10 best city beaches in The Netherlands
City beaches are the leading trend in European cities. Relaxing on the beach after the hectic bustle of the city without having to travel all the way to the coast. There are urban beaches in all types and sizes, with set ingredients like relaxed seating, great bites and cold drinks, and above all, lots of sand.
- Enjoy beach life in the city with your bare feet in the sand.
- The best city beaches throughout the country, from Amsterdam to Groningen.
- A tropical urban jungle or chilling near the barbecue: every city beach is different.
The city beach is the new summer favorite for young and old. With lots of space for your children to play or a campfire in the evening. Good to know: in many places the beach is by the water, but you are not allowed to go swimming.
Check out our 10 tips for a day at the beach in the middle of the city, in the north, east, south and west of The Netherlands.
1. Strand Oog in Al
Utrecht, Kanaalweg 199 You can get a tan on the sand or the grass, on a bean bag, a beach chair, or your own towel, overlooking the wide water. Cool down in the outdoor shower. If the weather is not so good, enjoy a meal on the covered terrace.
2. De Kaaij
Nijmegen, under the Waalbrug bridge, Lindenberghaven City beach and festival, everybody in Nijmegen knows De Kaaij, which offers a great view of the Waal river. Here, you will find art, theater, and and daily varying music from singer/songwriters to beatboxers. There are workshops and yoga classes on the beach for young and old.
3. DOT
Groningen, Vrydemalaan 2 This is one of the few city beaches where you can go swimming, much lauded by Lonely Planet. You will recognise the attractive city beach by its eye-catching building, which accommodates a gastrobar, movie theater, indoor and outdoor terrace, with DJs and live music.
4. Strand IJburg
Amsterdam, Pampuslaan 501 Of course Amsterdam is also featured in our list. This city boasts several city beaches. At the IJburg beach, you can go suntanning and swimming. There are sports fields, food trucks, a first aid station, toilets and beach surveillance.
5. Stadsstrand aan de Nieuwe Maas
Vlaardingen, KW-haven, Waterleidingstraat 2 A city beach with a mix of music, art and sports just outside the hectic bustle of Rotterdam. Impressive cruise ships sail by on the Meuse river. The old lighthouse roof with a bar on the ground floor is the radiant center.
6. De Kade
Alkmaar, Noorderkade 1027 A creative hangout designed as a tropical urban jungle on the Noorderkade in Alkmaar Overstad. Book your own barbecue spot or enjoy the great food on the menu: comfort food classics with an authentic local and organic touch.
7. Zandfoort aan de Eem
Amersfoort, Eemlaan 100 The mood on the city beach of Zandvoort aan de Eem is free-spirited. There are picnic tables, beach chairs, a restaurant with bar, and lots of space for children to play.
8. Belcrum Beach
Breda, Veilingkade 12-15 Enjoy the live music or take a yoga class on the beach on Saturday morning. The beach pavilion was built using residual materials and the kitchen uses vegetables and herbs grown by the nearby Belcrum Farm.
9. Goudasfalt
Gouda, Gouderaksedijk 32 An ‘industrial’ hotspot on the grounds of the old asphalt factory just outside the city on the bank of the IJssel river. There is lots of sand and a wide choice of places to lie and sit: a grassy meadow, wooden tables, bean bags, lounge matresses, and even a canopy bed.
10. Blue Bayou
Zwolle, Rodetorenplein Enjoy the real beach feeling with your bare feet in the sand, in the city center by the water. Build sandcastles, enjoy a cold drink, or order a fantastic meal in the city’s beach oasis.