Company Retreats in Amsterdam, Netherlands
Ease of connectivity ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Who can travel visa-free: check nationality here
Wait time to obtain a visa: 15-30 days
Climate: oceanic with North Sea influence
Airports: Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
Time zone: GMT+01:00
Amsterdam is a city that effortlessly combines rich history with a progressive, modern vibe. Known for its picturesque canal ring, the city features 17th-century buildings and narrow, winding streets, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a scenic bike ride. It is filled with cultural heritage, and is home to world-class museums like the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum. Its compact size and well-connected public transport make it easy to explore, ensuring visitors can soak up all the architectural beauty and historical landmarks.
But it’s not all about the past – Amsterdam is a hub of creativity and innovation. The city pulses with a vibrant energy, reflected in its eclectic dining scene, lively markets, and buzzing nightlife. Renowned for its liberal attitude, Amsterdam embraces diversity and inclusivity, making it a welcoming place for people from all walks of life. Whether you're exploring its bohemian neighborhoods, enjoying a boat tour along the canals, or simply people-watching from a cozy café, Amsterdam promises a unique and enriching experience.
How to Get There
Reaching Amsterdam from various parts of the world is easy. The city is highly accessible for international teams, with a well-connected airport, efficient public transportation systems, and various private travel options.
Most global teams find it easiest to fly into Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) and then use convenient transport options to reach their retreat destinations. The area is well-prepared to accommodate international visitors, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free journey.
For larger groups or those seeking extra convenience, hiring a private coach is an excellent choice. Many local companies offer tailored services for corporate groups, providing comfortable, air-conditioned buses for airport transfers, local tours, and transport between retreat activities.
Why Choose Amsterdam for Your Team Retreat
With its charming canals, rich cultural scene, and vibrant energy, Amsterdam is an excellent choice for your next team retreat. The city's compact size and seamless blend of historical and modern attractions make it easy for teams to explore and bond over shared experiences. Known for its liberal and welcoming atmosphere, Amsterdam offers diverse activities, from inspiring museum visits to relaxing canal cruises and dynamic outdoor adventures. Coupled with world-class dining and exceptional connectivity, the city provides the perfect environment for teams to recharge, collaborate, and create lasting memories.
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Accommodation for Teams
Amsterdam offers a wide range of accommodation options perfect for corporate retreats. From modern business hotels to charming boutique inns, you'll find places that combine comfort with convenience. Many venues have state-of-the-art meeting facilities, ensuring your team has everything needed for productive sessions. These establishments often come with amenities such as high-speed internet, conference rooms, and wellness centers to help balance work with relaxation.
For those seeking something a bit more unique, Amsterdam's historic buildings have been transformed into stylish lodgings. Think loft-style apartments in old warehouses or elegant guest houses with distinctive Dutch architecture. These spaces often provide communal areas perfect for team-building activities or informal gatherings. The city's creative atmosphere is reflected in these accommodations, encouraging collaboration and fresh ideas.
Vacation rentals and serviced apartments are also excellent options, offering the comfort of a home-like environment. These rentals typically come with fully equipped kitchens, spacious living areas, and multiple bedrooms, making them ideal for longer stays or more intimate team retreats. Situated in various neighborhoods, they allow your team to experience Amsterdam like locals, providing a cozy and personal touch to your retreat experience.
Fun and Leisure Activities
With an array of fun and leisure activities, Amsterdam is perfect for team retreats. Start with a classic canal cruise to take in the city's beautiful architecture and charming waterways. These tours provide a relaxing and scenic way to see the city and can be customized with various themes, such as historical tours or evening dinner cruises. For more active teams, consider renting bikes and exploring the city’s extensive cycling paths, allowing your team to experience Amsterdam like locals while staying active.
Cultural enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy in Amsterdam’s renowned museums and art galleries. Spend an afternoon exploring world-class institutions housing masterpieces from artists like Van Gogh and Rembrandt. Interactive exhibits and engaging guided tours can provide a deeper understanding of Dutch history and art, making it a rich cultural experience for everyone involved.
For a different pace, take your team to one of the city’s lively markets or picturesque parks. The markets offer a chance to sample local delicacies and shop for unique souvenirs, while the parks provide a tranquil setting for picnics and casual team-building activities. Whether it’s boating on the lakes, enjoying a sunny afternoon on the sprawling lawns, or participating in organized sports and games, these outdoor spaces offer something for every preference, ensuring a well-rounded and enjoyable retreat experience.
