Outdoor Activities in Amsterdam

By Robert Heaney
Published: July 18, 2024
Windmill and hot hair balloons over a field of tulips

If you’re lucky enough to find yourself in Amsterdam on a particularly clear day, you’ll want to make the very most of the situation. As a city known for its gorgeous waterside architecture and iconic canals, no trip would be complete without giving yourself the chance to really explore its unique streets and squares.

What’s more, there’s a plethora of outdoor activities in Amsterdam to help you make the most of a pleasant day. Whether you’re keen to explore some quaint Dutch markets or take a tour upon the city’s famous canals, there’s plenty to do for all types of visitors.

Cycle Across the City

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Home to more bicycles than people, Amsterdam is a city literally built for cycling. With over 470 miles of cycle lanes making up the Amsterdam Bicycle Network, cycling can often be the easiest means of getting around. What’s more, it doesn’t get much more authentically Dutch than exploring the capital on your own pair of wheels.

If you’d like to make your visit a more active one, then you can pick up a bike at one of the many rental shops spread throughout the city. You can expect to pay somewhere in the region of €10/day at most shops, while some may also offer weekly or hourly packages. Once you’re up and running, why not choose one of the city’s many stunning routes to follow for the day?

Cruise Along the Canals

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Second only to the prevalence of bikes, Amsterdam’s canals are one of the most central symbols of the Dutch capital. Having been built originally for water management, defense and trade purposes, this labyrinth of canals makes up 25% of the city’s total surface area.

While they’re certainly pretty to look at and make for a fantastic (if somewhat overdone) photo op, Amsterdam’s waterways are best experienced on the water itself. Naturally, the city is home to a huge boating industry, with countless companies offering all manner of excursions through the canals.

If you’re looking for a unique way to explore the city, then a hop-on, hop-off boat could be the ideal transportation for you. But where the city’s boating industry arguably shines brightest is in its canal tours, offering visitors an overview of many of Amsterdam’s top attractions, complete with audio commentary to provide unique insights into their cultural and historical significance.

Discover the ARTIS Royal Zoo

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One of the oldest zoos in Europe, the Natura Artis Magistra was established in the mid-1800s and has since continued to offer an enchanting escape from the busy streets of Amsterdam for families and nature lovers alike. Commonly known simply as ARTIS, the location comprises both a botanical garden and zoological garden.

Home to over 200 unique species of trees – many on the brink of extinction – alongside over 900 animals from all manner of habitats around the world, the zoo serves to educate visitors as to the vital role that every living creature plays in nature. The site is also home to an aquarium, a planetarium and an impressive art and sculpture collection.

Spare a Moment in Nature

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For a brief escape from the bustling streets of the Dutch capital, Amsterdam is home to a wide selection of beautifully serene green spaces. Most popular among these is the Vondelpark, whose 120-acre footprint houses ancient trees, scenic lakes, charming gardens and a variety of delightful bars and cafés.

Westerpark is another popular choice as, connecting to the Westergasfabriek complex, it serves as a home to some of the city’s most hip bars and restaurants, along with an arthouse cinema. Visitors can hire a boat to cruise along the Haarlemmerweg canal into the city, or attend some of the great food and music festivals hosted in the park throughout the year.

If you happen to visit Amsterdam during the spring, then you should definitely consider a trip to the nearby town of Lisse. Only an hour’s train ride from Amsterdam, Lisse is home to Keukenhof Park, sometimes known as the Garden of Europe, where you’ll find the Netherlands’ best display of tulips and other flowers punctuated by the ever so iconic Dutch windmills.

Grab Yourself a Bargain

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Those with a penchant for finding a bargain can rejoice at the fact that Amsterdam is home to over 20 regularly occurring markets. Whether you’re looking for fresh produce, antiques or simple bric-a-brac, chances are one of these markets should scratch that shopping itch.

For all things food, the Albert Cuyp Market takes place every weekday, as does the Marqt Farmer’s Market (excluding Fridays), while the Nieuwmarkt and Noordermarkt Farmers’ Markets take over on Saturdays with their selection of organic goods. Also popular is the Flower Market, which runs Monday to Saturday and offers a wide selection of rare flowers, seeds, bulbs and gardening equipment.

Held each Wednesday and Saturday, the Postzegelmarkt is one for the history buffs, stocking all manner of old coins, medals, stamps and postcards. The Waterlooplein Flea Market is the best stop for antiques and second-hand clothes, open Monday to Saturday and very much open to bartering. For a unique gift, be sure to visit the Boekenmarkt op het Spui, stocking various books, maps, cards and engravings.

Explore Another City

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If you find yourself with a spare day or two and want to see a little more than just Amsterdam, then there are plenty of nearby cities to explore. With most destinations throughout the Netherlands easily reachable within a couple hours by train, it’s perfectly doable to slot some excursions into your itinerary.

