Hieke van der Vaart

The Dutch summer weather might be a bit unpredictable, but even if the weather isn’t agreeable, Amsterdam’s urban beaches provide some worthwhile destinations. A bit more hidden than their Parisian counterparts, they have more to offer than chilling in the sand, even on a rainy day.

The nomadic Blijburg beach has been around since 2003, two years after IJburg, one of Amsterdam’s newest neighborhoods, on the eastern edge of the city, was constructed. The far-reaching horizon provides for some lovely views. Swimming is allowed and the site hosts beach parties, bonfires, windsurfing workshops and a monthly car trunk sale.

Strandzuid, located near the business center of Amsterdam, is considerably more upscale. It has comfortable beach chairs, showers, food and Champagne, and parties on weekends. Swimming is not allowed, but the beach bar is reachable by boat and partly covered, in case of the occasional shower.

Amsterdam Roest is the newest talk of the town. Just east of Central Station, hidden between large old factory halls, a surprisingly cozy beach bar recently opened its rusty doors, attracting a mix of students, families and tourists.

And although refreshing yourself in the nearby canal waters might not seem too appealing, swimming is possible and even recommended by some at Roest. Otherwise, just sip a beer and watch the sun set in between Amsterdam’s famed buildings. Roest also organizes parties on weekends and other events in the adjacent factory halls.