There’s always something fun to do in Amsterdam, but what’s on the agenda for May 2026? Amsterdam is buzzing, even in 2026. From inspiring exhibitions to new plays and film screenings, the city is once again brimming with cultural highlights. Step into a museum, take a seat in the theater, or discover a special event. Looking to try something new? Check out our latest cultural tips here!
There’s always something fun to do in Amsterdam, but what’s on the agenda for April 2026? Amsterdam is buzzing, even in 2026. From inspiring exhibitions to new plays and film screenings, the city is once again brimming with cultural highlights. Step into a museum, take a seat in the theater, or discover a special event. Looking to try something new? Check out our latest cultural tips here!
The Zuidas. Amsterdam Zuidas is a neighborhood undergoing rapid transformation, where international allure and everyday life are increasingly converging. Once known primarily as a business district, the area is developing into a mixed-use neighborhood where living, working, and studying reinforce each other. View the neighborhood guide and our latest listings.
There is always something fun to do in Amsterdam, but what will we be doing in March 2026? Amsterdam will still be buzzing in 2026. From inspiring exhibitions to new theater plays and film screenings, the city will once again be full of cultural highlights. Step into a museum, dive into a theater, or discover a special event. Want to experience something new? Check out our latest cultural tips here!
There is always something fun to do in Amsterdam, but what will we be doing in February 2026? Amsterdam will still be buzzing in 2026. From inspiring exhibitions to new plays and film screenings, the city will once again be full of cultural highlights. Step into a museum, dive into a theater, or discover a special event. Want to experience something new? Check out our latest cultural tips here!
2025, new openings. You don't have to look far to see how Amsterdam continues to change. Sometimes that change isn't in grand gestures, but in small doors that opened, in people who dared to turn their dreams into a place. In 2025, new businesses opened throughout the city that are more than just a new address on the map. Behind every opening is a story of origin, craftsmanship, and choices that determine how we eat, drink, and gather today. Read and view the list by district.
There is always something fun to do in Amsterdam, but what will we be doing in January 2026? Amsterdam is buzzing – even in 2026. From inspiring exhibitions to new plays and film screenings, the city is once again full of cultural highlights. Step into a museum, dive into a theater, or discover a special event. Want to experience something new? Check out our latest cultural tips here!
Christmas special! There is always something fun to do in Amsterdam, but what will we do during Christmas and the holidays in 2025? For all lovers of Christmas markets, Christmas delicacies, Christmas movies, and candlelight concerts, I have listed some highlights here. Happy holidays and a happy New Year! Check out our latest cultural tips here!
Ten years of Shortlist Amsterdam, all addresses. Sisters Famke and Floor van Praag celebrate the anniversary of their cookbook series about great restaurants with a brand-new edition full of simple, successful recipes. To complete the picture, we collected all the Shortlist addresses from the past ten years and divided them by neighborhood, creating a culinary guide to Amsterdam today. Text: Broersma, images: Petrovsky & Ramone, restaurant selection: Shortlist
De Weteringbuurt is a small, characterful neighborhood in the center of Amsterdam. It is located between Leidseplein, the Rijksmuseum and the Prinsengracht and feels like a quiet enclave in the middle of the hustle and bustle. Because of its location near museums, theaters and the Vondelpark, many residents live there who love the urban vibrancy but are still looking for a quiet living environment. View the neighborhood guide and our latest offer
There's always something fun to do in Amsterdam, but what about December 2025? Amsterdam is buzzing – even this autumn. From inspiring exhibitions to new plays and film screenings: the city is once again full of cultural highlights. Step into a museum, dive into a theater, or discover a special event. Fancy experiencing something new? Check out our latest cultural tips here!
There's always something fun to do in Amsterdam, but what about November 2025? Amsterdam is buzzing – even this autumn. From inspiring exhibitions to new plays and film screenings: the city is once again full of cultural highlights. Step into a museum, dive into a theater, or discover a special event. Fancy experiencing something new? Check out our latest cultural tips here!
Neighborhood guide: Prinseneiland is a quiet enclave in the heart of Amsterdam, surrounded by water and history. The old warehouses, once filled with merchandise, now form the backdrop for spacious lofts and studios. Brick, beams and stepped gables are reminiscent of the shipyards of the Golden Age. Culinary addresses such as Tannay, BAK and Calisto are within walking distance, while 't Papeneiland, JWO Lekkernijen and the Lindengrachtmarkt give the neighborhood its taste and soul. Read our tips here
There's always something fun to do in Amsterdam, but what about October 2025? Amsterdam is buzzing – even this autumn. From inspiring exhibitions to new plays and film screenings: the city is once again full of cultural highlights. Step into a museum, dive into a theater, or discover a special event. Fancy experiencing something new? Check out our latest cultural tips here!
