Buying a bike in Amsterdam is a rite of passage. With more bicycles than people, finding the right two-wheeled companion requires local know-how.

You have several distinct options depending on your budget and mechanical confidence. 1. Local Bike Shops (Fietsenwinkels)

: Translating to "grandma bike," this is the king of Dutch streets. It offers an upright sitting position, a heavy steel frame, and a step-through design.

: Many traditional Dutch bikes utilize a terugtraprem (coaster/back-pedal brake). It takes a few days to get used to pedaling backward to stop, but it requires almost zero maintenance. If you prefer hand brakes, make sure both front and back work perfectly before buying.