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Amsterdam Light Festival Presents

In case you’ve been browsing around Amsterdam and wondering what those beautiful colorful art installations around the city are, we’re happy to share the news with you. Our cozy city is proud to host the fifth annual Light Festival that celebrates art, light and festive holidays. As a matter of fact this year edition celebrates Amsterdam itself with a new theme “A view on Amsterdam” with city being the canvas for artists. These talented creators bring on new ideas on its look and interpret various visions on Amsterdam through their stunning art pieces.imgp2727-4huge-1448445450

Water Colors

What are the water colors of the canals of our charming town? Well, this season (all the way until 22 January 2017!) the water becomes alive with all the rainbow colors (including the rainbow installation itself). Some of the artworks can be seen from the shore, like Wolfert’s dog that marked the foundation of Amsterdam according to the legend or the nest that inspires organic architecture and reevaluation of the idea of home. Other pieces can be admired better from the water, for example illusive three-dimensional houses, which turn out to be just unbelievable flat lines of lights or the dangerous love zone that underlines the contemporary status of love. The most magnificent pieces are the brightest colorful tulips that you can ever imagine (and right in the middle of the canal!), the flower strip full of lilacs on the water and of course the brightly lit bicycles that are falling into the water as a symbol of 15 000 bikes that gets fished out of Amsterdam canals annually.

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We chose KINboat tour

We were lucky to be on the Amsterdam Light Festival tour with KINboat that impressed us with their laid-back guides and a nice vibe on board. It is a friendly company that operates smaller boats allowing for a more personal experience and communication with like-minded people.  So not only you get to enjoy an amazing view of the canals and light art, but also meet local guides who are passionate about their city, ready to crack a funny joke and tell a personal story. If you’re a bit more introverted and find communication with strangers difficult, KINboat will melt the ice with a cup of hot gluhwein or chocolate. Yes, alcohol is included! And it makes the perception of night Amsterdam even better.kinboat31

How great it was to discover that the boat had a 360 degrees overview of the water and leaning Dutch houses dancing in the lights of the art pieces. We could choose between inside seating and being covered against wind and rain or being outside on the deck with a spot for taking perfect pictures.  In addition, it happened to be a silent 100% electric and green boat, which made our experience more environmentally friendly and sustainable. We couldn’t believe that the tour was over, as 75 minutes flew by making us want to come back and explore more with KINboat guys.fountain

Fancy a walk?

If you’re not into looking at Amsterdam from below the ground level (although it’s stunning!), then Illuminade is the right part of the Light Festival for you. Enjoy a long evening walk around the magical city admiring the outdoor exhibition presented to you by local and international artists. 23 light art pieces are waiting for you to see Amsterdam in a different dimension (sometimes you can even walk through them!). This year walking route’s theme is biomimicry that brings nature to solve problems of humans. The best news is that you can enjoy this charming walk for FREE till 8 January 2017, just grab your map and good company.memories

Watch the green flying pigs in a tree (no, you don’t need to smoke to see them!) being a symbol of positivism and recycling, or find an illuminated glass house activated through your voice that would make you feel surreal, or dance with the light trees connecting with nature and art. Your opportunities are endless and will surprise you with each artwork you pass: just think about the flowering phantasm opening its petals with you movement or light waves that operate with the help of the wind and make you think about sustainable energy.net

Traditional Dutch Winter Food

As the temperature’s dropping and Amsterdam is putting on its Christmas decorations, you might find yourself craving for some warm food, while exploring the city. The dark days mark the colder season, but they also come with feel good Dutch winter food, so filling and  delicious. Let us guide you through the best of the local cuisine, which might be not too fancy, but definitely worth trying.

The mash pot of stamppot

Originating  in the early 1600s, stamppot is one of the oldest Dutch dishes that make grey rainy days go by faster. You do have to like potatoes to appreciate the variety of stamppots, because while some ingredients may vary, the potatoes always stay. Imagine the mish-mash of this main component with boiled or raw sour cabbage or kale (boerenkool), or endive, or turnip greens, or spinach or maybe even carrots and onions. Depending on the additional mixed vegetables, stamppot can come under a bunch of other names, like hutspot, zuurkoolstamppot, boerenkoolstamppot andijviestamppot. If you’re lucky you can order the mix of all the stamppots and try the variety, but you can’t have your trip to Amsterdam complete without tasting at least one.

