Amsterdam is world famous as a city of all night partying and a fair bit of debauchery, but the city council have taken serious steps to limit the amount of drinking and revelry which takes place around the stunning canals. If you’ve visited Amsterdam before but found all the stag dos a bit depressing, or if you’ve always been curious but the city’s reputation has put you off, this summer is the time to visit the Dutch capital. While you’re there, here are three things you must see.
Flower Markets
Amsterdam was once the hub for commercial trading in flowers, and even today the city retains several flower markets. Visit in the early morning, when the blooms are just opening, to experience the sweet smells and pretty sights. Take in a coffee and cake after your visit, to sustain you for the rest of the day’s sightseeing.
The Amsterdam Coffee Festival
If your coffee and cake stop hasn’t caffeinated you sufficiently, check out the coffee festival taking place between the 4th – 6th April. This annual festival reveals some barista trade secrets and gives you a chance to try a multitude of different blends and flavor combinations.
Holland Festival
This festival starts in June and runs for most of the rest of summer. Expect open air music events, art classes, food tasting experiences and plenty of free (or very cheap) cultural offerings in every part of the city. As Amsterdam seeks to reinvent itself from its partying days, festivals like this will fill up the social calendar and offer locals and visitors alike a more wholesome way to enjoy the city.
