Uncover one of the best ways to go to town responsibly with this Sustainable Journey Information to Amsterdam.
Planning a visit to Amsterdam? The town has lengthy been celebrated because the get together capital of the Netherlands, however is shifting towards a extra respectful and sustainable method that advantages each residents and the atmosphere.
This information explores the steps Amsterdam is taking and exhibits you the way to expertise town responsibly. Depart a lighter footprint by exploring eco-friendly lodging, native markets, inexperienced transportation and cultural experiences, irrespective of how lengthy you keep.
How sustainable is Amsterdam?
Amsterdam is making important strides in sustainability, with a aim to turn out to be climate-neutral by 2050. Key initiatives embrace widespread use of renewable vitality, in depth biking infrastructure, and electrical public transport. These efforts have earned 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 autos and improve public charging infrastructure.
Amsterdam plans to chop meals waste by 50% by 2030, specializing in decreasing waste in companies, eating places, and houses whereas repurposing unsold meals for social causes. The town will increase natural waste assortment and again composting and nutrient restoration initiatives, serving to to shut the meals loop. There are a number of initiatives, equivalent to Van Amsterdamse Bodem and Gezonde Stad, which educate and help residents in making sustainable and nutritious meals selections.
Amsterdam has turn out to be a sufferer of its personal recognition, grappling with over-tourism. To handle this, 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 medication within the previous metropolis centre and the quantity you should buy. 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, shifting away from party-driven weekend tourism.
Find out how 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 lodge 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 lodges additionally promote bike leases and zero-waste practices for a really inexperienced keep. Verify availability at 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 approach to find out about Dutch tradition, get pleasure from a private various to conventional lodges 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? In style campsites, like Tenting Zeeburg, situated on an island within the IJmeer, and Vliegenbos Tenting within the Noord district, have trendy facilities, making them preferrred for eco-conscious travellers trying to join with nature whereas exploring town. Try tenting and glamping choices in or close to Amsterdam.
Inexperienced-certified Luxurious Lodges in Amsterdam
If luxurious is your desire, hunt down lodges genuinely dedicated to sustainability somewhat than greenwashing. Do your analysis! One standout choice is Resort Jakarta Amsterdam, an energy-neutral lodge 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.
Find out how to attain Amsterdam sustainably
Reaching Amsterdam sustainably includes selecting eco-friendly transportation choices and planning responsibly. Listed below are some recommendations:
By Prepare
Touring by practice is likely one of the most sustainable methods to succeed in Amsterdam. Excessive-speed rail companies equivalent 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 lodge 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 maintaining emissions comparatively low.
By Ferry (from the UK)
When you’re touring from the UK, ferries are an excellent choice. Routes like Harwich to Hoek van Holland (with Stena Line) join seamlessly with trains to Amsterdam. Different routes, equivalent to Newcastle to IJmuiden or Hull to Rotterdam, permit onward journey by practice or bus to succeed in town. Verify routes for ferries to the Netherlands.
By Automotive
Driving is usually a sustainable choice 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 car. Amsterdam has in depth, and rising, charging infrastructure. When you don’t personal an EV, verify automobile rent prices with Uncover Automobiles.
By Air (as a final resort)
When you’re coming from a location the place sustainable transport isn’t an choice, 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 changing into the world’s most sustainable airport by way of initiatives like carbon-neutral operations, renewable vitality adoption, and revolutionary inexperienced applied sciences. Analysis commissioned by Royal Schiphol Group highlights the necessity to cut back carbon emissions by at the least 30% beneath 2019 ranges by 2030. Hopefully, these measures will allow them to attain their bold goal.
|| READ MY SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL GUIDES TO PRAGUE AND BERLIN
Find out how to get round Amsterdam sustainably
Strolling in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a really walkable metropolis, with its compact neighbourhoods and sights conveniently shut to 1 one other. Strolling by way of areas just like the Jordaan or alongside the picturesque canals is a pleasure, and I typically discovered myself solely needing a tram experience again to my lodge after a full day of sightseeing, with my step rely off the charts.
