Visiting Amsterdam in July is like stepping into a dream. Just picture yourself lazing around while discovering all the hidden gems of this city under a mild summer sun that ranges from 16 to 22 degrees Celsius. In July, Amsterdam becomes an explosion of art, culture, and life itself — streets are filled with vibrant festivals and thought-provoking cultural events that will leave you buzzing with contagious energy long after your visit ends. If you’re looking for the ultimate summer vacation packed with history, adventure, and positive vibes, then look no further there are lots of things to do in Amsterdam in July!
Why Amsterdam in July is a Great Time to Visit?
Weather in July: With its long days and comfortable temperatures, July offers the perfect climate for exploring outdoor sites and charming neighborhoods throughout the city.
Floral Beauty: Bursting at the seams with brilliant blooms more vibrant than ever before against an already stunning landscape, it’s no wonder naturalists flock to Amsterdam’s world famous flower markets and botanical gardens during this time of year!
Cultural Events and Things: With a number of summer activities celebrating some aspect of our rich cultural heritage, such as Pride Amsterdam or Grachtenfestival (Canal Festival), there is never a dull moment when it comes to cultural events in town this month.
Outside Dining: From cozy cafes spilling out onto streets lined with canals to delightful harbor-side eateries serving up delicious Dutch cuisine against a backdrop of boats bobbing lazily on still waters – where better could one hope for enjoying al fresco eating than beautiful sunny AMS?
Canal Exploration: Why not take advantage of these old buildings along those famous waterways by hopping aboard one of those canal tours that run all day every hour during July; they say there’s nothing quite like seeing things from another angle…
Things to Do in Amsterdam in July: Outdoor Activities
1. Cycling: Amsterdam’s vast network of bike lanes makes cycling a popular method to see the city and the surrounding countryside.
2. Boating: Take a boat trip or hire one to see Amsterdam’s well-known canals and rivers.
3. Picnicking: To eat outside, pack a picnic and head to one of Amsterdam’s many parks, such as Westerpark or Vondelpark.
4. Outdoor markets: For fresh vegetables, flowers, and handcrafted items, peruse Amsterdam’s several outdoor markets, including the Albert Cuypmarkt and the Noordermarkt.
5. Outdoor events: For live music and entertainment in the great outdoors, see Amsterdam’s summer event and festival program.
6. Hiking: For a change of pace from the city, go hiking in one of the neighboring natural areas, like the Amsterdamse Bos.
7. Outside eating: Take lunch outside at one of Amsterdam’s numerous cafes and restaurants and take in the scenery.
8. Beach day: Spend a day enjoying the sun, sand, and sea at one of the neighboring beaches, including Zandvoort or Bloemendaal aan Zed.
9. Rooftop bars: Sipping a drink at one of Amsterdam’s rooftop bars, take in expansive views of the city.
10. Outdoor Yoga: Take a class in an outdoor area or park in Amsterdam for a restorative and revitalizing workout in the fresh air.
Visit Vondelpark
Vondelpark is the largest and most famous park in Amsterdam. It covers 120 acres of green space with ponds and winding paths. Features include an open-air theatre, colorful flower beds, and a peaceful walk among tall trees.
Sculptures, kids’ playgrounds, and cafes where you can grab a bite or a cold drink are also scattered throughout the park. It’s the perfect spot for a lazy day spent reading a book, having a picnic, or just soaking up the sun.
Explore the Amsterdam Canals
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the canals are an integral part of what makes Amsterdam so charming. More than 100km of them cut through the city, lined with historic buildings, quaint bridges, and houseboats.
Take a guided canal tour to see panoramic views of the city while learning about its history and architecture. Alternatively, wander through the canal streets, taking in their unique gabled houses and the lively atmosphere of cafes and shops along the water.
Rent a bike and cycle around the city
One of the must-do things in Amsterdam is cycling. The visitor can hire a bicycle to explore the less touristy places and discover some local gems on his way around Amsterdam, as it has so many bike paths throughout the city.
This will enable him or her to visit interesting sites such as the Rijksmuseum and Anne Frank House while biking along scenic canals, which also provide an opportunity to stop by charming little coffee shops for a cup of coffee. Cycling is not only safe but also easy; therefore, it presents itself as the best way to directly embrace the cultural peculiarities of this vibrant city.
