The 8 best swimming pools in Amsterdam to cool off and chill out
Have you ever spent a sunny afternoon relaxing by the river, only to realise that what you really want is to take a proper swim? Same. Trust me, nothing is better than cooling off in one of Amsterdam’s swimming pools after a day out.
Lucky for you, the city offers some great swimming options, whether you’re looking for a fun day out with the family or some serious laps.
So, we’ve rounded up a list of the top swimming pools in Amsterdam, from local favourites to popular fitness centres, to help you find the perfect pool.
1. Swim Gym
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Website: https://swimgym.nl/
Address: Wibautstraat 131b, 1091 GL
Contact: +31 20 333 1016
Hours: Monday to Thursday: 6:30 AM – 11:00 PM | Friday: 6:30 AM – 10:00 PM | Saturday to Sunday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Pricing: €
The Swim Gym is situated right next to the Wibautstraat metro station. But let me tell you, it’s not just your ordinary pool. It’s a modern, Olympic-sized (50m) training centre designed for real progress.
With a two-lane setup, coaches are always nearby, and a diving wall can turn it into four 25-meter lanes for simultaneous group sessions.
We tried their Swim of the Day (SWOD), offering workouts for swimmers at all levels, including starters, mid, and pros.
If you prefer a bit more personal attention, the trainers use underwater cameras and large screens to give immediate feedback on your technique.
Pro Tip:
Be sure to join the masters swimming competitions, which are open to all levels, with the Swim Gym team. For the latest competition updates, kindly visit their website.
2. Zuiderbad
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Website: https://www.amsterdam.nl/zuiderbad/
Address: Hobbemastraat 26, 1071 XK
Contact: +31 20 252 1390
Hours: Monday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Tuesday to Friday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Saturday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Pricing: €
Zuiderbad started out as a biking school in 1912 and has since transformed into a lovely swimming pool. We absolutely liked the peaceful vibe, especially on sunny days when it’s not too packed.
Inside, the architecture is well-preserved, and we even got to enjoy a cosy sauna cabin and one of their auto-filling bathtubs (just tap and soak!)
Their aqua jogging sessions, complete with resistance bands, add a fun twist to the usual laps. You can easily hop into any class with just a single ticket or lesson card.
Pro Tip:
You don’t need to bring a lock for the lockers. They have a free digital system that gives you your own private locker.
3. Het Marnix
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Website: http://hetmarnix.nl/
Address: Marnixplein 1, 1015 ZN
Contact: +31 20 524 6000
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Pricing: €
Swimming at Het Marnix is truly a unique experience since it’s located near the Jordaan neighbourhood and offers a beautiful view of the Singelgracht canal.
It feels like you’re swimming in open water with boats and ducks nearby. We visited for a lap and were blown away by the 25m, 6-lane competition pool. It was clean, modern, and surprisingly budget-friendly at just €3.70.
The floating lane lines and underwater stripes give it a professional vibe, although the lanes can get a bit crowded.
The health club is located on the upper level and has a sleek, upscale feel. It includes a treadmill and other modern equipment.
Pro Tip:
For a more peaceful experience, swim during weekday mornings or early afternoons when the lanes are typically quieter.
4. De Mirandabad
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Website: https://www.amsterdam.nl/demirandabad
Address: De Mirandalaan 9, 1079 PA
Contact: +31 20 252 4444
Hours: Monday to Friday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Saturday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Pricing: €
De Mirandabad is famous for its amazing subtropical wave pool. Its stunning design, which includes a glass dome and palm trees, really captures that tropical getaway feel.
For those serious about swimming, their stroke improvement and fitness swimming lessons (breaststroke, front crawl, back crawl) are great for boosting your technique and endurance.
We were happy to find out that lockers are free, and when we wanted to take a break from the water, we played a fun game of Squash (it’s a bit like tennis). You can conveniently rent the rackets and balls at the counter for €3.35.
And if you’re after a more energetic workout, Aquamove is a perfect activity, especially if you want to get your groove on with some music.
Pro Tip:
Register your child starting at age 4 to get on the list for swimming lessons. The waiting period starts after your child’s 5th birthday. Once you register, you’ll receive an email confirmation.
