Amstelveen travel guide

Amstelveen, The Netherlands

By the Travel Wiki editorial team

Amstelveen

Introduction

You will find Amstelveen situated within the province of North Holland in the Netherlands. Located as a suburban part of the Amsterdam metropolitan area, it offers a setting just outside the bustling heart of the capital.

Before you go

Before you visit Amstelveen, it is helpful to understand its evolution from a town founded for harvesting bog fuel into a popular retreat for wealthy residents seeking peace and quiet. You will notice the historical influence of Amsterdam in the local architecture, particularly in the suburbs built in the northwest during the early 20th century. The area has transitioned over time from an overflow for those working at Schiphol Airport to its current state as a settled community where expansion has become gradual.

When exploring the city, you can find modern amenities and services in Stadshart. This area serves as the contemporary center of the municipality, providing you with access to a central library, a large mall, and various cultural and gastronomical services.

Getting there

You can reach Amstelveen by car via the A9, which serves as a ring-road for traffic not heading directly into Amsterdam. Depending on your starting point, you can access this route from The Hague, Rotterdam, and Leiden via the A4 after passing Schiphol; from Utrecht, Den Bosch, and Eindhoven via the A2 after passing Abcoude; or from Apeldoorn and areas to the north by taking the A1 followed by a short stretch of the A2 before joining the A9.

Public transit options include tram line 5, which travels from Leidesplein in Amsterdam through Amsterdam Zuid station to terminate at 1 Stadshart. While tram line 25 runs between Amsterdam Zuid and Uithoorn, it bypasses Stadshart. You can also reach the area via various bus lines connecting to destinations such as Aalsmeer, Uithoorn, Haarlem, Amsterdam Bijlmer ArenA, and Amsterdam Elandsgracht. On Sundays during the warmer months, a vintage museum tram operates from Haarlemmermeerstation to 3 Station Amstelveen near a small-town area with restaurants.

Getting around

You can navigate the city centre on foot, while several tram lines provide convenient connections to surrounding areas. Tram line 5 links Amsterdam Zuid station with the Stadshart, and tram line 25 runs south from Amsterdam Zuid through Westwijk in Amstelveen toward Uithoorn.

While these two lines overlap between Amsterdam Zuid station and Oranjebaan stops, note that tram line 25 bypasses the Stadshart. Additionally, metro line 51 no longer serves the area south of Amsterdam Zuid railway station, as it has been replaced by tram line 25.

Where to stay

You can choose from various accommodations that cater to different travel styles in Amstelveen. For a blend of hotel service and apartment-style living, you can stay at Cityden Stadshart or Cityden Zuidas, both of which offer studios and apartments. If you prefer a unique experience, the Station Amstelveen bed and breakfast is situated within a former train station and serves brunch to the public during certain days.

Other options include the boutique atmosphere of Alp de Veenen Boutique Hotel or the nearby Abina. For those seeking proximity to nature, the Amsterdam Forest Hotel sits near a large green park. If you are traveling with a group or family and need a simple, functional space to rest after a day of exploring, the Ibis Budget Hotel provides basic rooms with multiple beds.

Food & drink

Explore a diverse culinary landscape that spans from traditional local flavors to international cuisines. In the "old village" area, you can enjoy an Argentinian grill or visit a bar and kitchen. For those seeking Asian flavors, choose between a Korean restaurant, a sushi, grill, and wok establishment near the Stadshart shopping center, or experience modern Asian cuisine served inside an old windmill.

If you prefer a more refined dining experience, a two-star Michelin restaurant is available nearby. For casual bites, find bread-based dishes, soups, salads, and quiches at a bakery cafe. You can also visit various cafes and bars throughout the area to enjoy a drink in a local atmosphere.

What to see and do

Explore the cultural landscape of Amstelveen by visiting local museums and historic sites. You can view key works from the Vrij Beelden, Cobra, and Creatie movements at the Cobra Museum of Modern Art or visit Museum JAN to see a collection of contemporary art. For a unique dining experience, you can visit Molen de Dikkert, a windmill that now serves as a restaurant. Other notable landmarks include the Amstelkerk, Paaskerk, Wester-Amstel, and the Oorlogsmonument voor Antoon de Lange.

Experience the outdoors at Amsterdamse Bos, a large forest and park where you can enjoy canoe rentals, horse rentals, or attend an open-air theater. Sports enthusiasts can visit the VRA Cricket Ground within the park complex to see international matches. If you prefer live music, Poppodium P60 provides a stage for both emerging and established pop artists from across the globe.

Three days in Amstelveen

Day one, you can begin your journey in the heart of the city at Stadshart. You can explore the local area and experience the atmosphere of this central district before heading toward other nearby locations.

Day two, you can travel through the region to see different areas such as Amsterdam Zuid or visit the neighboring community of Uithoorn. You can also spend time exploring the surroundings near Westwijk.

Day three, you can take a tram or use local transport to reach nearby destinations like Haarlem or explore the sights in the vicinity of Station Amstelveen.

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