When you go to Amsterdam, it's important to know when to go.

Like many European capitals, Amsterdam has a thriving tourist industry.

The town's charming appearance, rich history and unique "recreational" activities attract visitors from all over the world.

Whether you're planning to visit during tulip season or want to spend Christmas here, here are some tips on when to visit Amsterdam.

When to go to Amsterdam: article summary

Visiting the city in spring

Tulip season runs from mid-March to early May and marks the start of the tourist season. April is an ideal time: flowers, average tourist numbers and a good chance of fine weather.

However, be sure to get out of town on Queen's Day weekend if you want to avoid large crowds and soaring hotel prices.

When to go to Amsterdam: choose summer

Summer weather is a mixture of climates. Short bursts of heavy rain mingle with heat, humidity and sunshine. Residents feel it's their duty to enjoy as many days outdoors as possible, which means the city is alive, outside.

Parks, beaches, canals and cafés abound with locals basking in the sun. It's the perfect time to take long bike rides along Holland's verdant countryside, camp in the dunes or enjoy one of the terraces that Amsterdam has to offer.

But summer is the peak tourist season in this small Dutch capital. At the end of May, be prepared to queue up for the main attractions, wander through a crowded city center and pay too much for your accommodation.

Getting there in autumn

My personal choice for a trip to Amsterdam would be autumn, from late September to late October. As the days grow shorter, the autumn leaves drift silently by, the streets become quiet and even the canals calm down.

Prices, tourism and temperatures have dropped, and this is the best time to discover cozy cafés, free museums and small local events.

It's also a time for hearty local and seasonal dishes like stamppot and pea soup. Bok bier, a seasonal autumn beer that local brewers are proud to create, is also in the spotlight.

Nightlife and entertainment are always present, attracting local residents instead of tourists.

When to go to Amsterdam: in winter

Airfares are at their lowest in November and February. This is because the weather is gloomy in Amsterdam and few tourists want to visit the city at this time of year.

However, snowy nights add an extra romantic charm to the city. Temperatures remain bearable for outdoor walks until around November.

But these are the cheapest times to visit Amsterdam. This includes hotel rates, which drop considerably during winter.

If canals freezeThis will happen in early February, and residents will be able to enjoy ice skating on its wild rinks. What's more enjoy unique experiences during your stay in Amsterdam.

Some dates to avoid

If you prefer to avoid crowds and high air and hotel prices, Amsterdam is the place to be. for a few key dates.

Of course, it can also be an incredible experience. Just be aware that the city will be packed with people, which is not necessarily pleasant when you want to discover this place.

When to go to Amsterdam: Queen's Day and Liberation Day

The last weekend in April to the first weekend in May, and dates in between, encompass Amsterdam's biggest festival week, celebrating its majestic Queen's Day and the end of the Second World War on Liberation Day.

Festivals are a must, the city is covered in orange and the streets are buzzing with activity. Prices soar. Yet it's a joyous and memorable cultural experience!

Avoid August

During August, Amsterdam is simply too crowded with tourists and it's hard to find good deals. Guided tours fill the city center with crowds and it's almost impossible to get around comfortably. on foot, à bike and in streetcar.

You'll spend hours waiting to see the Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh Museum, while all the good local bars and restaurants are closed.

There's so much to discover on your Amsterdam trip. By choosing the right dates, you're sure to make your trip a memorable one. a unique moment to share with family and friends.

Visit Amsterdam Concertgebouw is a place you won't see in any other country.

The concert hall is a unique venue that has been attracting crowds for over 130 years.

Today, I'd like to take a look at a place you can visit during your stay in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam Concertgebouw: article summary

The Amsterdam Concertgebouw: at a glance

Inaugurated on April 11, 1888, Amsterdam's famous Royal Concertgebouw remains one of the most beautiful concert halls in the world. To give you an idea, the Musikverein in Vienna.

What's more, 10 years earlier, on April 11, 2013, on the occasion of the 125ᵉ anniversary, Queen Beatrix awarded the royal title "Koninklijk" to the famous building. An honor known to few monuments in Amsterdam.

