Amsterdam

Welcome to 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.


Featured Activities

Enjoy the village of Marken

The little village of Marken is known for being one of the prettiest spots in the Netherlands, particularly thanks to its strategic location on the Ijsselmeer Lake.

Stroll around the Stroll around the Garden of Europe
Stroll around the Stroll around the Garden of Europe

Keukenhof, also known as the Garden of Europe, is a riot of color with blooms of every hue as far as the eye can see.

Explore the Canals of Amsterdam
Explore the Canals of Amsterdam

Similar to many other cities that sit over water such as Venice, Amsterdam has a vibrant canal system.

Have a beer at the Heineken Experience
Have a beer at the Heineken Experience

The Heineken Experience in Amsterdam is the place to come if you want to learn all about how this famous beer evolved.

Visit the Anne Frank Museum
Visit the Anne Frank Museum

The Anne Frank Museum is one of the most famous attractions in Amsterdam and makes for an extremely moving visit.

Visit Zaanse Schans
Visit Zaanse Schans

Those who wish they could travel back in time and visit the Netherlands of the 17th and 18th centuries have come to the right place.

Explore Hoge Veluwe National Park
Explore Hoge Veluwe National Park

The Netherlands is often thought of as a small country primarily made up of small towns and cities but actually, it has some wonderful national parks.