Things to do in Amsterdam

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Whenever you plan to go to Amsterdam, you will usually find something of interest happening at the same time. Amsterdam has a reputation of being the 'City of Festivals' and is one of Europes most important cultural centres. The city holds around 75 festivals every year, so there is surely something to meet everyones taste. From Chinese New Year to Gay Pride, Arts festivals to street parties, Amsterdam is a lively European city just waiting to be explored.

Read more on this destination in The AA Citypack Guide to Amsterdam.

Top Amsterdam events

February - Chinese New Year
In Chinatown (around Zeedijk) Amsterdam's annual carnival celebrated as a preamble to Lent.

March - Still Omgang (2nd Saturday night)
Silent procession.

April - National Museum weekend (30th April)
Museums lower their entrance fees. The official Queens' birthday and day of celebrations.

May - Rememberance Day (4th May)
Pays tribute to World War II victims.

Liberation Day (5th May)
Marking the end of the German Occupation in 1945.

National Windmill Day (2nd Saturday)

National Cycling Day (2nd Sunday)

May/June - Grachetenloop canal running race.

June - Holland International Arts Festival.

August - Amsterdam Pride (early August)
One of Europes biggest gay festivals with the spectacular Canal Parade. Grachtenfestival (mid-Aug): This annual canal festival culminates with the Prinsengracht-concert, classical music recitals on barges outside the Hotel Pulitzer.

September - National Monument Day (2nd Saturday)
Buildings open to the public, with free admission.

Jordaan Folk Festival - 2nd week of September
Music and street parties.

November - Santa Clause Parade (mid November)

December - Oudejaarsavond - 31st December
Street parties and fireworks to celebrate the new year.