Amsterdam, Netherlands

Summer in Amsterdam

With its picturesque canal network, rich history and vibrant cultural scene, the capital of the Netherlands is one of the world’s most unique city destinations. There’s a never ending selection of things to do in Amsterdam at any time, in any weather, 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. Enjoy countless festivals, urban beaches, picnics in the park, outdoor cinema & art, and cool drinks on sunny terraces. Amsterdam is teeming with things to do in the summer. And, on a bright sunny day, the best place to be is outside!

Grab a bike and build your own adventure! There are over 800,000 bicycles in Amsterdam. That’s more bikes than people! Cycling in Amsterdam is a way of life, made easier by the city’s unbeatable network of cycle routes and flat landscape. Amsterdam regularly comes out on top in lists of the world’s most cycle-friendly cities, and there’s no finer way to explore the city’s streets, canals, museums and many other attractions all using your pedal power. Cycling in Amsterdam is safe, enjoyable and invigorating – so join the locals and hop on your bike!

There’s a 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.

See the view from above on one of MANY terraces! 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, 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 to enjoy the tastes and sights of the city.

Enjoy 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.

You can have a beach holiday in Amsterdam! It may not be the first place you think of when you envision 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. Many of the city’s recreational areas like Sloterplas, Amsterdamse Bos, Gasperplas and het Twiske have ample spots for swimming as well (some with showers and changing rooms too), or head to one of the city’s many urban beaches such as Blijburg or Roest on a hot day.

Craving culture? Amsterdam is home to world-famous art and historical museums and attractions. Museumplein is the cultural beating heart of Amsterdam and is some to the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum and the Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art. The leafy 19th century district of Oud-Zuid is an art lover’s utopia, and the open square between the buildings pulses with activity all day; with open-air exhibitions, markets and a large paddling pool to dip your toes into on warmer days. You’ll have no problem packing your days in Amsterdam with fun, food, art, and local culture.

For more ideas on how to plan your trip and enjoy all there is to do in Amsterdam, you can www.iamsterdam.com.