DISCOVER THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN AMSTERDAM DURING SUMMER 2024

The days are longer, and the trees are greener - summer is here! What's better than a city trip to Amsterdam to enjoy the beautiful summer days: strolling along the canals filled with boats, eating ice cream in Dam Square, cycling through Vondelpark... Oh, but you've already done all that? No worries. We'll offer an accurate guide to the best things to do in Amsterdam in summer so that you will be energized! 

For festival enthusiasts, we've created a list of places that should please you! There's nothing better than dancing to good music while enjoying the summer sun and refreshing drinks. Festivals in Amsterdam are diverse, especially during this time! There's one every week or several times a week. We're here to help you choose what suits you best:

WILDE WEIDE FESTIVAL

The Wilde Weide Festival, from July 4-6 , 2025, at Netl de Wildste Tuin in Kraggenburg, features a diverse lineup of emerging bands and niche acts across various genres, with three live stages, two DJ stages, and a co-curated program by musicians like Donald Madjid, Sophie Straat, Suze Ijó, and Willem Smit, offering a unique blend of music and a relaxed holiday atmosphere.

UNDER THE BRIDGE

Under The Bridge Festival is coming to Spijkenisserbrug in Spijkenisse, Rotterdam, on July 5, 2025. It will feature six areas, over 35+ artists, food trucks, and a make-up and strass stand.

Amsterdam Open Air 

Get ready for an unforgettable Saturday at Amsterdam Open Air 2025! On Saturday, 7 June, Gaasperpark will become a haven for music lovers from 13:00 to 23:00, uniting fresh sounds, an electric atmosphere, and that unmistakable Amsterdam festival vibe.

This year, AOA joins forces with Dynamic Outdoor the legendary label helmed by Solomun, to deliver an elevated experience where house and techno blend seamlessly with nature. Get ready for deep grooves, powerful sets, and nonstop energy all day long.

Line-up : 

Mau P •  Solomun • Overmono • Deer Jade 

Milkshake Festival

Milkshake Festival’s Sunday edition is the grand finale of Amsterdam’s most open-minded celebration of love, freedom, and self-expression. Returning to the vibrant Westerpark for its 13th edition on the 27th of July 2025, Milkshake promises a day filled with diverse music, dazzling performances, and an atmosphere where everyone is welcome.  With nine stages hosted by a mix of international and local collectives, Sunday offers a rich tapestry of genres—from house and disco to techno, R&B, and dancehall. Expect immersive stage designs, extravagant outfits, and a community that dances to the beat of inclusivity.

Amsterdam Nightlife x LASA presents: Sunset Party

Are you ready for a tropical, Latin, beach party in paradise? The creative minds at the Latin American Student Association (LASA) and Amsterdam NightLife have teamed up to bring you an unforgettable Summer Party at the one and only Pink Beach in Amsterdam at  Meeuwenlaan 88-A, Amsterdam on the 7th of June 2025! PURO reggaeton y latin house como nos gusta.

Turn up the heat and feel the rhythm with the ultimate fusion of Latin, reggaeton, and house music — a nonstop party you won’t want to miss!

Check out more events and Festivals in our Special Events Calendar!

NOORDERLICHT 

Looking for the perfect spot to enjoy music, art, and sunshine this summer? Head to Noorderlicht Café, the creative hotspot located in Amsterdam North, where good vibes and festival energy come together.

Known for its laid-back atmosphere, colorful garden, and unbeatable city views, Noorderlicht is the place to be this summer. With many of Amsterdam’s most exciting summer festivals and events now hosted here, it’s the ideal setting to dance, relax, and make unforgettable memories.

For more information on the Noorderlicht events, visit the Special Events Calendar and choose your favorite event!

Families will love the dedicated kids' zone with fun games, face painting, and interactive workshops. For those looking to relax, there are plenty of shaded areas and picnic spots to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. As the sun sets, the festival transforms into a magical evening with light shows and dance performances.

Would you rather leave the land behind and sail the waters? That's doable, too! When you think of Amsterdam, you think of canals - it's party time on the boat! Upon arriving in Amsterdam, you'll immediately witness how lively the canals are, just like the city streets. The water isn't always calm when people are in the mood to party! If you're looking for a stylish and original way to explore the city of Amsterdam, you can do it with Supper Cruise. Supper is already well-known for its trendy hotel, elegant restaurant, and exclusive club, but it also offers a luxurious cruise with gourmet meals and a relaxing city tour! If you're looking for something more festive, check out our party calendar, as we regularly add various Special Events, and the Party Boat season is quickly approaching!

But, of course, it's not all about partying. Amsterdam is also a city for reflection, relaxation, and self-connection. Still, on the canals, you'll find Friendship Cruise, an authentic and friendly experience to be noticed during your visit to the city, especially in summer! This open boat tour allows passengers to discover the picturesque beauty of the city from the water. What truly sets Friendship Cruise apart is its warm and intimate atmosphere. The boats are of moderate size, creating a friendly atmosphere and allowing passengers to enjoy a more personal experience. Passionate local guides share fascinating stories about Amsterdam's history, culture, and iconic sights, providing a unique city perspective.

Looking for an unforgettable summer night at one of Amsterdam’s best club this weekend? Head over to Bitterzoet and get ready for a night you won’t want to miss.

Every Thursday Nightz sets the tone for the weekend at Bitterzoet, offering the best Hip-Hop, RnB, and Afro. On Friday's they offer a variety of events like Roadtrip, Rum Punch, Periodt, while Saturday's keep the energy high with parties like  Fuego and  Jiggy.-- Perfect for ending your weekend on a high note.

If you're spending your summer in the city, Bitterzoet is the go-to spot to cool off, vibe out, and enjoy the hottest nights Amsterdam has to offer.

Check out our calendar here to see the overview of all the Bitterzoet Special Events

The creative minds at WONDR Experience and Amsterdam Nightlife have teamed up to bring you an unforgettable series of summer parties at the one and only Pink Beach in Amsterdam!

Dates: July 6th (Kick-0ff), August 3rd, August 17th, August 31st, and September 7th 2025
Time: Starting from 6 PM
Dress code: Beach Party
Location: Pink Beach by WONDR, Meeuwenlaan 88-A, Amsterdam (open in Maps)

A short 8-minute trip from the city center, Pink Beach is your perfect escape to paradise without leaving Amsterdam. Join us at the one and only Pink Beach in Amsterdam for the ultimate celebration where the summer vibes never end! 

For more information & book your ticket, click here. 

If Pink Beach is too extravagant for you and you'd like to return to something more natural, we highly recommend taking a stroll in Vondelpark! It's like Amsterdam's Central Park. Whether for jogging, walking, cycling, or simply lying down and letting the sun caress your skin, this park is large enough to accommodate everyone who wants to visit! What's excellent about Vondelpark is its proximity to the city centre. Indeed, as soon as you exit the park (through the main entrance), you arrive at Leidseplein, the hotspot for trendy bars in Amsterdam. Or, if it's too early for a beer, you can quickly grab a burger at the Hard Rock Cafe nearby. It has a spacious outdoor terrace overlooking the canal. After enjoying a good meal and soaking up the last rays of sunlight, why not try your luck at the Holland Casino just across from the Hard Rock Café? Everything is conveniently located, isn't it?

But we know exactly what you want to do during the summer in Amsterdam: sit on a terrace! And you're right because Amsterdam is full of bars and cafes with outdoor seating. Here's a short list of our favorite places to sip on an Aperol Spritz or a good local beer: