This North Holland city, home to the Cobra Museum of modern art, sits along the Aker River. Its 108,000 residents enjoy the vast Amsterdamse Bos park and calm residential areas.
Amstelveen sits just south of Amsterdam as the Netherlands' second greenest city. You can walk among 400 pink cherry trees in Bloesempark, examine avant-garde paintings at the Cobra Museum of Modern Art, or cycle through the massive Amsterdamse Bos forest. The city's 15 parks and gardens come alive with cultural events throughout the year, from the Cherry Blossom Festival in April to the Indian Festival in November. With over 7% of its 92,000 residents being international, you'll hear multiple languages spoken across its streets and parks.
Getting Around Amstelveen
Two tram lines link Amstelveen to Amsterdam Zuid station. Take tram 5 to reach Stadshart or tram 25 to Westwijk. Bike lanes crisscross the entire city, making cycling a practical option. Electric car drivers can use any of the 100 charging stations throughout Amstelveen. Most areas allow free parking, with some zones requiring payment or having time limits.
Parks and Nature
At the Dr. Jac. P. Thijssepark, you can walk 5 hectares of winding paths past small ponds and native Dutch plants. The park's designer, C.P. Broerse, arranged the vegetation to mirror how these species grow in nature. The Amsterdamse Bos stretches three times larger than New York's Central Park, with rowing lakes, sports fields, and walking trails. You can join regular events here or simply explore its extensive network of paths. In the Bloesempark, 400 cherry trees burst into pink flowers each spring, a gift that celebrates the connection between Amstelveen and its Japanese community.
Museums and Culture
Inside the modern white building of the Cobra Museum, designed by Wim Quist, you'll find Dutch modern art from the 1940s and 1950s. The Jan van der Togt Museum houses contemporary paintings and sculptures, including a collection of glass art. P60, the main music venue, hosts 200 concerts and events annually, drawing 45,000 visitors to its performances.
Shopping and Markets
The Stadshart district earned the title of best shopping center in the Netherlands from 2013 to 2015. Every Tuesday and Friday, 200 vendors fill the Stadsplein market with stalls selling fresh vegetables, Dutch cheeses, clothing, and household items. The area combines international retail chains with local independent shops.
International Community
The international character of Amstelveen extends beyond its 7.55% expatriate population. Children can attend the International School Amsterdam, Japanese kindergarten, or Korean school. At Amstelland Hospital, cultural desks serve patients in multiple languages. Many global companies, including KPMG, have their headquarters here, while the short distance to Amsterdam and Schiphol Airport makes it convenient for international professionals.
