Things to do in Amstelveen
Amstelveen owes its existence to the Amstel River, which once played a crucial role in connecting Amsterdam to the rest of the Netherlands. Today, it is one of the greenest and most diverse municipalities in the Amsterdam Area, with plenty of options for recreation and entertainment. Alongside two national monuments - the Amsterdamse Bos (Amsterdam Forest) and the Heemparken (a botanic garden dedicated to native flora) - you’ll also find Stadshart Amstelveen, a covered shopping centre with over 200 luxury stores.
Experience impressive modern art
Amstelveen is a quiet haven for art modern lovers, where the Museum Cobra and Museum JAN host changing exhibition programmes of modern art, sculpture and photography. Situated in Amstelveen's ‘Old Village’, Museum JAN specialises in glass art and Dutch design. Over the years, it has assembled a rich collection of modern work by the masters in this field, as well as other sculptures and paintings. Meanwhile, Cobra's changing exhibitions feature the great names of the mid-20th-century CoBrA movement, such as Karel Appel, Constant, Corneille and Jan Sierhuis. There are also major temporary exhibitions of work by individual artists and their contemporaries from related movements and temporary exhibitions of modern and contemporary art. Read our guide to art and culture in Amstelveen for more.
Tuck into delectable food festivals and markets
The Amstelveen calendar is bursting with festivals and events that are a food-lovers dream. Don't miss Amstelveen Culinair in July where local bars and restaurants from the area present their best dishes and drinks in a spectacular lakeside setting along the De Poel shores and the Bacchus Wine Festival in June. For all things East Asian - from fashion to dance and delicious bites, Japan Festival pops up in June at Stadshart Amstelveen. The travelling Pure Markt farmer's market regularly pops up in the Amsterdamse Bos - populated by a community of remarkable participants passionate about the products they grow, harvest, craft and cook. Shop for stunning hand-made goods, plenty of foodie delicacies, bites and drinks to help you soak up the atmosphere. Keep an eye on the cultural agenda for what's on during your visit.
Watch a movie or show under the stars
Deep within the Amsterdamse Bos lies a magical open-air venue, the Amsterdamse Bostheater, that has delighted theatre and music fans every summer since 1985. With a programme ranging from large-scale and offbeat theatre productions to atmospheric musical performances, the performances make for a great summer evening beneath the stars in an intimate tree-lined setting. There’s also delicious food; visitors can grab dinner, appetizers and drinks at De Lastpost, the theatre’s own café and bistro. And don't miss the Forest Film Festival throughout the summer, for screenings of your favourite new movies.
Get active in the forest
The Amsterdamse Bos (Amsterdam Forest) is three times the size of New York’s Central Park and is entirely man-made. Spanning an impressive 1.000 hectares, this exceptional green space is among the largest city parks in Europe. You are guaranteed a hefty dose of nature, wandering the activity-packed central zones framed by quieter forests and fields of rustic flora and fauna. Along the various walking or cycling paths, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife as the lush forests and open water of this nature area make a cosy home for marsh harriers, kingfishers, squirrels, grass snakes and even some highland cattle. Looking for a unique experience amongst the treetops? The Klimbos Fun Forest high-rope adventure park allows visitors to move through the trees on ropes, ladders, bridges, zip lines and other climbing elements. Check out our guide to nature and active in Amstelveen for outdoorsy tips.
Relax at an impeccable wellness spa
Take a breath and recharge at Spa Zuiver, right on the edge of the Amsterdam Forest. Fully equipped with music saunas, a steam bath, a caldarium, an indoor and outdoor heated pool and aroma baths, this pocket of stillness is among the few in Amsterdam where you can take your time after an intense week. Indulge in an aromatic infusion sauna ceremony for the ultimate rejuvenation
Hop on and off a vintage tram
Hop aboard the historic Electric Tram from Haarlemmermeer station to Amstelveen for a nostalgic adventure (every Sunday from April to October). This magical service is run entirely by volunteers - and group bookings are also available. You can get off at any stop along the way and continue on the next tram, combining your ride with a visit to the Olympic Stadium, Amsterdam Forest, Heemparken and Museum Cobra in Amstelveen, among others.
Unwind in tranquil parks and gardens
Wander through the Zuidas botanical gardens - an oasis of calm with century-old trees and a greenhouse holding a vast collection of cacti and succulents. The entrance is free so that everyone can enjoy all the hidden corners, including a miniature Chinese landscape garden and Bonsai display. Not far from there, you'll also find De Braak Park. This national monument park, designed by Chris Broerse, is famous for its natural landscaping using wild native plants that are now rare in the Netherlands. Stroll along the ‘floating’ path to the nursery gardens and reedlands typical of the Dutch polder landscape before crossing into Dr Jac P. Thijssepark - a wilderness sanctuary in urban Amstelveen where the weaving pathways create romantic ‘garden rooms’ filled with woodland vegetation, water and rare plants.
Explore a riverside country estate
The 17th-century Wester-Amstel estate encapsulates the spirit of a countryside getaway and is the perfect spot to get a taste of the Dutch countryside and see what life's like along the banks of the Amstel River. Wander around the grounds, which combine Dutch Classicism architecture with modern sculptures and a beautiful natural setting. The estate offers a free downloadable audio tour and various walking route suggestions, complete with an estate map.
Test out the grapes at a local vineyard
You may not associate the Netherlands with wine, but Dutch wines have grown in popularity recently – especially those from the country's south. To experience a local vineyard closer to Amsterdam, look no further than Wijngaard de Amsteltuin – a picturesque vineyard in Amstelveen. You may never have heard of the grape varieties being used (Solaris or Johanniter, anyone?), but that only makes the experience of tasting them even more special. Purchase a selection of Amsteltuin’s white, red and rosé wines from their Wijnhuis. The vineyard is also available for events and tours upon request. Check out our guide to restaurants and bars in Amstelveen for more foodie tips.
Get your shopping done
If Amsterdam’s unpredictable weather makes outdoor shopping unsuitable, head to this indoor mall in Amstelveen for shelter and retail therapy. Stadshart Amstelveen has an extensive selection of brands like Hema, Douglas, Zara, and Intertoys alongside an outpost of the iconic department store De Bijenkorf. Dodge the elements with an indoor shopping experience and enjoy a coffee break or a quick bite at the many coffee and food spots inside.
