Amsterdam in August

By Robert Heaney
Published: July 18, 2024
Rijksmuseum reflected on calm water

You’d be hard pressed to find the Dutch capital thriving more than it does in August. Seeing its largest annual throughput of tourists, the city brims with life in every way, from its bustling nightlife scene to its busy squares and huge selection of events and festivals. If you can put up with busier attractions during this time, then you’re bound to find a trip to Amsterdam in August beyond rewarding.

Visiting Amsterdam in August

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Average Temperature: 54 - 70°F • Average Rainfall: 11 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 6 hours/day

There are few periods busier for Amsterdam than summer, and August truly takes the cake. At the height of peak season, you can expect the city to be packed with families and summer vacationers, resulting in busy attractions and high accommodation prices. However, that also means you’ll get to experience the Dutch capital at its best, with its veritably electric summertime atmosphere.

Upholding the seasonal climate established in July, Amsterdam typically experiences bright, mild days throughout August. While you shouldn’t expect the heatwaves of more southern European destinations, you’re likely to spend some very pleasant days in August, ideal for exploring its iconic streets, squares and open spaces. That being said, it’s always smart to pack an umbrella, as rainfall is never unlikely in the Netherlands.

Things to Do in August

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No matter the time of year, any trip to Amsterdam would be incomplete without discovering at least some of its famous cultural hubs. Taking precedence is the emblematic Rijksmuseum towering over the Museumplein, housing a vast collection of renowned artworks and historical artifacts. Where historical insight is concerned, the Anne Frank House stands as the most potent recounting of life in the Netherlands during the Second World War.

As a city with more bicycles than people, there are few better ways to explore Amsterdam than on your very own pair of wheels. Over 470 miles of cycle paths make up the Amsterdam Bicycle Network, making for a fantastic excuse to take a more physically active approach to exploring the capital. Many bike rental stores offer daily rates somewhere in the region of €10.

There’s no better time than summer to make the most of Amsterdam’s many sprawling green spaces. The weather in August offers a perfect opportunity to take a stroll among Vondelpark’s ancient trees and stunning lakes, and grab a seat at one of its many charming park cafés. Equally, why not have a picnic in Westerpark, make the most of its live summertime events and shows, or even catch a viewing at its very own arthouse cinema?

Second only to cycling, Amsterdam’s emblematic waterways offer a uniquely alternative means of seeing the city. You can choose from a large variety of tour operators offering their own canal boat excursions, often including tours of the capital’s key landmarks accompanied by local insights into their cultural and historical significance.

Amsterdam’s nightlife scene is never better than in summer, when you can expect most bars and clubs to be brimming with life. Popular venues can be found throughout the city, but as a general rule of thumb, the old area of Jordaan is typically very popular with young people for its trendy bars. Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein are particularly popular for their club offerings, while the street of Nes often attracts more of an intellectual theater crowd.

Events in August

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Pluk de Nacht Film Festival

Mid-August is prime time for sultry evenings beneath the stars, and the Pluk de Nacht (‘Seize the Night’) film festival aims to deliver just that. This event consists of an open-air cinema premiering acclaimed independent films never before released in the Netherlands. Film lovers can grab a lazy beach chair and enjoy an evening of cinema accompanied by warm blankets and cocktails.

Grachtenfestival

Amsterdam’s Grachtenfestival, or Canal Festival, is considered one of the country’s most charming cultural events. The event brings together talented classical musicians from both around the country and abroad to perform in a 10-day classical music marathon on the city’s world-renowned canal belt.

Throughout the event, over 150 unique stages open up across private gardens, rooftop terraces, canal houses, cruise ships, hotel suites and tube tunnels. Visitors can enjoy classical music, jazz and world music concerts from international names, with many performances offered at very affordable prices or even free of charge.

Amsterdam Pride

As the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage, nobody knows how to celebrate Pride more than the Netherlands. Now a multi-day festival, Amsterdam’s Pride Festival typically attracts around half a million visitors each year in late July in celebration of equality, diversity and personal identity.