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Hete bliksem

Is a type of stamppot for those, who dare to combine potatoes with fruits. Taste a curious combination of mashed potatoes and boiled sweet&sour apples. Baked onions and bacon are likely to accompany your dish. All other stamppots are usually served with a traditional Dutch sausage (rookworst), typically made with pork and smoked over woodchips. Be careful though, once you try one of those, you will end up buying a few to bring home with you.  So don’t limit yourself to having it only with stamppot, just go to HEMA and indulge yourself with a rookworst broodje with mustard. They haven’t invented a better snack in the Netherlands yet, so it’s a must eat, while browsing the streets of Amsterdam.

hetebliksem

Erwtensoep

When it’s time for something warm and nutritious, erwtensoep is the best choice for travellers. It might remind you of the grandma’s pea soup, except it will be prepared the Dutch way. It’s a classic winter dish made from green split peas, onions,carrots, celery and of course potatoes. Add large chuncks of the famous sausage, maybe some bacon and a thick hearty soup is ready to fill you up. They can serve it with bread full of pumpkin seeds or rye bread. How to tell whether your erwtensoep is the best? If the spoon remains standing upright in your bowl, then it definitely is!

erwtensoep

Hachee stew

Everybody would agree that stew is a very suitable dish for the cold season, but the Dutch beef and caramelised onions stew beats all the others. Mouthwatering tender hachee stew gets its reach flavor during the long and slow cooking with special herbs and spices. What used to be a peasant dish, is now well-loved by locals and tourists alike.

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Vegetable soup

There are hundreds of vegetable soups in the world, but the winter version in Holland is probably the most nourishing one. Because believe it or not, the authentic vegetable soup comes with meatballs here. You will also find some traditional Dutch vegatables in your bowl, such as kale, celeriac and carrots.

Oliebollen for desert

When you pay attention to the food stalls next to Museumplein or later in the season around all the squares of Amsterdam, you will easily discover what oliebollen are. Although some call it “a not too healthy snack”, we call it “super yummy winter desert.” These crisp donut balls with raisins covered with sugar powder will melt in your mouth. Their smell around Amsterdam streets signifies the beginning of the festive season.

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The coolest urban beaches of Amsterdam

These days when the temperatures are unusually high in Amsterdam, regular sightseeing might get more tiresome and maybe even somewhat boring. This nice sunny weather (that won’t last long by the way, since it’s the Netherlands!) make you want to spend some time chilling, catching a suntan and having a drink next to the water. If you’re still wondering how locals enjoy themselves during the summer in Amsterdam, then continue reading to discover cool hang out spots and urban beaches.

Of course, you might think that we will be recommending you the easiest ways to get to Zandvoort or Bloemendaal beaches, which are great for a swim in the Northern see or observing the Dutch turning red. And even though they are perfect for some sand and nature explorations, we will draw your attention to a different kind of beaches that Amsterdam has to offer even within a shorter distance.

Pllek

Hop on a free ferry behind the Central Station and find yourself at the NDSM wharf on the other side of the IJ that turn outs to be all cool and hip. Industrial Pllek will greet you with its creative vibe, live music or DJs playing and cold beers. Just relax on giant bean bags, try some good food and admire a spectacular view of Amsterdam on the other side.

pllek

Amsterdam Plage

In case you don’t fancy crossing the water and want to stick to the area next to the Central Station, no problem as a small city beach is only a 15 minute walk away. It’s known as the Stenen Hoofd, open for lively crowd till 15 August. The best part is that it features a free open-air film festival called Pluk de Nacht, which will be a great way to spend your evenings from 3 to 13 August.

pluk de nacht

Blijburg aan Zee

One of the biggest city beaches, this one is situated on Ijburg, which is a man-made island to the east of Amsterdam. It’s pretty much the only urban spot where you can swim and enjoy evening camp fires. Blijburg is even more alternative than other beaches and proud to have a hippie atmosphere with the feeling of freedom and bohemian spirit. Taste some of the delicious food here to the tunes of live music. If you’re lucky, you’re might be right on time for dance or music festivals that happen here quite often.

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NEMO’s Rooftop Beach

For those of you who want to experience a very original beach type in Amsterdam, NEMO’s rooftop can be the right spot to spend a relaxed afternoon. This science museum in the shape of a cruise ship will surprise you with deckchairs, decking, an amazing cascade with 4 000 liters of water, olive trees and sand pits. Just have a break, eat your Amsterdam ice-cream and breath in the magnificent view across the city’s roofs. It’s the largest terrace in town, which is ideal for kids as they will have a great entertainment time at Splashing Water Wonder playground.

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Strand Zuid

As the name suggests, this lovely beach is located in the south of Amsterdam very close to RAI Convention Centre. It attracts an upper class crowd that come to relax here, sipping their cocktails, having luxurious food and laying in hammocks or lounge chairs. The area of Strand Zuid is huge with about 2000m2 of property here, but don’t expect any swimming facilities. Play some volleyball and mingle with the richies instead.

