Experience the Best of Late Summer in Amsterdam

You arrive in Amsterdam as the afternoon light glows softly along the canals. The pace is unhurried, the streets quiet yet full of life. It feels like the city has saved its most graceful days just for you.

At Pillows Maurits at the Park, every moment has been considered with you in mind. May we arrange a private canal cruise this evening, departing directly from our jetty? Or perhaps you’d enjoy visiting the art fair just across the river. Tomorrow brings a gentle cycling tour along the Amstel, tracing the path once taken by Rembrandt.

A scenic helicopter flight brings you to Zeeland, where oysters by the sea and a lingering lunch at InterScaldes—our two Michelin-starred partner restaurant—await. Evenings unfold slowly with champagne on the rooftop or quiet moments in the garden, where everything softens but the breeze in the trees.

And when it’s time to leave, you carry more than memories—you carry a feeling.

Grachtenfestival in Amsterdam

What Awaits This Summer

Late summer in Amsterdam has a rhythm all its own. The light is softer, the city more open, and time feels just a little more generous. To help you savour it fully, we’ve curated a selection of highlights that capture the essence of the season—each one relaxed, refined and distinctly local.

Cultural Festivals & Outdoor Experiences

Grachtenfestival (Canal Festival)
In mid-August, Amsterdam’s canals transform into floating concert halls. Enjoy classical, jazz and world music performances in one of the city’s most atmospheric settings. Learn about the full Grachtenfestival programme and tickets

Pluk de Nacht Open-Air Film Festival
Watch independent films under the stars beside the IJ River at Stenen Hoofd. Reserve your beach chair and ticket via the official Pluk de Nacht website. Details on pricing and the kids’ programme are available here.

Vondelpark Open Air Theatre
From May through September, this green oasis hosts live music, dance and theatre. Ideal for a spontaneous cultural interlude.

Kwaku Summer Festival
Enjoy culture, culinary delights and live music at Nelson Mandela Park. Visit the official Kwaku Festival website for date specifics and ticket options.

Open Monumentendag & Monumentennacht 2025
For one weekend each September, you’ll gain rare access to Amsterdam’s most storied buildings—many of which are typically closed to the public. With atmospheric nighttime openings and unique interiors revealed, it’s a must for photographers, history lovers, and architecture enthusiasts alike. Discover which hidden landmarks open their doors here.

Art, Design & Contemporary Exhibitions

ARTZUID
Held every two years, ARTZUID transforms the elegant avenues of Amsterdam-Zuid into an open-air sculpture gallery. Featuring large-scale works by internationally renowned artists, the exhibition invites you to wander and experience contemporary art in the heart of the city. Discover the ARTZUID route and artist line-up.

Amsterdam Fashion Week
Amsterdam Fashion Week brings together designers, artists and fashion lovers for a citywide celebration of creativity. From bold runway shows to boutique pop-ups and design talks, the programme is as inspiring as it is dynamic. Explore the latest Amsterdam Fashion Week events and tickets.

H’ART Museum
Set along the Amstel, H’ART Museum offers a thoughtful blend of major international exhibitions and seasonal open-air events in its riverside courtyard. A peaceful space to reflect or reconnect with culture. Plan your visit through the H’ART Museum website.

Stedelijk Museum
The Stedelijk Museum showcases the very best in modern and contemporary art and design. Inside, you'll find a world-class collection and changing exhibitions from Dutch and global visionaries. Outside, nearby spaces like Kunsthuis Amsterdam and What is Happening Here offer more intimate encounters. See what’s on at the Stedelijk Museum.

Art Fair Amsterdam
Returning to De Kromhouthal for its 19th edition, this vibrant fair features thousands of contemporary artworks from over 65 Dutch and international galleries. A must for art lovers, collectors and creatives seeking fresh inspiration. Discover the Affordable Art Fair programme and tickets

Experiences with Pillows Hotels

Private Canal Cruise
Experience Amsterdam from the water, just as it was meant to be seen. Departing from our own jetty, your private boat journey is tailored to your mood—whether that’s a floating dinner, a golden hour tour, or a quiet exploration of hidden waterways only locals know.

Cycle the Amstel
Slow down and follow the path once taken by Rembrandt. With a private guide by your side, this relaxed cycling tour takes you along peaceful riverbanks and past historic windmills—inviting you to see the city through the lens of light, art and nature.

Helicopter Escape to Zeeland
Take off from Amsterdam and fly above the countryside toward the coast, where a curated tasting of oysters and a refined lunch at Michelin-starred InterScaldes await. A rare opportunity to combine culture, cuisine and the thrill of flight.

The Summer Touch
After a day immersed in the city’s vibrancy, return to the stillness of Pillows. Enjoy champagne in the garden, a quiet dinner beneath the trees, or simply retreat to your room—where soft linens, warm light and perfect silence await.

To discover more curated experiences by Pillows Hotels, please visit our official experiences page.