I amsterdam Magazine Summer 2026

Beyond the City Of herring and heritage

Eat & Drink

Where to indulge

What’s On Festivals and outdoor concerts

City Guide

Discover urban beaches

WHAT COMES NEXT FOR PRIDE IN AMSTERDAM?

Over the Rainbow

30 YEARS CANAL PARADE

During WorldPride 2026, Internationaal Theater Amsterdam will present a multi-day programme showcasing queer creators, from established names to emerging talent.

WHAT MAT TERS MOST: PRINCIPLES OR RESULTS?

In Wachten op Marsha, a group of activists travels to a protest during WorldPride 2026. Led by their leader Marwan, tensions within the group begin to rise. How far are you willing to go in the fight for change?

HIDDEN GEM IN CITY CENTRE

Discover the Kalverpassage

#Fashion #Food #Drinks #View #Art #Parking #Toilets #Open7days

With WorldPride coming to Amsterdam, we celebrate all things queer and pink. Find out all there is to do this summer

06 Pride & Progress

WELCOME

Thirty years ago, Amsterdam Pride began as a party. But in 2026, as WorldPride arrives in the Dutch capital, can it be something more?

15 Eat & Drink

WHERE TO INDULGE IN AMSTERDAM

Enjoying a day in the park and ready for some food and drink? We have you covered. Plus: female-founded eateries and the best iced coffee.

33 What’s On

WHAT TO SEE AND WHERE TO GO

Everything you need to add to your diary for this summer, from all things Pride to festivals and outdoor concerts.

59 City Guide

EXPLORE AMSTERDAM’S NEIGHBOURHOODS

THE CITY TURNS PINK

IFor more information about Amsterdam, visit our website: iamsterdam.com

There's something new to discover around every corner. Find out all about queer Centrum, what's happening in Nieuw-West and where to find the best city beaches.

73 Beyond the City

DISCOVER THE AMSTERDAM AREA

Explore beyond the city borders of Amsterdam and find exquisite food spots, food tales and a cycling route past fortresses and castles.

87 Sending You Off

HISTORICAL AMSTERDAM & COLOPHON

Take a look at historic Amsterdam, plus the people behind this magazine share their personal Pride tips with you.

n 2001, Amsterdam was the very first city in the world to make marriage a business of love – not solely reserved for heterosexuals, but available to anyone. Ready to tie the knot, you now could tie the knot, no matter you and your partner’s sexual orientation. Nowadays, it’s hard to imagine this being otherwise, and yet that was the case just 25 years ago. But since that very first gay marriage, much has happened in the world of LGBTQI+ acceptance. Amsterdam has always been a city known for its tolerance and its celebration of being who you want to be, with Pride and the annual Canal Parade as yearly highlights. But for many within the community, LGBTQI+ acceptance is not a given and not something to be taken for granted – it remains something we need to work for and continue to work for. With WorldPride coming to our city this summer, our journalist Tom Flanagan dives into this very topic in our cover article (p. 6). Where do we stand when it comes to LGBTQI+ acceptance? Can Amsterdam sustain its gay capital reputation when the sentiment towards the queer community is getting increasingly negative (yes, it’s happening even here)? Of course there is still much to celebrate and celebrate we shall this summer: there will be Pride parties, but also exhibitions, shows, talks and walks all throughout the city, hailing Pride and the queer community. We talk to Emma de Smit, founder of FLINTA party The Planet (p. 44), we delve into the many queer spaces of the city centre (p. 66) and venture out to the beach for Pride at the Beach (p. 73). With so much to do and see, all we ask is for you to explore Amsterdam with an open mind and an open heart – a tried-and-tested way to enjoy your summer.

| BY: TOM FLANAGAN

Pride & Progress

Thirty years ago, Amsterdam Pride began as a party. But in 2026, as WorldPride arrives in the Dutch capital, can it be something more?

It’s 3 August 1996. A fleet of boats glides along Amsterdam’s canals. Light catches on the water’s surface, forming a glittering reflection of the spectacle above. People lean on bridges and crowds gather along the sides. One of the first boats comes into view – a statuesque drag queen waves to the masses.

It’s no ordinary day in the Dutch capital. It’s the first Amsterdam Pride Canal Parade, organised by Gay Business Amsterdam (GBA), to celebrate the LGBTQI+ community and thank those who embraced them. For Siep de Haan, one of GBA’s founding members, the turnout was more than he could have imagined. ‘At first I was afraid there would be no

one watching,’ says the 68-year-old former school teacher. ‘But the people on the first boats called me and said: “Siep, there are already crowds waiting on the bridges.” When I saw Dolly Bellefleur singing at the front, I thought: This will be a success.’

He was right. Nearly three decades on, the Canal Parade has become one of the world’s biggest Pride events, attracting thousands of visitors who come every August for celebration and openness. But as Amsterdam welcomes WorldPride in 2026, the city’s status as gay capital is under renewed scrutiny, as is the question of who Pride is really for and what it is meant to achieve.

The city’s status as gay capital is under renewed scrutiny

WorldPride

Liberal legacy

Unlike Pride celebrations elsewhere, Amsterdam Pride started as a party, not a protest. Conceived as a prelude to the 1998 Gay Games, it was a way of showing gratitiude says De Haan. ‘Pride everywhere else in the world started from activism. But here, it was a thank you – to the city and its inhabitants.’ Much of this reflects the Netherlands’ long-standing reputation for LGBTQI+ rights. It was the first country to legalise same-sex marriage back in 2001; it’s home to the oldest operating LGBTQI+ rights organisation, COC Netherlands; and was one of the first countries to declassify homosexuality as a mental illness back in 1973.

It wasn’t always so progressive, however. The Netherlands was once a very religious and conservative country. Jan-Willem Duyvendak, professor of sociology at the University of Amsterdam says it wasn’t until the counterculture movement of the 1960s that this began to change. ‘Social change in the 1960s was not only enormous for

Anniversaries

This year is special for Amsterdam in many ways when it comes to the LGBTQI+ community. It marks 25 years since the Netherlands legalised samesex marriage – the first in the world to do so – as well as 80 years of COC Netherlands, the world’s oldest political organisation on LGBTQI+ rights. It’s also 125 years of GGD Amsterdam, the Public Health Service, a major player in reducing HIV transmission in Amsterdam to near zero.

LGBTQI+ people but for everyone,’ he says. ‘I don’t think there was any other country where so many people lost their faith in such a short period.’

Over the next few decades, the Netherlands became increasingly secularised. Activism existed – from a gay rights protest in 1969 to Roze Zaterdag [Pink Saturday] in 1979 – but by the 1990s, many of those battles appeared, at least on paper, to have been won. Years of social liberalism helped shape Pride into something distinct, says

Pride in Amsterdam is being asked to celebrate progress as well as account for it

Michiel Klaassen, a journalist at NH Nieuws and co-author of a book on the history of Pride in Amsterdam. ‘In the 1990s, Amsterdam was firmly on the map as the gay capital of Europe, if not the world,’ he says. ‘We had progressive coalition gov-

If you see any discrimination, contact RITA –Report It Always.

ernments – the so-called purple cabinets –which secured first registered partnerships for same-sex couples and then same-sex marriage. The immediate need for activism within the gay and lesbian community had, to some extent, faded.’

Pride for everyone

Amsterdam Pride’s celebratory origin, however, is exactly what’s now being questioned. After years of organisational changes, Pride in Amsterdam is being asked to celebrate progress as well as account for it. And the arrival of WorldPride puts Amsterdam at the centre of a global moment and under renewed scrutiny. Lucien Spee de Castillo Ruiz, director of Pride Amsterdam and WorldPride Amsterdam 2026, is optimistic they can pull off an event to remember. ‘We want to leave a legacy,’ he says. ‘Pride is a party, but it should not just be a party.’ And as former TransPride organiser Yvo Manuel Vas Dias puts it: ‘Visibility alone is not enough.’ Pride has its critics. Many say it still puts too much

EuroPride, 2016

Dive into the definitive history of Amsterdam Pride with the book Tussen feest en protest (between party and protest; Dutch only), published ahead of WorldPride, by journalists Michiel Klaassen and Menno Sedee.

NIEUWAMSTERDAM.NL

Jet Nugter (34)

city: in a queer-friendly club, café or you can feel a sense of euphoria those

‘I believe above all in Pride as a form of protest. Celebrations and parties are part of it too, but there are so many people who have fought to be visible as queer people in the first place. There are still people who work tirelessly every day to resist the ever-growing fear and hostility towards the LGBTQI+ community in our society. That’s why it’s so frustrating to see that some people view (World)Pride merely as a sort of ‘Pink King’s Day’, yet have absolutely no understanding of what it stands for. Amsterdam is more queer-friendly than many other places in the country. But it really depends on where you are in the city: in a queer-friendly club, café or sports club, you know you’re always welcome just as you are and where you can feel a sense of euphoria about your gender and/or sexual orientation. But we need more of those places and spread more widely across the city.’

Pride Parties

WorldPride Music Festival

A two-night celebration of music, unity and pride that brings together global headliners, cutting-edge DJs and thousands of people from around the world.

31 JULY-1 AUGUST, WORLDPRIDEFEST.COM

Pon Di Pride Festival

Amsterdam’s longest-running Black LGBTQI+ Caribbean club night goes bigger with markets, a conference and music outdoors.

4-8 AUGUST, INSTAGRAM.COM/PON.DIPRIDE

Pamela x Waterkant

This annual party by the water hosted by Pamela is queer joy encapsulated, with DJs from across the community and musical spectrum providing the best post-parade party.

3 AUGUST, WATERKANTAMSTERDAM.NL

Transpodium

Trans artists take to the stage, from singing and spoken word to instrumental music and other forms of performance as

they let their voices be heard –literally and figuratively.

6 AUGUST, PARADISO.NL

Black Queer Voices + Opus Ball

Black voices team up with The Concertgebouw for two major events – one spotlighting Black queer singers on 1 August and another a week later, where classical music and ballroom meet.

1 & 7 AUGUST, CONCERTGEBOUW.NL

© BERT GERLAGH Prinsengracht, Gay Pride 1997

SHOP. DINE. ENJOY. OVER 250 FASHION BRANDS ALWAYS UP TO 70% OFF.

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Roze in Blauw are Amsterdam’s dedicated police unit for the LGBTQI+ community, while the Pink Point at the Homomonument is the official LGBTQI+ information kiosk. POLITIE.NL/ONDERWERPEN/ROZE-IN-BLAUW PINKPOINT.NL

Pablo Torrecillas (31)

‘From the beginning, I’ve felt more like myself in Amsterdam. It’s hard to define, but I think it’s the sense of freedom. Even as a tourist, you feel it. And when you live here, it becomes part of everyday life; it’s kind of ingrained in the culture. The city, and especially the people I met, gave me the space to explore who I really am. My relationship with my family in Brazil is difficult. My dad hasn’t spoken to me since I came out in 2019. So building a life here, with people who accept me, has been really important. I’ve found my community here. It feels like a chosen family. Personally, I feel safe here, but I also recognise that comes from privilege from the way I look. I have close friends who’ve experienced the opposite. What am I looking forward to during Pride? I’d love to join the Pride March. But honestly, I’m most excited about spending time with friends.’

Anne Stoof (29)

‘[Amsterdam] says ‘we’re a safe space’, but for who exactly? If you want to promote yourself as a safe haven city, you need to do a little bit more than just say it. A safe space is about accountability. You go to a club and they state, “We don’t accept transphobia or racism and discrimination” in the house rules, but then you come to the bouncer and they want to pat you down and say, “Are you a man or a woman?”...[And so] you limit yourself – what bars you go to, what spaces feel safe. With my own changing identity from lesbian to transgender man, I see that there are marginalised voices within our community that aren’t being heard. And often those people are being silenced. They’re told: “Now is the time to celebrate, don’t criticise everything.” What we need is safe housing, healthcare, destigmatisation and education. What we don’t need is a Booking.com boat. If they want to give money to the event, great. But why do they need to be centre stage? Then it’s just performative. When we talk about unity, I don’t know if it’s really unity. We’re very fragmented as a community, there isn’t enough space for the actual community if corporations are still front and centre.’ my time with friends.’

focus on celebration and commercial visibility at the expense of the community and real issues faced within it. Others point to it being too white, too male and too geared towards the gay community, over queer and trans people. Spee de Castillo Ruiz acknowledges both parts but says there are reasons. ‘We have Trans Pride, Black Pride, Religious Pride, Youth Pride, Senior Pride, and we pay for those with the money we earn from the Canal Parade, which is the milk cow. But we are mostly white people.’ Naomie Pieter, the founder of Black Pride NL, knows this well. But after years of organising to get black, queer and trans voices heard, she believes progress has been made through the Queer Amsterdam movement which challenged who gets to organise Pride. ‘We broke the monopoly of Pride,’ she says. ‘With Queer Amsterdam, we created an alternative Pride. Before we started, only one organisation could effectively organise Pride. After two years,

WorldPride

12 | COVER FEATURE

Our pick of the best on the agenda during WorldPride

WORLDPRIDE HUMAN RIGHTS CONFERENCE

Four main themes take centre stage – Rights & Governance, Health & Wellbeing, Heritage & Culture, Resources & Leadership – at this conference organised and attended by Pride organisations and activists from across the world.

