The capital of Holland has plenty to offer the locals and the millions of tourists that visit each year from markets and urban parks to museums and historical sites.
You may have even seen crowds gather at the canals for a quick swim. However, there are plenty of local indoor and outdoor pools where you can take a dip without worrying about toxic algae blooms in the water.
Whether you are looking for family fun or a romantic date with your partner, here are some of the best pools in Amsterdam to try.
Best pools for relaxation: Swimming pools with saunas
It’s fun to see new sights while you travel, but getting from one place to another with bags in tow can be exhausting.
Before you move on to your next stop, relax your mind and muscles at an Amsterdam spa.
The Zuiver Hotel and the David Lloyd Club are favorites among both tourists and locals.
1. Zuiver Hotel and Wellness: Self-care or date night
Zuiver is a great place for a date with your partner or an afternoon of self-care. Indoors, you can start with a warm footbath, relax in herbal aroma water, or enjoy a cold waterfall to clear the mind.
If the weather is favorable, head out to the beautiful gardens to take a dip in the hot tub or whirlpool. By tourist request, the Zuiver spa offers one or two swimsuit nights per week.
However, the rest of the week these pools are open for swimming au natural.
2. David Lloyd Club: Kiddie care and spa relaxation
At the David Lloyd Club, you can take the whole family for a day of relaxing fun.
This spa includes heated loungers, an ice fountain, saunas, a steam room, whirlpools, and more.
They offer swimming lessons, kids camps, and a creche run by trained childcare experts. These opportunities allow you to rest and regroup while your kids have creative fun. Or, you can plan a family day at the indoor pool.
Best pools for exercise: 50-meter swimming pools
3. De Mirandabad: Sports, swimming, and a DJ
Mirandabad is a pool park with something for everyone.
You can warm up by playing a game of squash and then cool off with a dip in the pool.
It has a 50-meter swimming pool to get in laps, and you can work with a trainer to improve your strokes.
Or you can try out the other recreational pools in this complex. The wave pool is open year-round, and beach balls and other toys are available for kids.
This swimming pool is perfect for improving your stamina or relaxing on a rainy day. There are even D.J. swim sessions that you won’t want to miss.
4. Sportplaza Mercator: Lap-swimming and a spa
The Sportplaza Mercator is just outside the center of Amsterdam.
From May until the end of August, you can enjoy outdoor swimming in their 50-meter pool. And at any time of year, indoor opportunities are available for health and fitness, including a competition pool, target group pool, and therapy pool.
If you become an all-in fitness member or purchase a day pass, you can relax in Turkish baths and the Finnish sauna.
At Sportplaza Mercator, swimsuits are a must whether you swim in the pools or the spa.
Best recreational pools in Amsterdam:
In Amsterdam, you can find Olympic pools and even gyms with pools if you want to exercise. However, if you want to kick back and relax, which are the best spots?
5. Flevoparkbad: Fun in the great outdoors
For fun in the sun, Flevoparkbad has a lot to offer.
This outdoor pool complex includes a heated outdoor swimming pool, a 50-meter pool for exercise, a pool with a play island, and a paddle pool for young kids. Here you can soak up the sun and enjoy a splash in the pool surrounded by nature.
There is also an area for sunbathing and a park for kids to play.
This all-outdoor pool in Amsterdam East usually opens at the end of April and closes in early September. If you are in Amsterdam for the summer months, this outdoor pool park may become your favorite weekend hangout spot.
6. Noorderparkbad Amsterdam: Indoor-outdoor swimming and a coffee shop
In north Amsterdam, you can swim indoors or outdoors at Noorderparkbad Amsterdam.
This family-friendly pool park offers swimming lessons for babies up to adults.
The large windows of the indoor pools offer a delightful view and allow plenty of sunshine to enter to warm the water. You can also enjoy a hot coffee at the coffee shop after a cool dip in the pool.
7. Zuiderbad Amsterdam: Casual swimming with a history
Zuiderbad is a swimming pool located in a building built in 1897 that was first an indoor biking school.
The Zuiderbad was opened in 1912 and the architecture makes you feel like you stepped back in time.
In 2023 they introduced a modern lockers system which is very handy.
They offer swimming lessons as well for kids and adults.
Private swimming pools: Rent or reserve
Even if you don’t have a pool in your backyard, you can still enjoy the luxury of a private swim with friends by reserving a lane or renting a pool complex.
8. Swim Gym: Gym with swimming pool
You can enjoy combining gym exercises with a 50-meter swimming pool at Swim Gym.
Limits are in place for how many swimmers can be in a class or a lane, so you have plenty of room to try your strokes without running into other swimmers.
You can even reserve a lane for swimming using the Swim Gym app. This gym with a swimming pool lets you have the benefits of a private pool without the hassle of maintenance.
9. AmstelveenSport De Meercamp: Always ready for a party
At Meercamp, there is almost always a party going on.
Every other Friday night, a DJ plays songs for a disco dance and swim atmosphere. You can throw a Mermaid birthday party, Wave Pool Party, or bring your own party to the pool for birthdays.
For large events, you can rent a pool or the entire outdoor complex. There is also a coffee shop to warm up after a refreshing swim.
Relax, exercise, and have fun!
Whether you’re traveling with friends or enjoying the ex-pat life, you won’t want to miss out on the fun swimming opportunities in Amsterdam.
You can get a European spa experience, enjoy healthy exercise, or party in the pool.
Amsterdam is a beautiful city, so while you are there, explore and enjoy its unique pool attractions.
FAQs
Can you go swimming in the canals in Amsterdam?
Most of the canal systems in Amsterdams were built as open sewer systems and not designed for swimming.
However, the Dutch government has much improved the quality of water. In some canals, you may get a fine if you try to take a dunk.
However, other areas often have signs showing the quality of water and ladders for easy access.
An annual Amsterdam City Swim is an opportunity to swim with the city’s blessing. Although many canals are now relatively clean, you may run into toxic algae bloom, trash, or even bicycles in the water.
What to expect at a pool in Amsterdam?
Depending on which pool you choose, you may or may not be required to wear a swimsuit.
Also, many facilities require children to have a swimming certificate for group classes and opportunities. Many facilities have indoor and outdoor pools to swim in any weather.
If you love a crowd, the weekend is a great time to see the masses. However, if you prefer a quiet swim, try a weekday morning. Some pools even allow you to reserve a swim lane.
