RAI/Zuidas: A stroll along the Amstel Canal
... and, for example, enjoy a drink at Café De Amstel.
If the weather’s bad: wander through the modern art at the Moco Museum.
If the weather’s bad: wander through the modern art at the Moco Museum.
After-work drinks in Amsterdam: How to turn a business trip into a city break
Why is Amsterdam particularly well suited to bleisure?
Because in Amsterdam, that ‘work’s done’ feeling can set in quite quickly after your last appointment. There’s plenty to experience in compact neighbourhoods close to one another: simply take a stroll through the 9 Straatjes, walk along the canals or clear your head in Vondelpark. Culture, dining and waterfront spots offer plenty of choice for short or longer breaks. The city is easy to explore on foot, by bike or by public transport. Amsterdam’s transport network connects the neighbourhoods via trams, the metro, buses and ferries, amongst other options. This means that a spare moment between business and your hotel can quickly turn into a little taste of Amsterdam.
What to bear in mind: The key is knowing where your business day ends and where your Amsterdam evening should begin. For business meetings, RAI/Europaplein and Amsterdam Zuid/Zuidas are key landmarks. Around Waterlooplein and in the city centre, on the other hand, the focus is more on culture, dining and evening entertainment. This guide shows what fits into your time slot, how to combine business with leisure, and which hotel makes a good starting point for this.
Amsterdam is the place for you if…
- … you want to soak up the city atmosphere in just a few spare hours.
- … you enjoy getting about on foot or by bike.
- … you only have one evening to spare.
- … your appointments are in well-connected areas such as Amsterdam Zuid and the city centre.
What does a typical ‘bleisure’ day in Amsterdam look like?
Your last appointment is over, but the evening is far from over. Just how much of Amsterdam you’ll get to experience now depends on which neighbourhood you’re in. The following two sample ‘bleisure’ days show what there’s still to do around Zuid and the city centre.
Meeting at RAI/Zuidas
| Time slot | A career milestone | A short break | Neighbourhood & Route | Plan B | Neighbourhood & Route |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breakfast & Daily Itinerary | Start at Motel One Amsterdam | Beatrix Park and Amstel Park: After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy some fresh air and the rustling of the leaves: take a short morning stroll in Beatrix Park, and make your walk a little longer in Amstel Park. | Zuid Beatrix Park: Walk from the hotel towards the RAI and then head west towards Beethovenstraat. Amstelpark: Walk south along Europaboulevard from the hotel, past Amsterdam RAI station and through the underpass beneath the A10. The park is just beyond that. | Albert Cuyp Market: If your appointment starts later, take a stroll through the colourful market whilst enjoying a stroopwafel and some fresh juice. | De Pijp Walk from Motel One to Europaplein metro station. Take metro line 52 towards Noord and travel one stop to De Pijp. |
| Getting to your appointment | Appointment in Zuid | BLUEY’S Café: No visit to Amsterdam is complete without a coffee shop. But here they serve only speciality coffee – best taken to go on your way to your appointment. The café is located right inside the futuristic World Trade Centre. | Zuid From Beatrixpark: Walk towards Beethovenstraat and then take Metro line 52 to Amsterdam Zuid station. The WTC is right next to the station. From Amstelpark: Walk to Europaplein station at the RAI and take Metro 52 towards Zuid to Zuid station. | Metro tour with a cultural stop: Take Metro 52 back towards Zuid: board at Albert Cuypmarkt and make a quick stop at the Vijzelgracht stop. Here, take a look at the Heineken Experience brewery by the water and look forward to an after-work beer. | De Pijp Metro line 52 |
| 30-minute lunch break | Between two appointments | Strandzuid: Right on Europaplein, enjoy a little break with a view of the water, a terrace and that holiday feeling. | Zuid The nearest metro station on line 52 is Europaplein. From the station, it’s just a short walk towards the RAI. | Vis op Zuid: A broodje haring to go, with a view of the Amstel Canal – that’s the taste of Amsterdam. | Zuid Maasstraat 27, near the Amstel |
