For both tourists and locals Amsterdam in summer is pretty dreamy. This is because through most of the year, you tend to have pretty unpredictable weather. Dutch summers however are warm and nice. It doesn’t get too hot and the temperatures very rarely cross 30oC.
With this kind of weather, you will see that the city truly shines. The canals are filled with boats, the restaurants have loads of outdoor seating and the streets are filled with people who want to experience Amsterdam at its best.
The downside however is that everyone has the same idea and the city is super crowded. There are throngs of tourists who head in every day. The seating in restaurants needs to be booked well in advance and the museums are all overflowing.
Now if you want to experience the best of the city and navigate through the crowds, keep reading on. We’ve been living in the Netherlands for over a year and have made frequent trips to Amsterdam. This means that we are pretty well versed in finding things to do in the city, avoiding the crowds and making sure that we enjoy the sunlight. So stick around and read about all the things to do in Amsterdam in summer.
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Table of Contents
Weather In Amsterdam In Summer
As I mentioned before, summer is when the weather is the best that it can be in Amsterdam. Generally speaking the lows in the city hover around 10-13oC (51.4-55.4oF) and the highs are around 20-22oC (68-71.6oF). Lately however the temperatures all over Europe have been soaring. Amsterdam is no exception. I have however rarely seen temperatures cross 30oC (86oF).
As can be imagined, this makes Amsterdam in summer very very pleasant to visit. In addition to all this, it also rains less during summer as compared to the rest of the year so you can easily spend your time outdoors.
Where To Stay In Amsterdam
The thing about Amsterdam is that there are loads of options when it comes to places to stay. When I tried to book something for us the first time, I was so overwhelmed.
After multiple trips to the city, we’ve sort off figured out that there are different regions in the city that are great depending on what you want to see. I’ve written a whole detailed post on where to stay in Amsterdam but if you want a few quick recommendations in the city, take a look at the ones below.
- The Flying Pig Downtown Amsterdam (Budget)
- Amsterdam Marriott Hotel (Mid-Range)
- Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam (Luxury)
Amsterdam In Summer: Food
Did you know that Amsterdam is one of the best foodie destinations in the world. Not only does the city have its own unique Dutch food that you can try out, you can also eat almost any cuisine you want. This is because the city is home to people from all over the world and they bring their own cuisine to the city. So authenticity is key and is well valued when it comes to food.
But the current experiences in Amsterdam that I am going to suggest are quintessential Dutch food that you should try. You are after all in the Dutch capital and it would be remiss of me if I did not suggest them.
1. Try Some Pannenkoeken
Pannenkoeken is the Dutch version of pancakes. Large, circular and topped with all kinds of goodies, these are designed to be a full meal. Honestly on days that I don’t come with a huge appetite, I find that these pancakes are enough for two.
Pannenkoeken are generally of two types. They can be either sweet or savory. Popular sweet toppings include the classic stroop (syrup) or powdered sugar. If you want a more filling one then take one with fruits on it. The fruits differ depending on the season. The savory ones are loaded with cheese. You can also get them with ham, egg, mushrooms etc.
De Carrousel Pannenkoeken
Your next question is probably where should you go for pannenkoeken? If you don’t want to get out of the main city then head to De Carrousel Pannenkoeken. This is a carousel that is converted into a restaurant so it is pretty cool but it’s always crowded so I would avoid visiting it during the peak hours. Especially during lunch time. You can’t book in advance either so that’s a bit of a bummer.
Boerderij Meerzicht
The place that I really like when it comes to pannenkoeken is Boerderij Meerzicht. This is located in the Amsterdam Bos and is a super cool place. We visited in spring and had no issue at all getting a seat. It’s all self service but they do have a huge selection of pancakes.
Since it’s a boederij (which means farm in Dutch) it also has a number of animals on it which you can interact with. The playground is huge and if the weather is good, you can sit at a table while you watch the kids play outdoors.
2. Eat Your Fill Of Stroopwafels
Another total foodie thing to do in Amsterdam in summer is to try the stroopwafels. Generally speaking stroopwafels are served up alongside a hot cup of coffee. You need to place the stroopwafel on top of the coffee cup such that it balances on top. The heat of the coffee causes the stroop to melt giving the waffle a nice gooey taste. It’s almost as if it was just made.
The thing about stroopwafels is that many influencers will tell you to head to places like Van Stapele Koekmakerij. These stroopwafels look extremely attractive with all the toppings on them which means that they are super sweet. They aren’t true Dutch stroopwafels though. I would recommend just getting the classic ones.
