The city beaches of Amsterdam

Amsterdam tourist information

The Amsterdam city beaches


Strand Gaasperplas
City Beaches Amsterdam

Amsterdam actually does have several urban beaches with restaurants, beach bars, sand and most of them have a swimming area. All the locations are easily accessible by public transport and bicycle. The city beaches of Amsterdam offer a good alternative for the busy beaches near the sea like Zandvoort or Scheveningen.



Strand Zuid

Strand Zuid in Amsterdam is located between the Amsterdam RAI exhibition center and the Beatrixpark (Europaplein 22), and boasts over 2000 m2 (over 6,600 square feet) of man-made beach property. Strand Zuid has the image of being a more luxury beach, and in the summer, the upper class of Amsterdam love to come here to lounge, sip cocktails, and see and be seen. But don’t let this trendy image of Strand Zuid scare you off. The beach offers countless hammocks and lounge chairs and even a volleyball court. Although there are no swimming facilities, there are showers available if you need to cool off. There are also even a variety of activities geared towards kids.

Strand West

Strand West is the Amsterdam beach that is particularly popular among students and young people.  With over 20,000 square meters (over 66,000 square feet) of beach, and a panoramic view out over the water of the IJ, this location offers a fantastic, relaxed atmosphere. Feel free to lounge around in one of the many hammocks or bean bag chairs, play a game of beach volleyball, or enjoy tapas and cocktails at the bar. A DJ provides music so you can dance while watching the sun go down. Strand West (Stavangerweg 900) is not even a 15-minute bus ride (Bus 22 and 48) from Central Station. 

Strand IJburg

Strand ijburg
Strand ijburg

Strand IJburg is the “alternative” beach in Amsterdam, where there’s always a bit of a hippie vibe, and where young families feel particularly at home. The Blijburg beach restaurant serves food and drinks, and also plays music. In the evening, they often build a campfire. Near Strand IJburg, you’ll find Surfcenter IJburg where water sports enthusiasts can rent windsurfing equipment, or take classes. One of the great advantages of Strand IJburg is that unlike Strand Zuid and Strand West, you can swim here. You can take tram line 26 to get to Strand IJburg (Muiderlaan 1001).

Strand Gaasperplas

Strand Gaasperplas


The Gaasperplas lies in a populated area but this beautiful lake is still a place of peace and tranquility. This large lake with several manicured gardens and playgrounds has not yet been discovered by many people. Over 165 acres of park with broad lanes, rose gardens, lounge areas and dune landscapes was constructed in 1982. The perfect place to chill a day on the water side. The quality of the water is very good and there are some food stalls, boats and canoes can also be rented. There's even a small nude beach on the northern side of the Gaasperplas.


Amsterdam hotel tip:





Hotel ibis is located in Amsterdam's Old Town, close to the main railway station with all forms of public transport and just a 10-minute walk from Dam Square. A very nice location to explore the city. A very good breakfast is served every morning in the breakfast room and this 3-star hotel has non-smoking rooms. Directly in the area there is a large choice of bars and restaurants. Free Wi-Fi is available in the rooms and in all public areas. 
More information ibis hotel Amsterdam