With the sun out, the urban jungle of Amsterdam can be hot during the summer months. If you don’t have time to get to the nearest coastline, you will be happy to know that you can find some awesome City Beaches in and around Amsterdam where you can put your toes in the sand.
Strandzuid
This sandy spot is really unique because it’s located next to the waterfront and the middle of Amsterdam’s business district. The city beach location has recently opened for their spring/summer season and has a brand new menu to go with it! We tried the vegetarian vegan carpaccio made from watermelon (must try!) and the Moroccan style Tahine. If meat is your thing, you will be pleased to hear that they use the amazing Josper grill, which gives meat and fish that ultimate bbq flavour. Strandzuid is also a popular place for after work drinks with colleagues, and on Fridays it’s full house around the beach bar. You’ll almost forget that you are in the middle of Amsterdam when you chill on the beach chairs. Strandzuid opens daily for lunch, brunch and dinner.
Swinging at Strand Zuid
Watermelon carpaccio!
DOK Amsterdam
DOK is the place where you can do more than just chill in the sand. From an intimate party in the quirky shed to a mini festival on the recently moved city beach. The most important ingredients? DJs, drinks and casual enjoyment! Good news for people with kids because on July 7th they will host a kids festival, how cool! DOK opens their new location this weekend and entrance is free of charge. See you there?
DOK
Paaseiland
They call themselves a beach resort so they needed a location near the water. They found it at Het Stenen Hoofd, which is located near Central Station and overlooks the IJ. This location is often used for food festivals, open air cinema’s, and was originally build for the Holland-America cruise liner back in the day. On the menu? They served Laska curry soup, fish burgers and a vegan crispy tempeh burger. For dessert they finished the evening with a delicious coconut-guava cake. Paaseiland isn’t a large beach area, but it has one of the best locations!
Amsterdam Roest
They closed and then they re-opened, just for this summer. Goof news for us because Roest is such a nice getaway in the city. Located next to the water and enough playroom for the kids, this is a favourite for parents. Roest will close down after summer because of extensive site building, but after that they will return with a bang. Enjoy the summer at Roest while you can!
Sloterpark Beach
I live here so I know this area very well. The water is around 35 meters deep and the East and West side of the Sloterplas are available for swimming from the grass, where you will find actual swimming-pool-like-stairs going in the water. The newly refurbished man-made beach is better than ever with newcomer Hotel Buiten, that serves a tasty lunch, but also sells ice-cream and drink to take to the beach area.
Pllek
An all time favourite city beach in Amsterdam North! Located on the industrial NDSM Werf is the charming Pllek. It doesn’t really matter what kind of weather it is, Pllek is always filled with people. During the weekends you can enjoy live music andDJ’s. Most of the menu is organic and local. Check the agenda for events.
Overlanden
This beach spot next to the Nieuwe Meer has stayed untouched so plants had a good change to grow in their natural habitat. Don’t be surprised if you see a herd of Scottish Highlanders grazing around, they maintain the natural balance in an ecologically responsible way. They won’t bother you unless you don’t bother them. The best other thing about this park is that you have plenty of secret swim and sunbathing spots. So you can get a tan without getting disturbed. Bring you own food and drinks because there is only one small café.
Jaap Eden strand
The ice-skating ring makes place for a man-made sandy area where you can relax and sunbath. There is no pool to cool off in, but there is food & drink and lazy sun chairs, so that’s fine by us. The beach area is open from Thursday to Sunday and there are activities for kids during the weekend. www.jaapeden.nl
Thuishaven
This party location isn’t free of charge, but it’s still one of the best weekend spots for those that want to party with their toes in the sand. Underground DJ’s and bigger names in the Techno and House scene play tunes in – and outside. If you haven’t been yet, you should check it out. Tickets are reasonably priced and there are a few food trucks to fill your tummy. www.thuishaven.nl
Just Outside Amsterdam
De Oerkap, Haarlem
Okok, we know this is outside Amsterdam, but it is just too nice not to mention. We recently had a look at De Oerkap, a city beach at the beginning of Haarlem city. It’s very child friendly and they serve speciality beers. Enjoy simple but filling lunch and organic ice-cream popsicles. See the trains pass while you enjoy the sunshine. De Oerkap is open everyday! Check their website for opening times. www.oerkap.nl
‘T Twiske
Here you will find several man-made beaches with many natural swim spots, also on the gras. You can participate in relaxing activities such as playing golf, fishing, hiking, cycling or you can enjoy a BBQ. There is even a nudist beach area so eh..if you want to swim in your birthday suit, you can do it here! Parking cost €3,50 for the first 3 hours. www.twiske-waterland.nl
Coming soon..
Noordkust. This spot certainly belongs to the list of City Beaches but is being build on as we speak. It will be finished this summer we hope and is located on the NDSM Werf! You will hear it here first!
Enjoy these City Beaches this summer!
Love,
Wander-Lust