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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Cathedral de Notre-Dame, Strasbourg / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by frank müller

If you are in Strasbourg with your family, you can pay the La Vaisseau museum where the kids can enjoy the exciting displays at the science museum. Besides the La Vaisseau, the Musee de L’Oeuvre Notre-Dame Museum is another enthralling attraction that is popular with tourists who love culture and history. Originally part of a cathedral, the museum is currently an archive that curates various renaissance artifacts such as sculptures and paintings. If you love the outdoors, you can take a bike tour of the most popular attractions with tourists in Strasbourg. A bike tour through Faubourgs is a sure way to experience the stunning beauty of the architecture, and cultures of Strasbourg’s suburbs of Neudorf and Neuhorf.

Another exciting way to enjoy Strasbourg’s attractions while on holiday in France is to go for shopping. The city is a classic shopper’s paradise with numerous restaurants and shops in the city center. One major attraction for the throngs of tourists and residents of Strasbourg who are keen to shop is Place des Halles. It is located a short distance away from the city center and is endowed with over 100 shops as well as restaurants and pubs. If you are looking for affordable outlets to buy local fabrics and technology gadgets, there are numerous shopping outlets in rue des Juifs and rue de la Lanterne whicha are all situated in Place des Halles. Visitors who are interested in the high-end market can get classy designer wear from Galaries Lafayettes, while those who have an expensive taste for food and wines can try out the Norma where there is a fabulous collection of foodstuffs and champagne.

There is a wide variety of nightlife activities that Strasbourg has to offer. You can choose from electrifying nightclubs such as Bar Le Zoo and La Salamandre, or exciting bars and pubs such as Acade’mie de la Bie’re and Café Brandt, or party up in the rocking discotheques such as Le Chat Noir, Le Chalet, and Le Retro. They all offer exquisite drinks and arrange for live performances to keep their patrons fully entertained. You can also enjoy theatre and opera performances at Theatre National de Strasbourg and the numerous opera houses in the city.

Written by Mike who writes for www.frenchtravelguide.co.uk and enjoys blogging about his day trips to London at www.londondaytrip.co.uk you can follow him on twitter @payt

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