5-7 AUGUST, PRIDE.AMSTERDAM

LOVE ON THE CANALS – 30 YEARS OF CANAL PARADE

Discover how the Canal Parade grew into an international symbol of visibility and inclusion through photographs, personal stories and art at the Grachtenmuseum’s latest exhibition.

3 JULY - 27 SEPTEMBER, GRACHTEN.MUSEUM

PRIDE MARCH & TRANS PRIDE WALK

Pride March, now in its 14th edition, takes you through Amsterdam in a walk advocating for LGBTQI+ rights. A week later, walk in solidarity with the trans community and their rights during the Trans Pride Walk.

25 JULY & 2 AUGUST, PRIDE.AMSTERDAM

CANAL PARADE

See our Whats On section from page 33 for highlights of the Pride-related programming.

the municipality changed the policy, now anyone can apply for funding and organise [their] Pride.’

This year sees around 80 decorated boats, including from the AIDS Fund and European Medicines Agency, cruise the canals and a 10,000seat stadium on the Prinsengracht.

1 AUGUST, 12-6 PM

H’ART MUSEUM X COC: HIGH HEELS HURRAY!

A hub for the queer community, H’art Museum will play host to a variety of art forms that looks to give queer and trans individuals a safe stage in the Pride programme.

22 JULY ONWARDS, PRIDE.AMSTERDAM

Check out the full WorldPride programme via Pride.Amsterdam or everything else going on from page 33.

A safe haven?

WorldPride arrives as reported hate crimes towards LGBTQI+ people in the Netherlands are rising sharply. According to a report conducted by the Dutch government in 2022, one third of all discrimination reports related to sexual orientation. Meanwhile, a recent monitor by the Public Health Service of Amsterdam (GGD) found that less than half of young people accept same-sex relationships, compared to two years earlier, when 63% considered it normal.

Philip Tijsma, a spokesperson for COC Nederland, says it paints a worrying picture. While the rise in reports is due to im-

Our strength is in solidarity and respect

proved reporting methods, he says it also reflects a broader trend. ‘There has been a huge increase in hatred towards LGBTQI+ people. We used to see a 3-6% growth year on year in reports – now it’s 30-40%.’ He says it’s an issue that affects trans people in particular. Whether WorldPride can address all the issues the community faces is one thing – whether it should, is another. And while Amsterdam remains at the forefront of LGBTQI+ progress, whether it can stay there is an open question. De Haan, one of the organisers of the first Canal Parade, believes the city is capable of meeting the moment, as it has before.

‘Society has become more divided,’ he says. ‘But we have to find new ways to be in solidarity. Our strength is in solidarity and respect. And I think Amsterdam still has that power.’ Pride in Amsterdam may not have been born from protest. But in 2026, it may be forced to reckon with it.

Nieuwe Kerk is hosting the exhibition, Queer Amsterdam, the Pink City, a biography of Amsterdam’s LGBTQI+ community that celebrates the 25th anniversary of open civil marriage in the Netherlands.

9 JULY-4 APRIL 2027, NIEUWEKERK.NL

Ruben Dingemans (50)

WorldPride

WorldPride is the world’s biggest LGBTQI+ event, usually held every two years in a different city around the world. It aims to promote awareness, inclusivity and LGBTQI+ rights. This year, it is hosted by Amsterdam – one of the world’s most diverse cities (home to 180+ nationalities) – for the first time, under the theme of Unity. It’s a two-week programme, spanning culture, parties and conferences.

‘We’re building a huge 10,000-seat stadium on Prinsengracht,’ says Lucien Spee de Castillo Ruiz, director of Pride Amsterdam and WorldPride 2026. ‘And we’re going to have an international human rights conference in the Beurs van Berlage. We want to show it can be a community thing.’

25 JULY-8 AUGUST, PRIDE.AMSTERDAM

stand that. But I also think: look at the said he was really moved by the Canal

‘I’m Dutch-Indonesian, having lived in Friesland and The Hague, and moved to Amsterdam in 1998, the year of the Gay Games. The whole city felt different. Everywhere you looked, people were showing affection openly, holding hands. I remember thinking: this is nice. It felt almost unreal. That was a beautiful way to arrive in the city. For a long time, I didn’t want to be defined by my sexuality or my ethnicity. But those things are part of who you are. Amsterdam gave me a sense of safety. It helped me understand that being gay was not something separate from the rest of me. People criticise the Canal Parade for being too commercial, and I understand that. But I also think: look at the bigger picture. Everybody has a role to play. A friend had just moved here and said he was really moved by the Canal Parade because it meant he could finally just be himself. And that really struck me. I realised how much we sometimes take it for granted here.’

Museumplein

Experience IJmuiden Raw at Sea

Enjoy space and adventure. Go to our wide beaches with plenty of room for wind and water sports. Visit the largest sea lock of the world, country estates, the best dance festivals in the summer or National Park Zuid-Kennemerland with various walking and cycling routes. Or put your towel on the beach and enjoy the sun and the sea. Experience IJmuiden Raw at Sea.

It takes only 35 minutes to get there! Take bus 382 from Amsterdam Sloterdijk station.

More information? Visit ijmuiden.nl/en

Where to indulge in Amsterdam Eat & Drink

BY: KARIN ENGELBRECHT

Felix Café

Located within Felix Meritis, a canal-side cultural centre dating back to 1777, this new all-day café offers a pocket of calm amid the bustle of the Nine Streets. Vintage furnishings and contemporary art create an eclectic, livedin atmosphere. In the kitchen, chef Sander Louwerens takes a global approach, using seasonal ingredients for balanced, wellexecuted dishes that punch well above their weight. Friendly service and a steady stream of highbrow events encourage you to linger.

Green Scene

This colourful jeu de boules set (€7.99) turns any patch of grass into a petanque piste. Park day, sorted. VARIOUS LOCATIONS, HEMA.NL

’T Blauwe Theehuis in Vondelpark

For an impromptu park picnic, pick up freshly made jiaozi and jianbing (Chinese dumplings and crepes) from the dumplings food truck at the entrance to Westerpark.

NASSAUPLEIN 60

Is

Park Life

there a better way to spend a sunny afternoon than heading to a park? Amsterdam’s many green spaces offer plenty of places to eat and drink. Whether you’re after a quick pint or a blow-out meal, you’ll find an option to suit your mood.

Oost’s plethora of parks is a good place to start. At Park Frankendael, Merkelbach is ideal for a proper sit-down meal in the manicured gardens of a former manorial estate. Next door, De Kas serves refined, produce-driven plates in a celebrated greenhouse. Over in Oosterpark, VanOost pairs park views with elegant dining. Or stop for a glass of bubbly with a treeline backdrop at the Rooftop Terrace in the same building. For something more casual (and central), ’t Blauwe Theehuis in Vondelpark offers beers from Brouwerij ’t IJ, burgers, pizza and jeu de boules – serious fun. In

Westerpark, the Sunday Market at Westergas attracts crowds with street food, live music and browsing, while Mossel & Gin serves mussel pots and refreshing gin and tonics. With kids in tow, Amsterdamse Bos is hard to beat. Try Dutch pancakes at Boerderij Meerzicht or feed the (goat) kids at Geitenboerderij Ridammerhoeve, before tucking into sandwiches, snacks or ice cream. Alternatively, pick seasonal fruit at the organic Fruittuin van West orchard and enjoy apple pie around a campfire. Nearby, Het Rijk van de Keizer offers hammocks and countryside calm just beyond the city.

Green Scene

EAT & DRINK

Find traditional Vietnamese condensed milk, coconut or egg coffees (served warm or iced) at the Viet Drip coffee cart in Oosterpark. VIET-DRIPCOFFEE.COM

Noorderpark Café

Recently taken over by the folks behind the popular Skate Café, this is the only spot to eat and drink in Noord’s green artery. It’s an easy win for families, with a sandpit, playground, kids’ menus and even cooking workshops, plus plenty of open space for them to run around. Adults are equally well-catered to, with organic and natural wines, local beers, a petanque court and a lively calendar of events, from summer BBQs and markets to chef pop-ups and DJ sessions. There are snacks such as bitterballen and loaded fries, as well as a burrata salad and sandwiches made with focaccia supplied by the awardwinning Solinger bakery.

FLORAPARKWEG 1 NOORDERPARKCAFE.NL

Café Vertigo

Inspired by a Venetian villa, this listed 1806 building houses a grand café beloved by cinephiles and park lovers alike. Named after the café that occupied the Vondelpark Pavilion when the Filmmuseum was here in the 1990s, it now neighbours the IDFA Documentary Pavilion. It’s a place for everyone. Come for morning coffee with the paper, linger over wine with your lover or settle in for dinner with friends. Expect an all-day parade of French classics like chocolate croissants, oeuf en cocotte, a standout croque-monsieur and steak frites. Not on the menu: unparalleled park views from an impressive terrace.

VONDELPARK 3, CAFEVERTIGO.NL

Bolenius

Ranked 18th in the We’re Smart® World Top 100 Best Vegetable Restaurants 2025, this (Green) Michelin-starred destination keeps things hyper seasonal. Chef Luc Custers is passionate about Dutch ingredients, placing vegetables at the forefront (from €59 for a 3-course lunch). After relocating from Zuidas, the adjacent kitchen garden and greenhouse are still evolving, but the ethos shines through in the signature vegetable salad, ‘The Kitchen Garden from Rembrandtpark’.

NACHTWACHTLAAN 20B,BOLENIUS-REMBRANDTPARK.NL

Ikaria Park

For laid-back Greek vibes and a terrace that feels like a holiday, head to this idyllic spot tucked inside the tiny Bilderdijkpark in West. A favourite with the socalled ‘oat milk elite’ (the city’s beautiful young things), it’s hip but not painfully so. Named after the Blue Zone island ‘where people forget to die’, it serves up fresh, vibrant dishes that are paired with Hellenic wines and Greece-inspired cocktails. Order platters of tzatziki and cod roe tarama with pillowy pita, crispy courgette fritters, lemon-thyme chicken and lamb ribs to share, and settle in for a sun-dappled lunch that feels a world away.

BILDERDIJKPARK 1A, IKARIAPARK.NL

House of Bird

Combine birdwatching and beer tasting at Bird Brewery’s tasting room in Diemerbos, where the brews are named after local birdlife. With sandboxes, a giant chessboard and more, the terrace is family-friendly and terrific after a woodland walk.

DIEMERBOSPAD 1A, HOUSEOFBIRD.NL

Proeflokaal ’t Nieuwe Diep

Make a pilgrimage to Flevopark to discover this hidden distillery in a former pumping station. Almost completely surrounded by water, the terrace is achingly idyllic. Genever tastings make a compelling excuse to stay and enjoy the vistas.

FLEVOPARK 13A, NWEDIEP.NL

Vuurtoreneiland

Wander in unspoilt nature before a seasonal glasshouse dinner at this pop-up restaurant on a tiny island east of Amsterdam. Part of the Unesco-listed Defence Line of Amsterdam, it offers one of the city’s most unusual dining experiences. Booking well ahead is essential.

VUURTORENEILAND.NL unusual dining expe-

20 | ADVERTORIAL

In partnership with ENTR Museum

VR in 17 th-century Amsterdam

Step into the Amsterdam of almost four centuries ago: see, hear and feel history come alive through VR immersion.

The year is 1652. You’re in Amsterdam. You move through the city, from Dam Square, where the Weigh House once stood, to the IJ River where ships docked, and the printing presses where ideas went out into the world. You watch Amsterdammers go about their day. Three city residents stand out: a whaler, a printer and a craftswoman. You help them in their comings and goings as their lives intersect during a major fire on Dam Square. At that moment, you choose: Which story will you follow?

What feels like a movie is a VR immersive experience right here in Amsterdam. The new VR museum ENTR Museum is bringing the 17th century to life at Oosterdokskade. With your VR headset on, you’ll experience the sounds, colours and energy of the city centre, encounter characters from the past, and discover how Amsterdammers lived. This experience invites you to discover the city in an entirely new way, not from the sidelines, but right at the heart of the story.

OOSTERDOKSKADE 131B, ENTR.COM

Outlet Shopping, the Easy Way

Shop, dine and explore at Batavia Stad Fashion Outlet, easy to get to with the bus that takes you right to the outlet’s doorstep.

Just a 45-minute ride from Amsterdam and with over 250 brands across 150 stores, Batavia Stad provides an unparalleled shopping experience. And now there’s a shuttle bus going directly from Amsterdam Central station taking you to the outlet’s entrance. At Batavia Stad you can shop top brands like Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and The North Face, as well as premium fashion labels such as Coach, Sandro, Maje and American Vintage. There are also non-fashion products and beauty brands

such as The Cosmetics Company. It wouldn’t be a full day out without some good bars and restaurants, and you can find those too: there are the usual suspects such as Subway and Starbucks, while bakery Twelve12 and fish restaurant De Ruyter Vis add something special. With plenty to shop for, loads to eat and drink, and easy to get to with the shuttle bus, Batavia Stad lets you enjoy a carefree day full of fashion finds at the largest outlet centre in the Netherlands.

BATAVIASTAD.NL

In partnership with Batavia Stad

A bus to Batavia Stad departs directly from Amsterdam Central station every Saturday at 11 AM and returns at 3.15 PM.

