Things to do in Your Free Time

From world-famous museums to an ice-skating extravaganza equaled by none, the Netherlands is one of the best-kept travel secrets and, now that you’re living here, it’s all right at your doorstep. Considering that the entire country is only 310 kilometers at its longest stretch, you should have no excuse for not exploring this rich cultural realm from top to bottom. This chapter will set you on your way with an up-to-date selection of events for 2007 and beyond, the top ten tourist attractions, an exclusive list of extra haunts favored by the Dutch themselves, plus a special section for antique lovers intent on pursuing the perennial trail of the Netherlands’ treasures and outdoor-lovers. Finally, for those of you desiring a more steady diet of activity, our club section will provide you with a wealth of friendly persuasions from which to choose. Veel plezier! (Enjoy!)

Cultural Life

There are almost 1,000 museums in the Netherlands, the most famous of which are the Rijksmuseum and the Vincent van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, the Kröller-Müller Museum in Otterloo and Boijmans van Beuningen and the Kunsthal in Rotterdam and the Mauritshuis Museum in The Hague. Another item of the Netherlands that tourists find themselves particularly in awe of is the ancient buildings, some several centuries old, that can be found, among others in the inner cities of Amsterdam, Leiden, The Hague and Delft.
Also the various theater groups of the Netherlands are well appreciated and are famous the world round – such as the Nederlands Dans Theater, Scapino Ballet and the National Ballet.
There are many music festivals in the Netherlands, particularly in the summer: the Holland Festival in Amsterdam, that combines all of the performing arts; the Baroque Festival in Utrecht, Parkpop and, of course, the North Sea Jazz Festival.
If you are into movies, and want to acquire a taste of Dutch culture, you might want to visit one of Holland’s film festivals, such as the Rotterdam Film Festival in February, the Dutch Film Festival in September, the World Wide Video Festival in April or the International Documentary Film Festival in December.

Cultural Youth Pass - CJP 
In order to encourage younger people – ages 12 through 27 – to take an interest in culture, the cultureel jongeren paspoort (CJP – Cultural Youth Pass) has been introduced. It costs € 15 and can be bought at the VVV, at theaters and through www.cjp.nl. The CJP offers you considerable reductions for many of the events listed above, as well as an overview of what is happening on the culture scene in the Netherlands on their website.

SELECTED CULTURAL EVENTS (Please note: most of these events have already taken place, but you can check their websites for next year's dates.)

No matter what language you speak, the following selected cultural events for 2010 - 2011 are sure to please.

NATIONAL MUSEUM WEEKEND
Dates: Apr. 10 – 11, 2010
This is a weekend in which many museums open their doors to the public. There will be more than 100 organized excursions. Furthermore, there will be free films, slide shows, extra tours, a look behind the scenes, demonstrations, workshops and treasure hunts for children. You can recognize the participating museums by the special red-white-and-blue flags of the Museum Weekend.
Location: across the country, various museums
For more information, tel.: 0900 404 09 10
Internet: www.museumweekend.nl

HAAGSE KONINGINNENACH
Dates: Apr. 29, 2010
The night before the biggest public holiday in the Netherlands is customarily celebrated in The Hague, the home of the Queen. The night before her birthday celebration, the city turns into one big, access-for-all music and dance festival with performances on dozens of indoor & outdoor stages all across town.
Location: The Hague City Center
For more information, tel.: 070 364 19 33
Internet: www.koninginnenach.nl

TONG TONG FAIR
Dates: May 19-30, 2010
For twelve days, the Eurasian cultures and their global contexts are put in the spotlight on a 20,000 m2 festival site in The Hague. It is a combination of music festival and large indoor market, highlighting 3 food halls, 5 stages, presentations, workshops and artists from Asia and Europe.
Location: The Hague, Malieveld
For more information, tel.: 0900 72 72 762
Internet: www.tongtongfair.nl

THE HAGUE JAZZ
Dates: June 11-12, 2010
An intimate, yet world-class jazz festival, with world-renowned artists, a unique atmosphere and a warm heart.
Location: World Forum Convention Center,
Curchillplein 10, The Hague
Internet: www.thehaguejazz.com

