Adventure and Nature Activities in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is not only a city of architecture and culture; it also offers a myriad of activities for those seeking adventure and contact with nature, such as surfing, canoeing, kayaking and zip-lining. If you are wondering what to see and do in Amsterdam, I invite you to explore its wide bike paths and parks.

In addition, you can embark on a canal cruise or tour the city by bicycle. For thrill-seekers, the A'Dam Lookout offers a swing that will make you feel like you're flying over the city, and the This is Holland will take you on a thrilling virtual flight through the Netherlands. In this article I take you to explore the greener and more adventurous side of the Venice of the North, where fun is guaranteed.

An exciting way to explore the canals of Amsterdam is aboard a kayak. This activity will allow you to enjoy an experience closer to nature, paddling through the canals and discovering hidden corners of the city. In addition, it is ideal for small groups, since each kayak usually has capacity for two people. Guided tours last approximately 3 to 4 hours, giving you plenty of time to admire the historic architecture and enjoy the tranquility of the water.

On the other hand, if you are looking for an option that combines adventure on the canals and on dry land, you can book a bike and kayak tour through the countryside in Amsterdam. This tour will take you paddling along the canals and then exploring the picturesque Dutch countryside by bike.

Details of interest

• Time: starting at 10:00. Operators often offer this type of tour only in the evening.
• Price: from 69 € per person. On the other hand, this activity is included in the Amsterdam All Inclusive Pass.

By booking a bike tour in Amsterdam you will be choosing to tour the city as the locals do, in an active and fun way. The reason? The city has an extensive network of bike paths that allows you to ride through the streets at your own pace, while discovering the canals, parks and iconic monuments.

The 10 best bike tours in Amsterdam pass by different historical and cultural points such as Dam Square, Spui Square, the National Museum Rijksmuseum and of course, the Bloemenmarkt flower market, an unmissable spot to stay connected with nature. Now, if you are craving something more thematic, you can opt to book a historical bike tour of Amsterdam. This tour takes you through the most emblematic places, while you learn about the city's past and its evolution.

Finally, if you prefer to get off the beaten tourist track, I recommend booking a bike tour of the hidden Amsterdam. This tour will take you to lesser-known but equally fascinating places, such as artistic neighborhoods, quiet parks and historic corners away from the tourist hustle and bustle. Discover the city's secrets as you cycle through charming streets, visit local markets and enjoy the unique architecture.

Interesting details

• Best time: ideally, this is one of the things to do in Amsterdam during the summer months of June, July and August, when the average temperature is 20°C and there is usually no rainfall.
• Duration: this type of tour often takes between 2-3 hours, depending on the route you choose.

For an experience closer to nature and the city's environment, I recommend booking an open boat cruise on Amsterdam's canals. Unlike traditional boats, an open boat allows you to get a closer feel of the city's atmosphere, with canal breezes and unobstructed views. In addition, many of these cruises include drinks or small snacks, which makes the experience even more enjoyable.

This option is ideal for sunny days, as you can enjoy the cityscape while relaxing outdoors for at least an hour.

Details of interest

• Schedule: you can usually join the activity between 18:00 and 22:00 hours. I recommend that you sign up for the activity at 20:00, when the best night cruises take the canals of Northern Venice to show you the illuminated city.
• Price: from 27 € per person. It is important to note that the price of the Amsterdam canal cruises will depend on the routes to choose even the combination of activities of the day.

The incredible Xtracold Icebar, the city's famous ice bar invites you to enjoy one of the best experiences in Amsterdam, following in the footsteps of Willem Barents the renowned Dutch explorer. With a constant temperature of -10 degrees Celsius, this place immerses you in a unique experience, where everything from the glasses to the walls is made of ice, creating an immersive adventure not to be missed.

When you buy your ticket for the ice bar you can enjoy 3 drinks in a themed environment with two atmospheres. You can also combine this experience with a canal tour by opting for a saver pack: cruise and tickets to the Amsterdam Ice Bar, a perfect way to end a day full of adventures.

Details of interest

• Opening hours: 11:45 am to midnight
• Price: from 28 € per person.
• What to wear: Don't worry, your ticket includes special clothing to withstand the freezing temperatures.

In the movie A Matter of Time, the characters played by Rachel McAdams and Domhnall Gleeson experience their first meeting in a completely dark restaurant, where they get to know each other in a unique and more intimate way. This experience, far from being just a movie scene, can become a reality in Amsterdam in restaurants like Dining in the Dark or Ctaste. Here, as in the movie, you will be guided by visually impaired people, who will accompany you on a sensory journey while you enjoy a three-course dinner without seeing anything at all.

The lack of light will allow you to concentrate on other senses, such as smell and taste, intensifying the gastronomic experience. Also, as in the movie, this dinner encourages a different kind of connection between diners, where conversations take center stage by eliminating visual distractions. If you're looking for an unforgettable experience that transports you to that magical scene from A Matter of Time, you can't miss this culinary adventure in Amsterdam.

Details of interest

• Hours: this type of experience is offered for lunch and dinner, so you can make your reservation from 2:00 pm onwards.
• Type of food: they usually offer menus for vegans, vegetarians, and regulars, based on meat or seafood, however, it is possible to make adjustments when booking.

