Blijburg Aan Zee

Description:

• Blijburg is one of around 10 of Amsterdam's city beaches, located on the Ijmeer (formerly part of the North Sea) around 5 kilometres from Central Station. It is the only beach that remains open the whole year round.
  

  In the summer it's a mix of families, hippies and those who want to be seen. The large café/restaurant sets the scene for the beach which has a relaxed and arty feel about it. The entrance is through an arch constructed of recycled materials and the beach itself has a number of Buddha statues positioned around it. On most summer evenings a bonfire is lit in a fire pit near to the restaurant, and someone produces a guitar. On a warm evening, it easy to forget that you're on a beach in Amsterdam with the sound of the water, a roaring fire and soft music.  On a hot day, it's also a great escape from the heat of the city and true place to chill out. Everything operates at about half the speed of city life.

  The restaurant and café on the beach also has a great slightly hippy vibe. It's a temporary construction as the beach will move in a few years. But don't be misled, it's very much shabby chique. The sort of place that would be at home on a Thai island.

  Getting there takes around 20 minutes from Central Station. Tram 26 departs every 10 minutes in the direction off Ijburg. Get out at the last stop Blijburg and walk 5 minutes in the direction of the water. You'll clearly see the flags of Blijburg.

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