Parking in Amsterdam - Advice on Best Car Parks

Published: July 18, 2024
car park amsterdam

Car parks are a simple fact of life in today's vehicular society. So, if you're renting a vehicle or simply a car-owning resident, you may want some advice about the best car parks in Amsterdam? Well, never fear, we're here with our guide to parking in Amsterdam. Our aim? To answer one simple question - which are the city's best car parks?

Nieuwendijk

Parking in Amsterdam

Located in the heart of Amsterdam, Nieuwendijk is ideal if you're spending a lot of time exploring the city center. One of the city's best shopping areas on Kalverstraat is also a stone's throw away. You'll find countless clothing, shoe, cosmetics, and electronics brands there, if you can brave the crowds on busier days!

However, the great location of this parking garage comes at a cost, as it's in the higher range on this list cost-wise.

It's the perfect car park if you drive an electric car, as it contains 7 charging spots you can utilize. And, given the rising popularity of electric and hybrid cars, they'll surely be expanding that number at some point soon!

Price per hour: €7.50

 

De Bijenkorf

Parking in Amsterdam

This is another car park you'll find in the center of the city. Similar in price to Nieuwendijk, De Bijenkorf is just off of Dam Square. Named after the famed department store where it's located, it's ideal if you want to do some upmarket shopping!

It's worth noting that it does get incredibly busy during sales or other peak shopping times, so go early if you want to beat the crowds. Otherwise, you may be waiting in line longer than you'd like!

Price per hour: €7.50

 

Markinstraat

Parking in Amsterdam

Markinstraat is found on the border of southern Jordaan and the Da Costabuurt district of Oud-West. Given the prevalence of CCTV, you're likely more than safe parking here.

The location is ideal if you're looking to partake in the awesome restaurant scene you'll find in the area, as well as the many bars (as long as you don't partake - someone needs to be the designated driver, after all!).

Plus, you're not far from the Nine Little Streets, arguably Amsterdam's best shopping area, thanks to its kooky boutiques and unique brands you won't find anywhere else!

However, it is worth noting that this is on the pricier side of things, so bear that in mind before you drive all the way there! Ideal for shorter stays, then!

Price per hour: €10 - max of €55 per day

 

Rembrandtplein

Parking in Amsterdam

Rembrandtplein is one of the smaller car parks on this list, as it can only hold just over 100 cars. However, it's the closest car park to the nearby Pathe cinema, so it's really ideal if you're driving in to catch a flick. Thankfully, you get a discount on your parking if you are a cinema-goer, which is nice!

You can also pay by cash or card, making it one of the only car parks in the city where cash is a possibility!

Price per hour: €6.50

 

Kalverstraat de Kalvertoren

Parking in Amsterdam

You'll find this car park on the southern edge of Kalverstraat, the busiest shopping district in the city. That means that, while you might not be a hop, skip, and jump away from the shops, you will be paying slightly less for the privilege.

It's newly built, so expect all the security and CCTV bells and whistles that come with modern things! It also closes at 11PM, which is ideal for after-work shopping trips.

And hey, you could even stop off for a bite to eat if you fancy it.

Price per hour: €7

 

Markenhoven Waterlooplein

Parking in Amsterdam

One of the cheapest car parks on this list, you'll find Markenhoven Waterlooplein east of the city center. While it may not be serving you too well if you plan to spend a lot of time in the city, you could always walk in if you want to squeeze some cents. It depends on if you plan to carry lots of bags back with you!

Location-wise, while it may be a bit of a trek to the center, you will be close to Amsterdam's Zoo and the onsite Micropia exhibit, if you want to brush shoulders with nature. There are also some nice cafes and restaurants around that way, if you need to refuel.

Price per hour: €4.30

 

P1

Parking in Amsterdam

Located right in front of Centraal Station you'll find this reasonably priced car park. Location-wise, it may not be as close to the center as some of the other pricier options on this list, but you'll only be a 5-10 minute walk from Dam Square.

In fact, P1 may serve you best if you're planning to take public transport to other parts of the city that have fewer parking opportunities, as there are lots of amazing travel connections right outside the car park!

Again, it really depends on how much you'll be carrying. At the end of the day, you'll need to weigh up the cost/distance and decide for yourself!

