1. Oosterpark – Green Oasis in Amsterdam East
Just around the corner from Hotel Casa, Oosterpark is where locals escape the heat without leaving the neighborhood. Find a shady spot under a tree, dip your feet in the water feature, or grab an ice cream and people-watch. It’s your backyard — only bigger.
🚲 Cycling from Hotel Casa: ± 4 minutes
🍴 Lunch & Dinner Tip:
De Tros – local hip spot with natural wines and comfort food
Bar Bukowski – hip city café & cocktail bar with a terrace and flammkuchen
2. Sloterplas – Swim Like a Local in Amsterdam West
Want the whole local summer experience? Head to Sloterplas. This massive lake in Amsterdam West has a designated swimming area, sandy patches for sunbathing, and even SUP rentals. It’s the city’s unofficial beach, minus the salt.
🚲 Cycling from Hotel Casa: ± 25 minutes
🍴 Lunch & Dinner Tip:
Boothuis – a hidden local gem, smart to book ahead
Buiten – feels like a secret garden, easy and cosy
3. The Amstel River – Classic Summer Scenes
Cycle and or walk south along the Amstel and you'll find boats bobbing in the water, people swimming, and plenty of cosy banks for a break in the sun. Bring snacks, a towel, and your adventurous side — and yes, people do actually swim in the Amstel. Just pick a spot with easy water access and no boats zooming by.
🚲 Cycling from Hotel Casa: ± 6 minutes
🍴 Lunch & Dinner Tip:
Café Hesp – large riverside terrace
Rijsel – industrial French-Flemish. Local favorite
4. Marineterrein – Swim with a View
The city's unofficial open-air pool, Marineterrein, is a hotspot for swimmers and sunbathers alike. Hidden behind the National Maritime Museum, it's one of the best open-water swimming spots in town. It’s clean, calm, and right in the heart of Amsterdam. The floating pontoon and skyline view? Just icing on the cake.
🚲 Cycling from Hotel Casa: ± 12 minutes
🍴 Lunch & Dinner Tip:
Pension Homeland – honest food in a very special place
Zomerloket – bakery meets wine bar
5. Flevopark – Green, and Laid-Back
Less crowded than Vondelpark and bursting with character, Flevopark is where East locals cool off under tall trees or dive into the natural swimming spot at the park’s edge.
🚲 Cycling from Hotel Casa: ± 10 minutes
🍴 Lunch & Dinner Tip:
’t Nieuwe Diep – a charming distillery tucked inside the park
Parknest – low-key neighborhood café for great sandwiches and coffee
6. Strandzuid – Urban Beach Vibes
Sand between your toes in the city? Yes, please. Strandzuid (located behind the RAI convention centre) is all about good times, Aperol spritzes, and a playful summer vibe. While it’s not a swimming spot, it’s perfect for summer socialising with a cool breeze and a chilled drink.
🚲 Cycling from Hotel Casa: ± 12 minutes
🍴 Lunch & Dinner Tip:
Strandzuid – the spot itself is a full-on summer hangout
7. Het Amsterdamse Bos & Nieuwe Meer – Forest Getaway
A bit of a cycle, but worth every pedal stroke. Nieuwe Meer is where savvy locals go for a clean, peaceful swim without the crowds. Pack a picnic, bring sunscreen, find a dock, dip into the water, or rent a canoe and drift through the green. Spend the afternoon floating your worries away.
🚲 Cycling from Hotel Casa: ± 30 minutes
🍴 Lunch & Dinner Tip:
Het Bosch Waterfront Kitchen – beautiful terrace by the lake
Boerderij Meerzicht – pancakes & woodland vibes
8. Westerpark – Cool Culture & Green Space
Westerpark is home to the Westergasfabriek—a buzzing cultural hub. Discover a green space with art, food, and culture. There are plenty of shady spots for relaxing, and if it gets too hot, pop into one of the cafés or galleries to cool off. The vibe here is creative, relaxed, and totally Amsterdam.
🚲 Cycling from Hotel Casa: ± 22 minutes
🍴 Lunch & Dinner Tip:
Pacific Amsterdam – perfect for drinks that turn into dancing
Cantine de Caron – elegant French cuisine
9. De Ceuvel – Sustainability Meets Chill in Noord
Hop on the ferry and head to De Ceuvel, a unique eco-hub in Amsterdam North where you can lounge by the water, sip something organic, and enjoy creative vibes. Technically, it is not a swim spot, but the breezy waterfront hangouts make it a summer favorite.
🚲 Cycling from Hotel Casa: ± 25 minutes (includes short ferry)
🍴 Lunch & Dinner Tip:
Café de Ceuvel – sustainable, fresh and full of soul
10. Javaplein & the Eastern Docklands – Breezy City Strolls by the Water
Craving a summer vibe with a local twist? Head toward Javaplein and the Eastern Docklands, where wide waterfront boulevards, industrial bridges, and laid-back terraces await. Bring your camera as the light hits differently here.
🚲 Cycling from Hotel Casa: ± 10–12 minutes
🍴 Lunch & Dinner Tip:
Bar Basquiat – bold, colourful, and relaxed local favorite
Café de Zuid – cosy and perfect for golden hour drinks
FAQ – Summer in the City: Cooling Down in Amsterdam
Where can I swim outdoors in Amsterdam in summer?
You can swim in several clean, safe outdoor locations, such as De Nieuwe Meer, Flevopark, and Marineterrein. These are popular local spots, perfect for cooling off on hot days.
What are the best parks in Amsterdam to relax in during summer?
Oosterpark, Flevopark, and Westerpark offer shade, green space, and a local vibe. They're ideal for picnics, reading, or unwinding away from the crowds.
Are there any urban beaches in Amsterdam?
Yes! Strandzuid is a city beach with loungers, drinks, and a relaxed vibe. While it’s not for swimming, it’s perfect for summer hangouts.
Can I reach these summer spots by bike from Hotel Casa?
All 10 places mentioned in this guide are bikeable from Hotel Casa, and the distances range from just 4 minutes to about 30 minutes. Amsterdam is built for biking!
Where do locals go to cool off in summer?
Locals head to quiet lakes like Nieuwe Meer, swim spots like Marineterrein, and lesser-known parks like Flevopark. They also love hanging out by the Amstel or in cultural areas like De Ceuvel.
Are these places family-friendly?
Yes — most parks, swimming spots, and cafés are suitable for families, with safe areas for kids, nature, and open space.
