Sunny Days in the Netherlands: What the Dutch Do When the Sun Shines

A sunny day with a view of the inner city netherlands with buildings to the left, a dutch flag moving in the breeze. To the right, the canal visible over the flowers directly in front on the bridge viewpoint. People are outside and enjoying the sun on the terraces.

When the sun finally makes an appearance in the Netherlands, something magical happens. People leave their homes, terraces fill up, and parks become lively picnic spots. The Dutch don’t take sunshine for granted, and as an expat, you shouldn’t either! Here’s how to make the most of a sunny day in the Netherlands.

1. Taking Over the Terraces

The moment the sun comes out, Dutch cafés and restaurants extend their outdoor seating, and terraces are packed within minutes. Whether it’s a casual beer, a coffee, or a full meal, you’ll find locals soaking up the sun with friends. Want to join them? Head to popular spots like:

2. A Visit to the Beach

Yes, the Netherlands has beaches! On warm, sunny days, people flock to the coast for some much-needed vitamin D. Some of the best beach destinations include:

Scheveningen – The most famous beach, with a lively boulevard and plenty of bars.
Zandvoort – Easily accessible from Amsterdam by train.
Bloemendaal – Known for its trendy beach clubs and parties.

3. Boating Through the Canals

The Dutch love their boats, and a sunny day is the perfect excuse to rent one. In cities like Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Leiden, you’ll see canals filled with people enjoying boat rides, often with drinks and snacks on board. You can rent a boat yourself or join a guided canal tour.

4. Outdoor Sports and Cycling

When the weather is good, the Dutch take full advantage of it by engaging in outdoor activities like:

Running and cycling: You’ll see joggers in parks and cyclists heading out for long rides.
Skating: Inline skating is a popular activity in parks and on bike paths.
Hiking: Dutch nature reserves and dunes offer great walking routes.

5. Picnicking in the Park

City parks transform into picnic hotspots when the sun shines. Some of the best parks to visit include:

Bring a blanket, snacks, and drinks, and you’re all set for a relaxing afternoon.

6. Barbecues Everywhere

The Dutch love to barbecue when the weather allows. You’ll see groups grilling in parks, on balconies, and even on houseboats. Supermarkets even sell disposable BBQ sets to make things easy.

7. Ice Cream & Stroopwafels

Nothing completes a sunny day like a cold treat. Dutch ice cream shops serve everything from classic flavors to local specialties like stroopwafel ice cream. Look out for places like:

Final Thoughts

Sunny days in the Netherlands are special, and the Dutch know how to make the most of them. Whether you prefer a terrace, a boat ride, or a beach trip, there’s something for everyone. So when the sun shines, drop what you’re doing and go enjoy it—just like the locals do!.

For more expat info go to the chat below.

Start chatting!