Outdoor things to do in Amsterdam

[BeachgRunningSunrise]

Looking at possibly doing 2-3n in Amsterdam, we’ve not into drinking or partying but prefer walking and cycling being outdoors. Any good recommendations for mid price place to stay, transport from airport and quirky things to see or do as we’ve active 50s who have an opportunity to escape our teenagers for a long weekend.

Walk around Amsterdam itself. It’s a really walkable city.
Quirky - in the city center there is a hidden church - when being a Catholic was banned. It’s beautifully preserved- in the red light district. It’s really interested.
One of the ferries is free - takes you to a tower that looks over Amsterdam. I think that’s free to access and there is a great view and a roof top.
Transport from airport - take the train. It’s quick and convenient.
You could hike a bike and explore.
I think outside Ansterdam there are some cute towns. Again bike hire is possible and you can explore that way.

Utrecht and Leiden are both worth a visit.

I haven’t been for years but seem to remember you can get a train from airport and get off at the top end of the Main Street in the city centre.

Just wandering around is great. The Jordaan area has some fab shops and restaurants. Utrecht is beautiful too. Den Hag has the most amazing long sandy beach and isn't far away.

The trains are so easy, frequent, on time and clean.

You can cycle right from the centre of Amsterdam out into the polders (head north).
You could do the swing at the A'dam lookout.
Canal boat tour.
If the weather is good you could go to the windmills and living history museum out at Zaanse Schans.

Vondelpark, it's really cool, sculptures, busy with families on a nice day, close to centre. Also great city for people watching.

There are pedalos to go on canal (boats).

bike hire to explore a bit more widely.

Another's one for Utrecht being a lovely day trip to walk aroundnits easy to get to on the train

Fab thank you have given me some good ideas to research.

Came back yesterday.
Personally I wouldn’t cycle in the centre unless you are experienced cyclists. It’s very busy. I’d be happy cycling outside the city though.

We did lots of walking, it’s a very walkable city. The Jordaan down towards Noordekerk and Brouwersgracht is a pretty area for a stroll. There’s a nice open air market there some days.
The ferries at the back of Centraal station are free and a nice way of seeing the city.
We’ve been to The Hague and Delft on previous visits, again both worth a visit.

This time we caught a bus from behind Centraal to Edam (about 30 mins) which was extremely pretty, a nice little town to wander round. Volendam (on the same bus route) was nice too.

Transport from the airport is easy, depends where you are staying. Either get the train straight to Centraal or bus 397 from stand B17 outside the front of the airport - if you are staying near the museums, Vondelpark or Leidseplein the bus will be easier.
You don’t need to buy a ticket in advance for either, just tap your credit or debit card as you get on and off the bus or barrier for the train. Same goes for the trams which are brilliant.

Vondelpark, canal trip and A’Dam tower were my favourite, along with sitting in cafes watching the world go by. We also did a walking tour that was very interesting and ended with Anne Franks’s house.

I loved the swing on the roof of the tower as the views are amazing. As previous pp said it’s a free ferry ride from the station to get there and definitely worth a visit.