Western canal ring before breakfast
Start at the Westerkerk and follow the Prinsengracht north while the city is still asleep. Cross back over the Brouwersgracht and return along the Herengracht. Bakeries on the Haarlemmerdijk open at eight.
Amstel by bike to Ouderkerk
Leave from the Magere Brug and keep the river on your left. Windmills, rowing clubs, and a long straight stretch that is lovely with a tailwind and slow without one.
Quiet corners worth a detour
- The small courtyard gardens off the Begijnhof — go early.
- Reguliersgracht at the junction with the Herengracht: seven bridges in a row.
- The ferry to Noord behind Centraal, just for the five-minute crossing.