Welcome the summer season in Amsterdam!
Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls, the summer is officially here! And this means long days and lovely, warm evenings. It would be a pity not to take advantage of it. Amsterdam and the beautiful area where it lies is a perfect idea for celebrating the beginning of the summer season 😊
Endless summer days
How surprised I was when I realized that it was 10 p.m. and the sun was still up in Amsterdam! You may know what time the sun sets, but actually experiencing the nightfall as late as at 11 p.m. is a completely different thing. The energy is just different – you really want to squeeze everything out of those long days. Sleep seems like such a waste 😉
Amsterdam = cycling
When in Amsterdam, cycling is simply a must. There are plenty of bike rentals which offer seats and trailers for kids. I love the independence that comes with cycling – you can go anywhere you like, and there are no problems with parking. Amsterdam’s cycling lifestyle is just so optimistic, and the infrastructure is genuinely impressive; even though you’ll always find a place where you can chain your bike, many locals can’t be bothered and just leave their bikes unprotected 😉 Experiencing Amsterdam on a bike is a wonderful adventure, which allows you to feel the unique atmosphere of this city first-hand. After a long day of conveniently cycling from one tourist attraction to another, you can rest in one of the city’s lush green parks. Perfection!
Vegeparadise
Apart from bikes, Amsterdam is also characteristic for its many vegetarian restaurants. Breakfast, lunch, dinner… there are endless options. In fact I think it was in Amsterdam where I have had the best hummus in my life (with toppings)! Most of Amsterdam’s restaurants offer original, divine menus, in a relaxed and somewhat hipster atmosphere. Delish!
Sightseeing
My first tip is to take your time – grab a bike and go have a look at bridges and canals, admire the unique architecture and feel the local atmosphere. As you may expect, an old city like Amsterdam has many museums, out of which I would consider the famous Rijksmuseum to be a must-see. If you get tired, you can have some rest in the big Vondelpark (excellent paths!), which offers some shade from the sun during the day, and live music in the evening.
Haarlem
It’s a beautiful, atmospheric town, which I stumbled upon by accident ❤️ The traditional Dutch urban thought, with its steep rooftops and no curtains is a feast for the eyes, especially if you are into minimalist styles. There are lots of trees, bike lanes, and it’s super easy to get to Amsterdam using public transport. The local cafés offer excellent, varied breakfasts from early morning, and accommodation is far cheaper than in Amsterdam (honestly, I was shocked when I saw how much my first trip to Amsterdam cost me…). Harlem is a budget option, and a perfect base camp for exploring the area. We stayed in a traditional house, in the attic (steep stairs with a 2-year-old…😉) with a family who originally came from Britain – genuinely hospitable people, they even brought us breakfast to our room. We truly felt like home there.
And there is the sea!
You can reach the sea by rail both from Amsterdam and Haarlem ❤️ Zaandvort is by the North Sea, one of Holland’s most famous resorts, with wide, sandy beaches and a long promenade. You can swim in the sea, play in the sand, and walk as much as you like. There is a cool breeze, and plenty of places where you can sit down and enjoy local specialties, such as broodje haring to mus – a herring sandwich unlike anything you’ve ever tried 😉
What Amsterdam and the surrounding area have to offer is ideal for a short trip at this time of the year, when days are the longest ❤️ Perfect for having the time of your life with the kids. So, have you already packed your cycling gear?