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The city that runs on canals, coffee, and zero apologies
Events and festivals that are unapologetically Dutch.
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The world’s largest documentary film festival. Hundreds of films, often with screenings and filmmaker Q&As. The free exhibit, “What is Film?” in the EYE Filmmuseum is a bonus.
The EYE Filmmuseum bar has one of the best views of Amsterdam’s skyline—head here between screenings.
65+ museums open until 2am with DJs, performances, and special exhibitions. One wristband gets you into everything. The Rijksmuseum after dark is otherworldly.
Start at the smaller museums first such as Museum Van Loon and save the Rijksmuseum for last.
At Amsterdam’s largest holiday market, browse 50 cozy chalet stalls, eat festive treats such as oliebollen, and sip steaming mugs of glühwein to help keep you warm.
Visit on a weekday to avoid the crowds, especially during school holidays.
Amsterdam welcomes the new year with eco-fireworks, lasers, and a countdown clock on December 31 and the traditional polar bear plunge, Nieuwjaarsduik, at IJburg beach at noon on January 1.
Choose your location wisely—public transit completely stops at 8pm on Dec 31 and doesn’t restart until 1:30am.
Chocolate makers gather from around the globe, with 100 stands showcasing sweet treats from 35 countries. Sample a bar or two, try a pairing session, or take a deep dive into cocoa at a chocolatier-hosted workshop.
Bringing kids? The festival runs workshops where they can make their own chocolate lollipops and bars.
Seven million tulips across 79 acres just outside Amsterdam. Only open for 8 weeks a year. Peak bloom moves with the weather, and the small window leaves little room for a bad guess. Check the park’s bloom updates before you lock in a date.
There are no buses from city center. Catch direct shuttle buses (opens in a new tab) from Schiphol Airport or RAI Station.
Three days of live roastings, fierce barista showdowns, hands-on workshops, expert talks, and—of course—coffee cocktails galore in NDSM.
Take the free Ferry F4 to NDSM-Werf (opens in a new tab) from Centraal to NDSM. It runs every 15 minutes and the crossing takes about the same.
The city turns orange, canals become floating parties, streets become flea markets, and the whole country comes out to celebrate the King’s birthday.
Celebrations start the night before. Skip the city center if crowds aren’t your thing.
Amsterdam celebrates its liberation from Nazi occupation with free concerts, street parties, and festivals across the city. Some of the biggest celebrations are in the Museum Quarter and Westerpark.
The free, open-air Concert on the Amstel (opens in a new tab) starts at 9pm and has notoriously bad street views. Claim a spot early.
A diverse lineup of live music, classical concerts, pop, dance, comedy/cabaret, and children’s and family shows in the park. Performances take place every Friday evening, Saturday (afternoon and evening), and Sundays.
Shows follow a weekly pattern: dance on Fridays, family theater and comedy on Saturdays, and music on Sundays.
The Netherlands’ oldest and most prominent performing arts festival. For 25 days, enjoy international artists who push the boundaries of dance, music, and theatre.
For anyone aged 18 to 39, join HF Young to receive an automatic 25% off (international visitors included).
Visitors walk through the host canal houses to access private, beautifully landscaped backyards featuring centuries-old trees, contemporary and classic designs, and hidden garden houses.
Leave strollers, backpacks and dogs behind; none are allowed.
About 80 boats, from drag collectives to police to embassies, work down the Amstel and Prinsengracht on Aug 7. It runs all afternoon, and the crowd along the canals is half the show.
The Prinsengracht offers some of the best views. Stake your spot early and bring snacks and sunscreen.
A multi-day electronic music festival held annually in late July at Westerpark, Amsterdam. It is widely celebrated for its strong emphasis on LGBTQIA+ inclusivity, diversity, freedom of expression, and electronic dance music.
Pack comfy shoes: the site is grass and gravel.
A day marking the abolition of slavery in Suriname and the Dutch Caribbean. Oosterpark hosts the national commemoration, followed by a free festival at Museumplein.
The Bigi Spikri parade starts in Waterlooplein, which kicks off the day, starting around 11:30am.
The largest classical music and jazz festival in the Netherlands, where young talents perform across the city for ten days.
Book a garden concert: it feels like a private event. The Prinsengrachtconcert is the festival’s finale.
Historic buildings, normally closed to the public, open their doors for free. Canal houses, hidden courtyards, and 17th-century warehouses you otherwise never see. Download the app (opens in a new tab) and plan your route in advance.
Start early—the most popular buildings (like private canal houses) have long queues by midday.
The world’s largest electronic music conference and festival. 3,300+ artists across 300 venues. Even if you’re not into clubbing, the daytime events and pop-ups explore a different side of the electronic music scene.
Not everything requires a ticket. There is an extensive list of free events available to attend.
The race starts and finishes inside the 1928 Olympic Stadium and routes straight through the passage under the Rijksmuseum, through Vondelpark, and along the banks of the Amstel River.
For the best mid-race atmosphere, head to Vondelpark.
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