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Urban Beaches in Amsterdam

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Urban Beaches in Amsterdam

Throughout the whole year, Amsterdam offers plenty of attractions – world-class museums, vibrant nightlife, and canals with flower-covered bridges. But in summer, there’s something extra special: Urban Beaches in Amsterdam! These city beaches bring a real holiday vibe with festivals, food, drinks, music, and relaxing spots by the water.

1.Roest

Roest, located in the east near Brouwerij ’t IJ, is one of the most popular Urban Beaches in Amsterdam. Set in an old industrial area, it combines a café, bar, and restaurant with a sandy beach and lively events – from parties to cultural gatherings.

2.Strand Zuid

Strand Zuid, just a short metro ride or scenic cycle away, feels cozy and fresh with lanterns and greenery. You’ll find terrace tables by the water, sandy spots for barefoot lounging, and a relaxed vibe perfect for summer days.

3.Dok

Only 13 minutes cycling from Teleport, Dok is another favorite. With palm trees, beach volleyball, and a laid-back atmosphere, it truly feels like a holiday. Events like food festivals make it even more fun.

4.Sloterplas

For swimming, kayaking, yoga, or just relaxing on the grass, Sloterplas is a great option. This lake combines nature, sports, and a sandy beach just 9 minutes from Teleport.

5.Het Stenen Hoofd

Just 5 minutes from Central Station, this small city beach has a casual charm. Order a refreshing lemonade at the café and enjoy the view towards the A’dam Tower and NDSM.

As a non-local I definitely recommend these places for the people who are interested in doing something a bit different on their holiday to Amsterdam. After visiting some museums, I can’t think of anything better than relaxing on an urban beach with good music, tasty food and cold drinks or even enjoying a festival!

On this map you can check out all the places I mentioned and find the most convenient one![:]

Terrace hopping in Amsterdam

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Terrace hopping in Amsterdam is one of the best ways to experience the city like a local. When the sun is shining it is really popular among the Dutch to pick up their cycle and go to the parks or have a drink on Amsterdam’s many terraces; rooftop, canal, waterside, historical or just a terrace by a restaurant who puts some chairs outside for the summer. So when traveling to Amsterdam, between all the activities and attractions, visitors definitely need to stop by a terrace to get a little extra piece of the city’s lifestyle. Guests staying at Teleport Hotel can make terrace hopping even easier, as the hotel offers bike rentals that allow quick and fun access to many of these spots.

1. Pllek – end your Noord tour here

Pllek is the perfect place to finish a tour around Amsterdam Noord. This popular restaurant and bar ticks all the boxes: seats by the beach, a spacious terrace, two floors inside, and excellent service. The waiter even recommended me a local beer that became my all-time favorite! Best of all, you can enjoy stunning waterfront views and sunsets. The atmosphere is extraordinary – groups of friends drinking, couples dining, and solo visitors just relaxing.

📍 Address: Tt. Neveritaweg 59
🕒 Opening times: Sun–Thu 9:30am–1am, Fri–Sat 9:30am–3am
⏰ Busiest times: 7pm–9:30pm

2. Hannekes Boom – near Central Station

Hannekes Boom is another great spot for terrace hopping in Amsterdam. Located just a short walk or bike ride from Central Station, it feels like a hidden escape from the busy streets. Instead of crowds, you’ll see boats passing slowly by. Even when tables are full, you can sit by the water with a local Brouwerij ’t IJ beer in hand.

📍 Address: Dijksgeracht 4
🕒 Opening times: Mon–Thu 10am–1am, Fri–Sun 10am–3am
⏰ Busiest times: 5pm–9pm

3. Café Zurich – discover the West

Only 13 minutes by bike from Teleport Hotel, Café Zurich is a cozy terrace in Mercatoplein. It looks like a secret garden hidden in the West. While smaller than some central terraces, it feels less crowded and less touristy. With stylish decoration and a relaxed vibe, it’s a perfect place for lunch, dinner, or just a refreshing gin tonic in the sun.

📍 Address: Mercatoplein 2b
🕒 Opening times: Mon–Thu 9am–1am, Fri–Sun 9am–3am
⏰ Busiest times: 6pm–8pm

4. Haven van Texel – canals and island beers

This terrace is a real gem in the heart of Amsterdam. While enjoying canal views and the city’s historic buildings, you can also try award-winning beers from Texel, an island 100 km north. Haven van Texel is a convenient and tasty stop during sightseeing.

📍 Address: Sint Olofssteeg 11
🕒 Opening times: Mon–Thu 4pm–12am, Fri–Sun 2pm–1am
⏰ Busiest times: 7pm–9pm

5. Schreierstoren – history in every sip

For a hidden gem with history, Schreierstoren is a must. This medieval tower was once part of Amsterdam’s city wall, and legend says women waved goodbye to their husbands here as they left for sea. Today, you can enjoy a cold beer in the same spot, surrounded by centuries of stories.

