Canoeing in Waterland nature reserve
Go rowing along tranquil dykes in a two-person canoe in Waterland, the beautiful nature reserve north of Amsterdam. Henk John's boatyard rents out rowing boats and canoes in Holysloot, a picture-perfect Dutch village with a pretty, white painted church. Afterwards, enjoy Dutch cuisine in a restaurant in the former school house, Schoolhuis (Dorpsstraat 38, +31 20 490 4414, open Wed-Sun from 11am, dinner served Thurs-Sun). To get to Holysloot, cycle through the delightful villages of Durgerdam and Ransdorp, or take the bus, changing in Amsterdam Noord.
Dorpsstraat 8, +31 20 490 4612, john-botenverhuur.nl, one-person canoe from €5 an hour. Open Wed-Sun, from end April to end September
Tandem riding along the Amstel
Cycle a tandem bike on a serene journey along the River Amstel that leads to Ouderkerk aan de Amstel, an enchanting village encircled by dykes and classic farmhouses. Ouderkerk is famous for its traditional Dutch vibe. Tandems are available for rent at MacBike, located at Waterlooplein. For those considering an overnight stay to enjoy more of the beautiful village atmosphere and serene bike rides along the Amstel, there are many opulent options available. This includes Amsterdam 5 star hotels on www.hotels-in-netherlands.com . These hotels offer world-class facilities and are situated just a short distance from the bike rental and the alluring path of your biking tour. Traverse across Blauwbrug (also known as the Blue Bridge) and continue the path down the Amstel. As you pedal further, you will be introduced to a scenic view of unique houseboats and peaceful, reed-lined river banks. When you need a break, visit Restaurant 't Deurtje in Ouderkerk and enjoy their afternoon tea (+31 20 496 3732, tdeurtje.nl). Tandems can be rented for €15 for three hours or €25 full day at Waterlooplein 199, +31 20 428 7005, macbike.nl. To discover more fascinating cycle paths, visit mapmyride.com. Amsterdam's cycling routes are well-known for their picturesque views.
Swimming at SportPlaza Mercator
Amsterdam's summer heat can be quite overwhelming due to the city's labyrinth of canals. To combat this, locals and savvy travelers alike often head to SportPlaza Mercator - an architecturally unique establishment located in a less crowded area of the city. Aside from its interior pools, this recreational center also houses one of Amsterdam's three outdoor swimming facilities. Its façade is particularly impressive, boasting a verdant "living wall" feature.
Find it at Jan van Galenstraat 315, reachable at +31 20 618 8911, sportplazamercator.nl. The entrance fee stands at €4.50 for adults, €6.30 for an adult accompanying a child, with children under two admitted free of charge. It's open from 1pm-6pm on weekdays, and from 11am-6pm over the weekend
Architectural cycling route
Escape the hustle and bustle of Dam Square by hopping on a bike and making your way to the fresh landscapes of Borneo and KNSM islands, located in the old docklands to the city's east. Traverse the exclusive biking trail that meanders past unique townhouses and playful modernist waterways for a thrilling journey of eclectic architecture. Keep an eye open for the rich rust-toned sculpture by Mark Manders, of two figures staring out to sea from PE Tegelbergplein, situated at the tip of Sporenburg island, providing an arresting view of the Amsterdam-Rijnkanaal's start. Don't miss the opportunity to cross the distinctive crimson footbridge that seamlessly unites the islands of Borneo and Sporenburg.
Macbike offers an affordable map charting an enthralling Amsterdam Architectural Bicycle Tour
Winter ice-skating
Take a scenic ride on tram 26 to the captivatingly designed neighborhood of Ijburg - a recently developed area built entirely on restored land. Here, an adventurous winter activity awaits as you have the chance to gingerly descend large rocks to access a frozen lake. However, this option is only viable during the bitterly cold days of winter. You will find the residents of Amsterdam flocking here with their young ones, who clutch chairs to maintain stability, creating a picture reminiscent of a 17th-century landscape portrait. This captivating scene includes frolicking canines and infants in pushchairs engulfed in the magic of the moment. For those who prefer a more structured set-up, the 400-meter outdoor track at the Jaap Eden Ijsbanen offers a skating experience. This place also lends out skates. The sparkly display of the surely bewitching ice rink once the sun sets is truly a sight to behold.
