Just a short ferry hop over the IJ from Amsterdam Central station, this hip waterfront bar boasts its own urban beach where locals and in-the-know visitors flock in summer months to enjoy great food, DJs and a vibrant atmosphere by day and night. Kick back on giant bean bags with a beer in hand, and take in the views of Amsterdam across the water.
Pllek | TT Neveritaweg 59, NDSM
South of the city centre, StrandZuid is a chic inland beach complex surrounding a lake. There’s a stylish restaurant, large beer deck with ping pong table, and a sandy party beach with plenty of sunbathing spots connected by a series of boardwalks. The restaurant menu offers plenty of fish, meat and vegetarian options and, for a summertime flavour boost, many dishes are prepared on the traditional charcoal grill.
StrandZuid | Europaplein 22, Zuid
Offering an unusual little oasis of greenery and sand between Amsterdam’s Westerdok and Central Station, Het Stenen Hoofd is not so much an urban beach as a pier jutting out into the IJ and covered in sand and grass. It regularly plays host to a variety of cultural events, the most famous of which is the Pluk de Nacht open-air film series.
Het Stenen Hoofd | Het Stenen Hoofd, West
This swimming lake in Amsterdam Nieuw-West is one of the neighbourhood's best summer hotspots. The family-friendly urban beach boasts picnic tables, a wide-open space and a nifty beach shop where you can rent beach chairs, volleyball gear, mobile showers and other handy equipment.
Sloterplas Beach | Th J Lammerslaan, Nieuw West