A story centered on music

"Concertgebouw" is a Dutch term that can be literally translated as "concert building". Designed by the architect Adolf Leonard van Gendt, construction began in 1883 and the was completed in 1886.

The first concert took place on its opening day in 1888, with an inaugural concert featuring a 120-strong orchestra and a 500-strong choir, performing works by Wagner, Handel, Bach and Beethoven.

The Concertgebouw's resident orchestra is the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra (Koninklijk Concertgebouworkest), which gave its first concert in the hall on November 3, 1888. awarded the royal title "Koninklijk" by Queen Beatrix in 1988.

What to see inside the Amsterdam Concertgebouw?

The Concertgebouw has two famous concert halls:

• the Grote Zaal with 1974 seats
• The Kleine Zaal with 437 seats.

Recently, the Koorzaal (150 seats) was opened and now welcomes choirs from all over the world. The combination of the two world-class concert halls (Grote en Kleine Zaal) makes the Concertgebouw perhaps the best in the world. the most beautiful concert hall in the world.

The Concertgebouw has a long tradition of staging legendary concerts by such greats as Gustav Mahler, Richard Strauss, Bernard Haitink, Yehudi Menuhin, Jessye Norman, Vladimir Horowitz, Cécilia Bartoli, Louis Armstrong, Sting and many others.

What are the opening hours?

If there's an evening concert at the Concertgebouw, the box office is always open, even after 7 pm. If there is no concert, the box office closes at 5 p.m.

The Concertgebouw is open all week, but it's important to note that different opening times may apply on public holidays. For example, you can visit:

• Monday to Friday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

How much does admission to the Amsterdam Concertgebouw cost?

You can order tickets online at any time of day. As for concerts, you'll find some in the evening and others on Sunday mornings.

The Evening Concert starts at 8:15 p.m. (doors open at 7:35 p.m.) and usually lasts 140 minutes. Tickets are accompanied by a wine, beer or soft drink on arrival, and other refreshments during intermission.

I recommend to arrive at 7:45 p.m. to avoid queues and crowds.

Visit us on Sunday morning

The Sunday morning concert starts at 11 a.m. and lasts 60 minutes. I recommend to be there at 10:40 a.m. to avoid queuing. So you can reserve the best seats in the house. When you arrive during intermission, you'll be offered a free drink.

As far as prices are concerned, you can count on :

• From 46.50 for the evening
• from 27 € for Sunday mornings

Of course, these different rates depend on the group you are visiting on the day.

How do I get there?

The Royal Concertgebouw is easily accessible by car. streetcar from Amsterdam's various NS stations.

From the main station from Amsterdam to the Concertgebouw, get off at Van Baerlestraat (streetcar 2), Museumplein (streetcars 3, 5 and 12) or Roelof Hartplein (streetcar 24). These stops are all around the corner from the Concertgebouw.

Visit bus Connexxion can also take you to Museumplein, arriving behind the main entrance to the Concertgebouw.

Finally, you can take advantage of parking to leave your car. For parking near the Royal Concertgebouw you must 4 euros per hour.

Amsterdam's Concertgebouw is an exceptional venue dedicated to music. During your visit, you can discover this immense venue that is the pride of the people of Amsterdam. An appointment not to be missed by all music lovers.

Visit Tulip Museum in Amsterdam and an exhibition tracing the origins of tulips in the city.

Holland is famous for its windmills and numerous tulip fields.

So it's only natural that they should find their way into a museum.

Today, I'm going to tell you all about this unique flowered space.

Tulip Museum in Amsterdam: article summary

Where is the Tulip Museum in Amsterdam?

The museum's location is outside the main tourist area. It's right next to the Amsterdam Cheese Museum and the Amsterdam Cow Museum, so you can make a day of it and visit all three, by taking your time and enjoying them.

These three places are among the best museums in Amsterdam, the best small museums in Amsterdam anyway. They're surrounded by lovely little cafés and the canal. A perfect place to take great photos of Amsterdam.