Price per hour: €5

 

Olympisch Stadion

Parking in Amsterdam

If you're heading to Amsterdam-Zuid, then this could be the perfect car park for your wheels. At just over €3, Olympisch Stadion is one of the cheapest, and it's close to southern highlights such as the Ajax soccer stadium.

However, one of this car park's unique features is its Park & Ride system. If you travel to the center of Amsterdam from here on public transport, the fee crashes to a single €1 an hour! Bargain hunters our there are probably shivering from all the savings as we speak.

Price per hour: €3, or €1 with Park & Ride

 

Albert Cuyp

Parking in Amsterdam

A stone's throw from the trendy Albert Cuyp markt in Amsterdam's De Pijp, this is an ideal car park for anyone wanting to explore the surrounding area too.

De Pijp is arguably the hottest district in the city, with plenty of kooky bars, quirky restaurants, and more boutiques than you can shake a stick at. So, if you're coming for the fresh food at the market, why not stay and see what's about in the area too?

Price per hour: €4.20

 

And that's our advice on the best car parks in Amsterdam. Parking might not be fun, but it is necessary! But what is fun is Amsterdam and all the things to do there! See them all with an Amsterdam pass, and find things to do between every park space!

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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Snowed-covered bicycle leaning against a bridge over an Amsterdam canal
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Amsterdam in December

Should you happen to visit Amsterdam in December, you’ll find the city transformed in an embrace of the festive season. You’ll see the streets decorated with all manner of lights and holiday displays, and many of the city’s key squares become host to a number of festivals and markets. Visiting Amsterdam in December Average Temperature: 36 - 43°F • Average Rainfall: 7 days/month • Average Sunshine: 1 hour/day While many other cities see a significant dip in tourism by the winter period, this is not so much the case for Amsterdam. In contrast to destinations like Barcelona, where much of their appeal is dependent on their peak summertime weather, Amsterdam’s charm comes entirely from its evergreen historical and cultural value. Of course, you can still expect a noticeable drop in visitors, with many tourists and families visiting exclusively in summer. Naturally, that also means you may benefit from lower accommodation than in summer. However, Amsterdam in December is far from quiet, particularly given its festive appeal around the holiday season. Amsterdam’s festive appeal comes in part from the weather in December. With average temperatures resting between 36°F and 43°F, you can expect a winter chill, but little chance of snow. Be sure to pack both warm and waterproof clothing, as you’re likely to encounter at least one day of rain per week. Things to Do in December Pair the colder and wetter weather with limited sunshine and shorter days, and you’ve got a recipe ideal for either embracing the outdoor winter spirit or keeping warm indoors. Fortunately, Amsterdam caters to both preferences in droves. Those looking for a piece of Amsterdam’s famous holiday festivities should head to Ice*Amsterdam on the Museumplein. Between mid-November and January, this popular square transforms into a veritable winter wonderland, with an impressive ice-skating rink at its core. You’ll also find a number of market stalls and festive bars where you can grab a cup of hot chocolate and a winter snack. If you’re looking for a little more excitement, then the Amsterdam Winter Paradise is the event for you. Complete with fairground rides, ice-skating rinks, snow tubing and cross-country skiing across real snow, as well as all of the market stalls and carnival games you’d expect from any Christmas event, this is an event for all ages to enjoy. If you’d prefer to keep warm and dry, then Amsterdam’s wealth of renowned museums should be more than enough to keep you busy. Explore more than 