What’s On in Amsterdam July 2019
This is our listings guide to what’s on in and around Amsterdam, Holland during July 2019. 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. Long Live Rembrandt is part of the year long Rembrandt celebration. This summer exhibition has been developed by contributions and ideas from the public. Runs 15 Jul to 15 Sep 2019. 12 x Erwin Olaf, 12 works from the Dutch photographer are placed in dialogue with classic Dutch paintings. Runs 3 Jul to 22 Sep 2019. Book Rijksmuseum tickets here
Louise Bourgeois in the Rijksmuseum Gardens is an outdoor exhibition of sculptures, freely accessible to the public and running 24 May to 3 Nov 2019.
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. Van Gogh and the Sunflowers, the story behind Van Gogh’s renowned painting runs 21 Jun to 1 Sep 2019. 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. Treasury! Masterpieces from the Hermitage, an exhibition celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Hermitage Amsterdam. It features a cross-section of masterpieces from the entire St Petersburg collection. Runs 2 Feb to 25 Aug 2019.
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 Golden Age.
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. Maria Lassnig, Ways of Being, the first survey of the Austrian artist in the Netherlands featuring around 200 artworks, many around the theme of body consciousness. Runs 6 Apr to 11 Aug 2019.
MOCO Museum – This modern and contemporary art museum on Museumplein. Banksy: Laugh Now (includes Beanfield) is now a permanent exhibition. Daniel Arsham – Connecting Time, solo show from the New York-based artist incorporating architecture, design, sculpture, film and performance. Runs 18 Jan to 30 Sep 2019. Yayoi Kusama, MOCO exhibits the works ‘Night of Stars’ and ‘Pumpkin’ from the eccentric Japanese artist from 22 Mar to 30 Sep 2019. Book MOCO Museum tickets here
National Maritime Museum – 2 new permanent exhibitions opened May 2019. Main Gallery: Republic at Sea has 50 objects highlighting the strong connection between the maritime world and Dutch society. Also Maps & Marvels features an outstanding collection of Dutch cartography works plus assorted wall maps, globes, atlases and travel reports.
Royal Palace – The Universe of Amsterdam, an exhibition about the maps inlaid onto the floor of the Citizen’s Hall which are the largest in the world. On show will be maps and atlases from the 17th century. Runs 29 Jun to 22 Sep 2019.
Tropenmuseum – Ethnographic museum featuring fascinating exhibitions on non-Western cultures. Cool Japan showcases the world’s fascination with all things Japanese – from Hello Kitty to Tokyo fashion. Runs 28 Sep 2018 to 1 Sep 2019.
Rembrandt House – Inspired by Rembrandt, 100 Years of Collecting by The Rembrandt House Museum. Part of the 350th anniversary of Rembrandt’s death, this exhibition features the most remarkable examples from the museum’s collection. Runs 7 Jun to 1 Sep 2019.
RAI Amsterdam – In Discover Rembrandt, His Life and All his Paintings you can experience all 350 of Rembrandt’s paintings in their original size reproduced in digital format. Runs 6 Jul to 1 Sep 2019 at Elicium Ballroom, RAI Amsterdam.
Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) – World Press Photo 2019, the world premiere of the international press photo contest exhibition. Runs 13 Apr to 7 Jul 2019. Journey in Time 2019 is the annual summer exhibition with a focus on the history of the church. A daily organ concert will be held 1200-1230. Runs 13 Jul to 14 Sep 2019.
Amsterdam Museum – Fashion Statements, exhibition of fashion identity past and present with over 75 historical costumes on show. Runs 18 Apr to 8 Sep 2019.
Stadsarchief – The City Archive presents City in Sight (Stad in Zicht), an exhibition of photos and drawings of Amsterdam. Runs 10 May to 8 Sep 2019. Let’s Fly Away! 100 Years KLM, exhibition celebrating the centenary of the Dutch national airline with historic archive photos. Runs 11 Jul to 6 Oct 2019, free entry.
National Holocaust Museum – Opened in 2016, this museum is under development and currently presents Tangible Memories from the Jewish Monument, exhibition of objects, photos and documents of people affected by the Holocaust. Ongoing until end 2019. The Persecution of the Jews in Photographs: The Netherlands, 1940–1945, runs 28 Jan to 6 Oct 2019.
Hollandsche Schouwburg – Perspectives of the Holocaust, a penetrating installation with audio, video, photos and virtual reality which tell of Holocaust survivors’ experiences. [Note, some images are shocking and are not suitable for under 16s.] Runs until 1 May 2020.
Jewish Historical Museum – Kabbalah, The Art of Jewish Mysticism, exhibition on how ancient Jewish mystical traditions have inspired artists and performers. Running at the Jewish Cultural Quarter 28 Mar to 25 Aug 2019.
Biblical Museum – Expected: This is my story. About faith, hope and inspiration. Exhibition about young people and Christianity. Runs 9 Feb to 27 Oct 2019.
