🚶 Walking Routes to the IAGG 2026 Congress at RAI Amsterdam

Want to stretch your legs and discover a bit of Amsterdam on your way to the congress? Here are three pleasant walking routes that will take you to the RAI while passing some of the city’s most iconic neighbourhoods, canals, parks, and local hotspots.

🖼️ Route 1: Via Museumplein & De Pijp

📍 Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/vEWP48Exkezi5wYH9

Start by walking towards the Rijksmuseum and pass through its famous tunnels, emerging onto the beautiful Museumplein. Take a moment to enjoy the view before continuing towards Johannes Vermeerstraat.

Along the way, you’ll pass Loetje Amsterdam Café, a local favourite known for its steaks. Continue via Pieter Baststraat until you reach Roelof Hartstraat, where you’ll turn right and cross the canal into De Pijp.

Once a traditional working-class neighbourhood, De Pijp has transformed into one of Amsterdam’s liveliest districts. Continue along Ceintuurbaan and turn right onto Ferdinand Bolstraat. You’ll pass charming cafés, breakfast spots, boutiques, restaurants, and even a location of Amsterdam’s own Troost Brewery. 🍻

As you continue south, you’ll cross the Amstelkanaal and enter Scheldestraat, marking your arrival in Rivierenbuurt. This neighbourhood is known for its relaxed atmosphere and local restaurants that are often a little less touristy.

Follow Scheldestraat all the way to Europaplein, where you’ll arrive at the RAI Amsterdam, home of the IAGG 2026 Congress. 🎉

🌉 Route 2: Via the Historic Canal Belt & De Pijp

📍 Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/baAH5TxH2mEZLrdy6

Begin at Muntplein and admire the beautiful Munttoren before heading onto Vijzelstraat.

If you’d prefer a quieter and more picturesque route, consider taking Nieuwe Spiegelstraat instead. This charming street runs parallel to Vijzelstraat and is lined with antique shops, galleries, and boutiques. 🏺

Continue along Vijzelgracht, passing some of Amsterdam’s most famous canals: Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht. The area is full of cafés, bars, and restaurants, making it a wonderful introduction to the city.

At the Weteringcircuit roundabout, continue straight towards the historic Heineken Experience. 🍺 From there, follow Ferdinand Bolstraat into De Pijp.

This vibrant neighbourhood is famous for the Albert Cuyp Market, Amsterdam’s largest and most popular street market, which you’ll pass on your left. The area is also packed with excellent coffee bars, lunch spots, and local shops.

Continue south on Ferdinand Bolstraat, crossing the canal into Scheldestraat and Rivierenbuurt. Enjoy the more residential atmosphere before following Scheldestraat directly to Europaplein and the RAI Amsterdam. 🎉

🌿 Route 3: Via the Amstel River & Martin Luther King Park

📍 Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/g3L8pzAxSdS71y9aA

Starting from Amsterdam Amstel Station, leave the busy transport hub behind and head towards the Amstel River.

Follow the river south, where modern office towers and residential buildings line one side of the water while open river views stretch out on the other. This route offers a very different perspective of Amsterdam—more spacious, contemporary, and tranquil. 🌊

Continue along the waterfront until you reach Martin Luther King Park. Here, the atmosphere becomes noticeably greener and quieter. Wide walking paths, cyclists, and open lawns create a relaxing setting away from the city’s busiest areas. 🌳

As you leave the park, you’ll enter the Europaboulevard district. The surroundings gradually transition from green spaces to the modern architecture and convention facilities of Amsterdam’s business district.

Before long, the impressive RAI Amsterdam comes into view, marking the end of your walk and the start of the IAGG 2026 Congress. 🎉

💡 Tip

Amsterdam is a very walkable city, so don’t hesitate to take a small detour if something catches your eye. Along all three routes you’ll find plenty of cafés, bakeries, parks, and photo opportunities to enjoy before arriving at the congress.