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The coolest urban beaches of Amsterdam

These days when the temperatures are unusually high in Amsterdam, regular sightseeing might get more tiresome and maybe even somewhat boring. This nice sunny weather (that won’t last long by the way, since it’s the Netherlands!) make you want to spend some time chilling, catching a suntan and having a drink next to the water. If you’re still wondering how locals enjoy themselves during the summer in Amsterdam, then continue reading to discover cool hang out spots and urban beaches.

Of course, you might think that we will be recommending you the easiest ways to get to Zandvoort or Bloemendaal beaches, which are great for a swim in the Northern see or observing the Dutch turning red. And even though they are perfect for some sand and nature explorations, we will draw your attention to a different kind of beaches that Amsterdam has to offer even within a shorter distance.

Pllek

Hop on a free ferry behind the Central Station and find yourself at the NDSM wharf on the other side of the IJ that turn outs to be all cool and hip. Industrial Pllek will greet you with its creative vibe, live music or DJs playing and cold beers. Just relax on giant bean bags, try some good food and admire a spectacular view of Amsterdam on the other side.

pllek

Amsterdam Plage

In case you don’t fancy crossing the water and want to stick to the area next to the Central Station, no problem as a small city beach is only a 15 minute walk away. It’s known as the Stenen Hoofd, open for lively crowd till 15 August. The best part is that it features a free open-air film festival called Pluk de Nacht, which will be a great way to spend your evenings from 3 to 13 August.

pluk de nacht

Blijburg aan Zee

One of the biggest city beaches, this one is situated on Ijburg, which is a man-made island to the east of Amsterdam. It’s pretty much the only urban spot where you can swim and enjoy evening camp fires. Blijburg is even more alternative than other beaches and proud to have a hippie atmosphere with the feeling of freedom and bohemian spirit. Taste some of the delicious food here to the tunes of live music. If you’re lucky, you’re might be right on time for dance or music festivals that happen here quite often.

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NEMO’s Rooftop Beach

For those of you who want to experience a very original beach type in Amsterdam, NEMO’s rooftop can be the right spot to spend a relaxed afternoon. This science museum in the shape of a cruise ship will surprise you with deckchairs, decking, an amazing cascade with 4 000 liters of water, olive trees and sand pits. Just have a break, eat your Amsterdam ice-cream and breath in the magnificent view across the city’s roofs. It’s the largest terrace in town, which is ideal for kids as they will have a great entertainment time at Splashing Water Wonder playground.

nemo rooftop

Strand Zuid

As the name suggests, this lovely beach is located in the south of Amsterdam very close to RAI Convention Centre. It attracts an upper class crowd that come to relax here, sipping their cocktails, having luxurious food and laying in hammocks or lounge chairs. The area of Strand Zuid is huge with about 2000m2 of property here, but don’t expect any swimming facilities. Play some volleyball and mingle with the richies instead.

strand zuid

Amsterdam Roest

With the opposite vibe from Strand Zuid, this beach is more for hipsters and trendy young people who like good music, post-industrial architecture, indoor and outdoor bars with an artsy vibe. Roest’s sandy waterside is great for sun tanning, while its alternative markets and film screenings can serve as an interesting entertainment for kids and adults alike.

Strand West

This beach is more of a modern lounge spot where locals come for afternoon tapas and a drink, beach volleyball and hammock lazing. Although swimming isn’t allowed here, you still have plenty of opportunities of having a nice beach day here all year round.

The Coffeeshop World of Amsterdam

If you think this blog post is about the best coffee in Amsterdam, then you need to adjust your thinking to a local definition of a coffee shop. The Dutch coffee shops might serve you coffee, but usually you would come there to buy or smoke some weed. And you might mistakenly think that having a joint is legal in Amsterdam, but the truth is that it’s just tolerated by local authorities. Yes, you are allowed to buy and use soft drugs here and coffeeshops are fine to sell them to you, but technically it’s illegal for them to buy cannabis from the growers. Let’s dive into the mysterious world of coffee shops and learn more about the whole culture around it.

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So what is allowed?

As a tourist aged 18 and above you are more than welcome in any of Amsterdam coffeeshops and you can buy up to 5 grams of cannabis per day. You can peacefully smoke it inside the place where you got it or anywhere outside, as long as it doesn’t disturb other people and is not close to schools or playgrounds. As you see, the main rule of the city is “Your freedom ends where my freedom begins.” So even when you’re stoned and can’t walk any more, be respectful and polite.

Don’t expect to combine a joint with a beer in a coffeeshop, as all of them have “no alcohol” policy. If you a tobacco smoker or don’t like your weed pure, then you will have to smoke in a separate smoking area due to the tobacco smoking ban in Holland. One way or another, there is no better place to enjoy soft drugs than Amsterdam, and the proof of this is 35% of all Amsterdam tourists who end up in a coffeeshop.

Which coffeeshop to choose

The constant law changes and attempts to criminalize cannabis in the Netherlands has hugely affected the amount of coffeeshops in Amsterdam. Hopefully 155 of still existing ones will be enough for your nice stay in the city. Which one to choose, when the variety of coffeeshops is so overwhelming? As you imagine, some of them have cooler vibe, others -higher quality weed, awesome interior or even great food for your munchies. So here is our subjective top 3 coffeeshops in Amsterdam:

Abraxas

Down a narrow alley, Abraxas attracts lots of tourists by its large weed menu, friendly staff and unique dream-like interior. The atmosphere is quite laid back and chilled there, while the product is of a fine quality.

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Dampkring

There are 2 Dampkrings in Amsterdam, so make sure to choose the original one with its unforgettable visual experience, great marijuana selection and cozy vibe. This coffeeshop design is worth a visit by itself.

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420 Café

This coffeeshop welcomes you with its dark wooden interior and super friendly and knowledgeable personnel. Loved by locals, 420 Café shows nature documentaries, offers free vaporizers and serves good weed.

Get high but be smart

Whether you have smoked cannabis before or not, you have to keep in mind that the stuff is strong in Amsterdam and it can hit you hard. So don’t hesitate to ask questions in a coffeeshop, especially when it comes to the effect and strength of the weed you’re buying. And please, do follow the instructions given, as very often tourists underestimate the quality of the local product and smoke too much of it. In case you feel adventurous or don’t like smoking, but want to get high, be very careful with space cakes. Although they look cool and promising, and you don’t feel it for a long time after eating, be patient and don’t eat more than written on a tiny manual that comes with it. We don’t want to preach, but we want you to have a good time in Amsterdam, that’s why we recommend taking it easy with soft drugs here. You didn’t come to this marvelous city to have a bad trip, so don’t buy stuff from the street, get your weed from good coffeeshops, smoke it there and know your limits.

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There is a big difference between a coffeeshop and a smartshop, as the last one sells magic truffles to you (what used to be magic mushrooms before). They are hallucinogenic and have a stronger and longer effect on you. But that’s a completely different story, so don’t rush and start with a visit to a coffeeshop instead. And if you’re really into weed and all the culture, then don’t forget about the High Times Cannabis Cup in Amsterdam in November! But no matter what, please don’t smoke in the hotel rooms!