3. Stop By FEBO
If you want to catch a budget meal and want to have a Dutch experience when you are in Amsterdam in summer, I would suggest heading to FEBO. This iconic shop is filled with tiny windows. Each window has a hot snack. Pay for the snack and pop it out of the window. Eat it on the go. It’s what the Dutch do!
At the end of the day, it’s summer in Amsterdam. The weather is great and you want to be outdoors as much as you can.
4. Don’t Forget The Famous Frites
One of the top things to eat in Amsterdam is potato fries. In Dutch they are called frites. Now there are loads of shops that sell fries. One of the most famous ones is Manneken Pis. There are a couple of locations in the city but again this place has lines. If you head here earlier or later in the day, you can beat the lines. Otherwise pick one of the numerous other shops in the city.
Amsterdam In Summer: Museums
Generally speaking the museums in Amsterdam are amazing. There are loads of them but if I had to pick a few, these are some of the all time favorites. Just make sure to book your tickets to the museums well in advance because the crowds in Amsterdam in summer are insane.
In fact, because we were so interested in exploring the museums in Amsterdam, we decided to stay in the Museumplein. This meant that getting about with toddlers was super easy and accessible.
5. Rijksmuseum
⭐️ Rating: 4.7/5 (18,261 Reviews) Price: $26.55 per person Duration: Valid for 1 day 📍Meeting Point: Rijksmuseum Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
The Rijksmuseum is one of the biggest museums in the city and it houses the works of many Dutch masters. The building itself is one of the most photographed in the city. It is located on Museumplein and is one of the top things to do in the area.
One of the most important pieces of art in the museum is the Night Watch by Vermeer. It is one of the most visited paintings in the building.
There are loads of other pieces that are housed here. One of our favorites is the Milkmaid. This is again another painting by Vermeer.
“My only disappointment is that our time in Amsterdam was too short to go back a couple more times. The collection is amazing! The presentation is stunning.”
Thomas (read more reviews now!)
We even saw a painting by Vincent Van Gogh though that was on loan to the museum at that time and wasn’t a permanent exhibit.
6. Van Gogh Museum
⭐️ Rating: 4.7/5 (29,788 Reviews) Price: $26 per person Duration: Valid for 1 day 📍Meeting Point: Van Gogh Museum Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
Van Gogh’s art is usually on everyone’s bucket list when they come to the city. There’s a whole museum dedicated to his life and work but as can be imagined it is very very popular.
Even in winter when the crowds are less, I couldn’t book my tickets a few days in advance. Back then I had to book a slot at least two weeks in advance. This was with the museumkaart. Summer is far worse because all the tourists want to see the museum. So make sure to book your tickets well in advance!
“There was a lot of interesting information about Van Gogh, his paintings and his life.”
Gerhard (read more reviews now!)
The best part about visiting the Van Gogh museum is that it is located in the Museum Square which means that it is very easy to head here after visiting the Rijksmuseum.
7. Anne Frank House
⭐️ Rating: 4.6/5 (31 Reviews) Price: $97 per person Duration: 3 hours 📍Meeting Point: Jewish museum Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
Anne Frank was a Jew who went into hiding during World War II. You can read all about it in her diary that was published and is titled ‘The Diary Of A Young Girl’. The place where she stayed is currently a museum and you can visit it. Both her book and the museum are incredibly popular.
If you thought getting tickets to the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh museum was hard then this is so much harder. I can’t emphasize this enough. Book your tickets well in advance or you won’t be able to visit!
“Guide was great, like listening to a History teacher who really knew Amsterdam! He was personable, knowledgeable, and had a nice dry sense of humor. Really enjoyed it!”
Sean (read more reviews now!)
The museum has her original diary, you can walk through the business section and then up into the secret Annexe where Anne Frank and seven other people lived. The cramped quarters will give you an understanding of what life must have been like for two years. After living in an old Dutch house, I have serious admiration for how they managed to keep quiet during the day.
Amsterdam In Summer: Head Outdoors
Since the weather in Amsterdam in summer is so good, one of the best things to do is to head outdoors. Luckily there are lots of things to do in the city because there are a surprising number of green spaces in and around the city.
8. Visit The Amsterdam Bos
If you are on the lookout for outdoor things to do in Amsterdam in summer then you will find that the Amsterdam Bos is a treasure trove of opportunities. Don’t underestimate the size of the forest. It is huge. You can just wander around aimlessly, cycle through it, go on a hike, catch some horse riding, visiting a petting zoo or eat pancakes like I mentioned before.
