Amsterdam In Summer: Your Ultimate Guide To The Perfect Summer Destination
Amsterdam transforms into a buzzing kaleidoscope of culture, music, and outdoor life during summer. The Dutch capital sheds its reputation for gray skies and rain, revealing itself as the perfect summer destination where visitors can explore canal-lined streets, enjoy tasty food from bustling food trucks, and experience a lively atmosphere that pulses through the city from June through August. Whether you’re seeking cultural events and outdoor activities or simply want to cruise the famous canals on sunny days, Amsterdam offers endless choices from a huge selection in summer.
Private Boat Tour Amsterdam In The Summer
Discover the magic of Amsterdam from a whole new perspective with a private canal cruise during the vibrant summer months. All past iconic landmarks like the Anne Frank House, Houseboat, Rijksmuseum, and the charming Jordaan district enjoy a peaceful, personalized experience away from the crowds.
With options for open boats, classic saloon vessels, or modern electric yachts, many tours include onboard drinks, catering, and local guides who share insider stories of Amsterdam’s rich maritime and cultural history.
Indoor & outdoor seating
Heated
Teak table & wooden minibar
A sliding roof indoors can be opened
Max 7-12 persons (depending on whether outdoor space is used)
With catering up to 6 persons
Indoor & outdoor seating
Heated
Wooden minibar
Flexible outdoor area
Max 8 persons
With catering up to 5 persons
Indoor & outdoor seating
Heated
Luxury interior of mahogany wood
Minibar
Restroom
Max 12 persons
With catering up to 10-12 persons
Visit To The Houseboat Museum
Step aboard a real houseboat to explore cozy canal living, interior design, and maritime history—and shop for popular Dutch souvenirs. Book your ticket online to visit the Houseboat Museum. The houseboat is located on the beautiful Prinsengracht canal in Amsterdam’s famous Jordaan neighborhood, just a short walk from the Anne Frank House and not far from the Van Gogh Museum.
Amsterdam Summer: When the City Wakes Up
The warmer months in Amsterdam are a whole different city. The city comes alive from late May to September, especially June, July, and August. Locals and visitors alike bask in the sun and longer days.
Summer in Amsterdam means 20-22°C (68-72°F), so you can explore all day and dine al fresco.
The old buildings glow warm, the canals reflect the blue sky, and the parks turn into green oases where people gather for Vondelpark picnics and lounging.
The Amstel River becomes a highway of activity with boats, canal cruises, and swimmers enjoying the cool water. Fresh flowers pop up in window boxes and gardens all over the city, adding colour to the streets.
Amsterdam in June
June marks the beginning of summer in Amsterdam — a perfect time to visit as the days grow longer.
Festivals in Amsterdam in June
Amsterdam Open Air — Two‑day electronic music festival in Gaasperpark.
ToekomstTiendaagse / Festival on the Ring — Amsterdam’s future-themed exhibitions plus Ring‑road party.
Holland Festival— International theatre, music, dance, opera events.
Lentekabinet — Nature‑set electronic, art, and visual stage festival.
Mystic Garden Festival — Single‑day electronic music rave in Sloterpark.
Open Garden Days — Hidden canal gardens open to public exploration.
Bacchus Wine Festival — Wine tasting, food, DJs in Amsterdamse Bos.
Red Light Jazz Festival — Free jazz concerts in Red Light District venues.
What to Do
Canal Cruise: Take a scenic canal cruise to soak in the city’s historic charm under the golden glow of the evening sun.
Walk the South: Stroll through Amsterdam-Zuid for its boutique shops, leafy lanes, and modern museums.
Drink in the Sun: Sip a cold drink at one of the many open-air cafés lining the canals or on a floating houseboat bar.
Museumplein Vibes: Visit the world-famous Rijksmuseum, the Houseboat, the Anne Frank House, and Van Gogh Museum.
Art and Cheese: Enjoy the blend of art and flavor by attending artisan cheese tastings, often held at street markets and specialty shops.
Amsterdam in July
July brings warm temperatures, bustling terraces, and a packed calendar of exciting events. The whole city feels like a celebration under the sun.
Festivals in Amsterdam in July
Julidans—International contemporary dance festival with bold performances across Amsterdam theaters.
