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Amsterdam Blog

Halloween in Amsterdam

October is a great time to visit Amsterdam! It is less crowded than the summer months, the weather can still be decent and: there lots of festivities! After ADE (Amsterdam Dance Event) week, Amsterdam prepares for spooky season! While not as big as in other countries, it is getting more popular all around the Netherlands. Join in on the fun and experience Amsterdam during Halloween!

Do they celebrate Halloween in Amsterdam?

Halloween in Amsterdam may not have the same longstanding traditions as in other parts of the world, but it’s rapidly growing into a major celebration full of fun events, parties, and family-friendly activities. Every year, more and more people are dressing up, and businesses are getting in on the fun by hosting themed events and decorating their storefronts. Not sure where to get your thrill on? Here are some things to do in Amsterdam on Halloween!

Special Halloween Activities in Amsterdam

Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Halloween special

Ripley’s Believe It or Not at the Dam is always a quirky experience, but when the scary season rolls around, it takes on a whole new level of fun and fright! This year, on October 30th, Ripley’s is turning up the spooky factor with a special event suitable for visitors of all ages.

So, what can you do during Ripley’s Halloween special?

  • Join a scavenger hunt, and if you complete it, you’ll get a treat for handing in your answers!
  • Get creative by painting pumpkins in Ripley’s lounge, and you take your masterpiece home with you.
  • Do you have a favorite spooky character? Get your face painted at our face paint area, then snap some fun photos in Ripley’s with your new look!

This Halloween special at Ripley’s is set to be a memorable celebration of all things creepy and strange. Your normal entrance ticket to Ripley’s on the 30th of October let’s you enjoy all activities listed above! For more information, check out their website and plan your visit!

Ripley’s is also included in the Explore Pass.

Dark history comes to life

he Amsterdam Dungeon is always a terrifying experience, but during Halloween, it reaches a whole new level! Explore the city’s darkest history and face its most notorious horrors. With live actors bringing these chilling stories to life, you’ll be in for an unforgettable scare.

And if that’s the regular experience, imagine what Halloween has in store! Do you dare to enter?

Get access to the Amsterdam Dungeon with your Explore Pass. Click here for more information about the attraction.

Classic horror + classical music

Concertgebouw: Scary Classics at the Movies

Prepare to be captivated by spine-chilling melodies of your favourite Halloween classics!

The Concertgebouw Orchestra presents Scary Classics at the Movies. This unique event blends the haunting power of classical music with iconic horror soundtracks. From The Silence of the Lambs to Jaws and Psycho, this concert will immerse you into the thrilling world of the best Scary Classics!

At the prettiest theater of the Netherlands, enjoy haunting tunes while being dipped in candlelight! The Hydra Quartet will play your favourite Halloween themed tunes, from Thriller to Danse Macabre!

Whether you’re a fan of classical music or classic Halloween films, these experiences are sure to send shivers down your spine. With its unparalleled acoustics and majestic setting, you are in for the perfect night out with some hair-raising tunes. Get ready for an evening of music that will keep you on the edge of your seat!

Concertgebouw: Scary Classics at the movies – 9 oktober 20:15

Koninklijk Theater Tuschinski: Candlelight: Halloween Klassiekers – 24 Oktober 18:30

(image: Fever)

Halloween parties

The clubs of Amsterdam are celebrating the spooky holiday! Change into your scary costume and get the party started! We’ve collected the Halloween specials nights in thee Amsterdam party scene:

Thursday, October 24, 2024

  • Summer Breeze Latin Night – Halloween 2024 Edition at Westerunie

Friday October 25, 2024

  • FAVELA – Halloween Special at AIR
  • Baila Dembow XL – The Latin Halloween at IJLAND
  • Sense Kpop x Fine Asia – Halloween at iNN
  • HIGH TEA Amsterdam: Trick or Tea (Halloween Special) 2024 at Melkweg
  • Mayhem Halloween Special at Supper
  • Halloween Party Amsterdam 2024 at Westerunie + Westerliefde + Westergasterras

Saturday, October 26, 2024

  • Thrwbck X Robin Roxette & Friends – Halloween Special at AIR
  • Jiggy X Halloween X Bitterzoet at Bitterzoet
  • Dale Reggaeton x Venom | Halloween Special at Club Up
  • Just Another Gay Halloween Party at Levenslang Amsterda
  • PBN W/ Passion Deez b2b Franky Stick (All Night) | Halloween Edition at Pacific Amsterdam
  • We All Love Halloween at Panama
  • Wasteland Halloween Ball at Radion
  • Bodyline Halloween Edition at Sexyland World
  • #BBB Halloween at Supperclub Amsterdam – Haunted House at Supper
  • Amsterdam Halloween 2024 at Westerunie