Culture
Amsterdam's culture is a dynamic fusion of history, art, and progressive attitudes. The city's rich history is evident in its well-preserved architecture and historical sites, from the 17th-century canal houses to iconic landmarks. This historic charm is balanced by a vibrant contemporary art scene, with numerous galleries and museums showcasing both classical masterpieces and cutting-edge modern works.
The Dutch capital is known for its inclusivity and liberal mindset. It has long been a pioneer in social progress, embracing a diverse and multicultural population. This openness is reflected in the city's festivals, events, and daily life, where people from all backgrounds come together to celebrate freedom and creativity. The café culture is strong here, with countless cozy spots perfect for sipping coffee and watching the world go by, fostering a sense of community and connection.
The culinary scene is equally impressive, offering a blend of traditional Dutch fare and international cuisines. The city's markets are a testament to its gastronomic diversity, filled with local delicacies and global flavors. Combined with its lively nightlife, from intimate jazz clubs to energetic nightclubs, Amsterdam offers a well-rounded and vibrant cultural experience that caters to all tastes.
Visa Requirements for the Netherlands
When planning a company retreat in Amsterdam, it’s important to understand visa requirements for your team. The Netherlands is part of the Schengen area, so some travelers will need a tourist visa, but the process is straightforward.
Travelers who will need a visa to enter the Netherlands have to submit the Schengen visa application through the official procedure.
Always check the official website for current information about visas.
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Fun Facts you didn’t know about Amsterdam
Amsterdam has more than 1000 bars
Amsterdam ranks among the top cities for nightlife in Europe, featuring over 1,000 bars. It’s hard to find a better place to unwind with an ice-cold beer after a day's work. Interestingly, locals often refer to bars as cafés, with the iconic Brown Café being the most famous type in Amsterdam. The city’s oldest bar, Café Karpershoek, has been serving customers since 1606.
Amsterdam stands on Poles
In Amsterdam, most buildings rest on wooden poles, with a staggering 11 million poles supporting structures throughout the city. Given that a quarter of Amsterdam, including Schiphol Airport, lies below sea level, these poles are crucial. Typical houses in Amsterdam are built on poles ranging from 15 to 20 meters in length, driven into the clay to prevent the buildings from sinking. Remarkably, the Royal Palace Amsterdam itself is supported by 13,500 wooden poles, and you'll even find them at Vondelpark, showcasing the city's ingenious approach to construction in a challenging environment.
Bicycles before anything else
Amsterdam has around 1.2 million bikes, surpassing its population of 821,000 residents. The city has over 400 km of bike lanes and numerous storage facilities. Each year, around 25,000 bikes end up in the canals, and approximately 100,000 are stolen. In Amsterdam, bikes have priority over both cars and pedestrians, so it's crucial to stay out of bike lanes and be cautious when crossing the streets.
Dutch People are the tallest in the World
One undeniable fact about the Dutch is that they are the tallest people in the world. Dutch men are averaging 184 cm and women 170 cm. Scientists attribute this height advantage to a diet rich in dairy products. Remarkably, the average Dutch individual is a substantial 25 cm taller than the average Indonesian.
Heineken Brewery originates from Amsterdam
Heineken, one of the world's largest breweries, was established in Amsterdam in 1864. The Dutch brewery produces 200 million hectolitres of Heineken each year and owns a portfolio of international brands, including Amstel, Birra Moretti, Sol, Red Stripe, Tiger, Krušovice, and Desperados. A must-do activity for any visitor to Amsterdam is experiencing the Heineken Experience. This attraction offers an engaging journey through the history of the world’s most famous beer, along with the chance to sample a Heineken or two.
More canals than Venice, more bridges than Paris
Amsterdam, sometimes referred to as the "Venice of the North”, has over 165 canals, allowing one to traverse an impressive 100 kilometers of waterways within the city limits. Among these canals, the Herengracht, Prinsengracht, and Keizersgracht are the most renowned, each offering picturesque views and a unique glimpse into the city's vibrant history.
Complementing this extensive canal network are 1,281 bridges, seamlessly connecting various parts of the city. The most famous of these is the Magere Brug, or Skinny Bridge, an iconic symbol of Amsterdam's architectural charm and ingenuity. This intricate waterway and bridge system not only adds to the city's aesthetic appeal but also plays a vital role in its daily life and culture.
