When the sun\u2019s out, Amsterdam in summer transforms into a lush playground of sparkling canals, leafy parks, bustling terraces, and boats of all shapes and vibes. Whether you\u2019re visiting for a summer vacation in Amsterdam or just soaking up a weekend in your own city, here\u2019s how to spend a full day making the absolute most of the season!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To help you make the most of your day, we\u2019ve broken this article down into morning, afternoon, and evening sections, with local gems, food stops, and of course, a few irresistible boat cruises to keep you and your head cool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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The Good Morning Amsterdam Cruise<\/a> <\/strong>(09:15 departure) is peaceful, personal, and a perfect start to your day. Think strong coffee, stunning views, and morning light bouncing off the water. It\u2019s a refreshing and slow way to ease into your summer day in Amsterdam, especially before the city gets busy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Location:<\/strong> Keizersgracht 106 After your morning cruise, stroll over to <\/a>Bocca Coffee<\/a>, Toki<\/a><\/strong>, or <\/a>Monks Coffee Roasters<\/a> <\/strong>for your next caffeine fix (or opt for tea and iced drinks). Expect minimalist interiors, expertly roasted beans, and locals deep in conversation. It\u2019s the perfect pick-me-up to your morning before hitting more summer activities in Amsterdam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Location:<\/strong> Jordaan & Oud-West Amsterdam\u2019s iconic floating flower market is even prettier in summer. Pick up tulip bulbs, cute souvenirs, or just enjoy the technicolour stroll along the canal. This is a picture-perfect slice of summer time in Amsterdam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Location:<\/strong> Singel canal, near Koningsplein Get your steps in and catch panoramic views of the entire city. Pro tip: book ahead online<\/strong><\/a>, as summer spots fill quickly. On a clear day, you can even see the ships in the IJ river\u2014making it a great spot to truly take in Amsterdam in the summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Location:<\/strong> Prinsengracht 281 Hidden just behind the Spui, this old courtyard is a peaceful little spot in the middle of the city. It\u2019s calm, shady, and the perfect place to relax on a warm day. A true summer gem that makes summer in Amsterdam feel magical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Location:<\/strong> Begijnhof 1 The Ultimate Amsterdam Cruise<\/strong><\/a> is the perfect way to hit pause in the middle of the day. Enjoy local drinks, cheese boards, and all the must-see sights from your comfy seat on board. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Or, if you’re short on time, our breezy 1 Hour Canal Cruise<\/a><\/strong> still delivers all the views. This is what Amsterdam summer activities are all about: sun, boats, and relaxing vibes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Location:<\/strong> Keizersgracht 106 or Herengracht 128 Pick up a takeaway spread from SL<\/a>A<\/a>, Stach<\/a><\/strong>, or Buufs Keuken<\/strong><\/a>, then head to the lush green grass in the Vondelpark. Bonus points for bringing a frisbee or speaker! You\u2019ll see locals sunbathing, kids on roller skates, and musicians jamming\u2014summer activities in Amsterdam don\u2019t get more relaxed than this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Location:<\/strong> Vondelpark entrances via Van Baerlestraat & Overtoom Catch the ferry behind Central Station and explore NDSM Wharf\u2014a haven of graffiti, shipping containers, and waterfront bars like Pllek<\/strong><\/a> and IJver<\/strong><\/a>. A perfect break from the city centre buzz during your summer vacation in Amsterdam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Location:<\/strong> Ferry F4 to NDSM The Negen Straatjes<\/strong><\/a> are postcard-perfect: cobbled lanes lined with indie boutiques, vintage shops, and local designers. Take your time browsing, people-watching, or grabbing a scoop of something sweet from <\/a>Van Stapele Koekmakerij<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Location:<\/strong> Between Singel & Prinsengracht Order a spritz, snag a canal-side table, and enjoy the endless people-watching. Try <\/a>Waterkant<\/a>, Caf\u00e9 de Ceuvel<\/a>,<\/strong> or <\/a>Hannekes Boom<\/a> <\/strong>for that unbeatable summer Amsterdam feeling. It\u2019s like a holiday inside a holiday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Location:<\/strong> Centrum & Noord There\u2019s a reason it\u2019s called spectacular. The Spectacular Evening Cruise<\/strong><\/a> is all about that glow\u2014candles flickering, canals shimmering, wine flowing. It\u2019s the ultimate Amsterdam summer night mood, and honestly, one of the best ways to see the city at its dreamiest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Location:<\/strong> Departs at sunset Want something more personal (and cheesy)? Gather your favorite people and book the Private Pizza Cruise<\/strong><\/a> for the ultimate floating feast with stunning views. As the sky turns pink and the pizzas arrive hot from the oven, you\u2019ll wonder why you didn\u2019t do this every summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Location:<\/strong> Flexible pickup options Head to the rooftop of the A’DAM Lookout<\/a><\/strong> for 360\u00b0 views and a sky-high swing if you’re feeling brave. Sunset drinks here feel like the crown jewel of any summer night in Amsterdam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Location:<\/strong> Overhoeksplein 5 Think open-air cinema at Pluk de Nacht<\/strong><\/a>, music at Vondelpark Openluchttheater<\/strong><\/a>, or food festivals at Westerpark<\/strong><\/a>. These are some of the best summer activities in Amsterdam when the weather is nice and sunny.