Amsterdam Archives - Heavenly Holland

Damrak: one of Europe’s busiest streets

Heavenly Holland — Mon, 16 Jul 2018 09:55:44 +0000

Did you know that Damrak is one of Europe’s busiest streets? Damrak runs from Amsterdam central station to Dam Square.

The post Damrak: one of Europe’s busiest streets appeared first on Heavenly Holland.

Archaeological gold mine in the heart of Amsterdam

Heavenly Holland — Thu, 14 Jun 2018 21:58:02 +0000

Did you know that the construction of the North/South metro line (‘Noord-Zuidlijn’ in Dutch) in Amsterdam not only came with a lot of headaches, annoyances and delays but also turned out to be an archaeological gold mine?

The development of the new underground metro line is one of the largest construction projects in Amsterdam ever. Drilling tunnels under the oldest parts of the city was met with a lot of resistance from locals citizens as it caused headaches and sagged buildings.

A wealth of excavated objects of all periods

No less than 700,000 objects were found during the construction of the infamous North/South Line. Since the start of the construction archaeologists dug up all kinds of stuff from the ground; from pot shards to hash pipes and from Nokia 3310’s to coins.

Many historical objects emerged from the construction pits on Damrak and Rokin, where the old riverbed of the Amstel is still deep below street level. In the old days discarded items were thrown in the river and much of it has been well preserved.

All finds have been cleaned, photographed, described and catalogued. A selection of the objects is included in the book ‘Spul’ (translation: ‘Stuff’). On the website www.belowthesurface.amsterdam you can see thousands of objects, arranged in chronological order.

Rokin Station displays

At Rokin Station there are two enormous displays containing 10,000 objects excavated from the bottom of the Amsterdam‘s city center. It showcases everyday items such as lost wallets, phones and specs but also prehistoric spearheads, bones and hamer axes. The displays are located between the escalators at Rokin Station and can be freely visited. Just enter the metro station and go up and down the escalators.

Opening of the North/South Line

Due to a series of setbacks, the North/South Line is completed 7 years later than planned. It also turned out to be considerably more expensive: €3.1 billion in stead of €1.7 billion. The North/South Line will finally open on 22 July 2018.

Tip: Free rides on Saturday 21 July

To celebrate the official opening on 22 July, everybody can ride the North/South Line for free on Saturday 21 July 2018 from 14.00 to 21.00. That afternoon and evening all sorts of festivities take place along the route such as live music performances.

North/South Line

The North/South Line is an important transport artery from the suburbs in Amsterdam North, via the city center to Amsterdam Zuid Station.

The North/South Line will run every 4 minutes during peak hours, with 5-minute intervals during the day and 10-minute intervals in the evening. The eight stations along the route are Station Noord, Noorderpark, Amsterdam Central Station, Rokin, Vijzelgracht, De Pijp, Europaplein and Amsterdam Zuid.

The total length of the route is almost 10km , of which approximately 7km will be underground. The journey time for the entire route is expected to be 16 minutes.

Time-lapse North/South Line June 2012

The North/South Line in short

• Operator: GVB Amsterdam
• Number of stations: 8
• Total distance: 10km
• Average speed: 35km/h
• Maximum speed: 70km/h
• Possible extension to Schiphol Airport in the future

Fun fact

Because the underground route is too narrow for two parallel tunnels, the two running lines are built above and below each other. The metro tunnels run in a vertical alignment between 20 and 35 meters below Amsterdam’s streets, canals and bridges.

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Meet the stars at Madame Tussauds in Amsterdam

Heavenly Holland — Wed, 25 Apr 2018 09:25:09 +0000

Madame Tussauds is one of Amsterdam’s major tourist attraction and offers a fully interactive experience. It is nothing like a conventional museum where you are not allowed to touch the exhibits. As a visitor of Madame Tussauds you are highly encouraged to touch the life-size wax figures and take selfies with them.

In addition to Dutch icons like Rembrandt, Vincent van Gogh and Anne Frank, you can also rub shoulders with international celebrities, sports heroes and world leaders. Admire them from up close and be amazed at how big or how small they actually are.

