When summer arrives in Amsterdam, the city transforms into a playground of festivals, outdoor entertainment, and cultural experiences. This 2025 Amsterdam summer travel guide showcases the best activities to enjoy under the sun and recommends hotels located close to all your favourite events!
Known as the world’s largest free nautical event, SAIL Amsterdam brings an awe-inspiring fleet of tall ships to the IJ River, accompanied by maritime exhibitions and festive celebrations.
Stay nearby: Hotel Pontsteiger offers waterfront views and puts you right by the IJ River, at the heart of SAIL’s main festivities.
Celebrate love, diversity, and community at Pride Amsterdam, a two-week festival filled with art, music, and cultural events. Don’t miss the iconic Canal Parade on August 2, one of the city’s most lively celebrations.
Art Highlight:
A standout feature this year is the Pride Art Route, connecting 15–20 curated exhibitions across the city. One highlight is “Dans Volk”, a queer photo series by Maxime de Waal, hosted at Hotel Mercier. This marks the first major LGBTQ+ event in the building since its transformation from the historic COC Nederland headquarters.
Stay nearby: Hotel Mercier offers not just proximity to the festivities, but a deeper connection to Amsterdam’s LGBTQ+ history.
Experience the city’s beauty through classical and jazz concerts staged along the canals. The Grachtenfestival features international artists performing in waterside venues across Amsterdam.
Stay nearby: Boutique hotels like Hotel Roemer, Hotel JL No76 and Hotel Van de Vijsel, are located near many of the event's concert locations.
If you're a fan of electronic music, don't miss Mysteryland, one of the world’s longest-running dance festivals. Expect immersive stages, art installations, and a diverse lineup of international DJs, all just outside the city.
Stay nearby: Thanks to its location near Central Station, Hotel MAI Amsterdam is a convenient launch point for festival-goers heading out of town.
Wander cobbled streets filled with boutique shops, sustainable brands, art galleries, and cozy cafes.
Stay nearby: Hotel Mercier is your artistic base in the heart of Jordaan, blending heritage and design for an authentic experience.
Discover quiet courtyards and neighborhood parks by bike : a quintessential Dutch experience.
Stay nearby: Bike rentals are available at Hotel De Hallen and Hotel Pontsteiger, so you can ride out right from your hotel.
Explore large-scale contemporary sculptures during the ARTZUID biennale, set against the backdrop of Amsterdam Zuid — a district celebrated for its Amsterdam School-style architecture.
Step aboard a real houseboat and experience what life is like on Amsterdam’s famous canals.
Stay nearby: Hotel MAI Amsterdam, right by the canal belt, offers visitors a waterfront cultural experience.
A culinary destination in Amstelpark, featuring food trucks, chef demos, and creative bites.
Celebrate fine wines, live music, and sunny days in Amsterdamse Bos.
Our design-led boutique hotels offer comfort, creativity, and convenient locations for your visit in Amsterdam this summer:
Book your stay now and make one of our heritage hotels your summer home in the heart of Amsterdam.