Amsterdam-Noord has long been a blind spot on the urban map. For many, it was 'the other side' — a part of the city you passed through on the way to something else. But those who now take the ferry from Central Station no longer disembark in the fringes of the city. On the contrary: you arrive in a dynamic area that is reinventing Amsterdam.
There's always something fun to do in Amsterdam, but what about September 2025? Amsterdam is buzzing – even this summer. From inspiring exhibitions to new plays and film screenings: the city is once again full of cultural highlights. Step into a museum, dive into a theater, or discover a special event. Fancy experiencing something new? Check out our latest cultural tips here!
Meet the entrepreneur, in this series Maud Moody. Toscanini has been a household name in Amsterdam for forty years. Not only because of the tasteful, homely Italian cuisine, but also because of the people behind the business. Maud Moody, one of the founders, tells how it all started – and how a holiday in Rome led to one of the city's most beloved restaurants. Read the whole story
Neighborhood guide: The Oosterparkbuurt is lively and culturally diverse. Around the park you will find cafes and restaurants that make the neighborhood a popular place for residents and visitors alike. The Oosterparkbuurt grew at the end of the 19th century around the park of the same name, designed by Leonard Springer. The park was opened in 1891 and still forms the green heart of the district. Walking paths, ponds and monuments give it an almost stately allure, while local residents jog, picnic and meet each other there every day. Read our tips here
Neighborhood guide (around) De Plantagebuurt: De Plantagebuurt originated in the 17th century as an expansion district outside the busy city center. Unlike the canal ring, this area was not completely built up with canal houses, but was designed as a green part of the city, with gardens, avenues, and country houses. Hence the name 'Plantage' – referring to planting and space. Today, the Plantagebuurt is a particularly quiet enclave in the center, where culture and nature merge in a natural way. View our selection here
There's always something fun to do in Amsterdam, but what about August 2025? Amsterdam is buzzing – even this summer. From inspiring exhibitions to new plays and film screenings: the city is once again full of cultural highlights. Step into a museum, dive into a theater, or discover a special event. Fancy experiencing something new? Check out our latest cultural tips here!
There's always something fun to do in Amsterdam, but what about July 2025? Amsterdam is buzzing – even this summer. From inspiring exhibitions to new plays and film screenings: the city is once again full of cultural highlights. Step into a museum, dive into a theater, or discover a special event. Fancy experiencing something new? Check out our latest cultural tips here!
Neighborhood guide (around) the Willemspark: Anyone walking through the Willemspark immediately notices: there is space here, there is peace. But the charm of this neighborhood lies not only in the stately avenues and the Vondelpark around the corner. It is precisely that combination with everything that Amsterdam-South has to offer that makes living here so attractive. From Emmaplein, the streets fan out towards Museumplein, Concertgebouw, Cornelis Schuytstraat and the chic neighborhoods of Oud-Zuid. On the west side, the transition to the Schinkelkwartier, Hoofddorpplein and the Schinkelbuurt begins — lively, with good restaurants and fine specialty shops. And towards the south, the Willemspark connects almost seamlessly to the Olympic Quarter and the Stadionbuurt: wide streets, lots of light, fine terraces and hidden favorites. View our selection here
There's always something fun to do in Amsterdam, but what about June 2025? Amsterdam is buzzing – even this spring. From inspiring exhibitions to new plays and film screenings: the city is once again full of cultural highlights. Step into a museum, dive into a theater, or discover a special event. Fancy experiencing something new? Check out our latest cultural tips here!
Find, Collect, Live. A selection of exceptional interior design addresses in Amsterdam. From traditional workshops to minimalist design stores, and from vintage classics to unique objects you won't find anywhere else. In every neighborhood, you'll discover places where interior design meets architecture, materials, and atmosphere. This guide brings together the best addresses.
