Want to play Pokémon GO while seeing a sizeable part of Amsterdam? This city-centre route turns several areas from our general Pokémon GO guide into one practical walk, linking Amsterdam Centraal, Dam Square, the 9 Streets, Jordaan, Museumplein and Vondelpark. Treat it as a useful sightseeing route for players rather than a promise of specific spawns or raids, as those change continuously in Pokémon GO.
Start at Amsterdam Centraal
Amsterdam Centraal is an easy starting point if you arrive by train or public transport. Check your item bag, make sure your phone is well charged and look in the app for the PokéStops, Gyms, raids or routes currently available. From the station, walk along Damrak towards Dam Square.
Stop 1: Dam Square and the city centre
Dam Square sits in the middle of one of Amsterdam’s busiest areas and makes a convenient first stop. Check what is currently active in the app before continuing towards the canal belt and the 9 Streets.
Stop 2: the 9 Streets and canals
The 9 Streets make Pokémon GO easy to combine with one of the most enjoyable parts of central Amsterdam. You can walk at a relaxed pace, stop regularly and find plenty of cafés and shops along the way.
Pay attention around bridges and narrow streets. Amsterdam traffic can approach quickly, especially bicycles, so stop in a safe place rather than playing while crossing.
Stop 3: Jordaan and Noordermarkt
Continue towards Jordaan and Noordermarkt. This area appears in our wider Pokémon GO guide too, but here it forms part of a longer city-centre walk. It is a useful place to stop for coffee or lunch before heading south.
Stop 4: Leidseplein to Museumplein
Continue towards Leidseplein and then Museumplein. This links the narrow canal streets with a more open part of the city where it is easier to pause. Museumplein is also a practical meeting point if you are playing with other people.
If you want a non-gaming break, the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Moco Museum are all nearby.
Stop 5: finish in Vondelpark
Finish at Vondelpark. After the busy centre, the park gives you more space to continue walking at a calmer pace. You can end the route here or add another loop through the park if your battery and legs still have enough left.
How long does the Pokémon GO route take?
Do not plan this like a normal walking route. Pokémon GO means regular stops for catches, raids, Gyms, routes or inventory management, so the same walk can take one player a couple of hours and another most of an afternoon. Leave more time than a standard map estimate suggests.
What should you bring?
- Power bank: GPS, mobile data and screen brightness use plenty of battery.
- Mobile data: especially important for visitors roaming from abroad.
- Water: useful if you complete the whole route in one go.
- Comfortable shoes: you will cover a fair amount of central Amsterdam.
- Rain layer: Dutch weather can change quickly.
Play safely in Amsterdam
The city centre is busy with bicycles, trams, cars and pedestrians. Do not keep your eyes on the screen while crossing roads or walking beside canals. Stop somewhere safe before catching, joining a raid or checking your route, and be respectful around memorials and quieter cultural locations.
More Pokémon in Amsterdam
If you want separate hotspots rather than one walk, see our guide to the best places to play Pokémon GO in Amsterdam. Pokémon card fans can also continue with our guides to buying Pokémon cards in Amsterdam and trading and playing Pokémon cards in Amsterdam.