The Netherlands is celebrating the summer! There are no happier people than the locals when the sun is finally out and the temperature goes up. Everyone gets outside, the terraces get filled and cold drinks and ‘bitterballen’ are being served endlessly. Here are some programs to enjoy when the weather is getting hot.
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!
Skylounge Amsterdam
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