Purple 10: What to do in Amsterdam

Purple 10: What to do in Amsterdam

  Amsterdam image via @ Moyen_Brenn

1. The reopening of the Rijksmuseum. After ten years of extensive renovations and improvements, Amsterdam’s flagship museum is set to open its doors again on April 13^th.
2. Van Gogh to Amsterdam. Arguably the city’s most praised artist, the Van Gogh Museum will reopen just days after the Rijksmuseum on May 2^nd. It will celebrate 40 years with many major works by the artist on display.
3. Canals can age very well. In Holland anyway, where Amsterdam will celebrate the 400^th anniversary of the architecture and importance of the city’s (UNESCO World Heritage Listed) canals with parties and events.
4. Music fans rejoice. Amsterdam is going all out to celebrate its musical heritage in 2013, with the famous Concertgebouw Concert Hall enjoying its 125^th anniversary. There will be live performances, as well as special events by the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra.
5. Artis Royal Zoo. One of the most fun places in Amsterdam, the zoo is also a playground and park. It will mark over 175 years with a riot of colour, as thousands of new plants are set to bloom. A great choice if you’re bringing the kids with you.
6. Royal watching. Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands announced earlier this year that she would abdicate in favour of her son, Crown-Prince Willem-Alexander. You can be sure that the city will throw some kind of celebration for the event on April 30^th.
7. The Felix Meritis. An historic house, where the wealthy citizens of the city would meet to talk about politics, the arts and science, it is still an iconic place to visit and reopens this year on April 18^th to celebrate its 225^th anniversary.
8. Pride in Amsterdam. Another celebration on the canals, Amsterdam will celebrate its Pride Festival with street parties, club parties and the famous Canal Parade. Most events take place around August 2-4^th.
9. Frans Hals Museum. A selection of key masterpieces by the Dutch artist will be presented to mark the museum’s centenary year. Displayed side by side with amazing works by the likes of Rubens and Rembrandts, this is sure to be a feast for the eyes.
10. Summer in Amsterdam. It’s not just for city breaks, Amsterdam breaks out in blissful sunshine every summer, with many locals heading outside to their favourite roof terrace for a drink, to cinema under the stars, enjoy a visit to a canal side Amsterdam cafe, or head for the urban beaches.

Tell us your reasons to visit Amsterdam in 2013, and we’ll add them here.

For more details on city or summer breaks to the Netherlands, call Purple Travel on 0207 993 9228.