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I amsterdam Magazine is Amsterdam’s offcial city guide, packed full of insider tips for what to do and see in the city. With background information on Amsterdam’s best sights and events, plus excellent suggestions for discovering lesser-known spots. Written by people who know and love the city, it will take you through everything Amsterdam has to offer day-by-day, pointing out the cherished places we wouldn’t want you to miss out on. Plus handpicked agenda listings for music, theatre, clubbing, exhibitions, festivals and family activities, as well as in-depth features on trends, neighbourhoods and more.

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Discover The Netherlands! quiz game

Discover The Netherlands! (worth €19.99) is more than a quiz. It’s a fun, playful English-language introduction to Dutch life. Discover the Netherlands through surprising facts, strange habits, iconic places, odd culture, authentic Dutch behaviour and everyday expressions. Learn, laugh and feel at home. Fijne dag! DISCOVERTHENETHERLANDS.NL

Frosty and refreshing, a reimagined pina colada (€16 at Super Lyan) is the surprise hit on a menu inspired by Amsterdam’s boroughs.

NIEUWEZIJDS VOORBURGWAL 3, SUPERLYAN.COM

Cool Cuisine

When temperatures rise in Amsterdam, turn to chilled ceviche, vibrant mezze and freshly prepared sushi to keep things fresh.

Sjefietshe

Visit this charming cevicheria in De Pijp for an Amsterdam twist on Peru’s famous raw fish dish. Expect at least four varieties, featuring options such as sea bass, dorade, prawn and even beetroot. The cocktails are equally strong and the sunny corner terrace offers the perfect summer setting. For a cool sip, choose the refreshing Pisco sour.

VAN OSTADESTRAAT 1

SJEFIETSHE.NL

Ventuno Skylounge

For a glitzy summer evening with live entertainment, stunning 21st-floor views and air conditioning (not a given in Amsterdam), head to the Amstelkwartier. Share plates of Italo-American creations such as caviar cannoli, Wagyu carpaccio, tuna tartare or burrata with tomatoes and 20-year-old balsamic vinegar. Order some bubbly and enjoy the show.

AMSTELVLIETSTRAAT 4 VENTUNOSKYLOUNGE.COM

Tips

EAT & DRINK | 23

Ali Ocakbaşı

Anatolian cold mezze are presented on large, round platters at this centrally located canalside restaurant. Select a few staples such as hummus, abagannus (roasted eggplant puree with yoghurt and garlic) and girit efesi (a cheese, pesto and pine nut dip), all served with warm puffbread. Pair with traditional Turkish tea, raki or wine, and settle in for a feast.

HERENGRACHT 558, ALIOCAKBASI.NL

Ichi-E

In an area awash with fast food joints, this spacious Japanese restaurant and sushi bar near the Johan Cruijff ArenA offers a refreshingly light alternative for your pre-game pitstop. From Fine de Claire oysters with wasabi-ponzu sauce, salmon-avocado tartare and tuna tacos to freshly prepared sushi and sashimi, there’s plenty to pick from here. A large sunny terrace tops it off.

JOHAN CRUIJFF BOULEVARD 175 ICHI-E.NL

Self-taught chef Rein op ’t Root is a graduate of the Gerrit Rietveld Academie, a renowned art and design school.

Fine Dining

Playful Plates

At Europa, an intimate chef’s table experience is shaped by seasonality, art and global inspiration.

Large artworks line the walls of this former garage in Noord, where everything centres around a turquoise epoxy counter that zigzags between the kitchen and its 18 guests. Here, a young, ambitious team crafts funky tasting menus (from €93) with a seafood focus and layered savoury depth. An artist’s sensibility shows in the interplay of texture and colour. So, for example, barbecued cod tsukune (Japanese meatballs skewers),

glazed with a langoustine lacquer, is set on a juniper branch atop a pewter plate. As a thoughtful parting gift, the in-house bakery offers a free sourdough loaf. With limited seating and a temporary lease, securing a place here sooner rather than later is part of the appeal. Tip: Next door, Euro Pizza and Euro Soft Café, run by the same owners, offer a more affordable alternative.

GEDEMPT HAMERKANAAL 81, EUROPA.REST

Top Tips

Find out more about food and drink in Amsterdam at iamsterdam.com/ restaurants

Cool Beans

From budget-friendly iced coffees to over-the-top creations, here’s where to sip chilled brews all across the city this summer.

Van de Werf

With its striking 600 m2 industrial-chic interior and roomy terrace overlooking the IJ River, this bar-restaurant is a go-to for Noord locals, especially between 9 and 10 am, when all coffees are a frankly ridiculous €1. It’s also handily positioned right by the NDSM ferry, so you can factor it into your commute – or make it the destination itself.

NDSM-KADE 2

VANDEWERF.AMSTERDAM

Café Susy

The new East-based Brazilian-Surinamese sister of the fashionable Yusu café offers one of the city’s most affordable iced lattes (€3.50) and other interesting iced varieties, including pistachio cold brew (€4.50) and iced dirty chai (€4.80). Add a scoop of espresso ice cream (€1.50) for the ultimate coffee fix or order a decadent pão de queijo with dulce de leche and cream.

PRETORIUSSTRAAT 72A CAFESUSY.AMSTERDAM

The cinnamon oat nitro (€5) is a bestseller at Wakuli, a local mini-chain that aims to change the coffee industry by championing direct trade and fairer pay for farmers.

Alpha

For top-tier iced freddos (from €4), this sunny, centrally located Greek café by the Amstel River is the place to go – and Amsterdam’s Greek expat community clearly agrees. There’s more to it than specialty coffee, though: expect Greek mountain tea, smashing slabs of spanakopita (spinach pie) and a tempting, ever-changing selection of homemade sweets fresh from the counter.

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INSTAGRAM.COM/ALPHADELI_AMS

Wakuli

With nine stores across Amsterdam, this specialty roaster offers ethically sourced iced coffee varieties, such as nitro cold brew (€4.70), peanut butter nitro (€6.50), tiramisu latte, chocolate raspberry cold brew and a cold brew milkshake (all €5.90). ‘We don’t get too nerdy about our coffee, so everyone comes in, from market sellers to young, gentrified locals,’ says co-owner Yorick Bruins. VARIOUS LOCATIONS, WAKULI.COM

‘The menu is rooted in the beautiful Dutch produce found in and around Amsterdam, while staying true to Ottolenghi’s vibrant, generous flavours. Bringing those two worlds together feels very special.’

– Yotam

Ottolenghi

Dining Out

Generous Flavours

Yotam Ottolenghi, chef, restaurateur and cookbook author, has opened his eagerly awaited first restaurant in the Netherlands.

Inside the Mandarin Oriental Conservatorium’s glass atrium, Ottolenghi Amsterdam follows a familiar formula inspired by London’s Rovi: an all-day menu focused on vegetables, fermentation and the grill. Classics such as celeriac shawarma with pita, fermented tomato and bkeila (a hearty spinach-bean condiment) join new additions for Amsterdam. This includes Hong Kong-style French toast with tahini and sweet hawaij (a Yemeni spice

blend), a speculaas old-fashioned, and crispy fritters oozing Gouda with a punchy kimchi dipping sauce. Standouts include smoked cherry wood labneh with za’atar spices, melting lamb shoulder under a rose-cardamom crust, and a sharp, creamy-chewy preserved lemon pavlova. The drinks list includes cocktails and wine bottles from Ottolenghi’s own label.

PAULUS POTTERSTRAAT 50, OTTOLENGHI. CO.UK/PAGES/LOCATIONS/AMSTERDAM

Women-Owned

From bakeries to bars, Amsterdam’s women-owned food scene combines warm hospitality with fresh ideas.

Female-Founded Food Spots

Women have long been the connectors in society. They are the gatherers. The nurturers. The ones who bring people together. Yet men have traditionally led Amsterdam’s hospitality scene – a trend that's beginning to shift. When Yishi Huang opened Best Bread Boba, the ‘first shokupan (Japanese milk bread) cube store in Europe’, in Zuid, she saw it as a powerful way to connect and fill a gap in the market. At Copain in Noord, Frederieke Bloem blends good taste with stylish plates in a modern setting. A Turkish duo, both named Esra, bring bold, sun-soaked flavours

and laid-back warmth to the table at Belly Pepper in West. In the Jordaan, Margo Abdine’s flaky croissants, airy brioche and sticky tahini buns draw devoted fans to Margo’s, her vegan pastry shop. And in Oost, Café Dapper has become something of a neighbourhood living room. Meanwhile, institutions still matter: longtime locals’ favourite Buffet van Odette still charms with its unfussy food and canalside ease. Citywide, these female-driven spots prove that when women lead, hospitality is about more than just eating and drinking somewhere. It becomes a place to belong.

Gebrouwen door Vrouwen

Gebrouwen door Vrouwen

Founded by two sisters, Amsterdambased brewery ‘Brewed by Women’ started as a hobby in 2013 using a 35-litre pot. Today, a team of six women is creating bestselling beers, including Bloesem Blond, an elderflower-infused blond ale. ‘In the beginning, there were people saying “women can’t brew beer, they should stay in the kitchen”, but we regularly prove them wrong by outselling other brands at major beer events,’ says co-founder Do de Heij. The brand’s tasting room in West is an inclusive place where ‘everyone feels welcome no matter which language they speak.’ Asked for another female-founded favourite, the team tips Café Restaurant Amsterdam. ‘It’s close to our warehouse, the quality’s always good, the service is friendly and it’s run by two wonderful women, Milène and Laura.’

JAN PIETER HEIJESTRAAT 119D-H GEBROUWENDOORVROUWEN.NL

Esra

‘When people see a man in the kitchen, they automatically assume he’s in charge,’ says co-owner Steph de Goeijen. Selin Kiazim, her partner in business and love, is chef-owner at their one-and-a-half-year-old ‘sometimes Turkish restaurant’ in Zeeburg, which they describe as an extension of their living room. Here, they want guests not only to love the food but also to feel very well looked after. The duo are happy to see more women-owned restaurants in the city, such as Rondo in Zeeheldenbuurt, which they recently visited and loved. ‘You immediately notice it. There’s just this calm.’

C. VAN EESTERENLAAN 35, ESRA.AMSTERDAM

Sinas Cerveza, a light American wheat beer infused with orange peel, is the latest brew by Gebrouwen door Vrouwen (€2.65 at Albert Heijn supermarkets).

Esra

Esra

Gebrouwen door Vrouwen

Karl Krause is a queer international writer and blogger for Couple of Men, based in Amsterdam. Together with his husband Daan, he writes personal LGBTQI+ travel and lifestyle stories inspired by everyday city life and cultural exploration.

Dam Life

HWhen Amsterdam Became Home

When Karl came to Amsterdam to be with the man he loves, it was the people that made him feel welcome – and at home.

old on to me tight. And don’t worry, ringing your bell is just part of life in Amsterdam.’

With those words, my red-bearded Dutch crush leaned in to kiss me before pushing off on his bike. I, a completely overwhelmed tourist, sat on the back of his bike, one arm wrapped around his waist, the other clutching the frame – knuckles white. But once we were moving, the city with its countless bikes whizzed past me in all its beauty. I rested my head against his back, excited, happy, and in love. It was my first time in Amsterdam. But it didn’t feel that way at all. The brakes squealed. ‘We’re here.’ I hopped off and found myself facing an orange mass of people. It was, back then in 2013, Queen’s Day, and all of Amsterdam seemed to be out on the streets.

‘This way, my little German. My friends are waiting for us at the Homomonument.’ Hand in hand, we made our way through the colourful, energetic crowd. Daan’s friends were curious about the new stranger, but welcomed me with open arms. We all met for the first

time. And yet, it didn’t feel that way. Before I knew it, someone handed me a bottle while bitterballen and a tompouce with orange icing appeared out of somewhere. I was surrounded by laughter, chatting, singing. The air smelled of French fries and beer.

I didn’t understand Dutch yet, barely knew the city, and was really only here as a visitor. And yet, in that moment, it felt perfectly natural to be standing right there. Occasionally, the two of us would lock eyes, and the world seemed to become a little less noisy.

Much came later. A room, a job, a new language and a life together. Years passed, and with each one, those first impressions of Amsterdam became everyday life. But when people ask me today when I actually became an Amsterdammer, I don’t think of contracts, milestones, or the years I’ve lived here with my now-husband. Instead, I think of that day when I was welcomed by the city and its residents as if it were the most natural thing in the world. And of the feeling that welled up inside me – that I already belonged.

What’s On

Tropikali x WorldPride

Descend deep into the Tropikali world for a special WorldPride edition, Tropikali by Night. This June festival turns up in Paradiso in August, bringing back the Pride ‘unofficial Amsterdam Pride closing party’ Rosario, which was previously set outside in Vondelpark and is now reimagined indoors. Expect anything from Latin house to Balkan and SWANA-influ-

34 | BY: GARVAN Ó DEAGHAIDH

What it Means to be a Man

Internet phenomenon ‘the Manosphere’ has been making headlines in recent years, and the Stedelijk Museum uses it as a starting point for its newest exhibition on masculinity.

Check out Hans Eijkelboom’s De Ideale Man series, works from the 1970s and 1980s that draw parallels to online male selfimprovement spaces of today.

