Outdoor Activities in Amsterdam

UPDATED JULY 2024
By Robert Heaney
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

Image of Bicycle, Vehicle,

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

Image of City, Urban, Cityscape, Boat, Vehicle, Neighborhood, Canal, Outdoors, Water, Person, Boating, Water Sports,

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

Image of Animal, Lion, Mammal, Wildlife, Tree,

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

Image of Grass, Nature, Outdoors, Park, Garden, Bench, Furniture, Spring, Vegetation, Flower, Land, Tree, Woodland,

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

Image of Cheese, Food, Adult, Male, Man, Person, Female, Woman,

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

Image of Cityscape, Urban, City, Plant, Neighborhood,

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

Continue reading

pancakes amsterdam
Blog

Best Pancake Houses in Amsterdam

Who doesn't love a tasty pancake? Not you, that's for sure, or you wouldn't be here reading these words. Those fluffy, sweet, tasty treats are championed in lands far and wide, including the Netherlands. So, if you're vacationing in Amsterdam, you'll want to know which are the best pancake houses in the city? Right you are, and read on to find out our picks! Including: Pancakes Amsterdam The Pancake Bakery Moak Pancakes The Breakfast Club Coffee & Coconuts and more!   Pancakes Amsterdam If you're looking for the best pancake houses in Amsterdam, why not first try one that's literally named after the city? That would be Pancakes Amsterdam, and their selection of tasty battered treats will nd easily sort your fix. Rather than sticking to the tried and tested Dutch style of pancakes, they take influences from pancake styles across the globe. That's just as true for their kitchen too, which is opened up to visitors. That way, you can see your delicious sweet treats being created in real-time, just how the gods intended. Oh, and why not indulge in a free pancake tasting session - on us, of course. You're free to choose anything from their massive selection. And, if one's simply not enough, go grab a table and tuck into many, many more.   The Pancake Bakery After nearly 50 years in the egg, flour, and butter business, it's no wonder that The Pancake Bakery has made quite the name for itself in Amsterdam. Offering a selection of international pancakes from the likes of America, Chile, Norway, and Mexico, in a variety of sweet and savory varieties, you're certainly not spoiled for choice. Couple that with a massive omelet menu, starters, desserts, and even a kid's menu, and you've got yourself one handy pancake paradise. Oh, and if none of the menu options take your fancy, you can even create your own masterpiece. Ham, mushrooms, and cherries? Why not, you absolute grot monster.   Moak Pancakes Moak started out in Oud-West, but has now made its way to multiple locations across Amsterdam. Its humble facade may betray its awesomeness, but the inevitable queue outside should put those fears to rest. Over two floors, you'll find packed tables full of guzzling pancake fanatics. A relatively new joint, having only popped up in 2016, they still smash it left, right, and center. The focus here is on the classic American pancake, with an entire subsection of the menu dedicated to various sweet and savory American delights. If you're feeling fruity, you can also partake in a glass of Champagne, or mix it up with a Mimosa. Their piece de resistance is unarguably The Gold Digger - a huge stack of pancakes topped with three 22-carat gold leaves, Champagne on the side, and served with Versace cutlery. This testament to American extravagance will set you back €100, mind. Definitely one of the best pancake houses in Amsterdam!   