Amsterdam in July is a vibrant, bustling city that comes alive with the energy of summer. The warm weather and long days make it the perfect time to explore the city's picturesque canals, charming streets, and lively festivals. You can enjoy outdoor concerts, cultural events, and the famous Amsterdam Pride celebration, which fills the streets with color and joy. The city's parks and terraces are packed with locals and tourists alike, soaking up the sun and savoring the laid-back atmosphere. With its unique blend of history, culture, and fun, Amsterdam in July is an unforgettable destination for any traveler seeking adventure and excitement.
What makes Amsterdam in July special?
Vibrant Summer Festivals
From the Reggae Lake Festival celebrating world music to the Milkshake Festival promoting diversity and inclusion, July in Amsterdam is packed with lively events. The famous Amsterdam Pride also takes place this month, filling the streets and canals with colorful parades and parties.
Outdoor Delights
Amsterdam's parks and terraces come alive in July, offering the perfect spots to relax, picnic, or enjoy a drink with friends. The warm weather invites locals and visitors alike to spend time outdoors, whether it's lounging in the lush Vondelpark, exploring the charming streets of the Jordaan neighborhood, or cruising along the picturesque canals. With the sun shining late into the evening, Amsterdam's outdoor spaces become the perfect setting for impromptu gatherings, live music performances, and simply enjoying the city's laid-back summer vibe.
Rich Cultural Experiences
July in Amsterdam offers a wealth of cultural experiences, from world-class museums to thought-provoking exhibitions and performances. The long days provide ample time to explore the city's rich history and artistic heritage, whether it's admiring the masterpieces at the Van Gogh Museum, learning about Anne Frank's life at her historic house, or discovering contemporary art at the Stedelijk Museum.
Amsterdam Weather in July
Amsterdam in July experiences numerous warm days with approximately 10 hours of bright sunshine. The average temperature hovers around 21°C, occasionally dropping to 12°C depending on fluctuations in sea temperature. Overall, July typically stands as the warmest month of the year in Amsterdam.
Visiting Amsterdam in July: Things to do
1
Rijksmuseum
A national museum, the Rijksmuseum is the epitome of all things Dutch and is a must-see monument for tourists in any season! Some of the famous pieces of art that are housed here include Rembrandt’s Night Watch, Van Gogh’s Self Portrait, and Vermeer’s Milkmaid among other precious works of art!
July Timings
Daily : 9am to 5pm
Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam,
Netherlands
Getting There ›
2
Amsterdam Canal Tour
What better way to admire the breathtaking architecture of Amsterdam than by cruising along the myriad channels of water that branch its way through the city! Take your pick from among a simple evening cruise, a 4-course dinner cruise or a quintessentially Dutch, Wine and Cheese Candlelight tour.
July Timings
Cruise timings depend on tour chosen
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Getting There ›
3
Anne Frank House and Walking Tour
A walking tour to Anne Frank House can be a thought-provoking experience as it serves as a reminder of the aAnne Frank Housetrocities of the second world war and also throws light on human persistence and survival. Be prepared for some deep reflections after visiting this memorial.
July Timings
Tours start daily at 10:30 am & 2 pm
Prinsengracht 263-267, 1016 GV Amsterdam,
Netherlands
Getting There ›
4
A Day Trip to Zaanse Schans and Volendam
Zaanse Schans and Volendam are scenic Dutch villages that now function as open air museums to acquaint tourists of the old-school Dutch way of life. One can see the five windmills that used to power most of the industries, view cheese-making demonstrations, and opt for photo ops with Dutch costumes as souvenirs.
July Timings
Depends on the chosen tour
Museumplein 6, 1071 DJ Amsterdam,
Netherlands
Getting There ›
5
Van Gogh Museum
A visit to the Van Gogh Museum is a goldmine for all art enthusiasts! The masterpieces, letters, sketches and drawings on display by the famous painter are sure to leave you in awe. What's better? Club this experience with a tour of the canals and Rijksmuseum, and you’ll be an expert in all things Dutch.
July Timings
Daily 9am to 6pm
Museumplein 6, 1071 DJ Amsterdam,
Netherlands
Getting There ›
6
Red Light District
The infamous Red Light District of Amsterdam is an inevitable part of most traveler's itineraries. Take a walk around the Warmoesstraat area and the famous Weighbuilding at Nieuwmarkt with a tour guide and end your tour with a visit to a local brewery.
July Timings
Depends on the chosen tour
De Wallen, Amsterdam,
Netherlands
Getting There ›
7
AMAZE Amsterdam
AMAZE Amsterdam is a captivating, immersive experience that transports visitors into a world of mind-bending illusions and interactive exhibits. With eight unique rooms featuring lights, lasers, sound, smoke, and cutting-edge media art, escape reality and explore the interactive areas that evoke a range of emotions. Enhance your visit with delicious food and drinks at the in-house lounge, and upgrade your ticket for a complimentary cocktail or mocktail.
July Timings
Wednesday to Friday: 1am to 12am
Saturday: 12pm to 12am
Sunday:12pm to 9.30pm
Monday:1.30pm to 8.30pm
Closed on Tuesdays
Elementenstraat 25, 1014 AR Amsterdam, Netherlands
Getting There ›
8
Heineken Experience
A visit to Amsterdam is not complete without a visit to the Heineken Experience. Located in the centre of the city, this historic building is the birthplace of the iconic Heineken beer that is distributed and celebrated around the world.
