Summer in Amsterdam: 10 things to do and see

Amsterdam comes alive in summer, and with the warmer weather comes a host of summertime activities that show off the vibrant energy of the Dutch capital, making it one of the best times to visit Amsterdam. From spotting Amsterdam's landmarks on a food walking tour to exloring the Dutch countryside by bike. Here are 10 must-do summer activities to make your trip truly extraordinary.

Best outdoor activities in Amsterdam

1. Take a street food tour

Savor Amsterdam's culinary scene one bite at a time. A street food tour lets you nibble your way through the city's vibrant neighborhoods, from the trendy Jordaan to the bustling Albert Cuyp Market. Sink your teeth into crispy stroopwafels, fresh herring with pickles and onions, and gooey cheese from local vendors. These tours often blend food with fascinating tidbits about Amsterdam's history and culture, satisfying both your stomach and your curiosity.

Highlights:

Don't miss the Dutch favorite 'bitterballen' – crispy fried balls with a savory ragout filling.

2. Take a bike tour

Explore the city on a guided bike tour or venture to the Dutch countryside on two wheels and get acquainted with the villages and landscapes of the Waterland District.

Highlights:

Join a bike tour of the countryside and villages and spend half a day exploring its traditional windmills and beautiful scenery, which is at its best in summer. The flat landscape makes it easy to cycle, and there are great photo opportunities.

3. See Amsterdam’s landmarks by rickshaw

Exploring Amsterdam’s must-see attractions and sites in summer can be tiring in the heat, so take it easy as you navigate the attractions and best neighborhoods in the city with the help of your personal rickshaw driver.

Highlights:

Book a private city highlights tour to see the most popular spots in the city without working up a sweat, including the Red Light District, Dam Square, and Chinatown.

Address and opening hours:

Amsterdam Centrum, Netherlands. Open Monday-Sunday, variable start times.

4. Head to the countryside for a traditional Dutch experience

Take a trip to Zaanse Schans, a neighborhood in the Dutch town of Zaandam, to experience traditional Dutch clog- and cheese-making and go inside a real windmill to see how they work.

Highlights:

As part of a Zaanse Schans tour, get firsthand experience of the cheese-making and clog-making processes and enjoy stories of the area as told by your local guide. If the summer weather is heating up, look forward to a welcome breeze on the windmill’s balcony.

Address and opening hours:

Zaanse Schans, Schansend 7, 1509 AW Zaandam.

Open for parking Monday-Sunday 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM.

5. Explore street art throughout the city

Head to NDSM-Wharf to discover the city’s best street art. Wandering around this vibrant neighborhood hunting out the best murals is one of the top free things to do in Amsterdam. While in the area, visit the STRAAT Museum for the world’s largest collection of street art and graffiti from some of the top underground artists.

Highlights:

With a STRAAT Museum ticket, you can see amazing works from more than 130 international artists in a light and airy space. You can even visit in the evening when it’s a little cooler to see incredible projections and light installations at their best — the perfect summer evening activity for art lovers.

Address and opening hours:

STRAAT Museum, T.T. Neveritaweg 1, 1033 RC Amsterdam, Netherlands. Open Mondays 12:00 PM-6:00 PM, Tuesday and Thursday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM.

6. Watch a film at an open-air cinema

Imagine lounging on a deckchair, stars twinkling overhead, as you watch a film in the balmy summer air. From classic movies in Vondelpark to indie flicks at NDSM Wharf, these outdoor screenings offer a magical twist on movie night. It's the perfect way to experience Amsterdam's laid-back summer vibe and mingle with locals and fellow travelers alike.

Highlights:

Check out the top outdoor cinema screenings in Amsterdam to find your favorite vibe.

Best water activities

7. Fly around Amsterdam’s lakes like a superhero

Feel like a superhero as you blast around one of Amsterdam’s largest lakes on a flyboard. After a one-on-one lesson, discover how easy it is to move through the water and shoot into the air for a unique view of the city.

Highlights:

Book a flyboard experience and you’ve not only found one of the most fun things you can do in Amsterdam, but the perfect way to cool down in summer.

Address and opening hours:

Oude Haagseweg 18, 1066 BW Amsterdam, Netherlands. Variable start times.

8. Watch the sunset from the water

Summertime means beautiful sunsets, and that’s exactly what you’ll get when you venture to the Dutch countryside in the evening. Join a canoe tour for a perfect and romantic way to end a summer day in Amsterdam.

Highlights:

Book your place on a sunset canoe tour, enjoy peace and tranquillity just outside the bustling city, and catch the spectacular golden sky as you paddle.

9. Paddleboard (SUP) along Amsterdam’s iconic canals

Choose the most unusual way to explore the city’s canals on a stand-up paddleboard tour. This fun and refreshing way to sight see is one of the most unique things to do outdoors in Amsterdam.

Highlights:

Book a 2-hour paddleboard tour and see beautiful townhouses, the Red Light District, the Nautical Museum, and an 18th-century ship along your route along the canals and Amstel River.

10. Clink glasses as you cruise the canals

There’s nothing like a refreshing drink in the sun, especially when it’s accompanied by a cool breeze and the best views in Amsterdam. That’s what you get when you choose a canal cruise with expert commentary from your guide and an onboard bar. Some cruises also include the most famous food in Amsterdam — Dutch cheese.

Highlights:

Book an open-topped boat tour for the ultimate summertime experience in Amsterdam. Your skipper will tell you about the city as you sip your drinks and sail by the Hermitage Museum, under the Skinny Bridge, and through the charming Grachtengordel neighborhood.

FAQs

Where can I go swimming or relax by the water in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is a city of canals, making it an ideal place to enjoy the water. One of the most popular spots for swimming is the Sloterplas, which also offers sandy beaches and grassy areas for sunbathing. You can also take advantage of boat tours that offer unique views of Amsterdam while enjoying refreshments.

Are there any great summer festivals in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam has many amazing summer festivals that attract visitors from all over the world. Notable events include the Palmengracht Festival, a lively street party featuring food and drink stalls; Dekmantel, which offers a diverse lineup of electronic music artists; and the Kwaku Summer Festival, showcasing African cuisine, music, and culture.

What are the must-visit outdoor attractions in Amsterdam?

Vondelpark, a sprawling urban park that offers stunning sights all year round, is a must-visit in Amsterdam. Next, head to Amsterdamse Bos, a vast forested area located on the outskirts of the city that can be accessed by public transportation. Here, you can enjoy nature at its finest.

What are some great day trips to take from Amsterdam in the summer?

If you’re visiting Amsterdam for a long weekend or more, a day trip is a fun way to enhance your stay and discover more of the Netherlands. Zaanse Schans is a picturesque village close to Amsterdam that’s famous for its iconic windmills, beautiful wooden houses, and cheese farmhouses. Alternatively, to indulge in some water activities, take a trip to the countryside to canoe at sunset.

What are some fun activities with kids in Amsterdam in summer?

Amsterdam offers plenty of activities for children throughout the summer season. Vondelpark, Amsterdam's largest park, also offers an array of outdoor activities that kids will enjoy.