The Breakfast Club Cheekily named after the classic 80s hit, The Breakfast Club is a worldwide brand at this point. You'll find them in cities all over the world, so it's hardly surprising they've made their way to Amsterdam's shores. With a massive offering of breakfast treats, from full English breakfasts to eggs of all shapes and sizes, you can really take your pick. But we're talking about pancakes here, so focus, guys. They have a pretty solid offering of American-style pancakes, with a bevy of toppings to get your sweet tooth truly tweaked. However, it's worth mentioning that pancakes is hardly The Breakfast Club's specialty, so you won't have the limitless options you do at the other places on this list. Having said that, if you're with a group and they're not looking to dip their toe in the pancake game. The Breakfast Club will likely serve their needs too.   Coffee & Coconuts One of the fancier joints on this list, Coffee & Coconuts is one of De Pijp's trendy hotspots. The setting - an old 20s theater. The cuisine - divine. Like The Breakfast Club, Coffee & Coconuts caters to feeders of all sorts, and their pancake offerings may amount to a single choice. However, this choice is one of the best on this list. The appropriately named Coconut Pancakes mix almond and buckwheat flour for the base, then dollop on some banana, berry compote, coconut chips, coconut cream, and top it all off with lashes of maple syrup. Sign us up. Plus, with three pages of menus dedicated to coffee, teas, wines, beer, and anything else worth drinking, you can be sure to pair your pancake with the perfect beverage.   Photo courtesy of StudioPortoSabbia/Shutterstock The Pancake Boat Yes, you read that right. They didn't just pick that name out of a hat. It's called The Pancake Boat because it's located on a freaking boat. But wait, there's more! Not only will you sail the seven seas (or canals in this case) while you eat, you'll be eating whatever you can, because this bad boy is an all-you-can-eat cruise. Set your phone's stopwatch to 75 minutes, start your engines, and then eat, eat, eat. Just make sure you're belly is seaworthy - the last thing anyone wants is for you to bring all the fluffy, syrupy goodness back up. What a disappointment you'd be. Easily one of the best pancake houses in Amsterdam, if you can call a boat a house. Well, houseboats exist...so, yes?   Bakers and Roasters With locations near the Rijksmuseum and in De Pijp, Bakers and Roasters are just getting started. The brainchild of a New Zealander and a Brazilian, the franchise's great food and commitment to hospitality will surely see them reach all corners of the city and beyond before long. But enough flirting, what about the pancakes? Well, they only have room on the menu for one choice, but it's a choice you won't soon forget. American-style blueberry pancakes cooked to perfection, glazed with syrup, and topped with blueberries and chopped bananas. Feeling fancy? Add an unusual side to go with it. Sure, you can lean on the ol' reliable bacon. But why not try chorizo, jalapenos, and cottage cheese? Or don't, you know, you do you.   Carousel Pancake House Located on a former fairground carousel, and a stone's throw from the Heineken Experience, you'll find the appropriately named Carousel Pancake House. A unique setting, for sure, but what about the pancakes? Well, they have a delicious menu full of the beauties, including a whole section dedicated to Nutella variants. Delightful. Couple that with a burgeoning menu of waffles, baguettes, burgers, and beers, and you've got yourself a top place. And that's our list of the best pancake houses in Amsterdam!
Dom Bewley
Amsterdam canals by night
Blog