📍 Address: Prins Hendrikkade
🕒 Opening times: Mon–Thu 10am–1am, Fri–Sun 10am–3am
⏰ Busiest times: 6pm–9pm

So where are they located?

To make your life a little easier I made a small map for you of Amsterdam with the terraces of this article. Just look up the number of your favorite terrace and you know how to get there!

From beach vibes at Pllek to canal views at Haven van Texel, terrace hopping in Amsterdam offers something for everyone. Whether you prefer urban spots like Hannekes Boom, relaxed terraces like Café Zurich near Teleport Hotel, or historic locations like Schreierstoren, you’ll always find the perfect place to enjoy a drink.

Besides these examples, there are countless other terraces – Nemo, A’dam Tower, Lion Noir… Just walk around and you’ll see how every restaurant tries to bring summer to the streets. Terrace hopping in Amsterdam is truly the best way to taste Dutch summer!

The Coffeeshop World

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Amsterdam Coffeeshops – The Real Meaning of “Coffee”

If you think this post is about the best coffee in Amsterdam, think again.
In the Netherlands, a coffeeshop is not a café. Sure, you can get coffee there, but that’s not why people visit. Locals and tourists come mainly to buy or smoke weed.

You might believe that smoking cannabis is legal here, but technically it’s not. The use and sale of small amounts of soft drugs are only tolerated by authorities. You can buy and use cannabis, but coffeeshops themselves are not allowed to purchase it from growers. Let’s take a closer look at how this system really works.

Coffeeshops-Amsterdam2

So what is allowed?

As a tourist aged 18 or older, you are welcome in any Amsterdam coffeeshop. You can buy up to 5 grams of cannabis per day. Smoking is allowed inside the coffeeshop or outside, as long as you don’t disturb others and stay away from schools or playgrounds.

Amsterdam’s main rule is simple: “Your freedom ends where my freedom begins.” So even if you’re high, remember to stay polite and respectful.

Alcohol is not allowed in coffeeshops. If you smoke tobacco or prefer mixing it with cannabis, you’ll need to use a separate smoking area. The rest of the coffeeshop must stay tobacco-free by law.

No city in the world embraces cannabis culture quite like Amsterdam. Around 35% of all visitors end up in a coffeeshop at least once.

Which coffeeshop to choose

Over the years, stricter regulations have reduced the number of coffeeshops in Amsterdam. Today, about 155 remain — still plenty for your stay. Each one has its own vibe, menu, and crowd. Some are cozy, others modern. Some serve better weed, while others impress with their design or food.

Here’s our top 3 selection of coffeeshops worth visiting:

Abraxas

Hidden in a narrow alley, Abraxas attracts tourists with its large menu, friendly staff, and dream-like interior. The atmosphere is calm and relaxed, and the weed quality is excellent.

Coffeeshops-Amsterdam3

Dampkring

There are two Dampkring locations, but make sure to visit the original one. It offers an unforgettable design, great marijuana selection, and a cozy, artistic vibe. The decor alone is worth the visit.

Coffeeshops-Amsterdam4

420 Café

A favorite among locals, 420 Café welcomes you with dark wooden interiors and super friendly staff. They show nature documentaries, offer free vaporizers, and serve quality weed at fair prices.

Get High, But Be Smart

Amsterdam weed is stronger than you might expect. If you’re not used to it, take it slow. Always ask the staff for advice about strength and effects before buying. They know what they’re doing — listen to them.

If smoking isn’t your thing, you can try space cakes. But be careful. The effects take longer to kick in, so don’t eat more than recommended. Many tourists make the mistake of taking a second bite too early — and regret it later.

Remember: you came to Amsterdam to enjoy, not to have a bad trip. Never buy from the street. Stick to licensed coffeeshops and know your limits.

Coffeeshop vs. Smartshop

Don’t confuse a coffeeshop with a smartshop. A smartshop sells magic truffles, which are hallucinogenic and much stronger than cannabis. They cause longer and deeper trips — that’s another story entirely. If you’re new to all this, start with a coffeeshop visit first.

If you’re really into cannabis culture, don’t miss the High Times Cannabis Cup in Amsterdam every November.

Coffeeshops-Amsterdam5

A Final Note from Amsterdam Teleport Hotel

We want you to have fun and experience Amsterdam safely. Enjoy the city, the vibe, and its freedom — but please, don’t smoke in the hotel rooms.

Sleep well, explore more, and enjoy Amsterdam the smart way.