AROUND BASECAMP
Explore the Gardens of West.
Hop on a bike or take a cab to explore bustling Amsterdam, then return to the oasis of peace and nature that Basecamp’s surroundings have to offer.
From picking fruit at the Fruittuin van West to vegetable shopping, the fluisterbos, the Nieuwe Bijenpark, and much more. Around Basecamp’s property, you can indulge in nature.
HANDPICKED ACTIVITIES
From things to do with the whole family to group adventures.
DISCOVER AMSTERDAM
Bike rental
Get the real Amsterdam experience by exploring the city by bike.
The city centre begins on Amsterdam’s west side, about twenty minutes by bike from Basecamp.
From there, cycle at your own pace towards highlights such as Vondelpark, Museumplein and Dam Square, and don’t forget to stop at the cafés and boutique shops along the way. Ask our front desk for more information about renting a bike.
FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
Fruit garden of West
Our beloved neighbours at the Fruittuin van West offer a unique farm experience just a 4-minute walk away. Born from the idea of creating a place where city meets nature, it offers plenty to do for children and adults alike.
From hand-picking seasonal fruits and collecting fresh eggs to relaxing in the garden café with slow coffee, cake, or fresh pizza (yummy!), and enjoying a children’s play park with mazes, tree swings, and a mysterious chicory and mushroom cave. If you’d like to cook a delicious seasonal meal in your cabin or suite, the gardens also have an organic store with produce selected for taste, heritage, and quality.
JUST AROUND THE CORNER
Het Rijk van de Keizer
Around the corner, behind our parking lot, we have a special treat hidden for you. The “Rijk van de Keizer” is the unique name for this creative event space, which translates to “Empire of the Emperor,” perfect for weddings, parties, dinners, meetings, and lunches.
You can also stop by Cantina, an absolute hidden treasure where you can have breakfast, lunch, and occasionally enjoy a vegetarian dinner. In winter, Cantina transforms into… Winter Cantina!
Every Saturday, they offer barista coffee, fresh tea, organic juices, homemade lemonade, royal cakes, soups, local beers, and appetizers. We love it!
FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
Stadsgroenteboeren
Fancy tasting authentic life on a vegetable farm? Just a 10-minute walk from Basecamp, you’ll find a 4,000-square-foot plot where our friends at Stadsgroenteboeren (which translates to “City Vegetable Farmers”) grow over 60 vegetables and 15 herbs for the local community using bio-intensive techniques.
Stop by for a tour and tasting, and get to know Andrés, Laura, Lisa, Julia, and Milo—gardeners, chefs, bakers, cheesemakers, scientists, and food entrepreneurs from the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Colombia. Their mission is to grow a community around delicious vegetables, and it’s no wonder they are succeeding. Drop them a mail before you visit.
FUN FOR GROUPS
UP Events
Are you staying with us with friends, family, or colleagues?
Our neighbours at UP Events organise the best team-building activities, outings, and outdoor sports, from bubble soccer and fun team games to a city tour.
Wellness
Relax in luxury and completely unwind in our Wellness Garden, with a range of spaces to restore your balance: the floating Barrel Sauna, city beach, and a refreshing lakeside shower.
DON'T MISS OUT
Things to do with car or public transport
Museumplein & Vondelpark
Amsterdam’s best-loved city park is about twenty minutes away by bike. Wander the ponds and paths of Vondelpark, then continue to Museumplein, home to the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum and the Stedelijk — three of the country’s finest museums within a few minutes’ walk of each other.
The Jordaan
One of Amsterdam’s most charming neighbourhoods, the Jordaan is a maze of narrow canal streets, independent boutiques, galleries, cosy brown bars and some of the city’s best food. Perfect for an afternoon of wandering with no fixed plan.
Basecamp IJmuiden aan Zee
Fancy swapping the city for the coast for a day (or two)? Basecamp IJmuiden aan Zee, our sister eco-resort on the North Sea, is about 30 minutes away by car; wide beaches, dunes, and the world’s largest sea lock, all within easy reach for relaxation at the seaside.
Zaanse Schans
Want to see the Netherlands on postcards? About twenty-five minutes away by car or train, Zaanse Schans is an open-air museum of working windmills, traditional wooden houses and artisan workshops.
Watch clogs being made, taste local cheese, and step inside a real windmill.
Haarlem
A pleasant historic center, famous museums, shops, restaurants and the beach around the corner. From hidden streets from bygone times to hip concept stores. From a medieval church to a terrace on the water. From Dutch Masters to French star chefs. From antique market to pop concert. Fancy an unforgettable day out? Visit Haarlem and be surprised by the sights, boutiques and picturesque squares, by the old and contemporary artists, the Burgundian atmosphere and the rich history.