No matter what you choose to do, you will find that just being in the Amsterdam Bos is beautiful. Note that many people will have a similar idea because the forest is very close to the city and is one of the best things to do in Amsterdam in summer. Despite the crowds, the place is still enjoyable. Just bring some drinking water or a bottle to fill water in because it can get hot and staying hydrated is important.
9. Vondelpark
If you are in the Museumplein area then Vondelpark is very close by. This is a huge park where there is a lake that you can sit by. Lots of open spaces where you can spread a picnic blanket and bask in the sun. The Rosarium houses all different kinds of roses and it’s a great place to spend time in when the roses bloom.
There’s even a swimming pool for kids where they can jump in and play. Just make sure to get a change of clothes when you go. The kids playground is close to it.
10. ARTIS Zoo
⭐️ Rating: 4.6/5 (3042 Reviews) Price: $29 per person Duration: Valid for 1 day 📍Meeting Point: ARTIS Zoo Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
I found it so surprising that there was a huge zoo in Amsterdam. It is one of the best in the country so if you want to spend time outdoors in Amsterdam in summer and want to do something cool simultaneously. The ARTIS Zoo is huge so make sure that you wear comfortable shoes when you visit.
The zoo has loads of different animals. I would recommend checking out the schedule for the day so that you can catch the feeding of the animals. It’s always cool to see the interaction between the animals and their caretakers.
The ARTIS zoo also has history that links it to World War II. It was used as a place for people to hide and evade the Nazis. Make sure that you stop to learn about it too.
“A very nice zoo. Clean and lots of space for the animals. If we are in Amsterdam again, we will definitely go here again. Toilets are clean and you don’t have to pay extra. The entrance fee is absolutely justified. Top recommendation if you are in Amsterdam.”
Silvana (read more reviews now!)
Since the zoo is all outdoors, summer in Amsterdam is the best time to visit. You won’t be the only person who has the idea though so book your tickets well in advance.
I know that I keep saying this over and over again but Amsterdam is one of the cities in the world that struggles with over tourism. Summer is when the issue peaks. Planning your trip way in advance will help you evade some of the issues that come with the crowds.
11. Go Swimming
Sounds weird when I say go swimming right? But this is by far the best way to chill on a hot day. The Dutch pride themselves on their clean water and gorgeous places to swim. You’ll find people paddle boating, just rowing their boats and lazing all over in the nice warm sun. Lekker warme is what they would say and after spending winter here, I know just what they mean.
Amsterdam In Summer: Unique Experiences
If you’ve done most of the touristy stuff, ticked off the museums, seen the iconic buildings then there are some pretty unique things to do that you can consider. After all, a holiday should be filled with experiences right?
12. Take A Cycle Tour
⭐️ Rating: 4.7/5 (2846 Reviews) Price: $37 per person Duration: 3 hours 📍Meeting Point: AmsterBike Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
The Netherlands has brilliant cycle paths all over the country. In fact, the cycling infrastructure has been built up so that there is a reduction in car traffic. People use cycles for work and for pleasure. You’ll see people balancing all kinds of things on their cycles.
Cycle traffic in Amsterdam is pretty busy but it certainly is doable. Though it can be intimidating at first. You can rent a cycle and just head around the city on your own which is a chill way to explore at your own pace.
Alternatively cycle tours are another great idea. The guided tour will take you through the Western islands, the Jordaan, Westerkerk, De Negen straatjes, Leidse square, Vondelpark, Museumplein, De Pijp, Magere Brug and Scheepvaartmuseum before you arrive back at your starting point.
“Our guide Christian was great! We really enjoyed the tour: informative, saw a lot, entertaining, you didn’t even notice the distance covered (16 km). 👍”
Isabel (read more reviews now!)
As you can see the route covers almost all parts of the city and since you are cycling, you will find that everything is easily accessible.
The best part is that you will be escorted by a local guide who will provide you with information about the city as you cycle past. You will also cycle past some lesser known attractions and secret local spots. The whole tour will take around 3 hours which means that you will still have time to do other stuff in the day.
13. Chill On A Canal Cruise
⭐️ Rating: 4.7/5 (840 Reviews) Price: $22 per person Duration: 1 hour 📍Meeting Point: Varies depending on option booked. Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
Summer in Amsterdam is the best time of the year to chill on a boat. There are loads of canal cruises that pass through the city at all points of time. In general there are two types of canal cruises. The closed boat tours and the open boat tours. In winter the closed canal cruise is the way to go but one of the best things to do in Amsterdam in summer is to enjoy the city from one of the open boat cruises.
