Music Festivals in Amsterdam
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.
Free Attractions in Amsterdam
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 14th 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.
Great Cafes to Try 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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Tips for the Bicycle Rider in Around Amsterdam
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.
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Live Music in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is one of the best cities in Europe to visit of you are looking for a fun time. There is so much to do both in terms of day time and night time activities that you will never bore of being here. As well as the less conventional activity with which Amsterdam is so often associated, there are also a lot of more conventional means of entertainment, such as live music. Below are some of the best live music bars in Amsterdam.
Waterhole Live Music Bar – This is probably the most famous and popular live music venue in the city of Amsterdam. It is open each night and offers the visitor a range of different bands performing a number of genres, although rock and rock is the dominating
Music Venues in Amsterdam
influence. Other great features of this bar include free pool, pool tournaments and a happy hour.
The Paradiso – This converted church venue is popular with people who enjoy live music but also like to party the night away. Late at night at the weekends live music which caters for a number of tastes is replaced by DJs who pump out tunes until the early hours of the morning. The live music itself ranges from well known bands to bands that are just starting out.
Mulligan’s Irish Music Bar – The style of music here is a mix between rock and roll and traditional Irish music. The open mic nights attract people from all over the city.
Three Dutch Delicacies to Sample when Visiting Amsterdam
In our day-to-day lives it can be easy for us to get into a routine with regards to the foods that we eat, so when we travel around it is a good opportunity to expand our horizons and sample different foods. When visiting Amsterdam there are various different delicacies which can are unique to the Netherlands and can really add to your experience. Below are just some:
Hollandse Nieuwe: This is a traditional delicacy which can be found most often around the spring time and into the start of summer. It is a combination of raw herring, which is caught locally, and raw onion. As you can imagine, there is quite a distinctive taste to this dish and it is not ideal for those with mild taste buds.
Dutch Delicacies
Fries Suikerbrood: This is a sweet delicacy made by making bread with an outrageous amount of sugar. Cinnamon is added to the mix to give the bread an extra kick. Generally, the bread looks similar to a standard loaf but contains a gooey centre. The sugar levels make this delicacy one to enjoy only occasionally.
Olie Bollen: Another sweet delicacy, this is one that you can sample should you visit the Netherlands around the New Year celebrations. This is an oily dough ball which is dipped into hot oil and filled with various different ingredients.
Day Trips from Amsterdam
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 15th 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.
