Discover Almere | A Visitor's Introduction to Almere

Why is Almere Worth a Visit?

Almere is worth visiting for its fascinating contrast to the older, canal-rich cities that dominate the Dutch image. It’s a city that was designed from scratch, offering wide boulevards, cutting-edge buildings, and one of the most sustainable urban environments in Europe. As the fastest-growing city in the Netherlands, Almere is a living laboratory for how the Dutch are adapting to challenges like population growth, climate change, and housing shortages.

Visitors will find open spaces, innovative public buildings, and an emphasis on water and nature integration, with dozens of parks, forests and lakes within easy reach of the city centre. Almere also provides direct access to the Oostvaardersplassen, one of the most important wetland nature reserves in Western Europe. For those intrigued by design, nature, or urban innovation, Almere offers a fascinating and peaceful alternative to the usual Dutch destinations.

Almere Highlights: Things to See and Do in Almere

Almere Centrum and Architectural Tours

Almere’s city centre is an architectural showcase, where contemporary buildings by world-renowned architects such as Rem Koolhaas and SANAA form a sleek, functional, and eye-catching skyline. The Kunstlinie Almere Flevoland (KAF), the city’s main theatre and cultural hub, is a striking example right on the waterfront. Walking tours and self-guided routes are available to explore the city’s architectural highlights, including The Wave, the Silverline Tower, and the Citadel shopping complex.

Almere Haven

Almere Haven is the oldest part of the city, known for its more village-like atmosphere, relaxed pace, and leafy streets. Located along the Gooimeer lake, it’s a lovely place to enjoy waterside cafés, boutique shops, and a marina lined with pleasure boats. The harbour promenade is a popular place for locals to stroll, especially at sunset.

Oostvaardersplassen Nature Reserve

The Oostvaardersplassen is one of Europe’s most extraordinary natural areas, situated between Almere and Lelystad. This vast wetland is home to wild horses, red deer, foxes, and hundreds of bird species including sea eagles and spoonbills. Walking and cycling trails weave through reed beds, meadows, and woodlands, while observation hides allow for peaceful wildlife watching. The visitor centre offers maps and guided excursions, making this a must-visit for nature lovers.

De Kemphaan and AAP Foundation

De Kemphaan is a green zone on the edge of Almere that combines recreation, education and animal conservation. It's home to the AAP Foundation, which rescues and rehabilitates exotic animals, especially monkeys and small mammals. Visitors can learn about their work through exhibitions and guided tours. The area also includes a climbing park, a Saturday farmers’ market, and extensive hiking and cycling paths through woodland and farmland.

Almere Poort and Duin

Almere Poort is a fast-developing district near the beach, with direct views across the IJmeer towards Amsterdam. It includes Almere Duin, a unique residential area built on artificial dunes to resemble a coastal town. The area includes sandy beaches, surf clubs, and spots for barbecuing or swimming during summer. It’s ideal for those looking for an easy escape to the water without leaving the city.

The Floriade Legacy and Green Spaces

Almere hosted the Floriade Expo in 2022, a global horticultural event focusing on sustainability and green innovation. Many of the pavilions and landscaped areas have been retained in the city’s newest neighbourhood, Hortus. Visitors can still explore some of the gardens, green infrastructure, and eco-living concepts developed for the expo. Beyond this, Almere has over 800 kilometres of cycling routes and dozens of local parks, including the Weerwater and Noorderplassen.

Museum De Nieuwe Bibliotheek

Though not a traditional museum, Almere’s ultra-modern central library, De Nieuwe Bibliotheek, is an architectural highlight and community hub. It regularly hosts exhibitions, talks, and cultural events. The library’s open, welcoming design and excellent facilities make it a pleasant place to relax and learn more about local life.

Water Sports and Urban Beaches

With several lakes and its position beside the IJmeer, Almere is ideal for water sports. Kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing are all popular here. The beaches at Almere Strand and Noorderplassen are clean, family-friendly, and easily accessible. During summer, these spots come alive with swimmers, sunbathers, and local events like outdoor concerts and food festivals.

Flevo Natuur and Nature Camps

Almere also caters to nature-focused travellers with eco-campsites, glamping spots, and even naturist resorts like Flevo Natuur located nearby. It’s all part of Almere’s effort to offer alternative forms of recreation rooted in simplicity, sustainability and wellness.

Practical Advice for Visitors

Getting There

Almere is just 20 to 30 minutes by direct train from Amsterdam Central Station, with frequent services running all day. It’s also well connected to Schiphol Airport, Utrecht, and other cities in the Randstad region. By car, Almere is easily reached via the A6 motorway. Buses and local trains link the city’s various districts and surrounding countryside.

Parking

Parking is widely available and well-organised throughout Almere. Most shopping areas and residential districts offer paid parking, and city centre garages are well signposted. Park-and-ride facilities near the train stations are a good option for day visitors. Almere is also very cycle-friendly, with extensive bike paths and rental options near transport hubs.

Dining

Almere offers a growing number of restaurants, ranging from Dutch classics to global cuisines. The city centre features international eateries, while Almere Haven and Poort have more scenic, lakeside dining options. Look out for places serving locally sourced produce and sustainable menus. Cafés in De Kemphaan and around Weerwater Lake are perfect for lunch with a view. In summer, beachside food trucks and pop-up dining events are common.

Shopping

The central shopping area around Citymall Almere is one of the largest in the Netherlands, with a mix of high-street fashion, electronics, homeware and design stores. For more unique finds, check out local markets and boutique shops in Almere Haven or Oosterwold. If you're into modern Dutch design, some local studios and pop-up shops showcase eco-friendly products and architectural innovations.

When to Visit

Almere is a year-round destination, but spring and summer are the best times to enjoy its parks, lakes, and beaches. From May to September, events, markets and outdoor concerts bring life to public spaces. Spring also sees the region’s surrounding tulip fields burst into colour. Autumn is peaceful and ideal for birdwatching in the Oostvaardersplassen, while winter brings a crisp calm and occasional ice-skating on the lakes if the weather allows.

Local Events

Almere hosts a number of annual events, including the Almere Haven Festival in September, featuring music, food, and boat parades. The Libelle Zomerweek, a lifestyle event held in May, and the Strandfestival Zand, a beach music festival, draw thousands of visitors. Open-air cinemas, cycling tours, and nature walks are frequently organised, especially during the warmer months.

Exploring Beyond Almere

Almere’s location makes it a great base for day trips. Amsterdam is under half an hour away by train, while the picturesque towns of Naarden and Muiden are nearby, offering fortress history and charming harbours. The Zuiderzee Museum in Enkhuizen and Batavialand in Lelystad are great for learning about Dutch maritime and polder-building heritage. You can also visit the vast expanses of the Flevopolder, the world’s largest artificial island, which Almere helped shape.

Almere may not be centuries old, but it offers something unique: a glimpse into the Netherlands’ future. With its commitment to sustainability, smart design, and green living, it’s an inspiring destination for modern travellers. Whether you're cycling past dune houses, relaxing by a lake, or exploring a reclaimed nature reserve, Almere invites you to think differently about what a city can be—and shows that the newest places can also be the most visionary.