The Government is not seated in Amsterdam
While Amsterdam holds the title of the capital of The Netherlands, the seat of the Dutch government is actually located in The Hague. This unique arrangement sees Amsterdam celebrated as the cultural and economic heart of the country, teeming with vibrant history, art, and commerce.
Meanwhile, The Hague serves as the administrative and political center, housing the Dutch Parliament, the Supreme Court, and the residence of the King. This distinction allows Amsterdam to thrive as a bustling metropolis, attracting tourists and businesses alike, while The Hague remains the focal point for governance and international diplomacy, hosting numerous international courts and organizations. This dual-city system underscores the rich diversity and balance within the Netherlands, with each city playing a crucial role in the nation's identity and function.
The Museum Capital of the World
Amsterdam proudly holds the title of having the highest concentration of museums per square meter of any city in the world. This remarkable density of cultural institutions makes it a haven for art lovers and history enthusiasts. Among the city's renowned museums are the Van Gogh Museum, which houses the world's largest collection of works by the famous painter; the Rijksmuseum, with its impressive array of Dutch Golden Age masterpieces; and the Stedelijk Museum, known for its extensive collection of modern and contemporary art. These museums, along with many others, offer visitors a rich and diverse cultural experience, making Amsterdam a top destination for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in art, history, and culture.
The World’s Oldest Stock Exchange is in Amsterdam
Established in 1602 by the Dutch East India Company, the Amsterdam Stock Exchange holds the distinction of being the world's oldest. Located on Beursplein in the heart of Amsterdam, it continues to thrive today. In 1774, the exchange launched the world’s first investment fund to prevent a market crash, and in 2000, it merged with the Brussels and Paris stock exchanges to create Euronext.
The only Floating Flower Market in the World
The Amsterdam Flower Market, or Bloemenmarkt, has been a vibrant part of the city since 1862. This unique market is a colorful testament to Amsterdam's rich horticultural tradition. Situated on the Singel Canal, the market's stalls are all located on boats, dating back to the days when flowers were delivered by boat directly from the countryside. The floating flower market is a visual feast, with an array of tulips, narcissus, and other blooms available year-round. It is a living reminder of the city's deep connection to floriculture and a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the charm and history of Amsterdam.
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Activities in Amsterdam
Amsterdam offers a wide variety of team-building activities that create unforgettable experiences and enhance your team's overall satisfaction.
Amsterdam Scavenger Hunt
Experience the combined elements of a treasure hunt, escape room, and self-guided walking tour, where you use architectural clues to solve a mystery. You can play at your own pace, exploring shops and cafés along the way. The game starts at a secret location where you pick up a backpack with all necessary materials, including treasure maps and locks. As you follow the map through Amsterdam's city center, you'll uncover must-see and hidden sites while solving puzzles with friends or family. Suitable for curious, adventurous spirits, these games are perfect for team events, offering an engaging way to explore Amsterdam and learn its history without needing an app or phone.
Amsterdam Scavenger Hunt
Board Game Tournament
Another enjoyable team-building activity in Amsterdam is a board game tournament, which infuses fun, cooperation, nostalgia, and a healthy dose of competition into your retreat. While it's great to have team members bring their favorite games to the office, the experience is significantly enhanced when playing games in a dedicated, stylish setting. Choose from a selection of 350 board games and indulge in a wide range of snacks and meals to keep everyone energized and engaged. This activity not only provides a relaxing break from formal meetings but also builds teamwork and friendship in a playful, stress-free environment.
Board Game Tournament
Amsterdam Geocaching
Geocaching is an engaging team-building activity where participants use a GPS device to hunt for hidden containers known as geocaches. Once the team locates a geocache, they note down the item found, take a picture, and return the geocache to its original spot. With the aid of the Geocaching app, your team can uncover geocaches scattered throughout Amsterdam. This adventure offers a fun and interactive way to explore the city and discover its hidden gems together.
Amsterdam Geocaching
Art Class
Embark on creative art workshops tailored for corporate team-building, designed to enhance problem-solving skills, self-expression, and stress relief. These workshops can be customized to various artistic techniques and media, such as painting with oils or acrylics, creating abstract art, working with ceramics, and more. Suitable for all skill levels, these workshops provide a fun and collaborative environment for teams to bond and unleash their creativity together.
Art Class
Bamboo Bridge Challenge
The Bamboo Challenge is an ideal team-building activity, where participants can build structures such as towers, bridges, or houses using bamboo and elastics. Taking place at a cozy event area in Amsterdam, each team receives an assignment and begins strategizing on what to build and how to approach the task. Participants naturally assume different roles, enhancing teamwork and creativity. The event includes a professional host, a pleasant outdoor location, a one-hour program with creative materials, and guidance available in English, all set in a professional venue.
