Amsterdam Travel Expert. Culture, Events and Apartments

Christmas time is one of the best times to visit Amsterdam as you can explore the many different seasonal attractions and savour in the festive atmosphere. Below are just some of the things you can do in Amsterdam during this period.

Watch Christmas Concert

The Concertgebouw truly is one of the best concert buildings in the world, with superb architecture and acoustics which cannot be matched in the city. Each year there are Christmas concerts held here which really put the visitor in the festive spirit. The Christmas Eve showing is free of charge whilst the performance on Christmas day has an associated cost.

Christmas in Amsterdam

Enjoy the World Christmas Circus

Each year this superb circus comes to Amsterdam at Christmas time and it has become something of a festive tradition. The show is held in the 120 year old Theatre Carre and includes all of the usual circus acts and more. This is truly one for all the family.

Take in English Religious Service

English is widely spoken in Amsterdam and a number of the churches in the city hold English speaking services around Christmas time. It is extremely interesting to experience how the Dutch interpret Christmas.

Go to the Christmas market at the Westergasfabriek

There are two Christmas markets in the Westergasfabriek, one in early December and one closer to Christmas. Both of these events have a specific Christmas theme and represent the opportunity to wrap yourself up in the seasonal spirit and to purchase some traditional Dutch items.

There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy high culture in Amsterdam and this includes some excellent venues for live music, threatre and museums.

Concertgebouw

This venue has traditionally been the venue for famous composers to perform over the years, and today hosts an orchestra which has been voted amongst the best in the world. The building itself is a stunning example of architecture and really adds to the experience.

Muziektheater

Classical music and dance lovers flock here in their hoards to enjoy the high end performances from leading companies around the world. This venue is also home to the national opera, a well respected organisation which regularly performs classic opera productions.

Carré Theatre

With a fabulous location along the Amstel River, performances in this theatre have stretched back across the last two centuries. Today you can still catch regular dance and music performances, and there is even the odd production in English should you be so inclined.

Van Gogh Museum

Vincent Van Gogh is one of the names most commonly featured in the history of art across the world, and this museum boasts the largest collection of his work. Alongside Van Gogh’s works are those from his contemporaries which are fantastic to explore.

Rijksmuseum

This museum holds some of the most famous pieces of art in Dutch history, including many from the world famous Rembrandt. There is also a significant display of Asian art here and a chance to view the stern of HMS Royal Charles, a historic artefact from when the boat was captured in battle.

You can also experience Dutch culture first hand wby hanging out in one of the many Amsterdam cafes – a true local experience given the popularity of cafes in Holland.

There are a number of music festivals in Amsterdam each year, and below is a brief guide to some of them.

Amsterdam Dance Event ADE

This is (regarded as) the biggest electronic dance festival in the world. In total around 700 djs from around the world gather in the city to play at various venues in front of approximately 100,000 people. Over the week of the festival there can be up to 200 different events.

Jordaan Festival

This festival is somewhat unique to the city of Amsterdam and sees singers belting out cheesy Dutch ballads. It is certainly a festival for those of a certain taste, but even for those who expect not to like this event, it is certainly worth a visit just for the atmosphere and the chance to dance you socks off.

 Muziek 4-daagse

This event is held in a restored church and provides the platform for musical performers and singers to share their talent with the vast numbers who visit here. Whilst the overall mix of music is eclectic there is a significant emphasis on piano and classical music, with performances from amateurs as well as from established professionals.

Amsterdam Roots Festival

For those who enjoy music from around the world this is a really super festival to visit. Over many events, including some held outdoors in the Ooseterpark in the east of the city, there are performances from artists and groups originating from countries such as Africa and South America which highlights the diverse culture in the city as well as desire to explore and celebrate all different types of music. 

Amsterdam carnival in Holland

Amsterdam has a wide range of unique attractions for tourists, but have you ever wondered what the free attractions in Amsterdam are? Below are just some of the things that you can do for free around the beautiful city of Amsterdam.

Begijnhof

This is a picturesque village hidden within the city, and certainly a free attraction in Amsterdam. You can explore the 14^th century cottages, a medieval church and the gloriously well kept gardens. A visit here is sure to brighten your mood, and is a great way to experience the contrast between the city and village life.

Concerts

Music is a significant part of the culture in Amsterdam and there are a number of free concerts at different venues and locations around the city. If you keep your eyes open and your ears peeled, you’re sure to stumble upon a performance of some kind.