The fourth-largest city in the Netherlands, Utrecht is often considered Europe’s most beautiful canal city – even overtaking Amsterdam! Known for mixing big city amenities with a provincial atmosphere, the city is home to both medieval architecture and one of the Netherlands’ largest shopping malls, Hoog Catherijne. Utrecht also serves as the embodiment of European café culture, with a vast selection of quirky bars and terraces.

Rotterdam is the Netherlands’ chief port town and second-largest city, serving as the country’s main departure and arrival destination for international cruises and cargo ships. Having been heavily bombed during the Second World War, the city is now famous for its wealth of modern architecture, from its cube-shaped houses to its spaceship-like market hall. Particularly popular with younger groups is the city’s thriving nightlife scene, complete with many quirky nightclubs and bars.

Home to both the Netherlands’ monarchy, the parliament and many major Dutch companies such as Royal Dutch Shell, The Hague is truly the seat of Dutch business and politics. The city is home to a wealth of royal architecture and palaces, alongside art galleries showcasing the works of Vermeer, Rembdrandt and Andy Warhol.

Robert Heaney
Go City Travel Expert

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Bridge in Amsterdam illuminated at night
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Weekend in Amsterdam

Looking to visit Amsterdam? Take a look at some of our recommendations for spending a weekend in the Dutch capital.
Robert Heaney
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A Guide to King’s Day | Amsterdam Pass

Guide to King's Day in Amstedam A Kings Day Amsterdam experience should be on everyone’s bucket list and here’s why Visiting Amsterdam during Kings Day (Koningsdag) will be a time to remember, guaranteed. Join in the national celebrations as locals and tourists alike gather for the biggest street party of the year and carry on the festivities in local pubs and bars when the sun goes down. The best bit – you’ll never have seen so much orange in your life! Amsterdammers are known for their partying, and any stay in the city will offer you countless opportunities for a night out, but the best party of the year is the annual Kings Day which falls on the 27 th April in 2019. For a glimpse of the King and Queen on Kings Day Netherlands locals will also be awaiting the arrival of the royal family at the appointed city. A yearly tradition, the royals take it in turns to visit a different location around the country each birthday. You might catch a glimpse of their appearance on TV. History of Kings Day To set the scene, Kings Day, named after the current head of the royal family King Willem-Alexander, is a celebration of the King’s birthday in 1967. While this date has only been in place since 2014, the tradition dates back over a century when the first Koningsdag (only called Koninginnedag – Queen’s Day) was celebrated in 1885 in honour of Queen Wilhelmina. The exact day it is celebrated may have changed over the years, as well as the royals, but the exuberance and joviality has stayed consistent – if not grown more fervent! As a tribute to the House of Orange-Nassau it’s an unspoken rule that on this day you should dress up in orange - only. Head to toe is encouraged. It’s no small matter, this orange theme. From bright orange attire, to dyed hair and face paint, people sipping on orange-coloured drinks and wearing orange inflatable crowns, with some even dressing up as the king and queen themselves, it really is an occasion to let go of any inhibitions and join in the mass – in orange. Kings Day Celebrations The day’s activities start out civilised and you’ll find the streets bustling in a never-ending jumble sale with residents selling second-hand items called locally, the vrijmark, or free market. If you’re visiting this vibrant capital with your kids, there’s plenty to keep them entertained, too, with street games, face painting and the free family-friendly Bredeweg Festival in the Oost District, which has fairground rides and performances taking place over the weekend. The streets will be packed full of nationals and tourists alike joining in on the festivities and it doesn’t stop there. Head to the canals for a big daytime dance party and to witness thousands of boats, decorated for the event. If you can’t manage to get onto a boat (usually its VIP only) try and squeeze onto the bridges for the best view. If big crowds aren’t your thing – and it’s no exaggeration, these crowds are big; thousands come in from towns and cities around the country to the capital – use this time to visit the handful of museums that aren’t closed on this historic day. It’s actually one of the best times to visit Anne Frank Huis , usually one of the sights with the longest queues, as well as the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum in the Museumplein. You can still show solidarity by turning up in orange, though. To fully make the most of your Kings Day Amsterdam experience, there will be plenty of opportunities to party from day and well into the night. While most of the street parties and activities kick off around midday, head to Westerstraat, Prinsengracht or Reguliersdwarsstraat once things wind down. This national holiday is a great time to see big name DJs headlining at the clubs, or just enjoy the high spirits with some Dutch craft beer, well into the early hours, with your new local friends. If all of that seems a bit overwhelming and you’re not quite sure what you’ll end up doing when the time comes, download the Kings Day App when you get there, where you’ll find all the up-to-date information on the day. It’s no small feat, this fun-filled event feels more like a festival than a national holiday! Tip: accommodation will book up fast during this weekend, so it is advised to book well in advance to ensure you get a room. Also, note that most businesses and services around the city will be closed on the 27 th April as it is a public holiday. Public transport is also affected and routes may be altered.
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Amsterdam's Munttoren behind a canal
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Amsterdam in July

