Make the most of the warmer months in the city by spending lots of time outside in the sunshine! Choose from our list of some of the best outdoor activities in Amsterdam …
1. Take a cruise along the canals
Where? On Amsterdam’s beautiful canal network!
How much? Friendship’s Tours (who we highly recommend!) start at 15 EUR pp
Why should I do this? Because it’s an unforgettable and incredibly fun way to see Amsterdam!
Amsterdam is famous for its network of beautiful canals. Taking a cruise on one of the city’s many boats is a great way to see the city from a new perspective and definitely one of Amsterdam’s best outdoor activities! Some of our favourite Clink bloggers took to the waterways last year (more on that here) and they had a blast! Their boats are 100% electric so you can rest assured that you’re keeping your environmental impact to a minimum whilst out enjoying the waters.
Image courtesy of friendshipamsterdam.com
2. Go on a bike ride!
Where? Amsterdam Noord
How much? FREE! Just hire your bike for €13.50 a day at the ClinkNOORD reception
Why should I do this? You’ll experience the city like a local and discover a lesser-known side to the city.
If you’re looking to get a real taste of life in Amsterdam, one of the best outdoor activities has to be jumping on a bike and exploring the city. Our local neighbourhood is Amsterdam Noord, and we just love it here! Come along on our free bike tour (every Saturday) and cycle around countryside, industrial landscapes, street art murals and pretty windmills. Ah the great outdoors!
ClinkNOORD Free Bike Tour
3. Enjoy an Al Fresco Drink!
Where? All around the city
How much? As much as you can afford!
Why should I do this? If you like a pint, and you love being outdoors, this ticks all the boxes …
Ah, Amsterdam in the sunshine – a sight to behold! The Dutch capital may not be renowned for its number of sunshine hours, yet you’ll find a very respectable assortment of Al Fresco Watering Holes catering to all of those who enjoy a tipple or two in the fresh air (and who doesn’t?!) Two of our favourites are in our very own ‘Noord’ district. Cafe de Ceuvel is a cafe / bar with a sustainable slant, built out of recycled materials on a former shipyard. Also in Amsterdam Noord is Pllek. When the weather is good, those in the know flock to this hip venue with its very own manmade beach! Does drinking in the sunshine count as an outdoor activity? ‘Heck yes’ we say! (And one of the best out there too).
Image courtesy of benedante.blogspot.com
Looking for something to do this month in Amsterdam? Check out our handy guide!
4. Visit the Keukenhof Gardens
Where? Stationsweg 166A
How much? Tickets €17
Why should I do this? Because what visit to Amsterdam would be complete without seeing some flowers in bloom?!
If you’re visiting Amsterdam between March and May then you should take the opportunity to visit Keukenhof gardens. Opening for only two months each spring, this is a popular attraction – and rightly so! Around 7 million bulbs are planted each year at Keukenhof and the garden blooms into a sea of gorgeous colour. There are around 800 varieties of tulips and other spring flowers on show! Make a day of it and hire a bike or take a boat cruise to explore the surrounding area.
Image courtesy of macrodyl.com
5. Wander around one of Amsterdam’s Outdoor Markets
Where? Waterlooplein 2 / Albert Cuypstraat
How much? As much as you’re willing to spend on your second hand finds …
Why should I do this? If you love a bargain and taste of local life, you’ll find both at one of Amsterdam’s outdoor markets
What better way to spend a lazy weekend in Amsterdam than wandering around one of its outdoor markets? Waterlooplein is the oldest flea market in Amsterdam, abuzz with friendly stall holders and many treasures to be found. Each stall has its own unique character and you can spend hours browsing second hand books, vintage fashion, jewellery, homewares. Albert Cuyp Street in De Pijp is also worth a visit for a taste of local life and some of the cheapest prices in Amsterdam.
Copyright Simon Bucan
6. Explore Amsterdamse Bos (Forest)
Where? 1182 DA Amstelveen
How much? FREE
Why should I do this? Because nature is good for you of course!
If you’re looking for an adventure out of the city centre, then head to Amsterdamse Bos (Amsterdam Forest). Three times bigger than Central Park, you’ll find grassy meadows, lush forests and there are even a few excellent swimming spots for those feeling brave! There are of plenty well-marked walking and cycling paths too – so whether you choose to relax with a picnic or exert some energy is totally up to you!
Image courtesy of tripadvisor.co.uk
Need some more reasons to visit Amsterdam this summer? Find them here!
7. Go to the Cinema
Where? Various Locations
How much? Varies according to event, check iamsterdam for listings
Why should I do this? Because there’s something pretty magical about watching a movie under the stars
Why shut yourself indoors to watch a movie when you can enjoy one under the nighttime sky? Open air cinema is more popular than ever in Amsterdam and there’s a host of movies and Al Fresco movie-watching locations to choose from. From squares to streets, parks to city beaches, catching a movie by night is surely one of Amsterdam’s best outdoor activities! Many events are free, with organisers covering their costs by selling food and drink.
V C OpenAirCinema Pluk de Nacht CC BYSA 20 Erwin Verbruggen via Flickr
8. Go to the beach!
Where? Blijburg aan Zee
How much? FREE
Why should I do this? Because sea air is good for the soul!
Amsterdam might not be the first place that springs to mind when you think of a seaside escape, but there’s plenty of sand and sea to be found if you know where to look! Blijburg aan Zee is a cool beachy hangout and a great place to have a swim in Amsterdam. When the sun goes down, stick around for live music and a bonfire!
Image courtesy of zja.nl
