Citywide

If you want to do as the locals do, rent a bicycle—it’s the easiest way to get around the city (and also the cheapest). Touristy bike rentals are on basically every corner, but the Humble Vintage will deck you out in cool, vintage-inspired single-speeds that won’t lose a chain on you at every corner. Ten-speeds are available.

Walking is great and all, but the undisputed best way to get around Amsterdam is by bike. What Yellow Backie does is allow visitors to essentially hitch a ride on the back of a local’s bike. While it’s clearly aimed at the adventurous types, hailing a Backie is a lot like hailing a cab: spot a yellow bike rack (volunteers are given them for free), yell out “Backie,” and hop on. For the traditionalists, Yellow Bike, which initiated this hitchhiking experiment, facilitates daily bike rentals and group bike tours, too.

Big group boat tours are easily accessible in Amsterdam, but lest you want your view of the city’s greatest sights obstructed by the heads of 80+ fellow tourists, a private or semi-private tour might be a worthy splurge. This is where Captain Heijn and his fleet of electric boats come in. His boats are all immaculate and emission-free (i.e. quiet and no fumes), can accommodate couples and small groups, and the cruises are 100% customizable. You’re welcome to bring drinks on board and the captain will gladly arrange dinner from a local restaurant should you wish to make it a culinary cruise.