really classify this as a "neighbourhood", it is a popular tourist destination in Amsterdam. In the Red Light District you'll find it to be quite seedy, and unsafe for tourists after dark. Avoid the alleyways leading off of it, as they are popular locations for muggings. Photo-taking is strictly prohibited in the Red Light District, and it is advisable to be extremely cautious of muggers and pick-pockets in this area.



3. The Jewish Quarter - The Jewish Quarter is a beautiful area near the center of Amsterdam, with loads of historical buildings and mementos of the long-standing Jewish community. Although the area has changed much since WWII, you can still find a lot of memorials, and most buildings feature the Star of David on their walls. In this area you can find the Waterlooplein Flea Market, which runs daily. As well, the Rembrandthuis, Joods Historisch Museum, and Wertheim Park are located here. Wertheim Park is a small park which features a memorial to those Dutch Jews killed in Auschwitz. The caption on the memorial "Nooit Meer Auschwitz" is translated to "Never Again Auschwitz".



4. The Pijp - Pronounced "the pipe", this area is a young, hip neighbourhood bustling with excellent nightlife. It's near Heinekenplein, and features the ever-popular Chocolate Bar. The lower housing prices attract younger professionals than the Jordaan, and gives the area a more youthful, fresh feeling.

Artis: Amsterdam's City Zoo

In 1838, the Artis Zoo was founded in Amsterdam. Since then, it has expanded to create a thriving oasis in the heart of the city. Where else in the world can you see zebras against a backdrop of 17th century canal houses?


A few weeks ago, I decided to take a day trip to the zoo. This truly is a city zoo, located right in downtown Amsterdam. Just a bit outside the "center", it is only a 20 min walk from Centraal Station. Passing through the golden eagle gates, which were built in 1854, a EUR17,70 ticket will pay your entrance into the zoo (reduced fees for the elderly and children). If you are used to typical North American zoos, then you are in for a real treat at Artis! Although quite large, there is the illusion of a small neighbourhood as you walk through the meandering cobblestone pathways. Many buildings still remain from the opening of the zoo, showcasing glorious 19th century architecture. One of my favourite buildings is the Neo-Classical aquarium, built in 1882 and recently renovated, which showcases a variety of colourful fish, an exhibition honoring Linneaus, and a plethora of classified crustaceans. The entire zoo will take you about 5 hours to complete, and is definitely worth the trip if you have children! While the zoo may not be on your top list of things to do in Amsterdam, it is worthwhile if you want to see a different side of the city!


My List of Must-Sees at the Artis Zoo:

1. The Apenhuis - Located to the left of the entrance, the Apenhuis remains one of the oldest standing buildings at the zoo. Here you will find spider monkeys, mandrills, squirrel monkeys, and orang-utans. Chimpanzees, gorillas, gibbons, and baboons are located in separate enclosures throughout the zoo.

2. Canal Exhibit - Did you ever wonder what is lurking in Amsterdam's canals? This exhibit in the Aquarium, located at the rear of the zoo, depicts what lives beneath! While it may not be the most beautiful exhibit, it is definitely interesting and unique to the city.

3. Sea Lions - Near the Aquarium you will find the sea lions. Shows and feeding times are available to watch, but these animals are entertaining at any time!

4. Butterfly conservatory - Behind the sea lions you will find the butterfly conservatory. While it may be hot and humid inside, you will be able to walk through paths while butterflies flit from your shoulder to gorgeous exotic flowers!

5.Chimpanzee playground - In the center of the zoo, the chimpanzees are the main focus! A children's playground faces the chimpanzee's playground, and both parties visibly entertain one another!

6. De Twee Cheetahs - This is the zoo's restaurant, located near the African Savannah. As well as housing an enormous play area for children, the restaurant features a wide variety of treats and sandwiches.

Hilversum Market

The general market in Hilverusm is located at Langgewenst, which is in the town center. It occurs every Wednesday and Saturday between 9am and 4pm. It's a great place to pick up some fresh gouda cheese, fish, or even some stroopwaffels!

Warnings/Cautions for Visiting Amsterdam

As with any city, there are certain things to look out for to ensure that you have a safe holiday. In Amsterdam, the concerns are somewhat different than in other cities...

1. Always be aware of bikes. While there are bike paths throughout most of the city, bikes ride fast and frequently, and one misstep could land you in their paths. To avoid this, always look at both the streets and the bike paths when crossing through areas. Sounds simple, but you would be surprised how many times people get hit by these bikes.

2. Pickpockets are notorious in Europe, and Amsterdam is no different. Be careful in crowded areas such as the Kalverstraat, and always keep your money/travel documents in a safe place.

3. Avoid areas immediately surrounding the Red Light District. While the Red Light District is safe during the day, try to avoid it at night. Perhaps the seediest street in the city is the Warmoesstraat, which often has creepy men trying to sell you drugs, and mugging is common. It's only a street over from the Dam Rak, but make a wrong turn, and your wallet could regret it!

4. While marijuana is tolerated, it is still illegal in this country. Smoking marijuana on the street is not only rude, but it is illegal and you could be fined.

5. Canals are everywhere, and there are no guard-rails or blockades. The roads are narrow, and with cars, scooters, bikes, and pedestrians, it can be a little crowded sometimes. Mind your feet and watch-out for the canals, one wrong step and you could be taking a swim!

6. Citizens of Amsterdam rarely pick up their dog poop, so be careful where you step! Dog poop is literally everywhere in the city!

