We can no longer ignore it. Padel is incredibly popular – and for good reason. The sport is social, accessible and addictive. In Amsterdam, too, the number of courts has long exceeded what you can count on two hands—Are you thinking about giving Padel a try? Then consult this YourLBB list for all the ins and outs and the best padel courts in Amsterdam.
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What is padel?
You probably have friends who regularly send selfies from a bright blue court. They’re already hooked on Padel, but you might not be just yet. Still, considering it? Be prepared: it’s addictive. But let’s start at the beginning: here are the basics you need to know about Padel.
Padel is a mix of tennis and squash, played on a smaller court surrounded by glass and fencing. It’s usually played two against two, with a fixed serve and longer rallies because the ball can rebound off the walls. The pace is fast, but the technique is accessible—even for those who’ve never picked up a tennis racket. That’s exactly what makes it so popular among sports fanatics and casual players.
Although padel has only become popular in the Netherlands in recent years, it’s been the go-to sport in Spain for decades. Padel was invented in Mexico in 1969 but took off in Spain. It’s now the second most-played sport in the country after football.
How to book a padel court in Amsterdam?
Booking a padel court in Amsterdam is luckily very easy. Most clubs are connected to apps like Playtomic, KNLTB Meet & Play or Padel Mates. These apps allow you to reserve a court, select a time slot, and even find other players if you’re not a club member. Some clubs also offer walk-in sessions, clinics or lessons for beginners.
6 x where to play padel in Amsterdam
Padel Next
At Padel Next, they take the sport seriously without losing sight of the social aspect. In addition to clinics, physiotherapists, and matches, they also offer fun-themed tournaments, such as a Valentine’s Day matching event.
Willem de Zwijgerlaan 338C, Amsterdam – Instagram
© Padel Next, @padelnext
B. Amsterdam
You might know B. Amsterdam is an event venue or office hub, but did you know it now has 12 padel courts? These are great for a weekend match or an active team outing. The building also houses meeting rooms, a Stach, and a rooftop bar.
Johan Huizingalaan 763a, Amsterdam – b-amsterdam-padel.nl
More places to play padel in Amsterdam
Frans Otten Stadion
It doesn’t get more iconic than the Frans Otten Stadion. This old sports hall is a real Amsterdam institution. In addition to tennis and squash, there are now several padel courts.
IJsbaanpad 43, Amsterdam – fransottenstadion.nl
© Frans Otten Stadion, @fransottenstadion
The Padellers
Whether you play Padel or not, you’ve probably heard of this name. The Padellers is incredibly popular and offers indoor courts in two locations in the city and many more nationwide.
Koenenkade 8 & Condensatorweg 48, Amsterdam – thepadellers.nl/locaties/amsterdam
Even more padel spots in Amsterdam
Peakz Padel
Peakz Padel (Amsterdam South) is one of the most renowned padel clubs in the Netherlands with 20 clubs and 160 courts across the country. In Amsterdam, they offer various courts, professional training and even a cosy café for the all-important third half (and let’s be honest, that’s partly what it’s all about).
Willem Fenengastraat 4b, Amsterdam – peakzpadel.nl
Plaza Padel
This venue isn’t just in Amsterdam but nationwide. Plaza Padel is a high-tech club with nine (!) indoor courts, a gym and even two meeting rooms. Handy if you need to join a call between matches. If your team’s on the sporty side, this is the perfect place for a day out. Plaza Padel also offers children’s lessons.