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Location:<\/strong> All over the city End your day the Amsterdam way\u2014wine in hand, water nearby. Try <\/a>Bar Botanique<\/a>, <\/a>De Sluyswacht<\/a>, or Bar Bukowski<\/a><\/strong> for the perfect close to your unforgettable summer in Amsterdam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Location:<\/strong> East & Centrum To fuel your way through a summer day in Amsterdam, you\u2019ll need proper food and drinks! We\u2019ve listed our favorite spots for you down below\u2014but of course there are many more places to discover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Avocado Show<\/a><\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Bakhuys<\/a><\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Dignita Hoftuin<\/a><\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Time for a lunch break to fill your tummy and rehydrate if needed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Foodhallen<\/a><\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Caf\u00e9 de Klepel<\/a><\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Box Sociaal<\/a><\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n After all your summer activities it\u2019s time to take a seat and nourish yourself with a good meal and a drink or two.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Restaurant de Kas<\/a><\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Sama Sebo<\/a><\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Pllek<\/a><\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nothing says summer in Amsterdam like watching the city drift by from the water. Whether it\u2019s morning calm, a midday chill, or golden hour magic, our Pure Boats cruises are the cherry on top of your sunny day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Price:<\/strong> \u20ac39 for adults, \u20ac24 for kids
Duration:<\/strong> 75 mins<\/p>\n\n\n\n2. Grab Coffee in the Jordaan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Price:<\/strong> \u20ac3\u20135<\/p>\n\n\n\n3. Explore the Bloemenmarkt in Bloom<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Price:<\/strong> Free to wander<\/p>\n\n\n\n4. Climb the Westerkerk Tower<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Price:<\/strong> \u20ac9
Duration:<\/strong> 30 min<\/p>\n\n\n\n5. Soak up the Silence in Begijnhof<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Price:<\/strong> Free entrance<\/p>\n\n\n\nSummer Afternoon in Amsterdam: Sunny Streets, Cold Drinks & Canal Boats<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Enjoying Amsterdam in Summer: Top Activities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
1. Cruise into the Afternoon Glow<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Price:<\/strong> From \u20ac35
Duration:<\/strong> 1-2 hours<\/p>\n\n\n\n2. Picnic like a Local in Vondelpark<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Price:<\/strong> Free (except your snacks)<\/p>\n\n\n\n3. Hop the Free Ferry to Amsterdam-Noord<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Price:<\/strong> Free<\/p>\n\n\n\n4. Retail Therapy in the Nine Streets<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Price:<\/strong> Window shopping = free<\/p>\n\n\n\n5. Cool Off on a Floating Terrace<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Price:<\/strong> Average drink \u20ac4\u20136<\/p>\n\n\n\nSummer Evening in Amsterdam: That Summer Night Vibe!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Glide into the Golden Hour on the Spectacular Evening Cruise<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Price:<\/strong> From \u20ac49.50
Duration:<\/strong> 1.5 hours<\/p>\n\n\n\n2. Go Full Feast-Mode on a Private Pizza Cruise<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Price:<\/strong> Varies per group<\/p>\n\n\n\n3. Catch Sunset Views from A\u2019DAM Tower<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Price:<\/strong> \u20ac14.50 entry<\/p>\n\n\n\n4. Catch a Summer Festival or Open-Air Event<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Price:<\/strong> Many events are free or low-cost<\/p>\n\n\n\n5. Late-Night Drinks by the Canal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Price:<\/strong> Avg drink \u20ac5\u20138<\/p>\n\n\n\nBest Food Spots for Your Summer Day in Amsterdam<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Summer in Amsterdam: Breakfast Spots<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong><\/a>Instagram-famous for its avocadoness all over, served in colourful, picture-perfect plates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
<\/strong><\/a>Freshly baked bread and pastries in a stylish bakery with big communal tables and great coffee (did we mention we really love good coffee?).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
<\/strong><\/a>A peaceful garden hideaway offering wholesome brunch classics and seasonal bites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Summer in Amsterdam: Lunch Spots<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong><\/a>A buzzing indoor food market with 20+ stands serving global street food and drinks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
<\/strong><\/a>Intimate French bistro with natural wines and a daily-changing menu made for slow lunches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
<\/strong><\/a>Aussie-style neighbourhood gem with generous brunch plates, great coffee, and cocktails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Summer in Amsterdam: Dinner Spots<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong><\/a>Farm-to-table dining inside a greenhouse\u2014everything is grown in their own gardens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
<\/strong><\/a>An Amsterdam hotspot for traditional Indonesian rijsttafel and old-school charm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
<\/strong><\/a>Laid-back vibes, waterfront views, and organic world cuisine in converted shipping containers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Ready for Summer in Amsterdam?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n