10 Best Scenic Walks in Amsterdam
Take a Walk Around Amsterdam’s Streets and Squares
Amsterdam, known as the Venice of the North, is charming and beautiful with its canals lined with houseboats and striking Dutch houses. Going for walks in Amsterdam is certainly one of the best ways to unlock some of its secrets and soak up its beauty.
Amsterdam has several different aspects to explore: the greenery of Vondelpark, the culture of the Museum Quarter, the history of the Jewish Quarter, and the charm of the canals. If exploring on foot, you’ll find you can detour into the lovely cafes, bars, and shops which catch your eye. So where should you start? What are the best scenic walks in Amsterdam?
1. Vondelpark
The largest park in Amsterdam
Good for: Budget, Couples, Families
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 the Dutch poet Vondel and “Fish” by Picasso. In the summer, you may even come across open-air theater performances. Vondelpark is also great for kids with 6 smaller play areas and 1 large playground.
Location: 1071 AA Amsterdam, Netherlands
Vondelpark
2. The Museum Quarter
Home to Amsterdam’s best museums
Good for: Coppie, Famiglie
The Museum Quarter (Museumplein) is the cultural hub of Amsterdam, home to some of the best museums in the world, including the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum, and the Stedelijk Museum. The region 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 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 on a culinary journey.
Location: Museumplein, Amsterdam, Netherlands
The Museum Quarter
3. The City Center
Wonders to discover in the heart of Amsterdam
Good for: History, Photo
With its numerous picturesque canals and secret alleyways, walking around Amsterdam city center gives you fresh insights 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). Don’t miss 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 exquisite Dutch architecture. The houses were built to be tall and narrow to avoid land 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 an eye out for bikes.
The City Center
4. Jordaan
Charming cafes and markets to explore
Good for: Cibo, Storia, Acquisti
Slightly outside the buzz of the city center, Jordaan is a more relaxed district known for great coffee shops, quirky independent retailers, and eclectic weekly markets. Markets include Noodermarkt, offering everything from antiques and books to vintage clothing, and the Lindengracht Markt, one of the biggest food markets. If visiting the latter, you’ll pass through Lindenstraat that showcases 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 authentic include Cafe ‘t Smalle and The Papeneiland. Don’t miss the Westerkerk church, Jordaan’s most iconic landmark due to its beautiful tower and bells.
Location: Jordaan, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Jordaan
5. Amstel River
A dreamy riverside walk
Good for: Budget, Storia, Foto
While Amstel 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 many relaxing and scenic walks.
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 colors as the season changes, and bare trees with 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.
Amstel River
6. Hortus Botanicus
Get lost in nature
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo
Established in 1682, Hortus Botanicus is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world. Today, you can discover more than 6,000 different plant species, including the 2,000-year-old agave cactus. There’s even a hot house which emulates 3 different tropical environments.
Located in the city center, 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 onsite if you need to refuel afterwards.
Location: Plantage Middenlaan 2a, 1018 DD Amsterdam, Netherlands
Open: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm
Phone: +31 (0)20 625 9021
Hortus Botanicus
7. The Brouwersgracht
An iconic canal for a pleasant stroll
Good for: Budget, Storia, Foto
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 that line the banks, marked by their colorful shutters and gorgeous facades, and photogenic houseboats, are key features you’ll encounter.
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 pass by.
The Brouwersgracht
8. The Western Islands
Three peaceful islands to escape the crowds
Good for: Famiglie, Foto, Viaggi alternativi
The Western Islands, or Westelijke Eilanden, are 3 man-made islands constructed during the Dutch Golden Age. A bit off the beaten path 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 playgrounds, cafes, and shops to explore.
The Western Islands
9. Jodenbuurt
Amsterdam’s Jewish quarter
Good for: Storia
Amsterdam’s Jewish neighborhood 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 center, the area is also home to the Jewish Historical Museum, the Portugues Synagogue, and the National Holocaust Museum, which all reflect the area’s history and teach visitors about Jewish culture. Don’t miss the hidden gems of the Pantheon bookstore.
Jodenbuurt
10. Amsterdam Noord
A village within a city
Good for: Avventure, Cibo, Storia
Amsterdam Noord is an interesting mix of quaint villages and thriving cultural hubs. 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 street market at Van der Pekstraat, with everything from clothing to street food.
Around a 10-minute drive from the city center, 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 anice cream from one of the town’s dessert parlors.
Amsterdam Noord
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