Amsterdam is a city for all seasons. Come wind, rain, snow or shine, there’s always something to do and see! But never is Amsterdam more alive than in summer, when the city’s streets, canals and parks transform into a buzzing kaleidoscope of activity.
Whether you want to party all day long at a festival, lounge on the beach, explore the canals by boat, or barbecue in the park, there’s an endless choice of things to do in Amsterdam during the warmer months. Here are just a few reasons why the Dutch capital is the perfect summer destination.
Museums
- Rijksmuseum, South of Amsterdam
This museum is probably on the to-visit-list of every tourist and with a good reason: It is the most beautiful museum in Amsterdam! Comparable to the Louvre in Paris, one you must see once in your life. While you are at it, check out the Nachtwacht of Rembrandt van Rijn (1642).
Markets
- Noordermarkt, Jordaan
A flea market and farmers’ market in one, Noordermarkt’s Saturday stalls are a heaven for delicious, organic produce including honey, cheese and homemade cakes, as well as antiques, books and vintage fashion. To avoid the weekend crowds, head there on Monday morning for a second flea market – and it’s worth stopping for a comforting apple pie at the famous Winkel 43 nearby.
- The Albert Cuypmarkt, De Pijp
The largest and most popular outdoor market in the Netherlands, with 260 stands selling everything from typical Dutch treats such as raw herring or freshly made stroopwafels.
- Bloemenmarkt, City Centre
A permanent fixture in downtown Amsterdam, this floating flower market is not to be missed. Situated on a stretch of the Singel canal, Bloemenmarkt's glass houses are filled with vibrant colours and the smell of fresh flowers.
Can't wait & want your spot along the canal right now? Check out our rooms!
- Pure Markt, several locations
One of the newer markets on the scene, Pure Markt brings artisanal produce and creativity to locations in and around Amsterdam and boasts a mix of Dutch and international cuisine from Suriname roti to freshly chucked oysters. Drink it down with an organic beer served in luscious green surroundings. At Park Frankendael every last Sunday of the month or Amstelpark every second Sunday.
- Sunday Market Westergas, Amsterdam-West
Head to Westerpark for Sunday Market Westergas, where the Westergasterrein and market hall fill with stalls, food trucks, live bands and plenty of opportunities to shop for unique gifts from some of Amsterdam’s finest makers, from ceramics and affordable art to vintage fashion. Every first Sunday of the month.
Food or Dance festivals
A lot of Food Fests like Pure Markt, Kwaku Summer Festival and Funky Vegan Festival (11th of June) are happening in the city in Summer time. Just like the "you do you" celebrations like Amsterdam Gay Pride, the dance fest Milkshake. We will make another update on the dance festivals in Amsterdam in Summer. That is an article on its own ;-)
Amsterdam is home to many different museums, located in the heart of the city: the museum square. But those interested in world cultures will need to visit Amsterdam East, a little ways outside of the city center. Here the Tropenmuseum will take you on an ethnographic journey. The architecture of the museum a sight to behold, designed in the late 19th century in the neoclassical style. The inside is just as impressive, as the imposing ‘light hall’ which offers you a glimpse of all exhibitions.
Things That Matter, on the first floor, opened in 2018. Socially important objects and issues are discussed. The visitor learns about the world of today far outside of the European borders in an interactive way. A floor up, Afterlives of Slavery confronts you with the past still visible today. The stories told by the descendants of slaves are intensified by objects like a craniometer, used to measure someone’s skull to further the ideology that slaves were ‘inferior’.
But the real attraction can be found on the top floor, where a semi-permanent exhibition called What a Genderful World gives you an insight on the diversity that is gender; a hot topic in the 21st century. How are masculinity and femininity displayed in other parts of the world? What does non-binary look like? And why is there a ball pit of boobs in the middle of the room? Socially important question are raised as the Tropenmuseum invites you to expand your horizon and think about traditional roles, feminism, and gender without borders.
Linneausstraat 2, 1092 CK Amsterdam
Mon-Sun 10:00 - 17:00
Adult tickets €16,-
Kids (until 18) €8,-
Photo credits:
The light hall of Het Tropenmuseum via Het Tropenmuseum
The exterior of Het Tropenmuseum via Patrimonia