Sunday, October 27, 2024

  • Omg – Every Sunday – (Halloween Special) at AIR
  • Viral Amsterdam With A Touch Of Halloween at Supper
  • Tuesday, October 29, 2024
  • ip Halloween at Chicago Social Club
  • LIV Halloween at Oliva
  • Asian Supper Presents… Halloween Asian Ghost Night at Supper

Wednesday, October 30, 2024

  • Raving Charlie – Halloween Rave at iNN

Thursday, October 31, 2024

  • Thursday, October 31, 2024
  • Haunted House – Halloween at AIR
  • Bitter Halloween at Bitterzoet
  • Super Social Halloween Special at Chicago Social Club
  • East Halloween Special at Club Up
  • Dam It’s Halloween – Dnb & Jungle at Kashmir Lounge Dj Cafe
  • House of Horrors – P.Y.T X Bambu at Oliva
  • Amsterdam Beatclub “Halloween Party” at Paradiso

Friday, November 1, 2024

  • F.I.L.O – (Halloween Special) at AIR – Terra Room
  • Vrijdag is NYX – Halloween at Club NYX
  • Overbruggen – Halloween at Levenslang Amsterdam
  • After Six presents: Halloween Seduction at Paradiso
  • Saturday, November 2, 2024
  • Halloween Fest – Amsterdam at Amaze
  • Versus Halloween at Lofi
  • Westival Halloween at Toekomstmuziek

In conclusion, get your spook on in Amsterdam all of October. Get easy access to the iconic museums and attractions in the city with your Explore Pass.

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Amsterdam Blog

The 10 best activities in Amsterdam

Semi open LOVERS boat cruising through Amsterdams canals

We can’t pick favourites, but here are our favourites! (at random order)

It is hard to be bored when you are visiting Amsterdam! The city is full of sights and attractions that you don’t want to miss. Even just walking around and feeling the vibe is a joyous activity! You want to pick the best attractions to make sure you are making the most out of your time in the city of canals. With your Explore Pass you have access to some of the best attractions in Amsterdam. Here are our top 10 that you should not miss:

1. Wine & Cheese Cruise
Unwind and indulge on the water

Wine and Cheese Cruise Amsterdam

If there is a sight that will surely take your breath away, it’s the romantic canals circling the city! And what better way to get a view of the city, then by taking a boat tour on those canals? Well, we can make it even better, by combining the views with delicious wine and cheese!

You don’t have to hold back on anything: snacks a plenty, drinks a many, and views uncanny!

2. Van Gogh & Rembrandt in Amsterdam (coming soon)
Step into a masterpiece

At the Jordaan, one of the most picturesque neighborhoods of Amsterdam (read more  about the different districts in this blog post), find the Noorderkerk. One of the oldest churches in the city! Moreover, this church was visited by two of the most famous painters from the Netherlands, Vincent van Gogh and Rembrandt van Rijn!

This makes it even more special that this church now holds a exposition of the two. Van Gogh & Rembrandt in Amsterdam is a breathtaking  show where you step into their artwork. Learn the story of how Vincent was inspired by Rembrand by listening to the letter that he send to his brother Theo.

3. Red Light Secrets
Uncover the hidden stories of ‘De Wallen’

Red Light Secrets Amsterdam

At the Jordaan, one of the most picturesque neighborhoods of Amsterdam (read more  about the different districts in this blog post), find the Noorderkerk. One of the oldest churches in the city! Moreover, this church was visited by two of the most famous painters from the Netherlands, Vincent van Gogh and Rembrandt van Rijn!

This makes it even more special that this church now holds a exposition of the two. Van Gogh & Rembrandt in Amsterdam is a breathtaking  show where you step into their artwork. Learn the story of how Vincent was inspired by Rembrand by listening to the letter that he send to his brother Theo.

4. Hop on Hop off Bus Tour
See the city your way

Hop on Hop off Amsterdam

Move around the city with ease, on the hop on hop off bus tour. The icon red buses circle the city centre, and you can jump in at any of the stops. See something cool? Hop off and explore. Done? Hop back on and continue your adventure!

Learn about the city with the provided GPS audio guide. Plug in the provided headphones and hear the history of the buildings and places you pass by.

It’s the best way to see the city, without wearing yourself out.