Should you happen to visit around this time, you’ll find local bars and clubs veritably thriving with festivity. Various street parties and events bring together thousands of revelers dressed in the full color spectrum to enjoy live music performances and Amsterdam’s famous Canal Parade, during which over 80 official vessels celebrate the past, present and future of the LGBT community.

Uitmarkt

Late August marks the opening of the Netherlands’ cultural season, with Uitmarkt standing as its opening act. The largest cultural festival in the country, Uitmarkt draws in over half a million visitors each year to appreciate a huge selection of performances taking place throughout the city.

Over 2,000 of the Netherlands’ best performers, musicians, actors, orchestras and filmmakers come together to perform across more than 30 venues. The full program of events is offered free of charge to the public and includes everything from classical music performances to dance demonstrations and everything in between in a show of the country’s vast cultural wealth.

De Parade

Touring the country’s five largest cities, De Parade is a traveling theater festival that transforms the open spaces of its host cities into festival venues filled with colorful carnival tents, live entertainment acts, a carousel and a variety of family activities and food stands. Beginning in Eindhoven, the event also travels to Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht before arriving at its final destination in Amsterdam.

The festival typically arrives in Amsterdam in August and offers locals and visitors alike the chance to revel in fun-filled performances and the jovial carnival atmosphere. Whether you’re a fan of theater and the circus or simply want to spend an evening exploring the event grounds accompanied by live music and delicious local delicacies, De Parade is well worth a visit.

Robert Heaney
Go City Travel Expert

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Best Pancake Houses in Amsterdam

