Escaping Heat: What To Visit If You Are In Amsterdam

by Alexandra Mansilla

Escaping Heat: What To Visit If You Are In Amsterdam

6 Jun 2024

Why Amsterdam? Because in the summer, the weather is just right — not too cold and not too hot. The average temperature is around 25 degrees (actually, it can get warmer, which locals consider quite hot). There is one thing to note about Amsterdam: the rain. So, make sure to pack an umbrella and a raincoat. Even if the forecast says no rain but it is cloudy, don't leave the house without an umbrella — rain can start at any moment, even if it is light.

Well, imagine you're in Amsterdam. What is next? We have prepared a list of everything you need.

How to get there

You can fly directly from Dubai or Abu Dhabi, and a round-trip ticket will cost around 900–1000 euros (or 3600–4000 AED). There are no direct flights from Sharjah or Ras Al Khaimah, so you will need to make one stop. A direct flight takes about seven hours (check out our list of series to watch during the flight).

Where to Stay

Whether you choose a hotel or an apartment, it's best to pick one in these areas of Amsterdam.

For those who want to immerse themselves in the city's vibrant life, Centrum or Jordaan are perfect. If you prefer a good neighbourhood with less hustle and bustle than the centre, De Pijp is a great choice — it is a nice area that has recently become popular and, as a result, more expensive. Another excellent option is the Zuid district. It is one of the most upscale areas, quiet, and about a 20–30 minute walk from the centre. This neighbourhood is ideal for those who want to be away from the chaos but still close to the action.

What to Explore

Obviously, you have to check out the museums. Head to Museum Square (Museumplein), where you will find the Rijksmuseum (featuring works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Van Gogh, and others), the Van Gogh Museum, and the Stedelijk Museum (showcasing pieces by Kandinsky, Malevich, Mondrian, Pollock, and more).

Don't miss the Eye Film Museum. First off, the architecture is stunning. Second, you can catch a movie there. And third, you will learn a lot about the history of cinema.

Photo: Ruben Hanssen

For tourists, it is more practical to buy a temporary Museum Pass (Museumkaart) at one of the major museums. It is valid for 31 days and makes visiting museums more affordable.

Honestly, the best advice is to just walk around. Amsterdam is a city made for walking; every street has its own story. And if you are hesitant about being a typical tourist and taking a boat ride through the canals — just go for it. The boat tours last a little over an hour and are really interesting.

Bicycles

Imagine a stream of cars. Now replace the cars with bicycles. Welcome to Amsterdam. Bicycle traffic here is an entirely different universe that won't adapt to you; you need to play by its rules. There are plenty of rental spots — rent a bike and ride (carefully)!

Where to Eat

Pizza

For great pizza, check out De Pizzakamer or Ceppi's. De Pizzakamer is more affordable, while Ceppi's is a bit pricier. Both spots are always busy because the pizza is really tasty.

Address of De Pizzakamer: Tweede van der Helststraat 16

Address of Ceppi's: Lijnbaansgracht 256

Instagram: @ceppis.trattoria

Ice Cream

Right across from De Pizzakamer is Massimo Gelato, a paradise for ice cream lovers. Ask any local, and they'll tell you it's the best ice cream in all of Amsterdam. Be prepared for lines, especially in the summer.

Address: Van Ostadestraat 147 H, 1072 SW Amsterdam

Miuz might not be as well-known as Massimo Gelato, but their ice cream is just as delicious.

Address: Overtoom 117

Instagram: @massimogelatoamsterdam

French Fries

For the best fries, head to those unassuming stands that might look a bit sketchy at first, but trust us, they are worth it.

Frietsteeg is a small café on a bridge where you can often see lines (especially around lunchtime or at about 3 PM when school lets out). Fortunately, they prepare the food quickly, so you won’t have to wait long.

Address: Stadionkade 73 /A

Vleminckx de Sausmeester is another small spot that has been getting rave reviews for its fries since the 1950s. Plus, they have an incredible selection of sauces!

Address: Voetboogstraat 33, 1012 XK Amsterdam

Instagram: @frietsteeg

Bakeries

Honestly, the baked goods in Amsterdam are delicious everywhere. You can pop into any store like Albert Heijn or Jumbo (go in the morning when the pastries are still warm) and find baguettes, cinnamon croissants (they are incredible), raisin buns, and more.

Here are a few spots with amazing baked goods:

— Fournil (baguettes, croissants, pies)

— et Claire (croissant cubes with various fillings)

— Melly's Cookie Bar (an array of cookies)

— Broodbakker Simon Meijssen (everything and anything)

— Van Wonderen Stroopwafels (magic Stroopwafels with different toppings)

Instagram: @et_claire_

Breakfast

Save this list of places where you can kick off your morning with delicious coffee, sandwiches, muesli, or something else tasty:

— Back to Black Coffee (Weteringstraat 48)

— JOE & THE JUICE (multiple locations)

— Locals (Eerste Jacob van Campenstraat 27-H)

— Bagels & Beans (Ferdinand Bolstraat 70)

— Factory Girl (Saenredamstraat 32)

— Uncommon (Eerste Constantijn Huygensstraat 63H)

Matcha place

We could have added this café to our list of breakfast spots, but it is so unique that it deserves its own highlight. The café, called Lera, opened recently, and everything here revolves around matcha — matcha drinks, matcha cookies, matcha desserts, you name it. Plus, it might just be one of the most beautiful places in Amsterdam.

Instagram: @lera.matcha

...and some restaurants

Di Bruno — a cozy Italian restaurant. The space is small, so it can feel a bit cramped when it's full, but the food is delicious and the atmosphere is fantastic.

Address: Willemsparkweg, 155

De Kas — dine inside the beautifully lit glass conservatory or, on sunny days, on the patio surrounded by fragrant herbs.

Address: Kamerlingh Onneslaan, 3

Tozi — another Italian restaurant with charming lanterns at the entrance and an amazing atmosphere inside.

Address: Koninginneweg 34

by Alexandra Mansilla