Swimming in Amsterdam – the best places to cool off

The time has come: finally we no longer have to look disappointedly at the weather forecast and imagine the sun in our mind’s eye – because it’s here, the long-awaited summer! We have weeks of sunshine, the smell of sun cream, cool drinks, ice cream spoons and outdoor activities ahead of us. Amsterdammers in particular love to enjoy the good weather to the full outdoors. Whether on a terrace by the canal, with a picnic blanket in the park, on a stroll through the shopping streets or on a leisurely bike ride – the main thing is to be outside. To keep the heat and all the outdoor activities from going to your head, the people of Amsterdam also like to cool off. If you catch the warm weather god during your visit here in the city and you need to cool off – get in the water! 😉

You don’t have to travel all the way to the sea to not only dangle your legs in the canals, but also to go for a proper dip and swim. There are plenty of opportunities to spend the day in and around the water in Amsterdam. We have put together the best places to cool off for you here.

Sloterplas Beach

The charming Sloterplas stretches out in the south-west of Amsterdam. There’s something for everyone here: walkers, runners, cyclists, skaters, footballers… And right in the centre is the elongated Sloterplas, an artificial lake that is ideal for both water sports and swimming. For the more active among you, the Sloterplas water sports centre is just the thing: here you can go sailing, canoeing, fishing, diving and stand-up paddling. If you just want to relax and unwind, Sloterplas Beach is the place to be. Right next to the BUITEN beach café and restaurant, you’ll find a heavenly spot to relax – with deckchairs, parasols, food trucks, picnic tables and a volleyball court. The perfect opportunity to take a dip and cool off in Amsterdam!

If the weather doesn’t play ball, the Sloterpark even has a good indoor alternative for you: the Sloterparkbad. As one of the largest swimming pools in the Netherlands, there’s not a dry eye in the house. Here you can choose between a diving and competition pool, a 300 square metre leisure pool, including a 58 metre long slide, a children’s paddling pool and a heated outdoor area, from whose sunbathing lawns you have a great view of the Sloterplas. A great tip for warm and cold days!

How to get there: The best way to reach Sloterpark within half an hour is to take tram line 13 from Central Station, or you can take a train to Amsterdam Sloterdijk station and from there take metro line 50 towards the park.

Houthaven

Now it’s time to head to the west of the city, which is also a favourite place to hang out on warm days. Amsterdam’s Houthaven is a residential and working neighbourhood that is still very new and therefore looks much more modern than the majority of our charming old city. It was built on seven artificial islands directly on the River IJ – perfect for water lovers! This prime location is not just for residents of the neighbourhood, but also for all other sun worshippers and water fanatics.

Directly in front of the chic flat hotel “The July – Boat & Co” is a long jetty that stretches out into the water and from which you can enjoy a fantastic view. After a swim, you can make yourself comfortable on the sun terrace of the Vessel restaurant next door and round off the day with a cool drink. If you would like to try some traditional Dutch cuisine, you are welcome to join us on a food tour…

A little tip: As Houthavens was built as an “urban beach”, the wooden surface here tends to be a little harder. If you are used to soft sand and comfortable grassy sunbathing areas, it is best to bring a slightly thicker blanket or 2 towels.

Waterfront promenade on the Weesperzijde

It may not be a real beach, but it is still highly recommended: the Weesperzijde. The urban area east of the Amstel is the perfect place to go swimming in Amsterdam. And not just anywhere, but in the river that gave Amsterdam its name! Shake out your towel and plop down directly on the bank or on the grass verge – marvellous! Especially in the evening, the Weesperzijde offers a breathtaking view of the Amstel.

On the riverside promenade along the Weesperzijde, you have several options for sitting down for a while. The spot at the Berlagebrug rowing centre is particularly handy, where you can dive into the Amstel from a jetty. The Weesperzijde is also known for its catering establishments, where you can make yourself perfectly comfortable on the Amstel. The area in front of the terrace of Café Hesp is a great spot and is even known as the ‘Costa del Weesper’. Right on the corner next door is the Bam Boa restaurant, with its Caribbean charm and very inviting terrace on the banks of the Weesperzijde. An absolute win-win swimming spot in Amsterdam!

Marineterrein Amsterdam

Unfortunately, this is no longer an insider tip, but on the Marineterrein you will find one of the best swimming spots in Amsterdam! Very close to the Maritime Museum, in the small harbour within the jetties, you will find an absolute bathing oasis.

Amsterdammers love to come here for a swim. The view is unique; you can see both the southern part of Amsterdam and Amsterdam Noord from here, you have the imposing Nemo Science Harbour building and a model of a typical Dutch merchant ship next door and plenty of space to sit and splash around. Although the harbour is not an official bathing area, the water quality is closely monitored and you can check whether the water is clean here. The water temperature is also displayed here, so you won’t be in for an icy surprise when you jump into the cool water.

Insider tip: If you’ve always wanted to try stand-up paddling: There is now a SUP box with 6 SUP sets that you can borrow and paddle off straight away.

Ijburg beach

Finally, we have a particularly trendy place for you: If you’re looking for the ultimate beach holiday experience in our beautiful city, Ijburg beach in Amsterdam Oost is the place for you. Here you will find the largest stretch of beach in Amsterdam, around 250 metres long and 40 metres wide. This beach is also the first real city beach, which was opened in 2003 in hippie style.

The people of Amsterdam not only come here to swim and relax in the many hammocks, but also to play sports. The beach has everything from stand-up paddle boards and skate areas to football pitches and volleyball courts. There is even an area with sports facilities for training – typical sports-loving Amsterdam. As the area here is so extensive, this beach is also popular for surfing and windsurfing – a paradise for surfers! The best way to do this is to register at the Iburg surf centre. The surf centre not only offers equipment, but also lessons – including for company and group outings! For a fresh snack in between, we can recommend the restaurant De Japanner Strandeiland – very tasty and authentic Japanese cuisine with a Caribbean flair.

Tip: If you prefer to prepare your own food: no problem! Pack your picnic basket and a small barbecue, because barbecuing is allowed here – yay!

If you’re not so keen on swimming and beaches, but still want to get out on the water, come with us on one of our beautiful canal cruises through the city’s cosy canals and experience Amsterdam from dry land – just as beautiful! 🙂