Some of the Dutch and international A-list personalities that are featured include George Clooney, Charlie Chaplin, Adele, Bob Marley, Rafael van der Vaart, Ed Sheeran, Herman Brood, YouTube star Enzo Knol, ET, Lady Gaga, Angela Merkel and Obama.

Besides Kings Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson you can also hang out with the Dutch King, Willem-Alexander, and his wife Queen Máxima and his mom Princess Beatrix. The latest addition to Madame Tussauds is Dutch speed skater Sven Kramer, displayed in his unique skating position.

Een bericht gedeeld door Madame Tussauds Amsterdam (@madametussaudsamsterdam) op 3 Apr 2018 om 7:47 (PDT)

Spin records with world famous Dutch DJs

Play music with Armin van Buuren, Tiësto, Afrojack and Hardwell in front of a wild crowd in the DJ room. Walk the catwalk with Dutch top model Doutzen Kroes. Create beautiful artwork with famous artists and photograph yourself in the Mona Lisa. Try your hand at becoming a pop star and sing a song with Adele. Play a game of football with Messi.

Een bericht gedeeld door Madame Tussauds Amsterdam (@madametussaudsamsterdam) op 8 Jan 2018 om 4:15 (PST)

Bonus: Amazing view of Amsterdam

In between striking poses with celebrities and sports stars, don’t forget to look out of the large round window for a stunning view of Dam Square, the Royal Palace and surroundings. You can see all the way along Damrak, one of Europe’s busiest streets. Damrak runs from Amsterdam central station to Dam Square.

Een bericht gedeeld door Madame Tussauds Amsterdam (@madametussaudsamsterdam) op 28 Apr 2017 om 7:30 (PDT)

Extra discount for Heavenly Holland fans

Buy your tickets at the door, mention that you are a Heavenly Holland fan and get €10 off your ticket price. This offer is valid from Saturday 28 April to Sunday 13 May 2018. Only valid for tickets bought at the Madame Tussauds Amsterdam ticket office.

The history of Madame Tussauds in Amsterdam

Madame Tussauds has been displaying wax figures for over 200 years. Josephine Tussaud (1900-1985), great-great-granddaughter of founder Marie Tussaud, initiated the Amsterdam branche of Madame Tussauds in Amsterdam. This was the first location to open outside the United Kingdom. At the time of opening in 1971 it was located on the Kalverstraat shopping street.

In 1991 the venue moved to its current location, the upper floors of the monumental Peek & Cloppenburg building overlooking Dam Square. Since its modernization in 2012 the wax museum includes interactive experiences for all ages.

Een bericht gedeeld door Madame Tussauds Amsterdam (@madametussaudsamsterdam) op 13 Mrt 2018 om 5:12 (PDT)

Fun facts

• Did you know that Madame Tussauds is not like a convential museum? You are highly encouraged to touch the wax figures!
• Did you know that the Amsterdam branche was the second Madame Tussauds attraction in the world to open?
• Did you know that all wax figures are made at the Tussauds Studios in London? They are brought to Amsterdam by car and by ferry.
• Did you know that it takes an average of three months and 20 studio artists to create a wax figure?
• Did you know that of each celebrity a plaster model of their teeth is made, often done by the celebrity’s own dentist?
• Did you know that real hair is literally inserted into the wax figure’s head hair by hair?
• Did you know that all wax figures have their hair washed with shampoo and their clothes taken to the dry cleaners regularly?

Location

Madame Tussauds in located in the heart of Amsterdam, right on the famous Dam Square. It is just a 800-meter walk from Amsterdam Central Station. When you exit the station, walk straight ahead along the bustling Damrak. When you arrive at the Dam Square, Madame Tussauds is right in front of you.

Madame Tussauds
Dam 20
1012 NP Amsterdam
www.madametussauds.com/amsterdam

Save money and avoid the queue

Queuing during the peak season may take up to 20 minutes. You can avoid the wait and save money by purchasing your tickets online. If you book online at least one day in advance you save up to 20% on your ticket price. These tickets allow you to enter via the VIP Fast Track. Click here to book your tickets on the Madame Tussauds website.

