Uitmarkt

Let’s all go to the Uitmarkt for free music, dance and films. This popular cultural attraction, in which theatres open their doors to the public to herald the arrival of the cultural season, takes place in late August. Artistic and musical performances range from classical ballet to hip hop; literary performances and film screenings are held in different parts of the city, including Leidseplein, Museumplein and Nieuwmarkt.

Grachtenfestival

Amsterdam’s famous canals are celebrated once a year at the Grachtenfestival (Canal Festival). This classical musical event is held during ten days in August, with musical events in venues near the canals, on canal boats, along the IJ Lake and in Amsterdam Noord. For a breathtaking sightseeing experience head to the festival to enjoy the canals at their finest. As one of the most visited events throughout the year, hotels fill up fast so book your hotel in Amsterdam well in advance.

Grachtenfestival, Amsterdam, The Netherlands by loufrances

Open Garden Days

In June some of the most beautiful privately owned homes open their doors to the public for garden viewing. Behind many canal houses in Amsterdam, are secret gardens large enough to contain a garden bungalow for residents. Most gardens adjoin their neighbors’ creating a block long park. This is a “can’t miss” for garden lovers and a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle on the city streets.

Queen’s Day Festival

Koninginnedag, a Dutch national holiday, is held annually on or around April 30th and celebrates the Queen’s Birthday. This party festival is known throughout Holland as the “second New Year”. Dress up in orange and walk in any direction in Amsterdam to find food, drink, music and fun.

Queen’s Day Festival, Amsterdam, The Netherlands by Sean Rowe

Amsterdam Roots Festival

For seven days in June the grounds of Oosterpark are transformed into a giant open air concert with over 50,000 visitors grooving to global and non-western music.

Holland Festival

As the oldest and largest performing arts festival in Netherlands, the Holland Festival attracts theatre, orchestra, opera and modern dance acts from around the world. Every June events including multimedia, visual arts, film, architecture and musical performances and exhibitions are held in most of the city’s famous theatres and public spaces.

ITs Festival Amsterdam

Every June for the past 22 years the students of The International Theatre School showcase their talents in front of live audiences, which includes artistic directors, casting agencies and the media for a chance to launch their careers. Performances are held in different theatres and public squares across the city.

Gay Pride Amsterdam

Gay pride attracts thousands of participants with its colourful boat celebrations along the Prinsengracht canal and the Amstel River. The party is not limited to the streets, clubs overflow and boats turn floating discos.

Gay Pride Amsterdam, The Netherlands by Alessio Milan

Sensation Innerspace

Quite possibly the world’s largest electro dance party comes to the Amsterdam ArenA in July. This high spirited, high voltage experience is part Cirque de Soleil, part Ibiza.

Imagine

Amsterdam Fantastic Film Festival: Every April for 12 days film lovers are treated to a line-up of science fiction, fantasy, and horror movies courtesy of Kriterion. In total over 70 films are screened, including a children’s programme, with discussions, retrospectives and a “Night of Terror” for horror fans.

Link in text:
https://www.hotel.info/en/amsterdam/hotels-125711/

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Koninginnedag (Queen’s Day) – a national holiday, Amsterdam, The Netherlands by Jeroen

Really Amsterdam is not for the faint hearted. Do not be surprised if you see people smoking pot on road, gays moving hand in hand in the malls and the erotic sights in red light districts of the city. Some get a cultural shock of sorts when they arrive in Amsterdam, but for those who are on the lookout of delicious foods, Amsterdam is a paradise. People in Amsterdam have an easy view of life. Enjoy food in all possible ways and make merry no matter what tensions you are facing in life.

One thing to keep in mind when you arrive in Amsterdam is to look for apartments. Yes, staying at apartments in Amsterdam is not just inexpensive, they are more spacious than hotel rooms and a tourist can relax in style with a lot of privacy in these apartments. Of late, people are getting attracted to apartments as they provide a chance to come close to the local people and culture and so the situation is same whether we are making a reservation for apartments in Lisbon or apartments in Milan in Italy.

Many believe Amsterdam to be a shopper’s paradise. It is true but Amsterdam is also a great place for the foodies if they know where and at what time to be in for some really delicious foods.

Elf – for great food and panoramic view of the city

Elf is a great café, more so because of its location. It is situated at the top floor of a building close to Central Station that allows the tourists to relax in style to have a glimpse of the city while having their food. Whether it is brunch, breakfast, lunch or dinner, come to this 11th floor restaurant that becomes a great nightclub at nights.

De Waag

If you want unique ambience with great tasting food, come to De Waag. The building has great architecture and is very old. It was built in 1488 to be precise, and till a few years back the building served as headquarters of Dutch Mail. More suited for brunches and for sudden cravings for tasty foods, you can come her to have tasty soups, steaks, sandwiches and salads.

Sumo

Unlimited Sushi and more for just 25 Euros make this restaurant a very popular one. There are some who feel that it is perhaps quantity over quality but once they have tasted the sushi over here, they realize they are truly getting their money’s worth.

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