Summertime in Amsterdam – Enjoy the great outdoors as Amsterdam shines in the summer.

Summertime in Amsterdam – Enjoy the great outdoors as Amsterdam shines in the summer.

Amsterdam is packed full of activities that are popular at any time of the year but this small and active city really shines once the sun is out. During a short stay in the summertime is when you can have first-hand experience at some of the great activities that are essentially Amsterdam.

Beautiful canals, waterside cafes, historic houses and green parks; these are some of the great things that you could enjoy while on your leisure or business short stay in Amsterdam at any time of the year but come summer Amsterdam can be seen at its best as all these things really come to life. Once the sun is shining everyone is walking with a spring in their step. All of the things that make Amsterdam the popular short stay destination that it is year-on-year are extra special in summertime and you can’t beat even the simplest of things such as strolling by the picturesque canals, picnicking on one of the parks or enjoying a beverage or two at the alfresco cafes. If you are lucky enough to visit Amsterdam during the summer then there are a few activities you shouldn’t miss out on.

Head to the beach.

Yes, you read that right, the beach. There are a number of man-made beaches within the city and just outside of Amsterdam which are the perfect places to enjoy a hot summers day. Once the sun is out the Dutch love to get their shorts, t-shirts or swimming gear on and catch some rays. So, join in with the locals and tourists alike and feel the sand in-between your toes at places like Strand West by the IJ, Strand Zuid near our short stay apartments close to the RAI Centre, or at Blijburg aan Zee which is on the eastern edge of Amsterdam in the IJburg district. 

Or just go for a dip in the pool.

If you don’t fancy getting messy with the sand but still enjoy a good swim and the great outdoors then take yourselves to one of the outside swimming pools, which are also perfect destinations for those on a short stay with children. BadBuiten, even though small, is an interesting choice because it is floating on the Amstel River and so with great waterside views as you swim or catch some rays. It is not far from our Amsterdam Apartments around Frankendael Park or the Rijnbuurt area. There are also two big outside pools: Flevoparkbad and Mirandabad, both of which have shallow pools for children and a park alongside it where you can sunbath and relax together.

Picnic in the park.

With over thirty parks in Amsterdam there is bound to be a green space near your short stay apartment so grab a basket full of goodies from the fridge or the supermarket and head to a park near you. A picnic in the park is a great way to relax together enjoying chatting about your short stay in Amsterdam and planning your next daily outings. Vondelpark sees some nine million visitors each year so this is a great spot to people watch or even meet tourists and locals alike. You can also light up a BBQ at Vondelpark if you prefer. Westerpark, which is near the city centre, is another hotspot when the sun is shining, as is Sarphatipark over in the Pijp district which is just south of the historic canal belt. If you want to go big and make a whole day of it in the park then try Amsterdamse Bos which is the largest recreational area in Amsterdam. This woodland area has a number of activities that you can enjoy after your picnic: a large lake called Grote Vijver where you can hire a canoe or a pedal boat; a museum called Bosmuseum which shows information about the history of the park; the Bosbaan water flowing through the park holds rowing competitions; a shallow swimming pool for children; a pancake house; and a goat farm.

Open Air Theatre.

The Open Ait Theatre is a favourite amongst all ages so it makes for a great activity for those on a short stay with children. The big plus is that it will not affect your short stay budget as it’s free so just walk on over and enjoy. If you are in Amsterdam on business then this could be a great way to bond with work colleagues or clients after work. Taking place at the Vondelpark it runs four days per week during the summer months and performances also include dance, cabaret, stand-up comedy and live music.

Canal Tours.

You can’t beat a tour of Amsterdam’s infamous canals, especially when the sun is shining and the reflections of the 17th century canal houses glitter in the water. There are a many canal tour companies in Amsterdam and you can find some of these outside of the central station or just a tad down the road from there on Damrak, next to the entrance into the Red Light District. The guided tours last about an hour and tickets can be bought by the harbour or even online or at participating tourist and souvenir shops. If you are travelling with a large group or on business then you may even prefer a private tour with refreshments. Or if you’re a couple then go for the more romantic angle and book a table with an a la carte dinner menu.

Explore Amsterdam on a bike.

Biking around Amsterdam even if it’s just for a few hours is an essential Amsterdam experience. This is a local man’s favourite mode of transport and a great way for a tourist to feel like an Amsterdammer. Exploring the great sites and activities in Amsterdam on a bike is cost effective, convenient, practical and not forgetting a lot of fun too! This is a great way to have a giggle together as you go at your own pace; stopping anywhere you want on your way. There are a number of bike rental companies dotted around the city. Bikes can be hired from just a few hours to the duration of your short stay. Some companies also offer guided tours of the city and the surrounding countryside.

Annual Summer Events.

There are a number of annual summer events in Amsterdam that contribute to a great mix of summer fun for all visiting the city. Even if you are just on a business short stay there will be some time to play so you can take your pick at the number of festivals that are running.

The Robeco Summer Concerts is a popular annual event, especially amongst music lovers, and takes place in July and August at the Concertgebouw on Museumplein. For a great laugh on any day or to relieve built up stress after a busy business short stay then try the Comedytrain International Festival which runs for six weeks from the end of June. Another popular event taking place in June is the Holland Festival which is the biggest performing arts festival in the Netherlands focussing on music and music theatre. The Holland Festival takes places at a number of venues across Amsterdam so many of our apartments should be in close distance to the event. In saving the best till last, Amsterdam’s biggest and internationally known summer event is Gay Pride which takes place in August. People from all walks of life, gay or not, gather in Amsterdam on this day to celebrate diversity and the open-minded Dutch culture. If you are joining in with the fun then don’t miss the show-stopping Canal Parade.