TRAVEL TIPS
Sand and the city: 3 top urban beaches in Europe
After a bumpy start, it looks like this summer could just be the long, hot one we’re all wishing for (needing!). But that doesn’t mean you should stay away from city trips, it just means you should travel to cities where you can have a beach holiday too.
Here are our top tips for places you can cool down as the city sizzles (with some recommended 9flats too)…
- 1. Amsterdam: a pool with a view
- 2. Prague: long, white sands to lounge on
- 3. Berlin: more than your average city beach
- 4. Everywhere else: check out the urban beach Pinterest board we just made, with loads more sandy city tips (warning: clicking may cause severe holidaylust)
1. Amsterdam
Bad Buiten, Amsterdam /// Foto: www.facebook.com/badbuiten
BadBuiten, which literally means ‘pool outside’, is a kind of artificial island about 550m2 that sits in the Amstel river. As the first floating swimming pool in The Netherlands, BadBuiten offers a great space for having a drink, lunch or dinner as, during summer months, it’s open until 11pm. Even though its main attraction is the pool, you can also visit (without entrance fee) to enjoy the terrace or bar, with a view of the river. If you go, we recommend this lovely, authentic Amsterdam penthouse.
2. Prague
Smíchov beach, Prague /// photo: www.praha.eu
Smíchov is a former industrial zone in the Prague 5 area, and home to the famous Staropramen brewery. In the last few years this area has becpme one of the most up-and-coming in Prague: its reputation furthered with the first artificial beach in the city, the Smichovska Plaz. A massive 700 tonnes of white sand were imported to cover a 200 metres stretch along the west bank of the Vltava river. A floating swimming pool was added (as the river water isn’t clean enough for swimming) and next to that, facilities for other sports like volleyball, badminton and pétanque.
Tempted to go to Prague? You might like this pretty 9flats place, perfect for a couple.
3. Berlin
In the centre of Berlin, on the edge of Monbijou Park, you can relax in Strandbar Mitte, another beautiful urban beach. Nestled under palm trees with a nice view of the Bode Museum across the river, the Strandbar offers drinks, music and activities like beach volleyball and open air dance classes. With an amphitheatre, a stage with live performances and a restaurant right next to it, Strandbar is much more than the usual artificial urban beach.
Sound wunderbar? Here’s a great penthouse for your stay, with children’s room.
4. Everywhere else!
Sorry, no beaches in London yet (photo: Ged Carroll)
Is there a beach in the city you’re travelling to? Check out our beachy Pinterest collection and find out.
Any more great urban beaches you’ve found on your travels?