Who doesn't love a tasty pancake? Not you, that's for sure, or you wouldn't be here reading these words. Those fluffy, sweet, tasty treats are championed in lands far and wide, including the Netherlands. So, if you're vacationing in Amsterdam, you'll want to know which are the best pancake houses in the city? Right you are, and read on to find out our picks! Including: Pancakes Amsterdam The Pancake Bakery Moak Pancakes The Breakfast Club Coffee & Coconuts and more!   Pancakes Amsterdam If you're looking for the best pancake houses in Amsterdam, why not first try one that's literally named after the city? That would be Pancakes Amsterdam, and their selection of tasty battered treats will nd easily sort your fix. Rather than sticking to the tried and tested Dutch style of pancakes, they take influences from pancake styles across the globe. That's just as true for their kitchen too, which is opened up to visitors. That way, you can see your delicious sweet treats being created in real-time, just how the gods intended. Oh, and why not indulge in a free pancake tasting session - on us, of course. You're free to choose anything from their massive selection. And, if one's simply not enough, go grab a table and tuck into many, many more.   The Pancake Bakery After nearly 50 years in the egg, flour, and butter business, it's no wonder that The Pancake Bakery has made quite the name for itself in Amsterdam. Offering a selection of international pancakes from the likes of America, Chile, Norway, and Mexico, in a variety of sweet and savory varieties, you're certainly not spoiled for choice. Couple that with a massive omelet menu, starters, desserts, and even a kid's menu, and you've got yourself one handy pancake paradise. Oh, and if none of the menu options take your fancy, you can even create your own masterpiece. Ham, mushrooms, and cherries? Why not, you absolute grot monster.   Moak Pancakes Moak started out in Oud-West, but has now made its way to multiple locations across Amsterdam. Its humble facade may betray its awesomeness, but the inevitable queue outside should put those fears to rest. Over two floors, you'll find packed tables full of guzzling pancake fanatics. A relatively new joint, having only popped up in 2016, they still smash it left, right, and center. The focus here is on the classic American pancake, with an entire subsection of the menu dedicated to various sweet and savory American delights. If you're feeling fruity, you can also partake in a glass of Champagne, or mix it up with a Mimosa. Their piece de resistance is unarguably The Gold Digger - a huge stack of pancakes topped with three 22-carat gold leaves, Champagne on the side, and served with Versace cutlery. This testament to American extravagance will set you back €100, mind. Definitely one of the best pancake houses in Amsterdam!   The Breakfast Club Cheekily named after the classic 80s hit, The Breakfast Club is a worldwide brand at this point. You'll find them in cities all over the world, so it's hardly surprising they've made their way to Amsterdam's shores. With a massive offering of breakfast treats, from full English breakfasts to eggs of all shapes and sizes, you can really take your pick. But we're talking about pancakes here, so focus, guys. They have a pretty solid offering of American-style pancakes, with a bevy of toppings to get your sweet tooth truly tweaked. However, it's worth mentioning that pancakes is hardly The Breakfast Club's specialty, so you won't have the limitless options you do at the other places on this list. Having said that, if you're with a group and they're not looking to dip their toe in the pancake game. The Breakfast Club will likely serve their needs too.   Coffee & Coconuts One of the fancier joints on this list, Coffee & Coconuts is one of De Pijp's trendy hotspots. The setting - an old 20s theater. The cuisine - divine. Like The Breakfast Club, Coffee & Coconuts caters to feeders of all sorts, and their pancake offerings may amount to a single choice. However, this choice is one of the best on this list. The appropriately named Coconut Pancakes mix almond and buckwheat flour for the base, then dollop on some banana, berry compote, coconut chips, coconut cream, and top it all off with lashes of maple syrup. Sign us up. Plus, with three pages of menus dedicated to coffee, teas, wines, beer, and anything else worth drinking, you can be sure to pair your pancake with the perfect beverage.   Photo courtesy of StudioPortoSabbia/Shutterstock The Pancake Boat Yes, you read that right. They didn't just pick that name out of a hat. It's called The Pancake Boat because it's located on a freaking boat. But wait, there's more! Not only will you sail the seven seas (or canals in this case) while you eat, you'll be eating whatever you can, because this bad boy is an all-you-can-eat cruise. Set your phone's stopwatch to 75 minutes, start your engines, and then eat, eat, eat. Just make sure you're belly is seaworthy - the last thing anyone wants is for you to bring all the fluffy, syrupy goodness back up. What a disappointment you'd be. Easily one of the best pancake houses in Amsterdam, if you can call a boat a house. Well, houseboats exist...so, yes?   Bakers and Roasters With locations near the Rijksmuseum and in De Pijp, Bakers and Roasters are just getting started. The brainchild of a New Zealander and a Brazilian, the franchise's great food and commitment to hospitality will surely see them reach all corners of the city and beyond before long. But enough flirting, what about the pancakes? Well, they only have room on the menu for one choice, but it's a choice you won't soon forget. American-style blueberry pancakes cooked to perfection, glazed with syrup, and topped with blueberries and chopped bananas. Feeling fancy? Add an unusual side to go with it. Sure, you can lean on the ol' reliable bacon. But why not try chorizo, jalapenos, and cottage cheese? Or don't, you know, you do you.   Carousel Pancake House Located on a former fairground carousel, and a stone's throw from the Heineken Experience, you'll find the appropriately named Carousel Pancake House. A unique setting, for sure, but what about the pancakes? Well, they have a delicious menu full of the beauties, including a whole section dedicated to Nutella variants. Delightful. Couple that with a burgeoning menu of waffles, baguettes, burgers, and beers, and you've got yourself a top place. And that's our list of the best pancake houses in Amsterdam!
Dom Bewley
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Weekend in Amsterdam