Rhoneweg 36, Amsterdam – plazapadel.com/nl/amsterdam
© Plaza Padel, @plazapadel
Amsterdam Bucketlist & Things to Do
(DIGITAL) ART EXPERIENCES IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Fabrique des Lumières
⋙ NXT Museum
⋙ STRAAT street art museum
⋙ MOCO Museum for street and modern art
⋙ Amaze, an audiovisual labyrint
FOOD EXPERIENCES IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Food Tasting Tour of Jordaan area
⋙ Albert Cuyp Market Food Tour
⋙ Sightseeing Boat Cruise with unlimited drinks
⋙ Pancake Cruise
⋙ Micro Brewery Beer Tasting Tour
BEST BIKE TOURS IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Fatbike e-bike tour (also to Amsterdam North)
⋙ Rent a bike by yourself and explore like a local
⋙ Outside of Amsterdam: windmills & Zaanse Schans
⋙ 3 hour biketour: backstreets & hidden gems
FIRST TIME VISIT TO AMSTERDAM – MUST SEE & DO’S:
⋙ Private Canal Boat Tour
⋙ Rijksmuseum with the Dutch masters
⋙ Van Gogh Museum, a staple in Amsterdam
⋙ Stedelijk Museum for modern art lovers
⋙ Canal Cruise in the evening
INSTAGRAM MUSEUMS IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Discover the Instagrammable experience WONDR
⋙ Youseum
⋙ The Upside Down
DAY TRIPS FROM AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Get out of town and into the Dutch country side of Giethoorn
⋙ Drive-it-Yourself Tulip Fields GPS Audio Tour
⋙ Catch a direct train from Amsterdam to Antwerp, Brussels, London or Paris, starting at € 20,-! Check tickets & prices >>
AMSTERDAM WITH KIDS:
⋙ Visit Artis Royal Zoo
⋙ Go an a bike tour with the kids
⋙ NEMO Science Museum
SPIRNG / SUMMER IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Paddle board tour on the canals
⋙ Go for a kayak-tour in Amsterdam
FALL / WINTER IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Amsterdam Light Festival boat tour
⋙ Amsterdam Light Festival bike tour
| TIP: Buy an I amsterdam City Card. Save money on entrance fees to museums and attractions, public transport and profit from discounts on everything from restaurants to concerts. You can also skip some lines to make the most of your time in Amsterdam! You can buy a card for 24 hours up to 120 hours. Check the prices here >>
Our favourite hotels in Amsterdam:
TOP LUXURY // €€€
☾ Pillows Maurits at the Park: this newly opened hotel is all about luxury.
☾ Pulitzer Amsterdam: on the canals at the border of the Nine Streets and the Jordaan.
☾ L’Europe: recently renovated, this hotel has the best spa with a view in Amsterdam.
☾ Conservatorium Hotel: located in one of the most beautiful buildings in town.
☾ Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam: if you have something to celebrate this is the one.
☾ W Amsterdam: with lively restaurants and a posh rooftop bar with swimming pool.
VERY VERY NICE // €€
☾ The Hoxton: favourite lifestyle hotel right on the canals with great all day bar.
☾ Hotel Jakarta: the most sustainable hotel ánd great value for money with a spa.
☾ Hotel V: with two locations and a great restaurant, in the city center and East.
☾ Sir Adam: with the coolest view over Amsterdam from the North side.
☾ Sweets: a unique stay in former bridge houses.
☾ Hotel Dwars: small scale and around the corner of the trendy Utrechtsestraat.
☾ Hotel Mercier: pretty new hotel in the cosy and historic Jordaan district.
☾ INK Hotel: lifestyle hotel in the heart of the city by MGallery.
☾ Morgan & Mees: boutique hotel with restaurant in Amsterdam West.
☾ Conscious Hotel Westerpark: in a beautiful building at the industrial Westergas area.
☾ Ruby Emma: eco design hotel with a great skybar near Amstel station.
AFFORDABLE (FOR AMSTERDAM PRICES) // €
☾ Generator Hostel: the best poshtel of the city located in a park.
☾ The Social Hub budget proof in trendy East district close tho the subway.
☾ Het Volkshotel: affordable and with a cool rooftop bar.
☾ CitizenM: all you need is that XL bed (location near Amstel is great).
☾ Motel One: budget design hotel with several locations in Amsterdam.
Let’s get social
I really hope you enjoy your time in Amsterdam! On my Instagram account @yourlbb and @yourlbb.amsterdam you can find more recommendations and new hotspots in town.
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