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 Breakfasts in Amsterdam - Public Transport

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day. And when you're vacationing in a new city and plan to do a heap of exploring, they might be onto something. So if you're visiting Amsterdam and want to know the best breakfasts available, how do you get to them using the city's brilliant public transport system? Read on, and find out! Including: Omelegg Ted's Coffee & Coconuts G's Brunch Boat The Breakfast Club Getting around Amsterdam Let's start things off by giving you a quick guide to public transport in Amsterdam. You have a number of options available to you that we've talked about in greater detail here. But for the most part, as you'll find the best breakfasts in the city, you'll only be using buses, trams, the metro, bikes, or your own two feet to reach them. For trams, buses, and the metro, you can buy 1-hour, 24-hour, and 48-hour travel tickets at every Metro station, on the tram when you board, or at one of the many ticket machines you'll find at bus stops, tram stops, or at Centraal Station. Alternatively, if you're going to be traveling for longer than 48 hours, you might want to pick up an OV Chipcard. This travel card lets you any amount of money you want, and then you simply swipe when you board and alight, and top it up when you're running low. An omelet oasis If you like your eggs folded over a host of delicious fillings and toppings, then you'll love Omelegg; they specialize in the stuff. They offer quality omelets from 7AM on weekdays and 8AM on weekends, so you can definitely get your belly filled before your day truly begins. You'll discover their menu is filled with choices inspired by cuisines from all over the world. The Nordic-inspired Viking Fisherman sits aside the nationally-minded Dutchie. And if their savory offerings don't tempt you, then go for the Banana Peanutbutter - a sugary delight featuring honey, cinnamon, and egg cake. How to get there on public transport You'll find a handful of Omelegg locations all over the city. Their De Pijp location is just down the street from the De Pijp Metro station, as well as the De Pijp and Amsterdam, 2e v.d.Helststraat tram stops . And their City Center location is a five-minute walk from Centraal Station. Theodore, you spoil us If you want an all-day breakfast and brunch spot with some meatier meals to fuel your exploring, head to Ted's. Their bright and burgeoning menu offers all the breakfast treats you'd expect from a top spot. You've got an entire menu dedicated to eggs, featuring the usual affair of Eggs Benny and Eggs Florentine alongside more creative offerings like a bacon, egg, and fried chicken burrito, as well as the magnificent Triple Omega, which sounds like a Transformer but with more eggs, salmon, and sourdough. But, if your stomach is looking for something more substantial, go for one of the french toast varieties, or dip into their fantastic sandwich menu. How to get there on public transport You'll find two Ted's locations in Amsterdam. The Jordaan spot is a short walk from the Anne Frank House, and a 3-minute walk from the Westermarkt tram and bus stops. The Oud-West spot is equidistant from both the Kinkerstraat tram and bus stops and the Overtoom tram and bus stops. Either will leave you with a 3-minute walk. Beans and bigger beans If you're looking for one of the city's coolest spots to be your breakfast backdrop, start your day at Coffee & Coconuts. With a wealth of coffees, teas, juices, and even stronger drinks on offer, you can have your beverage your way. They roast and squeeze everything on-site, so you can be sure you're getting nothing but the freshest morning brew. As for food, they offer breakfast all day, with burritos, pancakes, french toast, coconut bowls, and scambled eggs just some of the things available. Or, from midday, you can dip into their fantastic Deli menu and chomp on some unique sandwich combinations. How to get there on public transport C&C's only spot is located in De Pijp. It's right across the street from the De Pijp Metro stop and a minute's walk from the De Pijp tram stop. Krunk Boat A seaside breakfast is one thing. A seafaring breakfast is another entirely. That's what you get at G's Brunch Boat, and while it might not exactly be sailing the seven seas, it does make its way along Amsterdam's beautiful canals. Oh, and did we mention that you can opt into a bottomless brunch? That's right, party animals. Who said breakfast needed to be boring, or on dry land? Hop onto the party boat and let the good times roll. Choose from one of their many tasty menu dishes - chicken and waffles, eggs benny, breakfast burrito, or even oysters, and then either pair it with a drink, or go for the bottomless choice and have at it. Bloody Mary's, Mimosas, Prosecco, beer, or wine are all on offer. And, for 75 minutes, you'll have your fill. Considering the spectacle of it all, it's easily one of the best breakfasts in Amsterdam! How to get there on public transport Once you've booked your ticket, head to the pickup point near the Anne Frank House. It's a 5-minute walk from the Westermarkt tram and bus stops. Don't you forget about me And finally, we end on a franchise that's taken the world by storm. Named after the eponymous 80s high school film, you'll find Breakfast Clubs in plenty of cities these days. They have a load of breakfast types, burgers, pancakes, eggs, sandwiches, and smaller bites on offer, as well as an envious sweet selection. Couple that with a delightful coffee, tea, or other beverage, and you've got yourself a guaranteed good time. How to get there on public transport With six locations all around the city, rather than bore you with all the details here, we'll simply leave a link to their website that gives you every address and shows you which stops are near it! And that's our list of the best breakfasts in Amsterdam, and how to get there by public transport!
Dom Bewley
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Getting Around Amsterdam - Public transport