How is the exhibition presented?

The Tulip Museum traces the history of tulips, exploring the origins of Amsterdam's first tulips and how they became one of the world's most popular flowers. You'll discover how tulips have shaped many lifestylesincluding royalty.

Finally, you can see the process used to harvest the tulips. Amsterdam tulips are the pride and joy of Amsterdam and it's great to see the story behind them.

On site, you can even immerse yourself entirely in this flowery world. A virtual reality headset offers a unique experience. You'll be able to really immerse yourself in the world of tulips.

How much does it cost to enter the Tulip Museum in Amsterdam?

Standard museum admission is €5. Families of three or more pay €15. The students pay €3 each. These are the prices of the tulip museum, you can also enter for free thanks to the map I Amsterdam.

What are the museum's opening hours?

The opening hours of the Amsterdam Museum are adapted to the needs of visitors. So that you can enjoy the museum to the full, the establishment remains open.

• Every day 10 am to 6 pm.

On average, you should allow 30 minutes to visit the entire facility. Of course, you're welcome to take a little more time. you'll be thrilled by every experience on site.

Once you've visited the museum, you can take time to browse the gift store after and head for one of the region's other museums.

Amenities at the Tulip Museum in Amsterdam

This museum has no toilets, so I'd advise you to make your own arrangements before visiting. The Tulip Museum also neglects disabled access.

If you're in a wheelchair, it's very difficult to get around the museum. Last but not least, people with reduced mobility may find it difficult to get around. facing the various staircases in the building.

For an Amsterdam museum, it's really nice, but rather small. Still, it's a great place to visit with family and friends. In the gift store, you can find unique Amsterdam souvenirs to take home for your friends. What's more, prices are no higher than in other souvenir stores in the city. The Tulip Museum in Amsterdam is a perfect place to spend some quality time with friends and family.

You're spoilt for choice when it comes to cycle paths in Amsterdam.

The Dutch capital is a cyclist's playground, where bikes far outnumber people.

Amsterdam is full of great places for scenic bike rides, whether you're looking for a day trip out of town, a ride through lush forest or an urban cycle in the city.

Today, I'm going to tell you all about it.

Bike path in Amsterdam: article summary

Amsterdam cycle path: take a ride in the forest

Amsterdam abounds in lush green spaces and beautiful scenic routes to take your bike. If you're looking for a peaceful ride in Amsterdam, get closer to nature with this refreshing bike path for outdoor enthusiasts.

Large forests and vast parks lend themselves well to cycling, so rendezvous at Amsterdamse Bos on the outskirts of the city. Bos means "forest" in Dutch, and this urban forest is simply stunning.

Sparkling lakes, long narrow bike paths and many tall evergreen trees form your backdrop.

How do I get there?

To get to this place, you have to cross Vondelpark and continue. In 25 minutes, you'll be in Amsterdam Bos and ready to explore the beauty of the forest.

Cycling along the canals

Discover the real city, pedaling along the canals and making stops along the way. Explore Amsterdam's most famous district: the Jordaan.

Stroll through the nine streets (a trendy shopping district), past the Anne Frank House and stop for lunch and stroopwafels at the city's trendiest market, Albert Cuypmarkt.

This itinerary is full of fun and a cool tour of Amsterdam's sights.

How do I get there?

The first step is to pass the Anne Frank House. After heading south towards the Rijksmuseumyou will have to pass in front of the Heineken Experience. You can then explore one of Amsterdam's parks, at Oosterpark.

Finally, all you have to do is cycle back to the center along the Amstel river. It's a great way to spend a day with family and friends.

Amsterdam cycle path: a route for beginners

Even though Amsterdam is one of the safest places to cycle in the world, some might not feel 100 % confident on two wheels in a foreign city.

Take your time to ride along the canals on this simple circuit. From your bike, you can enjoy the botanical gardens, the science museum or the Hermitage Amsterdam gallery.

Prefer the Amsterdam countryside

If you want to get away from Amsterdam, I recommend a trip to the city's countryside. Cycle to Zaandam, just north of Amsterdam, and enjoy the picturesque, colorful charm of this town.