At the height of summer, Amsterdam in July positively oozes life and culture. Some of the largest crowds flock to the capital over the summer period to bask in the Dutch sun and explore the city’s cultural hubs, hedonistic pleasures and world-famous nightlife scene. So long as you’re prepared to put up with larger queues and busier streets, a trip in summer is sure to be a thrilling one. Visiting Amsterdam in July Average Temperature: 54 - 70°F • Average Rainfall: 12 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 6 hours/day It likely comes as little surprise that visiting Amsterdam in July – and just about anywhere else in Europe around this time – will land you amid one of the city’s most bustling periods. The Dutch capital positively brims with life throughout summer, as the waves of families and vacationers flock to see just what the country’s cultural center has to offer. Naturally, this comes at the cost of sharing the city with many more tourists than during the low season. Lines for attractions are likely to be longer, and accommodation rates will be at their highest. However, that also allows the nightlife scene to really come into its own, and the city as a whole will have a much more electric atmosphere. Your trip to Amsterdam in July will likely be complemented by overall mild to warm temperatures. While you aren’t guaranteed the same summertime heatwaves of more southern European destinations, July’s climate is prime weather for exploring the iconic streets and squares of the Dutch capital. That being said, it also wouldn’t be a terrible idea to pack an umbrella just in case. Things to Do in July No matter the time of year, any trip to Amsterdam would be incomplete without discovering at least some of its famous cultural hubs. Taking precedence is the emblematic Rijksmuseum towering over the Museumplein, housing a vast collection of renowned artworks and historical artifacts. Where historical insight is concerned, the Anne Frank House stands as the most potent recounting of life in the Netherlands during the Second World War. As a city with more bicycles than people, there are few better ways to explore Amsterdam than on your very own pair of wheels. Over 470 miles of cycle paths make up the Amsterdam Bicycle Network, making for a fantastic excuse to take a more physically active approach to exploring the capital. Many bike rental stores offer daily rates somewhere in the region of €10. There’s no better time than summer to make the most of Amsterdam’s many sprawling green spaces. The weather in July offers a perfect opportunity to take a stroll among Vondelpark’s ancient trees and stunning lakes, and grab a seat at one of its many charming park cafés. Equally, why not have a picnic in Westerpark, make the most of its live summertime events and shows, or even catch a viewing at its very own arthouse cinema? Second only to cycling, Amsterdam’s emblematic waterways offer a uniquely alternative means of seeing the city. You can choose from a large variety of tour operators offering their own canal boat excursions, often including tours of the capital’s key landmarks accompanied by local insights into their cultural and historical significance. Amsterdam’s nightlife scene is never better than in summer, when you can expect most bars and clubs to be brimming with life. Popular venues can be found throughout the city, but as a general rule of thumb, the old area of Jordaan is typically very popular with young people for its trendy bars. Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein are particularly popular for their club offerings, while the street of Nes often attracts more of an intellectual theater crowd. Events in July Over Het IJ Festival Held on the waterfront of the River IJ in Amsterdam, the 10-day Over Het IJ Festival stands as a combined celebration of theater, art and culture. With the backdrop of Amsterdam’s iconic wharves, piers and shipping containers, the festival offers a variety of theatrical performances, visual arts and interactive installations for visitors to enjoy. The waterfront location allows for visitors to enjoy the festival’s jam-packed program of location-specific shows and activities while enjoying the best of the Dutch summertime weather. The event is publicly accessible for visitors to explore at their leisure, with a variety of delicious food stands and chill spaces scattered around the venue. Amsterdam Pride As the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage, nobody knows how to celebrate Pride more than the Netherlands. Now a multi-day festival, Amsterdam’s Pride Festival typically attracts around half a million visitors each year in late July in celebration of equality, diversity and personal identity. Should you happen to visit around this time, you’ll find local bars and clubs veritably thriving with festivity. Various street parties and events bring together thousands of revelers dressed in the full color spectrum to enjoy live music performances and Amsterdam’s famous Canal Parade, during which over 80 official vessels celebrate the past, present and future of the LGBT community. Milkshake Festival Organized as a collaboration between two of Amsterdam’s most prominent clubs, Air and Paradiso, the Milkshake Festival is a multi-genre music event built around central themes of inclusion and freedom of expression. The event promotes diversity in every sense of the word, as thousands of music fans flock to enjoy the festival’s many different stages and performances in a safe, open environment. North Sea Jazz Festival The North Sea Jazz Festival is the world’s largest indoor music festival. Hosted in Rotterdam, just over an hour away from Amsterdam by train, the event takes place over three days and features performances from various music genres. Although primarily considered the world’s most important jazz festival, the festival also offers blues, funk, hip hop and world music performances from local and international names both big and small. As many as 70,000 visitors flock to Rotterdam each year to enjoy live music from over 1,000 musicians performing across 15 stages.
Robert Heaney

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