Things To Do in Amsterdam in July

Amsterdam is one of the most vibrant, exciting and beautiful cities in Europe. It is the capital of the Netherlands and is home to over 860,000 people – making it the largest city in the country. Amsterdam has a rich and fascinating history, from its humble beginnings as a small fishing village in the thirteenth century to its present day status as a major cultural and economic hub. It is known for its canals, its art, its unique architecture, its vibrant nightlife and its world-famous museums. July is a great time to visit Amsterdam, as it offers plenty of activities and attractions that will keep visitors entertained. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing weekend getaway or an action-packed holiday, Amsterdam has something for everyone.

History of Amsterdam

Amsterdam was founded in the thirteenth century by a group of fishermen from the Netherlands. They built a dam across a river to keep out the tides and create a safe haven for their boats. This is where the city gets its name from – “Amsterdam” is derived from the Dutch words for “dam” and “meer”, meaning “lake”. The city quickly grew in size and importance as a major trading port, and by the seventeenth century it had become an influential centre of culture and international commerce. Since then, Amsterdam has continued to flourish, becoming a major tourism destination, a centre of technology and innovation, and a global financial hub.

Famous Sights and Attractions

There are plenty of sights and attractions to explore in Amsterdam. The city is known for its iconic canals, which are lined with beautiful architecture – including the famous Skinny Bridge, the oldest bridge in Amsterdam. Other popular attractions include the historic Beurs van Berlage building, the Rijksmuseum (the national museum of the Netherlands), the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum and the beautiful Vondelpark. There are also plenty of lively markets, such as the Albert Cuyp Market and Waterlooplein Flea Market.

Culture and Cuisine

Amsterdam is also an exciting cultural destination. The city offers an array of cultural events throughout the year, such as the annual Grachtenfestival (Canal Festival) and Koningsdag (King’s Day). It is also home to a wide variety of museums, galleries and theatres. Visitors can enjoy a range of culinary experiences in Amsterdam, from traditional Dutch food such as poffertjes (miniature pancakes) to international cuisines like Italian and Indian. Amsterdam is also known for its vibrant nightlife scene, with plenty of bars, clubs and music venues to explore.

Activities in Amsterdam

Amsterdam offers plenty of activities for visitors in July. One popular activity is taking a canal cruise around the city – this is a great way to get an overview of Amsterdam’s sights, as well as its history and culture. Another popular activity is visiting one of Amsterdam’s many parks and gardens – these include Vondelpark, Sarphatipark and Amstelpark. Visitors can also take part in bike tours or rent a bike to explore the city on their own. There are also plenty of guided walking tours available which offer an insight into Amsterdam’s history and culture.

Museums and Galleries

Amsterdam is home to some of Europe’s most renowned museums and galleries. The most famous museum in Amsterdam is the Rijksmuseum – this is home to an extensive collection of Dutch art, including works by Rembrandt and Vermeer. The Van Gogh Museum is another must-visit – here visitors can view a vast collection of Van Gogh’s paintings and sketches. Other popular museums include the Stedelijk Museum (which houses contemporary artworks) and the Anne Frank House (which allows visitors to explore the secret annex where Anne Frank and her family hid during World War II).

Book an Amsterdam Canal Boat Tour

One of the best ways to get to know Amsterdam is by taking a canal boat tour – this allows visitors to explore the city from a unique perspective, while learning about its history and culture. There are plenty of companies offering canal boat tours in Amsterdam – these range from romantic sunset cruises to guided day tours that take in all of the city’s highlights. During a canal boat tour visitors can expect to see some of Amsterdam’s most famous sights, such as the Skinny Bridge and Beurs van Berlage building. They may also spot some of the city’s iconic houseboats or catch a glimpse of wild swans swimming in the canals. Tours typically last 1-2 hours and are often accompanied by an audio guide which provides interesting facts about Amsterdam’s history, culture and architecture.

Book a Heineken Brewery Tour

The Heineken experience offers visitors an insight into one of Amsterdam’s most famous brands – Heineken beer! The tour takes visitors through the original brewery building, where they will learn about Heineken’s history and brewing techniques, before sampling some of their delicious beers. The tour also includes interactive games and video presentations which provide further insights into the brand’s story. Towards the end of the tour visitors can explore Heineken’s modern brewery facility – here they can see how beer is produced today before enjoying one final beer tasting experience!

Book an Amsterdam City Bike Tour

Cycling is an iconic part of life in Amsterdam – it is estimated that around half of all locals own bikes! A great way to explore the city is by taking a guided bike tour – these usually last 3-4 hours and take in all of Amsterdam’s top sights. Bike tours often start at Dam Square, which is home to some of the city’s most iconic buildings including the Royal Palace and Nieuwe Kerk church. From here visitors will cycle past some of Amsterdam’s most famous canals – including Herengracht and Keizersgracht – before exploring some of the city’s less well-known neighbourhoods such as Jordaan or De Pijp. Along the way they will learn lots about Amsterdam’s history, culture and architecture before ending their tour at one of the city’s many picturesque parks or gardens.

Conclusion

Amsterdam is an exciting destination with plenty to see and do throughout July. From taking a canal boat tour to visiting one of the city’s many museums or galleries, there’s something for everyone in Amsterdam. Visitors can also take part in unique experiences like brewery tours or bike tours, which provide an insight into Amsterdam’s fascinating culture and history. With its beautiful canals, world-class museums, vibrant nightlife scene and delicious cuisine, Amsterdam is sure to provide an unforgettable experience!