Amsterdam, the 17th century capital of Holland, is often called the "Venice of the North" due to its numerous, boat-navigable canals. Truly rich in history, the oldest part of this populous, multicultural city is Sloten, which dates all the way back to the 9th century.
Apart from the canals, attractions in Amsterdam include the Van Gogh Museum, Hermitage Amsterdam, the Heineken Experience, the Anne Frank House, and the Royal Palace of Amsterdam. Nightlife abounds as well, with many visitors drawn to its vibrant network of nightclubs, theaters and festivals.
Starting in 2014, the city has undergone an urban renewal effort, focused on expanding the city center and involving the construction of artificial islands. This is a one-of-a-kind city that begs to be explored by bicycle or boat tour!
Learn More About Amsterdam
Public Transportation
For the most convenient and fastest way to Amsterdam’s city center, a direct railway line connects Schiphol International Airport with Amsterdam Central Station. Visitor can reach the downtown area in about 20 minutes.
For public transport in Amsterdam and the general area, the public transport chip card (OV-chipkaart), which can be used to travel on trams, buses and trains. The best option if you visit is a one-hour card or day card (valid for one to seven days). Buy one-hour tickets from the driver or conductor on the bus or tram.
Day tickets may be purchased in advance or purchased on the tram. Day cards are not available from bus drivers. Your ticket is valid across the whole network from the first use, allowing you to take as many journeys as you choose within a certain timeframe.
Amsterdam is on its way to making public transport completely cashless. Now, tickets can only be purchased using debit or credit cards.
Photo Credit: Alf van Beem
Amsterdam Light Festival
Light artwork/installations event held early December until late January.
Christmas Markets
Late November until early January.
Chinese New Year
Major celebration near Nieuwmarkt on February 12, 2021.
Open Garden Days
Across Amsterdam on the third weekend of June, visitors are given access to beautiful, private gardens behind houses along the city's canals.
Heritage Day
On the second weekend of September, the doors of approximately 4,000 of Amsterdam's monumental buildings are opened to the public.
IMPRO Amsterdam
From 2/15/2025 - 2/22/2025
Immerse yourself in a dynamic week of improvisational theater at IMPRO Amsterdam, celebrating its 30th anniversary with a vibrant mix of shows, workshops, and community events. Explore a variety of improvisational styles from comedic to abstract, guided by international experts, and engage in performances that challenge and entertain.
Taste of Amsterdam is a culinary delight, featuring top chefs, gourmet food, and fine wine in a lively outdoor setting. With live cooking demonstrations, tastings, and interactive workshops, it’s a must-visit event for foodies and gastronomes.
Explore the intricate dance between movement and technology in an interdisciplinary performance that weaves together dance, sound, and visual art. This unique event challenges perceptions of space and interaction, inviting audiences to rethink the boundaries of performance art. Engage in a post-show exploration, interacting with the space as more than a spectator.
Step into a haven for expectant and new parents with a diverse exhibition showcasing the latest baby products, room designs, and expert advice. Dive into extensive shopping opportunities, witness fashion shows, and participate in informative workshops and lectures. A comprehensive event designed to prepare parents for all stages of early childhood.
Join an evening of sharp wit and uproarious laughter with Russell Howard, acclaimed by critics as a top global comedian. His new show tackles the chaos of modern times with a blend of humor and insight, promising to lighten the mood with every joke. It's a perfect blend of satire and reality, crafted for those who appreciate clever comedy.
Immerse yourself in a world of lifestyle innovations at the Huishoudbeurs, where practical life hacks meet entertainment. Explore new tastes, shop for unique products, and enjoy activities designed to enhance your home and personal life. This event promises a blend of fun, learning, and discovery.
What's the 411: Strands & Structures by Esmeralda Tan
On 2/22/2025
Dive into the vibrant narrative of Africa’s cultural heritage with the photo-documentary exhibition "STRANDS & STRUCTURES," curated by Esmeralda Tan. Featuring the creative prowess of Asia Clarke and Christian Saint, this event explores the dynamic interplay between identity and art through hairstyles and photography in Accra. It's an insightful celebration of style, substance, and storytelling.
Opeth is a progressive metal and rock band from Sweden formed in 1990 by its lead vocalist David Isberg. The quartet blends rock with elements of folk, jazz, blues and classical music genres. Their most commercially successful albums include Watershed, Blackwater Park and Damnation.
Unlock your creative potential at Winter School, designed to challenge and expand your perspective through practical workshops. Over four days, you'll engage in exercises that stretch your creativity, explore different phases of the creative process, and apply these insights to a creative project. This dynamic and playful training will transform how you see the world, your work, and yourself.