5. Amsterdam Icebar
Drinks inside a -10 degrees bar

The Amsterdam Icebar is one of those places where time doesn’t seem to exist. Enter the bar and you are inside a ship on a voyage to the Arctic. You follow the story of the Dutch explorers that got stuck on icebergs close to Nova Zembla. They survived a whole winter in the freezing cold. How long can you stand it?

You receive 3 drinks to help you stay warm. This fun thematic bar is a guaranty to an evening full of new fun memories.

6. New York Pizza Cruise
Grab a slice and enjoy the view

Okay, we will admit: we can’t get enough of the canal cruises! If dough and cheese is more your style than just cheese, opt for a pizza cruise. With stunning views and a fresh slice of New York style pizza in your hand you are in for a real Amsterdam treat! The cruise takes around 75 minutes and takes you through the most iconic canals.

7. BODY WORLDS
Journey through the human body

Body Worlds Amsterdam

Enter Body Worlds and leave with a deeper appreciation of our anatomy. Discover how our body works, from the nervous system to the skin and everything in between. Get a unique view of the human body from under the skin.

The bodies on display are real human bodies that have gone through a specific process, plastination, to preserve them and make it possible to showcase them to the visitors of the museum! It’s both educational and thought-provoking.

8. Rijksmuseum
Dive into Dutch art and history

No trip to Amsterdam is complete without a visit to the Rijksmuseum. This world-renowned museum houses an impressive collection of Dutch art and history, including masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Frans Hals. From the iconic “Night Watch” to stunning porcelain and intricate silverware, the Rijksmuseum offers something for everyone.

9. Artis Royal Zoo
Enter the animal kingdom

ARTIS Zoo Amsterdam

Get up close and personal with incredible animals at Artis Royal Zoo. This historic zoo boasts a diverse range of animals, from majestic elephants and playful otters to exotic birds and reptiles. Explore the beautiful botanical gardens, visit the Planetarium, or simply relax in the zoo’s peaceful surroundings.

10. Ripley’s Believe it Or Not!
Unleash your sense of wonder

Ripley's Believe It or Not Amsterdam

Prepare to be amazed by the bizarre and unbelievable at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! This interactive museum is filled with mind-boggling exhibits, strange artifacts, and unbelievable facts. From shrunken heads to life-size illusions, Ripley’s offers a fun and entertaining experience for all ages.

And there you have it!

Ten amazing attractions to explore with your Explore Pass. Remember, this is just a starting point – Amsterdam has countless other hidden gems waiting to be discovered. So, grab your pass, explore the city, and create unforgettable memories!

Amsterdam is a city that truly has something for everyone. Whether you’re an art lover, history buff, thrill-seeker, or simply looking to relax and enjoy the scenery, there’s an attraction to suit your taste. With an Explore Pass, you can experience the best of the city without breaking the bank.

So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your Amsterdam adventure today and get ready to create unforgettable memories!

Have you explored Amsterdam with an Explore Pass? Share your favorite experiences and photos with us on social media!

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Amsterdam Blog

24 hours in Amsterdam with the Explore Pass

Enjoy your day in Amsterdam to the fullest

Amsterdam is filled with amazing attractions, museums and other activities. When you are only in Amsterdam for 24 hours, you have to set priorities. You’ll want to see the absolute highlights and with Explore Pass you can do so at a great discount.

For 24 hours the Explore Pass with 50 Explorer Points can give you a great experience in Amsterdam. You can choose between 35 different attractions, museums and tours in the city to explore. Here is our recommended selection if you only have 24 hours in Amsterdam, which will use up all 50 of the Explorer Points.

An iconic canal cruise in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is famous for its canals and a cruise along these waterways is a must-do for any visitor to the city. Whether you choose the classic 1hr Canal Cruise or the Semi-Open Boat Cruise, is up to you. For warmer weather, such as in spring and summer we recommend the Semi-Open, while the classic Canal Cruise will give you a great experience on colder and wetter days.

Both cruises are operated by LOVERS Canal Cruises, who have been sailing through the Amsterdam canals since the 1950s. Both cruises take you along the iconic calls of Amsterdam, including the Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht. Though each cruise is unique to avoid congestion on the canals, you will see plenty of bridges, merchant houses and churches along the way.

The largest street art museum in the world

One of the newer museums in Amsterdam is the STRAAT Museum and it is quickly becoming a statement location for the city. The STRAAT Museum is the largest museum dedicated to street art and graffiti in the world. Set inside an old industrial shipyard, the art inside is as monumental, rough and radical as the building itself.

The art on display is constantly changing, with new pieces constantly added to the collection. The pieces on display were all created on location often during regular opening hours of the museum. The art inside the museum is as big as street art pieces are outside on the streets, only here you can learn more about the context within which the art was created.

