A summer city break in Amsterdam does not need to involve rushing between landmarks or filling every hour of your day. Summer is a great time to experience the city at a slower pace. You can walk beside the canals, spend an afternoon in a park, stop for lunch on a terrace and explore a different neighbourhood each day.
With longer evenings and plenty of ways to spend time outdoors, Amsterdam is an ideal choice for a relaxed break. Here are our tips for enjoying the city this summer while staying at PREMIER SUITES Amsterdam.
Start Your Morning Slowly
One of the benefits of staying in a serviced apartment is that you do not need to plan your morning around hotel breakfast times.
At PREMIER SUITES Amsterdam, each apartment includes a kitchen with an oven, hob, fridge freezer, dishwasher, microwave, coffee machine and cooking equipment. You can prepare breakfast in your apartment, enjoy a coffee in your living area and decide what you feel like doing that day.
Pick up fresh bread, fruit and local produce from a nearby shop or market. A quiet breakfast in your apartment can be a welcome start before heading into the busier areas of the city.
See Amsterdam from the Water
A canal cruise is one of the easiest ways to explore Amsterdam without covering long distances on foot.
You can sit back and view the canal houses, bridges and narrow streets from the water. There are daytime cruises, evening sailings and smaller electric boats available across the city.
An evening cruise can be a good choice during summer. The temperature is often cooler, the streets begin to quieten and the lights along the canals offer a different view of the city.
Booking your cruise before you travel can help you secure the time that suits your plans.
Spend an Afternoon at Museumplein
Museumplein is home to several of Amsterdam’s main cultural attractions, including the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum.
You do not need to visit every museum during one trip. Choose the one that interests you most and leave enough time to explore it without rushing. Museum Square also has open green space where you can sit outside after your visit.
The Rijksmuseum Gardens are free to enter and are a good place to enjoy some quiet time outdoors. You can also stop for a coffee nearby before continuing with your day.
PREMIER SUITES Amsterdam is close to Amsterdam Zuid Station, with convenient transport connections to Museumplein. This makes it easy to visit the museum district while staying outside the busiest part of the centre.
Take a Break in Vondelpark
Vondelparkis a good place to slow down during a busy sightseeing day.
You can walk beneath the trees, find a spot on the grass or stop at one of the cafés inside the park. During summer, the park often hosts music, theatre, dance and family performances.
Bring water, snacks and something to sit on. You can spend an hour in the park or stay for most of the afternoon.
Amsterdamse Bos is another option when you want more space. This large green area sits outside the main centre and offers walking routes, cycling paths and outdoor activities. It is a good place to visit when you want a break from busy streets.
Explore Beyond the Main Canal District
The central canal streets deserve a place on your itinerary, but Amsterdam has much more to offer outside its best-known visitor areas.
De Pijp is a lively neighbourhood with cafés, restaurants and independent shops. It is also home to Albert Cuyp Market, where you can browse food stalls, clothing, flowers and local products.
For something different, take the free ferry from behind Amsterdam Centraal Station to Amsterdam Noord. The crossing gives you views across the water and brings you towards areas such as NDSM Wharf, known for street art, waterside venues and cultural spaces.
The Nine Streets area is another good choice for a relaxed afternoon. Its smaller streets are filled with shops, cafés and historic canal buildings. Visit earlier in the morning if you prefer quieter streets.
Leave Room for Summer Events
Amsterdam’s summer calendar includes events across the city, from food festivals and outdoor theatre to music beside the canals.
Events can make your summer city break in Amsterdam more memorable, but they can also bring larger crowds. Check what is taking place during your stay and reserve tickets early for anything you do not want to miss.
It is also worth leaving some free time in your plans. A sunny afternoon beside a canal or an unexpected meal in a local neighbourhood can become one of the best parts of your visit.
Eat Out and Enjoy Nights In
Amsterdam has restaurants serving food from across the world, along with Dutch favourites such as stroopwafels, bitterballen, chips and fresh market produce.
You do not need to eat out for every meal. PREMIER SUITES Amsterdam gives you a fully equipped kitchen and dining area, so you can prepare something simple when you want a quieter evening.
This can also help you manage your holiday budget. Enjoy lunch at a local café, then pick up ingredients for dinner on your way back to your apartment. You can eat at your own pace and relax in a separate living area afterwards.
Having a kitchen is also useful for families, longer stays or anyone with specific food preferences.
Use Public Transport with Confidence
PREMIER SUITES Amsterdam is located beside Amsterdam Zuid Station in the city’s South Axis district. Bus, tram, metro and train connections are all within a short walk of the property.
Amsterdam’s public transport network makes it easy to explore without staying directly beside Dam Square. Trams and metro services connect the main visitor areas, while trains provide links to Schiphol Airport and destinations outside Amsterdam.
Cycling can be a great way to see the city, but Amsterdam’s cycle lanes are busy. Follow local traffic signals, stay in the correct lane and avoid stopping suddenly. Walking and public transport may feel more comfortable if you are not used to cycling in a city.
Pack for Changing Weather
Summer weather in Amsterdam can change throughout the day. Pack light clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection and a waterproof jacket.
A small bag with water and an extra layer will help when you are spending the full day outside. You should also bring comfortable footwear, as canal streets and older areas may have uneven surfaces.
Back at PREMIER SUITES Amsterdam, your apartment includes air conditioning and a washer dryer. This is useful during warmer weather and makes it easier to pack lightly for a longer visit.
Stay Your Way at PREMIER SUITES Amsterdam
A relaxed summer city break in Amsterdam starts with having enough space to switch off.
PREMIER SUITES Amsterdam offers one, two and three bedroom apartments, along with loft and superior loft options. Apartments include living and dining space, kitchens and private bathrooms. Larger apartments can sleep up to six guests, making them suitable for couples, friends and families travelling together.
You can enjoy the freedom of an apartment alongside services such as a 24-hour reception, luggage storage, bike storage, a grab and go shop and weekly housekeeping.
Plan your days around the places you genuinely want to visit. Leave time for canal walks, park afternoons and quiet evenings. Book your stay at PREMIER SUITES Amsterdam and enjoy the city at your own pace.
