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Not only famous 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 never lacks eco-friendly places and activities.
The great thing about Amsterdam is that visitors can easily integrate into and contribute to the city's green lifestyle. Here are some tips to help you live truly "green" when you visit Amsterdam.
1. Rent a bicycle
It's safe to say that cycling is a lifestyle in Amsterdam, and it seems to have become the preferred mode of transport for almost everyone, including locals and tourists alike. Thanks to excellent road maintenance, you can cycle around everywhere and even reach popular tourist attractions. A relaxing and environmentally friendly way to get around – why not?
Finding a suitable bicycle in Amsterdam is easy, as there are hundreds of rental shops throughout the city. This is especially convenient if you suddenly want to explore the Dutch countryside by bike, venturing beyond the city gates.
2. Removing plastic from Amsterdam's canals.
Cruising along the city's canals is a great way to see Amsterdam from a different perspective. There are quite a few canal tours to choose from, one of which is Plastic Whale. This is a tour company that regularly collects plastic and waste from the canals, of course with the help of tourists. They use the collected plastic to build more boats and creatively transform them into office furniture. Plastic Whale tours also introduce visitors to many local landmarks and specialties, combining these with other activities aimed at protecting the environment.
3. Green shopping in Amsterdam
Good news for eco-conscious shoppers: Amsterdam offers plenty of options for a truly green shopping experience. You can easily find dozens of vintage shops selling secondhand clothes priced by the kilogram, and there are also many eco-friendly cosmetics options.
Customers can visit the Lena Fashion Library to borrow vintage and designer clothing, returning them at the end of each month. Additionally, there's Marie-Stella-Maris, a shop specializing in natural beauty products, which also frequently organizes fundraising events for drinking water purification projects.
4. Environmentally friendly restaurant
Speaking of cuisine, the Dutch capital not only boasts a wealth of delicious food but also a concentration of eco-conscious restaurants. On the trendy De Pijp street, you'll find the excellent restaurant De Waaghals. De Waaghals' menu is always diverse, primarily serving vegetarian dishes made with organic ingredients at affordable prices. There's also Instock, a restaurant that's trying to address food waste by stocking ingredients from local supermarkets and, when there's a surplus, using them to create delicious meals for breakfast, lunch, and of course, dinner.
If you enjoy fine Mediterranean cuisine, you can visit Restaurant de Kas, which has its own greenhouse for growing vegetables and herbs. They also have a farm just outside the city, so you can be sure that all the delicacies on your table are made from seasonal and incredibly fresh ingredients. It's also worth mentioning that both the meat and fish at Restaurant de Kas are sourced locally.
5. Take a stroll through Amsterdam's beautiful green parks.
A trip to Amsterdam would be incomplete without visiting the city's wonderful parks. The most famous and largest park, Vondelpark, is an ideal place to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery. It boasts a charming summer stage and is filled with lovely restaurants and cafes. If you want a quiet, peaceful place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, head to Amstelpark in the Amsterdam Zuid district. It features a mini-golf course and several small eateries nearby for a quick bite to eat. Westerpark, on the other hand, is a favorite among children with its shallow, chemical-free swimming pool.
6. Green hotels in Amsterdam
Looking for an eco-friendly place to stay when visiting Amsterdam? Luckily, the city boasts a plethora of fantastic eco-hotels with incredibly effective cost-saving measures.
EcoMama Hotel is one of the newest additions to the city's list of eco-friendly hotels. It offers a total of seven room categories, ranging from dorm rooms to deluxe rooms, catering to environmentally conscious travelers. EcoMama uses natural stone heating, cradle-to-cradle furniture, and donates €1 (approximately VND 26,000) from each guest's bill to various charities.
Combining workspace with a hotel model, Zoku Amsterdam cleverly utilizes seemingly "old" spaces by acquiring abandoned buildings and transforming them into eco-friendly rooms. Most rooms are designed in a loft style, complete with a kitchen and workspace. You can even have enriching and interesting experiences by participating in events organized here, such as cooking or business classes.
With locations at three different addresses across the city, the Conscious hotel chain features an eco-friendly design that offers a 100% sustainable experience for guests: they use electricity generated by wind turbines and renewable energy, and solar panels are even installed on the roof of their tire sales station.
