Amsterdam Light Festival Bike Tour 2026/2027

Want to see the Amsterdam Light Festival 2026/2027 the Dutch way? On this guided bike tour you cycle along the canals past illuminated artworks and famous city sights, with a local guide who tells the stories behind them. The ride takes 1.5 hours, starts near Central Station and costs from €21.90 per person, with the bike, hot chocolate or tea and a stroopwafel included.

Light Festival bike tour at a glance

Price	From €21.90 per person
Duration	1.5 hours
Start time	Late afternoon and evening, see the calendar for available times
Meeting point	Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 101, near Amsterdam Central Station
End point	Back at the meeting point
Group size	Small groups, max. 15 people
Guide	Live guide in English
Included	Bike, guide, hot chocolate or tea, stroopwafel
Season	26 November 2026 – 17 January 2027
Cancellation	Free up to 24 hours before the tour

Why see the Light Festival by bike?

A bike is how Amsterdammers move around, and it is the easiest way to see a lot of the festival in one evening. You cover more ground than on foot, you can stop right in front of an artwork for photos, and you ride through streets and alleys that canal boats never reach.

Your guide knows the route and the city, so you do not have to look at a map. Along the way you hear about the artworks of the 15th edition and about the history of the canal belt. At about €22 per person, the tour costs the same as a standard canal cruise.

Route and highlights

The tour follows the canals of the historic centre and combines light art with Amsterdam’s best-known sights:

• Light artworks of Amsterdam Light Festival 2026/2027 along the canals
• The Anne Frank House (from the outside)
• The Jordaan with its narrow streets and canals
• Dam Square and the Royal Palace
• The Skinny Bridge (Magere Brug), lit up after dark
• Hidden alleys and courtyards in the canal belt

The exact route can vary with the festival route and the guide.

What’s included

• A 1.5-hour guided bike tour with a local guide
• Use of a comfortable 3-speed city bike with lights
• Hot chocolate or tea
• A stroopwafel tasting
• Photo stops along the way

Not included: tips for the guide.

Meeting point near Central Station

The tour starts and ends at the shop of Flagship Bike Tours, Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 101, a short walk from Amsterdam Central Station and Dam Square. Arrive about 15 minutes before the start and show the ticket on your phone at the front desk. You receive your bike there.

Bike, boat or on foot?

The bike tour suits people who want to be active and see a lot in a short time. Prefer to sit down and stay warm? A shared canal cruise starts at about €22 per person, and with a group of 6 to 10 people a private Light Festival boat is a good alternative. You can also walk the route yourself for free. Compare all options on our Amsterdam Light Festival 2026/2027 page or see all Winter Festival tickets.

Good to know before you go

• Dress warmly: gloves, a hat and a windproof jacket make a big difference on the bike.
• You should be comfortable riding a bike in the city. Amsterdam is flat and the guide keeps a relaxed pace.
• According to the operator, a free rain poncho is available if it rains.
• Tickets are mobile; you do not need to print anything.
• On New Year’s Eve (31 December) the light artworks are on until 9 pm only.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Light Festival bike tour?

The tour takes about 1.5 hours.

How much does the bike tour cost?

Tickets start at €21.90 per person. The bike, a hot drink and a stroopwafel are included.

Where does the bike tour start?

At Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 101, near Amsterdam Central Station. The tour also ends there.

Can I cancel my ticket?

Yes. You can cancel for free with a full refund, or change your date, up to 24 hours before the tour.

In which language is the tour?

The tour is guided in English.

Is a bike tour better than a canal cruise?

It depends on what you like. By bike you see more and you are more active; on a boat you sit warm and see the artworks from the water. See all options on our Light Festival page.