Outside of winter, Amsterdam experiences mostly cool weather that rarely exceeds 25°C, so why not take advantage of it and spend the day outdoors! Take a break from shopping or exploring museums and head outside to enjoy these 5 activities.
Travel through the City with a Canal Cruise
Known as the Venice of the north, Amsterdam has 165 canals throughout the city, built over the centuries for the purposes of trade, transportation, and land reclamation. These canals are so indicative of Amsterdam that in 2010, the canal ring was recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site! A cruise would be the best way to explore these important canals, while also giving you a quick overview of the city and its landmarks.
Many companies offer several types of cruise experiences, the most common being a quick 1 hour boat ride. If you’re looking for something a little different, there are hop-on hop-off services if you want to spend more time at a specific attraction before continuing, and even romantic dinner cruises where you and your special someone can enjoy a candlelit dinner as you travel down the waters of the canals. Whichever cruise you take, just sit back and relax as you watch the city go by.
Join a Bicycle Tour
The Netherlands is known as the bicycle capital of the world, so why not explore Amsterdam by joining a cycling tour? Follow your guide as they bring you on a trip through the city, travelling down the roads and over the canals the way the locals do.
Though these tours require some physical exertion, it will be worth it as you will get a more intimate experience with Amsterdam’s culture by visiting sites inaccessible by other means. With local guides, you will not only learn facts about Amsterdam, but you will also be able to ask questions and hear personal anecdotes that will make the tour all the more enriching.
Take a Stroll through Vondelpark
Vondelpark is Amsterdam’s most popular green space, attracting around 10 million visitors annually. Located near the museum district, it’s a great place to stroll through and to enjoy the fresh air after spending hours indoors.
There are many things to do in Vondelpark. Visit the rose garden that houses more than 70 types of roses. Stop by the various cafes and restaurants located around the park for a meal or a quick coffee break. There might even be a performance or concert being held at the open-air theatre, where you can relax on the grass as you watch the show.
Address: Vondelpark, 1071 AA Amsterdam
Explore the large forest of Amsterdamse Bos (Amsterdam Forest)
Amsterdamse Bos is Amsterdam’s largest park, located at the edge of the city. Although it is a bit far out from the city’s main activities and attractions, it is definitely worth a visit. Exploring this park is not limited to walking and cycling, as kayaks, canoes, and pedal boats are also available for rent if you prefer to travel on the water. If it’s warm enough, swimming is even allowed!
There are plenty of activities to do here, especially in the summer. Enjoy a performance at the open-air Amsterdamse Bostheater held almost every evening in July and August, grab a pancake meal at Meerzicht Farm, or cuddle and feed some goats at Ridammerhoeve, a goat farm where you can also try some delicious, freshly made goat cheese and goat milk ice cream. All these activities are waiting for you at the Amsterdam forest!
Address: Bosbaanweg 5, 1182 AG Amstelveen
Spend a Day at the ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo
For all animal lovers, how about a trip to the zoo? Founded in 1838, it is the oldest zoo in the Netherlands, housing around 900 different species of animals, from tiny butterflies to majestic elephants and lions. There is also an aquarium, the world’s only microbe museum, and a planetarium for you to explore the wonders of the natural world.
The zoo also offers a much more up-close-and-personal experience. A petting zoo near the entrance allows you to have a more hands-on experience. Walk through the enclosures of the lemurs and the wombats and have them right next to you. If you’re lucky, you might even be able to catch a feeding or two as well!
Address: Plantage Kerklaan 38-40, 1018 CZ Amsterdam
Opening Hours:
Monday - Sunday: 9am - 6pm
Tickets:
Normal : €24
Children 3-9: €20.50
Children 0-2: Free
Enjoy Nature at Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam (Botanical Gardens)
Founded in 1638, Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, housing over 6,000 different species of plants and trees. The outdoor gardens are filled with lush greenery and vibrant flowers, with tall leafy trees providing shade as you walk along the paths.
For more international and exotic plants, there are several greenhouses replicating different environments, from the warm tropical jungle to the dry deserts. There is also a butterfly greenhouse, where hundreds of butterflies are free to fly about and land amongst the greenery. If you are looking for a place to relax and escape the noise of the city, this is the place to visit.
Address: Plantage Middenlaan 2A, 1018DD Amsterdam
Opening Hours:
Monday - Sunday: 10am - 5pm
Tickets:
Adult: €9.75
Child 5-14: € 5,50
Children Below 5: Free
Tickets must be booked online
So that was 6 of the best outdoor activities in Amsterdam. Of course, these activities are best enjoyed on a sunny day, but don’t let the weather stop you from experiencing the best of what Amsterdam has to offer.
