Summertime! There are so many ways to enjoy this season in the Netherlands. Let's state the obvious and suggest a visit to one of our beautiful beaches while enjoying the sun's warm rays. It comes as no surprise why holidaymakers and tourists love visiting the Dutch coast so much. Major seaside resorts like Scheveningen, Zandvoort and Renesse are enormously popular due to the miles and miles of sandy beaches, cozy restaurants on the boulevard, relaxing water sports and trendy beach clubs. Ever thought of a city beach?
Busy Dutch beaches
Many hotels, apartments and even campsites are usually within walking distance of the sea, so many tourists often head to the beach on foot. They work on their tans, eat some super fresh fish at one of the many catering establishments and, above all, just relax and have fun. The only downside is that it can sometimes get a bit crowded. This is especially true in high season when it can be a challenge to find the perfect spot to put your towel.
© Holland boven Amsterdam
We suggest you stay a little longer in the Netherlands and see other sights on the weekends. Save the beach for weekdays, when they are less crowded.
We also have lovely beaches and lakes outside the major resort areas. There are a lot of undiscovered gems, such as the Maarsseveenseplassen lakes in the municipality of Utrecht or the Wijthmenerplas lake in Zwolle. Flevoland's largest city, Almere, has a coastline of more than 40 kilometers – perfect for water sports enthusiasts. Castricum is also a fine choice in this regard. It has the laid-back atmosphere of Bloemendaal and Zandvoort but is a lot less busy (for now).
Summer of festivals
© Lowlands
But it's not just about the beaches, because the Netherlands has so much more to offer during the summer. First of all: there is a huge festival culture in the Netherlands. Put on your sunglasses and some comfortable shoes and get dancing. Or, if the weather isn’t cooperating, put on a plastic poncho and a pair of worn-out All Stars and create your own muddy choreography.
From Lowlands to Pinkpop and from Best Kept Secret to Decibel: there is a party for every music lover. But the average festival these days is about so much more than just dancing and drinking. Food trucks, pop-up restaurants and small bars provide an atmospheric and delicious balance. A festival is a great way to start your vacation in the Netherlands – and then stay on for another week or so.
Keep your wallet in mind though, because you can easily (and quickly) blow through your budget at festivals. The many food trucks and trendy bars will tempt you with their great food and drinks. Pulled pork, vegan burgers and gin & tonics are just three things you can get at almost every festival in the Netherlands. It’s also a good idea to pack an extra bottle of water in your backpack when the sun is out.
© Erik van 't Hof via Parade Utrecht
De Parade is a good example of one such event. This is a colorful traveling theater festival that is held in our five largest cities during the summer. You’ll enjoy good food, a variety of shows and a Martini bar, not to mention a swing carousel, photo booth and a cool silent disco.
No festivals going on or at least none nearby? Then pack a picnic and head to one of the many large parks. The parks in the big cities are especially good for enjoying the outdoors, having a barbecue and relaxing with drinks until late in the evening.
Taste the summer
© Iris van den Broek via NBTC Mediabank
If you’re visiting the Netherlands in the summer, the first thing you should do is have a drink at a sidewalk café. Whether you’re in a big city, an out-of-the-way hidden gem or charming village, these cafés can be found practically everywhere.
They’re particularly popular here because we have to enjoy them while we can. In the fall and winter especially, the best we can hope for is dull and overcast. Not exactly the best time to enjoy a bar snacks, draft beer and some nuts outside.
Which means that when the sun makes an appearance, even for just a little while, we emerge from our terraced houses and apartments and pretend we're not cold while wearing sunglasses and a windbreaker. Except during the summer, when it’s usually nice and warm. So the hospitality industry set their tables and chairs outside, only to put them away again around midnight or later.