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Amsterdam Roest

With the opposite vibe from Strand Zuid, this beach is more for hipsters and trendy young people who like good music, post-industrial architecture, indoor and outdoor bars with an artsy vibe. Roest’s sandy waterside is great for sun tanning, while its alternative markets and film screenings can serve as an interesting entertainment for kids and adults alike.

Strand West

This beach is more of a modern lounge spot where locals come for afternoon tapas and a drink, beach volleyball and hammock lazing. Although swimming isn’t allowed here, you still have plenty of opportunities of having a nice beach day here all year round.

Top 7 Music Festivals in Amsterdam July 2016

The summer has finally come to Amsterdam, and it means that the season of awesome music festivals is open! You would never be able to attend them all, but choose the best ones for yourself and let your feet dance till the sunrise or sunset! Experience the joy of music and dance, meet the most interesting crowd, feel the positive vibe and party till you drop!

4O UP ZOMER FESTIVAL

Who said that festivals are only for the youngest? If you prefer the tunes from the past, then this festival is just for you with its soul and disco kings The Trammps and George McCrae, disco queens Sister Sledge, pop star Bananarama and legendary Robin S. Share your love for retro music, enjoy some theater and indulge yourself to good festival food.

Date: 9 July

Place: Arena Park

Tickets: €37,50

THE SOCIAL GARDEN

This festival is more cozy, intimate and has a special family atmosphere, maybe due to its nice location. The music mix is so diverse here and represented by house, reggae, pop, R&B and hip-hop, which will carry you away easily. The lineup is impressive with artists such as Aeroplane, DJ Kon, The Flexican, Super Social, Darius, Donnie, Wantigga, Boehmer and more.

Date: 16 July

Place: Nieuwe Meer

Final tickets: €32,50

A DAY AT THE PARK

Have a great day at the park with lots of entertainment provided by this electronic music festival. Whether you like deep house, techno, progressive house or disco, you can find them all here with such DJs and artists as The Magician, Rudimental, Tachnasia, DJ Real El Canario, The Him, Faze Action and others.

Date: 16 July

Place: Amsterdamse Bos

Tickets: €49

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ELECTRONIC FAMILY

The name of this festival talks for itself, so expect lots and lots of trippy trance music. Actually it’s one of largest outdoor trance festivals in Europe with its four stages in the forest of Amsterdam this year. It’s a must attend event this summer for the fans of Cosmic Gate, Ferry Corsten, Andrew Rayel, Markus Schulz, Gouryella and Khomha.

Date: 23 July

Place: Amsterdamse Bos

Tickets: €49

WONDERLAND FESTIVAL OUTDOOR

Prepare yourself for the stunning sound of techno and house and something secret at this festival with 3 music areas. The third one will remain a surprise till the very end with a special lineup. The known exciting names are Ansome Live, UVB, ROD & Tripeo, Dekmantel Soundsystem, Cinnaman, Ferro and Philou Louzolo. Join Alice for her summer adventure in wonderland!

Date: 30 July

Place: Thuishaven Festivalterrein

Tickets: €29,50

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CRAFT

This festival is crazy and guarantees you that you won’t remember anything from the day before! Doesn’t sound too bad, right? Add to that the coolest line-up with stars like Activator, Audiotricz, Bass Modulators, Code Black, Demi Kanon, Distractor, Zatox, The Machine, Ran-D, Wars Industry, Sub Zero Project, Digital Punk and tons more.

Date: 30 July

Place: NDSM Werf

Tickets: €29,50

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MILKSHAKE FESTIVAL

A fun dance festival that celebrates diversity in all its shapes and colors. It unites all the society representatives by an amazing line-up and curious entertainment. You will have a good time enjoying Cirkus Klauterwerck, Hausbound, F*cking Pop Queers, Now & Wow, Is Burning, Disco Total, Supertoys, Glitterazzi Freakshow and other extravagant names. Get ready for extraordinary designs, amusing crowd, unexpected shows and lots of pink.

Date: 30-31 July

Place: Westerpark

Tickets: 1day- €36, weekend-€64,50

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Some festivals might seem somewhat pricey, but you won’t regret spending your money on the tickets- that’s for sure! But as we know, Amsterdam is the city of opportunities and choices, so our next article will tell you all about free festivals and concerts around the city this summer.

