Why is this your Hidden Treasure?
This is a hidden treasure for a hot summers day when everybody wants to be somewhere nice outside. There are not a lot of places you can go within Amsterdam’s city ring. All the city parks (especially the Vondelpark) and outdoor swimming pools are way too crowded. The only official city beach with water access – Blijburg – is too far and also way too crowded. There are a few ‘city beaches’, like the brand new Pllek on the NDSM terrain, but none of them have access to water. So this is where you want to go: The Schelingwouderpark in Amsterdam Noord, it’s a 15 min bikeride from Amsterdam Central Station. It’s in essence just a stretch of beautiful grassy meadows right on the city’s main water ‘t IJ. Most of it is restricted nature reserve, but the whole waterfront is accessible. Just park your bike or car (for free!) on the Schellingwouderdijk and walk for 200 meters through some grassy fields towards the water. It is so peaceful, green and beautiful, you can’t believe your within the city ring. It is easy to access the water for some swimming, but watershoes (e.g. tevas) are recommended. One important thing: there is no bar, restaurant or anything like that here, so bring all your own food & drinks. The supermarket Landmarkt is 5 minutes away which is great for stacking up – and they’re open every day, also sunday.