Amsterdam is one of my favourite cities. I like the fact that it doesn’t really feel like a city but it still has all of the activities, atmosphere, and excitement that comes with a big city. It is unlike most other capital cities worldwide but you can have just as much of a crazy time or a chilled time here too. So let’s explore some relaxing things to do in Amsterdam and see what this great city has to offer on the chilled side of the spectrum.
As the vibrant capital city of the Netherlands, it is not only famous for its picturesque canals, its red-light district, and its party scene but also its laid-back atmosphere and many relaxing activities.
Whether you’re a tired traveller in need of a break or a local looking for some peace and quiet from the hustle and bustle of city life, Amsterdam offers a top choice of relaxing experiences that get you back on track and recharge you.
1. Take a Canal Boat Cruises
One of the most scenic and relaxing ways to experience Amsterdam is by enjoying a local canal cruise. Slowly cruising along the city’s iconic waterways, you can take in the unique architecture, charming bridges, and the atmosphere while being at a nice distance from it, always moving and seeing new scenery.
Plenty of tour operators also offer guided cruises where you can hear a voice-over and learn about the city’s history. If you want even more of a chilled trip then have a lie down along the way feeling the gentle sway of the boat, just don’t fall asleep.
2. Get around Vondelpark
Escape the city chaos to the serene Vondelpark, Amsterdam’s most famous green space and just a great park in general. This huge city park offers a peaceful retreat where you can stroll along winding pathways, take a bike ride, have a picnic on the grass, have a coffee in a cafe, or simply sit by the pond and watch the world go by.
Vondelpark is also a good spot for activities if things are a bit too quiet for you, there’s open-air concerts, theatre performances, local musicians jamming and art installations happening throughout the year.
3. Visit a Floating Sauna
For something unique and rejuvenating try one of Amsterdam’s floating saunas. Yes, it’s a sauna near the city and yes it floats on the river. These innovative floating structures offer sauna sessions with stunning, relaxing views of the water.
They are usually based a little further out of the city such as Warm Hearts Floating saunas in the west. Saunas offer some therapeutic benefits of heat with the calming influence of the surrounding natural environment so it’s a win-win and not far to go.
4. Enjoy the Amsterdam café culture
Amsterdam’s café culture is a big part of the city so it makes sense to try it. Try a cosy café off the beaten track and order a cup of freshly brewed coffee or your favourite tea, and watch the world go by while sitting near a canal or garden, maybe reading a book.
Since you’re in Amsterdam there are other ways to unwind in a café. When in Rome, as they say… Why not go to the next level of relaxation and try a space cake, or smoke one of their pre-rolled joints which are all legal here inside their dedicated cafés? That is provided you’re sure that Cannabis will relax you and not make you paranoid, remember everyone reacts differently to this famous plant.
5. Visit a local Dutch Spa
While it’s not exclusive to Amsterdam there are a good choice of luxurious spas around the city where you can get decent massages, facials, and other wellness treatments.
Many spas in the city offer traditional Dutch treatments, such as hot stone massages and herbal baths. This is an ideal activity after a day of sightseeing to refresh and rejuvenate you. Nagomi spa and Sauna Deco are 2 spa highlights here.
6. Visit the Oude Kerk (The Old Church)
Amsterdam’s oldest church is worth a look inside. The Oude Kerk sits right next to the red light district and was built in 1250 so that’s some serious history. It has a skyline-dominating bell tower overlooking the city. Inside there’s a really calm vibe to it as you admire the impressive kaleidoscopic stained glass windows. There are loads of very old carvings and some great architecture to just sit down and gaze at for a while. Due to its central location, it offers a nice little escape from the busy streets.
7. Stroll around the Botanical Gardens
Amsterdam boasts a few exceptional botanical gardens, such as Hortus Botanicus, where you can escape into quiet nature. Walk through the impressive collection of plants, flowers, and trees and feel the weight of the world just disappear. These gardens also offer some ideal spots for meditation or book reading so enjoy the green (no not the green you’re thinking about).
8. Take in the world class Museums
Amsterdam is well-known for its big art scene, and exploring the city’s world-class museums can be often relaxing and cultural enough to feel well accomplished afterwards.
The Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, and Stedelijk Museum are the big museums where you can see some masterpieces by renowned artists among other impressive highlights. The museums have a good ambiance and very impressive architecture so there are a lot of good sights to sit back and enjoy.
9. Join a Yoga session
Amsterdam offers a boatload of yoga studios and mindfulness centres where you can join classes and see how the Dutch do it. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced yogi, the sessions will no doubt help you unwind, stretch your body, and calm any busy mind.
Many studios also organise outdoor sessions in the parks mentioned above, so you can immerse yourself in nature while stretching out.
Amsterdam’s relaxing activities cater to every preference so you can always find some peace and ambience to recharge your batteries. It is a more relaxing city than most so it lends well to chilled activities.
Whether you prefer a peaceful canal cruise, a pampering spa day, or trying the local herbs to relax your mind Amsterdam invites you to unwind and enjoy things at a slower pace with lots of relaxing things to do. So, the next time you find yourself here in one of the great European cities, take a moment to try one of these activities and recharge yourself ready for the week ahead.