drinks, bites and a blanket. time to picnic in amsterdam
How lovely is this warm weather! It’s time to go outside, sit along the water and just enjoy the sun while we can. Haven’t made any plans yet for the weekend? Go have a picnic with friends. Amsterdam is so big, there are enough spots to put your blanket and enjoy a picnic with bites and drinks. That’s why we made a list with the nicest spots for a picnic in Amsterdam. Enjoy!
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10 x nice spots for a picnic in amsterdam
Westerpark: Put your blanket next to the water in the Westerpark. Great: the Westerpark is one of the parks where you can BBQ, so let’s turn on the BBQ and enjoy!
Het Vondelpark: Big and probably busy, yet also very fun! The great thing about the Vondelpark is that there is so much to see. Just watch everyone around you and enjoy your long summer night.
Artis: At Artis, they organise ‘ZOOmeravonden’ and on those days, the zoo is open until sunset. Especially fun to go here with kids. Visit workshop, take a tour and enjoy the live music. You can order a filled picnic basket, or just bring your own!
Sarphatipark: Small but nice! The park is located in the Pijp, one of the cosiest neighbourhoods of Amsterdam. Done with your picnic in Amsterdam? Visit one of the many nice cafes in this area or do some shopping at the nice boutiques.
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‘t Twiske: It’s a bit further away (actually not in Amsterdam) but it’s the perfect picnic location. Escape from the city and enjoy your day with friends in the middle of the nature. Go here early so you don’t have to bike when the sun is the brightest, and sit down along the water with some drinks.
Oosterpark: You can also still BBQ in the Oosterpark. Bring a picnic basket filled with meat, vegetables and vegetarian things that you got at the Dappermarkt and enjoy your BQQ with friends!
Amstelpark: Go to Amsterdam South to have a picnic in the Amstelpark. They have a small train which you can sit in and will drive you through the park. Relax and enjoy the summer sun.
Het Amsterdamse Bos: Picnic tables, lakes to swim in and 6 public BBQs. This already sounds like the perfect spot for a picnic in Amsterdam. Gather your friends and have fun in the Amsterdamse Bos.
Sloterplas: When it’s super hot, it’s nice to picnic near (swim) water, so you can cool down. And yes, Sloterplas is a place like that! Put on your swimwear, bring food and you’re good to go. Want some special beers? Go to Hotel Buiten, they have a lot of them!
Oeverpark: Take the ferry from the central station to the Buikslotermeerplein and you’ll immediately arrive at a nice picnic spot. Next to the EYE there is a big field along the water where you can sit down and enjoy the view. Not too busy and along the water, so the wind will make sure you don’t melt ;-)
What are your favourite picnic spots in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam Bucketlist
THINGS TO DO:
⋙ Canal Cruise by day or in the evening
⋙ A bike tour through Amsterdam OR Rent a bike by yourself
⋙ The best view over Amsterdam from the A’DAM Lookout
⋙ Visit Artis Royal Zoo
FAVOURITE MUSEUMS:
⋙ Rijksmuseum with the Dutch masters
⋙ Van Gogh Museum, a staple in Amsterdam
⋙ Stedelijk Museum for modern art lovers
⋙ MOCO Museum for street art
⋙ Photography museum FOAM
SEASONAL:
⋙ Amsterdam Light Festival (during winter months)
⋙ Cruise like a local with your own boat (great with good weather!)
ONE OF A KIND:
⋙ Discover the Instagrammable experience WONDR
⋙ Red Light District tour
⋙ Get out of town and into the Dutch country side of Giethoorn
| TIP: Buy an I amsterdam City Card. Save money on entrance fees to museums and attractions, public transport and profit from discounts on everything from restaurants to concerts. You can also skip some lines to make the most of your time in Amsterdam! You can buy a card for 24 hours up to 120 hours. Check the prices here >>
Our favourite hotels:
AFFORDABLE // €
☾ Generator Hostel: the best poshtel of the city located in a park.
☾ The Student Hotel: budget proof in trendy East.
☾ Het Volkshotel: affordable and with a cool rooftop bar.
☾ CitizenM: all you need is that XL bed (location near Amstel is great).
☾ Motel One: budget design hotel with locations at
VERY VERY NICE // €€
☾ Hotel V: with two locations and a great restaurant, in the city center and East.
☾ Sir Adam: with the coolest view over Amsterdam.
☾ Sweets: a unique stay in former bridge houses.
☾ Park Plaza Vondelpark: located next to Vondelpark and beautifully renovated.
☾ Hotel Dwars: small scale around the corner of the trendy Utrechtsestraat.
☾ Pillows Anna van den Vondel: great hotel close to Vondelpark.
☾ Hotel Mercier: new hotel in the cosy and historic Jordaan district.
☾ INK Hotel: lifestyle hotel in the heart of the city.
☾ The Hoxton: favourite lifestyle hotel right on the canals.
☾ Morgan & Mees: boutique hotel in Amsterdam West.
☾ Conscious Hotel Westerpark: in a beautiful building at the industrial Westergas area.
☾ QO Amsterdam: eco design hotel with a great skybar.
TOP LUXURY // €€€
☾ Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam: if you have something to celebrate this is the one.
☾ Pulitzer Amsterdam: on the canals at the border of the Nine Streets and the Jordaan.
☾ L’Europe: this hotel has the best spa with a view in Amsterdam.
☾ Conservatorium Hotel: located in one of the most beautiful buildings in town.
☾ W Amsterdam: with great restaurants and a rooftop bar with swimming pool.
Let’s get social
I really hope you enjoy your time in Amsterdam! On my Instagram account @yourlbb you can find more recommendations and new hotspots in town.
Follow @yourlbb on Instagram
| PS: Traveling to Amsterdam with kids? My other website Travelkids.co & @travelkids.co is dedicated to family friendly travel. Check it out here >>
Photocredits: frommydiningtable
