Amsterdam Outdoor Activities

Want to discover Amsterdam in a different way? The city's outdoor activities are as diverse as its culture. Whether you prefer to paddle on the calm waters of the Amstel River, explore its green parks by bike or venture out on a Dutch nature safari, Amsterdamhas a perfect option for you.

This city, known for its welcoming character, also offers country escapes where you can experience Dutch rural life at close quarters. Immerse yourself in the natural landscape and enjoy an unforgettable experience, whether in the summer sun or on cool autumn evenings. Want to know what to see and do in Amsterdam? Read on and find out!

Cruising Amsterdam's canals is a classic Amsterdam experience and the first choice for every traveller. The best canal cruises take you through the city's historic waterways, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering beautiful views of the city's most iconic buildings, ancient bridges and everyday life along the canals.

When booking a canal cruise in Amsterdam, the usual routes take you through the 3 main canals, starting with the Herengracht or Lords Canal, the most important and beautiful canal in the city. You'll be able to admire the elegant Merchant's House amidst luxury homes, although you'll appreciate this in more detail when you book your open boat tour of the canals.

Along the approximately 2 - 3 hour tour, you'll also see the Keizersgracht or Emperor's Canal, famous for the house of heads, whose figures representing 6 Roman gods add a touch of mystery to the activity. With prices starting at €20 per person, you can opt for daytime cruises, ideal for capturing photos of the city in natural light, or some of the best night cruises, which offer a romantic view of Amsterdam lit up.

The Vondelpark is undoubtedly Amsterdam' s green lung and one of the city's largest and most beloved parks, covering an area of over 470,000 m². Inaugurated in 1865 and named after the Dutch poet Joost van den Vondel, this park is an oasis of calm amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. It's the perfect place to relax, have a picnic, read a book or simply people-watch.

Although Vondelpark hosts special events throughout the year, if you're in Amsterdam in the summer, cultural events, concerts and festivals are the order of the day. Among its main attractions are the duck lakes, which are a delight for children, the Maagd van Amsterdam monument that greets you at the entrance and the delicate Tea House.

You can reach the park with Amsterdam's best tourist buses, by tram or by bike, as the location is very accessible being in the heart of the city. The park is open every day, 24 hours a day, making it an ideal destination to enjoy at any time of the day.

If you're looking to discover the city like the locals do, I invite you to book a bike tour of hidden Amsterdam, the perfect option. This tour, which usually lasts about 3 hours, will take you to discover the lesser-known corners of the 9 streets, the museum square and much more.

Small group tours often take you through artistic neighbourhoods like Jordaan, full of galleries and local cafes. You also walk through quiet parks like Westerpark, where local life can be felt around every corner. In addition, you visit markets like Noordermarkt, known for their fresh produce and handicrafts, and discover hidden alleyways that capture much of the history of this capital city.

If you're wondering about the approximate price of the activity, it's around €35-40 per person, which includes bike rental and the expert guide who will accompany you. This type of tour not only allows you to see a different side of the city, but it's also a great way to learn how to get around Amsterdam by bike, the most popular and efficient mode of transport in the city - a must-do outdoor experience for those who want to connect with the real Amsterdam!

The Keukenhof gardens are world famous for their spectacular display of flowers such as daffodils, hyacinths and other species, especially the tulips that have been on display for some 70 years. The experience is ideal for nature and photography lovers, as the colourful landscapes, events and themed exhibits offer countless opportunities to capture breathtaking images.

A visit to the world's largest tulip garden is a top activity, especially if you're visiting Amsterdam in spring to connect with nature. Its 15 kilometres of flowered paths welcome around 2 million people every year.

You can buy tickets to Keukenhof and enjoy a day surrounded by the colours and scents that make this place an outdoor paradise. There are also options to buy tickets for Keukenhof with bus transfers from the centre of the canal city, making it easy for you if you don't have your own transport.

Exploring Amsterdam's canals by kayak is an exciting way to see the city from a different perspective. Ideal for small groups, this activity allows you to paddle through the historic canals and into hidden corners that can't be seen from the mainland.

Guided tours usually last 3-5 hours, enough time to enjoy the tranquility of the water and admire the iconic architecture of villages such as A'DAM Lookout, Admiraal Mill and Watergang Village. The two-person kayaks offer a close-to-nature experience and a more intimate connection with the environment. Alternatively, if you're looking to combine water adventure with exploring the Dutch countryside, you can book a bike and kayak tour of the countryside in Amsterdam, available in the evenings.

The approximate cost of this experience is €69 per person. Importantly, this activity is also included in the Amsterdam All Inclusive Pass, making it an affordable option for those who want to maximise their experience in the city.

If you have extra time to spare during your visit to Amsterdam, a countryside escape is the perfect way to connect with nature and discover the rural life of the Netherlands.