On this route, you will pass the Zaandam windmills, the famous Zaan River and the Zaanse Schans. You'll also pass through lush Dutch countryside for most of the journey.

The Zaanse Schans is a unique part of Zaandam full of authentic wooden houses windmillshangars and workshops.

Enter the little stores, enjoy the view of the river and admire the colorful architectural masterpiece that is the Inntel Hotel. This inn is made up of Dutch buildings stacked on top of each other, looking like something you'd see in a cartoon.

Amsterdam bike path: a full day out of Amsterdam

If you come to Amsterdam and want to visit the surrounding villages, I recommend you do so by bike. These include Edam (the birthplace of Edam cheese), Volendam and Marken.

Together, these three villages are known as Waterland, with beautiful canals and picturesque narrow Dutch houses.

On the way to Amsterdam, you'll pass through some incredible deep Dutch countryside. You'll need a full day to complete this itinerary, because you'll want to stop and explore every spot.

However, make sure you can keep up with the pace so you don't get stuck away from your theme.

If you're too tired, know that you can always take the ferry back to Amsterdam.

Take advantage of the cycle paths in and around Amsterdam to discover some exceptional places. In the city, in the forest or in the countryside, The Netherlands is the perfect place to enjoy some great cycling.

If you wish to identify the Delft earthenwareThere are a few things you need to know about it.

All are unbranded.

Even when this is the case, not all these brands are genuine.

So it's useful to know a little about these objets d'art.

Delft earthenware: article summary

Delft earthenware is blue and white

A lot of earthenware from Delft have a white background with hand-painted blue motifs. One of the reasons for this is the history of this art object.

In the early 17ᵉ century, numerous Chinese porcelains ended up on the Dutch ceramics market.

At that time, Chinese porcelain was very popular in the Netherlands. Dutch potters found it difficult to compete with Chinese imports. So, rather than close their doors, Dutch potters began creating imitations of Chinese tableware.

Dutch imitations of Chinese porcelain were convincing and had a beauty all their own. It was this influence of Chinese tableware that led to numerous Delft earthenware pieces with their emblematic blue and white motifs.

The influence of Japanese porcelain

Chinese porcelain was not the only influential factor shaping the color schemes used by Delft potters.

In 1645, there was an interruption in the import of Chinese porcelain to the Netherlands. To replace the flow of porcelain from China, the Dutch ordered their porcelain from Japan.

Japanese porcelain, known as Imari porcelain, is decorated in colors including blue, red and gold. This makes up for the lack of porcelain in the country.

Less decorated porcelain

It should also be remembered that all Delft earthenware was not decorated at all. Many of the earthenware pieces produced by Delft's factories were used as everyday household items.

As such, they were left plain white rather than decorated with the emblematic blue colors of today's Delft earthenware.

An imitation turned city symbol

Early Dutch imitations of Chinese porcelain were strongly influenced by the Chinese style of decoration. As such, Delft earthenware was Chinese in its color schemes and also in the themes it represented.

However, as the Delft potters became more established and skilled in the production of these pieces, they began to include Dutch scenes in the drawings.

These included images of everything from windmills, Dutch landscapes, fishing boats, seascapes, flowers and hunting scenes.

As a result, the decoration of Delft earthenware became a mixture of colors and textures. Chinese styles with European characteristics.

The difficulty of defining Delft earthenware

If you want to identify Delft earthenware, it's useful to look for a mix of Eastern and Western themes.

That said, finding a mix of Dutch and Chinese or Japanese features is no guarantee that you're looking at Delft earthenware.

The Dutch were influenced by Eastern porcelain. But potters in China and Japan were influenced by Dutch tastes.

Because much of their porcelain was exported to the Netherlands, Chinese and Japanese potters produced pieces adapted to the Dutch market.

Stand out from the crowd by selling earthenware rather than porcelain

One of the main differences between Delft earthenware and Chinese and Japanese earthenware is that Delft earthenware is made from earthenware clay. In contrast, the Chinese and Japanese faience it imitated was made from porcelain.