8,000 artworks and historical artefacts at the Rijksmuseum, and awe at the 1,400-strong collection of Van Gogh’s works at the Van Gogh Museum. Or for your modern art fix, head to the MOCO Museum to discover the popular works of Banksy and his contemporaries. Events in December Sinterklaas Should you happen to visit Amsterdam in the first week of December, you’ll be instantly aware of the ongoing festivities taking place throughout the city. In the lead-up to Sinterklaas on December 5, the Netherlands is host to a series of parades welcoming Sinterklaas himself (Saint Nicholas) to the country. You’ll find stores filled to the brim with all manner of Sinterklaas-themed treats alongside all of the other festive fare. Among the most common of these are pepernoten and kruidnoten (tiny gingerbread cookies), large solid chocolate letters, schuimpjes (foam-like sugary candies), speculaas cookies and various marzipan-based cakes. If you get the chance, be sure to attend one of the festive parades, where Sinterklaas and his helpers, known as Pieten (Peters), greet the onlooking families and visitors by throwing candies and treats out to the crowds. Don’t fret if you don’t have anybody to celebrate with on the day of Sinterklaas, as it isn’t a public holiday, so most cafés, bars and restaurants will still be open if you want to share in the festivities! Christmas Markets As you’d expect from just about any major European city, Amsterdam is no stranger to its fair share of festive events and Christmas markets. If you’re looking for traditional markets, then the Amsterdamsche Kerstmarkt is the event for you, offering just about everything you’d expect – mulled wine, local artisan crafts and unique festive gifts galore. In the same vein, Amsterdam’s monthly Sunday market also offers up two festive-themed editions of its Westergasfabriek market throughout December. The first runs alongside or slightly ahead of Sinterklaas, and the other takes place shortly before Christmas Day. Alongside their regular assortment of stalls, these editions of the Sunday market are also host to various holiday treats and gifts made by local artists and designers. Amsterdam Light Festival Running alongside the holiday season, the Amsterdam Light Festival illuminates the Dutch capital with impressive light displays by designers, artists and architects from around the world. Taking place throughout December and January, the festival typically showcases around 30 unique art installations, bringing an even more magical touch to an already festive city. One of the most popular activities of the Light Festival is to take a canal cruise in the evening. These boat tours offer a chance for visitors and locals alike to see the city from a different perspective, offering unique insights into the history of prominent neighborhoods while also exploring the artworks lining the banks of the canals. New Year’s Eve As one of the most popular European cities for tourists to ring in the new year, Amsterdam offers a whole host of events to cater for all manner of preferences. You’ll find everything from black tie events to buzzing raves to rooftop parties taking place throughout the city. Many restaurants and bars also offer special bookings as a more intimate way to see out the year. Among some of the most widespread New Year’s traditions in the Netherlands is the consumption of oliebollen (fried dough balls) dipped in icing sugar and washed down with a hearty glass of champagne. You’ll find street stalls selling these treats all over Amsterdam on December 31. If you’re feeling really adventurous, head to the likes of Zandvoort aan Zee just west of Amsterdam early on January 1, where thousands of locals and visitors alike get ready to take part in the New Year Swim in the North Sea. This freezing dip is considered a refreshing way to celebrate the New Year, after which you can grab a hot cup of pea soup to restore your shivering spirits.
Robert Heaney
Fireworks over the iconic Amsterdam canal houses
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Christmas in Amsterdam