Just 20 kilometres from the centre of Amsterdam you can visit iconic places. Giethoorn, the Venice of Holland, is one of the best known and the name itself is a clue as to why. Then you could also book an excursion to Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam where Dutch tradition comes to life in a picturesque setting and where the fields of flowers that spread like a rainbow in springtime fill everything with colour.

Want more? You can also explore small fishing villages such as Volendam and Zaandam, where time seems to stand still. These excursions, ideal for family groups and couples, offer a quieter and more authentic view of the country, surrounded by green landscapes and breathtaking views. Interestingly enough, these countryside gems are so close together that it is common to book Zaanse Schans and Zaandam bike tours, which is, in fact, one of the best bike tours in Amsterdam.

For those interested in things to see and do in Amsterdam in 1 day outdoors, the Pampus Fort is, in my opinion, one of the best museums in Amsterdam, being a top activity for a nice trip back in time. This fort, built in the 19th century as part of Amsterdam's line of defence, is now an interactive museum offering a fascinating look into the military history of the Netherlands.

Accessible only by boat, a visit to Pampus includes exploring tunnels, bunkers and exhibits that recreate life in the fort. In addition, the site offers spectacular views of the IJmeer lake and is ideal for a family outing. The activity inside the museum can take between 2 - 3 hours, but the exploration of the island where this UNESCO World Heritage Site is located can take up to 6 hours. You can sign up for this activity by buying your own ticket, or simply by purchasing your I Amsterdam City Card, where it is included.

Exploring Amsterdam from the water is an experience like no other, and paddling or paddle surfing on the Amstel River offers a unique perspective of the city. This large estuary, which surrounds Amsterdam, is the perfect setting for watersports while enjoying spectacular views of the city's skyline, including the iconic A'DAM Toren, the Rijksmuseum and the Red Light District; it all depends on your skills and willingness to paddle.

The activity, which lasts approximately 2 hours, is ideal for small groups and families looking to combine adventure and exercise in a relaxed environment. You'll also have the opportunity to see local life and explore the riverbanks, where industrial areas mix with natural areas. Whether you choose to paddle or paddle surf, this experience will allow you to enjoy Amsterdam in an original way.

If you're looking for a modern and fun way to explore Amsterdam, a Segway tour is the perfect option. These two-wheeled electric vehicles allow you to move around the city quickly and effortlessly, ideal for travelling long distances while enjoying the great outdoors. In the Venice of the North, you can follow pre-set routes or customise your itinerary for one of the best experiences in Amsterdam.

Guided Segway tours, usually lasting between 1 - 2 hours, take you to the city's most iconic sights, from the vibrant Red Light District and the Anne Frank House Museum to peaceful parks and squares.

These tours provide everything you need for the perfect getaway and are ideal for those who want an alternative to traditional walking tours. In addition, the local guides often provide interesting information and anecdotes about the sites visited, which further enriches the tour. Booking a Segway tour is a great way to visit Amsterdam in a quick, fun and different way.

45 minutes from the centre of Amsterdam, in the Oostvaardersplassen Nature Reserve, you can go mountain biking, sail through the Het Markermeer (the deepest place in Holland) or join a safari to discover the amazing biodiversity of the Netherlands.

This park, considered one of the best examples of renewal in Europe, is home to species such as deer, wild horses and migratory birds. Guided safaris, which can last between 2 - 4 hours, allow you to explore this unique environment and observe wildlife in its natural habitat.

This activity is ideal for nature lovers and families looking for a peaceful and educational experience. The Oostvaardersplassen reserve is a fascinating destination for those interested in conservation and the environment, offering a European safari experience that few expect to find in the Netherlands.

Although scuba diving is not the first activity that comes to mind when you think of Amsterdam, the Vinkeveense Plassen is listed by PADI as the best place in the Venice of the North for snorkelling and scuba diving.

Just 30 minutes from the centre, you can explore the aquatic world in fresh water. This lake is known for its excellent visibility and rich aquatic life, making it an attractive destination for divers of all levels.

During spring and summer, Vinkeveense Plassen is transformed into a lively water sports centre, where you can also swim or just relax on the shores. Diving courses and snorkelling excursions are ideal for beginners and experienced divers alike, and offer a refreshing alternative to Amsterdam's urban activities.

The Hortus Botanicus is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the Netherlands. Founded in 1638, the garden is located on Plantage Middenlaan 2nd (2 streets away from the Amsterdam Jewish Museumtext) and is home to an incredible variety of plants from all over the world, from tropical flowers to historical medicinal plants.

You can stroll through the various greenhouses and themed gardens, admiring the beauty and diversity of the plant species. The garden also has a café where you can relax and enjoy the view. The Hortus Botanicus is open every day, usually from 10:00 - 17:00, making it an excellent choice for a year-round visit.