Hollandsche Manege (De), Amsterdam

Horse riding in the Hollandsche Manège (Dutch horse riding school) is a pleasant leisure activity for a free Wednesday afternoon or Saturday morning. Besides horse riding, you can enjoy a cup of coffee and a newspaper in the marvelous cafe, which is decorated with gold and garlands. Hollandsche Manège was built in 1882 and follows the design of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna. A stately, semicircular entrance leads you to the riding area, where you can smell the horses; there are always girls busy with saddles, brushes, water and food for them. You can only ride inside here; if you prefer riding outside, you should go to Amsterdamse Bos .