Canal Sightseeing on Bike Taxi (Pedicab): Discover Amsterdam’s Hidden Bridges & Landmarks

INTRODUCTION

Amsterdam has many lovely canals, old bridges, and many hidden places. However, one of the great secrets about exploring Amsterdam is that the best way to explore it all is by bike taxi (pedicab)! 🛺
A bike taxi ride allows you to glide down quiet streets, and stop whenever you want, to visit sites that most visitors to Amsterdam miss. Envision stopping to take photos in a hidden courtyard, pausing for a few moments on a quiet canal, or hearing warming local stories, from a friendly citizen driver, without worrying about directions, getting lost, or the embarrassment of not knowing something that would give you local context. Bike taxis allow you all this comfort and sustainability, while you combine adventure, photography and local experience.

🚲 Why Bike Taxi is the Best Way to Explore

Bike taxis (pedicabs) are environmentally friendly, comfortable, and personal. It is entirely in your control. Unlike a boat that sits within the city canals, and limits where you can stop, your bike taxi can stop almost anywhere, and of course, take as many pictures as you want while hearing about the local stories your driver has to share about his/her hidden history in neighbourhoods you have yet to discover, and look to explore in the future.

For me personally, I feel that bike taxis (pedicabs) provide the perfect combination of sightseeing, local knowledge and experience, and adventure. Whether rising early, watching the sunsets or wandering through hidden streets, bike taxis (pedicabs) make Amsterdam fun, flexible, and unforgettable.

🌉 Hidden Bridges & Canals

Blauwbrug & Nearby Canal

Blauwbrug is a beautiful historic bridge with dignified stone lions and a pair of history-style lamp posts. Riding a bike taxi (pedicab) along the canals here allow you to stop, view and appreciate beautiful architecture, and enjoy peaceful calm reflections on the canals that might make for perfect photos, or be that time for reflection. Early morning rides can make you feel very special, particularly with early morning soft sun reflecting and illuminating, and quiet colour-bouncing mood everywhere around you. Your pedicabber may share stories about the bridge’s history and it’s importance to Amsterdam.
🔹 FEATURED HIGHLIGHTS: Stone lions, lamp posts, beautiful reflections on the water
🔹 BEST TIME: Early morning 🌅

Python Bridge & Canal stretch

The unique, wooden, twisting red structure that is the Python Bridge reinforces Amsterdam’s modern design in contrast to the charm of the historic canals. take fun photos or landscape scenes of your experience on both sides of the canal. The reflections on the water will make for a postcard ideal scene. Ask your driver about the innovative design of the bridge, and possibly its history along the canals of Amsterdam.
🔹 FEATURED HIGHLIGHTS: Twisting red structure, unique angles, reflections on the canal
🔹 BEST TIME: Late afternoon

Torensluis Bridge & Canal

Torensluis bridge is one of Amsterdam’s oldest bridges lined with historic canal houses. the bridge with panoramic views of the houses along the canal while you watch house cops pass by or simply enjoy the architecture of the houses up close. The wide stone bridge has a flat surface allowing you to take good photos and constituting a short walk to discover hidden streets around Torensluis bridge.
🔹 FEATURED HIGHLIGHTS: Wide stone structure, panoramic views, historic canal houses
🔹 BEST TIME: Midday ☀️

Magere Brug & Amstel Canal

The well known ‘skinny bridge’ wooden drawbridge is one of the most romantic spots to take photos. As you get to the drawbridge in a pedicab, tell the driver to stop on Sangsterbuurt and enjoy the bridge as it glows from the setting sun, with ideal reflections on the water! Featured Stops: A wooden drawbridge, twinkling evening lights, and picturesque romantic canal views.
🔹 FEATURED HIGHLIGHTS: Wooden drawbridge, twinkling evening lights, picturesque romantic canal views
🔹 BEST TIME: Sunset 🌇

🏰 Secret Landmarks & Canal Corners

Begijnhof Courtyard & Hidden Canal

Begijnhof is a little hidden gem. The Begjin hof is a 14th-century courtyard hidden behind the canal houses. A pedicab allows you to quietly travel through the hidden courtyard to cobblestone paths, peaceful views of the canal, and more, while your driver points out all the little details most tourists will miss – it feels like a secret that is shared among friends or locals.
🔹 FEATURED HIGHLIGHTS: Cobblestone paths, historic buildings, hidden gardens
🔹 BEST TIME: Morning or late afternoon

Crooked Canal Houses & Side Canal

Amsterdam’s crooked canal houses are quirky and fun. A pedicab can easily stop for you to look closer at the tilted 2nd and 3rd floor facades, gabled roofs, and reflections in the short side canals nearby. Every angle feels like a postcard.
🔹 FEATURED HIGHLIGHTS: Tilted façades, gabled roofs, canals
🔹 BEST TIME: Daytime

Hidden Street Art & Narrow Canal Alleys

The colorful murals are hidden as you meander down the narrow alleys, You will be treated to the story behind the hidden outdoors art, along with all the history between the now and modern in these narrow canals.
🔹 FEATURED HIGHLIGHTS: Bright & colourful murals, narrow canals, hidden creativity
🔹 BEST TIME: Daylight

The Jordaan District & Canals

The Jordaan is a quaint little neighborhood with charming experiences; narrow streets, boutique shops, and litte neighborhood cafés. Take a pedicab and stop to explore some hidden courtyards, find a coffee shop with a patio to soak in the ambiance of the local community.
🔹 FEATURED HIGHLIGHTS: Hidden courtyards, boutique shops, calm streets
🔹 BEST TIME: Late morning or early afternoon

Canal-side Cafés & the Small Canals

The tiniest cafés that line the canal offer a perfect place to take a coffee break or people-watch. It is easy to jump back into .whenever the mood hits to enjoy the local life of little cafés and small canals.
🔹 FEATURED HIGHLIGHTS: Cozy interiors, views of the canals, relaxed vibes
🔹 BEST TIME: Kind of any time

Amstel River & Canal Views

The Amstel River and canals that run connected, tend to be some of the most scenic places in Amsterdam. you can pop off the back multiple times to take a short sunset trip and grab photos while you watch houseboats and reflections in the shallow canal — THE fabulous finale to your ride.
🔹 FEATURED HIGHLIGHTS: Reflections of the river, house boats, sunset views
🔹 BEST TIME: Absolute sunset 🌇

💡 Tips for a Memorable Pedicab Tour

🔹 Go early or late to avoid crowds and catch that prettiest light
🔹 Bring a camera — because every bridge, canal, and alley is photo-worthy! 📸
🔹 Ask your driver where the hidden gems were and best stories to explain their importance to locals
🔹 Customize your ride — it was YOUR private pedicab ride; unlike a boat, you can stop anytime
🔹 Wear comfy clothing because you will likely be hopping off to explore some place and/or grab that perfect photo

✨ Conclusion

A bike taxi (pedicab) tour is more than just a simple sightseeing tour; it an immersive, flexible, and personal experience. Let your pedicab ride find you some little hidden bridges, secret courtyards, charming little neighborhoods along the peaceful back canals, at your pace.

To be honest, Begijnhof was my favourite peaceful empty courtyard, Python Bridge was cool to see for the modern architecture, and Jordaan gave me more authentic local vibes.

If you wish to experience Amsterdam like a local, take amazing photos, discover the hidden local treasures in Amsterdam; a bike taxi (pedicab) is EASILY the best way to do it!!! 🚲💛