Uncover one of the best ways to go to the town responsibly with this Sustainable Journey Information to Amsterdam.
Planning a visit to Amsterdam? Town has lengthy been celebrated because the occasion capital of the Netherlands, however is shifting towards a extra respectful and sustainable method that advantages each residents and the setting.
This information explores the steps Amsterdam is taking and reveals you find out how to expertise the town responsibly. Depart a lighter footprint by exploring eco-friendly lodging, native markets, inexperienced transportation and cultural experiences, irrespective of how lengthy you keep.
Bike and canals of Amsterdam
How sustainable is Amsterdam?
Amsterdam is making important strides in sustainability, with a purpose to change into climate-neutral by 2050. Key initiatives embody widespread use of renewable vitality, in depth biking infrastructure, and electrical public transport. These efforts have earned the town the highest rating within the Arcadis 2024 Sustainable Cities Index.
To attain sustainable metropolis standing, Amsterdam goals to be a pure gas-free metropolis by 2040 and transition to inexperienced vitality. The agenda for emission-free mobility will create zero-emission zones, incentivise scrapping fossil gasoline automobiles and improve public charging infrastructure.
Amsterdam plans to chop meals waste by 50% by 2030, specializing in lowering waste in companies, eating places, and houses whereas repurposing unsold meals for social causes. Town will develop natural waste assortment and again composting and nutrient restoration initiatives, serving to to shut the meals loop. There are a number of initiatives, corresponding to Van Amsterdamse Bodem and Gezonde Stad, which educate and help residents in making sustainable and nutritious meals selections.
Amsterdam has change into a sufferer of its personal recognition, grappling with over-tourism. To handle this, the town has introduced a ban on cruise ships beginning in 2035, restricted brief time period leases and made it unlawful to make use of smooth medicine within the previous metropolis centre and the quantity you should purchase. The transfer to advertise extra sustainable lodging, wholesome eating places and cultural issues to do focuses on attracting guests who keep longer and spend extra, transferring away from party-driven weekend tourism.
Hortus Botanicus, Amsterdam
Methods to go to Amsterdam sustainably
Select Sustainable Lodging in Amsterdam
Acutely aware Lodges (£££)
The Acutely aware Resort chain in Amsterdam with 4 areas. I stayed on the Vondelpark resort and couldn’t have been happier with my eco-friendly lodging! They’re all about sustainability with energy-efficient buildings, domestically sourced meals, and FSC-certified or upcycled supplies. Working solely on renewable vitality, their resorts additionally promote bike leases and zero-waste practices for a very inexperienced keep. Verify availability at Acutely aware Resort Vondelpark.
Acutely aware Resort Vondelpark
Amsterdam Homestay
Have you ever thought-about connecting with the locals in Amsterdam by choosing a homestay? It’s a straightforward option to study Dutch tradition, get pleasure from a private various to conventional resorts and keep away from tourism leakage. Try the choices for Amsterdam homestays.
Tenting in Amsterdam
Would you concentrate on tenting or glamping when planning a visit in Amsterdam? Fashionable campsites, like Tenting Zeeburg, positioned on an island within the IJmeer, and Vliegenbos Tenting within the Noord district, have trendy facilities, making them supreme for eco-conscious travellers seeking to join with nature whereas exploring the town. Try tenting and glamping choices in or close to Amsterdam.
Inexperienced-certified Luxurious Lodges in Amsterdam
If luxurious is your desire, search out resorts genuinely dedicated to sustainability somewhat than greenwashing. Do your analysis! One standout possibility is Resort Jakarta Amsterdam, an energy-neutral resort with a BREEAM-NL Excellence certificates and Gold Inexperienced-Key licensed. It options an indoor tropical backyard and collaborates with sustainable companions throughout its provide chain. Verify availability at Resort Jakarta Amsterdam.
Methods to attain Amsterdam sustainably
Reaching Amsterdam sustainably includes selecting eco-friendly transportation choices and planning responsibly. Listed here are some ideas:
By Prepare
Touring by practice is likely one of the most sustainable methods to achieve Amsterdam. Excessive-speed rail companies corresponding to Eurostar (from London), Thalys (from Paris, Brussels, and Cologne), Deutsche Bahn (from Germany) and FlixTrain (from a number of areas) present environment friendly and eco-friendly routes. Try in a single day companies like European Sleeper, which additionally saves you cash in a resort if travelling in a single day.