| 60–90 mins after work | The work part of the day is over. | Twenty Third Bar: Top-class drinks, Amsterdam at your feet: on the 23rd floor of the Hotel Okura, you can raise a glass in style with business partners. | De Pijp Ferdinand Bolstraat 333, Metro line 52, De Pijp station | Museumplein: the Rijksmuseum, the Stedelijk and the Van Gogh Museum – great art all within easy reach. Choose your favourite. Tip: modern and contemporary art and design at the Stedelijk Museum. | Zuid Take tram line 5 from Zuid station towards Zoutkeetsgracht, get off at the Museumplein stop. |
| Dinner | Enjoy a good meal without having to travel far. | Maris Piper Brasserie: Fine Dutch produce, seafood, bar bites and a wide selection of wines – served with a touch of De Pijp. | De Pijp Just a few minutes’ walk from the Twenty Third Bar. | Loetje Café: Dutch cuisine, a relaxed Amsterdam café atmosphere and a terrace with a view. | From Museumplein, walk for 10 minutes towards the Concertgebouw. Johannes Vermeerstraat 52 |
| A quiet end to the evening | Back at the hotel | One Lounge at Motel One Amsterdam: Another drink, a comfortable armchair and a little time before the day slowly draws to a close. | Take metro line 52 towards Zuid from De Pijp station, one stop to Europaplein. | A nightcap at the hotel bar: round off the evening in a relaxed way with one last drink. | Take metro line 52 towards Zuid, get on at ‘De Pijp’ and travel one stop to Europaplein. |
Appointment at the city centre/Waterlooplein
| Time slot | A career milestone | A short break | Neighbourhood & Route | Plan B | Neighbourhood & Route |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breakfast & daily plan | Start at Motel One Amsterdam-Waterlooplein | Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a short stroll across Waterlooplein and to the Blauwbrug. From the bridge, you’ll have a view of the Amstel and the surrounding canals before heading off to your first appointment. | City Centre From Motel One across Waterlooplein to the Blauwbrug. | Bakers & Roasters: The place to go for a delicious breakfast and really good coffee. | City centre From Motel One, head straight down Valkenburgerstraat until it becomes Rapenburgerstraat. Carry on straight across the historic Scharrebiersluis bascule bridge. Immediately after the bridge, you’ll reach Kadijksplein. |
| Getting to your appointment | Appointment in the city centre | Cross the Blauwbrug to reach the city centre. Make your appointment even more enjoyable with a delicious stroopwafel, for example at Van Wonderen Stroopwafels. | City centre Kalverstraat 190, right in the city centre. | De Waag on Nieuwmarkt: once a city gate, now an eye-catcher – with striking towers, archways and plenty of city history. | City centre From Kadijksplein via the Geldersekade and Sint Antoniesbreestraat to De Waag. |
| 30-minute lunch break | Between two appointments | Rembrandthuis: A quick and impressive insight into the life and work of the great master in his former home and studio. It’s best to book tickets in advance with a time slot. | City centre Jodenbreestraat 4, right by Waterlooplein | Sampurna: Small bowls, great variety: the Indonesian rijsttafel is a long-standing tradition in Amsterdam. | City centre Singel 498, right on the canal belt |
| 60–90 mins. After-work drinks | After-work drinks in the city centre | Evening canal cruise from Centraal: Glide through the canal belt, past canal-side houses and bridges aglow with lights. Tip: Book your cruise online in advance. | City Centre Amsterdam Centraal station is situated right on the Canal Belt. Numerous operators run tours from here: | Paradiso: Old walls, new sounds – club nights and live acts in a former church. Check the programme beforehand: | City Centre Weteringschans 6–8, in the heart of Amsterdam and within easy walking distance. Alternative: Metro line 52, Vijzelgracht stop |
| Dinner | Dinner in the city centre | Café-Restaurant De Plantage: Mediterranean flavours and a stylish atmosphere against the impressive backdrop of the Artis building. Book online. | City centre Tram line 14 from the main entrance of Centraals to the Artis stop. | The Pantry: Dutch classics in a cosy atmosphere – just a few steps from the Paradiso. | City centre Evening stroll through the Canal District to Rembrandtplein. From here, take tram 14 (towards Flevopark) and travel one stop to Waterlooplein. |
| A quiet end to the evening | Back to the hotel | Evening stroll: It’s about a 10-minute walk from De Plantage to the hotel. The route follows Plantage Middenlaan; you can take a short break by the Oudeschans canal. | City centre From De Plantage via Plantage Middenlaan and Oudeschans to Motel One. | Sit back and round off the day – with a final drink in the One Lounge or at the hotel bar. |
What are the best after-work experiences in Amsterdam?
