The C&TH Guide To Amsterdam
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8 hours ago
Tia Grazette goes green in the Netherlands' canalside capital
Amsterdam may be known for its picturesque canals, historic architecture, vibrant culture and even gorgeous hotels, but the Netherlands’ capital is also a leader in sustainability and has committed to becoming one of the most environmentally friendly cities in the world. Forward thinking and constantly looking for ways to enhance the lives of its residents and visitors alike, this canalside city has been implementing innovative policies and initiatives to foster renewable energy, sustainable transportation, green spaces and waste management, making it one of the easiest cities to visit without feeling guilty about your carbon emissions.
Here’s how best to spend a green weekend in Amsterdam.
How To Spend A Weekend In Amsterdam: The C&THÂ Guide
Rooms at The Dylan are equipped with state of the art tech and handcrafted Nilson beds.
Stay: The Dylan
Tucked away behind a historic 17th century facade and stunning courtyard along Amsterdam’s picturesque canals district, this five-star eco-conscious boutique hotel offers the perfect mix of style, sustainability, cutting edge design and Michelin-starred dining. A stone’s throw away from some of Amsterdam’s most iconic attractions (including Anne Frank House, The Rijksmuseum and everyone’s favourite shopping district, Nine Streets), whether you choose a room overlooking the canals or the peaceful courtyard out back, it will feel like your own private abode.
Each room comes fully equipped with state of the art tech, the most comfortable handcrafted Nilson beds, Aesop amenities, personalised city guides, and if you are really lucky a box of stroopwafels from Van Stapele. But what really sets The Dylan apart is its commitment to the planet. We don’t just mean energy-efficient lighting, seasonal menus and water conservation (though The Dylan naturally does all of this too): the hotel actively supports environmental conservation projects, including The Ocean Cleanup, canal cleanups with The Plastic Whale Foundation and tree planting initiatives in honour of their staff. One of the rooftops is a bee-friendly sanctuary complete with flowers, plants and two hives.
Sip on handcrafted cocktails and a high wine pairing at Bar Brasserie OCCO.
Out front in the courtyard find a selection of beautiful Roetz bikes handcrafted from recycled parts, which you can borrow for the day to explore the city like a local. Or book a private boat rental to whisk you along the city’s famous canals. But with all of the hotel’s exquisite food and drink options, you might find it hard to leave. Sip on handcrafted cocktails and a high wine pairing from Bar Brasserie OCCO, indulge in the signature menu made from seasonal, local and premium ingredients in The Dylan’s Michelin two-star restaurant Vinkeles, or spoil yourself at the intimate eight-course dining experience offered in atĂ©.
Where To Eat & Drink
Super Lyan
The first international outpost of Ryan Chetiyawardana (aka Mr Lyan) and his award winning team, Super Lyan continues the mixologist’s mindblowing innovation which all began at White Lyan in London – the worlds first bar to ditch perishables and rethink cocktails. This is where creativity meets sustainability: expect a menu of inventive cocktails made with house-made syrups, unique infusions and locally sourced ingredients. Every detail of the bar has been considered with the planet in mind, from locally sourced ingredients and composting to reusing waste and cutting down on single-use plastics. Even the barware and appliances are sustainably sourced.
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Each drink tells a unique story and tastes so delicious you’ll easily be tempted to try everything on the menu. A blend of spices, biscuits, sugars, coconut and rum, try the Canal Collins if you want a taste of Amsterdam’s canal history.
De Kas
This isn’t your average restaurant; it’s a lush, green oasis where sustainability, fresh flavours and seasonal ingredients go hand in hand. Situated in a former greenhouse (hence the name), this restaurant takes farm to table dining to a whole new level by growing its own vegetables, herbs and even edible flowers right on site. The menu changes with the seasons: bright greens in spring and hearty root veggies in winter. And inside, the vibe is equally delicious.
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The glass-walled space feels like dining in a secret garden, and with the open kitchen you can watch the chefs prepare the garden’s bounty into mouthwateringly artful dishes. This Michelin-starred spot is a must-visit and fills up fast – so make sure to book as soon as you’ve locked your dates in.
Sustainable Things To Do In Amsterdam
Away from Amsterdam’s classic attractions, there are plenty of offbeat things to do that also lessen your impact on the city. The Fashion for Good Museum is a great place to start the day, learning about sustainable fashion or zero-waste living. Then do your bit for the environment and join a canal clean up with Plastic Whale.
After that, head to one of Amsterdams eco-conscious markets. Noordermarkt’s Sunday farmers market offers organic produce and handmade crafts, while Pure Markt on Sundays is a lively mix of organic food, sustainable crafts and live music.
Vintage lovers should head to IJ-Hallen, one of Europe’s largest flea markets, full of second-hand clothing and antiques and Westerstraat Market in the Jordan, perfect for hunting down second-hand clothing and home decors. Or for high quality sustainable fashion head to the Amsterdam Vintage Market at Westergasfabriek, where you’ll find luxury bags, designer pieces and retro clothing from the city’s best vintage sellers.
Alternatively if you are a book lover, make sure to visit Boekenmarkt Op Het Spui, where rare and second-hand books await. Or spend the afternoon reconnecting with nature in one of Amsterdam’s parks. Hortus Botanicus is the city’s oldest botanical garden and perfect for a peaceful stroll, while Oosterpark, Wertheim Park and Amsterdam Bos offer expansive large green spaces to explore and unwind. Amsterdam Bos in particular is a favourite of nature lovers, with its vast forests, serene lakes and numerous trails. Not far from there is Westerpark, a mix of beautiful green spaces, independent shops, trendy organic cafes, restaurants and pop up markets if you prefer a more upbeat experience.
More than 1.6 million passengers have travelled by Eurostar between London and The Netherlands since the inaugural journey left St. Pancras International in April 2018. (Frederic Koberl, Unsplash)
How To Get There
Travelling between the UK and mainland Europe has never been easier (or more environmentally friendly) thanks to Eurostar. This high-speed train service connects London to Amsterdam in just three hours, providing an easy, sustainable and comfortable alternative to air travel. Eurostar trains are powered by electricity, and around 80 percent of this electricity comes from renewable sources (aiming for 100 percent by 2030), which means travelling this way can reduce your CO2 emissions by up to 90 percent compared to flying the same route.
More than 1.6 million passengers have travelled by Eurostar between London and The Netherlands since its inaugural journey left St. Pancras International in April 2018 – the equivalent of 10,000 plane loads. With one flight between London and Amsterdam equivalent to seven Eurostar journeys, more than 83,000 tonnes of CO2 has been saved.
A return train journey from London to Amsterdam produces approximately 7.8 kg CO2e per passenger.
