Known for its tree-lined canals, stunning architecture, and vibrant nightlife, Amsterdam is also known as one of Europe’s most eco-conscious destinations. From hundreds of sustainable shops and 400 km of bike paths to eco-hotels and farm-to-table restaurants, the Dutch capital is never short of eco-friendly places and activities.
The great thing about Amsterdam is that visitors can easily get involved and contribute to the green lifestyle of the city. Here are some tips to help you stay green in Amsterdam.
1. Rent a bike
Cycling is a way of life in Amsterdam, and it seems that it has become the preferred mode of transport for almost everyone, including locals and tourists. Thanks to the excellent road maintenance, you can get around everywhere on a bike and even cycle to famous tourist attractions. A gentle and environmentally friendly way of getting around, why not?
You won’t have any trouble finding a suitable bike in Amsterdam, as there are hundreds of bike rental shops in the city. This is very convenient if you suddenly want to ride a bike, go far beyond the city gates and explore the Dutch countryside.
2. Plastic collection on Amsterdam's canals
Cruising the city’s canals is a great way to see Amsterdam from a different perspective. There are several canal tours to choose from, one of which is Plastic Whale. This is a tour company that regularly collects plastic and trash from the canals, with the help of tourists of course. They use the plastic to make more boats and create office furniture. Plastic Whale’s tours also introduce and take visitors to many local landmarks and specialties, combined with other activities to protect the environment.
3. Green shopping in Amsterdam
The good news for eco-conscious shoppers is that Amsterdam has plenty of options for a truly green shopping trip. You can easily find dozens of vintage stores selling second-hand clothes at prices charged by the kilo, and there are also plenty of eco-friendly cosmetics.
Customers can visit the Lena Fashion Library to borrow vintage and designer clothes, which are due at the end of each month. There is also Marie-Stella-Maris, a store that sells natural beauty products and regularly organizes fundraising events for clean drinking water projects.
4. Environmentally friendly restaurant
Speaking of food, the Dutch capital is not only home to some fantastic food, but also a plethora of eco-conscious restaurants. In the trendy De Pijp district, you’ll find the fantastic De Waaghals. De Waaghals’ menu is always varied, with a focus on vegetarian dishes made with organic ingredients at affordable prices. There’s also Instock, which is trying to tackle food waste by saving ingredients from local supermarkets and surplus food, then using them to create delicious breakfast, lunch and, of course, dinner.
If you like fine Mediterranean food, then Restaurant de Kas has its own greenhouse where they grow vegetables and herbs. They also have a farm just outside the city, so you can be sure that all the food on your table is made from seasonal and fresh ingredients. It is also worth mentioning that both the meat and fish at Restaurant de Kas are sourced from local suppliers.
5. Stroll through Amsterdam's beautiful green parks
A trip to Amsterdam would be incomplete without visiting the city’s wonderful parks. The largest and most famous park, Vondelpark, is a great place to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. It has a lovely summer stage and is filled with cute restaurants and cafes. If you want a quiet, peaceful place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, head to Amstelpark in Amsterdam Zuid. There is a mini golf course here, and there are also a few small fast food restaurants nearby to “recharge your batteries”. Westerpark is a favorite destination for children with a shallow swimming pool that is chemical-free.
6. Green hotel in Amsterdam
Looking for an eco-friendly place to stay in Amsterdam? Luckily, the city is home to a number of fantastic eco-hotels that are packed with great savings.
EcoMama Hotel is one of the newest members of the city’s eco-hotel list. It has a total of 7 room categories ranging from dorms to deluxe rooms, catering to the needs of eco-conscious travelers. EcoMama uses natural stone heating, cradle-to-cradle furniture, and donates €1 (equivalent to VND 26,000) from every customer’s bill to various charities.
Combining a working space with a hotel model, Zoku Amsterdam knows how to take advantage of seemingly “old” spaces by buying abandoned buildings and turning them into very environmentally friendly rooms. Most of the rooms here are designed in a loft style, accompanied by a kitchen and a desk. You can even have useful and interesting experiences when participating in events held here, such as cooking or business classes.
Located at three different locations across the city, the eco-designed Conscious Hotels offer a 100% sustainable experience to guests: they use electricity generated by wind turbines and renewable energy, and the roof of the tire station is also covered with solar panels.