Got through your last appointment? Then: close your laptop. It’ll be fine. Because Amsterdam’s far from done for the day. A stroll along the Amstel or a ‘workout’ on the dance floor – our Top 10 tells you what else is on offer. Perfect for solo adventures or exploring with colleagues.
1. A canal walk or a short canal cruise
A canal instead of an agenda? Why not! Stroll across the Blauwbrug and along the Amstel, or book a one-hour evening cruise with . If you’ve only ever experienced Amsterdam between appointments, you’ll get a whole new perspective on the city from the water.
Time required: 30–60 minutes
Neighbourhood: Centrum
Bad-weather alternative: a covered canal cruise or a jenever and liqueur tasting at Prooeflokaal Wynand
2. Jordaan and De 9 Straatjes
In the Jordaan and De 9 Straatjes, you’ll experience Amsterdam amongst narrow alleyways, canals, small shops and cafés. Even if the shops have already closed, it’s still worth a visit to stroll around, have a look about and immerse yourself in the city centre.
Time required: 60–120 minutes
Neighbourhood: Jordaan/De 9 Straatjes
Bad-weather alternative: a stop at a café or bar, followed by a visit to the food halls
3. De Pijp with a local dinner
First, a stroll through De Pijp, then dinner at Fa. Pekelhaaring on Van Woustraat. The cuisine is Italian-inspired with a local twist – just the thing for a few hours that feel more like unwinding after work than a business dinner.
Time required: 1.5–3 hours
Neighbourhood: De Pijp
Bad-weather alternative: head straight to dinner; the Heineken Experience with beer and history at the traditional brewery (book in advance)
4. Museum visit
If you’re in the mood for art, the Moco Museum on Museumplein is the place to go. The historic Villa Alsberg is home to modern, contemporary and immersive works, from Banksy and Warhol to Kusama. For anyone who’d rather round off the working day with art than with a drink.
Time required: 60–90 minutes
Neighbourhood: Museumplein/Oud-Zuid
Bad-weather alternative: not necessary
5. Take the free ferry to Amsterdam-Noord
The free ferry from Amsterdam Centraal to Buiksloterweg takes just a few minutes. There you’ll find the Pllek. Old shipping containers, an urban beach and views of passing ships provide the backdrop here. Add a beer or a glass of wine – and, depending on the programme, the perfect DJ sets for the evening.
Time required: 1.5–3 hours
Neighbourhood: Amsterdam-Noord
Bad-weather alternative: EYE Film Museum
6. A running or walking route along the Amstel
After a long day at the conference table, a bit of exercise does you good. Follow the Amstel from the Blauwbrug towards the Magere Brug, or opt for a loop through the Vondelpark – no ticket or booking required, so you’re completely flexible. The provides a useful guide.
Time required: 30–60 minutes
Neighbourhoods: Centrum/Amstel or Oud-Zuid
Bad-weather alternative: SportCity Amsterdam Waterlooplein
7. Food halls instead of choosing
a restaurant The in the former tram depot offer something for everyone, from Indonesian street food and pizza to sushi and cocktails. Handy for groups: you can order from different stalls, sit together and don’t even have to agree on a restaurant.
Time required: 1–2 hours
Neighbourhood: Oud-West/De Hallen
8. A bruin café or cocktail bar
A ‘bruin café’ is characterised by dark wood and Dutch conviviality, with beer and jenever on the menu. At the historic Café de Sluyswacht, you’re also treated to a view of the water. The former lock-keeper’s house is slightly lopsided and brimming with old-town charm.
For cocktail fans: Tucked away beneath MOAK Pancakes in De Pijp is Bar Mokum. Here you’ll find classic cocktails made with Dutch spirits, accompanied by music and that De Pijp vibe.
