10 Things to Do in Amsterdam in Summer

Who wouldn't want to go to Amsterdam and see the city in summer? It's a fabulous time to visit the capital of the Netherlands. Why do I say that? Because the weather, mild in temperature and low in rainfall, invites you to go out and make plans where music, art and nature are the protagonists.

Although it is clear that the influx of tourists is higher, Amsterdam has a special glow in the months of June, July and August. My favourite plans, like those of all Amsterdammers, are to be outside and enjoy the long, warm nights. Take the opportunity to go to concerts and open-air cinemas, but also to explore the city's surroundings.

When summer arrives in Amsterdam, life moves to the canals, so make the most of every ray of sunshine, which is not so common during the rest of the year! When you go there, you're sure to be surprised to see them full of people and colour, welcoming you to explore them. Here's a plan: take a river cruise along Amsterdam's canals. You'll be able to cruise along them at your leisure, with the gentle sun on your face and the delicate swaying of the waves making the scene even more idyllic, right?

The great thing about these boat trips along Amsterdam's canals is that you can see the city's most emblematic sights from the water, with an enviable view. For example? Well, Anne Frank's house, the Narrow Bridge or the Golden Curve, from where you'll see incredible houses that have always been lived in (and traded with) the richest people. If you prefer, you can also take a cruise along Amsterdam's canals at night, when the sun goes down and the lights start to come on in the city. For this night cruise you can book your tickets here.

But there are also many other options that may be of interest to you and on offer:

• Saving pack: cruise and tickets to the Madame Tussauds museum in Amsterdam - from AED 153.
• Saving pack: cruise and tickets to the Amsterdam Ice Bar - from AED 148.
• Saving pack: cruise and tickets to the Heineken Experience in Amsterdam - from AED 130.
• Saving pack: cruise and tickets to the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam - from AED 160.

Just in case you need another reason to enjoy the canals in summer, you might want to know that they are a World Heritage Site. I assure you that in the summer light and sunshine their beauty is even more evident, so don't think too much about it and book a cruise now.

It's no secret that Amsterdam is a city of bicycles, although tourists are often reluctant to take them because of the rain and cold. However, in summer, with the good weather, the city invites you to visit it by bike. I recommend renting a bike and taking a bike tour of Amsterdam that takes you not only through the city centre, but also through its parks and gardens.

As it's not too hot and the streets are flat, cycling won't exhaust you and, in fact, I'm sure you'll love it. You'll cross bridges and wander through the city's most famous neighbourhoods like a true Amsterdammer. In addition, during the month of June there are Open Garden Days, which allow private gardens normally inaccessible to the general public to be visited. I encourage you to leave your bike parked for a while and take a stroll among the vegetation and sculptures.

When you need a break, you can go into a park to stop for a while in the shade. They are usually very lively in summer. For example, the Sarphati and the Museumplein are full of athletes doing acrobatics, playing games... And the Oosterpark, although quieter, is not lacking in music.

If you're spending more than a day in Amsterdam, I highly recommend visiting the surrounding villages. Its landscapes are enchanting all year round, but in the summer months they are greener than ever. As if this were not enough, summer is the season for Graskaas cheese (the pasture cheese) and in towns like Volendam is where you can taste it best.

Volendam, Marken, Edam or Zaanse Schans are some of the towns that are barely an hour away from Amsterdam and that you have surely seen on postcards. Their windmills and green fields are their great emblems. If you want to visit more than one (which I recommend you do), it's best to go on an organised tour of Amsterdam's villages, as you'll always have a vehicle available and a guide to explain everything to you.

Volendam

One of my favourites, and if you like cheese, it's sure to become one of yours too. Summer is when Graskaas cheese is made. It is called the "cheese of the grass" because it is made from the milk of cows that are fed on high quality grass. You can visit their cheese factory.

Marken

In Marken I recommend you to visit as many Protestant churches as you can, as they are very famous there. Of course, you should also see the fishermen's houses on this small island. Without a doubt, this is one of the best excursions you can do from Amsterdam.

Edam

Also famous for cheese, Edam has another well-known product: tea. You will see buildings dating back to the 17th century, including the leaning tower. Something tells me you won't want to leave.

Zaanse Schans

This town is one of the most famous, especially for its windmills. You can also take the opportunity to visit a clog factory, those wooden shoes that are so typical of Holland.

The Dutch like to enjoy summer days in Amsterdam. This is the only time of the year when the weather is suitable for outdoor activities, so you can make the most of every space in the city, including the zoo. On Saturday afternoons between June and August, Zoomeravonden events take place: educational shows, musicals, storytelling... Children and adults are kept entertained until nightfall.

So what happens on Saturdays at the zoo? Many people come to see concerts, but also to learn more about the animals that live in this area. There is also space and time for literary and painting activities. At the end of the day, there is a concert to bid farewell to the day until the following week.

Summer sounds like music, and in Amsterdam in particular the tunes come out of the Vondelpark. Why? Because in June, July and August, the Vondelpark, the city's largest and most famous park, hosts many concerts and shows for children in its theatre. Of course, they take advantage of the pleasant temperatures and take place in the open air - there's no better plan! Especially if you accompany it with a picnic.

The programme of each concert can be consulted on their website, but I can already tell you that the musical styles are varied and that, if you are travelling with the little ones, they will really enjoy the plan, as the plays are specially designed for them. Apart from these shows, Vondelpark is the stage for many street performers and people who bring their instruments there to practise. Summer is their favourite season to do so, as they have a larger audience and a climate that inspires anyone.

Apart from live music, there is a lot to do in this park and hundreds of hectares that you can walk through. If you feel like walking, bring comfortable shoes and lots of energy, because you're going to need it. If not, you can also rent a bike or roller skates. Of course, you can't miss the chance to have your photo taken at the famous iamsterdam monument, which is located in this park.

