Things To Do
in Almere
Almere is a modern Dutch city built on land reclaimed from the IJsselmeer, known for its contemporary architecture and expansive waterfronts. It blends urban planning with easy access to nature, offering striking lake views and a network of cycling routes. The city center buzzes with markets, cafes, and cultural venues, while nearby nature reserves invite tranquil escapes.
Expect a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere with plenty of outdoor activity options and good connections to Amsterdam and beyond.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café in Almere's Historic Center, savoring fresh pastries and Dutch coffee. After breakfast, take a stroll through the charming streets, admiring the unique architecture and vibrant shops. Visit the Almere City Museum to gain insight into the region's history and culture.
In the afternoon, enjoy lunch at a waterfront restaurant overlooking the Weerwater lake, where you can taste traditional Dutch dishes. Post-lunch, take a scenic walk along the lake, soaking in the picturesque views and perhaps spotting some local wildlife. Visit the nearby Almere's Theater to catch a matinee performance or explore the surrounding green spaces.
As the sun sets, head to a trendy eatery in the center for dinner, where you can indulge in a fusion of Dutch and international cuisine. After dinner, join a guided night tour of the city to learn about its history and see the illuminated buildings. Wind down your evening with a drink at a cozy pub, enjoying the local ambiance and perhaps mingling with friendly locals.
Kickstart your day with a healthy breakfast at your accommodation before embarking on a trip to Oostvaardersplassen Nature Reserve. Spend your morning hiking along the well-marked trails, surrounded by diverse flora and fauna. Keep your eyes peeled for wild horses and a variety of bird species that call this unique ecosystem home.
After a morning of exploration, enjoy a packed lunch at one of the scenic picnic spots within the reserve. Continue your adventure by renting a bicycle to explore more of the area, cycling through the expansive fields and marshlands. Don't forget your camera, as the stunning landscapes provide excellent opportunities for photography.
Return to Almere in the evening and treat yourself to dinner at a restaurant featuring local Dutch seafood specialties. After your meal, take a relaxing walk along the waterfront promenade, where the calm waters reflect the sunset. Finish your day with a visit to a local bar, enjoying a refreshing Dutch beer or a glass of wine.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Cup of coffee | $3-5 |
| 🚆One-way local transport | $2-3 |
| 🎟️Museum or attraction ticket | $12-20 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $90-150 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Modern city layout with easy access to nature
- Excellent lakefront scenery and cycling routes
- Good connections to Amsterdam and other cities
- Less nightlife intensity than Amsterdam or Rotterdam
- Some parts of the city center can feel new or still evolving
- Weather can be windy near the water
- "Hallo" - Hello
- "Dank u wel" - Thank you
- "Alstublieft" - Please / Here you go
- "Waar is het treinstation?" - Where is the train station?
- "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
- "Hoeveel kost dit?" - How much does this cost?
- "Ik begrijp het niet" - I don’t understand
- "Mag ik de rekening alstublieft?" - May I have the bill, please?
Places to Visit in Almere
Visit one of these nice places.
A wide, reflective lakefront perfect for golden-hour photography, with views across the water and silhouettes of modern buildings.
Bold contemporary architecture around the city center; capture geometric lines, glass facades, and street activity.
Expansive wetlands and sky, ideal for bird photography and panoramic landscape shots, especially during migratory seasons.
Waterfowl-filled wetlands offering tranquil water reflections and wildlife photo opportunities.
Food in Almere
Almere Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A classic caramel-filled waffle, best enjoyed warm from a bakery or market stall.
Must-Try!
Raw herring often enjoyed with onions; look for it at markets or fish stalls for an authentic Dutch snack.
Fried croquettes with meat ragout; commonly found as a snack or starter in cafes and casual restaurants.
Mini fluffy pancakes sprinkled with powdered sugar, a popular street treat from markets and cafes.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market in the city center offering fresh produce, cheeses, fish, baked goods, and street snacks; great for sampling local flavors.
Seasonal street-food stalls and small eateries around the market area; look for Dutch fritters, snacks, and quick bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dutch communication tends to be direct. Be polite, but feel free to say what you mean clearly and kindly.
Respect queues and personal space; bike pathways require awareness of pedestrians and slow pedestrians.
Bikes are a primary mode of transport; yield to cyclists when walking and use bike lanes when cycling.
Safety
Tipping in Almere
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up at cafes or leaving 5-10% at restaurants is common if service is good.
Cash is accepted in many places, but cards (PIN/contactless) and mobile payments (Apple Pay/Google Pay) are widely used. iDEAL is common for online or in-store payments in the Netherlands.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild days with blooming parks; great for cycling and lakeside photos. There can be occasional rain showers, so bring a light layer and an umbrella.
Warm and longer days; ideal for outdoor activities, markets, and sunset photography by the water. Occasional heat waves; stay hydrated and plan shade breaks.
Pleasant temperate days with colorful foliage and fewer crowds. Pack a jacket and prepare for wind along the lakefront.
Cool to cold with short daylight hours; festive markets may appear in the city center and along market squares. Dress in layers and enjoy cozy cafes after a brisk walk.
Almere at Night
Hiking in Almere
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Extensive nature trails around wetlands, offering birdwatching opportunities and long, scenic routes.
Dense forest with loop paths and shaded sections, suitable for relaxed strolls and longer hikes.
Airports
How to reach Almere by plane.
Major international gateway about 25-40 minutes by train or car from Almere; frequent connections to Europe and beyond.
Smaller regional airport nearby; useful for certain domestic or charter flights and rental car access.
A smaller regional airport about 45-60 minutes by road from Almere; offers some European routes.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority population with diverse communities including Turkish, Moroccan, Indonesian, and Surinamese roots; a mix of families, students, and professionals.
A growing student population due to nearby universities and colleges; vibrant youth-friendly areas in the city center.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The Netherlands’ staple sport; plentiful bike lanes and scenic routes around lakes and parks.
Local clubs and recreational leagues are common; many residents follow matches in season.
Sailing, rowing, and stand-up paddleboarding on Weerwater and nearby waterways.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Almere.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most restaurants in Almere offer vegetarian options; look for veggie burgers, salads, pasta, and seasonal vegetable dishes. Markets often feature fresh produce, cheeses, and plant-based snacks; don’t hesitate to ask for customization or dairy-free options at cafes.