By Bus
Worldwide bus companies, together with FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus are reasonably priced and energy-efficient methods to journey to Amsterdam. These buses join many European cities to the Dutch capital whereas preserving emissions comparatively low.
By Ferry (from the UK)
Should you’re touring from the UK, ferries are a fantastic possibility. Routes like Harwich to Hoek van Holland (with Stena Line) join seamlessly with trains to Amsterdam. Different routes, corresponding to Newcastle to IJmuiden or Hull to Rotterdam, permit onward journey by practice or bus to achieve the town. Verify routes for ferries to the Netherlands.
By Automotive
Driving generally is a sustainable possibility through the use of carpooling platforms like BlaBlaCar to share rides with others heading to Amsterdam. For impartial journey, think about using an electrical or hybrid automobile. Amsterdam has in depth, and rising, charging infrastructure. Should you don’t personal an EV, examine automobile rent prices with Uncover Vehicles.
By Air (as a final resort)
Should you’re coming from a location the place sustainable transport isn’t an possibility, fly direct to Amsterdam with an airline that makes use of sustainable aviation gasoline (SAF) and purchase your carbon credit to offset emissions with licensed initiatives.
Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport is working in the direction of turning into the world’s most sustainable airport by initiatives like carbon-neutral operations, renewable vitality adoption, and progressive inexperienced applied sciences. Analysis commissioned by Royal Schiphol Group highlights the necessity to cut back carbon emissions by at the least 30% under 2019 ranges by 2030. Hopefully, these measures will allow them to realize their formidable goal.
|| READ MY SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL GUIDES TO PRAGUE AND BERLIN
Methods to get round Amsterdam sustainably
Strolling in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a really walkable metropolis, with its compact neighbourhoods and sights conveniently shut to at least one one other. Strolling by areas just like the Jordaan or alongside the picturesque canals is a pleasure, and I usually discovered myself solely needing a tram journey again to my resort after a full day of sightseeing, with my step rely off the charts.
Public Transport in Amsterdam
Amsterdam’s public transport system contains trams, buses, and metros powered more and more by renewable vitality. The enduring blue-and-white trams are a handy option to get across the metropolis centre, whereas buses and the metro serve outlying neighbourhoods. Discover route and journey info on GVB.
|| TOP TIP: The I Amsterdam Metropolis Card contains limitless journey on public transport and free entrance to museums and sights
Biking in Amsterdam
Biking is synonymous with Amsterdam and is essentially the most sustainable option to navigate the town. Should you’re scared to present it a go, don’t be! Amsterdam has an enormous community of motorcycle paths, bike parking, and rental companies. Renting a motorbike permits you to expertise Amsterdam like an area, by biking alongside the canals and thru the town centre or having fun with the peaceable paths of Vondelpark. Alternatively, try bike excursions in Amsterdam and past.
Automotive Sharing in Amsterdam
For these events when a automobile is critical, Amsterdam has a number of car-sharing companies, together with electrical choices like Greenwheels and ShareNow. These companies permit you to lease a automobile for brief journeys from numerous factors across the metropolis.
Eco-Boat Excursions in Amsterdam
Exploring Amsterdam’s well-known canals sustainably is feasible with eco-boat excursions with electrical or quiet vessels, offering an emissions-free option to see the town from the water. Skippers share insights about Amsterdam’s historical past and sustainability efforts, corresponding to plastic-fishing journeys to scrub the waterways.
|| BOOK an Eco-Boat Tour in Amsterdam
Finest time to go to Amsterdam – Off-Peak and Shoulder Season
As everyone knows, Amsterdam is in style all 12 months spherical, and every season comes with its benefits and challenges. To keep away from the crowds of peak vacationer season, one of the best time to go to Amsterdam is through the shoulder months of spring or autumn.
