Well, here comes Sunday again… It is the last free day of the week before the hustle and bustle begins. You can do two things: either lounge on the sofa at home or make the most of this Sunday afternoon in Amsterdam! I’m a big fan of Sunday Funday; there’s always so much to do on this day. I prefer to head out as early as possible to make the most of it. Are you feeling uninspired? We’ve compiled nine ideas for a fun Sunday afternoon in Amsterdam. Have fun!
AMSTERDAM UPDATES
Subscribe to YOURLBB'S newsletter and get the AMSTERDAM BUCKET LIST BOOK in your inbox for free.
"*" indicates required fields
The best ideas for a Sunday afternoon in Amsterdam
Visit a (hair)spa
Hair spas are all the rage! And Amsterdam now has quite a few (find the best hair spas in Amsterdam here). A relaxing activity for your Sunday afternoon. Are you not in the mood for hair care? A classic spa is, of course, an option, too, for example, at one of these hotels with a spa.
© Tanoshi Hair Spa, @tanoshi_hairspa
Have an extensive lunch
An extensive lunch can quickly fill your afternoon, making it ideal for a lazy Sunday afternoon in Amsterdam. Check out our chic lunch options, or go for one of the newest restaurants in Amsterdam.
Afternoon tea
There’s not much better than an afternoon with a proper high tea. Luckily, Amsterdam offers plenty of choices, from budget options to super chic. A famous one is at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, but other spots are gaining in popularity, too. Planning to indulge. Then check out our list of the best high teas in Amsterdam.
© Waldorf
Take a breezy beach walk
Okay, a beach walk doesn’t technically count as a Sunday afternoon in Amsterdam, but it’s close enough. You can enjoy the sea breeze at Bloemendaal aan Zee, Castricum aan Zee, or Egmond aan Zee, where beach pavilions open year-round.
Cycling tour through Amsterdam-Noord
Amsterdam-Noord has so much to offer! This district is fun for both young and old, thanks to its incredible dining spots, Noorderpark, Buiktuin petting zoo, and Diereneiland nature playground. You can also cycle past the beautiful dike houses on the Nieuwendammerdijk and relax on the terrace at Fromagerie Kef, where you can end the day with the best cheese in Amsterdam and matching wine.
Street art walk
Amsterdam is full of street art, which gives the city its unique character. Perhaps you usually walk right past it, but that won’t happen after taking a street art walk. We’ve already mapped out four fun walks to fill your Sunday afternoon in Amsterdam. Can’t get enough? Then, visit the street art museum in Amsterdam-Noord or check out the other ideas for free things to do in Amsterdam.
The Streetart Museum Straat
Walking around Amsterdam’s outskirts
Sundays are for unwinding, and that feeling is often best achieved outside the city. Visit the Amsterdamse Bos or walk near Amsterdam, such as at one of these sixteen walking areas. You’ll be guaranteed peace of mind.
Stand-up paddling in Amsterdam
There’s nothing like a sunny day on the water. Are you not keen on being on a boat? Then, you’ll probably enjoy stand-up paddling. Throughout Amsterdam, there are plenty of places to rent a SUP board; here are our ten favourite spots.
SupSupClub © Facebook
Rent a boat
Are you feeling brave enough to rent a boat? Good for you! A Sunday afternoon in Amsterdam is an entirely different experience from the water, so there’s nothing better than renting a boat. Sail along the Amstel, the IJ, or head towards Ouderkerk for ultimate sailing pleasure. Great for a date, with friends or family. You can safely rent a boat at these places, and you can moor at these ten terraces in Amsterdam.
Kayaking or canoeing
We’ll stay on the water for a moment because another – more sporty – alternative to renting a boat is, of course, to rent a kayak or canoe. Gliding silently along the canals or the Amstel sounds like music to the ears. At these great spots in Amsterdam, you can rent a kayak or canoe.
© Amsterdamse Bos
Museums
Amsterdam has 52 museums, so you’ll be occupied for quite a few Sundays. :-) Yourlbb’s favourite is the Tropenmuseum. The building is impressive and quite stunning. On the ground floor, there’s always a changing exhibition. Also worth visiting are the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Eye Film Museum. Check out our weekend guide for up-to-date information.
Even more fun ideas for a Sunday afternoon in Amsterdam
Pllek
Want to head out but still feel like being lazy? Pllek in Amsterdam North is the spot where you can simply sit and do nothing all Sunday afternoon. There’s a fireplace in winter, and in summer, it’s lovely outside on the terrace by the water. Just have some drinks, catch up, and order tasty snacks – nothing more to add! Once a month, there’s also Circus Kristal at Pllek on Sunday, which is super fun for the kids.
PLLEK © Your Little Black Book
Foodhallen
The Foodhallen in Amsterdam West is always a good idea! On Sundays, I often feel like spending the whole day tasting all kinds of things with friends. The Foodhallen is perfect for that, especially when the weather is terrible. Plenty of stands offer delicious products made with passion in an ample space. The G&T bar is also a great touch. Enjoy!
Even more fun ideas for a Sunday afternoon in Amsterdam
Art house cinema
Amsterdam has many excellent art houses, cinemas, and historic movie theatres. Spots where you can relax and watch a film but with a more personal and characteristic atmosphere than a large cinema. It’s a great idea to take your date to. Before you go, check out our extensive movie guide for the coming month. And for those who prefer to stay at home (with or without a hangover), check out our new on Netflix list ;-).
