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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I did my first marathon in October 2011, the Lochness Marathon in Scotland. It was a fantastic experience and a great personal achievement.

Amsterdam Marathon, Netherlands / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by DennisM2

The next marathon I am looking to do is the Amsterdam Marathon. I have chosen Amsterdam primarily because I assume it will one of the flattest routes and therefore quickest, but also because I have been to Amsterdam a couple of times, for business and a city break and really liked the city. Travelling abroad for such an event can be expensive anyway, so I am looking for a nice hotel in Amsterdam at a good price (much like everyone). There are some great Amsterdam hotels though and even quaint little B&Bs and there are some great cheap city break
packages I plan to make the most of.

The marathon starts and finishes at the Olympic Stadium where spectators have free access to.

The route takes you through Vondelpark, the largest public park in Amsterdam and sounds quite like Hyde Park in London in that there is a lot going on. There are ponds for kayaking, playing fields and generally nice picnic areas. This will be a great area for spectators as well to enjoy the day. The marathon goes out of town slightly along the Amstel River passing traditional windmills and large stately homes. The views are meant to be stunning from here as you are slightly higher up at this stage.

There is a marathon in almost every top European city so if you are a marathon addict you can combine a city break with a marathon! Here are just a few on the ‘must do’ list:

The Paris Marathon

The Paris marathon has been voted as one of the top marathons in the world. The marathon passes by the main tourist attractions: the Champs Elysees, River Seine, the Arc De Triumph and the Eiffel Tower. Like the Amsterdam marathon, the course is very flat and so a PB (personal best) is achievable, although there are a couple of tight corners and tunnels where there can be a bit
of a human traffic jam which may hold you up.

The Rome Marathon

Just wandering around Rome, you notice stunning architecture and significant pieces of history. So the marathon will be a whirlwind of fascinating buildings and landscapes. The marathon starts and finishes at the ancient Coliseum and takes in sites such as St Peter’s Square, Vatican City, Olympic Station, Trevi Fountain and much, much more. As you are running through ancient Rome, you will come across some rough terrain such as cobbled streets so do take care – this is more about the sites that the personal bests.

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