Those Amsterdames

Throwback to a boat trip through Leiden in 1922.

A lot can change in 100 years. Watching this footage, there are moments where you can recognise Leiden, but plenty of it feels like looking at a completely different city.

The boats, the streets, the people and the way the canals were used. It’s a fascinating glimpse of everyday life in the Netherlands a century ago.

If you're visiting Amsterdam and fancy seeing more of the Netherlands, there’s plenty waiting beyond the city.

Book a countryside e-bike tour with Those Amsterdames and come explore another side of the Netherlands with us.

Footage: Polygoon-Profilti (producer) / Netherlands Institute for Sound and Vision (curator)

Ever cycled past a hotel that looks like this?

This is the Inntel Hotel in Zaandam, and yes, it really does look like someone stacked a whole load of Dutch houses on top of each other.

It’s one of those wonderfully weird bits of architecture that’s well worth the cycle out from Amsterdam. You can get there by bike, have a wander around Zaandam and stop for a look at this very Dutch bit of madness.

Because sometimes the best things to see around Amsterdam aren’t the famous attractions. They’re the things you stumble across along the way.

Want to explore beyond Amsterdam by bike? Book a countryside e-bike tour with Those Amsterdames.

We know it rains. But have you seen the heatwave we’ve been having?

The Netherlands has had some seriously hot summer days, with sunshine, blue skies and temperatures that had plenty of us wondering why we don’t have air conditioning.

Dutch weather can be unpredictable, but it’s definitely not always cold and rainy. One minute you’re checking the forecast for rain, the next you’re trying to find some shade.

So yes, pack a rain jacket for Amsterdam. But maybe pack the sunglasses too.

Visiting Amsterdam? Book a countryside e-bike tour with Those Amsterdames and see what the Netherlands looks like beyond the city.

Ever wondered what happens if you cycle just 20 minutes out of Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is brilliant, but there’s a whole other side of the Netherlands waiting just beyond the city.

Want to see it for yourself? Book a countryside e-bike tour with Those Amsterdames and escape Amsterdam for a few hours.

When you think of the Netherlands, you probably picture bicycles rather than motorbikes. But a century ago, motorbike racing was already drawing a crowd.

This fascinating footage from 1922 gives us a glimpse of a very different Dutch sporting event, with spectators turning out to watch the races.

The Netherlands has changed a lot since then, but the Dutch enthusiasm for two wheels clearly goes back a long way.

Visiting Amsterdam and want to experience the Netherlands on two wheels yourself? Book a countryside e-bike tour with Those Amsterdames and escape the city for a few hours.

Footage credit: Polygoon-Profilti (producer) / Netherlands Institute for Sound and Vision (curator).

Part 7 of our series answering the most commonly asked questions about visiting Amsterdam: How do you get from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam?

One of the first things visitors need to figure out after landing is how to actually get into the city.

For most people, the train is the easiest option. Schiphol Airport station is directly underneath the airport, with regular trains running to Amsterdam Central. You can buy a ticket from the machines or tap in and out using your contactless bank card or phone.

The Airport Express bus is another option, especially if you’re staying near Museumplein or Leidseplein. Taxis are available outside the terminal if you have lots of luggage or simply want to go straight to your accommodation.

And once you’ve got yourself settled in Amsterdam, remember there’s plenty more of the Netherlands waiting just beyond the city.

Book a countryside e-bike tour with Those Amsterdames and swap the busy streets for Dutch fields, waterways and fresh air.