Description
Picture this: you’re in Amsterdam, looking for a day out that’s a bit different. UP Events Amsterdam West might be just the ticket. It’s not your average tourist stop; think more playground for grown-ups, with activities that are all above board.
Spread across 45,000 square meters (about 11 acres), UP Events hosts team-building days, corporate parties and group activities. Even if you’re travelling solo or with a few friends, you’re welcome to join in.
I’ve sat through enough corporate events that felt like watching paint dry, so I appreciate how UP Events mixes work with a bit of fun. The team-building here doesn’t have to feel like work, which is a nice change.
There are activities for all sorts: adrenaline junkies, creative types and anyone who just wants to take it easy. And, naturally, there’s food and drink too. A good day out needs decent grub, doesn’t it?
Key Features
So, what makes UP Events Amsterdam West stand out? The activities are a good place to start. They range from high-tech VR to old-fashioned outdoor games.
Fancy a reality-TV-style challenge? “Survivor in Amsterdam” gives you the island experience without the bug bites and sunburn. Or try the “Escape Challenge: Morte Frio” with your mates and see how well you work together when the clues get tricky.
For the tech-minded, “VR Teambuilding Secrets of the Pyramid” takes you on an adventure through ancient Egypt. If you’d rather run around, Lasergame has you ducking and diving like you’re in an action film.
They also run CSR games focused on corporate social responsibility. The “Footprint Challenge” is a personal favourite: a chance to do something good while having a laugh.
The venue isn’t just one big empty hall. It has different spaces for different moods, from indoor spots for rainy Dutch days to outdoor areas where you can catch some rare Amsterdam sunshine.
They can also turn the grounds into a festival setup, with stages, food trucks and all the rest. Think Coachella, though the weather here can be a little less predictable.
And then there’s the food. They serve BBQ, snacks and drinks, plus more polished dining options if that’s what you’re after. No one needs to go hungry between activities.
The staff deserve a mention too. They keep things running smoothly and bring plenty of energy, a bit like that one teacher who made even the dullest subject fun. They’re friendly, and they seem to enjoy the day as much as the guests do.
Best Time to Visit
When’s the best time to visit UP Events Amsterdam West? Honestly, there’s no bad time, though each season has its own feel.
Summer, from June to August, is when outdoor activities, BBQs and corporate festivals are in full swing. The days are long and the sun does come out, most of the time. If you’re in Amsterdam then, it’s a good time to check it out.
Spring can be lovely too. In April and May, the weather starts to warm up and the trees begin to bloom. It’s a nice window for outdoor team-building, often without the summer crowds.
Autumn has its own charm, with changing leaves as a backdrop for events. After a day of activities, gathering over a warm drink feels just right. It’s also a good season for indoor VR as the weather turns.
Winter might sound like a poor choice, but UP Events stays open, with indoor options to keep you busy when it’s chilly out. Amsterdam has a special feel in winter, and a game of laser tag can be fun whatever the weather’s doing.
If you’re visiting in July or August, book ahead. It can get busy. For a quieter visit, try the shoulder seasons, around May and June or September and October. You may still get decent weather, with fewer people around.
Keep an eye out for themed days and festivals, too. Halloween at UP Events sounds like it could be a good one.
How to Get There
Getting to UP Events Amsterdam West is fairly straightforward, though it’s a little off the usual tourist route. Here’s how to make the trip.
As the name suggests, UP Events is in the western part of Amsterdam. You won’t find the crowds of selfie-stick-wielding visitors you see in the centre, just groups out for an activity and the odd business team wondering how they ended up doing a VR challenge.
Coming from the city centre? Cycling is a very Dutch option. Amsterdam is flat, so the ride is easy for most people. Rent a bike in the centre and head west; it takes around 20 to 30 minutes, depending on your pace and how often you stop to photograph canal houses.
If cycling isn’t your thing, take public transport. Tram 13 runs from Central Station to Geuzenveld, at the end of the line, and from there it’s a short walk to UP Events. Allow about 30 to 40 minutes for the journey. An OV-chipkaart can be handy if you’ll use public transport often during your stay.
You can also take an Uber or taxi if you’d rather skip public transport. It’ll cost more, and traffic can slow you down, especially at busy times.
From Schiphol Airport, take bus 69 towards Sloterdijk and get off at Plein ’40-’45. UP Events is about a 10-minute walk from there. The full trip takes roughly an hour, depending on traffic.
If you’re driving, UP Events has free parking nearby. Follow the signs as you get close, and you’ll find the parking area within walking distance of the venue. Free parking in Amsterdam is a welcome surprise.
One last tip: don’t rely on your GPS without question. Amsterdam’s layout can be confusing, so ask a local if you’re unsure. Most Amsterdammers are happy to help, though asking where to find the best coffee shop might lead to a longer conversation than you planned.