Delve into a profound exploration of youth and urban life in a performance that blends theater and film. Witness the tension between generations as young city dwellers grapple with feeling superfluous in their own cities. This event offers a compelling mix of confrontation, humor, and hope, challenging audiences to engage deeply with societal issues.
Experience a unique blend of humor and culture with Tatty Macleod. Delve into the nuances of cultural identity through her engaging stand-up that contrasts English and French quirks, exploring themes of belonging and self-acceptance. It’s a comedic look at cultural differences and finding your place in a world that feels both foreign and familiar.
Immerse yourself in a blend of humor and sharp wit in an evening that challenges and entertains. This performance combines clever dialogue with dynamic staging to deliver a unique theatrical experience. Audience members will leave not only entertained but also provoked to think differently about everyday life.
"Mr. Worldwide" Pitbull is a globally renowned American rapper and singer whose birth name is Armando Christian Pérez. Along with the official FIFA World Cup 2014 theme song, he has several other Top 5 tracks on the US Billboard Hot 100 and has worked with other superstars like Jennifer Lopez, Christina Aguilera, and Daddy Yankee.
These ballers are putting on a show. And new to the Harlem Globetrotter's family are some on-court characters guaranteed to energize the action and entertainment of every game.
Porter Robinson is a musician, singer, DJ, and record producer from North Carolina whose debut studio album, World, peaked at the top spot on Billboard's Top Dance/Electronic Albums chart. Along with a Grammy nomination, he has also been on the Top 100 DJs list by DJ Mag for seven consecutive years.
Join a night of pure techno with a lineup that features both emerging talents and seasoned DJs. The music promises deep, resonant beats that fill the space, complemented by a dynamic light show that visually echoes the energy of the tracks. Ideal for those who love to lose themselves in the rhythm and energy of live dance music.
Cian Ducrot is an ethereal indie-rock/pop sensation from London, UK. His music combines layered elements of emotion, lyricism, and sound to transport listeners to a different world. With an impressive discography of hit songs such as “Take Me,” “Dreamland,” and “It Hurts,” Cian has shot to the top of the charts across various genres. His original sound has helped him win several awards, including the 2018 Brit Award for Best Male Pop Vocalist.
Cage The Elephant is an acclaimed American rock band known for their energetic performances and eclectic sound, blending elements of rock, alternative, and indie music. Formed in 2006, the band has gained a loyal following with hits like "Ain't No Rest for the Wicked," "Come a Little Closer," and "Trouble." Their dynamic stage presence and ability to evolve with each album have solidified Cage The Elephant as a prominent and influential force in the contemporary rock scene.
Experience the unexpected harmony of highbrow opera and spirited comedy in a unique performance where classical musicians and entertainers collide. Forced to share a stage, their collaboration becomes a surprising hit, showcasing the unifying power of music. The show stars the internationally acclaimed Dutch soprano Annemarie Kremer and renowned Swedish tenor Daniel Frank, blending tragedy and comedy in a vivid celebration of contrasting arts.
Celebrate 50 years of the feminist film collective Cinemien with a special program showcasing historical and contemporary films about gender equality. This event includes a lecture and film screening, offering a deep dive into important topics around feminism and gender equality through the lens of cinema. Join us for a thought-provoking evening that honors the collective's pioneering role in the film industry.
Koro Koro is a unique, interactive dance performance designed for babies aged 6-18 months. Watch as a dancer and two musicians create a magical dialogue with the young audience through movement and sound, making each show a one-of-a-kind experience. This enchanting performance is a beautiful way to introduce the world of dance and music to the littlest ones.
Immerse yourself in an evening that delves into the societal impact of depression, particularly among the youth. This thought-provoking event blends conversations, interventions, and a ritual to explore how we perceive mental health issues not as individual problems but as reflections of societal failings. It's an invitation to rethink through imagination and shared narratives.
Theatre lecture Geert Mak: History of Europe - Ukraine and Gaza
On 3/5/2025
Experience an insightful theater lecture with Geert Mak as he explores the recent history of Europe, focusing on the complex situations in Ukraine and Gaza. Mak examines Europe’s transitional challenges, offering his perspective on what went wrong and how recovery is possible. This session is perfect for those looking to understand the dynamics of contemporary Europe.
Join Yael Deckelbaum for a transformative experience as she brings her steps onto the HeartFire Stage. The event includes a powerful voice ceremony and a concert, where music and messages of unity, peace, and female empowerment will fill the air. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this unforgettable celebration of life and togetherness.
Aespa is a revolutionary K-Pop girl-group that has paved a way for a modern and edgy take on pop culture. Combining Korean and English lyrics into their unique sound, they explore concepts of identity, technology, and the future. With their captivating visuals and alluring choreography, they continue to capture the hearts of millions and redefine the K-Pop industry.
