Things to do in Westerpark
The vibrant neighbourhood of Westerpark is always buzzing with things to do. From unique culinary experiences to outdoor activities, there are loads of ways to spend an afternoon or evening discovering this historic Amsterdam neighbourhood.
Soak up the culture
Westerpark is home to the Westergas cultural complex, which forms the heart of regular events, festivals and markets throughout the year – especially in the summer months. From major cultural events like Unseen Photo Fair to Art on Paper, there’s always a reason to head over to Westerpark, so check the cultural agenda to see what’s on.
Browse for local products and vintage items
For a more relaxed experience, head to Sunday Market Westergas on the first Sunday of every month, when the Westergasterrein and market hall fill with stalls, food trucks, live bands and plenty of opportunities to shop for vintage items and unique gifts from amongst some of Amsterdam’s finest makers. When the festive season rolls around, it's also the place you'll find one of the cosiest Christmas markets in town.
Marvel at architectural gems in Spaarndammerbuurt
Like a church in the centre of a village, Museum Het Schip forms the centre of the Spaarndammerbuurt. The building, designed by architect Michel de Klerk, epitomises the Amsterdam School architectural movement and was originally a public housing complex. Today, it serves as a museum that offers excellent exhibitions and various guided tours around the area where you can learn everything about architecture and design from the early 20th century.
Take an Amsterdam beer tour
Two of Amsterdam’s best-loved breweries have recently opened locations in the Westerpark neighbourhood, meaning that you can conduct your very own mini-beer tour of the neighbourhood. Troost takes over a cavernous space in the Westergas complex, where its large beer vats loom over a double-height restaurant and bar area where visitors can work their way through the varieties of craft beer brewed on-site, accompanied by a tasty burger or flammkuchen. Guided tours are also available. Next, head to Breugem Meeting Point in the Houthavens neighbourhood for delicious home-brewed Amsterdam beer in the tasting room and regular tours.
Enjoy local dining gems
Westerpark is one of Amsterdam’s most exciting foodie hotspots, with dining options to suit all tastes and budgets. Links to the neighbourhood’s seafaring past can be felt at the sunny seafood hotspot Mossel & Gin. But for something even more unique, head to the iconic Cafe-Restaurant Amsterdam to dine in the expansive dining room - housed in the former engine room of a 19th-century pumping station - with high ceilings that never fail to delight. Check out our dedicated guide to restaurants and bars in Westerpark for more culinary delights.
Go gaming at Ton Ton Club
Who said arcade games are just for kids? Trade your Euros for tokens and enjoy quality gaming time at this retro arcade bar and restaurant in Westerpark. The concept is simple: get a drink, get some tokens, and work your way through a nostalgic mix of arcade classics like Mortal Kombat, Dance Dance Revolution, Mario Kart: Arcade GP and hands-on games such as pinball, claw machines and ticket-churning redemption games. The restaurant serves a great Japanese-themed menu, and there’s a terrace interspersed with hands-on tabletop games for warmer days and evenings.
Catch the beachy vibes at het Stenen Hoofd
Jutting out into the IJ from Westerdok, this grassy stone harbour pier (the name translates to ‘Stone Head’) has become something of a cultural hotspot in recent years, with regular food and film events (check out outdoor film festival Pluk de Nacht) and outdoor theatre shows. Even if there’s nothing happening, head down there on a hot summer’s day to find locals sunbathing and swimming, relaxing with picnics or enjoying a spot of lunch from the beach shack café, which is open throughout the summer months.
Live the festival life year-round
The Westergas is well-known for hosting amazing festivals of all sorts, from anything-goes music festivals like Milkshake during Amsterdam Queer & Pride and Bevrijdingsdag on Liberation Day, to Awakenings Easter. There's also no shortage of foodie events. Pop by for the Amsterdam Coffee Festival, the Amsterdam Wine Festival, or Rollende Keukens (Rolling Kitchens) food festival, when dozens of mobile kitchens and food trucks pop up at Westergas to create one enormous open-air restaurant.
Experience the nightlife
You'll always find something on the clubbing agenda in Westerpark and its neighbouring Houthavens district. Your first port of call is RadioRadio, an intimate club in the centre of the park for great DJ sets, small parties and stand-out pizza to line your stomach beforehand. Thuishaven comes to life in all seasons with dance floors set up within the constantly evolving industrial surroundings. Since its inception decades back, Warehouse Elementenstraat has been one of the most highly regarded venues for electronic music in the Netherlands. Lastly, special attention is paid to the music at the YellowHouse creative hub, thanks to an eclectic programme of dinner shows, listening sessions and well-attended parties - all supported by the great sound system.
Relax in tranquil park surroundings
With local farms such as the Kinderboerderij Westerpark and beautiful pathways and fountains, Westerpark is the perfect place for a walk, a picnic, and a day out with friends and family. Dog lovers can bring their four-legged friends along for a cup of coffee at the pet-friendly pit stop at De Parkwachter, while children will be delighted with the nature exploration grounds at Het Woeste Westen. Check out our guide on active things to do in Westerpark for more inspiration.