These boats give you an unobstructed view of the city and you can click some amazing photographs from a totally different perspective. Generally speaking the canal cruises last for about 60-75 minutes. Not all of them are super expensive.
If you really want a cruise with a difference, you can choose to head on one with drinks and snacks. Obviously this costs more but it is certainly worth the experience.
“Super relaxed and interesting tour for a good price! The guide (who grew up in Amsterdam) was great and carried out the tour very well and also gave us some good tips on what else you can do in Amsterdam. Would book the tour again at any time!”
Jess (read more reviews now!)
Like all the other cool things to do in Amsterdam in summer, this is also something that you should book in advance.
14. Make Your Own Cocktail
⭐️ Rating: 4.8/5 (237 Reviews) Price: $35 per person Duration: 2 hours 📍Meeting Point: House of Bols Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
If you love experimenting with alcohol then the House of Bols. Lucas Bols is the world’s oldest distilled spirit brand and there is a lot of history attached to the brand. The Bols cocktail experience takes you through the history of the brand but that isn’t the only part that you can learn about.
Once you step in, you will be given an audio guide. Follow the route and at the end of it you will reach the Mirror bar. The tour ends with a cocktail which is obviously made by a professional.
It wouldn’t be a cocktail experience without one now would it? The whole point of the tour is to inspire you to get creative.
If you take the cocktail workshop, you will get a chance to learn how to make 2-3 types of cocktails.
“The House of Bols was probably my best visit in Amsterdam. While the experience is short, it’s interactive and takes you on a journey through the world of Bols.
Make sure you buy the cocktail making experience to make this even more enjoyable, for the extra spend you get a fun and engaging cocktail making experience.”
Jack (read more reviews now!)
The professional bartenders will teach you about the flavors and aromas and the combinations of them. This will help you understand the mixing of Genever and liquor better. Just make sure that you book it in advance because it is a rather cool experience and the slots are limited.
15. Get Served By A Robot
One of our coolest experiences in Amsterdam was getting our cocktails made by a robot. I’m not kidding. The Robocafe is the place to go if you want to try the novel experience.
The place has two robot hands that mix up the drinks based on what you punch into the tablet at your table. It’s a pre-loaded format for every drink so the hands know exactly what to do but it’s still cool to watch.
You don’t even need to order a cocktail. You can order sushi. Trust me, the sushi here is one of the best I’ve had in the country. Generally speaking, the Robocafe is very popular on holidays and when it’s summer in Amsterdam.
After spending the day outdoors, it’s nice to kick back at the end of the day at a nice place at night. Make sure to call in advance and book a table.
Amsterdam In Summer With Kids
I know that like me, a lot of people head to Amsterdam in summer with kids. I’m just going to throw in a couple of cool activities in Amsterdam for summer that are aimed at the younger demographic.
16. NEMO Science Museum
⭐️ Rating: 4.4/5 (1598 Reviews) Price: $19 per person Duration: Valid for 1 day 📍Meeting Point: NEMO Science Museum Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
This is by far one of my favorite museums. If you get some bad weather and are looking for indoor things to do, then put this high on your bucket list. There are loads of great exhibits for all different types of scientific theories. The best part is that children of all ages can take part in it.
Older kids can take part in chemistry experiments under supervision which is pretty cool. They get lab coats and everything.
One thing that I need to emphasize is that the museum is geared towards kids so you’ll find young children everywhere. I enjoyed the exhibits too but it is for someone who is not looking to wade through a swarm of kids.
“My son and I really liked the museum, really fun and big. Super recommended. We spent two and a half hours seeing everything. My only criticism is that I find the part on sexuality unsuitable for an audience of children. The museum shop and the restaurant on the top floor are also nice. Absolutely recommended.”
Margherita (read more reviews now!)
17. Scheepvaartmuseum (National Maritime Museum)
⭐️ Rating: 4.4/5 (501 Reviews) Price: $20 per person Duration: Valid for 1 day 📍Meeting Point: Scheepvaartmuseum Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
Most kids love boats and the Netherlands is one of the countries that has loads of boats. One of the best places to see the history of the boats and ships that have been used over the years in the city is the Scheepvaartmuseum.
There are loads of unique ships docked outside the museum. You can see these for free. Once you get in, you will be able to see artifacts, paintings, ship models and more. The collection of navigational instruments and nautical charts are super interesting too.
