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Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. Photo by By Nikolai Karaneschev –

Top 10 Walks to Take in Amsterdam   

Amsterdam is the capital and most populous city of the Netherlands within the Dutch province of North Holland. The city has many parks, open spaces, and squares and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe.  

Walking not only helps you exercise and breathe some fresh air but also gives you an intimate perspective of the city. Here are 10 of the best walks to take in Amsterdam. 

1. Amstel River Walk 

This is a short walk for all travelers. Along this lovely riverside, you will see canals, the Theatre Carr茅, the Hermitage Museum, the upmarket Amstel Hotel, the Skinny Bridge (Magere Brug), and the Stopera. 

You will cross the three most famous streets located on canals within the city center. The streets are Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht and Herengracht. On your way, you will see beautiful buildings all around you including the towers of the Rijksmuseum. 

The bridges are beautiful and unique so please spare some time to take lots of pictures. 

2. The City Center and University Area Walk 

Rembrandt monument on Rembrandtplein. Photo By 袙谢邪写懈屑懈褉 楔械谢褟锌懈薪 –

This is a short peaceful walk that almost feels like you are in the village even though you are in the heart of the city. Start the walk anywhere along the Amstel River and follow the river upstream. That is in the opposite direction of its flow which should take you into the city center. 

After Blauwbrug bridge, it stands out as one of the most richly decorated with ornate lanterns and crowns, get to the famous Rembrandtplein square. Take photos as you walk because this city is beautiful. Along the pavements, in Verversstraat you will see beautiful flower gardens and trees. 

You will then get to Oudemanhuispoort which is one of the hidden gems in Amsterdam. A little green courtyard that is the home of law students where the University honors its most famous scholars. 

A second-hand book market in a covered passage, where old books, prints, and sheet music are displayed on tables are for sale. 

3. Leidse Square Loop Walk 

This short walk is family-friendly. You can choose to do it early before it gets so crowded. Walk as you admire the various buildings then take the steps down to the pedestrian boardwalk beside the water. See the flora and fauna on the boardwalk that has the weeping willow, huge plane trees, conifers, birch, plus rhododendron.  

Continue with the walk and see Rijksmuseum then the Spiegelstraat. See the many galleries that have wonderful paintings and sculptures. Pass by the famous Milky Way Music Center. 

For party animals, come back to Leidse Square in the evening. It is one of Amsterdam’s most vibrant areas and is filled with restaurants, clubs, local theatres, live music venues, and even street performers. Eat, drink and party some more. 

4. North – Van Der Pek District Walk 

Buiksloterweg in Amsterdam-Noord near the Willem I locks Photo By AWossink –

This area is one of the famous ‘garden cities’ that were built to ease the housing shortage in Amsterdam. This walk is family-friendly and can include a short ferry ride for the kids to enjoy. Take in the serene atmosphere and the excellent residential buildings in green leafy suburbs. 

From the Central Station to the Buiksloterweg on the northern shore of the harbor, take the short free ferry ride and after getting off walk past the Willem I locks. These big 65 meters long by 15 meters wide locks control the water level between the harbor and the Northside of the city. 

5. Western Islands Walk 

This is a romantic walk that takes you to Bickerseiland, Prinseneiland, and Realeneiland the three islands joined by little bridges that make up the area called the Western Islands. It once was a busy area with many shipyards, small industries, and warehouses but is more residential and business area today. 

It is a secluded area with benches everywhere for people to sit relax and even read a book. A lovely place to sit away from the hustle and bustle. 

6. Oosterpark, Eastern Islands, and Kadijken Walk 

Van Gogh Museum at night. Photo By Steven Lek –

This is a long walk that will start at Amstel and head towards Oosterpark which is one of the public parks in Amsterdam east. Further along, the old eastern-island harbor area has a mix of wonderful old warehouse buildings and modern constructions.  

Continue with the walk, crossing little bridges and you will get to Kadijken. Here you will find colorful homes, canals, and bridges. A very beautiful place to take pictures. Points of interest include the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Artis Zoo nearby. 

On this walk, visit the world’s only floating flower market where the stalls stand on the houseboats, a reminder of when the market was supplied by boats. 

Buy a bouquet of beautiful flowers for a loved one at this very colorful place and have a drink afterward in one of the many restaurants and pubs. You deserve to rest. 

7. The Botanic Gardens Walk 

Verzetsmuseum. Plantage Kerklaan Amsterdam. Photo By FaceMePLS –

This is a short walk for lovers of nature. This small district has a wide variety of beautiful trees. The area is called Plantage which means plantation. This Plantage area includes both the Botanical Gardens (Hortus Botanicus) and Artis (Zoo) and is a quiet place that will calm your spirit. 

Also present are some lovely little parks all beautifully planted and other points of interest like the Resistance Museum (Verzetsmuseum) on Plantage Kerklaan, a best historical museum that tells the story of the Dutch people in World War II.  

Not forgetting the Hollandse Schouwburg (Memorial) on Plantage Middenlaan that played a dark role in Amsterdam’s history when it became the main deportation center for Jews during the Holocaust. It now serves as a monument to honor the Dutch Jews who were killed in the Second World War. 

8. Museumplein Walk 

This walk is a straightforward one. Museumplein (Museum-square) is the name given to the area between Rijksmuseum and the Concertgebouw. Situated close to the busy city center, this is where all tourists in Amsterdam meet. 

It is a good route with a very beautiful view and a lot of Museums. The Rijksmuseum is wonderful but from Museumplein, you can also see the Concertgebouw, the Stedelijk Museum, and the van Gogh Museum. 

9. Artis Zoo and Entrepotdok Walk

A beautiful bridge in Amsterdam. Photo By Massimo Catarinella –

This short walk is family-friendly and can be taken at any time. The only unpleasant part about this walk is crossing the busy Weesperstraat.

After crossing over safely continue with your walk in the beautiful surroundings as you breathe in the fresh air and take beautiful photos. 

10. Olympic Stadium Walk 

This is a peaceful and long walk. It is by the waterside and you can walk at leisure, find a bench to sit, read, or dream, while enjoying lovely trees, pavement gardens, and interesting architecture along the way.  

This route goes around the Olympic Stadium, and the round-trip continues beside the water on the way back to the city center.