Summertime in Amsterdam is amazing, especially when you’re blessed with a dose of Dutch sun. Can’t wait to spend your time like the locals in the most charming of cobbled European cities? Here’s a list of our favourite hotspots & activities in Amsterdam. From cruising through the canals, enjoying your lunch in beautiful courtyards, watching movies at open-air film festivals to sipping cocktails in a hidden bar. These activities will prove that summer is the perfect moment for your city trip to Amsterdam. Have fun!
Drink rosé in one of Amsterdam’s beautiful courtyards
From Hortus Botanicus, De Hoftuin, Morgan & Mees, The Plantage to Lion Noir; Amsterdam has plenty of beautiful courtyards. If you don’t have time to visit all of them, go to Lion Noir, located in the city centre. This restaurant and its lovely courtyard is definitely worth visiting. Perfect for a drink away from all hustle and bustle, overlooking the beautiful facades of the canal houses.
Strolling through the city parks
Go to Little Collins in The Pijp district, order a flatbread with pancetta and Parmesan (it’s as good as it sounds) and keep the crusts to feed to the ducks in the Sarphatipark. This city park is small but beautiful nevertheless. Another great park is the Vondelpark; the largest park in the city and a great place to escape Amsterdam’s hustle and bustle. Amongst the greenery, you'll find bike and walking paths, playgrounds, an open-air theatre and outdoor cafés and restaurants. Tip: ‘Proeflokaal ‘t Blauwe Theehuis’.
Quick rest between museum-hopping
Strolling through a park on a lovely summer day guarantees a good time. Especially when you’re visiting lots of museums and really could use a break. Create your own picnic (go to a local supermarket, like Albert Heijn) and eat between the tail-wagging dogs and whizzing Frisbees on the grassy Museumplein square. This square-slash-park is wedged between Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum and Stedelijk museum. Sounds perfect, right?!
Take a plunge
Give the Dutch locals some warm sun rays, and you will see many flip-flops, rosé bottles and white bodies ready to get tanned. Apart from outdoor swimming pools, Amsterdam has some great natural swimming spots to dive into or dip your toes in. Our favourite? It’s at Vessel; Amsterdam’s vibrant hangout with a stunning view overlooking the IJ river. Vessel is an all-day destination to share delicious dishes and is the perfect place to dip your toes in the river. Ready to take a plunge? Bring your inflatable flamingo, and find Vessel at Revaleiland 500.