Often dubbed one of the greatest of the world’s small cities, Amsterdam is not a particularly monstrous city. Indeed, with a footprint of just a little over three square miles, the city center could quite easily be covered in a day on foot alone. And yet, the city is often recognized for having some of the best transport infrastructure in Europe. From the emblematic canals delightfully splitting up the Dutch capital’s neighborhoods to its famous tram system covering just about all of the city, there’s a capable range of options for getting around Amsterdam to help you explore the city on your own terms. Public Transport Bus Amsterdam boasts an extensive network of buses servicing both the city center and the surrounding neighborhoods. Operated by three companies – GVB, Connexxion and EBS – Amsterdam’s buses offer a reliable means of getting across the city fast, with many routes servicing stops close to key social hubs and attractions. The city also operates twelve night bus routes to help you get around while exploring the city’s famous nightlife scene. Each of these routes helps to connect the city center with the surrounding suburbs, and buses typically depart every 30 minutes between midnight and 7AM. Tram Second only to bicycles, trams are perhaps the most recognizable mode of transport in Amsterdam. Connecting Amsterdam Central Station to the city’s many key areas and further neighborhoods, Lines 1, 2, 5, 9, 13 and 17 are typically your best bet for getting around the city. Depending on the day and time, the frequency of trams will vary, typically arriving every 5 – 10 minutes. Metro The Amsterdam Metro system offers an alternative means of traversing the central spine of the city and accessing the outer suburbs. Operating across five lines and servicing a total of 39 stops, the Metro offers the fastest and most efficient means of crossing through the city, passing through all major business and office districts alongside many train stations. Operating Times The three modes of public transport that make up the transport infrastructure of Amsterdam all operate on roughly the same schedule and ticketing service. The majority of services begin operations at 6AM and will typically continue until 12:30AM the following morning. Tickets & Passes Tickets and passes are wholly dependent on how long you intend to stay in Amsterdam and how often you plan to use public transport. For casual use, single and return tickets are available on all services on demand. You can also purchase passes which allow for unlimited travel for periods of 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours, offering slightly discounted rates as long as you get plenty of use from them. If you plan on staying in the Netherlands for more than three days, then your best bet would be to purchase and top-up an OV-chipkaart from any major transport hub. This pass is heavily used by locals and can simply be scanned whenever you hop on your transport of choice. On the Water Amsterdam’s canals are more than just an iconic photo op. Originally serving as means of water management, defense and facilitating trade, the labyrinth of canals accounts for 25% of the city’s surface area. Most of the traffic on the canals now consists of pleasure sailing, both private and commercial. If you’re looking for a unique means of getting around the city, there’s a plethora of boat tours available at your convenience to get you from A to B with a little local insight thrown into the mix. Alternatively, it’s also fairly simple to rent a boat for yourself, whether it be a manual pedal-boat, a small capacity electric boat or a full-sized barge for you and your friends. Cycling You may have heard it said that Amsterdam is home to more bicycles than people, and that’s no simple exaggeration. With roughly 1.1 bikes to each resident, it’s plain to see that the locals readily uphold the age-old image of the Dutch cycling nation. With over half of Amsterdam’s 800,000 residents relying on their bicycles as their daily mode of transport, it should come as no surprise that the city caters heavily to their preferences. In fact, with over 470 miles of cycle lanes making up the Amsterdam Bicycle Network, cycling can often be the easiest means of getting around. To capitalize on this trend, there is now a huge selection of bike rental stores dotted throughout the city. You should expect to pay somewhere in the range of €10/day for rentals. If you intend to stay in the Netherlands for more than a month, then purchasing a second-hand bike is a much more cost-effective option, with many going for between €50 and €200. Avoid buying bicycles on the street from unverified vendors, as these are likely to have been stolen and can land you in a lot of trouble. Cycling Safety Be sure to exercise some basic cycling safety and etiquette if you choose to ride in Amsterdam. Stick to roads and dedicated cycle lanes. Keep to the right-hand side and leave space for other cyclists. Make sure you have working front and rear lights when riding at night. Observe other cyclists’ body language to anticipate their actions and signal your own. If you intend to use your phone for directions, make sure to use a legal handlebar mount. Cyclists should overtake each other on the left, but can overtake other vehicles on the right. Only ring your bell when necessary. Always stow your bike in dedicated spaces and ensure you use a reliable lock. Taxi While road traffic is fairly minimal in Amsterdam, that can be quite the boon for those who need to get themselves across the city fast. Whether you’re looking for airport transfers or need to make it to an event quickly, taxis can be your best friend. Most taxis are regulated by the municipality to charge pre-set rates, so you should never have to face a surprise fee for your journey. Like in most cities, you'll find taxi ranks at the airport and most major transport hubs. Taxis can also be ordered at your convenience by calling up your chosen taxi firm, or you can make a booking via the TCA app. Alternatively, the likes of Uber and Bolt also operate in Amsterdam.
Anne Delorean
Colorful canal houses lining an Amsterdam canal
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2 Days in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is undoubtedly one of Europe’s most popular city destinations for its famous mix of complex history, authentic culture and fantastic social hubs. With many of its top attractions compacted into a three-square-mile city center, the Dutch capital is very popular for weekend getaways and short, whirlwind trips. Although there’s more than enough to do throughout the city to last you several weeks, two days in Amsterdam is still plenty of time to experience the best that it has to offer. Instead of putting together a linear itinerary, we’ve rounded up our best suggestions for things to do during a short trip, along with recommended visit durations to help you put together your perfect city break plan.   And why not make the most of your trip by grabbing an Amsterdam pass and save while you sightsee!
Robert Heaney

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