Looking to visit Amsterdam? Take a look at some of our recommendations for spending a weekend in the Dutch capital.
Robert Heaney
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Boat Trips and Canal tours in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a city swimming in waterways, canals, and connecting bridges. While not as damp as the likes of Venice, it's about as close as you can get without the stilts. And with so much water, one of the best ways to see the city is by boat. Whether you're looking to see all the biggest landmarks, enjoy a bottomless brunch with your friends, or have a romantic meal on the water, Amsterdam has some amazing boat trips and canal tours to experience in the city. So, which are the best? Well, read our handy list and discover for yourselves! These are our picks for the best boat trips and canal tours in Amsterdam! Including: 100 Highlights Cruise Hop on-Hop off Boat Tour G's Brunch Boat Candelight Cruise Pizza Cruise and more! Everything, everywhere, pretty much in one go If you want to see all the sights Amsterdam has to offer in one fell swoop, consider hopping aboard the 100 Highlights Cruise. Pack your camera and get ready to snap the likes of the Anne Frank House, Westerkerk, and so much more. Thanks to the audio guide you'll get when you board, available in myriad languages, you'll learn all about the city and canals' history, as well as the highlights of each landmark you pass. It's the perfect introduction to Amsterdam's waterways and gives you the chance to learn about landmarks you might want to visit on land afterward! Hop to it If you're hoping to see the sights up close, then check out a Hop on-Hop off boat tour instead! You're in complete control, so you board when you want, leave when you want to see one of the amazing landmarks that Amsterdam has to offer, and then hop back on the next boat to continue one. It's that easy! You'll pass the likes of the Rijksmuseum, the Heineken Experience, A'DAM Lookout, and the Anne Frank House, which are all well worth exploring on foot. So, if you want the freedom to go and see what you please on dry land, a Hop on-Hop off boat tour is one of the best boat trips and canal tours in Amsterdam! Boat brunch like a G Sure, you could spend your tour of Amsterdam's canals sightseeing. Or, you could enjoy a brilliant bottomless brunch courtesy of G's Brunch Boat! Two options await you on your watery adventure. Either pick a drink and one of the amazing brunch options from G's impressive menu. Or, go all-in on the bottomless brunch, help yourself to as many cocktails, beers, wines, or proseccos as you like, and top it all off with a meal from the menu. Food-wise, you'll find brunch classics like Eggs Benny, and breakfast burritos alongside meatier options like chicken and waffles, chicken burgers, and salmon-topped brioche. Then, sit in for 75 minutes of amazing views, amazing drinks, and amazing food. Does it get any better than that? Probably not. Romance on the waves If you're visiting Amsterdam with that special someone, or you're a resident who wants to impress their significant other, consider a romantic canal Candlelight Cruise! You and your muse will sit down to a delicious selection of traditional cheese and meats as your tour guide waxes lyrical about all the landmarks you pass. Sip on unlimited drinks, with beers, wines, and soft drinks on offer. It's a great way to get the lay of the land, while enjoying the lights reflecting off of the water. And your partner's eyes, of course. Romance, right? Top stuff. A pizza paradise Boats and pizza - typically not two things you'd associate with one another, but when has that stopped humanity from making things happen? We created bacon mayonnaise, after all. So, why not see pizza and boats beautifully combine on a Pizza Cruise of Amsterdam! Served by one of the city's favorite pizza chains in New York Pizza, you'll get to choose a pizza of your choice before you set off along Amsterdam's beautiful canals. Your guide will regale you with tales of the sights and sounds you see along the way, all while you tuck into your slices and a couple of drinks to boot. Ideal if the sun is shining and you have a group of friends with you, this 1.5-hour tour is easily one of the best boat trips and canal tours in Amsterdam! Learn on the water What if you could combine your love of water and boats with a sprinkling of learning and culture? Well, we have great news for you. You can, thanks to the Museum Line - Amsterdam's best museum cruise! Following a set schedule, you'll glide along Amsterdam's canals, stopping off at major museums such as the Rijksmuseum, the Anne Frank House, and the Hermitage. At each stop, you'll have the chance to explore and learn, filling your withered brain up with key information. There'll even be the opportunity to do some shopping, should you require tributes to the in-laws back home. And all of that in one-and-a-half hours. Not bad! Not bad at all. Sail like a semi-pirate And finally, we'll end this list of the best boat trips and canal tours in Amsterdam with an old classic - the booze cruise. Yes, even Amsterdam's beautiful waterways are graced with these bad boys. So why not take a pub cruise and explore the more exciting parts of the city? Your trip will take you through the red light district, where the eponymous lights will dance off of the canals. Beautiful, right? You'll also be free to drink beer, wine, and munch on a variety of snacks as you go, in case all that booze leaves you with cravings! And that was our list of the best boat trips and canal tours in Amsterdam!
Dom Bewley

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