Discover the Best Cultural Experiences
Visit Anne Frank House
A visit to the Anne Frank House during the summer can be moving and informative. As July is a busy month for tourists, it’s a good idea to reserve tickets early in order to avoid lengthy queues. You will learn about Anne Frank’s touching life story while exploring the rooms of the Secret Annex where she and her family concealed themselves from Nazis during World War II.
Get to know more facts about this terrible event in human history – the Holocaust; also, reflect on what importance the diary of Anne Frank has till these days. Take your time admiring such an important historical artefact and soaking in its ambiance.
Van Gogh Museum
The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam showcases works by Vincent van Gogh and his contemporaries. Iconic pieces like ‘The Bedroom’, ‘Sunflowers’, ‘Irises’ and ‘Almond Blossom’ demonstrate Van Gogh’s unique style and contribute significantly to his celebrity as an artist. Check out the museum’s website closer to when you plan on going as there may be temporary exhibits or events related to July exhibitions. The museum frequently presents special exhibitions that explore other artists who were influenced by Vincent van Gogh alongside their own life and work.
Attend Open Air Concerts and Festivals in July
Get to know the things to do in Amsterdam’s music scene in July, with festivals and outdoor concerts featuring different genres and performances.
Shows: Watch bands, local musicians, and international performers bring live music to the lively atmosphere of these events.
Take in the Scenery: Listen to music and join in celebrations outdoors under the open sky where you can feel the crowd’s excitement.
Cultural Diversity: Discover different traditional and contemporary influences within the music industry through these events.
Sense of Community: Bond with fellow festival attendees and music lovers as you make memories together.
Food and Drink Recommendations for Amsterdam in July
- Kibbeling, fried fish pieces, and haring (raw herring) are sold by street vendors.
- Albert Cuyp Market or Noordermarkt are the best places for seasonal fruits, fresh cheeses and stroopwafels.
- For an amazing summer dinner near the water, visit De Kas or Wilde Zwijnen restaurants.
Enjoy a Canal-side Dining Experience in Amsterdam’s
Canalside eating is one of the most fun things to do in Amsterdam. Along the beautiful canals are a number of restaurants where you can enjoy excellent food and enjoy the quaint atmosphere of the city’s waterways. Try some regional fare and take in the distinctive atmosphere that Amsterdam’s canals offer while dining.
Festivals in Amsterdam in July
Canalside dining is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Amsterdam. The city’s beautiful canals are lined with restaurants where you can have great food and enjoy the charming atmosphere of its waterways. Taste some local dishes while sitting back in Amsterdams’ canal houses.
The Milkshake Festival
Among lots of things to do in Amsterdam, in July, the city turns into a bustling festival metropolis. This month, there are culinary events, music festivals, and cultural celebrations for everybody’s taste. One of the highlights is the Milkshake Festival.
Location: Traditionally, Westerpark hosts the Milkshake Festival in the center of Amsterdam. For up-to-date information, please visit the official festival website as exact dates might change each year.
Music & Acts: This festival features pop and hip-hop music, electronic dance music, and many other genres. International DJs and artists entertain the crowd with energetic sets. In addition to music, drag shows, interactive performances, and various art installations will be spread across the festival grounds.
Style Guide & Themes: In addition to unique artistic expression through clothing and costumes, the Milkshake event stands out by its dress code policy, which allows visitors maximum freedom when choosing outfits they want to wear during these days… Sometimes referred to as “anything goes,” this policy gives people the opportunity to show off their individuality and creativity.
Pro Tip: Get tickets online through the official Milkshake festival website. Here, organizers care about accessibility first, so all necessary information regarding facilities for disabled persons will be provided, ensuring that everyone can fully enjoy this fantastic event!
Day Trip to Explore Amsterdam in July
Are you trying to come up with interesting day outings if you’re visiting Amsterdam in July? Please find below some really good options to look into:
1. Explore Keukenhof’s Vibrant Gardens Even After Tulip Season
While the famous tulips at Keukenhof typically finish blooming by May, these world-renowned gardens in Lisse offer a spectacular display of summer blooms in July. Wander through the meticulously landscaped grounds featuring over 7 million bulbs of colorful flowers like roses, dahlias, begonias, and many more. The vividly colored flowerbeds and shaded walkways provide a serene escape into nature just 25 miles from Amsterdam.
2. Step Back in Time at the Traditional Dutch Village of Zaanse Schans
No Amsterdam day trip is complete without visiting the iconic windmill village of Zaanse Schans. This open-air museum transports you back to the 18th and 19th centuries with historic wooden houses, working windmills, artisan workshops, stores, restaurants, and museums. Learn about traditional Dutch crafts like wooden clog making and cheese making and see how a cargo shipment used to be unloaded in this faithfully preserved village.
