What’s On in Amsterdam July 2020
This is our listings guide to what’s on in and around Amsterdam, Holland during July 2020. The height of summer is peak tourist season in Amsterdam, the weather is warm, the days are long and there’s plenty to see and do.
Museums & Exhibitions in Amsterdam
For a comprehensive selection of museums, activities and tours in Amsterdam book here
Rijksmuseum – Reopened in April 2013 after 10 years of renovation, the Rijksmuseum’s rich collection (including Rembrandt’s Night Watch) is a must-see in Amsterdam. Book Rijksmuseum tickets here
Rijksmuseum Schiphol – Amsterdam airport hosts 10 paintings of the Dutch Golden Age from the Rijksmuseum collection. The Rijksmuseum Schiphol is located on Holland Boulevard (between Lounges 2 and 3 in non-Schengen departures) and is open 24 hours a day to passengers free of charge.
Van Gogh Museum – Popular museum with the world’s largest collection of Vincent van Gogh paintings. Book Van Gogh Museum tickets here
Anne Frank House – The canal house on Amsterdam’s Prinsengracht canal where Anne Frank wrote her famous teenage wartime diary whilst hiding from German occupation. The house and museum is open to visitors though you must pre-book online for a date/time slot.
Hermitage Amsterdam – Showcases an exhibition every 6 months from the vast collection of the grand State Hermitage in St Petersburg, Russia.
Also ongoing at the Hermitage: Panorama Amsterdam. City Time Lapse, a visual projection of Amsterdam through the ages as seen from the Amstel river; and Portrait Gallery of the 17th Century.
Outsider Art Museum – This museum at the Hermitage showcases extraordinary art by unconventional artists who have not been formally trained.
Stedelijk – Amsterdam’s main modern and contemporary art museum. STEDELIJK BASE is the permanent installation featuring around 700 pieces.
MOCO Museum – This modern and contemporary art museum on Museumplein. Banksy: Laugh Now (includes Beanfield) is now a permanent exhibition. Book MOCO Museum tickets here
Tropenmuseum – Ethnographic museum featuring fascinating exhibitions on non-Western cultures. What a Genderful World, an exhibition which looks at cultural influences on gender around the world. Runs 11 Oct 2019 to 23 Aug 2020.
Huis Marseille Photography Museum – Jean-Luc Mylayne, The Autumn of Paradise, exhibition of 40 works featuring birds in their natural habitat. Runs 6 Jun to 30 Aug 2020.
Body Worlds – Display of human body plastinate specimens at the permanent venue on Damrak. The exhibition focuses on happiness.
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The Iamsterdam City Card (1-5 days) offers free entry and discounts to numerous Amsterdam attractions and also includes a free transport pass as well. It costs €60 to €115. You can order the Iamsterdam City Card online here |
Sport in Amsterdam and Netherlands
Football:
Ajax Open Day – Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam hosts an open day for Ajax fans to ring in the new season. Date to be announced.
New season 2020/21, fixtures to be announced:
Johan Cruyff Schaal (Cruyff Shield, winner Eredivisie vs winner KNVB Cup)
Athletics/Running:
Friday Night Run – a free monthly 1 hour run organised by running group Phanos. Meet at Olympic Stadium Amsterdam at 1930 on Friday 10 Jul 2020.
Dutch Atheltics Championships (NK) – Annual Dutch Championships meet takes place in summer, with qualification places up for grabs for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Date and venue to be announced.
Walking:
Nijmegen Vierdaagse – International four days marches event around the city of Nijmegen with up to 50,000 participants – walking 30km to 50km per day over all 4 days. 104th edition will be held over 21-24 Jul 2020.
Inline Skating:
Friday Night Skate – 20km organised skate around the streets of Amsterdam held every Friday night (2030, weather permitting) from Vondelpark Pavilion.
See the full annual sport calendar for Amsterdam
Festivals in Amsterdam and Netherlands
Amsterdam Ferry Festival – A variety of art will be held on the ferries in Amsterdam including photography and visual arts, performances, installations, spoken word, digital art, video art and sound art. The inaugural event will take place 9-19 Jul 2020 on GVB ferries.
Amsterdam Roots Festival – Well-established international music and circus festival held at various venues around the city. Includes the free entry Roots Open Air at Oosterpark which features music, food and stalls. Founded in 1983 as the Africa Roots Festival, and since 1998 as the Amsterdam Roots Festival. Expected Jul 2020 (23rd edition) at Oosterpark, Muziekgebouw aan ‘t IJ, Bimhuis, Paradiso, De Tropen, all in Amsterdam.