5. Optisport
Media credit: optisport.nl
Website: https://www.optisport.nl/zwembad-het-sloterparkbad-amsterdam
Address: President Allendelaan 3, 1064 GW
Contact: +31 20 506 3506
Pricing: €
Optisport isn’t just about swimming pools; it’s a complete sports haven. Beyond the water, we discovered a whole range of indoor activities, such as padel and golf glow.
We loved how you can combine fitness, strength training, cardio, and swimming all under one membership.
Then, we unwound in the herbal baths (infused with calming essential oils), enjoyed the whirlpools, and detoxed in the steam cabin at their Het Sloterparkbad.
For the little ones, there’s a safe 10m² toddler pool. Plus, they can participate in Zed & Sop’s Great Underwater Adventure, where they receive a magical passport and treasure chest to learn about sea creatures.
Pro Tip:
If you want something truly special, be sure to check out their mermaid workshop that lets you slip into a mermaid tail and master the art of graceful swimming techniques.
6. Noorderparkbad
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Website: https://www.amsterdam.nl/noorderparkbad/
Address: Sneeuwbalweg 5, 1032 VS
Contact: +31 20 435 2120
Hours: Monday to Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Thursday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Friday: 7:00 AM – 8:30 PM | Sunday: 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Pricing: €
Noorderparkbad is the perfect spot where budget-friendly meets family fun. We got in for just €6.20 each. But note that if you happen to misplace your pass, a replacement ticket is €5.50.
What’s great is that once a week, they organise women-only swims open to those aged 18 and over, all led by female instructors.
During the women’s session, they offer various activities like swimming lessons and aquapower classes. Their 12-bath card for €62 is a great deal, and with a 10-lesson card, you can join any aqua class without needing to book in advance.
It’s also worth mentioning that they provide swimming lessons under the National Swimming ABC, and award diplomas from the National Platform Zwembaden (NPZ).
Pro Tip:
Book in advance or buy a ticket here to secure your spot, especially on weekends.
7. Sportfondsenbad Amsterdam-Oost
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Website: http://www.sportfondsenbadamsterdamoost.nl/
Address: Land van Cocagneplein 44, 1093 NB
Contact: +31 20 665 0811
Hours: Monday: 12:00 PM – 7:45 PM | Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 6:45 PM | Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 9:00 PM | Thursday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Friday: 12:00 AM – 8:30 PM | Saturday: 8:15 AM – 12:30 PM | Sunday: 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Pricing: €
Sportfondsenbad is truly one of our favourite spots on this list for a nostalgic swim. The historic 25×15 competition pool, with depths reaching up to 310 cm, is just right for experienced swimmers and water polo enthusiasts.
We also enjoyed trying out the different types of swimming pools, such as lane swims and disco swims, and relaxing in the 34°C whirlpool.
Plus, they have 31°C instruction and recreational pools ideal for gentle movements. They also have AquaVitaal classes for older adults or those needing low-impact workouts and parent-child classes.
Our niece really liked the toddler pool and Jip’s play-based swim lessons. In these, kids can have fun while learning about Jip’s eight water adventures and earn badges as they progress.
Pro Tip:
If you’re thinking of throwing a kid’s party, make a reservation for Wednesdays from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. During this time, kids can enjoy a fun pool party, and a tasty meal is included at no extra cost.
8. Sportplaza Mercator
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Website: http://www.sportplazamercator.nl/
Address: Jan van Galenstraat 315, 1056 CB
Contact: +31 20 618 8911
Hours: Monday to Friday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Saturday to Sunday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Pricing: €
Sportplaza Mercator felt like a hidden wellness gym. Inside, you’ll discover a fully equipped gym, a sauna, a steam bath, and even childcare spaces.
We were really impressed by the variety of their swimming pools, including an indoor competition pool, a therapeutic pool, and a kids’ play pool (yes, with a crocodile!).
Outside, you’ll find a beautiful green facade and a sunny 50-meter pool that’s just perfect for summer laps. That lush wall really does make it feel like a secret escape in the city.
You shouldn’t miss out on their Club Aqua lessons either. These lessons provide a fun way to stay active in the water, combining aqua aerobics, cardio, and strength exercises.
Pro Tip:
After your swim, don’t forget to treat yourself to a refreshing coffee or a protein shake at their sports bar. It’s the perfect way to cool down.