Amsterdam, Netherlands Hotels and City Guide

Amsterdam - Going Out

Amsterdam Entertainment

Amsterdam may be one of Europe's smallest capitals, yet it lacks nothing for those seeking to experience extremely diverse world-class entertainment options. Few cities in the world can boast a broader spectrum of recreational and cultural sights than you will discover among the historic buildings and romantic canals of Amsterdam.

The cities nightlife is extensive to say the least, and there are some areas, namely the infamous Red Light District, where everything is open around the clock.

As one of the most renowned centers for culture in Europe, Amsterdam hosts an array of festivals and annual events related to all forms of music, theater and art, so whenever your visit brings you to this fascinating city, you are certain to be enthralled with the activates you discover.

Theatre, Music and Dance

Amsterdam's top orchestra is the world renowned Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra which performs mainly in the Concertgebouw, and gives occasional open-air concerts in the Vondelpark. The Concertgebouw Orchestra produces over 600 performances annually, ranging from great classical works to an occasional modern piece.

The Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra is the city's other full orchestra, performing more avant-garde works. It is based at the Beurs van Berlage, although stages productions at The Concertgebouw also, and uses the Muziektheater for some opera collaborations.

Holland's other top orchestras, such as The Hague's Residentie Orchestra and the Rotterdam Philharmonic, as well as visiting international orchestras also appear regularly at Amsterdam venues.

The Netherlands Chamber Orchestra, the Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra, and the Orchestra of the Eighteenth Century provide fine chamber music, often played on authentic period instruments while being supported by the Netherlands Chamber Choir. These performances may be heard at the Concertgebouw's Recital Hall, at the Beurs van Berlage, or in one of Amsterdam's historic churches.

Most of the Netherlands Opera’s main performances occur at the Muziektheater however the company also performs in theaters such as the Stadsschouwburg and Carré. Furthermore, the Opera performs in the yearly Holland Festival, as well as a free event in the Oosterpark in Amsterdam, which attracts thousands of visitors annually.

There are two world-class ballet companies in the Netherlands. The National Ballet, based at the Muziektheater, has a repertoire of both classical and modern works. The Netherlands Dance Theater, although based in Hague often performs at the Muziektheater. The impeccable Netherlands Ballet Orchestra frequently accompanies both companies.

The Municipal Theater, in Stadsschouwburg Leidseplein, is home to the Toneelgroep, the biggest theater company in the Netherlands. This theater group has become famous for their ability to perform classical masterpieces in fresh ways, and for their daring choices of modern plays.

The Melkweg, near Leidseplein square, is an extraordinary entertainment complex housed within a deserted dairy factory is one of the most well known cultural centers in the Netherlands, with its five distinct artistic disciplines under one roof: music, dance/theatre, film, photography and media art. Concerts, dance events, theatrical and dance productions, films, media art presentations and photo exhibitions are staged in five halls and several small rooms. The concert hall alone can accommodate 1000 guests.

Arts and Events in Amsterdam

Amsterdam has a broad spectrum of art and cultural attractions, that range from fascinating old buildings, like the Oude Kerk, the city's oldest parish church, constructed in 1306, to oddities such as the Hash Marihuana Museum and a tattoo museum. Museums are always a favorite attraction in Amsterdam, and rightly so since the Netherlands gave birth to some of the world's most famous artists, including both Rembrandt and Van Gogh, and theirs are among the most popular galleries, along with the renowned Rijksmuseum, and the Stedelijk Museum.

Strolling through the historic district of Jordaan is not only a delight, but also a lesson in art and culture at every turn. Rembrandt's house is here, on the Rozengracht, and his studio was on the Bloemgracht. Once in great ruin, the Jordaan has now become an art district, and among the labyrinth of narrow streets and little canals are a multitude of art studios, small galleries and historic buildings with stone tablets. Every two years the artists organize an open studio event, during which visitors are welcome to observe the artists while at work. There is also a permanent ornamental route called ‘Jewels in the Jordaan,’ beyond the charming alleyways and quaint canals leading to the district's gold and silversmith designers, certainly artists in their own right.

The Jordaan art district is also a great place to discover a trendy new bistros, cafe or wine bars. Some places are very small, so just wander around a bit and follow the locals. Most of the museums in the Jordaan are small, as well. You have The Pianola museum with old mechanical pianos, a nicely arranged museum dedicated to the popular Dutch writer Theo Thijssen, a houseboat museum, and a fluorescent lighting museum called Electric Lady Land. Just on the border of the Jordaan you can find the Anne Frank House on the Prinsengracht, where she and her family hid from the Nazis for over two years during World War 2.

Annual Events in Amsterdam

January

Begins Late January: Rotterdam International Film Festival
The Rotterdam Film Festival offers a quality selection of independent and experimental cinema and media art. During the festival days, hundreds of filmmakers present their work to the public and film professionals at eight festival venues.

Late January: Amsterdam International Fashion Week
Fashion Week Downtown is a portion of the formally industry only event which allows the public to enjoy numerous catwalk shows, parties, lectures and expositions, all organized in collaboration with local museums, galleries, clubs and shops.

Late January: Jumping Amsterdam
This is the annual highlight on the Dutch equestrian calendar. Amsterdam is the host for the world’s best riders in both jumping and dressage, with the FEI World Cup Dressage and exciting jumping competitions.

February

Amsterdam Antiques Fair
Nieuwe Kerk, Dam Square
A popular annual event amongst residents and visitors alike.

April

30 April: Queen's Day
April 30 is Queen's Day when parades, concerts, theatrical events, street entertainment and general festivities honor Her Majesty Queen Beatrix. On that day, people in the streets dress in orange, the color of the royal family.

National Museum Weekend
During National Museum Weekend, most of the local museums participate by opening their doors to the public free of charge or offering heavily discounted entrance. Many also organize special events.

