Amsterdam is the Netherlands’ most popular year-round destination, but especially in the summer, there are a lot of interesting things to see, experience, and do. Of course, it’s more fun to see the city through the eyes of a real Amsterdamer. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best things to do in Amsterdam. Download the Donkey Republic App
and start riding
Forget about canal cruises, rent your own boat
For starters, Amsterdam is of course known for its canals. A good tip is to rent your own boat instead of booking a canal cruise. That way, you can enjoy bobbing around in the city’s canals when the weather is nice. Luckily, a license is not required for a small boat! But keep an eye on the rules and enjoy the beautiful views together with some friends or throw a small party on your rented boat. And don’t forget to rent a bike with Donkey Republic! Here is a guide on how to rent a bike with Donkey Republic.
Ride a bike all along the city to Vondelpark
Of course, renting a bike in Amsterdam is the best idea to do when visiting the Dutch capital during the summer. The easiest way consists of downloading the Donkey Republic app. Find an orange bike for just one trip or make it yours for 1, 2, 3 or even 7 days thanks to special offers. That way, you’ll definitely look like a local as biking is the main mode of transportation in Amsterdam. Don’t forget to ride through the Vondelpark and stop for a drink or lunch at Vondelpark/3, a beautiful venue in the middle of the park.
Get to know the Dutch art at Museumplein
Then take your bike and ride on to Museumplein (Museum Square). The square is located between the main museums of the city and is actually one big lawn. When the weather is good, this is the ideal place to relax on the grass. You can bring a drink and a snack for a picnic, with the famous Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum in the background. After your shot of culture, sit down in one of the terrasse in the area: Blushing, Kiosk Rembrandt Van Gogh or Cobra Café are good alternatives.
Unfortunately, even in the summer, the weather in Amsterdam is not as shiny as other popular summer destinations by the Mediterranean coast.. Luckily there are still plenty of things to do. For example, visit the Rijksmuseum with the breathtaking paintings of the Dutch Masters or the Van Gogh Museum. Afterwards, have some delicious food at the Hallen. This is an old tram depot converted into an indoor place dedicated to food and drinks from all over the world. Try them all or you’ll regret it!
Refresh yourself by the canal
Many Amsterdamers love to have a drink at Marie – Brasserie sur l’eau. It’s actually the terrace on the water of the chic Hotel de l’Europe that makes it such a nice place. You can enjoy the best wines and the view over the water gives it a Dutch – Côte d’Azur vibe. Another great place to eat is at the restaurant Lion Noir on the Reguliersdwarsstraat. Tip: book a table in the beautiful courtyard garden in advance.
Stay up late to a local summer party
Lively and multicultural, Amsterdam is also known for its great dance events and parties, especially during the summer. Highly recommended are the Milkshake Festival on July 30 and 31 in Westerpark and Valtifest on September 3 on the grounds of Kaap Oost. At these dance events, you can feel the liberal and progressive vibe that the city exudes.
The great thing about Amsterdam is that the city center is quite compact and all the above-mentioned places can be easily reached by bike. Bike rental in Amsterdam is therefore widely available. At Donkey Republic you can easily rent a bike and explore Amsterdam with a Donkey bike. So enjoy your summer in beautiful Amsterdam and party, sail, and ride through this amazing city!
