How to celebrate Amsterdam 750

This year, Amsterdam is marking its 750th birthday with a vibrant lineup of events taking place across the city. The festivities will culminate in a grand finale on 27 October – but until then, there’s still plenty to see and do in the Dutch capital. Check out our guide on what not to miss for Amsterdam 750 if you’re planning a visit this summer or fall.

Sail: ships ahoy

Marvel at the stately ships that will converge on the IJ – the river that winds its way through Amsterdam – once every five years in honour of the city’s storied seafaring heritage. This maritime festival unfurls with an opening-day parade, during which towering-masted vessels with horizontal sails – evocative of olden-day pirate ships – glide majestically alongside a flotilla of smaller boats in a dazzling nautical ballet.

To elevate the experience, snap up tickets to one of four evening concerts from 20-23 August – featuring performances from grand orchestras to electronic acts.

20-24 August

Rembrandt and Vermeer in H’art Museum: the grand masters

For a limited time, the H’art Museum will host an extraordinary encounter with the Dutch Golden Age, as The Leiden Collection – a private trove of 17th century paintings –  lends over a dozen masterpieces by masters including Rembrandt and Vermeer. Rarely displayed together, these works offer an intimate window into life in 1600s Amsterdam, capturing vivid snapshots of its people, their rituals and their domestic lives through some of the world’s most revered paintings.

Until 24 August

24 Hours Amsterdam: district delights

For 24 hours in Amsterdam, select city districts will come alive with workshops, performances and immersive experiences that spotlight each area’s unique essence . This year’s remaining 24-hour events will take place in the vibrant neighbourhoods of Amsterdam-Noord and Amsterdam-Zuid, so expect an extended slumber party with lively singalongs and hands-on activities for the whole family.

24 Hours Noord: 6 September

24 Hours Zuid: 11 October

Amsterdam Eats: local delicacies

Delve into the city’s multi-cultural culinary history at the Allard Pierson Museum , where an evocative exhibition showcases Amsterdam’s food culture over the centuries. From old cookbooks and handwritten manuscripts to vintage menus and everyday artefacts, you’ll be whisked away on a gastronomic journey. Come and explore traditional Dutch food, such as pickled herring that originated in the Middle Ages, alongside the humble Indonesian dish of nasi goreng. The rest is all yours to savour and discover.

Until 7 September

Artzuid 2025: art for all

Wander under open skies and along the verdant streets of Apollolaan and Minervalaan for a free exhibition of 60 sculptures from 60 international and local artists. The works this year revolve around themes of freedom and tolerance, inviting reflection and dialogue in a serene setting. To make the most of your visit, download the event app for an audio tour in Dutch or English or book a private tour. On arrival, be sure to pick up a route map – as well as delicious snacks and refreshing drinks – from the Information Pavilion.

Until 21 September

Amsterdam in Motion: through the ages 

Lose yourself in a sweeping narrative of the city’s past, present and future as Amsterdam Museum has curated an exhibition in the heart of the Westergas cultural district. At its core sits a remarkable 200-square metre maquette of the city  – the world’s largest multimedia city model. Through a captivating blend of projection, sound and animation, visitors are invited on an immersive 15-minute tour – tracing the city’s origins from a fishing village in the 13th century to visionary glimpses of what lies ahead. Once the curtain falls, explore the exhibition space at your own pace and soak in the mix of history, design, and imagination.

Open in October

The Roof of Amsterdam: view from above

This year, restoration work to the spire on top of De Nieuwe Kerk (The New Church) offers a rare opportunity for the public to access the rooftop. For a limited time only, visitors can climb up the centuries-old staircase, which is normally off-limits as it was never completed. The staircase comprises 216 steps and connects to a temporary platform. At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with splendid views of red-and-grey rooftops, as well as several landmarks, including the Westerkerk and Central Station, rising above Amsterdam’s timeless skyline. This elevated experience is truly unique, so be sure to reserve your tickets .

Until 2 November 

National Celebration of 750 Years of Amsterdam 

We’ll update this section when more details are available. In the meantime, save the date.

27 October