Delft earthenware was sometimes called Delft porcelain, because it sought to copy the appearance of porcelain. Some of the factories that made Delft earthenware had the word "Porcelain" in their name.

And indeed, of the original factories, the one still in operation today is is called La Bouteille de Porcelaine (De Porceleyne Fles).

Nevertheless, Dutch Delft earthenware is made from baked clay. And while fired porcelain is very white and refined, the clay used by Delft potters in the 17ᵉ century was a yellowish-cream color.

If you're looking for real Delft earthenware and you're in Amsterdam, I recommend a detour to the city of the same name. There, you'll find the factories that still manufacture this earthenware. You'll be sure to enjoy an authentic, quality product.

Visit Nemo Science Museum is one of Amsterdam's most visited tourist destinations.

It offers you an incredible opportunity to discover the latest advances in the scientific community.

It's all presented in such a captivating and entertaining way that you won't want to leave.

Over 19,000 scientific exhibits are on display.

But let's go and discover this atypical place.

Musée Nemo: article summary

Nemo Museum: at a glance

This museum opened its doors in 1997 and has earned a reputation as one of Amsterdam's finest museums. On site, you'll be able to see a wide variety of scientific and technological exhibits that will help you to better understand the world around you. understand the many facets of science.

It's the perfect place to spend a family afternoon in Amsterdam. You'll be able to interact with your children and introduce them to the wonderful world of science.

All aspects of science represented in this museum

You should also know that this museum contains a variety of main rooms dedicated to the presentation of the various exhibitions available and you can find rooms specializing in atoms, the human body and space.

One of the best sections to start your visit to the Nemo Science Museum is the physics section, which is filled with a collection of interesting exhibits belonging to this particular branch of science.

It is essential to the analysis of the true nature of the universe and has been at the root of so many discoveries and inventions that have contributed to improve various aspects of our daily lives.

Explore the different rooms of the Nemo Museum

Then there's the museum's Earth Room, which takes you on an incredible journey to get in touch with the planet we inhabit.

The next room is dedicated to the human species, offering you a unique opportunity to a better understanding of the human bodyYou'll receive a wealth of information about our constitution.

In addition to this, you'll also find various exhibits illustrating the different functions of each vital organ.

Discover the infinitely small and the infinitely large

Then we suggest you move on to the biology section, where you can find out more about this interesting field of science specializing in the study of living organisms and their origins, the growth and evolution of species.

You can also visit the Space Hall, where you can learn more about the big questions of the vast universe, and discover the different planets and the solar system.

You can also find telescopes, space suits and satellite models.

Finally, get ready for the next section of the museum, which illustrates some of the major achievements of science throughout history in a fun and educational presentation.

In addition, you can also find a variety of robots as well as remarkable inventions.

One-off events at the Nemo Museum

In addition to all the different exhibits available at the museum, you'll also have the chance to find a wide variety of unique exhibits such as the discovery of a 4.6-billion-year-old meteorite or an exhibition dedicated to the Edison light bulb of 1883.

A family discovery

This museum is considered one of Amsterdam's top tourist destinations for children. It offers a variety of entertaining activities worth trying.

What makes this museum unique is that there's always something new to do, as the museum organizes numerous permanent and temporary exhibitions, and on top of that, you can also attend several events that are scheduled from time to time.

Take a moment to eat at the Nemo Museum

On site, you don't have to worry about a thing. Travelers benefit from a range of services and facilities designed to make your visit as easy as possible:

• Public toilets
• An audioguide
• A souvenir store
• A library
• Guided tours
• A restaurant
• A parking lot
• A cup of coffee.

How much does it cost to enter the Nemo Museum?

To enter the Nemo Museum, you'll need :

• 18 € per adult

What are the opening hours?

You can visit us on site:

• Every day 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The Nemo Museum is an exceptional place to explore with the whole family. You'll discover many attractions on site and learn more about science. What's more have a fun and educational vacation.