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
Japan has a wide variety of ramen types, which also vary from region to region. Most noodles are made from four basic ingredients: flour, salt, water, and kansui (salt water). Ramen soup is usually made from chicken or pork broth, combined with a range of ingredients such as kombu, katsuobushi (bonito flakes), niboshi (dried baby sardines), beef bones, pork bones, shiitake mushrooms, and onion. Some modern ramen broths are made from vegetables. There are generally four different flavors of ramen:
Shōyu-ramen (soy sauce) is the oldest type. It is a clear brown broth made from chicken and vegetables, supplemented with soy sauce.
Shio-ramen (salt) is a light, yellowish broth prepared with lots of salt and a combination of chicken, vegetables, fish, and seaweed.
Miso-ramen (fermented soybeans) is a relative newcomer that gained nationwide popularity in Japan around 1965.
Curry ramen was first prepared in Hokkaido in 1965. This soup is made with pork bones and vegetables, then seasoned with curry.
1017 GR Amsterdam
Tokyo Ramen Takeichi
This Japanese ramen chain now has several branches all over the world. There are now three branches in Amsterdam. Tokyo Ramen Takeichi is known for its healthy ramen with chicken and vegetable broth. Because they remain true to their Japanese roots, it is an authentic restaurant. In addition to their specialty, the side dishes are also delicious. The 'karaage' will not disappoint you.
1016 TV Amsterdam
Fou Fow Ramen
This ramen restaurant used to be a well-kept secret tucked away in the Chinese neighborhood. But now Fou Fow has two locations in the city and is a household name for Amsterdam residents who love ramen. On the lively and bustling Elandsgracht, you can enjoy Fou Fow's delicious and reasonably priced ramen, which originated in China. You can choose from four types of soup based on different broths, which are then topped with various ingredients, including, of course, the main ingredient: noodles!
1016 TV Amsterdam
Gifu Ramen Bar
Chef and co-owner Ryoji Miyachi pays tribute to the Japanese ramen culture he grew up with at Gifu Ramen Bar. Together with the team behind Chun Café, he positions ramen as fully-fledged chef-driven comfort food. The cuisine revolves around perfectly balanced broths that are simmered for hours to achieve maximum depth and umami. In addition to ramen, Gifu serves izakaya-style dishes that complete the Japanese dining experience. The atmosphere is calm and warm, with a minimalist interior and a view of the open kitchen.
1017 HJ Amsterdam
Tokyo Ramen Takeichi
This Japanese ramen chain now has several branches all over the world. There are now three branches in Amsterdam. Tokyo Ramen Takeichi is known for its healthy ramen with chicken and vegetable broth. Because they remain true to their Japanese roots, it is an authentic restaurant. In addition to their specialty, the side dishes are also delicious. The 'karaage' will not disappoint you.
1012 GS Amsterdam
Windows Impossible
In the heart of Amsterdam is the second restaurant of Akihiro Hara (46) and Atsushi Ishida (44). Ramen Impossible, the sister of Men Impossible, distinguishes itself with its 'Sauce style' Ramen, also known as 'Mazesoba' in Japanese. Made with Japanese flour and served in a lavish sauce of saffron-cooked mushrooms and roasted leek, Ramen Impossible offers a surprising vegan alternative in modern Japanese cuisine.
Dun Yong Kitchen
This ramen tent is located at the top of the Asian supermarket Dun Yong. After chef Taka worked in a Japanese Izakaya gastropub for 4 years, he came to the Netherlands to fulfill his dream. He dreamed of having his own business where healthy and affordable street food is served. In 2021, chef Taka introduced one of his specialties, 'spicy tan tan ramen' to the menu; spicy chicken and pork together with kimchi.
1016 SM Amsterdam
Men Impossible
Men Impossible is a ramen restaurant where they only serve 100% plant-based dishes. At Men Impossible, they believe in improving the world by focusing solely on plant-based food and bringing people together with the most delicious vegan dishes from Japanese cuisine. The plant-based ramen has a strong flavor, but that certainly doesn't make it any less delicious. Thanks to the use of fresh ingredients and umami flavors, dinner at Men Impossible is a true taste experience.
1015 MK Amsterdam
Hinata
Hinata is a popular ramen restaurant in the heart of the Jordaan district. The chef is trained as a traditional Soba master. They mix the traditional Japanese soba technique in ramen to create not only an authentic, but also a unique and distinctive flavor. Hinata specializes in Shoyu, Miso and vegan ramen and they make their own broth and noodles.
1072 LK Amsterdam
Takumi Ramen Kitchen
Takumi is the sister restaurant of Umaimon ramen on Leidseplein. The restaurant is intimate with excellent, friendly service. Takumi offers a small but delicious selection. You can choose from shio (salt), shoyu (soy sauce), or miso ramen with a variety of toppings and flavors.
1072 ET Amsterdam
Sora Sapporo
Sora Sapporo Ramen serves authentic Japanese ramen and other Asian dishes. The restaurant has two locations in Amsterdam, one of which is on Ceintuurbaan in De Pijp. The restaurant is known for its delicious noodles. These noodles are imported from Japan, where they specialize in preparing this product. The broth, which is part of the miso soup and tonkotsu shoyu ramen, is also worth trying. For those who prefer to enjoy a delicious bowl of noodles at home, Sora Sapporo Ramen also delivers.
1092 HZ Amsterdam
Fuku Ramen
Fuku Ramen, the restaurant of ramen chef Jakub (formerly chef at restaurant De Kas), welcomes guests with its unique offerings. Jakub completed his training at the Miyajima Ramen School in Osaka. At Fuku Ramen, you can enjoy authentic ramen with homemade noodles or opt for a more extensive multi-course dinner. His wife, Aleksandra, is responsible for the delicious desserts and also offers tea, wine, or sake pairings. The concept of the Japanese restaurant Fuku Ramen is clear: from Thursday to Saturday, the five-course "chef's menu" (€75) is served, allowing guests to experience a culinary journey of discovery. Every Sunday, you can enjoy an extensive à la carte lunch all day long (12:00-18:30). Expect weekly changing ramen specials, izakaya-inspired dishes to share, juicy sake, and cocktails.