Opening hours Madame Tussauds

Madame Tussauds in Amsterdam is open all year round from 10.00 to 20.00. Different opening times apply during public holidays. During the spring, summer, autumn and winter holidays Madame Tussauds is open from 09.30 to 21.30.

Standard opening times: daily from 10.00 to 20.00 (7 days a week)

Opening times exceptions in 2018

Spring
Fri. 27 April (King’s Day): 10.00-16.30 (last admission at 15.00)
Fri. 4 May (Remembrance Day): last admission at 16.30
Sat. 28 April – Sun. 6 May: 09.30-21.30 (last admission at 20.00)

Summer
Sat. 7 July – Sun. 2 September: 09.30-21.30 (last admission at 20.00)

Autumn
Sat. 13 October – Sun. 28 October: 09.30-21.30 (last admission at 20.00)

Winter
Sat. 22 December 2018 – Sun. 6 January 2019: 09.30-21.30 (last admission at 20.00)
Mon. 24 December: 09.30-19.30 (last admission at 18.00)
Tue. 25 and Wed. 26 December: 09.30-20.00
Mon. 31 December: 09.30-18.00 (last admission at 16.30)

Een bericht gedeeld door matteo (@matteo71montano) op 10 Apr 2018 om 5:28 (PDT)

Een bericht gedeeld door Madame Tussauds Amsterdam (@madametussaudsamsterdam) op 11 Apr 2018 om 4:53 (PDT)

Een bericht gedeeld door Madame Tussauds Amsterdam (@madametussaudsamsterdam) op 31 Jan 2017 om 12:58 (PST)

The post Meet the stars at Madame Tussauds in Amsterdam appeared first on Heavenly Holland.

Open Tower Day in Amsterdam

Heavenly Holland — Mon, 19 Mar 2018 13:21:51 +0000

Did you know that on Saturday 24 March twenty historical and present-day towers in Amsterdam open their doors? Many of these towers are normally closed to the public.

• Saturday 24 March 2018 from 10.00 to 16.00
• Don’t forget to bring your camera and binoculars
• Be prepared to climb a lot of stairs in some historical towers
• Open Tower Day = ‘Open Toren Dag’ in Dutch

Most participating towers can be visited free of charge but there are a few exceptions:
• Limited access to the Oudekerkstoren and Westertoren. On Open Tower Day from 9.55am you can pick up a free ticket for a guided tour. Both towers have a maximum of 72 visitors (first come first serve).
• Register in advance to visit the Posthoornkerk with a guide (fee €5).
• The A’DAM Lookout tower charges an admission fee but get €5 off the regular admission fee with this voucher.

Open Tower Day Amsterdam 2018

Historical towers in the city center
• Beurs van Berlage: Climb the 156 to the bell tower
• Bijenkorf: The Room On The Roof is a working space for artists (fully booked)
• Oudekerkstoren: Join one of the guided tours and listen to the sounds of the Hemony clock
• Posthoornkerk: Visit the church, tower and vaults with a guide
• Westertoren: Join a guided tour of the historical tower

Present-day towers in the city center
• Kalverpassage/Blue Amsterdam: Amazing views of Amsterdam’s highlights like the Royal Palace, Central Station and Rijksmuseum
• Silver Tower: Located right next to Amsterdam Central Station, with an awesome view on of the world’s largest bicycle parkings

Historical towers outside the city center
• Ransdorpertoren: Rembrandt sketched this 16th century tower several times

Present-day towers outside the city center
• QO: On the rooftop of this brand new building (2018) you find fish, herbs and plants in a high-tech greenhouse
• Ramada Apollo Amsterdam Centre: Enjoy a drink and snacks from the 17th floor (12.00-16.00)
• REM Island: This former platform is now located in the IJ waters
• A’DAM Lookout: Swing at almost 100 meters above the ground (admission fee applies)
• Nautique Living: Visit Europe’s highest sports field on top of this student housing complex
• ABN Amro headquarters and Circl: Visit one of Amsterdam’s tallest buildings (ABN Amro 24 floors, 10.00-15.00). The tours at Circl are fully booked.
• Crowne Plaza Amsterdam South: See the city from the 11th floor
• RAI/Elicium Centre:Iimpressive views from a height of 46 meters
• Symphony Tower/FInancial Offices: Observe the city from the interior balconies on the 26th and 27th floors
• The Edge: Office building with great views from the 14th floor
• Courtyard Amsterdam Arena Atlas: Great views from the 12th floor
• Fletcher Hotel: 360° view of Amsterdam and surroundings from the 18th floor

