Why Spend August in Amsterdam

August is a perfect month for your Amsterdam trip. It is the warmest month of the year, but never too hot. The  average day temperature is  of 22°C or 72°F and ideal for a stroll through the city. Outdoor cafés have set up their terraces. Coffee shops put tables and seats up front. Amsterdammers  sit in front of their houses, reading or chatting.

Schools are still closed and many Amsterdammers are away on a holiday. This doesn’ t mean that you will have the city all to yourself. The influx of foreign visitors makes up for the locals. Beat the long queues at Anne Frankhuis and Van Van Gogh Museum by either arriving very early or simply buy your ticket online.

Hotels and hostels are full to capacities and prices are at their highest.  Arrive at Schiphol Airport in good time because the lines at the security checks are long.

What to do in Amsterdam in August

• Plan your trip to include Sail 2010 held from 19 – 23 August
• Rent a bike, tour the canals and include a picnic in Vondelpark
• Relax at one of the city beaches
• Take the train and spend the day at Zandvoort beach

AMSTERDAM CITY BEACHES

WHAT: Strand West
WHERE: Stavangerweg 900 (map)
HOW TO GET THERE: bus 22 from Centraal Station to Spaarndammer buurt
WHEN: April – September, Monday – Sunday 10:00 – 23:00

WHAT: Strand Zuid City Beach
WHERE: Europaplein 22 (map)
HOW TO GET THERE: Bus 4 or Metro line 51 from Centraal Sation
WHEN: summer season, daily 10:00 – 24:00

WHAT: Blijburg aan Zee
WHERE: Bert Haanstrakade 2004 (map)
HOW TO GET THERE: Tram 26 from Centraal Station to IJburg
WHEN: summer season, daily 10.am – 1 am

photo credit: tixano @flickr