Between city and tranquility: where taste and peace come together. For those who sometimes want to leave the city behind, but don't want to give up the good life, we have good news. Surrounding Amsterdam is a network of places that combine tranquility, taste, and character. You can cycle or drive there in no time—and suddenly you're somewhere where the grass is truly greener, the cheeses are riper, and the wine is surprisingly local. A selection of our favorite restaurants, farms, and delicatessens—between city and tranquility. View our tips
There's always something fun to do in Amsterdam, but what about May 2025? Amsterdam is buzzing – even this spring. From inspiring exhibitions to new plays and film screenings: the city is once again full of cultural highlights. Step into a museum, dive into a theater, or discover a special event. Fancy experiencing something new? Check out our latest cultural tips here!
There's always something fun to do in Amsterdam, but what about April 2025? In the new year, we can visit museums, theaters, and cinemas again, and enjoy all the cultural activities that Amsterdam has to offer. The city's offerings are diverse and interesting once more! Read our latest cultural tips here.
There's always something fun to do in Amsterdam, but what about March 2025? In the new year, we can visit museums, theaters, and cinemas again, and enjoy all the cultural activities that Amsterdam has to offer. The city's offerings are diverse and interesting once more! Read our latest cultural tips here.
There's always something fun to do in Amsterdam, but what about February 2025? In the new year, we can visit museums, theaters, and cinemas again, and enjoy all the cultural activities that Amsterdam has to offer. The city's offerings are diverse and interesting once more! Read our latest cultural tips here.
The Museum Quarter in Amsterdam is one of the most iconic districts of the city. Located in the southern part of the city center, this neighborhood offers a unique mix of rich history, impressive architecture, world-famous art and culture, and green oases such as the Vondelpark. It is the place where the grandeur of the past comes together with the vibrancy of the present. Check out the neighborhood guide and our latest offers
Amsterdam, a city steeped in history and creativity, is a true treasure trove for art lovers. Amidst the charming canals and picturesque streets lies an impressive range of galleries that offer a platform for both established names and emerging talent. For residents and visitors, this cultural landscape offers not only inspiration, but also a unique connection between art and urban life. Read about some special galleries here and view the entire range of the city in the guide
There's always something fun to do in Amsterdam, but what about January 2025? In the new year, we can visit museums, theaters, and cinemas again, and enjoy all the cultural activities that Amsterdam has to offer. The city's offerings are diverse and interesting once more! Read our latest cultural tips here.
Amsterdam is a city that can rightly be called a paradise for museum lovers. From the world-famous Rijksmuseum to the intimate Van Gogh Museum, art and history come together here in a way that you won't find anywhere else. The museums of Amsterdam distinguish themselves through their unique mix of masterpieces from the Golden Age and modern innovation. Where else can you admire a Rembrandt and then enjoy interactive experiences, such as in the Moco Museum or the NXT Museum, which is entirely focused on digital art? In addition, the small-scale and specialized museums, such as the Tassenmuseum or the Verzetsmuseum, make the city a true treasure trove of stories and culture. The location of many museums in historic canal houses or iconic buildings, such as the modern Eye Filmmuseum, adds an extra dimension to the experience. This unique combination of tradition, diversity and innovation makes the museums of Amsterdam a cultural experience that cannot be compared with any other city. View the range of the most unique museums in Amsterdam here
The 37th edition of PAN Amsterdam, an eclectic fair for art, antiques and design, will take place from Sunday 24 November to Sunday 1 December 2024. Approximately 125 established art dealers, antique dealers and gallery owners will present a versatile, high-quality range of art that covers more than 5,000 years of art history and is visited annually by more than 40,000 art buyers and enthusiasts. A team of 80 independent experts is responsible for the authenticity and quality of the range. The 37th edition will take place in RAI Amsterdam. Read more here
The Affordable Art Fair was founded in 1999 by Will Ramsay, with the intention of making buying art accessible to everyone. This commendable initiative has now grown into one of the largest art fairs in the world. For the current calendar year alone, 13 fairs are planned worldwide. The formula is simple. Under the motto 'discover the pleasure of collecting art', Affordable Art Fair offers a relaxed and inspiring environment that offers everyone the opportunity to explore, obtain information and buy contemporary art. Read more here
Neighborhood guide; the Vondelpark neighborhood West. 'What makes this location so special is that you actually get the best of three districts: Oud-West, Oud-Zuid and Zuid.' You benefit from the convenience and charm of each neighborhood. For my daily groceries, I always enjoy going to butcher Van der Laan on the Zeilstraat – the quality is top-notch there! For fresh fish, the IJmuider Vishandel on the Amstelveenseweg is my regular spot. And when it comes to wine, Chabrol on the Overtoom is definitely the place to be for the best wines. For an evening of dining out, Ron Gastrobar on the Sophialaan is an absolute favorite, as is Bonnie on the Amstelveenseweg, where the atmosphere is always cozy! And for lovers of Asian or Indian cuisine, there are plenty of great restaurants within walking distance, such as Restaurant Blauw. For a quick and delicious takeaway meal, you should go to Kokita. Read the story of these residents and view the other hotspots in this neighborhood.