Amsterdam Roots Festival—A multicultural celebration in Oosterpark
De Parade—A travelling theatre festival in Martin Luther King Park.
Guilty Pleasures Festival—A fun throwback party with cheesy pop hits and dress-up themes at Gaasperplas.
Vunzige Deuntjes—Dancehall, hip-hop, disco, and house party in Amsterdamse Bos
Milkshake Festival—Inclusive LGBTQ+ music and arts fest in Westerpark
No Art Festival—one of Europe’s top electronic music festivals in Amsterdamse Bos.
Dekmantel Festival—One of Europe’s top electronic music festivals in Amsterdamse Bos.
Keti Koti Festival—Commemorates the end of slavery with a parade, speeches, and culture at Museumplein
Kwaku Summer Festival—Afro-Caribbean food, football, music, and culture at Nelson Mandela Park.
Nachtrit Amsterdam—Evening horse carriage parade through the city’s historic center
Grachtenfestival—Classical and jazz concerts performed on boats and canal-side venues
What to Do
Walking Tours: Go for immersive walking tours through Jordaan or De Pijp to experience the city’s creative pulse.
Sunday Markets: Discover local crafts, food, and music at Sunday markets like the Pure Markt and the IJ-Hallen flea market.
Beach Vibes in the City: Head to Strand Zuid, a city beach in the south, where you can lounge, drink, and soak up the heat.
Amsterdam in August
As August rolls in, the city mellows slightly but keeps its festive charm. It’s a fantastic month for cultural events, canal-side lounging, and exploration.
Festivals in Amsterdam in August
Grachtenfestival— Classical and jazz concerts along canal-side stages.
SAIL Amsterdam — Massive tall ships parade and waterfront celebrations.
Loveland Festival — There is a big electronic dance fest at Sloterpark.
Mysteryland— Major electronic dance fest near Amsterdam.
Valtifest— Dance/house/hip‑hop DJs at waterfront venue.
ZeeZout Festival — Underground dance music in leafy Tuinen van West.
Pluk de Nacht — Open-air indie film screenings by the harbor.
Prinsengrachtconcert — Iconic classical concert on canal pontoon.
Reggae Lake Festival — Reggae music event at Gaasperpark lakeside.
Pride Amsterdam / Canal Parade— Colorful LGBTQ+ boat parade and city parties.
Uitmarkt — Free previews of the arts season at Museumplein.
What to Do
Canal Cruise at Night: Take a twilight canal cruise for a romantic view of the illuminated bridges and houseboats.
Visit Art Installations: Discover pop-up galleries and art exhibits all across the city—many displayed in open spaces.
Eat & Drink: Try creamy Dutch-style cheese and chilled local beer at Amsterdam’s food markets or brewery taprooms.
Summer Festivals: A Cultural Bonanza
Amsterdam’s summer festival scene is fantastic, with visitors enjoying various cultural events celebrating everything from classical music to contemporary art. The city becomes a concert hall under the open sky, with jazz concerts ringing in squares and parks. Meanwhile, art galleries take their exhibitions outside.
Pride Amsterdam
One of the biggest celebrations is Pride Amsterdam, usually in early August. This ten-day festival turns the city into a rainbow coloured party of love and diversity.
The canal parade is the highlight, with decorated boats sailing down the canals, a sight to behold that attracts visitors from all over the world. The festival includes street parties, performances, and events throughout the city, making it one of Europe’s biggest Pride celebrations.
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Canal Cruise: Seeing Amsterdam from the Water
No visit to Amsterdam in summer is complete without experiencing the city from its waterways. A canal cruise is the best way to see the Dutch town, allowing you to see the city’s infrastructure from angles you can’t see on foot.
In the warmer months, you can sit on the open deck and feel the breeze as you glide through the UNESCO World Heritage canal ring.
Summer canal cruises come in all shapes and sizes, from romantic evening cruises with dinner and drinks to informative day cruises about the city’s history.
Many boat tour operators have special summer schedules with longer hours, taking advantage of the long days. Some cruises stop at floating bars or restaurants, while others focus on architecture or local history.
It’s especially magical when the golden light plays on the water and canal houses during sunset hours. Many tourists find that a boat tour early in their visit helps them get their bearings and identify areas they want to explore on foot later.
