Travel

The nicest outdoor cinemas in the Netherlands

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cinema

In the past, drive-in cinemas were often seen in American movies or series. It seemed like the perfect place for a fun evening with friends or a date night, and I was always jealous that we didn't have this in the Netherlands. Watching a movie indoors on a summer evening often feels like a waste of those scarce sunsets, but doing it outside is a unique experience. Nowadays, you can find outdoor cinemas in various places in the Netherlands where you can watch movies in the most beautiful locations this summer.

Cityscape Cinema in Amsterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht

Cityscape Cinema is a Dutch concept that organizes pop-up outdoor cinemas at various locations. The locations for this summer are Hotel Arena and the A'DAM Lookout in Amsterdam, Grand Hotel Karel V and Molen de Ster in Utrecht, and the Nutshuis in The Hague. You watch the movie in a unique environment such as the inner gardens of hotels, and the programming mainly consists of popular classics and feel-good films, such as La La Land, Notting Hill, Mamma Mia!, The Grand Budapest Hotel, and Good Will Hunting.

Movies @ H'ART Museum in Amsterdam

Every year, the inner garden of the H'ART Museum transforms into an open-air cinema in August. Film quizzes are held before each movie, and a good mix of classics, arthouse films, and crowd favorites is screened.

Rooftop Cinema by Pathé in Utrecht

Pathé Leidsche Rijn is one of the few rooftop cinemas in the Netherlands. At 25 meters high, you can watch movies here with a view over the skyline of Utrecht. Since it is a Pathé cinema, you will see the latest films in the cinema quality you expect from them. The screenings take place on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, and there is a short break halfway through.

Cinair across the Netherlands

Cinair organizes outdoor or drive-in cinemas every year at various locations throughout the Netherlands, with this year including Stadspark in Groningen, the beach in Zandvoort, and Jaarbeurs in Utrecht on the schedule. Popular films are shown on a gigantic screen of 144 m2.

Beach Cinema Zeezicht in Scheveningen

This might be one of the most special experiences on this list, as you lie on a comfortable beach bed with cushions and blankets watching the best romcoms, feel-good films, musicals, or action movies, with the sunset in the background. You can order drinks and snacks via a QR code, which will be delivered to your beach bed.

Whether you prefer to watch a movie in the city or on the beach, there are plenty of choices to have the perfect outdoor movie night this summer. Unfortunately, this is only possible in the Netherlands during the summer, but that also makes it unique. If you want to ensure a spot, I recommend reserving in advance, as popular films often sell out quickly.