Amsterdam is a city for all seasons. Come wind, rain, snow or shine, there’s always something to do and see. But never is Amsterdam more alive than in the summer, when the city’s streets, canals and parks transform into a buzzing kaleidoscope of activity. Whereabouts brings more on this fascinating destination.
Amsterdam is the capital of Netherlands, known for its artistic heritage, elaborate canal system and narrow houses with gabled facades, and legacies of the city’s 17th-century Golden Age. Its Museum District houses the Van Gogh Museum, works by Rembrandt and Vermeer at the Rijksmuseum, and modern art at the Stedelijk. Cycling is key to the city’s character, and there are numerous bike paths. The Netherlands, a country in northwestern Europe, is known for a flat landscape of canals, tulip fields, windmills and cycling routes. Find out top ten reasones to visit Amsterdam in summer.
Perfect summer destination
Whether you want to party all day long at a festival, lounge on the beach, explore the canals by boat, or barbecue in the park, there is an endless choice of things to do in Amsterdam during the warmer months. Here are just a few reasons why the Dutch capital is the perfect summer destination.
Festival happening every weekend
You could say that Amsterdam is a little bit festival mad. More than 300 festivals take place each year in and around the city – the bulk of these happening in the summer months. So no matter when you visit, there’s bound to be something going on. From huge dance music events to foodie festivals and cultural carnivals, Amsterdam’s festival agenda spans all tastes and genres.
Take your barbecue to the park
While the rules in other countries around barbecuing in public can be a little hazy, in Amsterdam it’s okay to get out your sausages and light up a BBQ in the park. Only in certain parks though; so check this handy map for a guide to which Amsterdam parks allow barbecues. However, as of 2017 barbecues are no longer permitted in Vondelpark, though Westerpark and Oosterpark make excellent alternatives.
Many terraces to enjoy
For a city which is pretty cold a lot of the time, Amsterdam really does do a good line in al fresco drinking and dining. As soon as the sun comes out (and often when it doesn’t), Amsterdam’s bars and restaurants take things outdoors, and locals and visitors alike flock to enjoy a drink in the sunshine. From bohemian beaches to swish rooftops, Amsterdam is brimming with fantastic terraces .
Swim in the open air
The Dutch are very proud of their clean water, and come summer time you will find locals stripping off and jumping in at every opportunity for an alfresco dip. Many of the city’s recreational areas like Sloterplas, Amsterdamse Bos, Gasperplas and Het Twiske have ample spots for swimming (some with showers and changing rooms too), or head to one of the city’s many urban beaches on a hot day.
Cinema on a beach or a rooftop
Beginning in July and typically running through to September, a selection of Amsterdam institutions take the world of celluloid outdoors, mixing up film classics with new releases and setting them against a backdrop of some of Amsterdam’s top scenic sights. So choose a deckchair, snuggle up with a blanket and get ready to enjoy some great cinema in the great outdoors. Find open-air cinemas in Amsterdam.
Dine in a pop-up restaurant on a secret island
For a limited time during the summer, adventurous diners can take a boat to a nearby deserted island and enjoy a four-course meal in a specially constructed greenhouse. The pop-up restaurant experience on Vuurtoreneiland is a popular culinary draw, so be sure to book in advance.
Free to be who you want to be
Taking over the streets, canals, bars, clubs, restaurants and everywhere in between, Amsterdam Gay Pride is one of the most famous Pride celebrations in the world. Find out more about what to expect during Amsterdam Gay Pride. You can go to the theatre in the park for free. From May to September, an open air-theatre in the middle of the Vondelpark hosts performances of dance, music, cabaret, comedy and children’s events every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It’s totally free (although donations will not be discouraged).
Beach holiday in Amsterdam
It may not be the first place you think of when you envisage a beach holiday, but just half an hour from Amsterdam by train are the popular beach resorts of Bloemendaal aan Zee and Zandvoort aan Zee. Boasting vast expanses of golden sands to bask upon, plenty of watersports to try plus loads of beachfront cafes and bars, the two towns make a perfect summertime day trip out of the city.
Party with the animals
For a night out with big cats and jungle dwellers, head to ARTIS Royal Zoo’s late night event Zoomeravonden (summer nights) on Saturdays in June, July and August. Have a picnic, watch performances and take a twilight tour of the zoo.
Getting around Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a world-class international transport hub and there are countless ways of getting into the city. Many travellers fly into the award-winning Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, while hopping on a train is also a great option.
Amsterdam boasts an impressive public transport network including metros, buses, trams, ferries and trains to help you get around the capital. Save money on travel with the I amsterdam City Card, which offers unlimited use of the GVB public transport system for 24, 48 or 72 hours. And before you see the sights, you can plan your journey with the excellent apps designed to help you find your way around the city.
I amsterdam City Card
Make your visit to Amsterdam easy and affordable with the I amsterdam City Card. You’ll save at least €50 on access to the city’s top attractions, public transport and much more.
Visit 70+ major museums & attractions: See more of Amsterdam with free access to the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Artis Zoo and much more.
Take public transportation: Enjoy unlimited use of public transportation in Amsterdam (bus, tram & metro) while your City Card is active.
Cruise the canals: Discover the city’s historic sites from the water with a free cruise.
Useful Amsterdam apps
In addition to the I Amsterdam City Guide apps, there are a number of other apps that will make your trip to Amsterdam easier, more informative and more fun. Plan your night out, check your flights, find the nearest tram, take a historical tour and more with the apps listed below.
- GVB app
- 9292ov app
Weather at a glance
Summers in Amsterdam are generally warm with occasional colder periods, while Amsterdam winters are fairly cold with rain, wind and some snow. Occasionally temperatures can dip to below freezing in winter. Rain can be expected throughout the entire year, with spring generally being the driest season. Many people prefer to visit Amsterdam in spring or summer months (May to September), although winter in Amsterdam has its own magic, when the canals glow in fairy lights and the city’s cosy pubs and restaurants offer solace from the weather outside.
- Warmest month in Amsterdam: August
- Coolest month in Amsterdam: January
- Wettest month in Amsterdam: November
- Driest month in Amsterdam: April
