A Guide to Visiting Amsterdam in the Summer

Amsterdam is one of those cities that is lively all year round, but there is a glow and conviviality about the place in summer. We usually visit Amsterdam in the winter, but summer in Amsterdam has become a yearly favourite too, but for different reasons. Here are some of my favourite things to do in Amsterdam in the summer.

Things to do in Amsterdam in the Summer

Visit a market

Albert Cuyp Market

Albert Cuyp Market in De Pijp is one of the most eclectic markets I have ever been to. A huge long street of stalls that sell everything from clothes to street food, toothbrushes to tote bags. This sunny and vibrant area also hosts countless bars and eclectic restaurants. One of the locals we chatted to described it as ‘The Latin Quarter of Amsterdam’.  

After enjoying the market, stop for a drink and some people-watching at Café Flinck (Eerste van der Helststraat 51) – they have a great outdoor seating area and beer selection.

Bloemenmarkt

Summer days looking at flowers? Don’t mind if I do! The flower markets between Muntplein and Koningsplein on the Singel Canal are brilliant. There are floating stalls on barges, as well as stalls on the street side. If you’re in the market for anything flower related, this is where to come.

Amsterdam in the summer is perfect for taking a guided bicycle tour!

Chill at a canal-side bar

You can’t visit Amsterdam in July or August without some canal-side drinking! Waterkant (Marnixstraat 246) is my absolute favourite outdoor canal-side bar in Amsterdam. Set in the unused space in front of a huge concrete carpark, this industrial setting makes way for the more leafy Singelgracht canal next to it. Popular with students, and with a really laid back vibe, Waterkant serves Surinamese street food along with a great beer range.

Try some Jenever

There is nothing better in summer than meandering through De 9 Straatjes (the 9 streets); and paying a visit to the magnificent De Admiraal jenever tasting rooms and restaurant.  De Admiraal has been one of my regular Amsterdam haunts since I discovered it by accident in 2008.  Stop by to learn about jenever and to try their forget-me-not liqueur – it is delicious!

Discover the Flavors of Life – Bakers & Roasters

Whenever I visit Amsterdam, I refer to Jessica Lipowski and her book ‘Flavors of Life’. One of her top brunch recommendations is Bakers & Roasters in de Pijp (also a location near the train station). With a New Zealand / Brazilian fusion menu bursting with flavour and inventiveness, this café also serves seriously good coffee.  

For Kiwis missing the taste of home, they also serve cans of L&P (a lemon soda).  You can’t pre-book, but the wait on a busy weekend morning was only about 30 minutes.

Read on for more recommendations on where to eat and drink in Amsterdam!

The romance of Amsterdam in the summer

If you’re visiting Amsterdam for a special occasion, I recommend the beautiful art nouveau restaurant De Belhamel (Grachtengordel-West).  With a view down Herengracht, De Belhamel has the most romantic atmosphere.  

I definitely recommend booking in advance, and ask for an outdoor table if you are visiting in the summer. Modern takes on french classics shine with some gorgeous house wines – the dutch sirloin was a highlight.

Take a walk in a park

Whether you take a stroll, make a picnic, hire a bike or take a bicycle tour, you absolutely must take advantage of Amsterdam’s parks and green spaces. Hanging out on the Museumplein, picnicking in Vondelpark, or taking a walk in the English-style Sarphatipark in de Pijp – the parks of Amsterdam are fabulous.

Avoid the heat in one of Amsterdam’s Museums

Amsterdam does museums REALLY well. From the classic art and Dutch Masters on display in the Rijksmuseum, to the Picasso Museum, there is something for everyone. Personally, I love the modern art at the Stedelijk.

Not only is the building a stunning example of modern architecture, but the exhibitions are always well laid out, thought-provoking and show a great range of modern works.

Being out on the canals is one of the true joys of Amsterdam in the Summer – hire a small boat for a booze cruise with friends, or take a boat tour!

Tips for visiting Amsterdam in the Summer

• I would recommend avoiding August and school holidays if you can, as this is the peak of when tourists visit, but all the Dutch go away for their holidays (true of any European city) – it can leave the place a little soulless.
• Despite being quite far north, Amsterdam can get very hot in the height of summer, so be sure to take a water bottle with you. You’ll need to hydrate on more than just beer!
• If you’re going to cycle around Amsterdam, read up on the rules and etiquette first!
• If you can, stay longer and take day trips from Amsterdam – De Zaanse Schans is an open air museum with an incredible display of windmills. It is a short 20-minute train ride from Amsterdam Central Station. Or tack on a few days in Brussels or Bruges in Belgium to your itinerary too – they can be reached in only a couple of hours by train.

Amsterdam in the Summer

Visiting Amsterdam in the Summer months of June, July and August guarantees some fabulous weather and lots of outdoor activities. For us, that means a lot of outdoor drinking, picnics, and people-watching. And just wandering too – Amsterdam is such a walkable city! The city buzzes with markets, bicycles and convivial places to watch the world go by. If relaxed city activities are what you’re after, Amsterdam in the summer can deliver.

European city breaks are my specialty! Have you visited Gothenburg in Sweden? Or perhaps a city break in Copenhagen!

All photos & content © Hannah Henderson and may not be used without permission (sharing this blog post is fine, though!). Images shot with a Canon DSLR T3i Rebel + Canon EF Lens 50mm 1:1.8 STM; and an iPhone6s.