“The walk-in replica of the “Amsterdam” is really worth seeing. We and our little one really enjoyed the children’s exhibition.”
Thomas (read more reviews now!)
One of the important parts of the visit is the replica of the VOC ship Amsterdam. You can board the ship and learn all about its history.
Again, this is a popular place to spend time so make sure that you book your tickets in advance.
18. Visit A Petting Zoo
In the Amsterdam Bos, there is a place called Geitenboerderij Ridammerhoeve. This is a goat farm. There are loads of goats here and you get to cuddle them which is amazing. You can also buy some food to feed them should you want to. You can also buy milk and cheese that are made at the farm which is pretty cool.
Amsterdam In Summer: Take Day Trips
If you are tired of wandering around the city and want to do something besides the usual tourist stuff in Amsterdam in summer then consider heading out on a day trip. There are loads of cool places to see in the Netherlands both in the countryside and in the cities.
19. Zaanse Schans
⭐️ Rating: 4.4/5 (3304 Reviews) Price: $33 per person Duration: 3.5 hours 📍Meeting Point: De Ruijterkade, 1011 AB Amsterdam Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
Zaanse Schans is one of the most popular and it is easy to get to from Amsterdam. This iconic spot is famous because of the numerous windmills that dot the landscape. This is the very same landscape that inspired Claude Monet.
There are plenty of activities in Zaanse Schans. Walk along the path and take photographs of the windmills, wander in and see how the mills function, drink some epic hot chocolate that is manufactured in the area, visit the museum and more.
Summer is a nice warm time to wander around the area. You can even take a nice cruise through the Zaan river. Alternatively take a picnic lunch and just find a quiet place to sit down and chill.
“The visit to Zaanse Schans was lovely. The village is very picturesque and our guide, Ingrid, was friendly and knowledgeable about the area, particularly as she is a resident of the village.
We got to see a lot in a short tour, but never felt rushed. This is a great activity to do to get out of the city for half a day and see more of the Netherlands.”
Joshua (read more reviews now!)
If you don’t want to plan your trip, you could just book a tour from Amsterdam which is what many people do. You can even pair it with some other locations like Edam and Volendam which are close by.
20. Muiderslot
⭐️ Rating: 4.8/5 (107 Reviews) Price: $19 per person Duration: 2 hours 📍Meeting Point: Herengracht 1, 1398 AA Muiden Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
If you want to visit one of the iconic Dutch castles, think about Muiderslot. The castle is a UNESCO Heritage site. The castle isn’t really far away from Amsterdam but we found it pretty impressive. You will find that it has a moat, towers and some spectacular gardens.
The castle has a cool audio guide that takes you through the different sections of the building. The narration gives you both the history of PC Hooft, the well known Dutch writer and the previous owners of the castle.
One of the notable parts of the castle is the plum orchard in the garden. Here PC Hooft and his friends spent time reading and writing.
“Great place to see and feel life in a long ago era. Self guided tour with voice boxes was excellent. Loved the whole place, the ability to climb stairs and explore so much of the castle! Moat was beautiful! Arrived before opening, and walk through the beautiful town! Go you won’t regret it!”
Connie (read more reviews now!)
Again, this is a place that is easily accessible from Amsterdam by public transport. You will find that the warmer days are great to explore. That’s what makes it a great day trip from Amsterdam in summer. Just note that I couldn’t find a viable tour but I’ve linked to the entrance tickets that you can book in advance.
21. Giethoorn
⭐️ Rating: 4.4/5 (1343 Reviews) Price: $85 per person Duration: 9 hours 📍Meeting Point: IJ hall of Central Station Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
If you want to head to Venice but aren’t going to take a trip to Italy soon, consider heading to Giethoorn. This is the Dutch Venice. It has loads of little islands with these cute thatched houses. There are loads of boat rentals that you can rent easily. Just make sure that you rent in advance because during summer everything is sold out days and sometimes weeks in advance.
This is legit one of the best places to spend time in the summer sun and even though it is a long drive away from the city, it is one of the best day trips to take from Amsterdam in summer.
The canals are banked with flowers, the thatched roofs look amazing and the little bridges are just super cute.
“Excellent! We took a trip around Netherlands in one day! Both the bus driver and tour guide Tony were very knowledgeable. Tony was very humorous and informative. This is definitely a must do in Netherlands if you love sightseeing!”
Meghan (read more reviews now!)
This is the best time to get photographs but know that Giethoorn can get super crowded. So brace for other tourists.