3. Discover the Charming City of Haarlem’s Historic Highlights
Just a 15-minute train ride from Amsterdam, the city of Haarlem feels worlds away with its relaxed vibe, cobblestone streets, and beautiful architecture dating back to the 13th-century Dutch Golden Age. Don’t miss top attractions like the Grote Kerk Cathedral, Frans Hals Museum, Teylers Museum, and Molen de Adriaan windmill. Relax at an outdoor cafe along the Grote Markt square, surrounded by gabled buildings.
4. Explore Utrecht’s Medieval Centre and Scenic Canals
The picturesque city of Utrecht makes an ideal day trip destination from Amsterdam to experience Dutch city life. Rent a bike or take a guided walking tour to see the iconic Domtoren Tower, historic canals, museums, boutique shops, and outdoor cafes. Be sure to visit the stunning Gothic cathedral and tour the delftware factories. The Oudegracht is one of the most scenic canals lined with wharf cellars and terraces.
5. Taste Authentic Dutch Cheese in the Village of Gouda
Famous for its namesake cheese, the village of Gouda is a delightful day trip just under an hour from Amsterdam. Explore the charming historic center filled with Old Dutch Renaissance architecture like the decorated city hall. Visit a local cheese farm, sample artisanal gouda cheese, and learn about the traditional cheese-making process. Don’t miss seeing skilled cheese merchants at the weekly cheese market held every Thursday morning.
6. Pedal Through the Quintessential Dutch Countryside on a Cycling Tour
With its flat landscape and scenic countryside, one of the best ways to experience the Dutch culture around Amsterdam is by cycling tour. Rent a bike or join a guided cycling tour to pedal along serene canals and rivers through charming villages with historic windmills, farms, and flowering meadows. Bike trails range from easy, family-friendly routes to more strenuous paths for active cyclists.
Don’t just stay in Amsterdam this July! These diverse day trips offer enriching cultural experiences to truly immerse yourself in the rich history and traditions of Holland. From bustling cities to rural countryside escapes, there is something for every interest just a short journey from the Dutch capital.
Nightlife Attraction in Amsterdam in July
The most popularly known things to do in Amsterdam in July for its spirited and diverse nightlife; Amsterdam offers a plethora of entertaining events and activities in July to both locals and tourists alike. Whether you are into live music, dancing until dawn, or simply relaxing with a drink in hand, the city has something for everyone this summer month.
Performance Halls
Amsterdam boasts numerous live music venues that cater to a wide variety of musical tastes. From massive concert halls hosting shows by global stars to cozy little jazz clubs featuring performances by local artists – there is always something going on here. Paradiso, Melkweg, and Bimhuis are particularly worth visiting in July.
Rooftop Bars & Outside Spaces
Thanks to warm weather and long sunny evenings in July, rooftop bars and other outdoor drinking spots become especially appealing. Enjoying panoramic views of the city while sipping on your favorite beverage is truly priceless. Some of such places include Skylounge Amsterdam, Canvas at Volkshotel, or NEMO Rooftop Terrace, where you can also find quiet corners shielded from bustling streets below.
Night Markets & Food Trucks
If you’re into exotic food or just need some late-night snacks – Amsterdam’s food trucks and night markets are definitely worth checking out! You can find many different international cuisines represented here, so there is something to satisfy any craving. Rollende Keukens food truck festival or Foodhallen indoor food market should be on top of your list if hungry after dark
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are lots of things to do in Amsterdam in July. It boasts lively cultural events such as Pride Amsterdam and Grachtenfestival, a warm sunny climate ideal for outdoor activities, and museums that are not overcrowded yet very informative. The open-air concerts with diverse music genres should not pass you by, nor should the Milkshake Festival, among other festivals. Get to know the city better by cycling around it or taking canal cruises while having your meals on the banks of these canals. Do something exciting; create memories through adventures, cultural exchanges, and positive vibes during this month of July in Amsterdam!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Amsterdam worth visiting in July?
Yes, Amsterdam is worth visiting in July. The weather is pleasant, and various events and festivals take place during this time.
What to wear in Amsterdam in July?
In July, it’s recommended to wear light and breathable clothing due to the warm weather. Don’t forget to bring a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings.