PINKPOP
Dates: May 28-30, 2010
This year is the 40th edition of what is touted as the world’s oldest pop music festival. It is a pleasant, if packed, international open-air affair with various pop artists performing their hits.
Location: Landgraaf Megaland
For more information, tel.: 046 475 67 17
Internet: www.pinkpop.nl

HOLLAND FESTIVAL
Dates: Jun. 1-23, 2010
Innovative stage performances in Amsterdam. The world’s most celebrated artists perform one whole month in, among others, the Stadsschouwburg, the Muziektheater and the Concertgebouw.
Visitors can enjoy opera, theater, music, dance and film.
Location: various theaters in Amsterdam
For more information, tel.: 020 788 21 00
Ticket service, www.ticketservice.nl or tel.: 020 523 77 87
Internet: www.hollandfestival.nl

OEROL FESTIVAL
Dates: Jun. 11-20, 2010
10 days of theater on location: street theater, world music and visual arts.
Various locations on Terschelling (one of the Wadden Islands, north of the Netherlands),
For more information, contact the VVV of Terschelling.
tel.: 0562 448 448
Internet: www.oerol.nl

FESTIVAL MUNDIAL
Dates: Jun. 19-20, 2010
Multicultural festival with, among others, theater and music from all corners of the world, a Novib exposition and The Parade of the Future.
Location: Tilburg Leijpark
For more information, tel.: 013 543 13 35
Internet: www.festivalmundial.nl

PARKPOP
Date: Jun. 27, 2010
The largest free open-air pop festival in Europe with local and foreign pop groups on two stages. There will also be a pop market and a playground for children.
Location: Zuiderpark, The Hague
For more information, tel.: 0900 404 02 00
or call: VVV The Hague, tel.: 0900 340 35 05
Internet: www.parkpop.nl

35TH NORTH SEA JAZZ FESTIVAL
Dates: Jul. 9-11, 2010
One of the largest and best-known international jazz festivals in the world which has, in its decades-long history, enjoyed performances by virtually all the jazz heroes of all time. More than 8 hours of music on 15 stages per day, with contributions by more than 1,500 jazz musicians.
Location: Ahoy’, Ahoy’-weg 10, Rotterdam
For more information, tel.: 015 214 83 93
Internet: www.northseajazz.com

ORTEL MOBILE SUMMER CARNIVAL
Dates: Jul. 30-31, 2010
An exotic music, dance and float parade, which turns the inner city of Rotterdam upside down. Dancers in fantastic costumes and many swinging orchestras on decorated floats are followed by thousands of dancing visitors. Includes the queen election on the 19th, the Battle of Drums on the 24th and the street parade itself on the 25th.
Location: Center of Rotterdam
For more information, contact the VVV of Rotterdam,
tel.: 0900 404 02 00 or call 0900 403 40 65
Internet: www.zomercarnaval.nl

DELFT CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL
Dates: July 31 – Aug. 7, 2010
A unique chamber music festival with a variety of concerts.
Location: Stedelijk Museum, Delft
For more information, tel.: 020 640 45 55
Internet: www.delftmusicfestival.nl

CANAL GAY PARADE
Date: Aug. 7, 2010
Amsterdam’s celebration of all things Gay, Lesbian, Bi, Transgender, which has grown into one of the world’s premier Pride parades.
Location: Amsterdam canals
Internet: www.canalparade.nl

GRACHTENFESTIVAL
Dates: August 2010, exact date to be announced
Five days of more than 160 classical concerts on the canals of Amsterdam.
Location: Prinsengracht, Amsterdam
Internet: www.grachtenfestival.nl

LOWLANDS
Dates: Aug. 20-22, 2010
Lowlands is Holland’s biggest and most adventurous outdoor music festival. It offers a choice of the best alternative music, theater, film, stand-up comedy, visual arts, literature and more.
Location: Walibi World, Biddinghuizen
Internet: www.lowlands.nl

PREUVENEMINT
Dates: Aug. 26-29, 2010
Four-day culinary event, with over thirty stands acting as restaurants. Beer and soft drinks available at separate stands. Live music on a permanent open-air stage.
Location: Vrijthof Square, Maastricht
Internet: www.preuvenemint.nl