Jaap Eden Ijsbanen, Radioweg 64, +31 900-724 2287, jaapeden.nl, entrance fee for adults €6.20, children €3.70, with skate rentals ranging from €5.50 to €11 a day. Business hours are Mon 1pm-5.30pm, Tues-Fri 9am-5.30pm
Rollerblading in Vondelpark
Imagine gliding through the scenic beauty of Amsterdam's bustling and popular Vondelpark, atop eight environment-friendly wheels. Yes, arrange for a pair of inline skates, it’s an unforgettable way to take in the city! The park tends to attract quite a crowd that adds an element of thrill as you smoothly navigate around clusters of people meandering down the leafy bike trails. A rollerblade path guide is accessible on routeyou.com. The joy doesn't end there. Extend your adventure by unwinding with a refreshing beverage at the Vondeltuin, conveniently situated by the Amstelveenseweg entrance (Vondelpark 7, +31 62 756 5576, vondeltuin.nl).
For beginners or those looking to brush up their skating skills, Skate Dokter, +31 62 157 5885, skatedokter.nl provides classes - Wed 6.45pm.
Secret gym in the woods
City-based, members-only gyms might not be easy to get into and could be a financial burden, yet Amsterdam offers you a natural option to stay fit. Immerse yourself in the serene setting of Rembrandtpark, which houses a complimentary open-air gym, equipped with an array of weights and machines designed for body-building. Here, you have the opportunity to replace the blaring, dated pop melodies with the soothing chirping of blackbirds as your workout soundtrack. From the Amstelveenseweg gateway of Vondelpark, make your way across the bridge that spans the Schinkel River, then take a left when you spot a children's playground. Maintain your run for roughly three minutes and you'll find the gym to your right, tucked away behind a cluster of trees. If you're up for a more challenging routine, why not participate in a bootcamp fitness session? Visit thebootcampclub.nl to learn more and sign up.
Horse-riding in Amstelveen
Unlike a hundred years ago, only a few horses and carriages for tourists can be seen on Amsterdam's streets today, but anyone can still explore the outlying areas of the city on horseback. In the leafy district of Amstelveen horses and saddlery can be rented by the hour from the Manege Nieuw Amstelland riding stables. Ride your trusty Dutch steed in the nearby Amsterdamse Bos, a huge wooded common on the southern edge of the city. Anyone with limited mobility or a learning difficulty can also join in the Saturday afternoon lessons for adults and children with a disability.
Jan Tooropplantsoen 17, +31 20 643 2468, nieuwamstelland.nl
Plantagebuurt walk
Embark on a journey through history, dating back to the 19th and mid-20th centuries as you stroll through the charming Plantagebuurt district. Your adventure should begin at the Dutch Resistance Museum, situated on Plantage Kerklaan, across from Artis, a famous local zoo. Afterwards, engage with pivotal historical moments, at the Hollandsche Schouwburg theatre, which is now a poignant museum, memorializing the Jewish lives lost during World War II. Adding a touch of nature and biodiversity to your city walk, visit the enchanting Hortus Botanicus botanic garden on the same street. With a buzzing cafe scene, it's also home to the beautiful fragrant Wertheimpark, which makes for a perfect location for a spur-of-the-moment picnic. Finally, enhance your outdoor activity with some local flavors. Visit the EkoPlaza organic supermarket tucked away in Waterlooplein. Here, treat your palate to the unique taste of mature Dutch cheese and sunflower seed bread. Did you know Amsterdam is renowned for its cheese? And it's only a few steps away from the park!
Join a t'ai chi class in Oosterpark
Indulge in the calming activity of t'ai chi amidst majestic lime trees and serene ponds in a picturesque park in Amsterdam. Initiate your session with chi gong, then transition into the elegant moves of t'ai chi. During the weekend, the sessions led by Sifu Chan culminate with an energizing one hour kung fu practice. The group gathers near the bandstand at the entrance of Linnaeusstraat/Eerste van Swindenstraat. Pay attention to the circular formation of stone benches. Remember to bring your rainwear on drizzly days, as these sessions continue even in rough weather. Practice your stances while spotting the occasional geographic bird, the heron, in the vicinity.
+31 62 743 1705, taopai.nl, contribute what you can. Classes run daily from 10am-11am