The Netherlands is celebrating summer, and there’s no place like Amsterdam when the sun finally shines and the temperatures rise. The locals are known for their love of sunny days, and nothing beats the joy of stepping outside after months of cooler weather. As soon as the warmth sets in, Amsterdam comes to life—terraces and outdoor cafes fill up, the vibrant atmosphere becomes electric, and people gather to enjoy the simple pleasures of summer. Cold drinks, delicious Dutch treats like bitterballen, and the fresh breeze off the canals are all part of the experience.
If you’re looking for accessible outdoor activities or inclusive events to enjoy in Amsterdam when the weather heats up, you’re in luck! From scenic canal cruises to cultural festivals, there are plenty of accessible summer activities in Amsterdam that ensure everyone can take full advantage of the beautiful weather. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these summer programs offer something for everyone to enjoy under the sun. Keep reading to discover the best ways to experience the city in the summer heat—no matter your mobility needs.
Summer days in Amsterdam: accessible activities
Vondelpark
Vondelpark is situated in the city centre of Amsterdam and is a beloved green park by both locals and tourists. It gets filled with people when the weather is nice. Lying in the grass, having a picknick or even barbecuing in the appointed areas…these are great programs outside in the sun. If you want to visit Vondelpark on a typical Dutch way, you can rent a (special) bike and cycle around the park, then rest in the grass or on the terrace of one of the cafes.
Canal Cruise
The combination of the crooked, old houses, canals and bridges is what makes the city of Amsterdam so special. It is not questionable that the best way to discover this beautiful city is on the water. There are some options for accessible boating on the canals: it is possible to get on board of a sightseeing vessel that shows you the highlights of the city, passing the Anne Frank House, the Wester Church, the Rembrandt House, the Maritime Museum and Rijksmuseum. If you want a more intimate tour with your family and friends, you can rent a private adapted boat and enjoy a custom-made trip on the canals of Amsterdam. Regardless of what you choose, you will have a lot of fun on the water! Visit our dedicated page on the accessible canal cruise.
Skylounge Amsteerdam
This rooftop lounge bar is an unique spot that is overlooking the stunning city of Amsterdam. Just next to Central Station at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel the elevator takes you to 11 floor high where the view is absolutely breathtaking. It is an elegant bar where cocktails and small bites are getting served, while you enjoy the panorama and chill music. It is a very special experience when visiting Amsterdam. For more information, go to the official website.
Heineken Experience
Speaking of hot weather…a nice, cold beer always helps to cool down. Heineken is a world-famous Dutch beer that exists for more than 150 years. The Heineken Experience introduces the history of this beer in an interactive way. You get to know more about the story of Heineken, the beer brewing process and there are a lot of opportunities to take fun pictures, taste the beer and even get your name on a Heineken bottle. The exhibition terminates in a bar where you can get 2 cold beers per person and have a chat. The Heineken Experience is accessible for wheelchair-users and there is a wheelchair available at the exhibition free of charge that needs to be booked 48 hours in advance. Book here! More information about accessibility can be found in the Heineken Experience blog.
The beach
When it is getting really hot, the best is to spend the day at the beach. Zandvoort is accessible by a direct train from Amsterdam Central within 30 minutes. It is one of the most popular beaches close to Amsterdam and Haarlem with food tents, cafes and lounges. You can rent a beach wheelchair at these locations:
Tijn Akersloot: 023-5712547, Boulevard Paulus Loot 1B
De Haven van Zandvoort: 023-5718888, Boulevard Paulus Loot 9
Thalassa: 023-5715660, Boulevard Barnaart 18
Club Nautique: 023-5715707, Boulevard Barnaart 23
About the author
Silvia Causin is a passionate expert in accessible travel, committed to making travel more inclusive for everyone. She shares valuable insights on how to navigate the world with ease, comfort, and confidence.
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