Summer in Amsterdam between canals and festivals

It is no secret that Amsterdam is known as the "Venice of the North" and it has about 100 kilometers of canals that wind throughout the city. If we continue counting, it has more than 150 canals and to move through the terrain smoothly, they have more than a thousand bridges. Undoubtedly, it is one of the most magical cities in the world and every visitor who falls in love at first sight admits that.  In summertime, Amsterdam is full of life and all Amsterdammers take advantage of the sun's rays. To make your trip a marvel, pay attention to the following places to visit during summer in Amsterdam.

What to do during summer?

Like everywhere else in the world, the arrival of summer upsets people who have been holding out all year to be able to go out in short sleeves and enjoy the good weather. During summer, Amsterdam is the capital of festivals, canals and outdoor activities. The key is to know which ones are the best and enjoy every second of them. 

Attend Awakening Summer festival and Grachtenfestival

If you visit Amsterdam during summer, you can't miss the Awakening Festival and Grachtenfestival. 

The Awakening Summer Festival is ideal for releasing all your stress listening to techno music, soaking up some sun and dancing to the beats of the DJs. No wonder it is one of the most famous events of the year, as it attracts international renowned musicians. 

On the other hand, if you really want to see the canals and you are a fan of classical music, we recommend you attend the Grachtenfestival in particular. This festival transforms the canals into magical floating stages for a week in August. You can enjoy a monumental show of classical music with open-air events. 

Stroll through the beautiful Jordaan neighborhood

Jordaan is a beautiful area of Amsterdam that adjoins the Prinsengracht. It has stood out as one of the most striking neighborhoods in the whole city because it has canals and streets that look like replicas of other more main streets. However, the interesting thing about walking along these roads is that they are narrow but convey a cozy feeling. 

During the 17th century, while the main canals were for the wealthy, Jordaan was the affordable alternative. It attracted immigrants, with a special interest in French Protestant refugees. Although initially considered a ghetto, in the 1980s and 1990s, government and private investments were made to bring out its hidden potential. Today, we recommend that if you are a fashion and boat lover, you need to head to Jordaan for some of the city's best looks in a bohemian atmosphere. 

Of all the canals in this neighbourhood, the best known is the Bloemgracht for having a very picturesque style, along with bridges that are decorated with flowers. Undoubtedly, it is an ideal place to take that picture of Amsterdam that you have been waiting to take for so long. 

Enjoy outdoor cinema like never before

Have you ever thought you could go to the movies on the beach or on a rooftop? In Amsterdam there are no limits, so get ready to immerse yourself in an unforgettable cinematic summer! During summer in Amsterdam, people gather to take advantage of the last hours of sunshine while watching a movie with their friends. So, you can go straight to the style you are interested in. We have prepared a selection of open-air cinemas in Amsterdam for you to choose. 

● Pllek is one of the city's most famous open-air cinemas and best of all, it's actually a riverside bar! Every Tuesday it is transformed to show movies and awaken a few laughs, tears and unforgettable moments to its customers. Besides, is there a better plan than a good movie, some tasty popcorn and a refreshing cocktail? 

● Pluk de Nacht is a cinema located in Het Stenen Hoofd and is very famous for its summer nights. You can be entertained with romantic comedies, but also with horror movies to create an intimidating atmosphere. 

● Cinema at H'ART. This cinema is located in the courtyard of the H'ART Museum and transforms during August to be the biggest and most romantic of them all. We recommend you go to this cinema if you are a lover of independent films, as you will have a total of ten to choose from and, in case they are not in English, they will have subtitles. 

● The World Cinema Amsterdam. It has 4 outdoor locations and there is also one in De Balie and in Rialto. It is a cinema that is especially focused on Cuban cinema and offers you a week full of free movies under the starry sky. In addition, you can enjoy food events, music and Q&A sessions at this cultural and cinematic feast. 

Did you expect Amsterdam to have so many outdoor cinema options? It has become the perfect setting for movie lovers to enjoy the seventh art in a unique and energetic atmosphere. 

Navigate the waters of the canals on a cruise ship

If you are wondering what to do in summer in Amsterdam, there is an easy answer: go on a canal cruise. The most striking part of this city is that it always looks beautiful and, during the summer, the sun's rays peek out through the buildings that border the canals as if they were a fortress. 

Plus, the upside is that you are the one who sets the limits. You can take a short cruise or choose one that lasts all day. If you don't feel like walking too much or you would like to have a relaxing day to recover your energy, we recommend you choose one of the full day tours. There is nothing better than enjoying spectacular views of Amsterdam without lifting a finger. 

Enjoy a picnic in Vondelpark

The Vondelpark in Amsterdam is an urban paradise of more than 48 hectares that captivates locals and visitors alike. Its wide green fields, fairytale ponds and winding paths invite you to experience a picnic in an excellent environment for relaxation. We recommend that you bring a blanket to avoid staining your clothes and enjoy the atmosphere of the park under the shade of majestic trees. This Eden in the heart of the city is the perfect place to escape with your special someone and connect with nature. 

