Amsterdam

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In the city’s southern regions, AmersterdamseBos offers canoes for hire, which can be used in the lakes of the park. On Sloterplas Lake, you can hire canoes, kayaks and sailboats from Watersport Centrum De Duikelaar while in the country’s southeast, Ottenhome offers sailing gear for hire on the Loosdrecht lakes from mid-March to mid-October.

Biking

Although the country’s flat terrain is ideal for biking, the city centre is a dangerous place for cyclists. However, there are more than enough choices for bike rides with scenic views beside the canals. For a satisfying ride, head south to Amstel Park following the River Amstel’s path and head towards the charming village of Ouderkerkaan de Amstel and eventually the AmsterdamseBos. If you’re up for a challenge, head 10km beyond the city limits to the former defence line where 135km of watercourse and nature reserve trails await with beautiful views to enjoy. You’ll find several types of bikes available including children’s bikes, six-speed touring bikes and tandem bikes.

Beaches

The country only has manmade beaches, but there are several of them and they are free. The beaches have a variety of facilities as well as daily programmes for entertainment. In the eastern suburbs, Blijburgaan Zee—at IJburgZuid—offers campfires and clubbing during the summer nights with a bohemian feel on the sandy strip that backs this beach.

Skating

When the winter is cold enough, visitors can join the locals on the glistening canals through the city while warming up with the various liquers on offer at a number of kiosks. Classical music plays around you. Skates can be rented at a couple of places near the canals.

Join the crowds in the free Friday Night Skate, which is held regularly when the weather allows. In the summer, skaters meet in Vondel Park outside the VondelCS Cultural Centre at 20:00 in summer and 20:15 in winter for a 20:30 start time. The circular route through the city is 12.5 miles so it’s a good idea to wear safety gear – particularly if you’re a novice. Blades are available for hire from De Vondeltuinon, which is located near the western gates that lead onto Amstelveenseweg in the southwest of the park.

Other Activities

Sonnenburgh Stables, NieuweKalfjeslaan and ManegeNieuwAmstelland all offer opportunities to explore the countryside on horseback. If you prefer to keep your feet on the ground, the Amstel River offers a cool breeze for joggers, but be careful of the loose and uneven cobblestone as well as stray dog poop. Vondel Park in the city centre and AmsterdamseBos on the city’s southern outskirts are the two most popular areas for jogging.