Summer in Amsterdam: Tips to Cool Down in Hot Weather

When temperatures rise in Amsterdam, it’s time to share the best ways to cool down. We’ve gathered our favorite spots for you, from a relaxing canal cruise to the best ice cream shop in the city.

Summer in Amsterdam is almost here, and with this fantastic end to spring, we’ve already had a taste of what’s to come. Temperatures have been above 25 degrees Celsius for more than a week and a half now, which is lovely, but let’s be honest: how do we Amsterdammers deal with the heat? Since the weather in the Netherlands is just as unpredictable as the NS train schedule, we’re constantly faced with the challenge of adapting to Mother Nature’s whims. To help you prepare for these tropical temperatures, here are the best places in Amsterdam to cool down.

The best tips for cooling down in Amsterdam

Dive into this blog and discover the best places in Amsterdam to cool down.

|1| Canal cruise through Amsterdam

Escape the summer heat on a cruise through Amsterdam’s canals! Step aboard a luxury open boat or a beautiful saloon boat and cruise past the city’s most famous sights. Order a refreshing drink from the fully stocked onboard bar. If you’d rather avoid the blazing sun, an evening cruise on a warm summer night is the perfect option. Sit back, relax and enjoy a romantic cruise through the Amsterdam canals.

|2| Best ice cream shop in Amsterdam

Treat yourself to an ice cream from Monte Pelmo while strolling through the idyllic streets of the Jordaan. Don’t be put off by the long queue: one or two scoops of their homemade ice cream are more than worth the wait.

|3| SUP through the Amsterdam canals

For a refreshing activity on the water, rent a SUP board. SUP stands for Stand Up Paddling, which means paddling while standing upright on a surfboard. Rent a SUP board from one of Amsterdam’s rental companies, such as Canal SUP. Explore the Amsterdam canals from their location in Amsterdam-West, or, if you’d prefer to avoid the crowds while improving your SUP skills, their Houthavens location is an ideal choice.

|4| Summer terrace in Amsterdam

Take a seat on the terrace at Hannekes Boom, an absolute must-visit. Arriving by boat? No problem, as there’s plenty of space to moor your boat here. Order a drink using the QR code on the jetty and take a refreshing dip while you wait for your order.

|5| Canoeing in the Amsterdamse Bos

Spend a relaxing afternoon canoeing on the water in the Amsterdamse Bos. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and imagine yourself in a tropical mangrove as you gently paddle through Amsterdam’s beautiful natural surroundings. Bring your swimwear, as there are several swimming areas in the forest where you can cool off. An absolute must if you want to completely unwind!