When the sun’s 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’re visiting for a summer vacation in Amsterdam or just soaking up a weekend in your own city, here’s how to spend a full day making the absolute most of the season!
To help you make the most of your day, we’ve 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.
Summer Morning in Amsterdam: Rise & Shine!
1. Start the day right: with a Cruise & Coffee
The Good Morning Amsterdam Cruise (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’s a refreshing and slow way to ease into your summer day in Amsterdam, especially before the city gets busy.
Location: Keizersgracht 106
Price: €39 for adults, €24 for kids
Duration: 75 mins
2. Grab Coffee in the Jordaan
After your morning cruise, stroll over to Bocca Coffee, Toki, or Monks Coffee Roasters for your next caffeine fix (or opt for tea and iced drinks). Expect minimalist interiors, expertly roasted beans, and locals deep in conversation. It’s the perfect pick-me-up to your morning before hitting more summer activities in Amsterdam.
Location: Jordaan & Oud-West
Price: €3–5
3. Explore the Bloemenmarkt in Bloom
Amsterdam’s 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.
Location: Singel canal, near Koningsplein
Price: Free to wander
4. Climb the Westerkerk Tower
Get your steps in and catch panoramic views of the entire city. Pro tip: book ahead online, as summer spots fill quickly. On a clear day, you can even see the ships in the IJ river—making it a great spot to truly take in Amsterdam in the summer.
Location: Prinsengracht 281
Price: €9
Duration: 30 min
5. Soak up the Silence in Begijnhof
Hidden just behind the Spui, this old courtyard is a peaceful little spot in the middle of the city. It’s calm, shady, and the perfect place to relax on a warm day. A true summer gem that makes summer in Amsterdam feel magical.
Location: Begijnhof 1
Price: Free entrance
Summer Afternoon in Amsterdam: Sunny Streets, Cold Drinks & Canal Boats
Enjoying Amsterdam in Summer: Top Activities
1. Cruise into the Afternoon Glow
The Ultimate Amsterdam Cruise 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.
Or, if you’re short on time, our breezy 1 Hour Canal Cruise still delivers all the views. This is what Amsterdam summer activities are all about: sun, boats, and relaxing vibes.
Location: Keizersgracht 106 or Herengracht 128
Price: From €35
Duration: 1-2 hours
2. Picnic like a Local in Vondelpark
Pick up a takeaway spread from SLA, Stach, or Buufs Keuken, then head to the lush green grass in the Vondelpark. Bonus points for bringing a frisbee or speaker! You’ll see locals sunbathing, kids on roller skates, and musicians jamming—summer activities in Amsterdam don’t get more relaxed than this.
Location: Vondelpark entrances via Van Baerlestraat & Overtoom
Price: Free (except your snacks)
3. Hop the Free Ferry to Amsterdam-Noord
Catch the ferry behind Central Station and explore NDSM Wharf—a haven of graffiti, shipping containers, and waterfront bars like Pllek and IJver. A perfect break from the city centre buzz during your summer vacation in Amsterdam.
Location: Ferry F4 to NDSM
Price: Free
4. Retail Therapy in the Nine Streets
The Negen Straatjes 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 Van Stapele Koekmakerij.
Location: Between Singel & Prinsengracht
Price: Window shopping = free
5. Cool Off on a Floating Terrace
Order a spritz, snag a canal-side table, and enjoy the endless people-watching. Try Waterkant, Café de Ceuvel, or Hannekes Boom for that unbeatable summer Amsterdam feeling. It’s like a holiday inside a holiday.
Location: Centrum & Noord
Price: Average drink €4–6
Summer Evening in Amsterdam: That Summer Night Vibe!
1. Glide into the Golden Hour on the Spectacular Evening Cruise
There’s a reason it’s called spectacular. The Spectacular Evening Cruise is all about that glow—candles flickering, canals shimmering, wine flowing. It’s the ultimate Amsterdam summer night mood, and honestly, one of the best ways to see the city at its dreamiest.