During summer you can delight yourself by eating street food

Every market lover must visit the Albert Cuyp, a feast for your senses. It has a total of 260 stalls ranging from fashion products to antiques. It is also the largest market in the Netherlands, so you are guaranteed a pass to the most authentic Dutch culinary world. Of course, you can't leave without trying the traditional pickled herring, the fried fish morsels known as kibbeling and the fluffy poffertjes. To help you organize your trip perfectly, this market is open Monday through Saturday. 

However, although the Albert Cuyp Market is a real blast, you can also try other options that are a perfect match. For example, Chris Kip, a lively street food stall located outside the Albert Cuyp Market. It specializes in chicken dishes and the place is a real spectacle. It is clear that the cheerful atmosphere is real because the people who work there are enthusiastic. You can try everything from meatballs to hot dogs or kebabs. As a recommendation, if you go hungry, the dishes are really delicious, so you can take a little bit of everything to try and not be left wanting. 

Tour the city by bicycle

Exploring Amsterdam by bike is essential for an authentic Dutch experience. Keep in mind that the city is recognized as one of the friendliest in the world for cyclists, with hundreds of kilometres of lanes just for them. We could go on all day about cycling routes because there are more than 8,000 available, but we recommend the following two. 

● Waterland (40 kilometres). This route is for experienced cyclists and starts at the Central Station. It is one of the most famous and most striking because you pass through traditional Dutch villages and natural landscapes, with highlights such as the Krijtmolen d'Admiraal windmill. 

● Amsterdam flowers (50 kilometres). One of the factors that make Amsterdam popular is its tulip-flowered fields. This route also requires stamina, but it is worth it because it is a very beautiful tour. Start at the Bloemenmarkt, the only floating flower market in the world, and continue to Vondelpark. Afterwards, you will pass by the largest flower market in the world, known as Aalsmeer. Remember that it's the sights that matter, not so much the kilometres traveled.

In everyday life in Amsterdam, cycling is commonplace. Only half a century ago, cars took the place of bicycles after World War II. Today, Amsterdam is known for having 22.8 million bicycles nationwide, of which 880,000 are in the city. This change reflects how cycling has become deeply rooted in Dutch culture and has become an essential part of urban life. So, if you were thinking what to do in summer in Amsterdam, now you have a perfect plan to enjoy a whole day.

Taste the best beers in Amsterdam

If you are a beer lover you have come to the right place because Amsterdam is a paradise in this sense. You can discover a brewery in every corner of this incredible city. However, to speed up your search, we have prepared a list of the ones we consider the best. 

● Proeflokaal Arendsnest. Delve into the world of homebrewed beers at this traditional Dutch pub on the Herengracht. You can enjoy exclusively Dutch beers from more than 50 local breweries, with a variety of more than 100 bottled beers. 

● Brouwerij Kleiburg. Embark on a unique experience at the Kleiburg Brewery, located in Bijlmer. Discover exceptional beers such as Porter Saison, Quadruple Poorter or Tripel IPA. Being more than a brewery, it is also a social enterprise that allocates part of the profits to activities that benefit the community. 

● Craft & Draft. This specialty beer venue, located in Overtoom (Oud-West), will captivate you with its 40 gleaming taps and ever-changing international selection. With over 100 bottled beers and a "to-go" option, it's the perfect place to let your senses free and explore new options. 

● Brouwerij 't IJ. This is the most famous independent brewery in Amsterdam and is located under the highest windmill in the city. The famous Zatte and Natte beers are known all over Amsterdam but tasting them in the brewery is a unique experience. During summer they open a terrace that is ideal for enjoying the good weather. Moreover, they offer tasting sessions and tours for beer lovers looking to become more experienced. 

Celebrate freedom and love at Amsterdam Queer & Pride

Amsterdam is a city that exudes freedom, so they celebrate the Amsterdam Queer & Pride. It offers you a variety of events to move your body. We recommend you take a closer look at the itinerary because the celebration could switch dates each year. However, the most outstanding event is the Reguliersdwarsstraat is Amsterdam's gay street par excellence and is illuminated during Gay Pride to offer an unbeatable festive atmosphere. This unique event fills the city with parties, street celebrations and the spectacular Gay Parade on the canals. With 80 decorated boats sailing from Oosterdok to Westerdok along the Prinsengracht, this massive event is Amsterdam's second largest. No wonder that every year it attracts thousands of excited and eager spectators. 

Summer in Amsterdam has a wide variety of activities to do to make your trip look like something out of a Hollywood movie. In addition, there is one factor that will accompany you in each of the activities and that is the architectural richness of the city, with houses from the seventeenth century that mark the boundaries between the canals.