Culture marks the summer in the Dutch capital, and if you don't believe me, wait until I tell you how many festivals, many of them free, are held during this time in Amsterdam. Beyond their affordable or sometimes non-existent prices, events like the Amsterdam Roots are a wonderful way to get to know the city in a unique way.

Amsterdam is a young place, with a lot of culture and a desire to have a good time, so between June and August there are some festivals that you can't miss. But don't think they're only about music, because gastronomy is also on the agenda in summer.

• The Amsterdam Roots Festival: it is committed to young, international talent, giving space to little-known, non-Western groups. It is an ode to diversity and its stage is the city's famous canals, as well as other important places in the city. It is free of charge.
• Bacchus Winefestival: Who doesn't fancy a glass of wine to extend the summer evenings? The Dutch seem to, which is why the Bacchus Winefestival takes place every June. Here you can not only taste wines from all over the world, but also food from food trucks. All this, of course, with good music played by local DJs.
• Grachtenfestival Amsterdam: The canals of Amsterdam are calm every August, but with them, although it may seem contradictory, thousands of people also arrive. The reason? The Grachtenfestival Amsterdam, which brings together the world's best classical music artists every summer for 10 days.
• Uitmarkt: Believe it or not, the opening of the cultural season in Amsterdam takes place during the Uitmarkt in August. This festival brings together hundreds of thousands of people who flock to the more than 30 stages (scattered around the city) to listen to their favourite jazz, cabaret or even comedy artists.

Did you know that Amsterdam Pride is one of the most famous Prides in the world? It's held in the summer, so if you travel during this time of year you'll have the chance to see it for yourself. The city's venues are filled with LGTBIQ+ rainbows so that everyone feels represented and free during the days of the celebration and also the rest of the year.

My advice is to join in this celebration of equality, especially in its annual parade which, of course, takes place on the waters of the canals. But beyond this central event, the city organises talks, exhibitions, sports matches, parties... And much more, so check out the programme and enjoy the good weather and diversity.

Although practically every corner of Amsterdam celebrates Pride, if there's one place you have to go it's Zandvoort aan Zee. There are plenty of activities to take part in on this man-made beach.

Going to the beach in Amsterdam? Yes, it's possible in summer thanks to the artificial islands of IJburg. The good weather might even allow you to catch a few rays of sunshine between dips. You see, you don't need to leave the city for a refreshing day that extends into the evening, when bonfires are lit and DJs play music.

There's plenty to do on Amsterdam's urban beaches, but if you want to swim you can only go to IJburg, an avant-garde complex with a laid-back vibe that locals and tourists alike flock to on the hottest days of the summer. This neighbourhood consists of three islands, Steigereiland, Haveneiland and Rieteilanden, and the best thing is that it's only a 15-minute train ride from Central Station.

There is another beach, Strandzuid, but bathing is not allowed here, although I recommend it for watching a volleyball game or having a cocktail in a hammock.

From July to September, Amsterdam 's cinema takes to the streets, to the city's terraces and urban beaches. Not only individual screenings are organised, but also festivals lasting several days. Grab some popcorn, rent a hammock (or bring your own towel) and sit down to watch a film in the gentle Amsterdam summer breeze.

One of the best known festivals is the Pluk de Nacht, which also tours other Dutch cities. It comes to Amsterdam just before the end of the summer, where you can see more experimental films and shorts.

More modern, blockbuster films are shown at the Forest Film Festival, which is set in the city's forest. If you want to have dinner, you can book a picnic basket. A tip: don't leave after the film is over, as there's usually a party with music and drinks.

If you want to make the experience even more awesome, you can go to one of the Rooftop Movie Night events. As you might guess from the name, it's on a rooftop, so besides the movie you'll have a panoramic view of Amsterdam before your eyes.

The Netherlands is a monarchy, but you could say that in summer the "king of strawberries " is different: strawberries! Zomerkoninkjes" (literally translated as summer kings) are sweet, and even sweeter when served with ice cream or cream, something you'll see all the locals do. They are so typical that you can order them as a dessert but also on any terrace.

Although you can try Dutch strawberries in any restaurant in Amsterdam, I recommend you buy them at the Noordermarkt, the best market in the city. The vendors there have the best produce, so you'll get quality, fresh and very tasty zomerkoninkjes. Make sure you go on a Saturday, as on Mondays the market is an antiques market.

Summer is, for me, the best time to go to Amsterdam. Temperatures are mild (between 10ºC and 22ºC); never too hot, but allowing you to walk around the city without the rainy or cold weather forecast of winter in Amsterdam. In fact, there are no windchills and rainfall is minimal, reaching the lowest levels of the year.

The rest of the year it's not uncommon for it to rain in the Dutch capital, something you can easily avoid if you travel in summer. Amsterdam is always beautiful, but with the light, sunshine and mild summer weather a visit is always more pleasant.

I'm not going to lie to you, the warm but not sweltering temperatures make Amsterdam a very popular destination during the summer. This means that there will be a lot more people in the city, accommodation will be less available and prices will rise.

My advice for travelling to Amsterdam is to book flights and hotels in advance to find bargains. Similarly, if you are planning to visit Amsterdam's best museums or go on a tour, book well in advance as there is a lot of demand and capacity tends to fill up. Also keep in mind that the most popular areas, such as Amsterdam's Red Light District, will be more crowded and you won't be able to see them in the same way.

However, during the months of June, July and August the whole city is more lively and will welcome you with open arms.

What are your plans to celebrate that summer has arrived in Amsterdam? I hope my recommendations will help you choose.