The festive period sees the historical streets of Amsterdam transform almost entirely, embracing the festive period in any way it can. Should you find yourself in Amsterdam around the holidays, you’ll see the streets lined with all manner of light and art displays, and many busy squares occupied by different holiday-themed events, festivals and markets. As the Netherlands celebrates more than just Christmas Day, the festive atmosphere is all the more electric in Amsterdam all through December. If you’re looking for somewhere to truly embrace the holiday spirit, then Christmas in Amsterdam could be the trip for you. Sinterklaas Should you find yourself spending the holiday season in Amsterdam, you may be in for a treat, with not just one but two Christmases to celebrate. This is the reality for children throughout the Netherlands who, in addition to celebrating Christmas Day, also look forward to a visit from Sinterklaas on December 5. In the Netherlands, Sinterklaas is the main day for gift-giving, while Christmas is more commonly reserved as a day to celebrate with family over a traditional dinner. Unlike Santa Claus, who elsewhere visits in secret on the night of the 24th, Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas) makes a very public and grand entrance in mid-November. Arriving in the Netherlands on his iconic steam boat, Sinterklaas and his helpers, known as ‘Pieten’, parade through the country’s major cities, throwing candies and festive treats to the onlooking children. These festivities continue all the way up to the day of Sinterklaas on December 5, when children across the country wait excitedly to hear a knock on their front door. If they’ve been good that year, they should find their gifts on the other side. It’s also traditional for children to leave a shoe or boot by the fireplace or door, which they may find filled with small gifts when they wake the next day. Unlike Christmas Day and Boxing Day, Sinterklaas isn’t recognized as a public holiday. As such, don’t fret if you have nobody to celebrate with, as most cafés, bars and restaurants will still be open should you want to share in the festivities! Christmas Markets It’s become somewhat of an unspoken rule for major European cities to offer up a vast selection of Christmas markets and festive celebrations throughout the holiday period, and Amsterdam certainly doesn’t disappoint. Where Amsterdam departs from the European trend is in the absence of German-style Christmas markets. While you’re bound to find some similarities, Amsterdam’s Christmas markets are traditionally Dutch through and through. Amsterdamsche Kerstmarkt The Amsterdamsche Kerstmarkt is perhaps the most emblematic Christmas market in Amsterdam. Held over the course of a few days shortly before Christmas Day, the event is host to various stalls selling all manner of festive fare and local artisan crafts. In addition to the market stalls, you’ll also find an ice skating rink, various children’s activities, cultural events and workshops, as well as food stalls and winter bars, all often accompanied by live festive music. Be sure to check for updates from the organizers to find details as to the location and dates of this event. Sinterklaas & Funky Xmas Sunday Markets Early in December, Amsterdam’s monthly Sunday market transforms into a more holiday-themed market in celebration of Sinterklaas. Head to the Westergasfabriek to find a selection of handmade crafts and gifts, alongside all manner of festive treats and food. This market makes a return later in the month for the Funky Xmas market when, as per its name, it takes on a more groovy and Christmassy theme. Often taking place shortly before Christmas day, this is a chance to find those last-minute, quirky gifts made by local artists and designers to bring home to your loved ones. Of course, you’ll still find all of the typical staples of the Sunday market present at these special editions. For some traditional Dutch street food, be sure to try out the likes of kibbeling cod bites and poffertje pancakes. Christmas Treats If sweet Dutch treats are something you’re keen to try, there’s no better time to visit Amsterdam than during the festive period. Throughout November and December, stores and bakeries will be brimming with Sinterklaas- and Christmas-themed candies. Among the most common Sinterklaas treats are pepernoten and kruidnoten (tiny gingerbread cookies), large solid chocolate letters, schuimpjes (foam-like sugary candies), speculaas cookies and various marzipan-based cakes. You can also expect to find many festive European staples on offer throughout the city, such as smoked sausage (rookwurst), mulled wine (gluhwein) smoked sausage and warme Chocomel (hot chocolate). Be sure to try oliebollen (fried dough balls) and appelbeignets (fried apple slices) dipped in icing sugar, too! Christmas Activities & Events Ice*Amsterdam If there’s anything that best reflects Christmas in Amsterdam, it's the Ice*Amsterdam festival. Taking over the busy Museumplein, this event typically starts in mid-November and lasts all the way until late January. With an ice-skating rink at its core beneath a replica of the well-known Skinny Bridge, people of all ages flock to the area to share in some festive fun. The rink is accompanied by a healthy selection of winter bars where you can grab a hot cup of chocolate milk and a Christmas snack, alongside various market stalls selling all manner of seasonal gifts and products. Amsterdam Winter Paradise Those looking for that little bit of extra excitement should head for RAI Amsterdam which, from late December, becomes host to a huge indoor and outdoor holiday festival. Alongside the usual smattering of seasonal market stalls, street food and winter bars, the Winter Paradise offers an impressive array of festive activities. You can expect fairground rides to accompany the giant Ferris wheel overlooking the city, alongside various carnival games and activities. There are also indoor and outdoor ice-skating rinks, curling lanes and competitions, as well as an area filled with real snow for tubing, skiing and snowball fights. If you’re the competitive type, be sure to join in on the Winter Games, too. Amsterdam Light Festival Running alongside the holiday season, the Amsterdam Light Festival illuminates the Dutch capital with an impressive array of light displays from designers, artists and architects from around the world. Taking place throughout December and January, the festival typically showcases around 30 unique art installations, bringing an even more magical touch to an already festive city. One of the most popular activities of the Light Festival is to take a canal cruise in the evening. These boat tours offer a chance for visitors and locals alike to see the city from a different perspective, offering unique insights into the history of prominent neighborhoods while also exploring the artworks lining the banks of the canals.
Robert Heaney

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