If you are in Europe this summer, hop over to Amsterdam for the weekend. Tickets can cost under £100 (if booked well in advance) and you can even take direct flights from London City Airport, saving you time and money (avoid paying for the airport express trains) as you can use your Oyster card. There are lots of activities taking place in Amsterdam this summer, here are just a few.
Comedytrain International Festival
In July and August, the comedy club kicks off in its 10th year. The Toomler comedy café is organising the Comedytrain International Festival which takes place in Toomler, Breitnerstraat. There are top acts from the well-known comedians such as Adam Hills, Ron Vadry and Adam Bloom (all in English so no need to learn Dutch).
Robeco Summer Concerts
Despite it feeling like winter due to the constant rain, it is the time for the annual summer classical musical concerts. The concerts are sponsored, meaning the tickets are relatively cheap, starting at 12.50 euros. If you have always wanted to go to a classical music concert, but could not afford to do so, now is your opportunity.
Gay Pride
The Gay and Lesbian Summer Festival starts this Sunday (the 22nd of July) and lasts until the 2nd of August which is also the date of the Gay Pride Parade. Amsterdam Gay Pride takes place next weekend – the 28th of July until the 5th of August. The canal parade is the highlight of the festival, which happens on Thursday the 2nd of August. It very extravagant and is a carnivalesque boat parade.
Open Air Theatre
The Vondelpark has been running for just over a month and lasts until the 2nd of September. There are three free performances to watch weekly at the Vondelpark Open-Air Theatre. The open air theatre has been showing free performances to the public for nearly 40 years, since 1974.
Kwakoe Festival
This is one of the biggest events in Amsterdam and takes place in the south-east part of the city in Bijlmerpark. It runs over 5 weekends, starting this Saturday until the 19th of August. This multi-cultural festival is now in its 36th year and is aimed at bringing people from different cultures together for dance, food, drink and sport. Kwakoe takes its origins from the celebraion of the abolition of slavery in Suriname and the Dutch Antilles on 1st July 1863. More than 300,000 people visit the festival over the 5 weekends. There are large stages for the performances, DJs, live music and a large Caribbean market. It is great for all the family and there is also an area for young children at the festival.
We have a range of different Amsterdam apartments for rent, to suit any budget. They are all close to public transportation and near the main tourist attractions allowing you to see the most of Amsterdam during your visit.
Written by Jo Turnbull