Public Transport in Amsterdam
Amsterdam’s public transport system consists of trams, buses, and metros powered more and more by renewable vitality. The long-lasting blue-and-white trams are a handy approach to get across the metropolis centre, whereas buses and the metro serve outlying neighbourhoods. Discover route and journey data on GVB.
|| TOP TIP: The I Amsterdam Metropolis Card consists of 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 approach to navigate town. When you’re scared to offer it a go, don’t be! Amsterdam has an unlimited community of motorcycle paths, bike parking, and rental companies. Renting a motorcycle enables you to expertise Amsterdam like a neighborhood, by biking alongside the canals and thru 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 will let you hire a automobile for brief journeys from varied 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 approach to see town from the water. Skippers share insights about Amsterdam’s historical past and sustainability efforts, equivalent to plastic-fishing journeys to wash 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 widespread all yr spherical, and every season comes with its benefits and challenges. To keep away from the crowds of peak vacationer season, the very best time to go to Amsterdam is throughout the shoulder months of spring or autumn.
Not solely will native companies thanks for visiting throughout the off-peak season, however you’ll additionally get pleasure from higher lodge charges, shorter queues at museums and a neater time reserving a desk at Amsterdam’s prime eating places. Right here is an outline of what to anticipate from Amsterdam by way of the seasons that can assist you determine;
Spring in Amsterdam (March to Might)
The town can be gorgeous with cherry blossoms and tulips in full bloom. Pageant season kicks off, so verify dates for those who desire 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 (Might 5), there may be lots to see and do in Amsterdam. Rent a motorcycle 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 convey loads of guests, all set to get pleasure from outside festivals, concert events, and occasions like Amsterdam Satisfaction, open-air movie screenings, and the Grachtenfestival. Get pleasure from boat rides alongside the canals, and loads of inexperienced areas to loosen up. 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)
Take advantage of 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 type 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.
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 changing into a lifestyle. The town is dwelling to an growing variety of eating places and cafes devoted to decreasing their environmental affect and championing moral consumption.
Eco-travellers, vegans, and vegetarians may 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 doable on this Dutch metropolis!
|| READ MY GUIDE TO SUSTAINABLE RESTAURANTS IN AMSTERDAM WITH A MAP
Get pleasure from Amsterdam’s inexperienced areas
Amsterdam is stuffed with stunning inexperienced areas, excellent for a break from town buzz. Vondelpark is one in all my favorites, particularly because it’s so near Museumplein and is a haven for birdwatching. You’ll find gray herons, Egyptian geese, and white storks. Other than the squawking parakeets, Vondelpark is a stunning spot to unwind by the ponds and luxuriate in a picnic, climate allowing.
For a peaceable escape, head to Amsterdamse Bos, an unlimited park with forests, lakes, and loads of trails to discover by foot or bike. When you’re after one thing a bit completely different, try Westerpark, a mixture 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.
Uncover the historical past and tradition of Amsterdam
To find the historical past of Amsterdam, begin with the enduring 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 town’s Golden Age with a stroll by way of the Canal Ring, a UNESCO World Heritage website that showcases town’s Seventeenth-century architectural magnificence.
A go to to the Anne Frank Home presents a poignant look into the lifetime of Anne Frank throughout World Conflict 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 group’s heritage, town’s wartime historical past, together with the tragic Nazi persecution throughout World Conflict II.
|| TOP TIP: Seize the I Amsterdam Metropolis Card for museum reductions and inclusive public transport
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 an excellent 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 recent meals, textiles and jewelry throughout 260 stalls.
Whereas the enduring floating Bloemenmarkt on Singel is a part of historical past, based in 1862, it has turn out to be a little bit of a vacationer entice to take photographs, 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 photographs you’re after, ease the crowds for these shopping for and be part of a devoted tour to the tulip gardens.
Eco-friendly and Thrift Outlets
Classic outlets are scattered throughout Amsterdam, and I rapidly misplaced observe of them as I explored 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 most important 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
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 get together tourism, significantly the type fuelled by alcohol and medicines. The 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 atmosphere, and sadly, the worst offenders are younger Brits.
It’s necessary to do not forget that Amsterdam is a metropolis stuffed with tradition, historical past, and wonder, not only a get together vacation spot. By being respectful, staying conscious of native customs and companies, and maintaining noise ranges down, you assist create a extra pleasant expertise for everybody (and cease giving Brits a nasty title).
Journey past Amsterdam
Whereas Amsterdam is a incredible vacation spot, the Netherlands has lots extra to discover past its capital. Head to The Hague, often called the worldwide metropolis of peace and justice, to go to the world-class Mauritshuis museum, dwelling to Vermeer’s Woman 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 motorcycle experience to Scheveningen on the North Sea shoreline.
In Rotterdam, uncover cutting-edge structure, maritime historical past and a world-class artwork scene. Discover the putting Dice Homes, the futuristic Markthal, and the sprawling harbour, one of many largest on the planet.
Different concepts so as to add to the listing embrace 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 variety 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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