Mid-April: Fantastic Film Festival
In mid-April, the city hosts this festival, devoted to thriller, fantasy and anime genre. Commercial and independent productions are screened at the Jeugdtheater De Krakeling, Filmmuseum Cinerama and Melkweg cinemas.

May

Amsterdam Literary Festival
This event welcomes poets, writers and literary lovers to celebrate the written word.

Amsterdam International Marathon
An elite group of international runners will be enjoyed by thousands of spectators along the beautiful route of this race.

May 4: World War II Memorial Day
A day set aside to commemorates those who died during World War, ending with a period of two minutes of silence at 8PM.

The Oosterparkfestival
Held during the first week of May, this event celebrates the spirit of tolerance for which Amsterdam has become famous. Held in culturally mixed East Amsterdam, the celebration includes ethnic music and food.

Second Saturday of May: National Cycling Day
This event has people all over the country getting on their bikes and following one of the 360 routes set up for the occasion. Those who complete the course are presented with a certificate of success.

Second Saturday of May: National Windmill Day
Occurring on the same date as National Cycling Day, a blue banner signifies that a windmill is open to the public for viewing.

Late May: The Drum Rhythm Festival
This event takes place in late May offering a variety of percussion and alternative music such as hip-hop, reggae, soul, drum, bass and house.

June

Holland Festival of Dance, Music and Drama
Mid-June to mid-July is the annual Holland Festival. International performers in theatre, dance, music, opera, media and visual arts join Amsterdam in the largest art event on the Dutch calendar.

Amsterdam Canal Race
The canal race is a long boat race of 14.9 miles that starts at the Maritime museum and returns to the starting point after making the rounds through the canals of the city center.

Amsterdam Roots Festival
Presenting a wide range of musicians from all over the world each summer, the Roots Festival lasts over 7 days in June, at various venues around the city.

July

The Kwakoe Summer Festival
Beginning in early July for six consecutive weekends, this festival is famed for its extensive music, food and dancing in the Bijlmerpark.

August

The Dance Valley Festival
This is Holland's largest daytime dance music festival. The idyllic nature reserve venue near Amsterdam makes for an ideal escape from the city.

Uitmarkt
One of Amsterdam's most vibrant summer festivals, Uitmarkt turns the city center into one big stage, with venues ranging from parks to temporary outdoor theaters on historic squares around the city. Every type of music and dance is represented, and nearly every event is free!

September

Late September: Robodock Festival
In late September, the participants at this festival mix technology, theater, music, robots and other unexpected media at this international showcase of spectacle and innovation.

October

First Saturday: Amsterdam Flower Pageant
The colorful Flower Pageant parade runs all the way from Aalsmeer (southwest of Amsterdam) to Amsterdam.

Jordan Festival
This grass roots festival draws locals and visitors to the streets of the former working-class Amsterdam neighborhood to listen to balladeers.

November

The Annual Cannabis Cup
The annual Cannabis Cup is a world famous event attracting growers and consumers from all over the world with various awards being distributed, including one for the city's best coffee shop.

December

Third Saturday: St. Nicholas' Entrance Parade
This parade officially launches the Christmas season. Children receive pepernoten (spice biscuits) from the Moorish helpers.

31st December: New Years Eve
New Year's Eve in Amsterdam is referred to as Oudjaarsdag or Oudjaarsavond, meaning 'Old Year's Day' and Old Year's Evening' respectively. You may also hear it called 'Oud en Nieuw' meaning 'Old and New'.
The biggest celebrations with the most fireworks will be at Dam Square, Rembrandtplein, Nieuwmarkt and Leidseplein. However, you may find more locals in the Jordaan district. If you would prefer to ring in the New Year while indoors, just about every nightclub in town will have a party going for you to choose from.

Amsterdam Nightlife

Amsterdam's nightlife has something for everyone, whether you are considering a romantic stroll along the canals or a club hopping night, this city never disappoints. A dinner cruise of the canals is a lovely way to start off your evening in Amsterdam. They often offer wine, music and candlelight. Many of them deliver some narration of the city, and make stops along the way, so you can depart, stroll around a bit and get to know the different parts of the city.

Leidseplein is the center of the nightlife scene, where you will find the city’s most popular restaurants and bars around the square. Rembrandtplein is another district for nightclubs and even some casinos. The area known as Reguliersdwarsstraat is also nearby, and here you will find more cafes and Amsterdam nightclubs.

Amsterdam also has a number of ‘grand cafes’, which is a mixture of bar and café, where you can enjoy a drink, food or just sit and people watch over a good cup of coffee. Cafe Grand on Rembrantsplein is one of the best, offering good food, good coffee and an amazing view.

Whisky lovers should not miss stopping off at De Stil, at Spuistraat 326, which stocks an amazing 150 different single malt whiskies. If beer is your libation of choice, head for De Wildman Nieuwezijds located at Kolk 3, which boasts a selection of over 200 different bottled beers from around Europe.

Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal has become one of the Amsterdam’s more trendy areas for nightclubs. In this area, check out The Getaway Bar, which is always packed, and The Seymour Lounge. Also nearby is the ultra chic Club NL with its progressive sounds, however dress to impress or you may not make the cut at the door.

Amsterdam’s biggest, most famous club is The Escape, located on Rembrandtplein. It can be very difficult to get into. Expect long lines to enjoy the internationally known DJs.

Since jazz is very popular in Amsterdam, there are several good jazz clubs to choose from. The most popular and famous ones are Bourbon Street Jazz and Blues Club located on Leidsekruisstraat and the Bimhuis located at Oude Schans. The Dutch Jazz Orchestra plays every Wednesday and on other nights, European and worldwide jazz players perform.

Hotels in Amsterdam, Netherlands