Padel Amsterdam

I remember the first time my coworker Lisa sent a group chat message: “Anyone want to try padel?” Four of us said sure, and now we play every Wednesday. She’s created a monster. Not that I’m complaining — padel is the kind of thing that sneaks up on you. It’s not just a sport, it’s a vibe. And in Amsterdam, where we’re always looking for something new to do, padel has become the latest thing. I’ve seen courts pop up in every neighborhood, but the one I go to most is Padel Amsterdam in Oud-West. It’s right near Westerpark, so you’re not far from the city’s green heart, but you’re also in a place that’s buzzing with locals and tourists alike.

The venue is all about indoor courts, which means no matter the weather, you’re good to go. That’s huge here — we’ve had rain, snow, and even a few days of wind that would’ve ruined any outdoor plans. The courts are clean, well-maintained, and there’s a good flow to the whole setup. You book online for 60 or 90 minutes. It’s doubles only, so you need four people. If you’re short, you can usually find a group on the venue’s WhatsApp or Facebook page, or just ask around — it’s a social sport, and people are usually happy to round out a team.

The rackets are available to rent, and balls are included, so you don’t have to worry about bringing anything. Just wear sneakers — the floor is smooth and you’ll want good grip. The game is so easy to pick up that even my 63-year-old coworker’s mom was hitting the ball by the end of the first hour. I’ve seen people go from zero to padel pro in a matter of minutes. That’s the beauty of it. It’s not about being elite, it’s about having a good time.

If you’re going to try it, go on a Wednesday. That’s when the courts are usually less crowded and the price is a bit more reasonable. I’ve heard that weekends and evenings are where it gets busy, so book a few days ahead if you want to avoid the rush. I usually show up around 10am or 11am, and I’ve found that the courts are usually free to book then. That’s also a good time to go if you’re just starting out — you can get the hang of it without the pressure of a packed schedule.

It’s not just about the game, though. The vibe is fun, and it’s a great way to meet people. I’ve met some of my closest friends through padel. My neighbor’s daughter even started playing with us last month. It’s group-friendly, and it’s a great way to get some exercise while laughing at the chaos that is trying to keep up with the ball. There’s also a social element to it — the courts are usually loud, and there’s always a bit of friendly trash talk.

One downside is that it can be hard to find a court when you show up without booking ahead. The venue is part of a larger network, including Xpand, USC Sport, and Padel Next, but each has its own booking system and availability. I’ve seen some venues offer free play on weekdays after 5pm, but Padel Amsterdam doesn’t seem to do that. So if you’re looking to save a few euros, you might want to check with other locations.

The cost is around 40 to 60 euros per court per hour, split among four people. That’s about 10 to 15 euros per person, which is pretty reasonable for a fun activity that’s not just a workout but also a social event. I’ve seen some places offer cheaper rates for members, but for a casual visit, it’s a solid price point.

If you’re in Oud-West and want to try something new, give it a shot. It’s not just a trend — it’s a real activity that’s growing fast. I’ve been going for six months now, and I still love it. It’s a good mix of fun, fitness, and community. And if you’re curious, I’d recommend checking if that deal’s still on — I’ve seen some venues offer discounts or special packages for groups, so it’s worth a quick look.

The court is also close to some good cafés and bars, so if you’re feeling like a break after your game, there are plenty of options nearby to grab a coffee or a beer. It’s the kind of place that’s easy to get into, and once you do, it’s hard to stop.