Amstelveen City Guide

Food ranges from Dutch treats like stroopwafels and bitterballen to diverse Asian options. Vegetarian and vegan choices are growing. Late-night food options are limited but some snack bars and delivery exist.

Nightlife is modest with local bars and restaurants. Amsterdam offers more vibrant options and is easy to reach.

Good coffee scene with traditional cafes and growing specialty shops, though less distinctive than in larger cities.

Tipping is optional; service charges are included in prices. Small tips or rounding up fares are appreciated but not required.

SIM cards are sold at Schiphol Airport and phone shops like KPN, Vodafone, and T-Mobile. ID is needed for prepaid SIMs. eSIMs are increasingly available depending on provider and device.

Streets are clean with efficient waste management and recycling.

Limited 24/7 services. Some late pharmacies and convenience stores operate extended hours. Emergency rooms open 24/7. After-hours food mainly delivery or snack bars.

Supermarkets like Albert Heijn, Jumbo, Lidl, and Dirk van den Broek offer international products. Weekly fresh markets are available. Shops usually open 8 AM to 9 PM on weekdays and shorter hours on weekends.

Card payments are standard and the Netherlands is largely cashless.

ATMs from ING, Rabobank, and ABN AMRO are common. Local card withdrawals have low or no fees; international cards may have fees from your bank.

International School of Amsterdam is in Amstelveen. Local schools teach in Dutch. Apply early for international schools to avoid waitlists.

Nomad activities mainly happen in nearby Amsterdam. Amstelveen has work-friendly cafes and co-working spaces but limited dedicated nomad events.

Many parks and green spaces including Amsterdamse Bos. Good walking, running, and shaded paths.

Great running trails in Amsterdamse Bos and along the Amstel River. Routes are safe and scenic with local running clubs.

Several gyms offer basic to full fitness options.

Multiple tennis clubs and padel courts with various surfaces, rentals, and coaching options.

Padel courts available with club memberships and rental options.

Several yoga studios offer various styles, drop-in classes, and often English-speaking instructors.

Several dojos offering judo, karate, BJJ, taekwondo, and kickboxing with English-speaking instructors and drop-in classes.

No natural ski resorts; some indoor slopes are far away.

Kayaking and paddleboarding on the Amstel River and Amsterdamse Bos are popular in warmer months with rentals and tours.

Surfing is available at nearby North Sea beaches like Zandvoort. Water is cold year-round; wetsuits needed. Both beginner and advanced spots and schools exist.

Limited dive spots nearby, mostly freshwater or estuary sites with varied visibility and marine life. Centers and rentals available in larger cities.

Healthcare is high quality with nearby hospitals like Amsterdam UMC staffed with English speakers. Pharmacies require prescriptions for many meds. Emergency number is 112.

Tap water is safe and clean to drink.

Amstelveen is family-friendly with many playgrounds, parks, and kid-friendly cafes. Attractions include Amsterdamse Bos and Kinderboerderij Elsenhove petting zoo.

High acceptance and safety for LGBTQ+ people. Strong legal protections with more community activities mainly in Amsterdam.

Pet-friendly city with many parks, vet clinics, and pet supply stores. Some pet-friendly cafes and accommodations.