Explore the city by bus

As you make your way through the city, you may want to give your feet a break between activities. A great to move between attractions and activities in Amsterdam is with the Hop-on Hop-off bus from City Sightseeing Amsterdam. With multiple stops around the city centre, you can make your way around Amsterdam.

You can hop-on and off as many times as you want over the course of 24 hours. You can start at Amsterdam Central Station and take the bus around the city centre to parks such as the Oosterpark and Vondelpark, or to neighbourhoods such as the Jordaan and the Pijp. With the free City Sightseeing Amsterdam app, you can see exactly when the next bus will arrive near you.

The Vondelpark is a favourite place for both locals and visitors of Amsterdam and the most famous park in the city. The streets of the Jordaan are lined with indie boutiques, cosy pubs and hip eateries. At the Pijp, you can try typical Dutch food and snack at the Albert Cuyp Market such as haring, stroopwafels and poffertjes.

The national museum of the Netherlands

For a true Dutch experience, a visit to the Rijksmuseum has to be on your must-do list. The national museum of the Netherlands is the largest art museum in the country and is home to a collection that tells the story of 800 years of Dutch art and history. The entire collection contains over one million pieces of which around 8000 are on display at the Rijksmuseum.

Amongst the pieces on display are world-famous works by Dutch masters including Rembrandt van Rijn, Vincent van Gogh, Frans Hals and Johannes Vermeer. Not-to-miss artworks on display are Rembrandt’s Night Watch and Vermeer’s Milkmaid. And the building itself is a work of art as well, with stained glass windows and mosaic floors.

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Amsterdam Blog

What is the Explore Pass Amsterdam?

Explore Amsterdam with ease: this is the Explore Pass Amsterdam
If you are planning a trip to the capital of the Netherlands, and want to experience the top attractions, highlights and maybe even some quirky gems, without any hassle the Explore Pass is the city card for you. This fully digital pass gives you access to your choice to the best museums and attractions in Amsterdam. Let’s get acquainted.

What is the Explore Pass?

The Explore Pass is a fully digital city card available with 50, 75 or 100 points. Use these points for discounted tickets to the attractions in Amsterdam of your choosing.

Explore at your pace

The pass is valid for a year from the moment you activate it. This means you do not have to rush your trip, you can spend your Explore Points whenever you want. Do not tire yourself out by cramming all your visits in a few days! Plan your trip conveniently and with enough time to experience the city and its true culture.

You can get the pass in advance of your trip, and book tickets before you even arrive. This way when you get to Amsterdam, you are sure that you are already have your ticket on the day you want to visit. No let downs because of fully booked venues!

Fully digital

The Explore Pass makes it easy to discover Amsterdam. When you get the pass, you can start planning. Because it is all digital, you will always have it with you. All the tickets to the attractions are in your Explore wallet. Easy to find, hard to loose.

What is included in the pass?

Hop on Hop off Amsterdam

There are more than 35 attractions, tours and museums in and around

Amsterdam available with the pass. Pick your favorites!

Enjoy some sightseeing around the city by hopping on and off the famous City Sightseeing bus, included in your pass for free. Every Explore Pass is equipped with a 24 hour ticket for the bus, without spending any of your explore points. To make it as easy and convenient as possible to experience the most of Amsterdam.

Use the sightseeing bus to hop from one attraction to another. Rest your feet and enjoy the tour. Get to see the highlights of Amsterdam and hop out when you want to visit a cool attraction!

How to make the most of your Explore Pass

Open your explore pass in the web-app. In this live booking hub, select the attractions that tickle your fancy. Find the top things that you want to do and get your tickets to reserve your spot.

Check out the example itineraries to see how much money you can save!

Costs

There are three types of passes available, the 50, 75 or 100 Point pass.
50 Explorer Points – €50,- euros per pass
75 Explorer Points – €75,- euros per pass
100 Explorer Points – €100,- euros per pass

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Amsterdam Blog

Budget-Friendly things to do in Amsterdam

© Twycer / www.twycer.nl

Are you looking for ways to enjoy Amsterdam without breaking the bank? We have gathered some tips for  and tricks to make your Amsterdam trip more affordable. Because even when you are on a budget, there is enough to do! From hanging out like the locals to finding good deals on museums, here are some free and budget friendly things to do in Amsterdam!

Is Amsterdam cheap or expensive to visit?

Well, is not the cheapest place. But you can make it as wild as you like. There are many ways to make it more affordable! Is it possible to have a cheap visit to Amsterdam? Yes it is. Here are the free and budget friendly things to do in Amsterdam.