Unseen, the leading international art fair for contemporary photography, is celebrating its eleventh edition. Seventy-eight galleries are exhibiting at Westergas, Amsterdam's iconic art and culture village. During Unseen, Amsterdam has a wonderful selection of photography exhibitions to offer. Museums and institutions such as Foam, Huis Marseille, and De Brakke Grond, known for their focus on the avant-garde, have adapted their programming. Their exceptional offerings reflect the city's strong photographic tradition. Read more here.
Neighborhood guide: around the Apollobuurt. 'The Apollobuurt neighborhood is characterized by a spacious and luxurious design. The streets are named after concepts from ancient Greece and after painters and composers. With the adjacent Museum Quarter, the Willemsparkbuurt and the Stadionbuurt, there is a wide range of culture, art and excellent shops and restaurants.' View the selection here
Bread is an indispensable part of the Dutch household. A sandwich with cheese, peanut butter, or chocolate sprinkles is almost symbolic of our culture. In fact, 74 percent of Dutch people see bread as cultural heritage. So it's no surprise that you sometimes get tired of your own packed lunches. That's why we've selected a range of tasty and affordable sandwiches in Amsterdam for you. Read our tips here!
Coffee is naturally bitter. Over the centuries, various methods have been devised to suppress the bitter taste, bring out the other aromas, and regulate the amount of caffeine. A basic rule is that the caffeine and bitter taste are absorbed into the water slightly more slowly than the other aromas. Many factors determine the taste, such as the coffee bean, the roasting method, the type of water, the temperature, and the brewing methods. They know all about these things.
Italians came to the Netherlands centuries ago. They made ice cream, laid Italian granite terrazzo, were chimney sweeps, or worked in the mines in Limburg. These Italian migrant workers helped rebuild the Netherlands after the Second World War and also had a major influence on our food culture. Read here about the best places in Amsterdam to shop for Italian groceries and eat and drink Italian.
The Andreas Schelfhoutstraat is just a stone's throw away from the eclectic Amsterdam West where you can enjoy trendy coffee bars, cafes and restaurants in the Baarsjes.
At the end of the street is the canal, the Schinkel. On the other side of the water is the Amstelveenseweg. Here you will find good local shops in addition to traditional cafes and trendy restaurants. View the neighborhood guide
Neighborhood guide: De Pijp. A selection of fine places around the Sarphatipark. Amsterdamsche Courant (1892): "The best time to see why De Pijp is named as such is in the morning between eight and nine o'clock. If you station yourself then, you will see what a stream of people rushes through the streets to the old city; then they are in fact long, wide pipes."
The Jordaan, a selection of fine places around the Westerstraat. Along the canals and in the narrow streets of the Jordaan are independent shops, cozy pubs, and trendy eateries. There are several markets in the Jordaan, such as the Saturday market on the Lindengracht, the Monday morning and Saturday market on the Noordermarkt, and the Monday morning (fabrics) market in the Westerstraat. View the neighborhood guide
In the narrow streets of Amsterdam you will find the 'brown cafes', traditional pubs where time seems to stand still. These places owe their name to the warm, brown tones of the wooden interiors, formed by years of smoke and the flickering light of candles. Here, locals and tourists come together to enjoy a glass of beer, a jenever or a simple snack, such as a cheese board or bitterballen. The charm of these cafes lies in their timelessness: regular guests have known the bartender for years, and stories from the past are still shared. Icons such as Café Chris and Café Hoppe breathe history and offer an intimate atmosphere that connects generations. A visit to a brown cafe is not just having a drink, it is a step into the rich tradition of Amsterdam. Check out our selection of cozy brown cafes in Amsterdam
‘Scent nerd, that’s my nickname’
My fascination, or what motivates me to get out of bed, is the wonder of what scent does to you. Even as a child, I was fascinated by the senses. Taste, smell, scent, and touch. The soft senses. Not because they have a soft impact, but because they are not cognitive. On the other hand, I was also a science kid. I wanted to do something technical. That's how I ended up in chemistry. After my studies, I wanted to combine these two loves, which led me to the cosmetics and perfume industry. After working for large companies in the field of product development and fragrance innovation, I felt the need to start my own business. In my company Annindriya, I focus on creating and advising on fragrances for companies and organizations and what fragrance can add to a brand or organization. During this process, I am concerned with the question of how a brand or company smells, because a brand is also a personality. In addition, we have a store with a range of the most exceptional perfumes in the world, where we also offer personal fragrance advice.
