Things To Do
in Amstelveen
Amstelveen is a leafy municipality just southwest of Amsterdam, famed for its green spaces and family-friendly atmosphere. It blends a modern town center with quiet residential areas, dotted with canals, parks, and shaded avenues. The town hosts cultural sites such as the Cobra Museum of Modern Art and is adjacent to the expansive Amsterdamse Bos.
It serves as a convenient base for exploring both Amsterdam and the Dutch countryside, with strong transit links and bike-friendly streets.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Amstelveen Museum, where you can immerse yourself in local art and history. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the exhibits, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region. Take your time to appreciate the contemporary art installations that reflect the essence of Dutch creativity.
After lunch at a nearby café, explore the beautiful gardens surrounding the museum, which are perfect for a relaxing walk. You can also participate in one of the museum's workshops, where you can create your own art piece inspired by the exhibits. As the afternoon sun sets, enjoy a peaceful moment by the pond while observing local wildlife.
Dine at a charming local restaurant that offers traditional Dutch cuisine, such as stamppot or herring. The atmosphere is cozy, and you can chat with locals while savoring your meal. After dinner, take a stroll around the museum's vicinity to enjoy the beautifully lit landscapes.
Rent a bicycle and head towards Vondelpark, Amsterdam’s most famous park, just a short ride from Amstelveen. As you cycle through the park, breathe in the fresh air and take in the lush greenery, colorful flower beds, and tranquil ponds. Stop for a moment to enjoy the lively atmosphere filled with joggers, picnickers, and families.
Have lunch at one of the park's charming cafés, where you can enjoy a sandwich or a local pastry while watching the world go by. Afterward, take some time to explore the park's art sculptures and enjoy a peaceful moment by the lake. If you’re feeling adventurous, participate in a yoga class held at the park or simply relax on the grass.
Return to Amstelveen and enjoy dinner at a local bistro that offers dishes made from seasonal ingredients. After dinner, consider attending a live music event or open mic night at a nearby venue to experience the local cultural scene. Wind down the evening with a nightcap at a cozy bar, sharing stories with fellow travelers.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee | $3-5 |
| 🧃Bottle of water (0.5L) | $1-2 |
| 🚌One-way public transit ticket | $3-4 |
| 🏨1 night in mid-range hotel | $100-170 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close to Amsterdam with easy access to city life
- Green spaces like Amsterdamse Bos and Beatrixpark
- Safe, family-friendly environment
- Good public transport and bike-friendly roads
- Can be pricey compared to other Dutch towns
- Limited nightlife compared to Amsterdam
- Some attractions require short trips to central Amsterdam
- "Hallo" - Hello
- "Dank u wel" - Thank you
- "Alstublieft" - Please / Here you go
- "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
- "Waar is het treinstation?" - Where is the train station?
- "Hoeveel kost dit?" - How much does this cost?
Places to Visit in Amstelveen
Visit one of these nice places.
A sleek building with bold architecture and gallery interiors ideal for architectural and detail photography.
Open spaces, lakes, and forest trails provide wide-angle landscape shots and tranquil reflections on the water.
Canal-adorned streets and modern storefronts offer pleasant urban photography with natural framing.
Ponds, trees, and gentle paths create serene nature photos and candid park scenes.
Food in Amstelveen
Amstelveen Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty mashed-potato dish with kale or sauerkraut and often served with sausage; commonly found in Dutch cafés and family eateries in Amstelveen.
Must-Try!
Fluffy mini pancakes sprinkled with powdered sugar and melted butter; popular at markets and pancake houses.
A classic Dutch croquette; widely available in snack bars and cafes, best enjoyed with mustard.
Seasonal street-food staple served with onions and pickles; available at markets and snack stalls during the season.
Caramel-filled waffle best enjoyed with coffee at local cafés and markets.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market in Stadshart with fresh produce, cheese, flowers, and street snacks.
Seasonal stalls offering local treats, baked goods, and regional specialties along the town’s promenades.
Seasonal pop-up stalls with fish, pastries, and local delicacies along the riverside.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Punctuality is appreciated; queue and wait your turn in lines, including at cafes and transit stops.
Dutch people tend to be direct and straightforward; polite tone is still important.
Safety
Tipping in Amstelveen
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not compulsory in the Netherlands; rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good service is common in restaurants.
Cards are widely accepted (contactless is common); cash is still usable but increasingly less common; mobile payments are popular.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Milder days with blossoming trees; some rain showers. Great for park strolls and outdoor markets.
Warm days, long daylight hours, outdoor events, and plenty of outdoor seating; occasional showers or thunderstorms.
Cooler temperatures with colorful foliage; pleasant for hikes and city walks, with a higher chance of rain.
Cold, with short days and possible frost; cozy cafés and indoor cultural events are common.
Amstelveen at Night
Hiking in Amstelveen
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Extensive forest trails around the Amsterdamse Bos with lakes and scenic viewpoints.
Gentle riverside paths along the Amstel near Ouderkerk, ideal for a relaxed hike.
Historic polder landscapes within a short drive, offering expansive horizon views and long hikes.
Airports
How to reach Amstelveen by plane.
Amsterdam's international hub, about 15-25 minutes by car or train from Amstelveen with direct rail connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Core resident group, with many families and long-term locals.
Significant international community including EU nationals and other residents.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A staple activity with extensive bike lanes and routes throughout Amstelveen and nearby Amsterdam.
Popular at local clubs and recreational leagues.
Common in parks and dedicated clubs around the area.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Amstelveen.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants clearly mark vegetarian options; Dutch dishes can be adapted with vegetable sides; ask for 'vegetarisch' on menus. Supermarkets also offer extensive meat-free products.