Amsterdam Outdoor Activities

Want to discover Amsterdam in a different way? The outdoor activities this city has to offer 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 escapes to the countryside where you can experience Dutch rural life up close. Immerse yourself in its natural landscape and enjoy an unforgettable experience, whether under the summer sun or during the cool autumn evenings. Want to know what to see and do in Amsterdam? Read on and find out!

Cruising the canals of Amsterdam is a classic of the city and the first choice for all travelers. The best canal cruises take you through the city's historic waterways, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering you beautiful views of the most iconic buildings, ancient bridges and the daily life that takes place on the banks of the canals.

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

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

The Vondelpark is undoubtedly the great green lung of Amsterdam and one of the largest and most beloved parks in the city, with more than 470,000 m² of extension. Inaugurated in 1865 and named after the Dutch poet Joost van den Vondel, this park is an oasis of tranquility in the middle of the urban bustle. It is the perfect place to relax, have a picnic, read a book or simply people-watch.

Although throughout the year Vondelpark hosts special events, if you go to Amsterdam in summer, cultural events, concerts and festivals will be 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 the best tourist buses of Amsterdam, by streetcar or by bike, as its 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 are looking to discover the city like the locals, I invite you to book a bike tour of the hidden Amsterdam, the perfect option. This tour, which usually lasts about 3 hours, will take you to discover the lesser-known twists and turns of the 9 streets, the museum square and much more.

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

If you are wondering about the approximate price of the activity, it ranges from 35-40 € per person, which includes the 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 is also a great way to learn how to get around Amsterdam by bike, the most popular and efficient mode of transportation in the city - a must-do outdoor experience for those who want to connect with the most authentic 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 colorful 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 are visiting Amsterdam in spring to connect with nature. Its 15 kilometers of flowered paths receive around 2 million people every year.

You can buy tickets to Keukenhof and enjoy a day surrounded by the colors and scents that make this place an outdoor paradise. In addition, there are options to buy tickets for Keukenhof with bus transfers from the center of the city of canals, which facilitates the trip if you do not have your own transportation.

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 get into hidden nooks and crannies that can't be seen from land.

Guided tours usually last 3 to 5 hours, enough time to enjoy the tranquility of the water and admire the emblematic architecture of villages such as the A'DAM Lookout, Admiraal Mill or Watergang Village. The two-person kayaks offer a close-to-nature experience and a more intimate connection with the environment. In addition, 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 evening.

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 maximize their experience in the city.

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

Just 20 kilometers from the center of Amsterdam you can visit iconic places. Giethoorn, the Venice of Holland is one of the best known and its name already hints at the reasons 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 during springtime fill everything with color.

Want more? You can also explore small fishing villages like 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. You should know that the most interesting thing is that these jewels of the countryside are so close 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 defense line, is now an interactive museum that offers a fascinating look into the military history of the Netherlands.

Accessible only by boat, a visit to Pampus includes exploration of tunnels, bunkers and exhibits that recreate life in the fort. In addition, the site offers spectacular views of 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 unparalleled experience, 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 water sports 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. In addition, you will have the opportunity to see local life and explore the riverbanks, where industrial zones are mixed 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 are 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 traveling long distances while enjoying the great outdoors. In the Venice of the North, you can follow pre-established routes or customize your itinerary for one of Amsterdam's best experiences.

Guided Segway tours, which usually last between 1 - 2 hours, take you to the city's most iconic sites, from the vibrant Red Light District and the Anne Frank House Museum to quiet 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 offer 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 fast, fun and different way.

45 minutes from the center of Amsterdam, in the Oostvaardersplassen Nature Reserve, you can go mountain biking, sail through the Het Markermeer (the deepest place in Holland) or sign up for 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 lake is listed by PADI as the best spot in the Venice of the North for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Just 30 minutes from the center, 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 center for water sports, where you can also swim or simply relax on the shores. Diving courses and snorkeling 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, this garden is located on Plantage Middenlaan 2nd (2 streets away from the Amsterdam Jewish Museumtext) and houses an incredible variety of plants from all over the world, from tropical flowers to historical medicinal plants.

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