Dutch horse riding school

There is a large selection of horses and ponies which can be enjoyed at this riding school. You can pet them, observe them or even ride them. During certain times on Wednesdays and Saturdays, you can get to ride them for free.

Vondelpark

This is a large park in the city centre which is great for exploring. There are lakes, gardens, museums, famous houses and extensive greenery which are perfect for a picnic or for relaxing the day away. If you’re looking for a free attraction in Amsterdam, one that can double as great family time, then this has got to be it!

Civic Guards’ Gallery

This free display is an absolute treat for those who appreciate art. As you enter the history museum, there is a walkway which contains a series of high standard portraits which can be enjoyed before you reach the pay point.

You don’t have to worry about spending too much money on visiting the above mentioned sites of interest because they’re among the best free attractions in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam is renowned for its great cafes, and below is a brief guide to some of my favourites.

Cafe Welling (Jan Willem Brouwersstr 32) - The exterior of this cafe simply drags you in. The bench with an overhanging bush is the height of romance, and the experience inside is pretty good too!!! There is a real cosy but genuine feel to this establishment that will

Amsterdam Cafes

make you wish it was your local coffee cafe.

In De Wildeman (Kolksteeg 3) - The setting in an old distillery gives this cafe much of its charm, whilst the mix of coffees and beers on the menu make for a diverse visit which will suit most tastes. The coffees are made fresh by trained waiters whilst the beers represent a chance to taste new brands.

Café Alto – If you like your cafe to be busy in the evenings with plenty of buzz and entertainment then this is the place for you. This cafe has hosted life jazz music for decades, and although it is not the same size as it used to be, it is still a great night out.

Café Latei – This cafe makes my list due to its bizarre appearance, typified by the random items which are placed around it, which are designed not only for display reasons but also for sale as a way of subsidising the income. The coffee is not to be scoffed at either.

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When you think of Amsterdam one of the activities which you immediately associate with the city is cycling. Almost half of the traffic in Amsterdam is made of bicycle riders, and it would be a shame to visit the city without participating in this cultural trait. Below are some tips for when you do.

Look out for pedestrian zones – Just because there are so many bicycles in Amsterdam does not mean that people on them are able to ride wherever they like. Make sure you remain conscious of the areas which are reserved only for pedestrians.

Obey the laws of the road – Those riding on bicycles must follow the laws of the road as if they were in a car. You must still obey the Dutch road laws, including stopping at traffic lights and giving pedestrians right of way where appropriate. If you fail to obey the laws you could find yourself being stopped by the Police.

Cycling in Holland

Be wary of Trams – Trams are another popular method of transport in Amsterdam, so be conscious of the where the tracks are to ensure that you do not ride out in front of one.

Use a lock – It is quite easy for somebody to take your bicycle by accident, so when you leave your bike make sure that you have attached it to something secure using a secure lock. If you have paid a deposit for your bicycle this is especially important.

Learn more about visiting Amsterdam, Holland. If you are travelling around Europe and also visiting Barcelona, you might be interested also in our friends Barcelona bike tours and stag weekend trips in Spain.

There is plenty to see and do in Amsterdam. Galleries and museums house wonderful works of art, the complex canal network is fun to explore and there are many lovely design boutiques if you fancy a spot of Amsterdam shopping. But if you have a spare day, or fancy getting out of the city there are a number of day trips which will give you a little insight into the rest of the country.

Hire Bikes

The Netherlands are a cyclist’s dream. The landscape is flat, there are well-mapped cycle routes and ample cycle lanes which should convince you to get on ‘yer bike! Stop by the tourist office in Amsterdam and pick up some of the maps specifically designed for cyclists and which extend to the northern islands and suggest pretty routes beside the Ijsselmeer.

Visit the Tulip Fields

Tulip Fields near Amsterdam

From March to May the surrounding countryside is in full bloom. Over seven million tulip bulbs are planted across 70 acres at the Keukenhof Flower Gardens so you’re guaranteed quite a spectacular floral display. A number of cruises make the journey from the port in Amsterdam to Keukenhof. Alternatively you can catch a 370 or 197 bus from Leidseplein or Museumplein, disembark at Schiphol Airport then catch the connecting number 58 bus to Keukenhof.

