Two days of stand-up paddleboarding, free open-water swimming, and cycling — starting from Amsterdam Zuid. All the best local spots, no tourists, under €200.
Starting from Amsterdam Zuid — bike everywhere, swim everywhere.
SUP SUP Club · Amsteldijk 223, 1079 LK
Paddle from the Amstel Boathouse south into nature — open water, reed banks, and barely any other boats on a weekday morning. Book online via the SUP 2 GO locker system.
Book online →Amsteldijk 223, 1079 LK
Riverside terrace right at the water's edge — cold drinks, Dutch food, perfect post-SUP recovery spot.
South bank of the Amstel, near Amstel Station
Official swim spot right on the Amstel. Green, open, and feels like nature while the city skyline hovers just behind you. No booking, no entry fee.
Amsteldijk south toward Ouderkerk
Flat, scenic dike road following the river. Windmills, farmland, houseboats. One of the classic local rides out of the city.
Near Ouderkerk aan de Amstel
Small lake just outside the village — clean water, local crowd, quiet. Arrive by bike straight from the dike.
Ferdinand Bolstraat area, Amsterdam
Head back to the neighbourhood. De Pijp has everything from Dutch classics to Middle Eastern and Turkish spots — book via TheFork same-day or just walk in.
Browse TheFork →SUP SUP Club · Dijksgracht 4, 1019 BS
Paddle right into the Amsterdam canals and Eastern Docklands from here. The IJ is wide open — dramatic views of the city from the water. Open the locker with your phone.
Book online →Dijksgracht 4, 1019 BS
One of the best terraces in Amsterdam — big, sunny, right on the water. Worth calling ahead in summer, it fills up fast.
Bosbaanweg, 1182 Amsterdam
Direct from Zuid — flat 20-minute ride. Three times the size of Central Park. The Bos has trails, a goat farm, a rowing course, and multiple swim lakes.
Nieuwe Meerlaan, 1182 Amsterdam
Sandy beach on a natural lake inside the Bos. Lifeguards in summer, clean water, proper swimming. Just follow the signs from the park entrance.
Amsterdamse Bos
Slow down and walk the forest trails. Visit the goat farm (Geitenboerderij), grab an ice cream at the kiosk near the rowing course.
Slotermeerlaan, Amsterdam Nieuw-West
Urban sandy beach on the Sloterplas lake — local, laid-back, no tourists. Volleyball, picnics, and multiple swim zones. 15 minutes west from the Bos.
Amsterdam Zuid or De Pijp
Home stretch. An easy bike back to Zuid and dinner close to home — you've earned it.
Most things are walk-up and free. Only two things actually need a reservation.
Amstel Boathouse · Jun 23 ~09:30
From €15/session
Book via the SUP 2 GO locker online. Weekday mornings are quieter but it's still worth pre-booking in summer.
Hannekes Boom · Jun 24 ~09:00
From €15/session
Same system — book the Hannekes Boom location separately. Open the locker with your phone on the day.
Jun 24 ~11:30 · Dijksgracht 4
€15–22
The terrace is legendary and fills fast on sunny days. Worth a quick call the morning of.
Jun 23 ~19:30
€20–30
De Pijp has plenty of options — TheFork same-day usually works, or just walk in to the Albert Cuypstraat area.
Both days · Somerlust, Ouderkerkerplas, Nieuwe Meer, Sloterplas
Free
All officially designated Amsterdam outdoor swimming spots. Walk in, jump in.
You're starting from home — no accommodation, no intercity travel.
A full 2-day outdoor weekend in Amsterdam for under €200 — and that's if you eat out every single meal. Eat dinner at home on Day 2 and you're well under €150.
Everything you need to know before you head out.
The easiest option is SUP SUP Club, which has self-service locker spots at Amstel Boathouse (Amsteldijk 223) and Hannekes Boom (Dijksgracht 4). You book online, open the locker with your phone, and go. Rentals start from €15/session. No experience needed.
Amsterdam has several officially designated free swim spots: Nieuwe Meer (inside Amsterdamse Bos, lifeguards in summer), Sloterplas beach (urban sandy beach in Nieuw-West), Ouderkerkerplas (near Ouderkerk aan de Amstel), and Park Somerlust (on the Amstel, near Amstel Station). All are free and open to the public. Check current water quality at iAmsterdam.
Follow the Amsteldijk south from Amsterdam Zuid — it runs directly along the river Amstel. The route is flat, car-free in stretches, and takes about 30–40 minutes by bike. The full route is mapped by the ANWB as “Langs Rembrandts Amstel”. There’s a small ferry crossing near Ouderkerk (€1) if you want to return on the other bank.
Yes — Nieuwe Meer inside Amsterdamse Bos is one of the best swim spots in Amsterdam. There’s a sandy beach, lifeguards in summer, and clear water. The Bos also has a separate paddling area for children. Check Amsterdamse Bos for current opening info.
June through August is ideal — long days (light until ~22:00), warm enough to swim, and all outdoor venues are fully open. May and September also work well with fewer crowds. SUP SUP Club typically operates April through October.
For two full days: SUP sessions from €30 total (2× €15), all swimming is free, cycling costs €0 with your own bike, and food runs €70–€130 depending on how many meals you eat out. Total: roughly €100–€200.