Bags & Purses Museum – Bags in Bloom, exhibition of bags decorated with leaves and flowers plus floral themed installations and still life photos. Runs 19 Apr to 31 Aug 2019.
FOAM Photography Museum – Changing Views – 20 Years of Art Collection Deutsche Börse, features an extensive range of works from one of the most important corporate collections of international photography. Runs 3 May to 7 Jul 2019. Silver Lake Drive by Alex Prager (retrospective), 14 Jun to 4 Sep 2019. Dominic Hawgood, Casting Out the Self, works from the multi-disciplinary UK artist. 12 Jul to 13 Oct 2019.
Huis Marseille Photography Museum – Deana Lawson, first large solo exhibition of the acclaimed American photographer in Europe and Elspeth Diederix: When Red Disappears, Dutch nature photographer presents under sea images taken in Zeeland, both run 8 Jun to 1 Sep 2019.
EYE Film – William Kentridge, exhibition of 10 pieces by the South African artist. Runs 3 Jun to 1 Sep 2019.
Body Worlds – Display of human body plastinate specimens at the permanent venue on Damrak. The exhibition focuses on happiness.
Cobra Museum (Amstelveen) – Cobra 70: A multi-headed snake, exhibition celebrating 70 years of the colourful, expressive post-war art movement. Runs 8 Nov 2018 to 13 Oct 2019.
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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. Free entry, date to be announced.
New season 2019/20, fixtures to be announced:
Johan Cruyff Schaal (Cruyff Shield, winner Eredivisie vs winner KNVB Cup)
AFC Ajax vs PSV Eindhoven – 27 Jul 2019, 1800 – Johan Cruyff Arena Amsterdam
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 12 Jul 2019.
Dutch Atheltics Championships (NK) – Annual Dutch Championships meet takes place in summer, with qualification places up for grabs to the 2019 World Athletics Championship in Doha. 26-28 Jul 2019 at Haag Atletiek in Den Haag.
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. 103rd edition will be held over 16-19 Jul 2019.
Baseball:
World Port Tournament Baseball – International baseball event featuring the Netherlands, Curaçao, Japan, Taiwan and USA. 12-21 Jul 2019 at Neptunus Family stadium in Rotterdam.
Motor Racing:
DTM Race – The Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters touring car series comes to Assen circuit over 19-21 Jul 2019.
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 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 2-10 Jul 2019 (22nd 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. 27th edition due 5-14 Jul 2019. 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 13 Jul to 4 Aug 2019 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. Due 27-28 Jul 2019 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 12-14 Jul 2019 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, Tuesday 2 Jul 2019 at 2000. Book Amsterdam Magic Show tickets here
Ricky Gervais – The English comedian plays his SuperNature stand-up show at AFAS Live in Amsterdam on 5/6 Jul 2019 at 1930.
Boom Chicago – Comedy and improv show held Wed – Sat and playing at Rozentheater on Rozengracht. Book here
Classical Concerts & Theatre in Amsterdam
Robeco SummerNights 2019 – Series of summer evening concerts (classical, pop and jazz) featuring international performers at the Concertgebouw. Runs Jul – Aug 2019.
Other Events in Amsterdam
Pride Amsterdam 2019 – World famous gay cultural event over a week (27 Jul to 4 Aug 2019), the highlight being the spectacular canal parade around the Prinsengracht and river Amstel on 3 Aug 2019.
De Balie – The multimedia venue near Leidseplein in Amsterdam hosts regular events about current affairs, politics and culture.
10th International Urban Sketchers Symposium – Artistic conference about on-location drawings featuring lectures, demonstrations and workshops. At Zuiderkerk Amsterdam, 24-27 Jul 2019.
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. 14 Jul 2019 (1100-1800) at Amstelpark, 21 Jul 2019 (1100-1800) at Amsterdamse Bos and 28 Jul 2019 (1100-1800) at Park Frankendael.
Sunday Market – Sunday market at Westergas with a mix of fashion, design, arts, food and kids stuff. 7 Jul 2019 (1200-1800). Sunday Market Rokin edition at Oude Turfmarkt on 14 Jul 2019 (1200-1800). New Market (Deli & Lifestyle) at Nieuwmarkt on Friday 26 Jul 2019 (1100-1800).
Museum Market – Museumplein hosts this Sunday market with arts and crafts, food and music on 21 Jul 2019 (1200-1800).
IJ-Hallen – Huge weekend flea market event held at NDSM-wharf in north Amsterdam with 750 stands. 27-28 Jul 2019 (0900-1630).
Rock & Pop Concerts in Amsterdam & Netherlands
Amsterdam:
Stray Cats – 1 Jul, AFAS Live
Tash Sultana – 6 Jul, Ziggo Dome
Christina Aguilera – 8 Jul, Ziggo Dome
Neil Young – 10 Jul, Ziggo Dome
Jimmy Barnes – 16 Jul, Melkweg
Nick Mason – 23 Jul, RAI Amsterdam
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.
