An Insider’s Guide To Amsterdam In Summer

The moment the sun shines in the Netherlands, the locals flock outdoors. Whether they're sipping drinks on a terrace, riding along the canals by boat, swimming in the Amstel, lounging in a windowsill with a good book, catching the train to the beach, or browsing an open-air market, the Dutch embrace the outdoors. It’s no wonder so many canal houses are lined with benches — sunny days are meant to be lived outside. In summer, an easygoing bliss sweeps through Amsterdam, transforming the city. Here are a few of my favorite spots around Amsterdam, helping you experience the city like a true local this summer.

Carmen Guesthouse

There’s a special kind of comfort that comes from stepping into Carmen Guesthouse—a place that instantly feels like a well-loved home filled with thoughtful details and quiet charm. The two mid-17th-century canal houses are in the heart of Amsterdam, one is the guesthouse while the other holds a carefully curated boutique and an inviting kitchen. Originally purchased by the owner Joris’s grandmother in the 1980s, she transformed the houses by replacing ornate period flourishes with clean, modernist lines—a vision that still defines the space today. After nearly three decades living there, Joris and his wife Carmen returned from London to reimagine the property, preserving its heritage while infusing their creative touch. The guesthouse opened in early 2022, offering a rare blend of historic character and contemporary warmth. Later that year, the boutique and cafe followed, inviting guests to pause in the garden or uncover handpicked treasures. What truly sets Carmen Guesthouse apart is the feeling it evokes — It’s personal, it’s intimate, and it’s everything you didn’t know you needed in a city getaway.

Carmen Guesthouse offers two private en-suite rooms: the Big Room on the first floor, where original wooden fixtures from the 1980s add character and warmth, and the Standard Room below, a cozy, inviting retreat. Each space is thoughtfully designed to provide both comfort and a heartfelt connection to the home’s rich heritage. With only two rooms, staying at Carmen Guesthouse is an intimate, personal experience—it’s as if you’re truly living in the heart of a cherished canal house.

Guests can enjoy a range of inviting shared spaces designed for comfort and connection. The reading room, with its stunning view of the canals, offers a peaceful retreat for quiet moments. The lounge features a cozy fireplace and transforms into a cinema on rainy days, with a screen descending over the window and a projector bringing the space to life.

On the lower level, the shared kitchen opens to a tranquil garden that links the two canal houses. Stocked with complimentary drinks, the kitchen is perfect for preparing meals or hosting intimate dinners during your stay. This seamless blend of homely charm and thoughtful amenities ensures guests feel right at home while immersing themselves in the magic of Amsterdam.

Guests are invited to wander through the garden in the morning to reach the adjoining house, which hosts the boutique and café, Carmen Kitchen. Perfect for breakfast or a relaxed bite, the café has limited indoor seating, but during summer, the garden becomes a charming outdoor dining spot. It's one of my top places for catching up with a friend over lunch—and the chocolate cake is simply unmissable.

The connecting boutique, shaped by Carmen’s deep roots in fashion, features a thoughtfully curated collection of clothing, accessories, and home goods from both international and Dutch designers. Whether it be to shop, eat, or sleep, Carmen Amsterdam is a seamless blend of personal heritage, exquisite design, and modern hospitality. It offers an intimate, stylish experience that celebrates a rich Amsterdam history while embracing contemporary creativity.

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Sun and Swim

Het Eikenhout: A sprawling pier in the Houthavens with built-in sunbeds invites you to bask in the sun for an entire day. Steps away lies a public swimming area, perfectly positioned in front of The July Hotel, with an outside terrace restaurant, Vessel, where you can also lounge and enjoy the views of Het Eikenhout's bustling dock. In the summer, the scene comes alive with locals anchoring their boats, diving into the water, and turning the area into a vibrant hotspot for swimming and socializing

Amstel River: Along the Amstel River, which divides De Pijp and Oost, there’s a beloved spot where locals gather to swim, sunbathe, moor their boats, and soak up the sun on nearby terraces. Early mornings bring a quieter scene, with dedicated swimmers and rowers gliding by from the nearby rowing club. For the perfect day, take a refreshing dip and then unwind with a drink at Bam Boa.

Binnenhaven Marineterrerin: The Binnenhaven at the Marineterrein has always been a go-to for in-the-know locals seeking a cool, urban swim. As of April 2025, it’s officially earned its title as Amsterdam Centrum’s first designated swimming spot, celebrated for its pristine water quality and city-smart upgrades. There are two saunas at the swimming spot by Kuuma°, a Nordic-inspired BJØRK and Japanese-style MATSU. Both perfectly positioned by the water for a refreshing swim after. Sessions are €15 for 75 minutes, providing a tranquil escape in the city.

Open Air Markets

Every Saturday morning, Noordermarkt in the heart of Amsterdam’s Jordaan buzzes with life, drawing both locals and visitors. The market is filled with fresh produce, artisanal goods, and handmade crafts filling the stalls, while nearby cafes offer the ideal place to sit back and people-watch. For a true taste of Amsterdam, don’t miss grabbing a bite from the local food stalls, whether it's creamy Dutch cheese or a freshly baked pastry.