Time required: 1–2 hours
Neighbourhoods: Centrum, De Pijp
Bookings: Sluyswacht – walk-ins welcome for small groups; Bar Mokum – bookable, walk-ins possible
9. Live music, film or a local cultural event
At the BIMHUIS on Piet Heinkade, jazz concerts and jam sessions await you. Sit back, listen and take in new sounds – it works just as well on your own as it does with colleagues. Alternatively, there’s Paradiso. This former church hosts concerts, club nights and cultural events.
Time required: 2–3 hours
Neighbourhood: Oosterdok/Centrum
Booking: Buy
tickets in advance
10. A relaxing drink at the One Lounge
Sometimes the best after-work plan is simply a drink without having to go far. At the One Lounge in Motel One Amsterdam or Motel One Amsterdam-Waterlooplein, you can extend your evening a little longer with a drink and some light snacks.
Time required: 45–90 minutes
Neighbourhood: Waterlooplein or RAI
Suitable for: solo, couples, spontaneous team get-togethers
Which activity suits the time, the weather and your energy levels?
Work’s over – what next? Rather than trying to tick off as many Amsterdam highlights as possible, it’s worth taking a look at the time and your location: how much of the evening is left, and what can you easily reach from your last appointment? The following tips are based on this, ranging from a short walk to a visit to a museum or dinner.
| Activity | Time required | Active / Relaxing / Social | Indoor / Outdoor | Solo / Group | Starting area | Booking required |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walk to/along the Amstel Canal: admire the pretty little bridge houses and stroll along the water’s edge. | 30 minutes | leisurely | Outdoors | Solo / small group | RAI / Zuid | no |
| A run through Beatrixpark, amongst trees and water | 30 minutes | active | Outdoors | Solo | Zuid / Beatrixpark near the RAI | no |
| Moco Museum: modern art and immersive installations | 60–90 minutes | leisurely | Indoors | ideal for solo visitors | Oud-Zuid / Museumplein | Ticket required, time slot recommended |
| Evening canal cruise from Centraal | 60–90 minutes | Relaxed | Covered / Indoor | Solo / Group | City centre / Centraal | Ticket required, advance booking recommended |
| Bar Mokum: Cocktails in the trendy district | 60–90 minutes | Social | Indoors | Particularly small team | De Pijp | Booking recommended; walk-ins welcome subject to availability |
| Food halls: choose street food and eat together | 60–90 minutes | Social | Indoor | particularly suitable for teams | Oud-West / De Hallen | No |
| Ferry to the NDSM shipyard and a drink at Pllek on the IJ | 120+ minutes | relaxed / sociable | Outdoors; Pllek is also indoors | Solo / Team | City centre → North | Ferry free of charge and no booking required; book a table for dinner at Pllek |
| Club night at Paradiso: dancing in a former church | 120+ minutes | active / social | Indoors | solo / team | City centre / near Leidseplein | A ticket may be required depending on the event; please check the programme in advance. |
When there are only 60 minutes left
Waterlooplein/City Centre: A stroll along the canal belt
... from the Blauwbrug to the Magere Brug, with an after-work drink, for example at Eetcafé de Magere Brug.
In the event of bad weather: an evening canal cruise
... in covered boats.
Have a quick look, then get started:
- Final destination: plan from the actual starting point and check the route to your chosen destination.
- Return journey to the hotel: factor in travel or walking time; if returning late, check transport links.
- Luggage: If necessary, leave your laptop and suitcase at the hotel first.
- Weather: A stroll and a spot on the terrace, or would you prefer an indoor activity?
- Bookings: check whether you need to book a table or a ticket.
- Energy levels: Are you in the mood for some exercise, company or just sitting back and relaxing?
Which hotel is best suited for a business trip to Amsterdam?
Choose your hotel based on the location of your appointments. Both Motel One hotels in Amsterdam are conveniently situated for this. For appointments around the RAI Exhibition and Convention Centre and in the Zuidas business district, Motel One Amsterdam is a good choice. If you’re planning to combine business with plenty of sightseeing in the old town and cultural activities, it’s best to check in at Motel One Amsterdam-Waterlooplein. This is particularly suitable if your appointments are also in the city centre.