Almere

Almere is the largest city in Flevoland and one of the fastest-growing in the Netherlands, with a population of over 220,000. Developed from scratch on the polder since the 1970s, it is a showcase of late-20th and early-21st-century urban planning and modern architecture. The city centre (Almere Centrum) was designed by world-renowned architects including Renzo Piano, Rem Koolhaas, and SANAA, creating a striking contrast of bold glass structures, geometric layouts, and pedestrian-friendly public spaces.

Almere's population is young and diverse, and the city has a lively cultural scene with theatres, museums, and a growing food and drink scene. While it is often dismissed as a commuter suburb of Amsterdam (just 15 minutes by train), Almere has developed its own identity as a forward-looking, multi-cultural Dutch city. Its bus rapid transit system, dedicated bike highway (spoorbaanpad), and sustainable urban design make it a model for 21st-century city-building.

By Plane

Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS IATA) is about 30 minutes by direct train from Almere Centrum.

By Train

Almere has several railway stations: Almere Centrum, Almere Muziekwijk, Almere Parkwijk, Almere Buiten, and Almere Oostvaarders. All are on the Flevolijn line connecting Amsterdam (15–20 min) to Lelystad (10 min) and Zwolle (40 min). Intercity and Sprinter services are frequent.

By Car / Road

The A6 motorway runs through Almere, connecting it to Amsterdam (via the A1 at Muiderberg) and to the rest of Flevoland. The A27 links Almere to Utrecht.

Almere has an excellent bus rapid transit system and one of the best cycling networks in the Netherlands, including the spoorbaanpad (a bike highway running the length of the city). The city centre is extremely walkable.

• Almere Centrum — The modern city centre with architecture by Renzo Piano (the Forum building), SANAA (the De Kunstlinie theatre and cultural centre), and other internationally renowned firms.

• Casa CASLa (in the city centre) — An information centre where visitors can learn about the planning and development of Almere.

• De Kunstlinie (KAF) — A theatre and cultural centre designed by SANAA, hosting performances, concerts, and exhibitions.

• Almere Haven — The original 1970s neighbourhood with a small marina and a more intimate feel than the centre.

• Stadslandgoed De Kemphaan — A city farm and nature area with walking trails and a petting zoo.

• Modern architecture walking tour of Almere Centrum.

• Cycling the spoorbaanpad bike highway.

• Visit the Oostvaardersplassen, accessible from Almere's western edge.

• Shopping at Almere Centrum's extensive retail district.

Almere's diverse population is reflected in its restaurant scene, which includes Indonesian, Turkish, Italian, Surinamese, and Dutch options. The city centre and the waterfront at Almere Haven have the highest concentration of restaurants.

Almere has a growing bar and café scene, particularly around the city centre square and the marina at Almere Haven.

• Several mid-range and business hotels are located in Almere Centrum, near the station.
• For a wider range of options, Amsterdam (15–20 min by train) is close.

Almere Centrum has one of the largest covered shopping malls in the Netherlands, with a wide range of Dutch and international retailers. The city centre also has many independent boutiques.

• Lelystad (10 min by train) — Flevoland's capital with museums and the Bataviawerf.
• Oostvaardersplassen (directly accessible from Almere) — Rewilded nature reserve.
• Amsterdam (15 min by train) — The Dutch capital.
• Utrecht (30 min by train) — Historic university city with canals and a famous cathedral.
• Walibi Holland / Biddinghuizen (40 min by car) — Theme park and festival grounds.