IJ-Hallen is Europe's largest flea market, transforming the former NDSM shipyard in Amsterdam Noord into a vibrant market with over 700 stalls. You can expect to find anything from vintage clothing, furniture, and collectables. The market is held over select weekends which you can find here. There is a lively atmosphere around the market with food trucks and sometimes live music. Admission is €6 for adults, with early bird tickets available for €10, granting access from 6:00 AM. Public transport is recommended, with a free ferry departing from behind Amsterdam Central Station to the NDSM Wharf.

On Wednesdays, Haarlemmerplein transforms into Boerenmarkt, a compact farmer’s market brimming with organic produce, fresh flowers, and artisanal products. It’s an ideal midweek stop for picking up biodynamic cheeses or handmade bread straight from the source. Perfect for those who crave a touch of countryside charm in the heart of the city and one of the best places to pick up produce and cheese for a picnic.

Day at the Beach

In only 30 minutes from Amsterdam, you’ll find yourself at the beach, lined with a strip of lively beach clubs. Our top pick is République, where you can rent a sunbed for the day, granting you access to both the restaurant and terrace for a laid-back lunch. While Dutch beach clubs operate year round, summer is when they truly come alive — with vibrant evening parties and relaxing day lounging. The beaches can get crowded, so it’s a good idea to book ahead.

Breakfast and Bakery

The Boeren bread (which translates to farmer’s bread) from Fort Negen is the closest I’ve found to my beloved Country Bread from San Francisco’s Tartine since moving to the Netherlands. Fort Negen has an impressive selection of sourdough and pastries. Founded by Maarten, a former baker at the renowned Restaurant De Kas, the bakery emphasizes natural fermentation and high-quality flour, producing sourdough loaves with a signature dark crust and a moist, flavorful crumb. There is almost always a line, but don’t let that discourage you. It will be worth it and moves very quickly.

Salvo Bakehouse is a contemporary Italian bakery in Amsterdam-West with a new location, Salvo Basement on Keizersgracht. Their signature maritozzi—soft, sweet buns filled with rich cream—are a must try, alongside other favorites like pistachio custard cornetti and tiramisu. The space is sleek and modern, with a grab and go culture, though limited seating is available.

The thoughtfully curated canteen, food design studio, and shop, Oficina, in Amsterdam-West feels like a hidden gem for those in the know. Co-founded by Zana Josipovic and Naiara Sabandar, the space blends minimalist design with a seasonal, vegetable-focused menu that’s both fresh and inventive, drawing on Basque and Moluccan influences.

Lunch

Saint Jean Deli is the savory counterpart to the renowned Saint-Jean Bakery (and across the street). This plant-based deli offers a variety of freshly baked ciabattas, sandwiches, and weekly changing dishes, complemented by a selection of natural wines and specialty coffee. With its focus on savory vegan fare, Saint-Jean Deli provides a delightful experience for those seeking flavorful plant-based options for a light and healthy lunch. The deli also features a curated selection of pantry essentials and home goods, including their signature house-made granola.

Amsterdam Noord's Bacalar is a taqueria where Chef Joachim de Buck, formerly of Coba, reinvents Mexican street food with bold flavors and elevated techniques. The menu spotlights tacos crafted with organic purple corn tortillas, filled with inventive combinations like tender octopus with peanut and avocado or blood sausage paired with mango-habanero salsa.

Café Restaurant Metro in Amsterdam Noord is a vibrant culinary destination where Chef Rients de Jong showcases the best of seasonal, locally inspired cuisine. In the summer you’ll find the outdoor pizza oven blazing and the terrace fills up quickly. To complement the seasonal flavors, Metro offers a thoughtfully curated selection of natural wines, alongside non-alcoholic and botanical wines infused with herbs, designed to pair beautifully with the ever-changing seasonal menu. The in-house bakery, known for its exceptional sourdough and focaccia, adds another layer of charm, drawing locals each morning for freshly baked bread and pastries.

Coffee and Matcha

Nestled on the corner in Amsterdam’s Jordaan, TOKI is a minimalist café where Japanese simplicity meets Scandinavian chic. The interior is filled with Marmoreal terrazzo surfaces by British designer Max Lamb, a moss-green canvas sofa by LA-based Stephen Kenn, and a bamboo counter that adds warmth to the space. TOKI's menu reflects the same international flair, serving Berlin's Bonanza Coffee, teas from Brooklyn's Bellocq Tea Atelier, and pastries from local patisserie Petit Gâteau. I always order one of the cakes - mostly between chocolate and banana, depending on my mood.

Where matcha and design blend seamlessly together. Lera is one of the newest matcha cafes in the Pijp neighborhood, designed by architect Ekaterina Shcheblykina of Berlin-based air.atelier. Offering ceremonial-grade matcha from Japan's Uji and Kagoshima regions, alongside specialty coffees and matcha-infused pastries, this is my top recommendation for those either curious or serious about matcha.