Things to do in Amsterdam at Night

Sure, Amsterdam comes with a slightly, shall we say, seedy reputation, but there’s so much more to this city’s vibrant nightlife than just red lights and cannabis cafés. Join us on our journey through all the best things to do in Amsterdam at night.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
cube housing
Blog

Best Day Trips From Amsterdam

Greed. Gordon Gecko said it was good. We'd argue he was right, but not for the same reasons. See, sometimes it's good to be greedy for more. But not money. No, we're talking about the greed and need for experiences. Prepare for the segue, because we're talking about journeying outside of Amsterdam and discovering the wonders that lie beyond. Did that make sense? Not really. Will our guide to the best day trips from Amsterdam open your mind and blow your socks off? Quite possibly. Read on, and discover the hidden - and not so hidden - gems that lie a short trip from Amsterdam's shores! Including: Zaanse Shans Edam Keukenhof Gardens Brussels Rotterdam and more! Windmills, glorious windmills Let's kick things off with a blast from the past. Zaanse Shans is a village stuck in time, transporting visitors back to the pre-industrial days. Simpler times, for sure, but certainly more arduous. While it may appear that Zaanse Shans is a giant, open-air museum, it is, in fact, a community. So don't go prodding any life-like statues; those are people. Just a fifteen-minute train from Centraal Station, this charming village is full of explorable windmills, museums, and shops where you can pick up authentic cheeses, grains, and condiments milled on-site. On top of that, Zaanse Shans is simply a beautiful travel destination brimming with photo opportunities. Do yourself a favor and pick up a Zaanse Schans Card, which gives you access to all the good stuff for one low price. Plus, you can see everything in about half a day, giving you more time to make the most of your Amsterdam vacation! Alternatively, take a bus tour of Zaanse Schans and the surrounding towns to sate your rustic fix in a single day! So, if you're looking to take your foot of the gas and relax, it's one of the best day trips from Amsterdam! A bit cheesy Next on our tour of fun beyond Amsterdam's walls is a town famous for its biggest export - Edam. Yes, Edam isn't just a cheese; it's a cheese named after the town that birthed it! Just a 30-minute drive, or a 40-minute train trip north of the city, you'll find this delightfully rustic town, cloaked in medieval brick and mortar. You'll only need a short stay to see everything, as it isn't exactly a tourist hotspot. However, the cobbled streets, centuries-old bridges, and aforementioned medieval decor do make it a breath of fresh air after staying in the Netherlands' biggest city. On every Wednesday over the summer, Edam holds a cheese market that attracts connoisseurs from far and wide, so plan your trip appropriately and go sample the town's crumbly delights! If you want a more curated experience, why not take a bus tour from the city that will let you hit up all the rustic glory of Amsterdam's satellite towns in a single day? Tulip Town If you want some of the most romantic sights in the country, head to Keukenhof. Famous for its rolling fields of colorful tulips, it welcomes nearly one million people every year. A 30-minute drive, or bus tour from the city, Keukenhof boasts the biggest flower garden on the planet. Comprising over a million bulbs, you'll see all sorts of beautiful flowers alongside tulips, such as hyacinths, daffodils, and other spring flowers. If you take the bus tour, you'll have the chance to explore the fields on foot as you wander along 15km of footpaths. Many gardens make up Keukenhof, with each representing different landscapes across the globe. English, Japanese, and Dutch are just some of the many on display. Keukenhof is well worth a visit if you want to squeeze a bit more beauty out of your vacation! Brussels Now, you may be wondering why Brussels is on this list. Isn't it in Belgium, after all? Well, yes, it is. But the beauty of Amsterdam is that you're a stone's throw from the border! Brussels is a beautiful city, with its mix of medieval and modern, the abundance of cafes, bars, and museums, and plenty of other things to do too. It is a 2-hour train ride from Centraal Station, so you'll want to make the most of it. However, if you want to cram your vacation full of as many sights and sounds as possible, why not make the trip? While English isn't as ubiquitous in Brussels as it is in Amsterdam, you'll still be able to fumble your way through food and drink orders if necessary. Just point at the menu and give a thumbs up. Or don't do that, and maybe learn the basics you need to get about and try your best. It's entirely up to you. As it's a long trip, plan ahead and make sure you know what to do when you get there. The last thing you want is to waste your precious time coming up with an itinerary on the fly! Rotterdam is anywhere? Amsterdam's growing sibling, Rotterdam is well worth a trip if you want to see something new. A mix of old and new like much of the Netherlands, it's a picturesque place with plenty to do and see. Rotterdam is home to the largest harbor in Europe, so why not take a tour by sea and see it from a different perspective? You'll also find a bunch of places to eat, drink, and shop, and a heap of museums if you want to learn more about the city's history. For the architecturally-minded, you'll be fascinated by the Cube Houses (or Kubuswoningen). These lob-sided square houses need to be seen to be believed. And, if you're looking for tasty food in an awe-inspiring setting, head to Market Hall (or Makthal) and pick up something delicious. Hague. No, not William And finally, we end our list of the best day trips from Amsterdam with a journey to the center of the Dutch government. But don't worry, it's not all politics. The Hague has plenty for budding adventurers to explore. Take a 45-minute train from Amsterdam, or hop on a bus to tour the surroundings. See the famous Girl With the Pearl Earring up close at The Mauritshuis, stroll past the Peace Palace - where international law is presided over, and enter the topsy-turvy world of M.C Escher. Oh, and did we also mention there's a beach there? The Hague is also a stunning seaside town, so if the weather's good, go get your tan on! And that wraps up our list of the best day trips from Amsterdam!
Dom Bewley

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.

Thick check Icon