Kiefer is a pianist and producer. He began playing the piano when he was around age six. Kiefer is a Grammy Award winner; the award came from his work on Anderson Park's album Ventura, which won best R&B album at the 2020 Grammy Awards.
Experience The Lottery Winners as they bring their indie pop sounds to the stage with their latest album, Anxiety Replacement Therapy. Known for their collaborations with artists like Frank Turner and Nickelback, the band’s uplifting music promises an unforgettable night. Feel the energy and charm of their performance.
Get ready for an unforgettable night designed for a 27+ crowd, filled with the best RnB, Hip Hop, Latin, Afro Beats, UK Garage, and Pop hits from 1997 to 2017. Experience a unique throwback where the party starts and finishes early, offering a refreshing alternative to your regular club night. This is a night of timeless hits and good vibes you won’t want to miss.
Michelle Wolf is a renowned comedian, writer, and producer known for her sharp wit and fearless approach to comedy. She gained widespread recognition for her work on "The Daily Show with Trevor Noah" and "Late Night with Seth Meyers," as well as for her controversial performance at the 2018 White House Correspondents' Dinner. Wolf's stand-up specials, including "Nice Lady" and "Joke Show," showcase her incisive humor and keen social commentary. Her bold, unapologetic style has made her a prominent and influential voice in the comedy world.
Stardust Salon - Evolutionaire AstrologieStardust Salon - Evolutionary Astrology
On 3/9/2025
Discover the profound journey of the soul through Evolutionary Astrology, exploring questions like "What is my purpose on earth?" and "What is my soul’s mission?" Using Pluto’s position in the birth chart as a guide, the workshop delves into how past life themes influence your current path, offering a unique perspective on growth and healing. Gain insight into how embracing the opposite archetype can help bring balance and transformation.
Discover how art can transform your life in this therapeutic session, guided by art historian Timea Andrea Lelik. Learn about the seven functions of art and how they can deepen your understanding of yourself through interactive exercises and personal reflections. Walk away with the Art as Therapy book to continue exploring the therapeutic value of art in your everyday life.
Feid is an avant-garde artist, pushing the boundaries of traditional genres with his inventive soundscapes, creating a wholly unique sonic experience. Enjoy a sonic experience of kaleidoscopic rhythms as the music takes you on a transcendent journey to a world of vibrant and imaginative soundscapes.
Tamino is a truly innovative musical artist whose sound deftly combines elements of world, folk and pop music to create a unique and captivating sonic palette. His deeply soulful and emotive vocals, combined with his carefully crafted and intricate melodies, offer listeners an auditory experience that transcends genre conventions.
Join Herman van Veen in a celebration of his 80th birthday, where music, storytelling, and reflection on life take center stage. This special event brings together cherished moments, joy, and a deep connection to time and creativity. It’s an invitation to celebrate the present and look forward with gratitude.
A storyteller is struggling to come up with a plot when an unexpected helper, Robokop, enters the scene. This machine knows all the storyteller’s thoughts, but soon becomes impossible to shake off. In this playful and thought-provoking performance, creativity and control are challenged, as music and storytelling weave together in a tale about finding freedom in a world of ideas.
Jordan Jensen is a talented stand-up comedian known for her sharp wit and engaging storytelling. Her comedy often delves into personal experiences and observations on everyday life, delivered with a unique and relatable perspective. Jensen's charismatic stage presence and ability to connect with audiences have quickly earned her recognition in the comedy scene, making her a rising star to watch.
Alex Warren is a singer-songwriter and social media personality known for his heartfelt pop music and viral success on platforms like TikTok and YouTube. His music blends emotional storytelling with polished production, drawing comparisons to artists like Lewis Capaldi and Tate McRae. With an authentic connection to his audience, he continues to grow as both a musician and digital creator.
Warhaus returns with Karaoke Moon, an album that surprises and captivates from the very first track. Maarten Devoldere’s signature voice takes the lead in a bold new direction, mixing sultry melodies with reflective lyrics. Experience this fresh work live, as the band unveils their latest creations in a captivating performance.
Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson, better known by her stage name CMAT, is a globally-popular musician from Ireland. Her 2022 album, If My Wife New I'd Be Dead, debuted at number one on the Irish Album Charts and received praises from prestigious names like The Guardian.
The Music of Harry Potter is a live concert experience featuring the iconic scores from the Harry Potter films. This orchestral performance, often conducted by renowned composers, brings to life the magical melodies composed by John Williams and others, enchanting audiences with the beloved themes from the globally acclaimed movie series.
