Sustainable tourism in Amsterdam

City trips and sustainable tourism; it may seem a strange combination, but in Amsterdam it is possible. Amsterdam was nominated for the European Green Capital 2010 award, and there are many ways to enjoy Amsterdam and its many sights without leaving a big imprint on the environment. Get around on bike or pedal boat, take a yoga class, picnic in the parks or enjoy a meal in an ecological restaurant.

Eco-friendly transportation: Biking

Bicycling is the preferred means of transport for citizens of Amsterdam and tourists alike. It’s not only environmental-friendly but also the fastest way to get around in the city. Even for daytrips outside the city it can be a great idea to rent a bike. Places like the Zaanse Schans with its windmills, the traditional fishing village of Volendam and Haarlem with its amazing cathedral are all within bicycling distance. There are bike rental places all over the city. Mike’s Bike Tours organises guided bike tours; one of the best ways to get to know the city.

Eco-friendly transportation: Walking

Walking is a wonderful and eco-friendly way to explore the city. Most of the places of interest are at walking distance from each other. Walking along the canals, through the nooks and crannies of the medieval eastern part of the old town, the fascinating Jordaan or the stately nineteenth century Plantagebuurt, wherever you go, Amsterdam will always surprise you. Free city walks are available on our website and at the tourist office.

Pedal boats: an eco-friendly way of exploring the canals

Taking a tour with one of the motorized canal boats is a wonderful way to experience Amsterdam from a different angle. If however you want to see Amsterdam on your own pace, linger at places you like best, and want to do it in an eco-friendly way, hiring a pedal boat or canal bike is the perfect idea. Pedal boats can be hired at the quays of Leidseplein, at the Prinsengracht close to the Anne Frank house, at the corner of Keizersgracht and Leidseplein, and opposite the Rijksmuseum.

Ecological shops and markets

Longing for honest biological bread, fresh fruit or your favourite herbal tea? In Amsterdam shops specializing in biological produce abound. Next to that there is the Farmers Market (Boerenmarkt) on Saturday at the Noordermarkt square. Ecological farmers from all over the province come to Amsterdam to sell their fresh products. It’s a feast of bright colours and fresh tastes and the warm and friendly atmosphere makes for a very special experience.

De Natuurwinkel; Scheldestraat 53
Health Quest by Joyce; Spiegelgracht 4
Lavendula; Westerstraat 45
Van der Veldt’s Reformwinkels; Westerstraat 107
Erica; Stationsplein 1 (Railway Station)
‘t Zonnemeer; Nieuwe Kerkstraat 8HS
Organic; Cornelus Schuytstraat 28HS
Bio Markt; Weteringschans 133

Ecological Restaurants

If you feel hungry after all this walking, bicycling and pedalling it’s not hard to find places that serve biological food. Places come in all sorts and sizes: juice bars serving biological juices, cheap vegetarian places with a seventies’ atmosphere and more up-scale trendy ecological restaurants like Umoja. Umoja does not only use ingredients that are produced with respect for animals, people and the environment, but is also involved in Fair Trade projects all over the world.

De Waaghals; Frans Halsstraat 29
Biologische snackbar Dolores; Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal t.o. 289
Shakies Amsterdam CS Amsterdam; (in the Railway Station)
Deshima - Winkel & Lunchrestaurant; Weteringschans 65 hs
Fifteen; Jollemanhof 9
Restaurant "De Witte Uyl"; Frans Halsstraat 26
Umoja Restaurant; Amstelveenseweg 154
Restaurant As in Amsterdam; Prinses Irenestraat 19