SELECT Magazine Summer 2020 | Page 34

CYCLING THROUGH AMSTERDAM From a cycling perspective, Amsterdam is a flat city, at slightly below sea level, so uphill exhaustion won’t be an issue. Thus, you’ll have more of a chance to appreciate the historic architecture, art museums, local parks, 62 miles of canals and more than 7,000 monuments. For those who’ve enjoyed biking through Central Park in New York City, you may want to check out Vondelpark. Rent a bike and experience a day of lakes, beautiful lawns and shaded paths. During the summer, folks bring their portable grills, so consider bringing a picnic lunch and blanket, and soak up some sun afterward. Amstel River is the largest body of water in Amsterdam, with historic buildings and streets lining its banks that are worth cycling. From central Amsterdam, the river flows southward toward Ouderkerk ann de Amstel, a village of rustic charm. The Amstel also flows passed the Jewish Quarter, Heritage Museum and the Magere Brug, a quaint white drawbridge that reminds one of a Lego design. This route, about three miles, turns into Amstelpark, which features flowered gardens and a petting zoo — a beautiful way to end your cycling day. Vondelpark in Amsterdam 34 | SELECT · 2020