10 Best Scenic Walks in Amsterdam

The most famous park in Amsterdam, Vondelpark is perfect for sunny days, dog walks, people-watching and picnicking. If you want to explore it the Dutch way, consider a guided bike tour of the park instead of walking. In place for over 150 years, the park is home to several interesting species of trees and birds.

Located centrally, to the southwest of Leidseplein and northwest of Museumplein, there are a number of sculptures you can discover as you explore the park including statues of Dutch poet Vondel and Fish by Picasso. In the summer, you may even come across open-air theatre performances. Vondelpark is also great for kids with 6 play areas and 1 large playground.

The Museum Quarter is the cultural hub of Amsterdam, home to some of the best museums in the world including the Van Gough Museum, the Rijksmuseum and the Stedelijk Museum. The quarter is also home to a number of excellent cafes and restaurants while the large grassy area also offers an area for kids to play and families to picnic.

If you would prefer a guided walk, the Museum Quarter has a number of walks listed on its website. Each walk is free and is under 30 minutes. Options include an Art Nouveau Walk, an Architecture Walk and a Kids Walk. Look out for the seasonal Winter Wonder Walk which will take you through a culinary journey.

With its numerous canals and secret alleyways, walking around Amsterdam city centre gives you a fresh insight into the city. As you explore the area, you’ll find several of the main canals and some of the 2400 houseboats – static floating homes. One spot not to miss is the 15 Bridges Viewpoint where you can see 15 bridges in different directions from a single point.

A key feature you’ll notice as you walk is the Dutch architecture. The houses are often tall and narrow to avoid tax and some even slant due to being built above the water. The streets are relatively traffic free, making them easier to navigate but do keep a close eye out for bikes.

Slightly outside the buzz of the city centre, Jordaan is a more relaxed district known for great coffee shops, quirky shops and weekly markets. Markets include Noodermarket, an eclectic market offering everything from antiques and books to vintage clothing, and the Lindengracht food market. On your way to Lindengracht market, you’ll pass through Lindenstraat, home to some of the prettiest homes in Amsterdam.

In Jordaan, you’ll also find several brown bars – traditional Dutch pubs which are a key part of Amsterdam culture. Some of the most popular and most authentic include Cafe ‘t Smalle and Cafe ‘t Papeneiland. Don’t miss Westertoren church, the landmark of Jordaan due to its beautiful tower and bells.

While the beer may be more famous now, it takes its name from the river which runs through Amsterdam. In fact, the beer company used to take ice from the river to keep their produce cool. Today, the Amstel River offers a relaxing and scenic walk.

With elm trees lining the riverbanks, you’ll get an atmospheric walk whatever the season. Bring your camera to capture pale leaves in spring, vibrant greens in summer, autumnal colours as the season changes, bare trees and an icy river in winter. On this walk, you’ll see the Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge), one of Amsterdam’s most iconic and romantic bridges.

Established in 1683, De Hortus is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world. Today, you can discover more than 6,000 different plants, including the 2000-year-old agave cactus and a hot house which emulates 3 different tropical environments.

Located in the city centre, it was originally created to house medicinal plants and you can still see a large collection of them today. Other compilations include South African plants, first brought over by the Dutch East Indian Company, and carnivorous plants. There’s also a cafe on-site if you need to refuel afterwards.

Built in the 17th century during the Dutch Golden Age, the canal was named after the many breweries along the bank and was a key transportation route. Today, it’s a national monument and one of Amsterdam’s most beautiful canals. Canal houses, marked by their colourful shutters and gorgeous facades, and houseboats are a key feature of the canal.

Located in the Jordaan district, you’ll also come across several bridges as you walk, including the Brouwersgratch Bridge, decorated with wrought-iron railings and lanterns. As you enjoy your peaceful stroll, you may want to stop and enjoy a picnic alongside the canal as you watch the boats sail by.

The Western Islands, or Westelijke Eilanden, are 3 man-made islands constructed during the Dutch Golden Age. A bit off the beaten track and not often frequented by tourists, the beautiful views from Bickerseiland, Realeilanden and Prinseneiland will make you feel like you’re far from the bustle of the city.

Just 15 minutes from Central Station, this walk will take you around 1 to 2 hours. Priseneiland is the smallest of the islands and is full of beautiful warehouses, a charming white wooden bridge and gorgeous views. In contrast, Bickerseiland is the largest and has a number of children’s play areas, cafes and shops to explore.

Amsterdam’s Jewish neighbourhood was deeply scarred by World War II, and today you can learn about this and more Jewish history and culture as you explore the area. One of the most poignant sites is the National Holocaust Names monument which consists of 102,000 bricks bearing the names and dates of birth and death of those deported from the Netherlands during World War II.

Around 15 minutes’ walk from the city centre, the area is home to the Jewish Historical Museum, the Portugues Synagogue and the National Holocaust Museums which all point to the area’s history and teach visitors about Jewish culture. Don’t miss the hidden gems of the Pantheon bookstore and NY City Bagels.

Amsterdam Noord is an interesting mix of a quaint village and a thriving cultural hub. It’s family-friendly and there are lots of lovely green spaces to explore, including Nooderpark which often hosts cultural and family activities. You’ll also be able to enjoy the buzz of the Van der Pek street market with everything from clothing to street food.

Around a 10-minute drive from the city centre, Noord has lots of lovely villages which are asking to be explored on foot. Dugerdam has a protected status, giving you a glimpse into Dutch culture and history. If you’re hungry, grab an authentic Dutch apple pie or stop at IJskoud de Beste for an incredible ice cream.