Last but not least

Our sister hotel in The Hague will be the proud host of one of the stages during the Submarine festival on the 23rd of July. This alternative music festival is 100% free and has a big line up of alternative music. Grab the opportunity to combine discovering the beautiful city of The Hague and attending this great event.

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Sun Catching at the Best Amsterdam Terraces

Sun Catching at the Best Amsterdam Terraces

These days higher temperatures create an even better image of Amsterdam: warmer, fresher, brighter and more appealing.  When the sun is shining you get to see Dutch people popping up at bars and cafés terraces as beautiful spring flowers-fast and everywhere around the city. So why not follow their example and enjoy the long-awaited sunshine sipping your drink, trying local bites and admiring a gorgeous view.

Amsterdam Terraces

In the park

You might be surprised with the amount of Dutchies already laying on the grass around all 30 parks of Amsterdam. Even if it’s still cold, but the sun is out, locals are ready to take their jackets off and catch some rays in the green spots of the city. Let’s share these fun places with them, herrons, ducks and large green parrots (yes, they are permanent residents of Amsterdam too!).

Amsterdam Terraces

Pacific Parc

Located in Westerpark, this lively bar/restaurant is a part of Westergasfabriek complex that attracts alternative people coming here for cultural events and nice time at the huge terrace. Westergasfabriek is quite a unique venue worth seeing, as it’s a former gasworks that are recognized as monumental buildings now. Lots of creativity, recycled materials, lush green park and young folks bring in a very special easygoing atmosphere at Pacific Parc. Be ready for some rock n roll here in the evening!

Westergasfabriek, Westerpark

The Blauwe Teehuis

This Blue Teahouse serves way more than just tea on its ground floor garden terrace and a panoramic balcony patio in the heart of Vondelpark. The building itself is quite modern for Amsterdam, but the green park and blooming flowers add lots of charm to it. Keep your eyes open for the nests of those parrots right next to the terrace, and allow yourself some time to explore the park too. Vondelpark hides an original sculpture by Pablo Picasso, romantic spots by the water and even small fairytale like bridges.

Vondelpark, Amsterdam Oud-Zuid 

Amsterdam Terraces

Amazing waterside terraces

Who ordered an incredible view? It is almost impossible to choose the best waterside terrace in Amsterdam, as its 165 canals create a picturesque city landscape in all the directions. A week won’t be enough to enjoy yourself on all the attractive patios by canalside, but let’s start with a few.

 Café de Jaren

One of the most central cafés with a nice terrace, Café de Jaren offers a stunning view of the Amstel River and passing by boats. Their quite large deck and buzzing vibe makes it into a nice lunch spot on a sunny day. The menu is casual and international here with highly ranked soups. If the weather is not suitable for the terrace, Café de Jaren has two storeys of light inside space too.

Nieuwe Doelenstraat 20

Amsterdam Terraces
Amsterdam Roest

Amsterdam Roest is that cool industrial hangout spot with a more alternative crowd, hip concerts and authentic markets by the canalside city beach. Explore this sandy, groovy and fun bar/café terrace perfect for trying local beers. Maybe Roest looks a bit rusty for some people, but it definitely got the spirit!

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Waterkant

Colorful and arty, Waterkant has a tropical ambiance inspired by Suriname and enormous waterside terrace. If you stay long enough while trying their specialties, you might get lucky with a nice evening event and a DJ playing. There is a lot of Surinamese influence in Amsterdam adding more intercultural character to the city, because Suriname used to be one of the Dutch colonies.

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EYE Bar

Make an exciting adventure out of your afternoon drink in the sun by taking a free ferry to Amsterdam North to find yourself at the terrace of the EYE Bar and Restaurant. Look at Amsterdam from another side of the IJ, explore the urban northern part of the city full of hipsters and maybe even decide to check out the Film Museum there. One of the trendiest places in the city, EYE is a masterpiece of modern architecture.

IJpromenade 1, Amsterdam Noord

Amsterdam Terraces

 Historical terraces of Amsterdam

Café de Sluyswacht

A bit crooked yet delightful, this former cottage of a lockkeeper serves as a nice café with a wonderful canalside terrace. Built in 1695, it gives you a wrapping historical feel combined with a great opportunity for some relaxed people watching.

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Restaurant-Café In de Waag

Even older (built in 1488!) In de Waag shares its historical secrets accompanied by nice drinks and snacks (and even better deserts!) at its charming terrace. Enjoy the view of this monumental architecture and always alive Nieuwmarkt square while trying Mediterranean cuisine or just sipping your coffee. A remarkable fact is that de Waag is the oldest building among non-religious ones in Amsterdam, and it can be seen on one of Rembrandt’s paintings!

Nieuwmarkt 4