"Using perfume profiling, we help people discover the scents that suit them."
Your sense of smell is the most powerful and emotional of all the senses.
This is due to the direct connection between your nose and the oldest part of your brain. This part of your brain, which is already formed in the embryonic stage, is called the limbic system, also known as the primitive brain. This is where our emotions and memories are stored. There is no language, socially desirable behavior, or cognitive skills. There is only primal feeling. Fear, anger, lust, etc. You are born blank, with only your mother's body odor. You already know this smell in the womb, and it forms the first 'book' in your own scent library. Throughout your life, various books are added to this library. The scents you smell are inextricably linked to the emotion you feel at the moment of smelling them. Both positive and negative emotions. Your first kiss, crayons at school, holidays, nature, food, drink.
“A Proustian memory.”
In his work "A la recherche du temps perdu," the renowned novelist Marcel Proust described a scent experience that transported him back to his childhood. He dipped a madeleine into blossom tea, and the scent he had not smelled in a long time activated his memory (the so-called mémoire involontaire), and slowly all his memories of the village of Combray came flooding back. This works the same way with all scents. For example, if vanilla custard makes you feel nauseous, then vanilla is in the wrong corner. If you had a sweet aunt who wore rose perfume, then the scent of roses is in the sweet corner. In principle, every preference for a scent can be traced back to a moment in time.
There are a few scents, and this is still being researched, that are universally associated with something negative. The smell of decay and the smell of fire. You can also learn to experience these scents as less negative, but that is something you have to teach yourself. For example, with fermented food or cheese that smells bad but tastes good. A scent that is generally perceived as positive worldwide is real vanilla. Vanilla is found in many cookies and desserts, which are reminiscent of childhood, but also because there is a hint of vanilla in breast milk. As a result, vanilla is a sign of security for many people.
“You can see scent as the fourth dimension in a space.”
Fourth dimension.
“It adds something that is not visible or tangible. You can use scent in a room in various ways. Of course, the first thing is that it must not smell unpleasant. There are quite a few rooms where you can smell the sewer or sanitary facilities, where there has been a lot of smoking, or where the ventilation is poor and it smells of food. The first step is therefore to ensure good ventilation, extraction, and to solve the source of the problem. The simplest way to use scent in your home is to make it smell clean. Many people associate cleaning or detergent with a clean, tidy, and well-kept home. You can also use scent to set the mood. Just like with light and music, you can soften or enhance the atmosphere. You can make it smell very homely or very modern. Rustic or artistic. Or very minimalistic or intimate. Perfumes are often made up of 30-40 and sometimes as many as 100 ingredients. A minimalist space, on the other hand, can be enhanced with a minimalist scent. A scent like this is made up of a maximum of two or three accords. This makes it more of a hint Location a scent Location a perfume. It then becomes almost an abstract scent.
Something can smell avant-garde, for example. It might smell mineral, stony, or dry and smoky. The ingredients might smell like metal and concrete or pink pepper, which has a smoky scent.
Many people choose scents that represent the good life: whiskey, cognac, chocolate, caramel. The grounding of your home, homeliness, and security can be emphasized with woody scents. Wood comes from a tree trunk, and the roots are in the ground. These are literally earthy scents that can emphasize solidity. In addition, you confirm that you have chosen beautiful materials for a space. The same applies to leather. The scent of leather exudes high quality and luxury. You only consciously smell the nest scent of a house when you return from vacation, for example. The unfortunate thing about our sense of smell is that your brain is only interested in changes. This enables us to suddenly smell fire, for example, but the disadvantage is that at some point you no longer smell your own home. It is therefore wise to change scents regularly. The experience of each room is different. The bathroom, bedroom, dining room, and living room are used in different ways. It is nice to emphasize this with a matching scent. You can ask yourself what you want to emphasize in each room. The feeling of cleanliness or, conversely, a mini spa feeling. Relaxing or active. Warm and intimate. Or welcoming. You can turn scents in your home on and off just like music. Sometimes you need silence in terms of both scent and sound. Other times, you turn it on. That's how you create atmosphere."
Perfume Lounge
Cornelis Krusemanstraat 25