Amsterdam is a great city to visit in any season, but summer is arguably the best time to go to Holland’s vibrant capital city. Whether you enjoy watching movies with film critics, exploring some of the city’s luscious recreational grounds and private gardens or checking out a music festival, Amsterdam truly is the perfect summer holiday destination.
Artis Summer Nights
Take advantage of the long summer days at Artis, Amsterdam’s zoo. On Saturdays in June, July and August, it stays open until sunset. Visitors can see the animals in the zoo’s many enclosures, plus enjoy live performances.
Amsterdamse Bos
When visiting Amsterdam in the summer, there’s truly no better place to spend sunny days than at the city’s largest recreational grounds, Amsteramse Bos. A variety of events are hosted on the grounds, in addition to the park’s many picturesque lakes and woodland areas.
Films with a View
Ever wanted to watch a movie with a professional film critic? Films with a View offers the chance to do just that. On Tuesdays from June to August, take a trip to a riverside terrace for film screenings. Pllek, the organisation in charge of the event, is known to invite local film writers and other industry experts to these events, where they sometimes share their favourite movies or introduce the upcoming show.
Pride
Celebrate Pride Amsterdam-style during this week-long festival like no other. The city’s celebration of gay pride involves massive street parties, open air cinemas and a canal parade that lasts an entire afternoon.
Open Garden Days
Visitors looking for some tranquillity amidst all the excitement should check out Open Garden Days. Amsterdam’s canal belt is home to these gorgeous gardens – some built as far back as the seventeenth century – and once a year, these idyllic properties are open to the public.
Pitch
While Amsterdam hosts many electronic music festivals each year, Pitch is one of the highlights. Focusing on mainstream electronic dance music, the festival features performances by a variety of both Dutch and international artists.
Hortus Festival
If classical music is more your style, don’t miss out on this festival of chamber music that takes place in botanical gardens across the Netherlands. The Hortus Botanicus gardens in the Plantage neighbourhood hosts Amsterdam’s events, where visitors can take in the delightful sights and smells of the nursery’s plants while listening to a variety of contemporary classical performances.
How to Get There
While on holiday, you can maximize time spent in the city and minimize stress by flying directly to Amsterdam. Airport transport options are available to whisk you off to your accommodation – or right to the city centre to begin sight-seeing if you so choose. To make the most out of your time in Amsterdam, airport transport can be booked in advance, so there is nothing to worry about upon arrival in the city.
Holland’s capital city has a lot on offer year-round, but Amsterdam comes alive with an exciting variety of unique events during the summer. Whether you fancy strolling through lavish private gardens, checking out local music festivals or enjoying the last bit of the sun with zoo animals, Amsterdam truly is the perfect summer holiday destination.
Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct, the number one provider of shared and private airport transfers in various countries across the globe. If you’re looking for affordable Amsterdam airport transport, Lukas and his colleagues can make sure that you and your luggage get to and from the airport swiftly and safely.
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