Six stony-faced men occupying the upstairs of the Stedelijk contemporary art museum, a Louis Theroux documentary, an ex-kickboxer living in Romania and the American president. The connection between them? The Manosphere. Named by the Dutch Language Institute as the emerging word of the year, it is an internet phenomenon of men and boys touting patriarchal, anti-feminist ideals. This summer, the Stedelijk Museum hosts Beyond the Manosphere – Masculinities Today, in collaboration with the Kunstmuseum St. Gallen in Switzerland. Around 35 intergenerational artists are featured in the exhibition; sources from as old as the 1960s coexist with contemporary ones. The clean, white and almost sterile museum environment contrasts with work that doesn’t shy away from itself or its viewers. There are confronting, raw, sometimes even vulgar, portrayals of masculinity. P. Staff ’s work Afferent Nerves paints an entire room in ‘piss-yellow’ light, with an electric net used for killing cattle overhead. As you observe other artworks, an incessant buzz fills the room, produced

There are confronting, raw, sometimes even vulgar, portrayals of masculinity

by six men who are part of Cadence, a performance art piece by Zhana Ivanova, in which the performers reenact elements of their masculinities: posturing, striding, and interacting with each other in strange ways.

Breaking open masculinity

‘The title of the exhibition [...] was chosen not to affirm the manosphere but to break it open,’ writes Melanie Bühler, the curator of the exhibition, which is more interested in exploring masculinities in a wider sense than simply critiquing its more toxic forms. The exhibition might use the mano-

sphere as a point of departure, but what it’s really concerned with is masculinity in a more general sense. Rein Wolfs, the museum’s director, is quick to connect the exhibition to the current political climate. ‘Masculinity has been flattened into cliches,’ he said in a speech at the opening. ‘This exhibition invites a more critical view, [at a time] when the American president and the vice president are fighting against the pope on social media.’

More than a cliche

There are also more positive outlooks on men and masculinity to be found. ‘I hope to show with this exhibition, it [masculinity] is also more than those things’, Bühler writes. ‘It encompasses desire, protection, comfort and strength.’ Moments before the ending of Cadence, the men come together in a circle, arms awkwardly hooked around each other, seeming to come to some kind of resolution. Though they seem to struggle, there is a sense of intimacy. Their performances are over, but the debates surrounding masculinities continue. UNTIL 2 AUGUST, STEDELIJK.NL

Our Faith is Love Exhibitions

AJazz Years

More things to do in Amsterdam? Follow instagram.com/ iamsterdam for cultural highlights.

n exhibition detailing queer histories and futures comes to the Luther Museum this July. The focus is on the intersections between queer people and religion; in the main room, young queer photographer Jesse van den Berg showcases ten portraits of contemporary Lutherans who are LGBTQI+. Elsewhere, artist and curator Andrea Keznovic is putting together an exhibition in which seven international young queer artists look to the future.

10 JULY-11 OCTOBER, LUTHERMUSEUM.NL

This summer, the Amsterdam City Archives focuses on the jazz scene that flourished in Amsterdam during the 1930s, featuring artists from the US, Suriname, Eastern Europe and Amsterdam itself. Spend an afternoon moving through photographs, paintings, photography, personal objects, film footage and, of course, music from the era – leaving your evening free to experience jazz out in the city.

UNTIL 13 SEPTEMBER

NATIONAALARCHIEF.NL

Unruly Process

Amsterdam’s architecture museum in Nieuw-West hosts Unruly Process: Future. Present. Past, the first retrospective exhibition of architect, designer and researcher Afaina de Jong. The acclaimed Dutch creative, whose work revolves around creating spaces of freedom and acceptance for all, has previously collaborated with the Venice Biennale, the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. Now she displays a broad selection of her work with models, installations, objects, furniture and research documentation.

UNTIL 5 JULY, VANEESTERENMUSEUM.NL

Fifteen up-and-comers who won Foam’s biennial talent competition star in the Foam Talent 2026 exhibition.

5 JUNE-28 AUGUST, FOAM.ORG

Queer Amsterdam, the Pink City

In 1632, Nieuwe Kerk on Dam Square was the location of one of the earliest documented (but illegal) same-sex marriages in Amsterdam. Now, almost 400 years later, this Gothic church will host a flagship exhibition in tandem with WorldPride 2026 – one that acts as a biography of Amsterdam’s LGBTQI+ community, celebrating the 25th anniversary of open civil marriage in the Netherlands. The church also hosts the ‘Pride Talk’ every year on the eve of Pride Week where an international activist is given the opportunity to speak about issues relating to queer communities.

9 JULY-4 APRIL 2027, NIEUWEKERK.NL

Get free access to all major highlights and more than 70 museums with your I amsterdam City Card: iamsterdam.com/citycard

Radical Histories: Chicano Prints

The H’art Museum is collaborating with the Smithsonian American Art Museum to exhibit Chicano artists, whose art platforms societal issues and organises protests against injustice. The exhibition features 60 works, consisting mainly of political posters and prints, spanning from 1960 to 2018, all of which aim to inspire.

UNTIL 6 SEPTEMBER, HARTMUSEUM.NL

Ed van der Elsken: Up Close

Known as the enfant terrible of Dutch photography, photographer Ed van der Elsken brings a different meaning to the phrase Dutch Master. Van der Elsken portrays a grittier world than his much older compatriots – his blackand-white photography looks to alternative culture, the streets and themes such as love, sex and music for inspiration.

19 JUNE-13 SEPTEMBER, RIJKSMUSEUM.NL

Amsterdam’s Canal Museums

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Art Zoo Museum

An artistic tribute to the animal kingdom and nature, breathtaking taxidermy art fills the spaces of Art Zoo museum. From colourful birds and winding snakes to imposing crocodiles and a T. Rex – it’s as if they could spring to life at any moment. Herengracht 368, artzoo.com

Museum Van Loon

This elegant canal house offers a glimpse into the life f a wealthy Amsterdam family in the 17th century. You can explore historic rooms, portraits, antique furniture, and a classical garden to unwind and relax.

Keizersgracht 672, museumvanloon.nl

Huis Marseille

Amsterdam’s first photography museum is located in two historic canal houses. The museum presents temporary exhibitions of international photography, ranging from documentary images to experimental art.

Keizersgracht 401, huismarseille.nl

Amsterdam Tulip Museum

This compact museum tells the story of the Dutch tulip. From the famous Tulip Mania of the Golden Age to modern tulip cultivation, colorful displays and historical illustrations bring the history to life. Prinsengracht 116, amsterdamtulipmuseum.com

Behind the façades of some elegant canal houses in Amsterdam you’ll find beautiful museums. These are a few of the finest.

Our Lord in the Attic Museum

Our Lord in the Attic is one of the oldest museums in Amsterdam. Narrow corridors and stairs lead to historically furnished living areas, kitchens and cupboards and end in what is literally the highlight of the museum: a complete church in the attic. Oudezijds Voorburgwal 38, opsolder.nl/en

Museum of the Canals

Discover the history of Amsterdam’s canals through interactive exhibitions, models, and personal stories. The museum explains how the city developed into a world-famous canal network and why the canal belt became a Unesco World Heritage Site. Herengracht 386, grachten.museum

The Willet-Holthuysen House

In 1895, this imposing 17th-century canal house was bequeathed to the city of Amsterdam by Mrs. W illet-Holthuysen.

The double mansion contains a French-style garden and many period rooms, spaces seemingly frozen in time. Every six months the museum houses an exhibition by a contemporary maker. Herengracht 605, amsterdammuseum.nl

Museum of Illusions

This interactive museum focuses on optical illusions, perspective, and brain teasers. You can explore mirrors, holograms, and immersive rooms designed to challenge the senses — perfect for fun photos and surprising experiences. Keizersgracht 676, museumofillusions.nl

On Stage

An international festival of contemporary dance, Julidans showcases the latest creations by choreographers and performers of worldwide acclaim. The experimental avant-garde is foremost on the menu, offering audiences the rare chance of experiencing the future of movement and expression. This year’s programming includes the latest work by Nina Laisé, known for her fusion of cultures and art forms, and Serge Aimé Coulibaly, the Burkinabé veteran of both choreography and performance.

2-14 JULY, JULIDANS.NL

Julidans

Boom Chicago Comedy Festival

This ten-day-long comedy bonanza promises laughs aplenty, showcasing both high and low-brow humour with a real knack for fun. While audiences are welcome just to sit back and enjoy the show, they are also encouraged to improve their own comedy chops through workshops open to all levels. They should, however, be wary of testing any newfound comedic ability on the performers, for fear of verbal annihilation at the hands of some of the world’s best.

25 JUNE-5 JULY, BOOMCHICAGO.NL

Get free access to all major highlights and more than 70 museums with your I amsterdam City Card: iamsterdam.com/citycard.

Little Big Things

Human tragedy meets hopeful resilience in this familyfocused musical at the Carré. Follow a promising young rugby player, victim to a spinal cord injury that proves nearfatal, and the recovery – of hope and body – that he and his family embark upon. Expect wholesomeness and sincerity in equal measure.

20 JUNE-16 AUGUST, CARRE.NL

A group of queer activists rises up against increasing harassment and rising violence, following the historic Stonewall riots in theatre production Marsha 28-31 JULY, ITA.NL

City of Floating Sounds at the Holland Festival

This year’s Holland Festival opens with City of Floating Sounds by Huang Ruo, where audiences walk towards Royal Theater Carré from various starting points, accompanied by sections of classical music playing from their phones. The musical sections gradually converge as the walking routes do. Upon arriving at the theatre, audiences are greeted by a live continuation of the experience, performed by Symfonieorkest Vlaanderen.

3 JUNE, HOLLANDFESTIVAL.NL

Cabaret at the End of the World

The Amsterdam Gay Men’s Chorus, the largest LGBTQ+ chorus in the Netherlands, takes a rather cheerful approach to impending doom in this summer showing. On Saturday 4 July, more than 100 singers and dancers from Amsterdam’s gay, bi and queer community will take to the stage at the stunning Muziekgebouw aan ‘t IJ. A campy, defiant and radical celebration of queer resistance, featuring hits by Queen, Stromae, Troye Sivan, and Britney Spears.

4 JULY, 3.30 AND 8.30 PM, AMSGMC.NL

Drag & Open Mic

The Plein Theater in Oost focuses on small-scale performances such as modern dance, youth theatre, modern chamber music and experimental theatre. On 26 June, they host an open mic for trans and non-binary people. And don’t miss Bring Drag Back to the Theatre on 11 July, an ode to the art of drag in all its glittering beauty. With drag queen Sederginne shining on stage.

PLEIN-THEATER.NL

Infinite Culture with the City Card

In partnership with I amsterdam City Card

Looking for your dream Amsterdam itinerary? Start your day with a viewing of the Night Watch in the Rijksmuseum’s gallery before discovering the modern art of Stedelijk Museum or the Moco Museum. In the afternoon, board a leisurely boat cruise through Amsterdam’s UNESCO-protected canals, then head to the top of the A’DAM Tower for a spectacular sunset. Or would you rather visit the Rembrandt House, then cycle through the city like a local and end the day at Fabrique des Lumières’ digital art exhibition? You can do it all and save money in the process.

How it works

Explore Amsterdam’s best attractions hassle-free with the I amsterdam City Card and save money on top must-do activities, museums and hidden gems.

With the I amsterdam City Card, you can visit as many attractions as you like within your chosen duration. Whether it’s one, two or even five days, you can explore at your pace and get access to Amsterdam’s museums and attractions with one handy pass. Public transport throughout the city is included, as well as a 24-hour bike rental and a canal cruise. The card is available both through the City Card app or as a physical card that you can pick up at the I amsterdam Store at Central Station.

IAMSTERDAM.COM/CITYCARD

BY: DANA MARIN

Of Circus Tents and Carousels

Arty theatre festival De Parade is one of a kind – between its many shows, there are fairy lights, a vintage carousel, poffertjes and dance floors. It makes for a magical summer indeed.

Aparticular kind of nostalgia surrounds old travelling fairs: striped canvas tents, organ music, the slow turning of a carousel at dusk. So it’s no wonder that when De Parade comes to town, crowds fill the small Martin Luther Kingpark, turning it into a candy-coloured village of pop-up theatres, swing rides and dancing. De Parade, the only travelling theatre festival in the world, rolls into four Dutch cities each summer and enlivens a park for a few weeks. Each one becomes a slightly surreal world, where strangers share meals at long wooden tables and costumed performers wander, promoting and selling their shows. Part of the magic is that everyone plays here, adults especially, moving between swing boats, poffertjes stalls and dance floors. At the heart of it spins De Zweef, the beloved vintage carousel that regulars claim is best ridden after your second wine.

On show

De Parade’s offer is generous: around 100 performances, including theatre, dance, mime, cabaret, spoken word and music. Most are made specially for the festival and can be seen only here. At around 30 minutes each, they leave plenty of time to catch several shows in a night. This year’s line-up includes theatre company the Ashton Brothers marking 25 years with a jubilee show, new work from dance company Conny Janssen Danst, a performance by singer-actress Ellen ten Damme, and journalist and presenter Margriet van der Linden with a personal piece. A daily children’s programme runs from 2 pm, and plenty of shows are tagged Language No Problem. Enough to block your calendars and disappear into the De Parade realm, for at least a day or two.

24 JULY-9 AUGUST, MARTIN LUTHER KINGPARK DEPARADE.NL

44 | BY: ROXY MERRELL

Expanding Amsterdam’s Queer Nightlife Interview

With club night The Planet, Emma de Smit pushes queer nightlife into a new orbit, creating an event for FLINTA artists and audiences in a scene still dominated by men.