Drinks

My go to answer when asked, “Where do you want to grab a drink?”. Cafe Twee Prinsen mixes the cozy charm of a traditional Amsterdam brown café with a sleek, modern wine bar, highlighted by warm wood accents. In the summer, there are canal-facing seats along the exterior and a small terrace right next to the water—perfect for watching locals zip by on their bikes and boats drift past on the canals. The bar serves a curated selection of organic and biodynamic wines, including sparkling options and pet-nats.

Glouglou, a cozy natural wine bar in De Pijp offering a curated selection of organic and biodynamic wines, many of which are available by the glass. The atmosphere is laid back, with an outdoor terrace that quickly fills up in the summer and candlelit tables indoor at night. They have a small menu, but the provisions are excellent - we always look forward to the escargot.

Dinner

Tannay is a beautifully refined yet effortlessly relaxed fine dining experience. In a corner house between Prinseneiland and Bickerseiland the restaurant is tucked away while still in Amsterdam’s historic heart. Chef Thomas Demuth honors his Burgundy upbringing with a menu steeped in tradition and nostalgia—dishes like wild duck en croûte, hare à la royale, and beetroot with Nantua sauce evoke the flavors of his childhood in the village of Tannay. The wine list is equally personal, featuring selections from his father’s vineyard, Coteaux de Tannay — don’t miss the Melon de Bourgogne, a particular favorite of the chef. The serene waterfront terrace overlooks a charming canal bridge linking the islands to the city, making it a perfect backdrop for a leisurely, memorable meal.

CUE is redefining dining on Utrechtstraat, seamlessly blending fine dining with immersive sound. Guided by the expertise of Chef George Kataras and Sommelier Mohamed Aous, the tasting menu artfully marries Japanese-inspired techniques with global influences, delivering standout dishes that exemplify precision and creativity at its finest.

In the restaurant's sound bar, CUE’s cocktail program is a true innovation hub, featuring an in-house lab where skilled mixologists craft bespoke ingredients and techniques that transform each drink into a sensory masterpiece. This commitment to mixology elevates every cocktail beyond a simple drink, perfectly complementing the sound bar’s authentic atmosphere. Designed by Gwen Hoopman, the intimate and minimalist space draws inspiration from Japanese listening bars, creating an immersive backdrop for an unforgettable dining experience paired with curated cocktails and the perfect soundtrack.

Calisto feels like a piece of Rome in Amsterdam’s Jordaan. Chef Stefano Orofino brings seasonal Italian flavors to life, with handmade pastas and indulgent bites like focaccia and crispy aubergine croquettes. The cozy, candlelit space is perfect for an evening of authentic Roman comfort food with a chic, laid-back interior.

Io, Mammeta e Tu is a tiny shop with a rustic interior and a massive pizza oven that instantly transports you to Naples. With just two small tables inside and a bench outside, most of their service is takeaway. This is my go to for dinner on the boat while riding around the canals or sitting by the water after a summer swim.

Tucked off a side street of the Utrechtstraat, Laan Amsterdam feels like a hidden treasure chest of archival vintage. Laan curates a broad range of garments and accessories from designers who have shaped the fashion landscape over the last decades. In addition to its retail offerings, Laan maintains an archive of garments available for professional styling or rental inquiries.

Housed in a beautifully restored former butcher shop, Edible Treasures is a seamless blend of boutique, café, and library. It’s the kind of place where every detail feels considered, making it one of my go-to spots for finding thoughtful gifts for those who live to entertain. From artisanal pantry staples to handpicked cookbooks and elegant tableware, everything here inspires a sense of timeless hospitality

Extreme Cashmere is an Amsterdam based label reimagining luxury knitwear with a focus on inclusivity and timeless design. Their unisex, one-size-fits-all pieces are crafted from high-quality Mongolian cashmere, incorporating elastane for added comfort and adaptability. By blending classic aesthetics with modern functionality, Extreme Cashmere offers versatile garments that are guaranteed to become a staple in your closet. They have a new store on the Utrechtstraat with complimentary cashmere cleaning services if you are worried about washing your garments at home.

Archive 1906 is a curated vintage boutique that offers a refined selection of designer clothing and accessories. Founded by David Visser, the store began as a passion project refurbishing vintage sunglasses under the name Slippy Shades. There is a huge selection of vintage sunglasses which you are able to customize to any color lenses you prefer.

ENSŌ Vintage is a standout in Amsterdam’s vintage scene, offering a curated collection of designer and upcycled pieces that blend timeless aesthetics with sustainable practices. Their selections, sourced from Italy and Spain, feature natural materials like silk, linen, and leather, and include unique items such as reimagined trench coats and wrap shirts. Some of my favorite pieces are their upcycled garments that encapsulate the founders' creativity and fresh perspective on sustainable fashion.

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