Vondelpark
On Sundays, it’s nice to get some fresh air. I used to do this at the beach, but Vondelpark has become my go-to spot since moving to the city! Walking here and enjoying nature (and the green parrots) is lovely. In summer, you can have a drink on a terrace afterwards, or in winter, warm up at Het Blauwe Theehuis with hot chocolate or a glass of red wine.
Even more fun ideas for a Sunday afternoon in Amsterdam
Boozy brunch
In London, the boozy brunch has been a hit for years, and now the trend has made its way to Amsterdam. And we’re thrilled about it! Start your boozy brunch around 1 pm and linger all afternoon while you eat and sip on the best cocktails. Read more about the boozy brunch in Amsterdam here.
Amsterdam markets
Almost every Sunday, there’s a market somewhere in Amsterdam. It could be a food market, a flea market, or a combination of both. Browse the stalls for bargains or sample plenty of dishes. Our favourites are the Pure Markt, which rotates locations in and around Amsterdam; the Sunday Market, which takes place on the first Sunday of every month in Westerpark; and the Museum Market, which is held occasionally at Museumplein. Need more inspiration? Check out our list of the best markets in Amsterdam.
IJhallen
Okay, the IJhallen isn’t on every weekend, but you’ll want to check it out when it is. Private individuals and professional vendors sell their clothes and household items at this huge flea market. Often for a bargain, with hidden gems guaranteed.
Amsterdam Bucketlist & Things to Do
(DIGITAL) ART EXPERIENCES IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Fabrique des Lumières
⋙ NXT Museum
⋙ STRAAT street art museum
⋙ MOCO Museum for street and modern art
⋙ Amaze, an audiovisual labyrint
FOOD EXPERIENCES IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Food Tasting Tour of Jordaan area
⋙ Albert Cuyp Market Food Tour
⋙ Sightseeing Boat Cruise with unlimited drinks
⋙ Pancake Cruise
⋙ Micro Brewery Beer Tasting Tour
BEST BIKE TOURS IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Fatbike e-bike tour (also to Amsterdam North)
⋙ Rent a bike by yourself and explore like a local
⋙ Outside of Amsterdam: windmills & Zaanse Schans
⋙ 3 hour biketour: backstreets & hidden gems
FIRST TIME VISIT TO AMSTERDAM – MUST SEE & DO’S:
⋙ Private Canal Boat Tour
⋙ Rijksmuseum with the Dutch masters
⋙ Van Gogh Museum, a staple in Amsterdam
⋙ Stedelijk Museum for modern art lovers
⋙ Canal Cruise in the evening
INSTAGRAM MUSEUMS IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Discover the Instagrammable experience WONDR
⋙ Youseum
⋙ The Upside Down
DAY TRIPS FROM AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Get out of town and into the Dutch country side of Giethoorn
⋙ Drive-it-Yourself Tulip Fields GPS Audio Tour
⋙ Catch a direct train from Amsterdam to Antwerp, Brussels, London or Paris, starting at € 20,-! Check tickets & prices >>
AMSTERDAM WITH KIDS:
⋙ Visit Artis Royal Zoo
⋙ Go an a bike tour with the kids
⋙ NEMO Science Museum
SPIRNG / SUMMER IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Paddle board tour on the canals
⋙ Go for a kayak-tour in Amsterdam
FALL / WINTER IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Amsterdam Light Festival boat tour
⋙ Amsterdam Light Festival bike tour
| 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 in Amsterdam:
TOP LUXURY // €€€
☾ Pillows Maurits at the Park: this newly opened hotel is all about luxury.
☾ Pulitzer Amsterdam: on the canals at the border of the Nine Streets and the Jordaan.
☾ L’Europe: recently renovated, this hotel has the best spa with a view in Amsterdam.
☾ Conservatorium Hotel: located in one of the most beautiful buildings in town.
☾ Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam: if you have something to celebrate this is the one.
☾ W Amsterdam: with lively restaurants and a posh rooftop bar with swimming pool.
VERY VERY NICE // €€
☾ The Hoxton: favourite lifestyle hotel right on the canals with great all day bar.
☾ Hotel Jakarta: the most sustainable hotel ánd great value for money with a spa.
☾ Hotel V: with two locations and a great restaurant, in the city center and East.
☾ Sir Adam: with the coolest view over Amsterdam from the North side.
☾ Sweets: a unique stay in former bridge houses.
☾ Hotel Dwars: small scale and around the corner of the trendy Utrechtsestraat.
☾ Hotel Mercier: pretty new hotel in the cosy and historic Jordaan district.
☾ INK Hotel: lifestyle hotel in the heart of the city by MGallery.
☾ Morgan & Mees: boutique hotel with restaurant in Amsterdam West.
☾ Conscious Hotel Westerpark: in a beautiful building at the industrial Westergas area.
☾ Ruby Emma: eco design hotel with a great skybar near Amstel station.
AFFORDABLE (FOR AMSTERDAM PRICES) // €
☾ Generator Hostel: the best poshtel of the city located in a park.
☾ The Social Hub budget proof in trendy East district close tho the subway.
☾ 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 several locations in Amsterdam.
Let’s get social
I really hope you enjoy your time in Amsterdam! On my Instagram account @yourlbb and @yourlbb.amsterdam you can find more recommendations and new hotspots in town.
Follow @yourlbb on Instagram
