Cycling
The local way to move; loop the Vondelpark or ride out to villages like Monnickendam and Marken.
Sport in Amsterdam
Football mad, bike obsessed, never far from water or ice.
Amsterdam is a sporty city. Here's how to watch the action, tour the famous ArenA, and get moving yourself — from canal-side runs to winter skating.
The headline
Football & Ajax at the Johan Cruijff ArenA
Football reigns in Amsterdam, and AFC Ajax — one of Europe's most storied clubs — play at the Johan Cruijff ArenA in Zuidoost (ArenA Boulevard 1). Opened in 1996 and named after the legendary Johan Cruyff, it's the Netherlands' largest stadium, with a retractable roof and a capacity of around 56,120 for football (up to ~71,000 for concerts).
Tickets
Match tickets are generally sold only to verified Ajax account holders; non-resident visitors can usually buy ticket packages (often including a hotel stay) at a premium — confirm current options before travelling.
Stadium tour
Even without a match, the stadium tour is a must — walk the player tunnel, see the pitch and dug-out, the dressing room, the press room and the Gallery of Fame, plus the Ajax museum with Cruyff's famous #14 jersey. Options: a self-guided or guided Classic tour, a VIP tour (skybox, Royal Lounge, a drink and scarf) and a matchday tour (match-ticket holders only). Note: the grass isn't visible from roughly 22 May to end July during the concert season; tour tickets include a 10% fanshop discount, and combo tickets with a canal cruise, the Heineken Experience or Moco are available.
Getting there
Metro 50/54 or train to Amsterdam Bijlmer ArenA. De Toekomst, Ajax's training complex, is a short walk past the Ziggo Dome.
The big venues
Where the city plays at scale — football, athletics and arena-sized shows.
Zuidoost
Johan Cruijff ArenA ↗
Football and stadium-scale concerts. Capacity ~56,120.
Zuidoost
Ziggo Dome ↗
The city's main indoor arena for big concerts.
Zuidoost
AFAS Live ↗
Large concert hall next door to the ArenA.
Zuid
Olympic Stadium (Olympisch Stadion) ↗
Built for the 1928 Games — athletics and the marathon finish.
Watching sport
Football is the spectator sport of choice — catch Ajax at the ArenA, or watch a match in a lively sports café in the centre or De Pijp. The Netherlands national team also plays occasional internationals at the ArenA. Beyond football, the country loves tennis, (ice) skating and field hockey.
Do it yourself
Move like a local: bike, run, swim, skate.
Running
The Vondelpark and the vast Amsterdamse Bos are the favourites.
Ice skating
In a hard winter Amsterdammers skate the frozen canals and lakes; year-round, try the Jaap Eden ice rink.
Inline skating
Join the free Friday Night Skate, a 20 km group skate from the Vondelpark Pavilion (Fridays 20:30, weather permitting).
Swimming & water sports
Swim at the Sloterplas or the IJburg city beach (Blijburg) in summer, or hire a SUP or sloop on the canals.
Annual sporting events
Dated races and fixtures stay in sync with the events calendar.
Frequently asked
How do I get tickets for an Ajax match?
Match tickets are generally sold only to verified Ajax account holders. Non-residents can usually buy ticket packages (often including a hotel stay) at a premium — confirm current options before travelling.
Can I visit the ArenA without a match?
Yes — the stadium tour runs year-round (Classic, VIP and matchday). You walk the player tunnel, see the dressing room and press room, and visit the Ajax museum with Cruyff's #14 jersey.
How do I get to the Johan Cruijff ArenA?
Take metro 50 or 54, or a train to Amsterdam Bijlmer ArenA. It's about 20 minutes from Centraal Station.