Amsterdam in summer: the beach, the sea and the canals
Beach-hopping
Many hotels in Amsterdam are well connected to the North Sea – and you should make the most of this. From the city centre, you can easily get from Amsterdam to the seaside by public transport. Our tip: hop on a bus or train near your Motel One hotel in Amsterdam and head for the North Sea coast.
Zandvoort: the nearest North Sea beach to Amsterdam
Even the journey from Amsterdam to Zandvoort gives you a glimpse of why the town is one of the Netherlands’ most popular seaside resorts. In less than an hour, you’ll swap cobblestones for sand beneath your feet. The ‘Pearl by the Sea’ offers safe swimming, a chance to relax in the beach pavilions and beach parties in the evening. You can reach the beach in around 40 minutes by public transport. If you prefer, you can take a taxi from Amsterdam to Zandvoort – it’s quicker, but costs considerably more. If you’re travelling by car, you’ll find parking in Zandvoort. The coastal town is also well connected when it comes to e-mobility.
Bloemendaal aan Zee: a natural paradise by the sea
As the journey takes a little longer, it’s a bit quieter here. Even so, it’s not far from Amsterdam to Bloemendaal aan Zee – you can get there by public transport in about an hour. Bloemendaal is surrounded by nature. The route to the beach takes you through the idyllic Zuid-Kennemerland National Park.
Wijk aan Zee: a surfing spot on the North Sea
Those keen on sport can travel a little further up the coast. The widest sandy beach in the Netherlands is ideal for beach sports. The seaside resort is regarded as one of the best surfing spots on the North Sea. Anyone wanting to try their hand at surfing will even find a surf school there.
Noordwijk aan Zee: A day at the beach after a long journey
If you want to drive from Amsterdam to the coast, you can reach Noordwijk in about 40 minutes – the journey takes considerably longer by public transport. But even if you take the train from Amsterdam to the North Sea, it’s well worth the trip. The beach is particularly idyllic and has been named one of the world’s most beautiful beaches by National Geographic.
Canals, Marineterrein and NDSM: a quick way to cool off in Amsterdam
If you’d like to experience the water right in the city centre, you can take a boat trip along the canals or hire a pedal boat. You can go for a swim at the Marineterrein, about a ten-minute walk from Motel One. There’s a cordoned-off swimming area in the canal there. You’ll find a combination of water, culture and enjoyment on a trip to the NDSM shipyard. This former industrial site is now home to bars, restaurants, galleries and street art. You can get there by taking a free ferry from behind the main railway station.
Bonus tip: cycle to the IJsselmeer
From Amsterdam to the North Sea by bike? Sure, that’s possible. But we’ve got a more relaxed idea for a cycle ride to the beach: cycle to the IJsselmeer. In less than 40 minutes, you’ll be at Blijburg Beach, a bathing beach on the inland lake. There, you can go kitesurfing, sailing, boating or simply relax.
A stop-off in Haarlem
Whichever beach you choose, make sure you stop off in Haarlem on your way to the seaside. This little town feels like a quieter, smaller version of Amsterdam and is perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Markets to browse and feast on
- Hunting for treasures: Just round the corner from Motel One Amsterdam-Waterlooplein lies the Netherlands’ oldest flea market. Established 133 years ago, it’s the perfect place for a stroll on sunny days. With over 300 stalls, there are curiosities, funny finds and beautiful items to discover.
- Feasting on street food: Amsterdam has a thriving food scene – perfect for trying out a variety of dishes. Whether it’s fish croquettes and chips by the canal, a picnic with Dutch cheese in the park or mini pancakes, known as poffertjes, in a café: summer here is all about simple pleasures.
Cooling off in parks and museums
- Green oases: Amsterdam is a green city. Many parks provide pleasant shade on hot summer’s days. The Vondelpark is the city’s best-known park; it’s centrally located and ideal for a break after a stroll through the city. The Oosterpark is quieter, where you can sometimes hear street musicians. The Amstelpark is colourful and full of flowers.
- Cool culture: If you prefer a comfortable temperature whilst also wanting to experience some culture, be sure to plan a visit to a museum, even in summer. There’s a wide choice in Amsterdam – from the Van Gogh Museum to the Rijksmuseum and the Stedelijk Museum, right through to the Anne Frank House.
Celebrate whenever the occasion arises
During the warmer months, hardly a week goes by without a street party, festival or open-air concert. Alongside free concerts in parks and open-air cinemas, these events are among the summer’s highlights:
- Open Gardens Day: Have you always wanted to know what the gardens and courtyards of the canal-side houses look like? Then the event days from 18 June to 20 June 2027 are not to be missed: houses across the city open their doors and offer a glimpse into private spaces.
- Amsterdam Pride: Amsterdam is a colourful city – and this is celebrated every year in early August. Decorated boats on the Prinsengracht and a huge party celebrate openness and tolerance.
Canal Festival: From 13 August to 22 August 2027, the classic Canal Festival takes place on the water. Enjoy musical performances on floating stages and let yourself be enchanted by classical music and jazz.
Motel One Amsterdam-Waterlooplein
The Motel One Amsterdam-Waterlooplein is centrally located and is a great base from which to explore the city. Cultural highlights meet picturesque canals here: the Rembrandt Museum is within sight and just 300 metres from the hotel. The nearest canal is right on your doorstep. And best of all: from here, you can reach the nearest sandy beach in under an hour.