Over het IJ Festival – A 10 day summer theatre festival held on the waterfront of the IJ river and around Amsterdam Noord. It also includes live bands, DJs and plenty of good food and drink. 28th edition due 10-19 Jul 2020. Location is NDSM wharf, Amsterdam (accessible by free ferry from Amsterdam Central).
Kwaku Festival – The Kwaku festival is a colourful event held in south-east Amsterdam over consecutive weekends during the summer. The festival’s origins came about to celebrate the anniversary of the abolition of slavery in the Dutch Antilles and Suriname. It features live music, dance, DJs, a football competition and appetising ethnic food stalls. Expected July-August 2020 at Nelson Mandelapark, south-east Amsterdam.
Milkshake Festival – Gay-friendly dance music festival over a weekend organised by Paradiso and AIR which includes a camping area. Expected July 2020 at Westerpark, Amsterdam.
North Sea Jazz Festival – The world’s largest indoor music festival held over 3 days featuring international jazz plus blues, soul, funk, hip hop, world music and more. To be held 10-12 Jul 2020 at Ahoy Rotterdam.
See our complete festival calendar for Amsterdam
| Foodie? Why not try a 3 1/2 hour food tasting tour around the historic Jordaan neighbourhood with a knowledgable food guide. You can book a tour here |
Comedy & Shows in Amsterdam
Amsterdam Magic Show – Monthly magic and comedy show with international performers. At Boom Chicago’s Rozentheater, Rozengracht in Amsterdam, expected Tuesday 7 Jul 2020 at 2000. Book Amsterdam Magic Show tickets here
Boom Chicago – Comedy and improv show held Wed – Sat and playing at Rozentheater on Rozengracht. Book here
Classical Concerts & Theatre in Amsterdam
to be announced
Other Events in Amsterdam
Pride Amsterdam 2020 – World famous LGBT cultural event held over a week (25 Jul to 2 Aug 2020), the highlight being the spectacular canal parade around the Prinsengracht and river Amstel on 1 Aug 2020.
De Balie – The multimedia venue near Leidseplein in Amsterdam hosts regular events about current affairs, politics and culture.
City Beaches in Amsterdam
NEMO terrace – Chill on the roof of the NEMO Science Museum (at Oosterdok 2) with cool views of Amsterdam.
Ijburg Strand – Blijburg aan Zee can be reached by tram 26 (end of the line) – a real sandy beach on the Ij water.
Strand West – City beach pavilion located at Stavangerweg 900 in west Amsterdam near Houthavens (Westerpark).
Strand Zuid – City beach pavilion located at Europaplein 22 near Beatrixplein and RAI.
Alternatively head over to real beaches at Zandvoort or Bloemendaal – great to watch the sunset and have a meal on a summer evening.
Free Concerts in Amsterdam
Vondelpark open air theatre – Free concerts running during the weekend (Fri-Sun), from June to August.
Westerkerk – Free lunchtime church organ concert every Friday at 1300.
Market Events in Amsterdam
Pure Markt – Regular market event with high quality produce, music, food stalls and other activities. Dates to be announced, at Park Frankendael.
Sunday Market – Sunday market at Westergas with a mix of fashion, design, arts, food and kids stuff. Dates to be announced.
Museum Market – Museumplein hosts this Sunday market with arts and crafts, food and music. Dates to be announced.
IJ-Hallen – Huge weekend flea market event held at NDSM-wharf in north Amsterdam. Dates to be announced.
Rock & Pop Concerts in Amsterdam & Netherlands
to be announced
Hotels in Amsterdam
You should book your Amsterdam accommodation in advance if possible. During popular events rooms can be difficult to find and prices can rise significantly! Book your Amsterdam hotel here via Booking.com, which usefully offers free cancellation if your plans change.
Some specific Amsterdam hotel recommendations:
• At the very top-end with 5 star luxury consider Waldorf Astoria, Sofitel Grand, Hotel De L’Europe and Conservatorium.
• Stylish, quality mid-range choices near the city centre include The Toren, Banks Mansion, The Hoxton, Kimpton-De Witt and Sir Adam Hotel.
• For those on a budget check out Conscious Hotel Vondelpark, The Student Hotel, Volkshotel, Jaz Amsterdam (close to Ziggo Dome/ArenA) and Motel One.
