Amsterdam, the vibrant capital of the Netherlands, is a city that comes alive during the summer months. With its picturesque canals, historic landmarks, and bustling outdoor cafes, there is no better time to explore its charm. Whether you are a food lover or an outdoor enthusiast, Amsterdam has something to offer for everyone.
Explore the canals
Canal cruises
Amsterdam is famous for its intricate canal system, and there is no better way to experience this than by taking a canal cruise. Opt for an open-boat tour to enjoy the warm weather and get an up-close view of the architecture that lines the waterways.
Rent a boat or SUP
For a more personalized experience, consider renting a small boat or SUP board, a kind of surfboard (SUP is short for Stand Up Paddle). Several rental companies offer boats that you can navigate yourself, allowing you to explore the canals at your own pace.
Where to swim
Urban beaches
From post-industrial hotspots to beach clubs, urban beaches are perfect spots to unwind, socialize, and soak up the sun without leaving the city. Pllek is one of the most popular urban beaches in Amsterdam, located in the trendy NDSM Wharf area. This creative hub is easily accessible by a free ferry ride from Amsterdam Central Station. Strand Zuid offers a chic and stylish urban beach experience, located next to the RAI Amsterdam convention center. A lovely city beach is Strand IJburg, part of Strandeiland, the largest artificial island of the IJburg archipelago.
Swimming pools
De Mirandabad in Amsterdam South is one of Amsterdam’s most popular swimming pools. It offers both indoor and outdoor pools. Marineterrein is a swimming spot in the heart of Amsterdam. The former naval base has been transformed into a public space with swimming areas and floating platforms. It is an excellent spot for urban swimming with city views. The Zuiderbad is an indoor swimming pool, the stylish building dates back from 1897. Zuiderbad is located near the Rijksmuseum.
Enjoy the parks
Vondelpark
Amsterdam’s largest and most famous city park, Vondelpark, is the perfect place to unwind. Pack a picnic, rent a bike, or simply stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens. During the summer, the park often hosts free concerts and performances. There are several cafes and restaurants with terraces, likes De Vondeltuin and Park Zuid. A striking building is ‘t Blauwe Theehuis’, a blue and white modernist pavilion with a surrounding garden and a panoramic terrace upstairs
Westerpark and the Westergasfabriek
This area, located in the western part of Amsterdam, is a vibrant blend of natural beauty, culture, and creativity. The park is perfect for picnicking, jogging, or simply lounging in the sun. Westergasfabriek, once a gasworks factory, has been transformed into a cultural hotspot. The industrial buildings have been repurposed into creative spaces, maintaining their historic charm while serving modern needs. Westergasfabriek is home to an array of cafes, restaurants and bars, with many places offering outdoor seating perfect for warm summer nights. From open-air concerts and outdoor cinema nights to food festivals and art exhibitions, there is always something happening at Westergasfabriek.
Summer festivals
De Parade
De Parade tours several Dutch cities and Amsterdam’s summer scene would not be complete without De Parade, a traveling theatre festival that brings a blend of performances, food, and fun. The festival usually sets up in Martin Luther King Park. The setting is reminiscent of a vintage fairground, with brightly colored tents, fairy lights, and whimsical decorations creating a magical ambiance. The open-air environment allows visitors to roam freely between performances, food stalls, and bars, making for a relaxed and social experience.
Grachtenfestival
Held along the city’s canals, the Grachtenfestival features music concerts, both classical and jazz, in often unconventional venues. From boat performances to concerts in private gardens and of course the Amsterdam canals but also at locations such as the Royal Palace, the ARTIS Planetarium and Fabrique des Lumières. This festival offers unique musical experiences and gives a stage to young musicians from all over the world.
Milkshake Festival
Every July, Amsterdam hosts the vibrant and inclusive Milkshake Festival, a joyous event that celebrates diversity, self-expression, and love. Milkshake Festival is a music and dance festival that takes place in Westerpark. The festival celebrates the LGBTQ+ community and features an impressive line-up of both international and local DJs and artists, covering a wide spectrum of music genres. Milkshake Festival also features a variety of performances and artistic displays. Milkshake is a 100% vegetarian festival, the food trucks serve all kinds of delicious food options, and is also dedicated to sustainability and minimizing its environmental impact.
Day trips and excursions
Zaanse Schans
Just a short trip from Amsterdam, Zaanse Schans offers a glimpse into the Netherlands’ windmill heritage. The open-air museum features working windmills, traditional crafts, and picturesque views.
Visit the seaside
A short train ride can take you to some beautiful sandy shores. Zandvoort aan Zee, located only thirty minutes from Amsterdam by train, is one of the most popular beach destinations. Here, you can enjoy the sea, sunbathe, and indulge in water sports. The beach is lined with cozy beach bars where you can relax with a drink and savor fresh seafood.
Nightlife and dining
Rooftop bars
Take full advantage of the long, warm summer evenings by visiting one of Amsterdam’s numerous rooftop bars like Canvas and LuminAir, where you can relax and enjoy panoramic views over the entire city. Also places such as A’DAM Lookout and the terrace on the roof of NEMO provide the perfect atmosphere for a laid-back, enjoyable evening.
Canal-side dining
From Michelin-starred restaurants to cozy cafes, Amsterdam offers numerous options for canal-side dining. Enjoy a meal with a water view at spots like Spanjer en van Twist, Hannekes Boom, Mediametic, Waterkant and Café de Jaren.
Amsterdam in the summertime is a true delight. With its blend of cultural treasures, vibrant outdoor spaces, and lively festivals, the city caters to all interests. Embark on a canal adventure, soak up the sun in its parks, or simply indulge in the local cuisine. No matter how you choose to spend your time, Amsterdam promises an unforgettable summer experience.