Not solely will native companies thanks for visiting through the off-peak season, however you’ll additionally get pleasure from higher resort charges, shorter queues at museums and a better time reserving a desk at Amsterdam’s prime eating places. Right here is an summary of what to anticipate from Amsterdam by the seasons that will help you determine;
Spring in Amsterdam (March to Could)
Town can be beautiful with cherry blossoms and tulips in full bloom. Pageant season kicks off, so examine dates for those who favor to keep away from the crowds. From movie and music festivals to foodie occasions, in addition to King’s Day (April 27) and Liberation Day (Could 5), there may be lots to see and do in Amsterdam. Rent a motorbike to keep away from the chaos and discover the countryside, with the bonus of much less rain.
Summer time in Amsterdam (June to August)
Lengthy days and heat climate carry loads of guests, all set to get pleasure from outside festivals, live shows, and occasions like Amsterdam Pleasure, open-air movie screenings, and the Grachtenfestival. Take pleasure in boat rides alongside the canals, and loads of inexperienced areas to calm down. To chill down, head to the city seashores of Sloterpark and Diemerpark, or enterprise additional out to Ouderkerkerplas or De Nieuwe Meer in Amsterdamse Bos for a splash round.
Autumn in Amsterdam (September to November)
Benefit from the shorter days and crisp climate for walks alongside canals and parks framed by golden leaves. Anticipate a mixture of sunshine and occasional rain. There’s an occasion for each form of climate, from movie festivals and dance occasions to the Sinterklaas parade. For one thing sporty, catch the Grachtenrace, marathon, or metropolis swim.
Winter in Amsterdam (December to February)
Wrap up heat and benefit from the festive season with Christmas markets and the magical Amsterdam Gentle Pageant. Ice skating rinks pop up across the metropolis, or, if it’s chilly sufficient, you would possibly even get the prospect to skate on the frozen canals. Hand around in cosy cafes, sipping on scorching drinks and munching on stodgy Dutch dishes.
Canals of Amsterdam in Autumn
Finest Issues To Do in Amsterdam
Dine in Sustainable Eateries in Amsterdam
Farm-to-fork, locally-sourced, and eco-conscious consuming is not only a development in Amsterdam—it’s turning into a lifestyle. Town is dwelling to an rising variety of eating places and cafes devoted to lowering their environmental impression and championing moral consumption.
Eco-travellers, vegans, and vegetarians could have no scarcity of eating choices in Amsterdam. Many eating places go the additional mile through the use of renewable vitality, upcycled furnishings, and implementing waste-reducing practices like composting and zero-waste menus. Guilt-free meals whereas touring is greater than potential on this Dutch metropolis!
|| READ MY GUIDE TO SUSTAINABLE RESTAURANTS IN AMSTERDAM WITH A MAP
Unusual Cafe
Take pleasure in Amsterdam’s inexperienced areas
Amsterdam is stuffed with lovely inexperienced areas, excellent for a break from the town buzz. Vondelpark is one among my favorites, particularly because it’s so near Museumplein and is a haven for birdwatching. Yow will discover gray herons, Egyptian geese, and white storks. Other than the squawking parakeets, Vondelpark is a beautiful spot to unwind by the ponds and revel in a picnic, climate allowing.
For a peaceable escape, head to Amsterdamse Bos, an enormous park with forests, lakes, and loads of trails to discover by foot or bike. Should you’re after one thing a bit totally different, try Westerpark, a mix of inexperienced area and cultural happenings. It’s dwelling to the Westergasfabriek, an industrial occasion venue, together with impartial outlets, stylish cafes and pop-up markets.
Gray Heron in Vondelpark
Uncover the historical past and tradition of Amsterdam
To find the historical past of Amsterdam, begin with the long-lasting Rijksmuseum, the place you possibly can discover Dutch artwork and historical past, together with masterpieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer. Go to the Van Gogh Museum to world’s largest assortment of works by Dutch painter. Discover the town’s Golden Age with a stroll by the Canal Ring, a UNESCO World Heritage website that showcases the town’s Seventeenth-century architectural magnificence.