A Trip to the Beach

The beach at Bloemendaal attracts both day trippers and night owls. You can sunbathe, swim or have a BBQ on the vast stretches of sand by day. But Bloemendaal is also popular with Amsterdammers looking for fun after hours at weekends. You’ll notice bonfires popping up along the shore and beach parties later into the evening. There are also a number of popular beach bars and clubs such as Bloomingdale, BLM and Vroeger hosting major events. To get there catch a train from Central Station to Haarlem which takes about 15 minutes. Hop on bus number 81 in the direction of Zandvoort and get off at Bloemendaal Strand, the 15^th stop.

If you want to stay in hostels Amsterdam has a number of accommodation options to suit all budgets. Find more Amsterdam day trips ideas.

Going by the name you’d think that these places were simply in need of a good scrub. But no, the ‘Brown Cafes’ of Amsterdam are similar to British pubs (minus the TV screens) and are named after their dark wood furniture, low lighting and generally cosy, congenial ambiance.

They are located in all the neighbourhoods, and I love nipping into these places on a cold afternoon and having a small glass of local beer. Food tends to be limited, but you can always find a cheese sandwich or help yourself to some free hapjes (snacks) of olives, nuts or

Coffee Shop hour in Amsterdam

bitterballs (meat croquettes).  On a really cold evening you could have a shot of jenever, a Dutch spirit similar to rum.

One of the most famous brown cafes in Amsterdam is the Three Sisters (Rembrandtplein 17, Tel. 020 6275660 www.driegezusters.nl), which has its original moulded ceiling, and leather sofas, which curve into circular conversation areas, making it an ideal place to go for an intimate evening with small group of friends. If you get hungry, there is a steakhouse upstairs.

Another one is Arendsnest, or ‘The Eagle’s Nest (Herengracht 90 1015BS Amsterdam,  020 421 20 57 www.arendsnest.nl) which sells over 100 types of Dutch beer from the country’s 50 local breweries. Proost!

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With spring just around the corner, our minds turn to sunnier and happier things, like eating al fresco, walking in the park and flowers. Amsterdam of course, and all of The Netherlands, is famous for its spectacular displays of tulips, and there is no better place to see them than the spectacular Keukenhof Gardens, located about an hour’s drive from Amsterdam.

This year, the Keukenhof Gardens will hold its annual spring flower show from March 18th to May 16^th.  Sixteen pavilions will be set up, with countless displays of spring flowers, arranged in compositions from the classical to the avant-

Flower shows

garde. The Netherland’s national flower will of course prominently feature in all its blooming glory and vivid colours.

Keukenhof Gardens has lots of other things to offer too, and makes a perfect family day out. There are playgrounds and restaurants and you can also take a charming boat ride past the bulb fields. One thing I love about the Keukenhof is that for two months a year, the whole

country seems to come here, confirming the fact that these beautiful floral arrangements really are a source of national pride. After a visit here, you’ll never doubt Holland’s claim to being ‘ a country of flowers’ again.

The initiative for the organization of Sail Amsterdam, for the first time in 1975, arose during the preparations for the celebration of the Amsterdam’s 700-year

Boating in Holland.

anniversary. During these preparations there was a proposal to organize an event in the port of Amsterdam. The focus would be on the port and the city of Amsterdam. For the “Sail Amsterdam” sailing ships from around the world were invited. The event was a great success.

After the great success of Sail Amsterdam 1975 there was decided to organize a second Sail in 1980. For this second SAIL Amsterdam a permanent organization “Stichting Sail Amsterdam” was established in 1977. Since then, Stichting Sail Amsterdam found a successful way to organize a Sail in 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000 and 2005. With more than 600 ships and 2.5 million visitors in 2005, SAIL Amsterdam was a great success.

The many Tall Ships were welcomed in IJmuiden by a huge fleet of ships, of all types and models, from all over the world. Under guidance, the ‘Parade of Sail’ takes place. This is the traditional start of Sail Amsterdam.

After arrival at the IJ-haven of Amsterdam, the festivities start, which are closed every night with spectacular fireworks. In and around the IJ-haven, there are many activities and a pleasant activity with the coming and going of many ships. SAIL Amsterdam is visit by people from all over the world. The five-yearly event is visit by a wide audience. Next to the many boat lovers, many people visit the event because of the atmosphere and charm. Also the youth program at the Sea of Friend Ships is well attended.

The highlights in the program of SAIL Amsterdam are the “Parade of Sail ‘, the tours of the ‘Varend Erfgoed’, the ‘Pieremachocheltocht’ and the ‘Tall Ships’ in the IJhaven.