‘I would encourage people to participate in one of the Pride marches. There’s two this year: the National Pride March on the opening, on Saturday 25 July, and the WorldPride March on the closing, on Saturday 8 August.’

Growing up queer in Amsterdam, Emma de Smit (32) found the space to explore her identity in the city’s iconic lesbian cafés and queer clubs. As the city changes at record speed, these spaces are not always a given – and club culture remains largely dominated by men.

Five years ago, De Smit set out to change that, launching queer club night The Planet – an event centring FLINTA (female, lesbian, intersex, non-binary, trans and agender people) artists, performers and audiences. What started as an answer to her own desires has become a driving force in Amsterdam’s queer nightlife. ‘It’s really a space where people can feel free and connect to an identity they can’t always express in daily life,’ she says. We spoke to De Smit as Amsterdam prepares to host WorldPride.

What does Amsterdam mean to you?

‘Amsterdam is my hometown. I feel really lucky I grew up in this city, especially as a queer person. I never had a particularly hard time with my identity, I always felt accepted, and I think a lot of that is thanks to Amsterdam. I had an amazing time at high school – I’m still close with a big group of friends from those years, and we’re all queer. We used to go to lesbian bar Vivelavie and the queer nightlife street Reguliersdwarsstraat –these were the places where we could just be, where we could explore who we were. Those spaces shaped me. And now that I’m about to have a child, I feel lucky that they’ll grow up here too.’

What kind of Amsterdam do you want your child to grow up in?

‘We’re expecting a baby boy – he’s actually due any minute. Growing up in Amsterdam, I think you automatically become more open-minded – you’re surrounded by so many different people and cultures, you can’t help it. I grew up in De Pijp when it was really a working class neighbourhood, with a very mixed demographic. I’m so glad I had that experience, and want that for my child, too – although that neighbourhood looks very different today. It’s interesting – becoming a parent means you suddenly have to make all these social choices again. Which school? Which neighbour-

hood? Which nursery? Choices that my mum had to make too, but the city has changed so much, I think it will be a different experience now. I find it genuinely fascinating, actually. Rediscovering Amsterdam through new eyes – the eyes of our baby boy.’

That sounds deeply moving and beautiful.

‘Yeah, I love that we’re having a boy – it feels like a fun challenge. I come from a very women-centered world: with mostly women in my nuclear family, most my friends are women, and my queerness, of course. Raising a feminist boy with two mums sounds like a great challenge.’

‘It’s dark, it’s loud, it’s full of life’

Excitingly, WorldPride is coming to Amsterdam this summer. Is Amsterdam still as queer-friendly as it likes to think it is?

‘I would say yes and no. I’m proud that WorldPride is happening here – I think Pride Amsterdam can really carry it well. And I’m glad we have a mayor (Femke Halsema) and people at the municipality who actively try to make space for queer communities and queer venues. But we’re also facing enormous challenges. Amsterdam is facing pressure from all directions. The creative sector is struggling, and within that, queer spaces often bear the heaviest load. The financial risk of maintaining a space or putting on events has become almost unmanageable. At the same time, people want these spaces; they need them. The queer community continues to stay strong in the face of it all, with spaces actually more inclusive than they were before. That gives me hope.’

Talking about queer spaces, you started organising your own club nights The Planet five years ago. What sparked that idea?

‘It all started from a gap I felt in the city. When Vivelavie closed in 2017, there was suddenly nowhere in the city where I felt represented as a FLINTA person. A lot of gay and queer parties and bars were very centred around cis-gendered men, and I felt a need for a differ-

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ent kind of space. On top of that, I have always been into electronic music and techno. I was dreaming of a cool queer night that brought all of that together. I was already involved in nightlife, I had been organising club nights and building a network in the scene for years. One day, I just felt called to create that space myself. Make the party I’d want to go to.’

How would you describe a night at The Planet to someone who’s never been?

‘We’re based at Tillatec, a club in an old school building in Nieuw-West that’s slowly falling apart, in the best possible way. It has this raw, industrial energy, long corridors, two music spaces and a dark room. The crowd is really diverse and genuinely queer, and what I love most about it is the atmosphere feels really open and warm, people come to our nights to meet other interesting people.

‘I just want to keep doing it. Keep the nights alive’

I would say it’s a real community night, with proper techno – high tempo, dark rooms, serious dancing. It’s dark, it’s loud, it’s full of life. We also have an awareness team on the floor who look after the atmosphere and keep things safe, without the heavy hand of traditional security.’

The Planet is proudly 100% queer and FLINTA. Why is that meaningful to you?

‘It’s really about representing queer life. Women and FLINTA DJs and performers are still structurally underrepresented in electronic music, it’s still a predominantly white, male-driven scene. When people walk into The Planet and look at who’s performing or DJing, I want them to see a reflection of what they could be. All the different ways queerness can look and sound and move. For many queer, trans and non-binary artists, the club isn’t just a stage, it’s a safe space to experiment. I want The Planet to be that space.’

The Planet is clearly a labour of love. What do you get up to beyond it?

‘Since April, I started a new job at Paradiso as a club night programmer, which feels like a really natural next step. They’re working on a new nightlife vision. We’re shaping a new chapter of night programming, which is exciting. I was looking for a role where I could develop my programming skills more professionally. When the Paradiso vacancy came up, and I just knew it would me mine.’

Can we visit The Planet during Pride too?

‘Yes! We’re doing a collaboration with Los Angles on Friday 31 July at Tillatec. They’re an Amsterdam-based collective, founded by three trans women who organise club nights. We first worked together last Pride, it was a brilliant night. I’m excited to do it again. Keep an eye on our channels @theplanet.platform for the full lineup.’

If, in another life, you weren’t so deeply involved with music and nightlife, what would you be doing?

‘Honestly? Singing. Or musical theatre. I took singing lessons for a long time and I still think about whether I should be doing more with it. But this is good too. This is great, actually.’

What’s next? Any hopes and dreams for the future?

‘For The Planet, we’ve already taken the party to London and Barcelona. A dream I’m working towards is to organise a festival. But for now, I’m just grateful I get to do this. The Planet can’t be my full-time income yet, but it’s sustainable enough that we can keep going. And that means everything.

I still have people come up to me at the end of a club night, beaming, to say: “Thank you for creating this space. It wouldn’t exist otherwise.” That’s what keeps me going. I just want to keep doing it. Keep the nights alive. Keep giving people a space where they can be themselves, discover everything that’s possible and find their community. And I can’t wait for my own next chapter in this city. I’m ready for the challenge.’ <<

LIVE TABLE GAMES, ONLY WITH US

British pioneer of electronic music Gary Numan brings his signature electrifying synths and 70s sound to Paradiso.

3 AUGUST, PARADISO.NL

Pop & Rock

Snail Mail

Maryland-hailing Indie rocker Snail Mail plays Paradiso this June. Ricochet, her first album in five years, released in late March to the unanimous agreement that it’s her strongest yet. Over 11 songs, she reflects on the impermanence of life, adding a newfound sense of maturity to the mix.

18 JUNE, PARADISO.NL

Violet Chachki

The winner of Season 7 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Violet Chachki epitomises style, flair and performance in equal measure. Known for her corsetry and burlesque, expect her set to leave you breathless – whether through presence or pure exhilaration. Her single ‘Mistress Violet’ has been a staple in clubs since 2021, while the more recent release ‘TKO’ is an anthem of incalculable energy.

24 JULY, MELKWEG.NL

Peaches

Having achieved veritable icon status within LGBTQI+ circles over a 20-plus-year career, Peaches has more than justified her place in Melkweg’s WorldPride programming. Brash, unashamed and transgressive, Peaches’ brand of electroclash communicates her frustrations with social issues through soaring synth lines, pulsating bass and humour.

7 AUGUST, MELKWEG.NL

Guns N’ Roses

Rock and Roll Hall of Famers for a reason, Guns N’ Roses’ debut album Appetite for Destruction sold more than 30 million copies worldwide. Despite that being almost 40 years ago, they still maintain their trademark 3-hour-long shows. Recent single ‘Nothin’’ is a heartfelt callback to some of their earliest hits.

18-20 JUNE, ZIGGODOME.NL

Hello, I’m A’DAM - a tower of many talents. A place where you can eat, work, rave, sleep. Repeat. 24/7, all under one roof. Ready to discover some of my stories?

A’DAM LOOKOUT | 20th & 21st floor

Looking for the ultimate high? Visit my observation deck on top of the A’DAM Tower and enjoy my unrivaled panoramic view of Amsterdam, from the city center and its canals to the countryside.

‘Over the Edge’ Swing | 21st floor

For the daredevils and thrill seekers among us, I have this famous swing that dangles at 100 meters above the ground. Swing back and forth over the edge of the A’DAM Tower with Amsterdam under your feet!

Restaurant & Sky Bar Madam | 20th floor

During the day, the Panorama Restaurant is part of A’DAM LOOKOUT. But as soon as the sun goes down, the music goes up – and the Panorama Restaurant transforms into Restaurant & Sky Bar Madam: Amsterdam’s highest sky bar for casual dining and the best cocktails in town.

Revolving Restaurant Moon | 19th floor

Making a full rotation per hour, Restaurant Moon provides a truly unique gastronomic experience. Let us take you on a fascinating journey through flavors and aromas combined with a fantastic 360 panorama view of Amsterdam.

Shelter | Basement

My underground nightclub is located in the basement of the A’DAM Tower. Known for its Funktion-One sound system and high-tech LED-panel ceilings. Shelter’s iconic hatch is open every Friday and Saturday night from 23 till 6 am.

A’DAM VR | Basement

Descend into the underground A’DAM VR Game & Race Park and discover a world of boundless imagination filled with the most exclusive thrill-seeking simulation rides, sensational free-roaming shooters and exhilarating escape rooms.

Family & Kids

KFor full listings of what’s on in Amsterdam, visit our website: iamsterdam.com/ whatson

ids and museums don’t always match well, but that doesn’t apply to Kimu. This newly opened museum caters to kids and their burgeoning imaginations, allowing them to touch the art, play with it and create their own. The opening exhibition, Parallel Processes, showcases the work of almost 70 children and 3 contemporary artists, all working with the same materials. A workshop is always included with your visit for children aged 2-15. KIMU.NL

Artis Aquarium

Following a four-year restoration, the historic Artis Aquarium building finally reopens, giving you yet another reason to visit the world-famous zoo. The aquarium – the oldest of its kind still operating in the world – now operates with a focus on sustainability and biodiversity.

OPENS 13 JUNE, ARTIS.NL

Classical & Jazz

| BY: CLARE VARNEY

More things to do in Amsterdam? Follow iamsterdaminstagram.com/forcultural highlights.

Garden Concerts

In an array of open-air concerts across the city, Grachtenfestival hosts this year’s concerts in green spaces of all shapes and sizes.

Now in its 29th year, Amsterdam’s Grachtenfestival (Canal Festival) is one of the many summer festivals that make the most of long summer evenings, with jazz, classical and world music fi lling stages across the city through 150 concerts in 90 different locations, inside and out.

The theme of the festival for 2026 is ‘green’. ‘Concerts are hosted in green open spaces,’ says festival director Tonko Grever. ‘Spaces such as gardens backing onto canals, or in the Tuincentrum Osdorp garden centre, full of bustling city dwellers buying plants for their balconies.’ There’s also a performance in the relatively unknown but very green Sieger Park. Founded in the 1930s by a pharmaceuticals factory owner who needed a new home for his

bee collection, its beautiful English garden will be the stage for talented young musicians, knocking shoulders with statues from the Stedelijk Museum.

Green

spaces and hidden gems

Significant Amsterdam landmark buildings with award-winning green credentials also feature on the Grachtenfestival green programme. Places not usually open to the public, such as the Rembrandt Park One business centre, with its magical view of the adjoining Rembrandtpark. ‘Concerts this year also focus on a different district of the city each day,’ Grever explains. ‘For example, many of the modern 1960s and 70s buildings in Nieuw-West have beautiful hidden gardens, so we feature five different gardens from this district on the same day

Hidden gem the Sieger Park will be the stage for one of Grachtenfestival’s open-air concerts.

– concerts taking place in each garden.’ A highlight on the programme is the grand tour of the six remaining historical bandstands dating back to the late 19th century, found in parks scattered across the city. ‘This is what makes the Grachtenfestival special,’ Grever says. ‘I want to give everyone the same experience I had when I found these venues for the first time.’

Young talent

At the Grachtenfestival you can get close to exciting, young talent in jazz, classical and world music.

Part of the festival’s mission is to support young musicians

Part of the festival’s mission is to support young musicians at varying stages of their careers who either live or study in the Netherlands. Arjan Linker, this year’s Artist in Residence, is joined by very young talent such as oboist Noa Hemmink (14). And Dutch jazz vocalist Laura Dooge and her band The Fried Seven will close the opening concert in Valley Tower’s impressive main hall, deep inside Zuidas district’s quirkily shaped skyscraper, with swing jazz numbers from the Great American Songbook. So many young new voices in just as many beautiful green spaces and places across the city make the Grachtenfestival an event you won’t want to miss. 7-16 AUGUST, GRACHTENFESTIVAL.NL

Other open-air concert highlights

• Holland Festival: Join the City of Floating Sounds by following one of the musical lines from Huang Ruo’s new composition using a special app as you walk towards the Royal Theater Carré for their opening concert on 3 June.