Blue sky #amsterdam #haarlemmerstraat #posthornkerk #sky #church #beautifulday

Een bericht gedeeld door K A D A M (@bruggemankaren) op 22 Feb 2018 om 2:19 (PST)

The tower at night Een bericht gedeeld door FletcherhotelAmsterdam (@fletcherhotelamsterdam) op 27 Mrt 2017 om 4:41 (PDT)

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Kissing Couple XXXL: Feel the love in Amsterdam

Heavenly Holland — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 17:41:20 +0000

You most likely know the Delftware kissing couple as a little cute souvenir. When you arrive at Schiphol Airport and exit through the doors in the Arrivals Hall, you will also see the iconic kissing couple. They kiss each other each time the doors close. Now you can see a larger-than-life version of the Kissing Couple in Amsterdam.

Dutch icons

For all other Dutch icons there is a place to see or visit: tulips at Keukenhof, windmills at Kinderdijk and Zaanse Schans, cheese at Gouda and bicycles are ofcourse everywhere. But there wasn’t a place to see the kissing couple yet. The massive statue at Amsterdam Westport was installed on 30 November 2017 and officially unveiled twee weeks later.

Eventhough to this day it remains unclear who once designed the image of the kissing couple, it has practically become a symbol for the Netherlands.

Designing and construction took two years. Inside both the almost 10 meter high boy and girl are steel frames, covered with expanded polystyrene (EPS). The outside is coated with a layer of epoxy. It is also protected with anti-graffiti and fire retardant coatings.

The Kissing Couple XXXL in numbers

male: 8.6m high x 2.55m wide
female: 8.1m high x 2.55m wide
only 20cm of space between their lips
weighing 6,700kg in total

7.7km distance from Amsterdam CS
2.8km distance from Zaandam

open 24/7
€0.00 admission fee

Location of the Kissing Couple

Hempontplein, Amsterdam Westpoort

The gigantic sculpture is located next to the dock of the Hempont ferry, on the Amsterdam side of the North Sea Canal.

The kissing pair is located along the bicycle route between Amsterdam and Zaandam. The idea is that the statue puts this bicycle route on the map and encourages people to cycle more often.

This is also the spot where cyclists wait for the ferry between Amsterdam Westport and Zaanstad, and where boats and cruise ships pass by. At the same spot you can make free use of picnic tables and charging stations for electric bikes.

Hempont ferry

The Hempont (‘pont’ is Dutch for ferry) is one of the three ferries crossing the North Sea Canal. All three ferries are operated by GVB 24 hours a day.

The Hem ferry sails between Amsterdam Westport (Nieuwe Hemweg) and Zaandam (Hemkade). This connection was established in 1876, the same year the North Sea Canal was completed. Until 1932 this used to be a hand-operated cable ferry; pulled by hand along a long steel cable.

Operating hours Ferry 909 and Ferry 913
Every 20 minutes, 24 hours a day
Sailing time: ±7 minutes

Free for pedestrians and cyclists
Cars, motorbikes, buses and trucks are charged for a crossing

Een bericht gedeeld door ingridkoopman (@ingridkoopman) op 12 Feb 2018 om 8:29 (PST)

Construction of the Kissing Couple XXXL

The post Kissing Couple XXXL: Feel the love in Amsterdam appeared first on Heavenly Holland.

Funfairs in Amsterdam 2018

Heavenly Holland — Sun, 18 Feb 2018 20:10:29 +0000

As of 2018 the biyearly funfair on Amsterdam’s Dam Square no longer exists. The city council has decided to no longer grant permits for this location in order to limit the crowds in the city center of Amsterdam.

When the city council abolished the funfair in 1876, days of riots broke out in the city. The army had to come in calm down the riots.