Cheap and free Transportation

The first thing you can save money on while you are on your Amsterdam trip, is transport. The city is relatively small, so most highlights are walkable. Put on your good shoes and save money with every step you take instead of the public transport.

Known for being the most bike friendly places in the world, the preferred way of transport here is by hopping on a bicycle.Just bike your way back to the hotel. Rent a bike for 24 hours to explore the areas out of the city centre with ease.

Hot tip: if you are going out, bike to the club! This is how the Dutchies do it. No waiting on night buses or expensive Ubers.

Your Explore Pass comes with free 24 hour access to the Hop on Hop off buses that circle the city. The most convenient way to get acquainted with the city, but do not forget that this is a great option for transport between locations too!

Cruise the IJ-river for free

The only free public transport in Amsterdam are the ferries at the central station, you don’t need a ticket to board! Cross the IJ-river by hopping on one of the boats. The longest trip is about 15 minutes and takes you from Central Station to the super hip NDSM Wharf. Enjoy the views and the fresh breeze while you are off to explore a new part of the city.

Free Vondelpark open air theatre

Spend your weekends in June, July and August at the Vondelpark theatre! The open air theatre in the middle of Amsterdam’s favourite park offers free shows on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The nights have a standard routine: watch spectacular dance performances on Friday evenings. Laugh out loud on Saturday at the comedy shows. Dance and enjoy music on Saturday nights and Sundays.

You can always attend all these shows for free, and as often as you like! Enjoyed the show? Leave a little tip in the collection box, it doesn’t need to be much but it is nice to show your appreciation. If you want to be sure of a nice spot, you can reserve your place for €7,50 for the best views.

Explore the secret couryards of Amsterdam

Find the secret gardens in the centre of Amsterdam. ‘Hofjes’ were special living communities founded in the 17th century. Created for poor people, mostly women, to live and get the care they needed.

You can recognize a hofje when you see a set of small houses with a little courtyard. Take a stroll through the city and visit these historic and beautiful places, totally free!

Begin your journey at the Begijnhof, one of the oldest and most famous hofje (which is factually a hof, but a monastery). You will also find one of the oldest wooden house in Amsterdam here, which dates back to the 15th century.

Continue to Spui, to the Spuihofje. Walk to the Jordaan neighbourhood, where you will find most of the hofjes, like the Karthuizerhof and Rapenhofje. On the eastside of the Amstel river, you can find some more beautiful hofjes, like het Corvershofje, Van Brants Rushofje and the Occohofje.

Maybe you can find even more! There are 56 hofjes, 34 of which are still in use as a living hofje and 10 belong to churches.

Soaking in the Dutch culture

There is a Dutch verb for sitting on a terrace called ‘terrassen’. Order some drinks, maybe some Dutch snacks like bitterballen and enjoy hanging out outside. If you really want to feel the local culture, this is the way! When the sun is out, the Amsterdammers are outside. Therefore, it does get crowded and it might be hard to find a nice spot in the sun.

For cheaper people watching, grab a blanket and some snacks from the supermarket, and head to one of the parks!

You will also find people all along the canals hanging out with a drink in their hand, enjoying the views of boats passing by. There is no better way to soak in the Amsterdam culture, and it doesn’t cost you anything!

Discount on combination tickets Amsterdam

Some places are a must when you are doing a city trip, even when you are on a budget. When you are in Amsterdam you can not leave without visiting Rijksmuseum or van Gogh museum, as well as cruising the wonderful canals that make the city who she is.

These highlights are never on ‘sale’ or for free, but you cán find some nice combination ticket deals! If you know you want to do both activities, why not combine them and save some euros? Check out websites like Tours & Tickets, where they have a whole section of discounted combination tickets and see which combination is the right one for you!

Cheap sightseeing: Amsterdam city card

Of course, no city trip is complete without some museum visits or enjoying the unique attractions. And you can still do so even if you are trying to save money. For the budget traveler that wants to still enjoy Amsterdam and the best attractions in the city, a city card is the way to go.

The Explore Pass Amsterdam fits the budget of all savy tourists. Choose how much you want to spend, 50, 75 or 100 euros and pick the attractions that you do not want to miss on your Amsterdam city trip.

There is always a 24 hour ticket for the Citysightseeing Amsterdam hop on hop off bus included in your Explore Pass. One whole day of transport to some of the most important spots in the city. More euros saved!

In conclusion, try to keep a balance with some of the things you will spend more money on, and some of these free and budget friendly things to do in Amsterdam tips listed above. Have fun exploring!

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