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Street Food
Summer is street food heaven in Amsterdam. Food trucks pop up in popular areas like Amsterdam Noord and De Pijp, serving everything from traditional Dutch snacks to international cuisine. The city’s markets become outdoor dining destinations where tourists can sample organic produce and artisanal cheese.
The warmer months bring many festivals and outdoor markets where food is the main attraction. Vendors serve everything from traditional Netherlandic stroopwafels and bitterballen to innovative fusion dishes that reflect Amsterdam’s multicultural population.
Many restaurants spill onto the sidewalks and canal-side terraces, creating al fresco dining that’s the European way.
Walking through the city and smelling the grilled foods, fresh bread, and coffee wafting from every establishment. Local favourites include fresh fish from North Sea vendors, Dutch cheese at the markets, and Amsterdam fries with various sauces. Combining outdoor dining and food options makes summer the perfect time for a foodie adventure.
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Hot Day Escapes: Finding Cool in the City
Even on the hottest days, Amsterdam has many ways to stay cool while exploring. The city’s many parks are oases of shade where tourists can escape the heat. Vondelpark, the city’s biggest green space, has become a natural air conditioning system with mature trees and open lawns perfect for picnics and chilling.
For those who want water-based relief, the canals themselves offer options. Many spots along the waterways have swimming holes where locals take a dip. The many museums in the city also provide air-conditioned spaces where tourists can explore Dutch art and culture and get out of the heat.
Amsterdam’s cafes and bars often have cool interiors and cold drinks, making them the perfect pit stop during hot day explorations. The traditional brown cafes (bruine kroegen) have thick walls and shaded interiors. Modern places often have outdoor misting systems and frozen cocktails explicitly designed for sunny days.
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Day Trips: Get Out of Amsterdam in the Summer
Summer is the perfect time for day trips from Amsterdam, so use the city as your base and explore the rest of the Netherlands. The flat landscape and great public transport make it easy to get to nearby attractions and back the same day.
Popular day trip destinations are the famous Keukenhof gardens (open until mid-May), the historic city of Haarlem with its beautiful architecture and local breweries, and the traditional fishing villages of Volendam and Marken. These trips give you a glimpse into the local culture beyond the city and enjoy the sunshine.
Many day trips can be combined with outdoor activities like cycling through the countryside, visiting beach towns along the North Sea coast or exploring the unique landscape of the Zaanse Schans with its historic windmills.
The long sunny days give you plenty of time for these adventures, some are even just a short train ride from Central Station.
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Outdoor Activities: Summer in Amsterdam
Things to do in Amsterdam in the summer go beyond sightseeing; the city offers many outdoor activities to make the most of the weather.
Cycling, the national pastime, is even more fun in the warm weather, as you can explore the city’s bike path network without fighting the rain or wind. The city’s parks and green spaces host yoga classes, outdoor fitness sessions, and sports activities.
Amsterdamse Bos
Amsterdamse Bos, a big park on the south side of the city, has hiking trails, rowing and outdoor theaters. Many parks organize outdoor movie screenings, creating magical evening experiences under the stars.
Water activities thrive in the warm weather, from paddleboarding on the canals to taking the free ferry across the IJ river to Amsterdam Noord.
This northern district has become a hotspot for outdoor dining, cultural events and water activities and is easily accessible by ferry from behind Central Station.
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Live Music in Amsterdam
Live music is the soundtrack, with performances happening all over the city in various venues and outdoor spaces. From intimate jazz concerts in canal-side venues to big festivals in parks, the city is alive with music.
Hannekes boom
Hannekes Boom is a favourite waterfront spot with a canal view and a chill vibe. This and similar places host electronic music events to acoustic performances and often go late into the warm nights.
Street musicians add to the city’s music landscape, performing in squares, along canals and in busy pedestrian areas. The combination of old architecture and live music means every corner might have a new musical surprise, so exploring is the entertainment.
In short, Summer in Amsterdam is the perfect mix of culture, relaxation, and adventure. Whether you’re cruising the canals, eating street food, dancing at summer festivals, or just having a cold drink by the water, the city has the European summer feeling in a nutshell.