Save money at the funfair

On so called Euro Days (‘Eurodag’ in Dutch) almost all rides cost only €1 per person. Some larger rides are excluded but they usually offer reduced rate on Eurodag.

The Kermis is lighting up Westerpark. Too bad it’s ending in a chilly weekend

Een bericht gedeeld door Cori Bonnell (@farflungistan) op 17 Mrt 2018 om 5:51 (PDT)

Funfairs in Amsterdam

Amsterdam Noord
location: Buikslotermeerplein
dates: Friday 23 February – Sunday 4 March 2018
daily from 14.00
Euro Days on Wednesday and both Fridays

Amsterdam West
location: Westerpark
dates: Friday 9 March – Sunday 18 March 2018
daily 14.00-23.00
Euro Days on Wednesday and both Fridays

Amsterdam Nieuw-West
location: Ecuplein
dates: Wednesday 14 March – Sunday 18 March 2018
daily 13.00-22.00 Euro Day on Friday

Amsterdam Nieuw-West
location: Stadspark Osdorp (City Park)
dates: Friday 23 March – Monday 2 April 2018
daily 14.00-23.00
Euro Days on Wednesday and both Fridays

Amsterdam Zuid-Oost
location: Annie Romeinplein
dates: Sunday 25 March – Friday 30 March 2018
daily 14.00-22.00 Euro Day on Friday

Amsterdam Olympic Stadium
location: Stadionplein
dates: Wednesday 4 April – Sunday 8 April 2018
daily 13.00-22.00

Amsterdam Zuid-Oost
location: Bijlmerplein
dates: Tuesday 10 April – Sunday 15 April 2018

Amsterdam Noord
location: NDSM-Werf
dates: Friday 25 May – Sunday 3 June 2018

Information about funfairs during the autumn of 2018 will follow

Funfair Dutch glossary

kermis = funfair
draaimolen = merry-go-round
botsauto’s = bumper cars
reuzenrad = ferriswheel
spiegeldoolhof = house of mirrors
spookhuis = haunted house
achtbaan = roller coaster
suikerspin = cotton candy
ritje = ride
vuurwerk = fireworks

#westerpark #spring #bluesky #happykid #amsterdam Een bericht gedeeld door Francis (@amsterdamfrancis) op 14 Mrt 2018 om 1:59 (PDT)

#kermisAmsterdam #foto #albumcover

Een bericht gedeeld door Sven (@asvenger) op 2 Nov 2017 om 1:47 (PDT)

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Houseboat Museum: small but quirky museum in Amsterdam

Heavenly Holland — Fri, 09 Feb 2018 19:43:17 +0000

Did you know there are 2,500 houseboats in Amsterdam but only one is a museum where you can get a peek of life onboard?

The initiator of the museum, Vincent van Loon, has been living on another houseboat for many years. He noticed that passers-by were curious about the interior and he was asked all sorts of questions. This public fascination inspired him to open up a houseboat to the public. The Houseboat Museum opened in 1997 and allows visitors to see for themselves what it is like to live on a houseboat in Amsterdam.

photo: leuketip.nl

From a sign of poverty to a status symbol

Back in the days when the canals of Amsterdam were used for the transport of merchandise, it was a sign of poverty to live on a houseboat. When the canals lost their transport function old warehouses were converted into residential appartments. The barges that supplied these warehouses were redundant. Many of them have been converted into houseboats. When there was a shortage of housing after World War II, houseboats became an inherent part of Amsterdam’s cityscape. Today houseboats offer the same comfort as appartments but often with a more beautiful view, making houseboats very popular. Since the municipality has limited the number of moorings, it has become very expensive to live on a houseboat.

80m² of living space in the cargo hold

The Houseboat Museum is located on one of those barges, the Hendrika Maria. This boat was manufactured in 1914 for transporting timber, gravel and sand. The skipper and his family used to live in the stern. They were sleeping in tiny cupboard beds.

When the boat was no longer needed for transportation, the cargo hold was converted into a living space. The dimensions are 23 x 4.5m. The living space of 80m² is equal to an average appartment in Amsterdam. It served as a houseboat from 1967 to 1997, when it was transformed into the first and only houseboat museum in Amsterdam.