• Opera in the Park: Watch Dutch National Opera’s production of Verdi’s Simon Boccanegra in Park Frankendael on 19 June.

• Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra’s free open-air concert: The season’s opener concert conducted by Han-Na Chan stops off this year in Amsterdam’s Oosterpark on 17 September.

Don’t miss

Muziekgebouw Terrace Concerts

Marvel at the beauty of the setting sun or relive your childhood on the best set of swings in the Netherlands each weekend as you take in the Muziekgebouw’s summer series. Spend the evening listening to the Amsterdam Andalusian Orchestra, piano recitals by Amiri Harewood, Afro-Surinamese music from Black Harmony plus much more.

17 JULY-16 AUGUST, MUZIEKGEBOUW.NL

Amsterdamse Bostheater

This huge open-air theatre features artists such as Matthijs van Nieuwkerk with the Sven Hammond Big Band as seen on NPO and Trijntje Oosterhuis with the Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw. Plenty of places to eat, and even a play area and swimming pool nearby for the little ones.

11-22 AUGUST, BOSTHEATER.NL

South East Jazz

For one weekend only, a free festival where thirty artists perform on five stages in Zuidoost from noon to midnight. Emerging talent, legendary artists and music lovers showcase fresh contemporary jazz, improvisation, groove, soul and world music. Download the app to mark your favourites.

© FOPPE SCHUT

© ROB VAN DAM PHOTO

Wander the sculpture garden at Singer Laren or see 360-degree images of Anne Frank’s Secret Annex as it was during her time in hiding. With the free Bloomberg Connects, over 20 of Amsterdam’s museums and cultural spaces come with you, in your pocket, in your language.

In partnership with Bloomberg Connects

Arts & Culture Uncovered

Every institution has a story to tell – and on Bloomberg Connects, you can hear it straight from the curators, artists and experts who know it best. Unearth the remarkable history of the H’art Museum building and the Secret Annex at the Anne Frank House for 360-degree images of the room during Anne’s time there. Or head out into the region; lose yourself in the sculpture garden at Singer Laren and in The Hidden Life of Anna Singer, which traces the journey of the prominent American collector who moved to Europe at the turn

of the 20th century. With location-based platform Bloomberg Connects, you’ll be taken on an exclusive, narrated tour of the museum you’re visiting.

Guided by experts

Head to the Bloomberg Connects platform to explore exclusive content, including audio tours curated for each space, whether you’re at the 600-yearold-plus temporary Project Space in Noord. You’ll also find an interactive map for each institution to guide you through your visit. Bloomberg Connects is built

so every visitor can engage on their own terms, with audio description, captions, transcripts, image zoom and adjustable text across participating guides. Download the free app, search for the museum and explore. Browse from your hotel, the train or the queue – and take Amsterdam’s cultural scene with you.

Discover arts & culture in Amsterdam and the region with Bloomberg Connects. The Bloomberg Connects platform is free to access, with over 20 guides across Amsterdam and the region – plus 1,400+ cultural institutions in 46 countries and 50+ languages worldwide –making arts and culture accessible to everyone, anywhere.

Film festival Pluk de Nacht brings gems from film festivals around the world to the banks of the IJ River.

19-29 AUGUST, PLUKDENACHT.NL

On Screen

WHAT ’S ON | 55

Queer Power

Throughout the summer, the Eye Filmmuseum presents classics and contemporary films from countries and cultures around the world. Variety is the keyword here, as the selection of more than 30 titles is as diverse as the queer community itself, from John Waters’ classic Pink Flamingos (1972), to Rains over Babel (Gala del Sol, 2025), a psychedelic queer adaptation of Dante’s Inferno. Their Previously Unreleased series also gets a queer makeover, screening four LGBTQI+ titles never before seen in the Netherlands.

26 JUNE-2 SEPTEMBER, EYEFILM.NL

Pllek Film with a View

This bar on an urban beach hosts crowds of film-lovers every Tuesday evening, from May through to September. Expect deck chairs, an idyllic waterside location, orange sunsets turning into sparkling night skies and, of course, films. PLLEK.NL

Bollywood Festival

India’s answer to Hollywood, Bollywood films promise energetic musical sequences and truly immersive plots. This year’s title is ‘A Tribute to Big B’ – a reference to acclaimed actor Amitabh Bachchan, a veritable staple of the industry.

3-5 JULY, VUECINEMAS.NL

Clubbing & Festivals

56 | WHAT ’S ON

909 Festival

Around 56 artists perform at 909 Festival, where you dance in a clearing in the forest, reacquainting yourself with the roots of festival culture, as well as perhaps a stray tree root or two. This techno festival, named after the TR-909 drum machine – a seminal piece of DJ equipment – prides itself on a stripped-back aesthetic with its sole focus on the music. And it shows.

6 & 7 JUNE, 909.NL

Basement

This new-to-the-city club looks to reinvigorate Amsterdam Centrum’s nightlife. Underground in position but not in appeal, they market themselves to the average Amsterdammer: with low prices, hightech speakers, and the intent to build real club culture.

Het Landjuweel

Ruigoord, the artists’ village and cultural sanctuary, hosts a yearly festival aimed at the free spirits among us, platforming crafts, both artisan and amateur, musical performances, dance, yoga and more. Expect grassy meadows, wooden huts and an emphasis on getting involved. Kids are welcome too.

23-26 JULY RUIGOORD.NL

During WorldPride, Melkweg transforms into Club Chrome, with a programme platforming all things queer.

25 JULY-8 AUGUST, MELKWEG.NL

Milkshake

Gender and genre are fluid at Milkshake, an open-minded dance festival promoting tolerance (lactose included), in Amsterdam’s Westerpark. You can expect generous offerings of electronic, disco, pop and R&B across 11 stages.

25 & 26 JULY, MILKSHAKEFESTIVAL.COM

10 Years

Reggae Lake

Reggae festival Reggae Lake celebrates its 10year anniversary in Gaasperpark with a lineup consisting of veterans such as Alpha Blondy and the Solar System, as well as younger mainstream sensations like Anthony B. Be sure to embrace the lakeside vibes by relaxing on a hammock in between sets.

15 & 16 AUGUST, REGGAELAKE.NL

Raum

As Amsterdam welcomes WorldPride this summer, the inclusive spaces that exist year-round in the Dutch capital should not be forgotten.

Queer-run and techno-focused, Club Raum pairs a diverse and welcoming community with world-beating curation. Check out their programming, which invites some of the best in the business to play among its bare concrete walls and smoke-filled dance floor.

CLUBRAUM.NL

© HDENNIS BOUWMAN

THE OUTLET

AROUND THE CORNER

No need to drive to the end of the world

More than 80 brands up to -70%

Explore Amsterdam’s neighbourhoods City Guide ’s

With our online guide, you’ll find out everything about the newest spots in town for food, drink and more: iamsterdam. com/new

62 Beach Vibes

66 Queer Centrum

68 What To Do

70 Nieuw-West

Jacob van Lennepbuurt

This neighbourhood in Oud-West is booming with queer venues. Start on the fringes at LAB111 and its Bar Strangelove, for a drink and a curated programme of queer cinema. Later, head to queer-run bar Pamela for a range of small plates, cocktails and a buzzy crowd. When it gets late, on Sundays, LGBTQI+-run disco De Trut draws in partygoers looking for an alternative spot to close out the weekend.

Spotlight On…

62 | BY: KITANA CROWELLE

Kaap

‘A haven of unbridled fun and sustainable enjoyment.’ That’s how founder Stefano Richetta describes Kaap Amsterdam. Located at ‘island’ Zeeburg, Kaap is a pavilion with arty beach club vibes –think wooden decks, cosy corners, beach chairs and a sunlit terrace. Set in a still-being-built neighbourhood, the view is both industrial and raw as it is wide. They also organise yoga, live music and creative workshops, plus parties when the sun goes down.

IJDIJK 10, KAAPAMSTERDAM.NL

Beach Vibes

As Amsterdam turns warm and slightly steamy, you’ll find out you don’t need to go far for those simmering summer holiday feelings.

Spending the warm season in Amsterdam feels like a Northern European take on Venice. Cosy architecture, the right touch of nature, endless boats to hop on to experience exciting canal routes, and most importantly: actual city beaches. Forget packing for Zandvoort beach or booking flights south; whether you’re squeezing in a laid-back day between canal cruises or just craving that holiday feeling without the hassle, the city has everything you need at close proximity.

Staycation

From chic terraces with palm-tree vibes such as Strand Zuid, and

sandy outdoor spots like Kaap Amsterdam and Pllek, to grassy beaches at Gaasperpark and Sloterplas, made for picnics and swims, these city spots transform hot days into stress-free escapes.

There’s no better place to be when the sun shines in Amsterdam than on one of the city’s many urban beaches. From post-industrial hotspots to chilled-out beach clubs, Amsterdam o ers a great selection of places to feel the sand between your toes without having to book a ticket to the tropics. A mini getaway without the going away, that’s how we like our summers in the city.

It feels like a mini getaway without the going away

Swimming beaches

Craving a nice cold swim, picnicking and tanning with a nice book? There are plenty of real beaches in Amsterdam. Diemerpark, located in Oost between IJburg and the AmsterdamRhine Canal, is your perfect small beach getaway in the city. With a sand-and-big-lake combination, the Sloterplas beach in NieuwWest o ers parasols, food trucks and volleyball courts to enjoy. Next to the Amsterdamse Bos, you’ll nd a large lake known as the Nieuwe Meer, home to several beaches and private bays along its banks, plus two o cial swimming areas. This spot is suitable for (small) children mainly because the sandy bottom slopes gradually, and the deep water is demarcated by oating lines with buoys. Want to explore water sports? Gaasperplas at Gaasperpark in Zuidoost o ers plenty of swimming, canoeing and windsur ng. It even has a nudist section further along. No need to head to the beach, these spots are all you need: BBQs, playgrounds, grass and sand to relax.

VerbroederIJ

The VerbroederIJ is a city beach in Noord with a pavilion and a community vegetable garden. It’s a lovely spot where people from the neighbourhood and from all over the city come together to enjoy the sun and the cosy vibe. The menu is veggie-heavy, local and organic, and the terrace has sun all afternoon and evening. What’s not to like?

JOHAN VAN HASSELTWEG 21, VERBROEDERIJ.NL

Spotlight On…

Strand Zuid

In between Beatrix Park and the RAI Convention Centre, Strand Zuid is a restaurant by the water that brings you the vibes of Bali, right in the middle of the city hustle and bustle. They serve breakfast to dinner all summer long on the terrace. There’s also a beach area with actual sand to dig your toes in. This is the place for sunset cocktails and lounging, with that luxe Zuid feeling.

EUROPAPLEIN 22, STRAND-ZUID.NL

Pllek

This hip waterfront bar on NDSM boasts its urban beach where locals and in-the-know visitors ock in summer months to enjoy great food, DJs and a vibrant atmosphere by day and night. Kick back on giant bean bags with a beer in hand and take in the views of Amsterdam across the water.

TT NEVERITAWEG 59, PLLEK.NL

Micro District

66 | BY: DAAN COLIJN

Gay-owned Upstairs Pancakes is the smallest pancake restaurant in Europe. Be sure to reserve a spot.

GRIMBURGWAL 2

UPSTAIRSPANNENKOEKEN.NL

De Lellebel

Next to Rembrandtplein you’ll nd the trans-owned queer bar De Lellebel (meaning trollop or hussy). They host comedy shows, drag shows and a very popular karaoke night on Sundays.

UTRECHTSESTRAAT 4, LELLEBEL.NL

Queer Centrum

If there’s one Amsterdam neighbourhood that feels LGBTQI+ welcoming, it’s Centrum. The city centre has much to offer when it comes to bars, clubs, shops and safe spaces.

While Amsterdam is celebrating WorldPride this summer, many queer businesses in the city create space for the community year-round. And although these queer-identifying bars, shops, clubs and restaurants are scattered all over town, many of them are situated in the city centre. Not without reason. During the 1950s, the number of gay bars increased rapidly, attracting a growing number of visitors. They were drawn to the vibrant gay scene in streets such as Leidsestraat, Kerkstraat and Warmoesstraat. In the 1980s, Reguliersdwarsstraat took over, becoming the new hub of Amsterdam’s gay nightlife. And to this day, the city centre remains the area with the most to o er for the community. Located on the Reguliers-

dwarsstraat are bars such as Taboo, Soho, Montmartre and Club NYX. The ultimate symbol of Amsterdam’s gay empowerment is located in the city centre as well: made of three pink granite triangles, creating one big triangle, the Homomonument was built in 1987 as the first gay monument in the world. It never lost its power to bring the community together to protest, remember and celebrate. When you’re there, make sure to check out Pink Point, the LGBTQI+ tourist information point with fabulous souvenirs. Other famous LGBTQI+ places include Café ’t Mandje, Prik and Club Church, but there are many more that are not as famous yet just as worthwhile. These places are worth a visit when you’re exploring Amsterdam’s queer Centrum.

A physical location for the online platform where you can report discrimination and unsafe situations, Rita brings people together with debate evenings, inclusivity training sessions, creative workshops and exhibitions.

REGULIERSDWARSSTRAAT 54 RITACOMMUNITY.COM

Café Saarein

Catch up with friends and (ex)lovers while playing a game of pool. Known as the women-only bar in the 1980s, this cosy café has been welcoming all queer-minded people for many years.