A go to to the Anne Frank Home gives a poignant look into the lifetime of Anne Frank throughout World Struggle II. For one more hidden museum, don’t miss the Lord within the Attic, Catholic church in canal home. The Jewish Quarter (Jodenbuurt) is unfold over 4 areas and displays the Jewish neighborhood’s heritage, the town’s wartime historical past, together with the tragic Nazi persecution throughout World Struggle II.
|| TOP TIP: Seize the I Amsterdam Metropolis Card for museum reductions and inclusive public transport
Lord In The Attic, Amsterdam
Store Sustainably in Amsterdam
Farmers Markets & Native Produce
Amsterdam is famend for its markets, a few of which have been working for over a century! Noordermarkt in Jordaan has antiques, classic clothes and artisan stalls on Mondays and Saturdays, with the added Boerenmarkt (farmers market) on Saturdays. It’s a fantastic alternative to help native farmers who’re promoting natural fruits, pure cheeses, farm-fresh eggs, and extra.
The Albert Cuyp Market (Monday-Saturday) within the De Pijp district is taken into account the largest market in Europe, so be ready. It sells a mixture of contemporary meals, textiles and jewelry throughout 260 stalls.
Whereas the long-lasting floating Bloemenmarkt on Singel is a part of historical past, based in 1862, it has change into a little bit of a vacationer lure to take images, with some stalls now promoting cheesy souvenirs. Nonetheless, you possibly can nonetheless help the stall homeowners by choosing tulip bulbs to plant at dwelling. Alternatively, if it’s Instagram-worthy images you’re after, ease the crowds for these shopping for and be a part of a devoted tour to the tulip gardens.
Eco-friendly and Thrift Retailers
Classic outlets are scattered throughout Amsterdam, and I rapidly misplaced monitor of them as I explored the town. A few of my favorites have been Episode, Bij Ons Classic, and Vindit Classic. For a one-stop classic procuring expertise, head to IJ-Hallen within the Noord district, the biggest flea market in Europe. Simply be sure to return with additional room in your suitcase!
For refills, plant-based meals, and toiletries, the Little Plant Pantry is an ideal zero-waste store. Championing the round financial system, THE UPCYCLE creates recycled presents from waste, whereas Condomerie is a 100% carbon-neutral enterprise providing Truthful Deal Buying and selling latex condoms, CO2-neutral condoms, and vegan choices.
|| DISCOVER MORE ON A SELF-GUIDED GREEN LIGHT WALK
Condomerie: carbon-neutral store in Amsterdam
Join sustainable Workshops and Eco-Excursions
Be Respectful to locals in Amsterdam
It comes as no shock that Amsterdam’s residents have had sufficient of occasion tourism, significantly the type fuelled by alcohol and medicines. Town’s “Stay Away” marketing campaign was launched in 2023 to encourage accountable tourism and discourage disruptive stag weekenders. Locals are, fairly rightly, annoyed with vacationers who disrespect their setting, and sadly, the worst offenders are younger Brits.
It’s essential to keep in mind that Amsterdam is a metropolis stuffed with tradition, historical past, and sweetness, not only a occasion vacation spot. By being respectful, staying conscious of native customs and companies, and preserving noise ranges down, you assist create a extra fulfilling expertise for everybody (and cease giving Brits a foul title).
Journey past Amsterdam
Whereas Amsterdam is a improbable vacation spot, the Netherlands has lots extra to discover past its capital. Head to The Hague, generally known as the worldwide metropolis of peace and justice, to go to the world-class Mauritshuis museum, dwelling to Vermeer’s Lady with a Pearl Earring. Discover the historic Binnenhof, marvel on the optical illusions at Escher within the Palace, immerse your self within the painted seascape in Panorama Mesdag. and take a motorbike journey to Scheveningen on the North Sea shoreline.
In Rotterdam, uncover cutting-edge structure, maritime historical past and a world-class artwork scene. Discover the hanging Dice Homes, the futuristic Markthal, and the sprawling harbour, one of many largest on the earth.
Different concepts so as to add to the listing embody the picturesque windmills of Kinderdijk, the less-touristy canals of Utrecht, and Haarlem’s cobblestone streets and golden age artwork. Venturing additional than Amsterdam reveals the true range of the Netherlands.
Thanks to #IAmsterdam for supporting me on my mission to create sustainable metropolis guides. This Amsterdam itinerary was researched on my own. All opinions are my very own.
PIN Sustainable Journey Information to Amsterdam
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