Although scuba diving is not the first activity that comes to mind when you think of Amsterdam, several nearby lakes offer opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving, including obtaining Global Underwater Explorer certification.

At sites such as Vinkeveense Plassen, just 30 minutes from downtown, you can explore the underwater world in freshwater. This lake is known for its excellent visibility and rich aquatic life, making it an attractive destination for divers of all levels. In addition, among the things to do in Amsterdam in spring and summer, the lake is a popular place for swimming and water sports.

These adventure and nature activities offer you a whole new perspective on the city of canals, proving that this city is not only rich in history and culture, but also in thrilling outdoor experiences.

Details of interest

• Hours: these types of experiences are often offered between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm.
• What is needed: a minimum knowledge of swimming and a great desire to participate in the activity. The companies providing the service supply the necessary equipment.

For adrenaline junkies looking for something different, a parachute jump over Amsterdam is one of the activities so thrilling that even the country's monarchs can't resist.

Imagine jumping from an altitude of 3,000 meters, feeling the adrenaline rush as you free fall for about 30 seconds before the parachute deploys. The rest of the descent, which lasts between 5 and 7 minutes, offers you spectacular views of the Dutch landscapes. The total duration, including preparation, is around 2 hours. It is a perfect experience for adventure lovers looking to experience different things in Amsterdam.

Details of interest

• Hours: The activity is available between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm from companies such as Paracentrum Texel, so you will have flexibility to plan your day.
• Important: to participate in this activity your weight must not exceed 115 kg.

If you are passionate about thrills in the middle of nature, the Fun Forest Amsterdam is the ideal place. Located in the Amsterdamse Bos forest, it offers a unique aerial adventure experience. The zip line descent is the jewel of the park, where you glide at high speed through the trees, enjoying breathtaking views of the dense foliage.

This experience lasts approximately 2 to 3 hours, depending on the circuit you choose. Also, if you buy your I Amsterdam City Card, one of the best tourist passes in Amsterdam, this activity is included.

Details of interest

• Hours: Fun Forest is open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, giving you plenty of time to plan your day of adventures.
• Who can participate: people with a minimum height of 110 cm.

If you are looking for an innovative way to explore the Netherlands, This is Holland, the 5D flight experience, is ideal for you. For 1 hour, you will virtually fly over the iconic Dutch landscapes, feeling the wind, the fog and even the scents. This activity is suitable for all ages, although children must be at least 102 cm tall to participate.

The experience will allow you to see cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam without leaving your seat, while your feet dangle from the 5D simulator. The special effects are amazing, and you will feel as if you are actually flying over the famous canals. Don't miss the opportunity to get the best tickets in Amsterdam for this unique sensory spectacle.

Interesting details

• Opening hours: open from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm.
• Important: you can buy your tickets for This is Holland independently or, if you find yourself visiting Amsterdam in 2 days or more, you can also make the most of your visit by purchasing the Amsterdam All Inclusive Pass, one of the tourist passes that includes this activity.

While Amsterdam' s canal cruises are most popular in the "Venice of the North," you can also explore the city standing up on a paddle surf board.

This approximately 2-hour activity combines adventure and balance as you cruise the historic canals, passing landmarks such as the Anne Frank House, the Red Light District tour route and the Museum Quarter. With local guides and small groups, this is a safe and fun option for all levels of experience.

Details of interest

• Schedule: Departures are usually available at flexible times, generally between 10:00 and 18:00, allowing you to enjoy a sunny afternoon or even a sunset over the water.
• Important: people over 12 years old with minimal swimming skills are welcome.

If you are looking for a modern and exciting adventure, touring Amsterdam by Segway is a perfect option. Yes, certainly when the topic of how to get around Amsterdam usually comes first, these electric vehicles allow you to get around effortlessly, enjoying the fresh air while covering great distances.

Guided Segway tours last approximately 2 hours, with small groups of up to 8 people, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience. During the tour, you will pass through some of the most emblematic places of the city, such as the southern part of the Grachtengordel neighborhood, the famous canals, and parks like Vondelpark, discovering Amsterdam beyond its coffee shops and Red Light District. In addition, before you start, you will receive a brief introduction on how to operate the segway, ensuring that you feel comfortable and safe at all times.

Interesting details

• Schedule: varies between operators, however, it ranges from 10:00-14:00 hours.
• What you need to know: this is one of the most comfortable tours because the routes are usually personalized, however, for that same reason, reservations must be made with a minimum of 2 adult participants.

For those looking for a high-altitude experience, flying over Amsterdam by helicopter is an adventure not to be missed. During a 30-90 minute flight, you will enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the city and its surroundings, including the iconic canals, the Vondelpark, and the Dutch countryside. This flight offers the opportunity to capture the beauty of Amsterdam from a completely new and exciting perspective.

In addition, some flight options allow you to extend the experience and fly over iconic locations outside the city, such as the famous windmills of the Zaanse Schans or the vibrant tulip fields at Keukenhof, especially spectacular in spring.

Details of interest

• Hours: often early, around 9:00 am and late afternoon, after 5:00 pm.
• What you need to know: reservations must be made for 1-3 people.