#великитамитут

Een bericht gedeeld door Kristina Zubareva (@nekristinka) op 9 Nov 2017 om 11:13 (PST)

Small but quirky museum

The small museum provides a good impression of this particular boat and houseboats in general. The quaint interior dates back to the 1950s and shows life aboard in the olden days. A self-guided tour takes you through the boat, with descriptions about each room available in many languages. It doesn’t take very long to stroll through the rooms. A visit takes no more than 20 to 30 minutes, unless you order a coffee or tea in the living room or relax on the deck and watch canal boats go by. Tip You receive €1 off the admission fee when you present the ‘internet offer’ on their website, either on your phone or a printout. Check their website for up-to-date information on opening hours and admission fees. Location Prinsengracht 296K 1016 HW Amsterdam www.houseboatmuseum.nl The boat is moored just a few blocks from the Anne Frank House and Leidseplein.

Location of the Houseboat Museum in Amsterdam

Houseboat or…. house-ark?

Not all floating homes in Amsterdam’s canals are houseboats. Houseboats may be confused with house-arks, which are like floating bungalows built on hollow concrete pontoons. Both locals and the municipality of Amsterdam would like to see the relatively new house-arks move out of the capital’s city center to canals with lesser historical importance.

Beautiful day today to visit the #houseboatmuseum on the lovely #prinsengracht ! #the_weavery #theweavery #summerinthecity #comeandstay #slowdown #somuchtolove #sunshine #citylife Een bericht gedeeld door The Weavery Boutique B&B (@the_weavery) op 4 Sep 2017 om 7:22 (PDT)

Chi non vorrebbe un angolino così per #leggere? #Amsterdam #HouseBoatMuseum #HouseBoat #Olanda #Holland #PaesiBassi #Nederland #Europa #Europe #giramondo #Viaggio #Travel #instaamsterdam #igersamsterdam #instaeurope #instaholland #instanederland #instatravel #book #read #libro #nave #boat #CasaGalleggiante #instabook #instaread #libreria #library #instalibrary

Een bericht gedeeld door Autumn Saper (@autumnsaper) op 3 Feb 2017 om 3:30 (PST)

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Chocolate festival in the heart of Amsterdam

Heavenly Holland — Sun, 04 Feb 2018 15:21:47 +0000

Did you know that the taste of chocolate varies depends on where the cocoa comes from, just like cheese and wine? You can learn about this and more at 6th Chocoa Festival in Amsterdam.

Learn about the process from bean to bar, meet renowned chocolate makers and taste fine chocolates by chocolatiers from all around the world. There is a special focus on sustainability.

Around 8,500 visitors are expected in the weekend for two full days of tasting, presentations and 75 booths of the most sustainable quality chocolate makers.

photo: Facebook/Chocoa

Sustainability of the cocoa chain

The chocolate festival in Amsterdam is part of Chocoa [pronunciation: cho-ko-wa]. Chocoa brings together chocolate lovers, traders and buyers, cocoa farmers, connoisseurs and chefs. The first three days (Wedneday to Friday) are focussed on professionals. From 21 to 23 February there are industry events such as a trade fair, master classes, conference and Chocolate Makers’ Forum and a chocolate network dinner at the Amsterdam Hilton.

There are still many challenges in the chocolate industry that need to be resolved. Chocolate is a product of pleasure but many cocoa farmers still live in poverty. Luckily, both the supply and demand demand for sustainable chocolate are increasing.

Chocoa wants consumers to understand that paying a fair price for good sustainable chocolate means a better wage for cocoa farmes and consequently a better cocoa production. By making the right chocolate choice, you can make the world a little bit better.

photo: Facebook/Chocoa

Cocoa in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the world’s biggest cocoa distribution center in the world. On top of that Amsterdam is a cradle for sustainable initiatives such as UTZ Certified and the Max Havelaar foundation (Fairtrade Netherlands).