Molen de Adriaan - Haarlem's Windmill with a Story

A trip into Haarlem would not be complete without visiting the Molen de Adriaan, Haarlem's windmill with a story. Haarlem is a city just 15 minutes by train from Amsterdam Centraal. It became a city in 1245, and retains much of its historical charm. The Grote Markt has changed little since the 17th century, when Haarlem experienced its "Golden Age". A short walk from this bustling main square is the Molen de Adriaan. Built in 1778, this windmill thrived throughout the years making everything from trass, to tobacco, to corn. In 1932 the windmill burnt down in a devastating accident that shook the town. At this time, the world was undergoing a depression, and there were no funds available to rebuild this thriving mill. After the depression, the people of Haarlem found no reason to rebuild the Molen de Adriaan because all of its products could be made using new technology. It wasn't until the 1970's that people began to feel nostalgic about the windmill, which sits on the Spaarne River, and raised funds for it's re-creation. Years later, with over one million euro raised, planning and construction began. The Molen de Adriaan had been well photographed during its glory years, so the mill-makers knew exactly what to build. As well, the foundations from the original structure were still intact.

After 3 years of construction, the Molen de Adriaan opened again in 2002 exactly 70 years after the fire. Today, you can take a guided tour through the windmill to learn about its past, as well as the Spaarne River and surrounding area.

Last weekend Gabriel and I took a trip to Alkmaar to visit friends, and then spent the next day in Haarlem. We followed street signs from the Grote Markt square to reach the Molen de Adriaan, and were surprised to see that we could go inside the windmill! The tour was only EUR3 each, and included a movie, guided tour, and refreshments for a small donation. The windmill is run by volunteers who are passionate about the windmill and Haarlem's history. We found this short tour extremely informative and fulfilling, and especially loved taking in the views of the city from atop the balcony. Inside the windmill we saw scale models of windmills and learned how they operate. We also learned what the position of the sails mean. Depending on the angle of the sails, it can either mean that someone is being born, someone has died, everything is going smoothly in the mill, or the miller needs some more work to do!

We learned that windmills originated in the middle east around 1000AD, and were brought over to Europe via Turkey. Today, windmills are one of the most-associated symbols of the Netherlands, and a part of this country's history. Although there are now modern windmills in use, older traditional mills are still found throughout the entire country and are a beautiful sight to see. If you are heading into Haarlem, a trip to the Molen de Adriaan, with it's beautiful views, friendly volunteers, and informative video, are sure to please just about any crowd!

Zandvoort - my journey to the North Sea

Yesterday I enjoyed the nice sunny weather with a visit to Zandvoort. The weather in the Netherlands is fickle, and when you get a nice hot day, you should take advantage of it! The train ticket to Zandvoort cost me EUR17,70 and I had to transfer in Amsterdam's Centraal Station. After a quick jaunt into Amsterdam (20 min from Hilversum Centraal), I boarded the train to Zandvoort. The train passed through Haarlem, and continued on to the coastal town. The entire journey took me roughly 45 minutes. From the Zandvoort train station (which consists of only one platform, with only one train that goes only to Amsterdam!), I followed the scent of the sea and the sound of the seagulls to reach the beach. A tall boardwalk overlooks the beach, which is dotted with lounge-chairs from various restaurants. The chairs are available at a minimal cost, but I prefer to sit close to the water.


I walked along the boardwalk, snapping pictures, and then made my way down to the beach. The sand was soft and warm, and although a thick haze was covering the sea, it was a beautiful sight. I had arrived in the late morning on Monday, so the beach wasn't crowded at all. The water was cool, but not unbearable. There were a few people swimming in it, but the water looked kind of murky and at some areas there was foam. I had a great time walking along the edge of the water, letting the waves lap against my feet. Hundreds of tiny shells dotted the beach, and were available for me to collect!

I found a nice spot on the sand, spread my scarf out, and ate my gouda and mustard sandwich I had prepared at home. It was so peaceful watching the seagulls, the people, and the waves. There is nothing as relaxing as listening to the sound of the sea hit the beach. After a while of journal writing, I became hungry and decided to buy a snack at one of the fish trucks (Vis Fris). For only EUR5, I was able to buy a huge plate of battered scampi, pickles, and sauce. Just as I was about to sit down on the beach, some scampies flew off of my plate.....bad move! I was instantly swarmed, literally, by 20 sea-gulls. They swooped right down near me and plucked the scampies from the beach. They were millimeters from hitting me, and I embarrassingly screamed quite loudly! I took off up the beach, with a trail of 20 seagulls squaking after me. I couldn't shake them! Every turn I would take, they would take. They didn't go as far as plucking food from my plate, but they were eagerly waiting for something to fall. I had to walk all the way down the beach, up the stairs, and onto the boardwalk before I could be left alone by these "rats with wings".


After lunch I decided to go into the town of Zandvoort. Compared to most places I've visited in the Netherlands, the town itself wasn't very picturesque. It was modern, faded, and generally what you expect a beach-town to look like. I couldn't seem to find the main town center, and asked for directions at a Best Western hotel. They pointed me in the right direction, but it seemed to turn very sketchy very quickly. Coffeeshops and pawn shops, ragged and run-down, with creepy men lurking in front of them, caused me to promptly turn around and head back to the beach. Besides, I wasn't ready to leave the beach in the first place, but I had been run out of it by a flock of ravenous birds!

Back on the beach I noticed that it had filled up quite a bit, and the tide had come in. I found a new spot, and napped for an hour. When I awoke, the back of my legs were bright red, and half of my face and arm were burnt as well. I sat a while longer, looking at the people, and taking in the atmosphere of this relaxing scene.

It would've been nicer if Gabriel was there to join me! I can definitely see why this is a popular tourist destination for people in Amsterdam, Germany, and the rest of the Netherlands. The train ride home was uneventful, and I arrived back in Hilversum just after 5:30pm. I had curly beach hair, sand between my toes, and sunburnt legs....just the way a beach bum should be! Great day!