Location: Departs at sunset
Price: From €49.50
Duration: 1.5 hours
2. Go Full Feast-Mode on a Private Pizza Cruise
Want something more personal (and cheesy)? Gather your favorite people and book the Private Pizza Cruise for the ultimate floating feast with stunning views. As the sky turns pink and the pizzas arrive hot from the oven, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do this every summer.
Location: Flexible pickup options
Price: Varies per group
3. Catch Sunset Views from A’DAM Tower
Head to the rooftop of the A’DAM Lookout for 360° 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.
Location: Overhoeksplein 5
Price: €14.50 entry
4. Catch a Summer Festival or Open-Air Event
Think open-air cinema at Pluk de Nacht, music at Vondelpark Openluchttheater, or food festivals at Westerpark. These are some of the best summer activities in Amsterdam when the weather is nice and sunny.
Location: All over the city
Price: Many events are free or low-cost
5. Late-Night Drinks by the Canal
End your day the Amsterdam way—wine in hand, water nearby. Try Bar Botanique, De Sluyswacht, or Bar Bukowski for the perfect close to your unforgettable summer in Amsterdam.
Location: East & Centrum
Price: Avg drink €5–8
Best Food Spots for Your Summer Day in Amsterdam
To fuel your way through a summer day in Amsterdam, you’ll need proper food and drinks! We’ve listed our favorite spots for you down below—but of course there are many more places to discover.
Summer in Amsterdam: Breakfast Spots
The Avocado Show
Instagram-famous for its avocadoness all over, served in colourful, picture-perfect plates.
- Address: Daniël Stalpertstraat 61
- Menu style: Creative & healthy, international
- Price range: €10–€20
Bakhuys
Freshly baked bread and pastries in a stylish bakery with big communal tables and great coffee (did we mention we really love good coffee?).
- Address: Sarphatistraat 61
- Menu style: Dutch-French bakery
- Price range: €4–€12
Dignita Hoftuin
A peaceful garden hideaway offering wholesome brunch classics and seasonal bites.
- Address: Nieuwe Herengracht 18a
- Menu style: Global brunch & lunch
- Price range: €10–€18
Summer in Amsterdam: Lunch Spots
Time for a lunch break to fill your tummy and rehydrate if needed.
Foodhallen
A buzzing indoor food market with 20+ stands serving global street food and drinks.
- Address: Bellamyplein 51
- Menu style: International street food
- Price range: €5–€15 per dish
Café de Klepel
Intimate French bistro with natural wines and a daily-changing menu made for slow lunches.
- Address: Prinsenstraat 22
- Menu style: French
- Price range: €32 for lunch menu
Box Sociaal
Aussie-style neighbourhood gem with generous brunch plates, great coffee, and cocktails.
- Address: Plantage Middenlaan 30A
- Menu style: International/Australian
- Price range: €10–€20
Summer in Amsterdam: Dinner Spots
After all your summer activities it’s time to take a seat and nourish yourself with a good meal and a drink or two.
Restaurant de Kas
Farm-to-table dining inside a greenhouse—everything is grown in their own gardens.
- Address: Kamerlingh Onneslaan 3
- Menu style: Dutch & sustainable fine dining
- Price range: 4-course menu from €75
Sama Sebo
An Amsterdam hotspot for traditional Indonesian rijsttafel and old-school charm.
- Address: P.C. Hooftstraat 27
- Menu style: Indonesian
- Price range: €30–€50 per person
Pllek
Laid-back vibes, waterfront views, and organic world cuisine in converted shipping containers.
- Address: TT Neveritaweg 59
- Menu style: Organic & vegetarian-friendly global dishes
- Price range: €15–€25
Ready for Summer in Amsterdam?
Nothing says summer in Amsterdam like watching the city drift by from the water. Whether it’s morning calm, a midday chill, or golden hour magic, our Pure Boats cruises are the cherry on top of your sunny day.
Check out our full range of small group and private tours—and let the sunshine do the rest.