ELANDSSTRAAT 119, CAFESAAREIN.NL

Queer Market Amsterdam

This shop is home to one-of-akind items by queer entrepreneurs who get the space to sell, to grow and to build sustainable businesses on their own terms.

HAARLEMMERDIJK 41 QUEERMARKET.COM

Paleis van de Weemoed

This little dinner theatre serves old-school drag and burlesque right in the middle of the Red Light District. Expect red velvet, plastic diamonds and people with fabulous wigs singing all the hits while you’re having dinner.

OUDEZIJDS VOORBURGWAL 15-17

PALEISVANDEWEEMOED.NL

What to Do Neighbourhood Watch

This summer, every neighbourhood has a little something to offer, whether that’s new spots to shop at or sun-dappled eateries.

INSIDER TIP

‘Head to Noorderling ijs in NDSM on a sunny day and enjoy their delicious ice cream while you watch the boats go by. My favourite is the fresh mango ice cream.’

Amna Areibi (23), Creative Business student

Écluse

IJburg’s growing residential community needs to eat, and Écluse aims to feed them well. Speciality co ee in the day courtesy of Amsterdam favourite co ee place Uncommon, and a lunch menu that spans BLTs, smashburgers and spicy chicken focaccia mean all the modern classics are covered. A perfect spot to catch the sun – all day long.

HARINGBUISDIJK 1A, ECLUSEAMSTERDAM.NL

Festival Trek

Tuck into street food from all over the world at this annual food festival which transforms the Amstelpark into a giant open-air restaurant. From sushi to Surinamese, treat your taste buds for an entire weekend as you ll your glass in the Biergarten and soak up the music in this green corner of Zuid. 3-5 JULY, FESTIVAL-TREK.NL

A museum café specialising in Surinamese cuisine, Surinamemuseum Café is located in one of the city’s newest and most timely institutions. ZEEBURGERDIJK 19-21, SURINAMEMUSEUM.NL

Kwaku festival

Zuidoost staple Kwaku returns for a riotous celebration of culture, food and sport. Celebrating the richness and diversity of Zuidoost in Amsterdam, the festival’s signature blend of culture, music, food, football and dance emerged from the culture of the city’s AfroCaribbean diaspora. The festival is held in Nelson Mandelapark across four weekends, welcoming thousands of visitors. On its nal Sunday, Kwaku goes Pink as part of WorldPride.

11 JULY-2 AUGUST, KWAKUFESTIVAL.NL

As part of WorldPride, embrace the good weathand the sporting season with sporting events across the city. From a handball tournament in Zuid to water polo at the Marineterrein, there’s plenty of pride and talent on show. For those of an active mind, there’s even a chess tournament in Westerpark, while the Sport Pride Festival at Museumplein is the time to take a well-deserved break with all the athletes.

Open Garden Days

One weekend a year, canal gardens, both private and institutional, open their gates to the public in the annual Open Garden Days. Garden lovers can discover the hidden greenery in the city, dipping behind the gabled facades, into the many green oases of the canal belt where centuries-old trees, owering plants and special garden houses await. Begin at Museum van Loon’s inner courtyard, a classical garden that summer days are made for. 19-21 JUNE, OPENTUINENDAGEN.NL

PoPPo

What does the department store of the future look like? The answer is Noord’s PoPPo. The building, spanning over 600 square meters, houses shops and hospitality, but also a hairdresser and nail studio, a university of applied sciences, and creative services – and all by local entrepreneurs. One of the stores is Vunk, selling a curated selection of vintage designer pieces. Treasure hunters should not miss this spot!

BUIKSLOTERMEERPLEIN 82 @POPPO.NU

25 JULY-8 AUGUST, SPORTPRIDE.ORG

| CITY GUIDE

Culture on the Fringes Nieuw-West

This summer, we turn to Nieuw-West, Amsterdam’s green district where outdoor activities are easily combined with culture and entertainment.

Nieuw-West might be the capital’s youngest neighbourhood, but it’s emerged from a sprawl of historical villages as a booming residential community with serious green and cultural credentials. And while newness is often touted as its premier currency, this area of Amsterdam trades in history just as well.

From Sloten, the ancient village that borders the southwestern corner of Nieuw-West, through to the lakeside bliss of Sloterplas, this neighbourhood is a sweep of green and water, making it a perfect escape for nature lovers and families who fi nd themselves in the capital. The Gardens of West are another green expanse, home to more than just nature, cut with cycle routes and community gardens such as Fruittuin van West, where you can indulge in locally grown produce.

But culture is never far away either. Buzzy Bret, industrial Lofi, queer-run Club Raum and atmospheric Radion host a roster of high-octane and world-beating parties for electronic music. For quieter moments, the Van Eesteren Museum documents the neighbourhood’s evolution while the Meervaart Theatre is home to grassroots dance, cabaret and acclaimed theatre, a testament to the area’s diversifying talents and future.

All-day family-friendly diner Boes & Beis serves up good co ee, good ice cream and good drinks on a sunlit terrace.

JAN VAN GALENSTRAAT 418A, BOESENBEIS.COM

Loveland Festival

Now running for more than 25 years, Loveland takes over the lush green Sloterpark in August for a two-day weekend of hedonism among the hedg-erows. The music here is mostly house and techno, but a friendly and diverse crowd make this an event to enjoy no matter your musical preference. For Nieuw-West residents, there are special perks: neighbourhood tickets come at a nice price and there’s an event for kids too. 8 & 9 AUGUST, LOVELAND.NL

Water sports at Sloterplas

For anyone seeking a bit more action and adventure, NieuwWest is a haven for water sports and sailing enthusiasts. De Duikelaar, located on the northern shore of the Sloterplas lake, o ers all kinds of rentals and courses for waterside fun. Check out options to hire a canoe, kayak, windsurf, sailboat or SUP for the day or participate in one of the many sailing courses for children and adults.

24HR Nieuw-West

For anyone looking to discover the best of NieuwWest, there’s no better chance than this all-day neighbourhood event. Community organisers and event spaces come together for a day of art, culture, food, music and more at some of the district’s best spaces. Head to the festival heart at Van Eesteren Museum and before you go, scan the full programme here to see what’s happening.

20 JUNE

Pride Nieuw-West

This corner of Amsterdam gets its own version of Pride, perfect if you’re after a more low-key and local avour. Primarily geared towards residents of the neighbourhood, it’s organised by Pink Nieuw-West and aims to promote the LGBTQI+ community in Amsterdam’s largest district.

10 JULY

‘Stadsboerderij Osdorp is located in the middle of a residential area. It's a green spot where you can get away from the outside world. They also organise activities for kids and adults.’

Emin

(26),

Batman

architect and founder of Studio Batman

INSIDER TIP

Science and Ideals

Visit

Discover the Amsterdam Area

Beyond the City

74 Map

76 Food Tales: Herring

Taste the Region 82 Heritage & Monuments

What to Do

Pride at the Beach

If the canals aren’t enough for you, enjoy partying by the sea at Zandvoort aan Zee’s annual Pride celebration, which combines salt air and self-expression. A Pride party with a sun-soaked twist, this event includes a colourful parade through Zandvoort alongside parties at the many local beach bars that dot the coastline.

27 JULY, PRIDEATTHEBEACH.COM

Find out more about what to experience around Amsterdam at: iamsterdam. com/area

Spotlight On…

76 | BY: CALLUM MCLEAN

A Fishy Tradition

Timeless snack or Dutch eccentricity? Eating herring – raw and whole– is a tradition that’s here to stay. And the fishing towns around Amsterdam are the perfect place to enjoy it.

It’s not for everyone. Grab it by the tail, tilt your head back, dangle the raw fish over your mouth and bite! Yum... But for many, this is the only way to eat herring (haring). So skeptics be damned. After all, it’s precisely for that peculiar manner of consumption that this national speciality is handled and sold in such a unique way. This, called Hollandse Nieuwe, means brining – treating it with brine or coarse salt – the raw maatjesharing before freezing and distributing nationwide (on 17 June in 2026). That day is carefully selected each year by the Dutch Fish Bureau to make sure this particular catch is at its plumpest, maturest and tastiest.

So Dutch

‘It’s totally unique,’ says Gerbrand Voerman, Chairman of the Dutch Herring Wholesale Association.

‘I don’t know of any other foodstuff that has this collective start to the season.’ That’s partly because of the herring’s unique life cycle and partly because it’s only certifiable Hollandse Nieuwe if caught at this moment of maturity and freshness. After all, this is a truly Dutch delicacy. ‘The herring is caught throughout the entire North Sea, but the particular places where the experts and the factories are – there are only five factories in the world equipped to do this – are all run by people from the Netherlands.’

After all, this is a truly Dutch delicacy

Spotlight On…

78 | BEYOND THE CITY

Although Hollandse Nieuwe can be found all over the country, it is widely eaten in the traditional fishing towns of Volendam and Monnickendam at the IJsselmeer Lake just a hop, skip and a jump away from Amsterdam. Local specialities here include freshwater-caught eel, typically smoked, but saltwater herring is very much on the menu. Luckily for skeptics, herring eaters in this Amsterdam Area often add gherkins to the traditional garnish of raw onion – and you can even eat it with bread for a less texturally intense experience. ‘Volendam entrepreneurs on average are way above other fishmongers,’ adds Voerman. The area has been home to fishing comunities since long before the IJsselmeer became an inland sea. ‘So the rich history means that the fish business pumps through their

Zandvoort beach

veins. You will feel that, see that and smell that!’

Here to stay

If centuries of tradition weren’t enough, it helps that contemporary Hollandse Nieuwe is both healthy (rich in omega-3) and sustainable: MSC-certified, low in CO2 footprint, and caught without damaging the seafloor. ‘Herring is a guilty pleasure for which you need not feel any guilt.’ Yet, Voerman explains, the herring business is also courting younger people, who are less enthusiastic about eating the fish whole in this way – and in 2026 this will mean some exciting new methods of preparation. It doesn’t look like herring is going anywhere. ‘It is something that is deeply rooted in our culture and has a special place there’, enthuses Voerman. Bottoms up, then! Or is it tails up?

From fish trucks to beachside bars and brasseries, Zandvoort is full of eateries well stocked with Hollandse Nieuwe, among other tasty fish dishes – fresh, fried and smoked. So park yourself on the sand or settle in for a more luxurious dining experience. Whichever you choose, it’s all the tastier after paddling in the waters where those fish were caught.

17 June:

Jan Haring Race

While not technically about herring, the Jan Haring Race is still worth a visit – and you can certainly treat yourself to a fish snack there. Fishing town Monnickendam hosts this boat race on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 July, and there will be plenty of local seafood to snack on – though it’s more traditional to go for locally smoked mackerel or eel.

The national sale of Hollandse Nieuwe herring starts on Wednesday

in shops and trucks across the country.

Visit the historic fishing port of Volendam during its annual Volendammerdagen festive programme.

27 & 28 JUNE

LAAGHOLLAND.COM/NL/VOLENDAMMERDAGEN

Looking for herring in Amsterdam? Find the best places on iamsterdam.com/ herring

Balk Visch aan ’t Spaarne

This riverside fish stall in Haarlem has reportedly sat here by the Spaarne for more than 70 years – a perfect place to grab a quick herring to eat in view of the nearby windmill, De Adriaan. But herring is just one of many specialties here, with fried fish taking centre stage. Come for the Hollandse Nieuwe, stay for the croquettes and kibbeling.

FRIESE VARKENMARKT 13, HAARLEM

IJmuiden harbour

If you prefer a more authentic local experience to eat on the seafront itself, head to the Port of IJmuiden. Watch the boats come in, stroll through this working harbour, then find a cosy stall or fish shop such as Smeding – great if you also prefer your fish smoked or fried.

Monnickendam harbour

Taste the Region

80 | BEYOND THE CITY

Haarlem Culinair

Haarlem is known for its gastronomy with the Grote Markt – flanked by an array of outstanding restaurants and convivial cafés – at the city’s foodie heart. In August, the annual culinary festival, Haarlem Culinair, takes over, serving up an array of delicious regional delicacies, beers and wines –and a whole load of live music.

30 JULY-2 AUGUST, HAARLEMCULINAIR.NL

Bustling food festivals, thriving terrace culture and artisan farmers markets.

Hoppaaa!

A food festival with live music, familyfriendly activities and plenty of international cuisine, Hoppaaa! Food Truck Festival travels around the region.

12-14 JUNE BREUKELEN, 19-21 JUNE WORMER, 18 & 19 JULY, HILVERSUM. INSTAGRAM.COM/ FOODTRUCKFESTIVAL_HOPPAAA

Olmenhorst Estate

De Olmenhorst Estate is a green oasis of apple and pear orchards found in the pretty village of Lisserbroek. Stroll through its lush orchards, adopt your own apple tree or participate in a scavenger hunt before stopping by for homemade cakes or high tea on the terrace of De Fruitloods.

LISSERWEG 481, LISSERBROEK OLMENHORST.NL

Bakboord Almere

Let the exquisite sea views and landscapes of Almere guide you to a dining experience inspired by nature. Restaurant Bakboord prides itself on freshly caught seafood, and greens from its organic vegetable garden. The harbourside restaurant has received the Michelin Bib Gourmand, an award for exceptional food at moderate prices.

