7 Best Things to Do in Amsterdam This Summer
Make the Most of Your Summer in Amsterdam!
Amsterdam’s stunning architecture, fascinating history, and beautiful winding canals can be enjoyed all year round, but there’s nothing more lovely than wandering this city’s picturesque streets than in the summer sunshine.
Open-air music concerts, cocktails, or coffee at a canalside bar or cafe, and strolling through one of Amsterdam’s gorgeously tended parks are all part of a relaxing and invigorating summer vacation in Amsterdam. Check out our list of the best places to visit in the summertime to discover where best to soak up both Amsterdam’s sun and culture.
1. Canal life
The city’s iconic canals in the sunshine
Good for: Families, Photo
During the summer, Amsterdam’s beautiful canals come to life with events and festivities. August’s Grachtenfestival (Canal Festival) brings classical and jazz sounds to unique waterside locations, including historic houses and courtyards. Babies, toddlers, and teenagers can enjoy theater shows and movies at the side event, the Children’s Canal Festival.
Alternatively, simply enjoy the scenic views of the quaint, historic streets on the open deck of one of Amsterdam’s many canal boat tours. There’s no lovelier way to catch some summer sun than sitting aboard a canal boat with a drink in hand as you glide by Amsterdam’s landmarks.
Location: Rokin 75, 1012 KL Amsterdam
Canal life
2. Summer in Vondelpark
Live entertainment in the middle of nature
Good for: Budget, Couples, Families
A trip to Vondelpark is a must during your summer vacation in Amsterdam. This expansive 19th century park is a magnet for picnickers, cyclists, walkers, and families, thanks to its well-equipped playground. From June to August the park hosts free concerts and children’s shows at the Open-air Theater or park bandstand, so you can enjoy both sunshine and entertainment together.
Skate rental facilities give the energetic something fun to do, while plant lovers will particularly enjoy the flower beds of the Rosarium. Then head to the historic pavilion’s Vertigo restaurant which opens a popular terrace in the summer. Read more
Location: 1071 AA Amsterdam, Netherlands
Summer in Vondelpark
3. Culture fix
Dance, drama, and drumming all across the city
Good for: Budget, Families, Nightlife
Music rings out across the city in June as the free Amsterdam Roots Festival in Oosterpark plays sounds from around the world. Culture lovers can also enjoy opera, music, dance, and theater in June during the month-long Holland Festival which is held at a large range of venues across the city.
Exuberant and colorful street parties celebrate Gay Pride Amsterdam at the end of July. While, in August, the Uitmarkt festival marks the start of the Netherlands’ cultural season with 2,000 artists performing citywide.
Location: Oosterpark, 1012 AA Amsterdam, Netherlands
Culture fix
4. Urban beaches
Beach fun in the heart of the city
Good for: Couples, Families
Even in urban Amsterdam, summer holidays can mean beach volleyball or lazing on hammocks on one of the city’s beaches. Strand IJburg on the IJburg island complex is the scene of evening campfires, DJs, and live bands.
For family fun, head for the sands, beanbags, and city views of the Nemo science center’s rooftop beach. As you explore the city, you’ll also find many hidden gem mini-beaches to relax on and promenades to explore along the banks of the city’s rivers, lakes, and canals.
Urban beaches
5. Private garden views
A glimpse into privately-owned garden havens
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo
Nestled behind majestic facades and tucked in between canals are some of Amsterdam’s finest private gardens. Several are open to the public in June during Open Garden Days. Wander among Greek sculptures, ornate trellises, Moroccan benches, and modern artworks in these leafy green havens. Some of these lovely gardens have even been designed by celebrated landscape gardeners.
The Open Garden Days event runs for 3 days, with over 25 privately or institutionally owned gardens taking part. As many of these gardens are hidden within historical canal houses, you’ll also get a glimpse into the unique architecture and design of these buildings.
6. Dining and drinks by the water
Summer terraces open for fresh-air dining
Good for: Couples, Food
Waterside wining and dining is one of many summertime Amsterdam pleasures. The outdoor cafe and restaurant terraces open up to summer crowds and tourists and locals flock to the canalside to enjoy a delicious meal or cocktail in the warm evening air.
The Amstelhaven restaurant/bar on the Amstel River features one of the city’s largest floating terraces. While, the Nemo science center’s NEMOPiazza has Amsterdam’s largest roof terrace. Amsterdam’s bars, cafes, and restaurants showcase top-quality cuisine from across the globe, but there’s no better way to enjoy it than while watching the summer sun set over a scenic canal.
7. City parks
Leafy parks for fun in the sun
Good for: Budget, Families
Vondelpark may be Amsterdam’s premier green space in terms of size, but the city is dotted with leafy areas to enjoy shade and sunshine. With the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Stedelijk Museum as its backdrop, the Museumplein park attracts picnickers, skaters, and sunbathers.
If you’re in the De Pijp neighborhood, Sarphati Park offers nature-based relief from the buzz of the area and the busy Albert Cuyp market. Oosterpark in the Oost (East) borough is a local favorite and is renowned for attracting live musicians.
This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.