Amsterdam
Throughout the Netherlands, bicycles are a main form of transportation for commuting and just getting around town and country. I recently took these photos in Amsterdam.
To me, it seems that bikes give residents and sightseers a sense of freedom — the freedom to move around easily and quickly over the bridges and through the narrow streets. Next time, I’ll rent one, too.
And more bikes!
In a city with so many canals there are boats of all kinds, including the houseboats that are so prevalent as holiday rentals and homes.
I wish I’d had the time to visit the Houseboat Museum (an actual houseboat, not a building) to get a feel of what it’s like to live on one.
Then there are those boats used for basic transportation.
More to come about Amsterdam!
This is my contribution to this week’s Travel Photo Thursday originated by Nancie at Budget Travelers Sandbox. Be sure to check out other contributions on her website.
I really appreciated these pictures. I especially like the first one with the canal and the next one with the buildings! Really do like that architecture with all the brick. I have not been to Amsterdam yet but they do seem to like their bikes
Debbie Beardsley @ European Travelista recently posted..London’s River – The Thames
Thanks, Debbie. I love the buildings of Amsterdam, especially the old, narrow ones (17th century, I think).
Love the canal. I went to Amsterdam but don’t remember the canals. It was a short weekend trip from Paris where I spent a good part of the time at the small village setup (majordomo, maybe) went to Anne Frank house which was spooky for me with a German last name and obviously American. Amsterdam was not a friendly city to Americans – youth yelling out American – just might have been the weekend I travel there.
Eileen Ludwig recently posted..Where in the World am I? July 6
Sorry you didn’t have a better experience in Amsterdam. I also visited the Anne Frank house and found it very moving and intense.
Absolutely beautiful photos.
You’re right: bicycles do make getting around easier.
InsideJourneys recently posted..Travel Photo Thursday: Makalolo Plains
Thanks so much! I’d really like to rent a bike there next time.
Beautiful photos! I love how the Dutch actually enjoy the outdoors by biking (and walking) everywhere. It’s so unlike life in Los Angeles! When I was in Amsterdam a few years back I saw a woman on a bike get hit by a tram though
Michael Figueiredo recently posted..Looking Back: The “My 7 Links” Project
Thanks, Michael. That’s terrible about the woman getting hit by the tram. I guess accidents can happen anywhere. Hope she was OK.
Bikes and boats- so very Dutch. Your pictures capture the atmosphere beautifully.
inka recently posted..Traveling on a Turkish coach
Thanks, Inka! I loved the whole bicycle culture of the Netherlands — Amsterdam, Rotterdam, in the country ….
Cathy, I LOVE these photos and totally agree that biking lends a sense of freedom. I always try to bike around a city if we have the option. It’s a different pace and way of life and I absolutely love it.
Jade recently posted..Bird Attacks Raccoon
Thanks, Jade. I love the whole idea of getting around on bikes — too bad it’s not an easy option in many places.
I’ve enjoyed all my visits to picturesque Amsterdam, each time finding a nice aspect of it, particularly food. Last I visited, I liked the Pommes with mayo that was offered everywhere. Previous to that, I loved a small stand-up cantine serving good Dutch fish and chips.
Marlys recently posted..The Fourth Apple in Paris
Oh, I wish I had tried pommes with mayo – right up my alley! You’re so right that Amsterdam is picturesque — seemed like there were photo ops everywhere I looked.
Great pictures, they really evoke the place, there are so many bikes in Shanghai that I take picture of them every time I have the camera!
Angela recently posted..A trip, a photo – Su Gologone water spring, Sardinia
Thank, Angela! I wish I had gotten more photos of bikes in action, but my timing was usually off!
When I was in Amsterdam, I was quite sure I could just grab a bike from anywhere, and the owner wouldn’t miss it and simply grab one themselves. I never did though, but next time there I’m definitely renting a bike!
The World of Deej recently posted..The W Atlanta Hotel at Buckhead
Me too! Renting a bike is on my agenda for next trip, too!
There are many bike cities in the world, but Amsterdam is somehow different, I think – partly because the bicycles are usually quite old-fashioned, like those my grandmother used. Love its canals and houses with steep stairs that have remained unchanged for centuries. It’s easy to feel you’re in another era. You’ve captured it well.
Sophie’s World recently posted..Barentsburg highlights
Thanks, Sophie. I think that’s what I liked so much, too — the feeling that you’re in another era!
Got to love the bikes in Amsterdam!
Jeremy Branham recently posted..Airport guide for travelers – flights, apps, guides, technology, sleeping, and more
Absolutely!
Bike and Boat both are very important for us. I prefer bike always to move here and there.Anyway, I am surprised to see the description of Amsterdam’s Bikes and Boats.
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Amsterdam’s my favorite city, though I have only been there once. The charming buildings, bikes and canals make a beautiful backdrop! Awesome snapshots!
pinaytraveljunkie recently posted..North Burleigh, Gold Coast: The Search For Summer
Thanks very much! This was my first visit to Amsterdam — and it won’t be the last.
I love urban bike transportation! I used to ride my bike to work, to the grocery store, concerts, even to bars and restaurants when I lived in Columbus. Unfortunately, Columbus is not really a bike-friendly city yet (no bike lines and a-hole drivers that do not understand that I have the right to the lane).
Stephanie – The Travel Chica recently posted..At Least I’m Alive
It is really a shame that more cities aren’t bike friendly. But I do think things are moving in that direction in many places.
great shots cathy! i loved amsterdam too. for all the right reasons i swear. ha. can totally see the freedom sense you are talking about. just cruising around the city looks so casual. so much better than stressing out in traffic!
jamie – cloud people adventures recently posted..My (Our) 7 Links
Jamie, I would never have assumed that you liked Amsterdam for anything but the right reasons.
Glad you liked the photos — thanks very much!
I think I’ve been to all the places of your pics in this post
Fun and pretty place, isn’t it?
I love love love those houseboats in Amsterdam. I did a tour of the canals while I was there and it was one of the highlights. There are so many places in Europe that I want to revisit now that I’m older and take more photos. Great shots!
Christy @ Ordinary Traveler recently posted..Weekly Travel Shot – Steamy Solitude
Thanks, Christy! I would have taken a tour of the canals if I had the time. Next trip, it’ll be a must.
This is cool to see. Biking is now my favorite method of travel.
Scott – Quirky Travel Guy recently posted..Jamaican food, frisbee golf and ancient boulders in New Brunswick, New Jersey
I’ve always loved riding bikes for enjoyment and exercise. Would love to be able to use it more for basic transportation, too.
Shame Amsterdam doesn’t have a bicycle share scheme similar to Paris, London and Brussels. I use the Brussels Villo! bikes to get around Brussels. It is very liberating to pick up a bike at a station and leave it at another, as you no longer need to worry about it getting stolen once it has been logged back in a station.
John recently posted..Daily photo: Tryfan, Snowdonia, Wales
I have never heard of the Houseboat Museum before but it sounds really cool. I don’t know why but I absolutely loved the caption “and more bikes!”
Bob Crunch recently posted..Why a Master-planned Community?
A Houseboat Museum? I have it on my list for when I make it to Amsterdam. I love quirky museums like these. I also like bike friendly cities, it gives the city a much different vibe when biking is such a popular mode of transportation.
Laurel recently posted..Driving in Germany: Are You Ready?
The Houseboat Museum would be right up your alley. If you go, let us know what you think!
What a beautiful city! And I would love to go for a river cruise. I have written many times about it but never taken a river cruise.
Sailor recently posted..Touring the Galapagos Islands – A Dream Cruise
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