The beautiful city of Amsterdam comes alive during the warm summer months. The canals are bustling with activity, outdoor cafes and restaurants spill onto the streets, and locals and visitors alike make the most of the long summer days. If you’re planning a trip to Amsterdam in the summer, here are some of the top things you won’t want to miss.
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Take a Guided Tour of the City
One of the best ways to explore Amsterdam and learn about its rich history is by taking a guided tour. From walking tours of the city center to canal boat tours, guided tours in Amsterdam provide commentary from knowledgeable local guides and help you maximize your time. An interesting option is a walking tour that focuses on Amsterdam’s hidden secrets and unusual facts.
You’ll learn stories about the city that you won’t find in guidebooks. Canal boat tours are also excellent for getting out on the water and seeing Amsterdam from a different perspective while learning about architecture and neighborhoods along the way. Many tours run daily in the summer and last 2-3 hours, so they don’t take up your whole day.
Bike Through the Parks and Neighborhoods
Amsterdam is famous for its extensive network of cycling paths, making biking one of the best ways to see the city. Rent a bike for the day and set off to explore. Some top destinations include the huge Vondelpark in the center of the city, with lush greenery and activities.
You can also bike along the Amsterdam canals to admire the classic architecture and spots like the Magere Brug bridge. Travel further afield to the hip Jordaan district or historic Plantage neighborhood with its botanical gardens. Biking is also a great way to visit the outdoor markets held in different parts of the city on different days of the week.
Relax along the Canals
Take time to slow down and relax by one of Amsterdam’s 165 canals. Grab a coffee or snack from a nearby cafe and find a spot to sit and people watch from one of the many bridges or parks along the waterfront. In summer, the canals are busy with boat traffic, giving you a lively scene.
You’ll see locals walking their bikes alongside as well as flocks of ducks and birds. It’s the perfect way to soak up the laidback Dutch atmosphere on a beautiful sunny day. Be sure to check out some of Amsterdam’s most famous spots like the Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht, and Herengracht canals.
Visit Outdoor Markets
Amsterdam comes alive at its many outdoor markets held throughout the city on different days of the week. The huge Noordermarkt market in the Jordaan neighborhood on Mondays showcases fresh produce, clothing, cheese, and more.
Don’t miss the lively Albert Cuyp Markt on Saturdays for bargains on clothing, snacks, flowers, and international goods. And the Utrechtsestraat antiques market on Sundays offerings everything from vintage furniture to frames and collectibles. Wandering through the stalls is a fun way to experience local culture and pick up special gifts to take home.
Enjoy Parks and Outdoor Activities
Amsterdam has countless green spaces perfect for enjoying the summer sun. Popular Vondelpark is a great choice for picnics, sports like soccer and volleyball, or just relaxing in the grass. Further afield, Amsterdamse Bos is a large forested area ideal for hiking, biking, and water activities on its lakes.
Those wanting live music and events head to Westerpark, while Sarphatipark is a quiet oasis in the city center. You can also relax along the beaches along the former IJ ferry docks, which offer swimming, sunbathing, beach sports, and waterside restaurants and bars.
Experience Summer Festivals and Events
The summer months bring a lively social scene and festivals to Amsterdam. In July, the canal-side Grachtenfestival classically performs in outdoor venues alongside the canals. Also in July is the rowdy Sail Amsterdam, when tall ships flock to the harbor.
August hosts the Zomercarnaval multicultural street parade through the city center. And throughout summer you’ll find events like outdoor movie screenings, food festivals, and live music scattered around city parks. Be sure to check online calendars for what’s on during your visit.
Indulge in Seafood Along the Harbor
For a true taste of summer, head to Amsterdam’s harbor area. Stroll the long piers at the NDSM wharf, a former shipyard turned hip neighborhood. Stop for fresh seafood like oysters, lobster rolls, and fish tacos alongside the water. Or dine at relaxed restaurants with waterfront views in the gentrified Western Docklands.
Top picks include Marius, which sources fish daily from local markets, and Rumcuus for delicious lobster salad and champagne cocktails. The harbor area stays lively into the evenings with music and drinks at waterside bars. It’s the perfect spot to watch the summer sun sink into the water.
I hope this gives you some inspiration for how to fill your days exploring Amsterdam this summer. Be sure to leave plenty of time to simply wander and discover the city’s unique charms at a leisurely pace. The combination of great sights, outdoor activities, and vibrant cultural events make Amsterdam a top European destination when temperatures warm up.
An avid traveler, Douglas Scott has been to over 50 countries. He has an extensive background in tourism and hospitality management, along with a degree in Hospitality Management from the University of Nevada Las Vegas. Douglas is very knowledgeable about travel-related topics – they are always up to date on the latest deals for flights, hotels, and other adventures around the world.
