Amsterdam without the crowds may sound difficult during summer, but it is possible when you know where to go. The city centre attracts most visitors, particularly around Dam Square, the Red Light District and the main canal routes. Travel a little further and you will find local parks, residential streets, waterside paths and neighbourhood cafés with a slower pace.
Staying at PREMIER SUITES Amsterdam puts you close to public transport at Amsterdam Zuid Station. You can reach the main attractions when you want to see them, while also having an easy base for exploring quieter parts of the city.
Here are some hidden summer spots to add to your Amsterdam plans.
Relax in Beatrixpark
Vondelpark is usually one of the first parks visitors hear about. It is worth seeing, but it can become busy on warm summer days.
Beatrixpark offers a quieter option in Amsterdam Zuid. The park has lawns, tree lined paths, ponds and areas where you can sit with a picnic. It is large enough to provide space without feeling difficult to explore.
Bring a book, collect lunch from a nearby café or simply stop here between activities. Families can also make use of the children’s paddling pool during the warmer months.
Beatrixpark is close to PREMIER SUITES Amsterdam, making it a practical place for a morning walk or a relaxed afternoon outdoors.
Spend the Afternoon at Amstelpark
Amstelpark sits beside the River Amstel and covers around 45 hectares. Despite its size, it does not receive the same visitor numbers as parks closer to the city centre.
The park was created for the Floriade horticultural exhibition in 1972. Today, you can explore gardens, walking paths, ponds and open green spaces. There is also a maze, a small train and play areas for children.
It is a good choice for families, couples and anyone who wants to take a break from museums and busy shopping streets. You can bring a picnic or stop for something to eat within the park.
Its calm setting makes it a useful choice when your aim is to experience Amsterdam without the crowds.
Walk Along the River Amstel
A walk beside the River Amstel gives you a different view of Amsterdam. As you travel south, city buildings begin to give way to houseboats, rowing clubs, fields and riverside homes.
Start near the city and follow the river at your own pace. You can walk for a short distance, rent a bike or continue towards Ouderkerk aan de Amstel. This small village has waterside restaurants and streets that feel removed from central Amsterdam.
The wider Amstelland area includes open meadows, paths and waterways used by walkers, runners and cyclists. It is close enough for a day trip but far enough from the main centre to feel like a change of scene.
Pack water and sun protection if you plan to cycle. Some parts of the route offer little shade during warm weather.
Explore Amsterdamse Bos
Amsterdamse Bos is one of the best places to find space during a summer city break. This large woodland park sits south of central Amsterdam and is easy to reach from PREMIER SUITES Amsterdam.
You can walk, cycle, rent a canoe or find a quiet place beside the water. There are several cafés and activity areas, but you can also choose a path away from the main entrances.
Families may enjoy visiting the Ridammerhoeve Goat Farm. Children can meet the animals, while adults can stop at the farm café. There are also play areas and designated places for paddling and swimming within the forest.
Amsterdamse Bos is much larger than the average city park, so check the map before setting off. Pick one area to explore rather than trying to see everything in one visit.
Visit De Baarsjes
Many visitors spend time in Jordaan or De Pijp, but De Baarsjes offers a more residential side of Amsterdam.
The neighbourhood has local cafés, restaurants, small shops and streets lined with traditional Amsterdam buildings. Rembrandtpark is nearby and usually has more space than Vondelpark. It is a good place for a walk, a picnic or a break after exploring the area.
You can also visit Mercatorplein and browse the streets around Jan Evertsenstraat. This is not an area built around major landmarks. That is part of its appeal.
You can spend time eating, walking and watching daily city life without following a fixed sightseeing route.
Find the Green Spaces of Oud West
Oud West sits beside the city centre but offers several quieter streets, courtyards and green spaces.
Visit Ten Katemarkt for fruit, bread, snacks and ingredients for dinner. You can then walk through the surrounding residential streets or continue towards Erasmuspark.
The area includes leafy streets, small parks, community gardens and hidden courtyards. It also provides access to canals where you may see locals kayaking or paddleboarding.
Oud West is still active, particularly around cafés and markets, but it often feels less crowded than the central canal district. Visit during the morning to see the market before the lunchtime rush.
Take the Ferry to Amsterdam Noord
Free ferries leave from behind Amsterdam Central Station and cross the River IJ to Amsterdam Noord.
Many people visit the NDSM Wharf, but there is more to explore beyond its street art and industrial buildings. Walk or cycle away from the ferry terminal to find residential areas, waterside paths and green spaces.
Vliegenbos is a wooded area close to the ferry connection. It is mainly known for its city campsite, but the surrounding area offers a quieter setting within Amsterdam Noord.
You could also cycle further towards villages such as Durgerdam, where wooden houses sit beside the water.
Amsterdam Noord is one of the best places to explore when you want a break from the traditional canal routes. The area combines creative spaces, modern development and access to countryside north of the city.
Swim at Gaasperplas
On a hot summer day, consider travelling to Gaasperplas in Amsterdam Zuidoost.
The lake sits within a large park with walking paths, lawns and places to swim. There is space to spread out, although popular sections can still become busy during warm weekends.
Gaasperplas Park covers around 166 hectares and includes water play areas and a beach.
Only swim in designated areas and check local water quality information before entering the lake. Bring food, water and a towel, as you may want to spend several hours here.
Visit Popular Areas Early
You do not have to avoid Amsterdam’s main attractions completely. Timing can make a major difference.
Visit the canal district early in the morning, before day visitors arrive. Streets such as Brouwersgracht, Reguliersgracht and the Nine Streets are often calmer before shops open.
Museumplein is also quieter earlier in the day. Book your museum tickets in advance and choose the first available entry time where possible.
In the evening, explore residential canals rather than the streets around Dam Square. You will still see Amsterdam’s architecture and bridges, but with fewer tour groups.
Create Your Own Quiet Evening
After a day of exploring, you may not want to book another restaurant or travel back into the centre.
Each apartment at PREMIER SUITES Amsterdam includes a kitchen and dining area. You can pick up food from a local market, prepare dinner and enjoy a quiet evening in your own space.
Separate living areas give you room to relax, while air conditioning can make a difference after a warm day outdoors. Apartments also include a washer dryer, which is useful for longer summer stays.
This flexibility allows you to balance sightseeing with time to rest. You can have breakfast when you choose, keep cold drinks in the fridge and prepare simple meals without relying on restaurant opening times.
Stay at PREMIER SUITES Amsterdam
PREMIER SUITES Amsterdam is located close to Amsterdam Zuid Station, with train, tram, metro and bus services nearby.
The location gives you access to central Amsterdam while placing you closer to green spaces such as Beatrixpark, Amstelpark and Amsterdamse Bos. Schiphol Airport is also easily reached by train.
Choose from one, two and three bedroom serviced apartments, including loft options. Each apartment provides space to cook, dine and relax, making them suitable for couples, families, friends and longer stays.
Amsterdam will always attract summer visitors, but you do not need to spend your full break following the busiest routes. Explore parks in Amsterdam Zuid, cycle beside the Amstel, visit local neighbourhoods and leave space for quieter afternoons.
Book your stay at PREMIER SUITES Amsterdam and experience Amsterdam without the crowds.