July Timings
Sunday to Thursday - 10:30am to 7:30pm
Friday and Saturday - 10:30am to 9pm
Stadhouderskade 78, 1072 AE Amsterdam,
Netherlands
Getting There ›
9
Amsterdam Icebar
Icy furniture, iced walls, and a bar counter made of ice - it can’t get more refreshing than the Amsterdam Icebar, literally! Groove to the funky music in here, sip on some complimentary drinks and enjoy the general ambiance of the place after wearing some warm clothes that are handed to you at the entrance.
July Timings
Tuesday to Thursday: 3:45pm – 10:45pm
Friday to Sunday: 11:45am – 1am
Monday: 3:45am - 10:45pm
Amstel 194, 1017 AG Amsterdam,
Netherlands
Getting There ›
Amsterdam in July: Events to Look Out For
Amsterdam Sensual Dance Fest
18 July 2024
Sensual Dance Fest Amsterdam is a yearly dance festival that is bringing the best of the best bachata dancers and DJs to the Netherlands.
Keti Koti Festival
1 July 2024
The Keti Koti Festival sees the coming-together of the city of Amsterdam in the spirit of nationality to celebrate the abolition of slavery in Suriname and Netherlands Antilles. There are several activities lined up for the day including a colorful parade of traditional clothing, live music, and presentations by eminent people.
Milkshake Festival
26 to 28 July 2024
The 12th edition of Milkshake Festival will be returning to the beloved Westerpark. Milkshake Festival is an open-minded electronic dance festival that takes place in the city center of Amsterdam. The festival has made its mark with 9 stages per day that showcase (inter)national event promotors, artists, and performance artists.
Amsterdam in July: 5-day Itinerary
Amsterdam Essentials
Where to Stay in Amsterdam during July
Owing to its popularity as a tourist destination, Amsterdam boasts of a range of accommodation for all types of travelers.
What to Pack for Visiting Amsterdam in July
If you're planning a July getaway to Amsterdam, it's advisable to bring along essential summer accessories like sunscreen, sunglasses, caps, and lightweight scarves. However, considering the unpredictable weather, it's wise to also pack some light jackets alongside your regular attire, particularly for cooler evenings that may become breezy and chilly.
Getting Around Amsterdam in July
Amsterdam is a small city that is relatively easy to navigate and hence sees a lot of tourists using public transport to get around such as metros, buses, trams, ferries, and trains. One can always rent out bicycles to explore the many streets and pavilions of the city on foot.
Getting a Holland Pass is also a great idea as it allows access to several major museums and tourist attractions such as the Van Gogh Museum, Madame Tussauds, and Heineken in addition to transport fare across the city.
Amsterdam in July - Must-Try Delicacies
Bitterballen are mostly deep fried meatballs coated with breadcrumbs that are the perfect accompaniment to drinks and hence you’ll find them across Amsterdam. The meat is usually beef, and they’re served with mustard dips which bring out the flavor of the dish.
The Stroopwafel is a Dutch delicacy made of thin waffle layers baked with a caramel filling in the middle. You can always place your stroopwafel on top of your coffee mugs to soften the layers slightly before allowing it to melt in your mouth!
A close equivalent to fish fingers, the Kibbeling uses chunks of codfish marinated with a crispy batter that is deep fried and served with an assortment of sauces.
A classic Dutch cuisine that’s bound to be found across dinner tables in Amsterdam, the Stamppot is a dish of mashed potatoes and vegetables with generous helpings of gravy and meat such as bacon, sausages or Hachee a form of stew meat.
The Ontbijtkoek is a traditional Dutch spiced cake that is eaten at breakfast with a dollop of butter. Those craving sweets can also savor it as a snack in itself. It combines plenty of rye with tasteful amounts of spices such as cloves, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and succade that lend a unique taste.
Tips to visit Amsterdam in July
- An abundance of events: Summer in Amsterdam sees a whole lot of activities spread over different parts of the city - right from the shopping areas to parks and recreational centers. To experience this festive atmosphere, it’s best to ask the locals and accommodate exciting activities.
- Mild Temperatures can be deceiving: Although it classifies to be listed as summer, the temperatures of evenings in Amsterdam in July are comparatively cooler, and it may be a good idea to keep at least a few items of warm clothes especially if one isn’t accustomed to the chill air.
- Explore during offbeat hours: Get onto a boat or hire one if you’re planning to explore the canals in summer especially during early mornings or late evenings when the weather is more cool and the crowds lesser.
- Chill at the beaches: Beaches are surprisingly not as popular among tourists, but they’re definitely a great place to cool off in the summer heat.
- Ride your way through the city: Bicycles are an integral part of the town and are used by everyone - the old, young, men and women! Feel free to rent and ride your way across the city and explore delightful old nooks and crannies.
Explore Amsterdam Through The Year
FAQs
July is a great month to visit Amsterdam, in terms of the weather. You can expect quite a bit of sunshine, lots of blue skies, and an average temperature of 15° Celsius (59° F)
The best things to do in Amsterdam in July include visiting the Van Gogh Museum, visiting Zaanse Schans, going on a Canal Cruise, and taking a day trip to Volendam and Marken
Amsterdam boasts an exceptional public transport network that includes metros, buses, trams, ferries, and trains.
A pair of jeans or long pants, light t-shirts or tops, and a thin cardigan or sweater for the evenings are perfect for Amsterdam in July.
The Pride Parade, Amsterdam Roots Festival, Milkshake Festival, 18HRS Festival, TREK Food Truck Festival and Keti Koti Festival are some of the few exciting events and festivals in Amsterdam in July. Apart from this there are many Rock and Pop music concerts scheduled in July as well