Bamboo Bridge Challenge
City Boat Tour
Amsterdam is renowned for its numerous canals, making sightseeing boats a common sight on the water. Taking a city tour by boat is a relaxing way to explore, offering beautiful views and insights into the city's history. If you wish to see more, you can rent a BBQ boat for a delightful meal or opt to rent a boat for a day to plan your own activities. These options allow you to sail on the Amsterdam IJ, the Markermeer, and the Zaan, adding a unique and enjoyable element to your visit.
City Boat Tour
Ice Sculpting Workshop
During the Ice Sculpting Workshop, you and your team will craft unique sculptures from large blocks of ice. Working in pairs, you'll design and bring your creations to life, chipping away at the ice with a hammer and chisel. You can select a theme to make this workshop a fun and engaging team-building event. Given the nature of ice, melting is inevitable and can cause water pools. Therefore, we recommend holding the workshop outdoors to avoid any indoor issues. If you opt for an indoor setting, ensure proper water drainage is available. This activity is perfect for both winter and summer, offering a cool way to build teamwork and creativity.
Ice Sculpting Workshop
Amsterdam Survivor
Ever dreamed of experiencing a Survivor challenge? Now’s your chance. We create an authentic Survivor atmosphere on the beach for your company outing or event. Everything is meticulously planned, including the fire test, water test, and balance test, in our unique expedition. Compete in teams of 5-8 players and tackle challenges like the slingshot trial, maze trial, and more. The Survivor activity is perfect for building team spirit and excitement, ensuring an unforgettable day for everyone. In the end, the winning team earns eternal fame and a fantastic prize!
Amsterdam Survivor
Sand Castle Competition
A Sand Castle team-building activity is an enjoyable and interactive way for teams to strengthen their bonds and develop teamwork skills. Participants are divided into groups and provided with tools and materials such as shovels, buckets, and molds. Each team collaborates to design and construct a unique sandcastle on the beach. Additionally, teams may earn bonus items to aid their sand sculpting, adding an extra layer of excitement and competition to the experience.
This activity promotes teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and creativity as teams plan, design, and execute their castles. At the end of the session, teams can take a group photo with their sandcastle, celebrating their collective achievement. The adventure version introduces the element of building fortified sand castles and engaging in friendly beach battles against other teams. The light-hearted and fun atmosphere encourages participants to open up and work together toward a common goal, making it ideal for team-building events, corporate retreats, or any group looking to enhance teamwork while having a great time.
Sand Castle Competition
Tour de Amsterdam
Tour de Amsterdam reveals hidden gems that most tourists miss. With minimal traffic disruption during our bicycle tours, we cover substantial ground to help you get into the flow. Group sizes are capped at ten to allow for a pace suited to everyone's level. Our English-speaking guide will delve into the rich history of Amsterdam and the Netherlands, sharing fascinating anecdotes that bring the surroundings to life. Check the information below to find the tour that best matches your interests. Enjoy the journey!
Tour de Amsterdam
Amsterdam’s Cheese Tasting
The mission is to share the story of the Netherlands through its beloved cheese, complemented by organic wine or beer and other delicious nibbles. Set in an all-organic delicatessen, the owner passionately guides you through a 60-minute tasting event featuring six organic Dutch cheeses, two glasses of wine or pilsner, and assorted treats like fig jam, mustard, grapes, and crackers. This experience is intimate and often extends with guests lingering over an extra glass of wine in a relaxed, personalized setting.
Amsterdam’s Cheese Tasting
Vincent van Gogh Experience
The Van Gogh Museum, located in Amsterdam's Museum Square, is dedicated to the works of Vincent van Gogh and his contemporaries. Opened in 1973, the museum's buildings were designed by Gerrit Rietveld and later expanded by Kisho Kurokawa. It houses the world's most extensive collection of Van Gogh's paintings, including iconic works like "The Potato Eaters" and "Sunflowers." The museum attracts millions of visitors annually and offers a comprehensive look into the artist's life and creative journey.
In addition to Van Gogh's masterpieces, the museum also features works by his peers, providing context to his artistic development. The museum's mission is to preserve and exhibit these artworks while educating the public about Van Gogh's influence on the art world. With its rich collection and engaging exhibitions, the Van Gogh Museum remains a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Vincent van Gogh Experience
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