If the beaches near Amsterdam at the North Sea are too far for you, check out these city beaches in Amsterdam. Urban beaches are perfect for a quick getaway from the crowded city life to enjoy the Amsterdam sun at its best: in your bikini. Dip your feet in cool waters while sipping a cocktail and watching the kids build sandcastles.
Strand Zuid City Beach
Strand Zuid is located at the south side of Amsterdam, near the business district of the Zuidas and next-door to RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre. The city beach attracts a successful business crowd. Expect quality sunbeds, hammocks, beach chairs and people who enjoy watching other people and being seen.
On the sandy beach, you can play volleyball, table tennis, jeu de boules and the Dutch game sjoelen. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The city beach of Strand Zuid is a spacious area bordering a pond and the lovely Beatrix Park. In summer, Strand Zuid organises special events like movie nights and themed parties. Check the website for the agenda.
How to get to Strand Zuid
Strand Zuid can be accessed by from the center of the city with metro 52 (Europaplein), metro 50, various buses or by train at railway station RAI.
City Beach Pllek at NDSM
At NDSM, a former ship wharf across the IJ waters is the hugely popular Pllek. The large restaurant and bar is located along the water and has terrific views. Pllek is busy all year round, offering its clientele live music every Sunday afternoon, yoga classes on Sunday morning, club nights on weekends, art exhibitions and more.
In summer the program of Pllek expands outdoor. On the large sandy beach there are many comfy bean bags perfect for sun-worshipping. In summer there are festivals and a weekly open air cinema (every Tuesday). When the water warms up you can jump right in!
How to get to Pllek
Amsterdam City Beach Pllek is found at NDSM. The free ferry takes you there in 15-minute and leaves from behind Central Station.
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Rooftop beach at NEMO
Not really a beach, but still, the playground created by NEMO science museum on top of its roof has all the ingredients to enjoy a day in the sun: lounge chairs, ice-creams, olive trees and, of course, cocktails. The rooftop has a beautiful view over the city center.
Especially children will not get bored at this urban beach because of the highly entertaining watery playground Energetica. Kids can splash around with water in an educational and scientifically justified manner. Fun with molecules!
How to get to city beach NEMO
City Beach Nemo is located on top of the green ship-like building the NEMO Science Museum. It’s at Oosterdok, a 10 minutes walk from Central Station. Open daily until September from 10.00 to 18.30. Oosterdok 2 (free entrance).
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