VEERKADE 10, ALMERE RESTAURANTBAKBOORD.NL

Edam Cheese Market

Edam was once one of the country’s most important historic centres and it’s still known around the world for its eponymous cheese, which you can learn all about at the Story of Edam Cheese Museum. But the best way to learn is to sample it at the Edam Cheese Market. Indulge in Edam for eight weeks over the summer, only on Wednesday mornings, when the cheese market comes to life to please your taste buds.

1 JULY-19 AUGUST

KAASMARKTEDAM.NL

Hokkai Kitchen

For adventurous foodies, Hokkai Kitchen serves up delicious Japanese cuisine such as grilled fish and sushi dishes made with locally caught produce. You’ll find it among the warehouses at IJmuiden harbour where fresh fish, exquisite rice, nori and shoyu come together at the chef’s table. The setting is informal with all the energy of the restaurant devoted to showcasing the traditional recipes of Japan and the high-quality ingredients of the area. EGMONDSTRAAT 2, IJMUIDEN, HOKKAIKITCHEN.NL

Kek!

For waterside and church views plus a beer, head to Kek! brewpub in Ouderkerk aan de Amstel. A pop-up that’s part living room ambience, part waterfront terrace, sip on Kek!’s seasonal beers – that range from blonde to white and tripel – or coff ee, while you play jeu de boules and bask in the

© JULIA KNIESE

Heritage & Monuments

Summer Lights on Pampus

Our green region is dotted with majestic fortresses, historic castles and country estates. One of the most special is island fort Pampus.

Fort Island

An artificial island, Pampus fort once served as part of the Defence Line of Amsterdam and as a port for traders. These days, however, it’s a getaway for intrepid day trippers. Take a boat ride to the island (departing from Muiden or Amsterdam IJburg), followed by a delicious picnic dinner and sweeping sunset views across the water. For extra summer magic, stay overnight in one of the custom tents, complete with mattresses and linen 16 JULY-22 AUGUST, PAMPUS.NL

Tucked away behind Weesp’s historical Ossenmarkt Fort, you’ll find Theetuin Noot, a former ammunition shed turned tea garden.

OSSENMARKT 34, WEESP, THEETUIN-NOOT.NL

For history lovers and cyclists, this route charts a course through the fortresses to the east, beginning in Amsterdam Oost’s Flevopark.

Eastern Fortress Route

1 Muiderslot

Head east along the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal – one of the busiest shipping canals in the world – to the fairytale castle that is Muiderslot. Get swept up in the spires and turrets of one of the

country’s oldest castles, then grab a coffee or a bite in sunny Muiden. You can even take the ferry to the fort island of Pampus.

2 Naarden Vesting

Known as a fortress town, it’s considered to be best preserved fortified town in Europe. Park your bike and roam among ramparts of Naarden Vesting and the fortress museum.

3 Weesp

Weesp is home to a number of fortresses as it’s part of the Defence Line

of Amsterdam. While Fort Ossenmarkt is the major fort, it can only be viewed from the outside, just like its sibling Fort Uitermeer to the south. Snap a good picture and stop by Theetuin Noot next door for tea.

4 ’T Nieuwe Diep

End your route back in Flevopark at this genever distillery, a serene spot for a drink in the sun after a long day cycling.

What to Do

Land Art Weekend-

Flevoland is home to the world’s most significant concentration of Land Art – giant artworks made in response to the surrounding landscape. There are nine pieces scattered across the polder, which are visitable year-round. But, during Land Art Weekend, a knowledgeable guide will explain the pieces with special performances and activities organised at the various locations.

4 & 5 JULY, LANDARTFLEVOLAND.NL

Happy Hembrug

This two-day cultural event looks to showcase Zaandam’s historic Hembrug area and history. While music and food take stage, it’s the art that sets this festival apart. Makers, creatives and museums from the Hembrug site open their doors for the weekend, with tours dedicated to the industrial heritage of this artistic district.

5 & 6 SEPTEMBER, HAPPYHEMBRUG.NL

What’s on around Amsterdam?

Fun and adventurous day trips for your agenda this summer!

Lowlands

Every year, more than 55,000 music lovers trek to the middle of the Dutch countryside for festival nirvana. The line-up invariably features some of the world’s best performers and musicians, with this year’s names including Tyler the Creator, Lorde, Parcels and Geese. You’ll get the full festival experience here – it’s considered the Glastonbury of the Netherlands after all – with restaurants, a market, relaxation rooms, arts, theatre, literature and even a sauna and hot tub area. 21-23 AUGUST, LOWLANDS.NL

Anthony Gormley's Exposure

Dance to disco at Funky Festival Weesp, where live music, food trucks and locals come together.

10-11 JULY, FUNKYFESTIVAL.NL

Castlefest

Aalsmeer Flower Festival

Embrace a weekend full of flowers, art, music and food during Aalsmeer Flower Festival – a colourful collaboration between local institutions, such as the Aalsmeer Historical Gardens and Flower Art Museum. The event is spread across several locations, including the horticultural museum, a rose nursery, a floral design school and a spectacular waterfront space. Visitors can pop between venues by bus and boat or by following the available bike tour.

26-28 JUNE, AALSMEERFLOWERFESTIVAL.NL

Immerse yourself in a completely different world at Castlefest, the Netherlands’ major fantasy festival. A party for young and old, you’ll enter a different world as soon as the gates of Keukenhof Estate in Lisse open. A experience that brings together fantasy writers, music, stylish catering, medieval crafts and a large market, this is what every fantasy lover is looking for.

30 JULY-2 AUGUST, CASTLEFEST.NL

Luminosity

Head to the shores of Bloemendaal aan Zee for this annual electronic music festival. Three days of pure trance are on the cards at Luminosity as major international acts and up-and-coming talents take to the decks. Every summer edition is set to deliver blistering sets from big names so you can feel the beats and the sand between your toes.

25-28 JUNE, LUMINOSITY-EVENTS.NL

HALEY HOSEA

Save money by buying a 2-day or 3-day ticket and get a discount. Pay €23 for 1 day, €34 for 2 days and €44 for 3 days.

DISCOVERHOLLAND.COM

In partnership with ARTT

Get out and explore, and do it the easy way with one public transport ticket that can take you anywhere.

Explore the City and Beyond

Looking to step away from the buzz of Amsterdam for a while? Just beyond the canals lies a whole new world waiting to be explored. Within minutes, you can find yourself cycling past historic windmills, breathing in the fresh sea air along wide sandy beaches, or discovering local flavours in charming villages. From colourful summer landscapes to characterful places such as Ouderkerk aan de Amstel and Volendam,

the Amsterdam region is full of unexpected experiences. Ideal for a spontaneous day trip or an easy getaway off the beaten track, without ever travelling far.

Travel the region with ease

Exploring couldn’t be simpler with the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket. Enjoy unlimited travel by train, tram, bus and metro across the entire region: no hassle, just freedom to discover at your own pace.

Get inspired

• See the iconic windmills of Zaanse Schans • Wander past industrial heritage at Wormerveer • Discover art and culture at Amstelveen’s museums • Find hidden gems and local’s favourites in Noord, Zuidoost and Nieuw-West

How it works

The Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket is available for 1, 2 or 3 consecutive days and gives you unlimited access to public transport throughout the region. Simply check in and out whenever you enter or exit a bus, tram, train or the metro. Your ticket activates on your first check-in. Tickets are valid on all metro, tram and bus lines operated by GVB, Connexxion and Meerplus – including night buses – as well as on NS trains within the Amsterdam Area. Tickets can be purchased online, at the I amsterdam Store at Amsterdam Central station, or at selected hotels, campsites and public transport ticket desks across the region.

Ready to go? Grab your phone, scan the QR code and start your journey beyond the city.

De Zaanse Schans Wormer

Cobra Museum Amstelveen

Historical Amsterdam

BY: CLEO BOUWMAN

Five Amsterdam boys, photographed on 17 August 1931. All are humorously dressed up, clearly improvised, each with that same mischievous spark in their eyes. Bystanders stare in surprise, straight into the photographer’s lens. The boys confidently make their way through the crowd, heading straight for their destination: the festivities of Hartjesdag).

Hartjesdag (Day of Hearts), celebrated on the third Monday of August, probably has medieval roots.

On this day, the (not historically backed up) story goes that the ‘common people’ were allowed to hunt deer in the forests around Haarlem, a privilege normally reserved for the elite. Except on ‘hertjesdag’ (Day of Deer) or ‘hartjesdag’. Afterwards, people sang, drank, and feasted on the streets with the day’s catch.

Hartjesdag was also celebrated in Amsterdam’s working-class neighbourhoods. Particularly in the Zeedijk area and the Jordaan, where this photograph was most likely taken, it grew into a vibrant street festival with parades,

bonfires and costumes. As costumes were expensive and money scarce, people became creative, just like the boys in the photo above. A much-used alternative, as simple at it is playful: men dressed up as women, women as men. Over time, Hartjesdag gradually lost its popularity, until it was revived in 1997 by a local initiative on the Zeedijk. Today, it lives on as a small neighbourhood celebration, the highlight being the drag parade and costume competition, where playful expressions of gender recall traditions of the past. It’s a contemporary nod to the original Hartjesdag: a day where everyone is free to be someone else, at least for a little bit.

In partnership with EBS/MeerPlus

Explore Culinary Netherlands by Bus

Want to do more than just see the Netherlands? How about tasting it too? The Taste of Holland route on the MeerPlus Local Bus takes you to places where food, local traditions and hospitality take centre stage.

From artisanal Beemster cheese and local specialties to fish from the IJsselmeer, the Taste of Holland route shows how food is an essential part of North Holland’s culture. With bus lines 801 and 316, you can easily travel between Zaanse Schans, Purmerend, Volendam and Edam. Along the way, you’ll discover traditional products, markets and restaurants. The route starts at Zaanse Schans where, besides the famous windmills, you’ll find regional products and traditional crafts. Here, you can see how Dutch cheese is made and how age-old crafts still play a role in daily life. Visit the Henri Willig cheese shop or head to the Zaans Museum

to learn all about the history of Verkade biscuits and chocolate. The route continues to Purmerend and then on to Volendam, a fishing village known for its traditional costumes, fish and music. At Smit-Bokkum, you can taste some of the best smoked eel and fish. Enjoy a drink overlooking the boats and the harbour on the sunny terrace of Restaurant Pieterman. Next stop: Edam. A small town that’s become worldfamous for its cheese: a round, golden classic. When you’ve had your taste of regional flavours, head back to the city and enjoy the view from the bus.

LOCALBUS.NL/EN/ROUTES/TASTE-OF-HOLLAND-ROUTE

With the MeerPlus Local Bus you can easily travel from Amsterdam into the region. Hop on at Amsterdam Central Station or in Zaandam. You can hop off wherever you like, so you get to decide what your day looks like. A day ticket is available for €13.50. The website offers more routes and inspiration for a day trip outside of the city.

View all routes on localbus.nl/en or scan the QR code

Henri Willig Cheese Shop

Smit-Bokkum

‘Support your local queer spaces and communities. My tips: Café Saarein on the Elandsstraat, Amsterdam’s oldest feminist/ queer bar, for an easy drink and eclectic programming. Keep your eye on Pleasure Society, an amazing local platform for sexuality with exciting things planned for Pride. And don’t miss Queer Cinema for Palestine screenings in June – a global event and vibrant space to stand in solidarity during Pride Month.’

‘I’m really excited for the Waterkant Pride street parties. Afro-Caribbean beats will grant a real rhythm while the waterside location and the promise of dancing for nine whole hours only serve to further their appeal.’

Garvan Ó Deaghaidh, editorial intern

Roxy Merrell, journalist advertising partner@iamsterdam.com or +31

Sending You Off

WHERE TO GO DURING PRIDE, ACCORDING TO THE MAGAZINE’S TEAM |89

managing editor

Karin Thybaut art director & basic design

Yke Bartels, Saskia Franken designer Martijn Blokland senior editor Tom Flanagan proofreader Julia Gorodecky contributors

‘I recommend posting up at the Magere Brug early in the day for the best view of the Canal Parade. It’s pedestrianonly, offers solid sightlines, and is one of the best spots on the whole route to witness the magic. It is genuinely one of my favourite Amsterdam views.’

Barbara van den Berg, Cleo Bouwman, Daan Colijn, Kitana Crowelle, Marjolein van Damme, Karin Engelbrecht, Tom Flanagan, Lesia Joukova, Karl Krause, Dana Marin, Callum McLean, Roxy Merrell, Garvan Ó Deaghaidh, Clare Varney, Monique Wijbrands, Ajša ZdravkoviĆ

‘Every time Pride hits, I love being part of the celebrations but sometimes I want that feeling with a little more space. So I prefer heading to one of Amsterdam’s queer cafés – if I’m in the centre, I’ll go to R de Rosa, which is a gorgeous space (with gorgeous people). They’ve recently opened another spot, De Kleine Bes, in Oost which has all the good bits of Rosa, just a little quieter.’

Tom Flanagan, senior editor

Ajša ZdravkoviĆ, illustrator

‘For everyone with a hairy chest or hairy soul, we recommend checking out our favourite Bear spaces. Spijker Bar is always a fun place to hang. And if you are looking for a place to show off your harness, come to Bear Necessity at Club Panama.’ Karl and Daan, bloggers and content creators