The Cacaomuseum in Amsterdam hosts a small permanent exposition on the world of cocoa and chocolate. They also organize chocolate workshops, tastings and interactive lectures. The shop offers all kinds of high quality chocolate bars from across the world, as well as more unusual items such as cocoa sausages, chocolate cheese and cocoa vinaigrette. Henkjan Laats, the founder of the Cacaomuseum is a professional chef and specializes in cocoa and chocolate recipes, e.g. asparagus with chocolate dressing and lamb with lavender and white chocolate sauce. The entrance to the museum is free of charge. Location: Czaar Peterstraat 175, 1018 PK Amsterdam

Chocoa Festival 2018

Dates and times
Saturday 24 February 10.00-18.00
Sunday 25 February 10.00-18.00

Admission prices
Adults: online €17.00 / door price €19.00
Children (aged 6-17 years): online €10.00 / door price €11.00
Children under 4 years: free
Family ticket (two adults and two children): online €52.00 / door price €58.00
Group (four adults): online €66.00 / door price €70.00
Click here to buy tickets online

Location
Beurs van Berlage
Damrak 243
1012 ZJ Amsterdam

Only 2 months until #chocoa2018! Working hard to get everything ready and chocolate-perfect for you! Which chocolatebrand did you enjoy most last year at #chocoafestival? #chocolade #chocoladestad #beantobar #festival #festival #zoetigheid #snoepen #chocolate #amsterdamfood #amsterdamevent #iamsterdam #proeven #chocolatetasting #chocoa #chocolover #chocolatelover #bonbons #chocolatebar #chocoladereep #fairtradechocolate

Een bericht gedeeld door Chocoa (@chocoa.nl) op 12 Dec 2017 om 7:58 (PST)

Een bericht gedeeld door Chocoa (@chocoa.nl) op 22 Dec 2017 om 4:17 (PST)

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National Tulip Day: pick tulips for free in Amsterdam

Heavenly Holland — Sat, 06 Jan 2018 10:17:00 +0000

Did you know that you can pick a beautiful bouquet of tulips for free at Amsterdam’s Dam Square on National Tulip Day Saturday 20 January?

Every year on the third Saturday of January thousands of people come to pick a colorful bouquet of tulips for free at Dam Square in the heart of Amsterdam. The event has been held since 2012.

Celebrate the start of the tulip season in the Netherlands

No less than two billion tulips from the Netherlands are expected find their way to homes all around the world this spring.

To celebrate the launch of the tulip season everybody is invited to come and pick tulips in a specially constructed garden with about 200,000 colorful tulips.

Don’t be late!

Make sure you get to Dam Square early. Picking start at 13.00 and it is expected that all 200,000 tulips are gone by 16.30. Please note that there may be a queue of up to one hour before you can enter the garden.

Did you know that you can pick a beautiful bouquet of tulips for free at Amsterdam’s Dam Square on Saturday 20 January 2018?” width=”657″ height=”800″ /> photo: ANP[/caption]

National Tulip Day’s romantic theme

This year’s theme for National Tulip Day is ‘romance’. In addition to the amazing tulip garden there are a couple of romantic surprises on Dam Square as well.

All colors of the rainbow

Red tulips are a classic but you will also find other color tulips at Dam Square on National Tulip Day; from bright pink to dark purple and many more.

Except for blue, as pure blue tulips only exist by paint or Photoshop. Several tulips have ‘blue’ in their name but they are actually more purple than blue.

Location National Tulip Day

Alternative for National Tulip Day in Amsterdam

Can’t make it to Amsterdam on Saturday 20 January? Then you can still pick tulips yourself at one of the Intratuin garden centers for €1.99 for 10 tulips. To make sure the tulips stay fresh longer, you can take them with bulb and all.

Use the store locator to find the nearest Intratuin. There are 52 branches all over the Netherlands. Intratuin also organizes tulip workshops for kids and adults on National Tulip Day 20 January.

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OV chip card at Amsterdam Central Station

Heavenly Holland — Sun, 03 Dec 2017 16:45:19 +0000

Did you know that as of 4 December 2017 you need an OV chip card or ticket with QR code to open the gates at Amsterdam Central Station?

For passengers with a printed or mobile ticket there are special gates with a barcode reader.

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