Sunday afternoon in Amsterdam: 18 tips for fun things to do

Well, then Sunday arrives again... The last free day of the week before the hustle and bustle returns. There are two things you can do: chill on the couch at home or make the most of this Sunday afternoon in Amsterdam! I'm personally a big fan of Sunday Funday; there's so much to do. I prefer to get out as early as possible to make the most of it. Feeling uninspired? We've compiled 18 ideas for a fun Sunday afternoon in Amsterdam. Enjoy!

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The 18 most fun things to do on a Sunday afternoon in Amsterdam

Visit a (hair)spa

Hair spas are hot! And Amsterdam now has a handful of them (You can find the best hair spas in Amsterdam hereA relaxing activity for your Sunday afternoon. Prefer to avoid all the hassle? Then a classic spa is also an option, for example, at one of these hotels with a spa.

© Tanoshi Hair Spa, @tanoshi_hairspa

Extensive lunch

An extensive lunch offers you a full afternoon program, ideal for a lazy Sunday afternoon in Amsterdam. View our chic lunch options, or go for one of Amsterdam's newest restaurants.

Afternoon tea

There's little that beats an afternoon with a good high tea. Luckily, Amsterdam offers plenty of choices, from budget options to ultra-chic. A famous one is the one at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, but those at other venues are also gaining popularity. Making plans? Then check out our list of the best high teas in Amsterdam.

© Waldorf

Get some fresh air on the beach

Okay, okay, blowing out on the beach doesn't count as a Sunday afternoon in Amsterdam, but it's pretty close, of course. You can blow out at Bloemendaal aan Zee, Castricum aan Zee, or Egmond aan Zee, where they all have have beach tents that are open all year round.

Cycling tour through Amsterdam-Noord

Amsterdam-Noord has so much to offer! This district is fun for all ages, thanks to its excellent restaurants and cafes, Noorderpark, the Buiktuin petting zoo, and the Diereneiland nature playground. You can also cycle past the beautiful dike houses on Nieuwendammerdijk and relax on the terrace of Fromagerie Kef, where you can end the day with Amsterdam's finest cheese and matching wine.

Street art walk

Amsterdam is teeming with street art, giving the city its unique character. You might always walk right past it, but that won't be the case after taking a street art walk. We've already mapped out four nice walks to fill a Sunday afternoon in Amsterdam. Can't get enough? Then also visit the street art museum in Amsterdam-Noord or check out the other ideas for free outings in Amsterdam.

The Streetart Museum Street

Walking near Amsterdam

Sundays are for unwinding, and you can secretly achieve that feeling better outside the city. Visit the Amsterdamse Bos or go for a walk near Amsterdam, for example at one of these sixteen walking areasPeace of mind guaranteed.

Stand-up paddleboarding in Amsterdam

There's nothing quite like a sunny day on the water. Prefer not to be on a boat? Then you'll love SUP, also known as stand-up paddleboarding. Amsterdam is packed with places to rent a SUP; these are our ten favorite places.

SupSupClub © Facebook

Rent a boat

Do you dare to rent a boat? Absolutely right! A Sunday afternoon in Amsterdam is simply different from the water, so there's nothing better than renting a boat. Cruise along the Amstel River, the IJ River, or towards Ouderkerk for ultimate boating fun. Great for a date, with friends, or family. You can rent a boat with confidence at these locations en You can moor a boat at these ten terraces in Amsterdam.

Kayaking or canoeing

We'll stay on the water a little longer, because another – more sporty – alternative to renting a boat is, of course, renting a kayak or canoe. Silently gliding along the canals or the Amstel River – that sounds like music to your ears, doesn't it? You can rent a kayak or canoe at these great addresses in Amsterdam.

© Amsterdamse Bos

Museums

Amsterdam boasts a whopping 52 museums. This will keep you busy for quite a few Sundays :-) A Yourlbb favorite is the Tropenmuseum. The building is imposing and very impressive. There's a constantly changing exhibition on the ground floor. Also fun: the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and the Eye Film Museum. Check out our weekend guide for up-to-date information.

Even more fun ideas for a Sunday afternoon in Amsterdam

plek

Do you still want to go out but do you feel like being lazy? Pllek in Noord It's the spot where you can simply relax and do nothing all Sunday afternoon. In the winter, there's a fireplace, and in the summer, it's lovely outside on the waterfront terrace. Just have drinks, catch up, and order delicious snacks—nothing more, I'd say! Once a month, Circus Kristal is also at Pllek on Sundays, which is great fun for the kids.

PLLEK © Your Little Black Book

food hall

The Foodhallen in Amsterdam west It's always a good idea! I often feel like spending a whole day with friends on Sundays sampling all sorts of things. The Foodhallen is perfect for that, especially when the weather's bad. A large space houses plenty of stalls where the most delicious products are made with passion. The G&T bar is also a great option. Enjoy!

Even more fun ideas for a Sunday afternoon in Amsterdam

Film house/cinema

Amsterdam is home to many fantastic arthouse cinemas and historic movie theaters. These are places where you can relax and watch a film, but they offer a more personal and distinctive experience than a large cinema. A great idea for a date. Check before you go. our extensive movie guide for the coming month. And for those who prefer to stay home (with or without a hangover): check out our new on Netflix list ;-).

Vondelpark

On Sundays, it is nice to get some fresh air. I used to do that at the beach, but since living in the city, my go-to spot for a breath of fresh air has become Vondelpark! It is lovely to take a walk here and enjoy nature (and the green parrots). In the summer, enjoy a nice drink on the terrace afterwards, or in the winter, warm up at Het Blauwe Theehuis with a hot chocolate or a glass of red wine.

Even more fun ideas for a Sunday afternoon in Amsterdam

Boozy brunch

The boozy brunch has been a hot topic in London for years, but now the trend has also made its way to Amsterdam. And we're thrilled about that! Start your boozy brunch around 1:00 PM and linger all afternoon while enjoying delicious food and cocktails. Read more about the boozy brunch in Amsterdam here.

Amsterdam markets

Almost every Sunday, there's a market somewhere in Amsterdam. This could be a food market, a flea market, or a combination of the two. Enjoy browsing the stalls and picking up bargains or sampling a wide variety of dishes. Our favorites: the Pure Markt, which rotates between locations in and around Amsterdam; the Sunday Market, which takes place every first Sunday of the month in Westerpark; and the Museum Market, which takes place every so often on Museumplein. Need more inspiration? Then check out our list of the best markets in Amsterdam.

IJhallen

Okay, the IJhallen might not be open every weekend, but when they are, you'll definitely want to check it out. At this enormous flea market, both private individuals and professionals sell their clothing and homeware. Often for next to nothing, and hidden gems guaranteed.

more Amsterdam tips