Top things to experience off-track during the Dutch GP at Zandvoort

Ultimate Guide to Exploring Zandvoort, Haarlem, and Amsterdam During the Dutch Grand Prix

The 2025 Dutch Grand Prix takes place from August 29-31, with dates already confirmed for the 2026 event on August 21-23. While the main attraction is the thrilling Formula 1 action at Circuit Zandvoort, there are plenty of experiences for fans off the track in nearby Zandvoort, Haarlem, and Amsterdam.

Top Things to Do in Zandvoort

Formula 1’s return to Zandvoort in 2021 ended a hiatus of over 35 years, and the seaside town has grown into a vibrant tourist destination. The local area offers numerous attractions within walking distance of Circuit Zandvoort. The annual Zandvoort Racefestival coincides with race weekend, and in 2025, it runs from August 23-31. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities, including a large ferris wheel on the boulevard, family-friendly events, live music, and entertainment for all ages.

The foreshore area is the hub of activity on Grand Prix weekend, featuring popular bars, beach clubs, and restaurants. Bernie’s Beach Club is a must-visit, hosting F1-themed events and offering prime views of the track. For lively nightlife, Far Out presents music nights described as “a little bit of Ibiza in Zandvoort.” Other standout beach clubs include The Spot, Mango’s Beach Bar, and Meijer’s Cocktail Club. For those seeking an evening of casino fun, Holland Casino offers table games, 300 slot machines, dining options, and regular entertainment, remaining open late during race weekend.

Food, Drink, and Local Shopping in Zandvoort

Zandvoort is home to unique shops perfect for souvenirs or gifts. Weekly markets in Zandvoort North on Tuesdays and in the town center on Wednesdays provide fresh local produce and artisanal goods. For dining, the foreshore offers the best variety. The Hippie Fish provides a relaxed beachside atmosphere, ideal for a leisurely meal. Filoxenia offers traditional Greek cuisine with generous portions, while De Zeerover is famous for its delicious pancakes and extensive outdoor seating.

Family Activities in Zandvoort

Families visiting the Dutch Grand Prix will find plenty of entertainment options. Even when the water is cooler, a stroll along Zandvoort’s expansive beach is enjoyable. Thrill-seekers can try surfing, kitesurfing, or other watersports. Center Parcs Resort Aqua Mundo provides indoor water slides and a water cinema. Other attractions include Zandvoort Escape Room with F1-themed challenges and Circus Zandvoort, featuring Familyland, a small cinema, and a casino for adults.

Exploring Haarlem

Just over 10km east of Zandvoort lies the historic city of Haarlem, easily accessible by train. The city offers a calmer pace compared to Amsterdam, along with rich cultural experiences. Art and history enthusiasts should visit the Teylers Museum, the oldest museum in the Netherlands, dating back to 1784. Admission is €17.50 for adults, and the museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00. The Frans Hals Museum showcases artworks from the Renaissance to contemporary pieces and is open Tuesday to Saturday, also at €17.50 per adult.

Haarlem’s iconic De Grote Kerk (St. Bavokerk Cathedral) took more than a century to construct between 1400 and 1520 and is open Monday to Saturday for €4 admission. Another landmark, Molen de Adriaan, a historic windmill rebuilt in 2002, offers panoramic views over Haarlem and houses a museum. Open weekdays 13:00-17:00 and weekends 10:30-17:00, admission is €7.50 for adults.

Best Ways to Experience Haarlem

Walking tours offer a convenient way to explore Haarlem’s charming streets, historic architecture, and hidden courtyards. Canal cruises provide a unique perspective of the city and its waterways. Renting a bike allows visitors to access the city’s outskirts and green spaces, including Haarlemmerhout, the Netherlands’ oldest public park. The shopping district around Grote Markt offers everything from designer boutiques to eclectic specialty stores.

Food and Drink in Haarlem

Haarlem offers diverse dining experiences. Restaurant Subliem serves organic Mediterranean dishes with vegetarian options, while Centopercento delivers classic Italian pasta and pizza. Restaurant Zuidam, next to Molen de Adriaan, provides a scenic canal-side setting. For nightlife, the Grote Markt is the center of activity. Wolfhound Irish Bar & Kitchen offers a wide beer selection, Bar Number 5 is known for cocktails, and Jopenkerk brewery, set in a former church, combines craft beer with hearty meals.

Visiting Amsterdam

Approximately 35km east of Zandvoort, Amsterdam is easily accessible and offers a wealth of cultural and leisure activities. A canal cruise is one of the best ways to explore the city’s 100km network of waterways. Cruises generally last around one hour and cost €15-20, with departures near Amsterdam Centraal Station.

Dam Square is a key starting point for sightseeing, featuring the National Monument and easy access to trams. Museum Square (Museumplein) hosts the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk Museum, and the renowned Royal Concertgebouw. Adult tickets for the Van Gogh Museum cost €32.50, while children under 18 enter free. The Anne Frank House requires online booking for timed entry slots.

Families can enjoy ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo, with 27 historic buildings, or the NEMO Science Museum, offering interactive exhibits. Tickets for ARTIS range from €25.50-29.50 and NEMO charges €21.50 for ages 4 and up. History and beer enthusiasts can explore the Heineken Experience brewery tour (€25+), while the Waterlooplein Markt flea market offers unique shopping and street food options.

Food and Nightlife in Amsterdam

Amsterdam caters to every taste. The Chicken Bar is ideal for late-night dining, offering what many consider the best fries in the city. For fine dining, Restaurant Bougainville provides a Michelin-starred gastronomic experience, while D’Vijff Vlieghen serves traditional Dutch cuisine in a historic canal house setting. Chinatown offers affordable Southeast Asian options. Bars and nightlife are equally diverse: Cafe Pollux delivers live music in a traditional setting, Hiding In Plain Sight is a hidden cocktail bar, and modern rooftop venues like Bar The Tailor and NJOY offer panoramic views and creative drinks.