UITMARKT AMSTERDAM
Dates: Aug. 27-29, 2010
Opening of the new cultural season with shows on indoor and outdoor stages. Also an information market and a book market.
Location: Museumplein, Amsterdam
For more information, contact VVV Amsterdam,
tel.: 0900 01 91 or call 020 621 13 11
Internet: www.uitmarkt.nl

HAAGS UIT FESTIVAL
Date: Sep. 5, 2010
At this festival, music ensembles, dance companies, orchestras and theater groups give you a taste of what is to come in the new season. The performances are held on various stages of the theaters on the Spui and there is a literary, cultural, theater and information market.
Location: Lange Voorhout and Spuiplein, The Hague
For more information, contact VVV The Hague,
tel.: 0900 340 35 05
Internet: www.haagsuitfestival.nl,
see also www.denhaag.com

WORLD HARBOR FESTIVAL
Dates: Sep. 3-5, 2010
Experience daily life in the biggest harbor in the world. This festival is all about maritime, educational and cultural activities in which the harbor of Rotterdam and its industrial area are the main feature.
Location: Harbor of Rotterdam
For more information, contact tel.: 010 252 49 49
Internet: www.wereldhavendagen.nl

CROSSING BORDER FESTIVAL
Dates: Nov. 16-21, 2010
A refreshing look at poetry, writing and music, with approximately 120 performances on various stages by poets, writers and musicians.
Location: Koninklijke Schouwburg and Het Nationale Toneelgebouw in The Hague
For more information, contact tel.: 070 346 23 55
Internet: www.crossingborder.nl

INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTARY FESTIVAL (IDFA)
Dates: Nov. 18-28, 2010
One of the biggest documentary film festivals in the world, with more than 150 documentaries and an extensive workshop program.
Location: Leidseplein, Amsterdam
Internet: www.idfa.nl

INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ROTTERDAM
Dates: Jan. 27 – Feb. 7, 2010
International film festival with non-commercial films from all across the world, amounting to approximately 200 movies, documentaries, short films and videos.
Location: Schouwburgplein, Rotterdam.
For more information, tel.: 010 890 90 90
Internet: www.filmfestivalrotterdam.com

for antique lovers only 

The Netherlands is replete with a regular cache of antique fairs, exhibitions, shopping routes and auctions (veilingen) sure to satisfy the most discriminating antique lover and buyer. In fact, certain venues are world-renowned meccas for museum-quality pieces. Whether you’re a professional buyer, an amateur with deep pockets and good taste, or just enjoy looking at beautiful old things, you won’t want to miss these annual events.
Here are a few of our favorites, beginning with the two biggest and best:

PAN AMSTERDAM
Date: November 21 – 28, 2010
Known as the best national arts and antiques fair with prominent dealers and gallery owners from the Netherlands and Flanders, the PAN Amsterdam is regarded as the most important fair in the world for Dutch glass and silver. Equally attractive is its reputation for an excellent price/quality ratio, in other words, good value for your money.
Place: RAI, Amsterdam. For more information, tel.: 0411 64 44 40,
during the fair: 020 549 10 12. Internet: www.pan-amsterdam.nl

TEFAF MAASTRICHT
Date: March 18 – 27, 2011
In the very southeast corner of the Netherlands in the city of Maastricht, The European Fine Art Fair (TEFAF) is an annual blockbuster event drawing more than 75,000 visitors from around the world. A paradise for antique buffs and buyers, the TEFAF is one of the world’s most prestigious arts and antiques fairs, and a trendsetter in the field. Now in its 22nd year, the works presented by the 220 art and antiques dealers from around the world are museum-quality and unrivaled anywhere in scale and diversity. Six separate sections include Old Masters’ paintings, drawings and prints; modern art; antiques and decorative art; illuminated manuscripts, rare books and maps; classical antiquities and Egyptian art; and jewelry.
Place: MECC, Forum 100, Maastricht
For more information, tel.: 0411 64 50 90
during the fair: 043 383 83 83
Internet: www.tefaf.com 

SELECTED SPORTS EVENTS

SNEEKWEEK
An annually recurring sailing event – that in some or other form has been taking place since 1814, when a local hero deserted the French army and made it home safely – and that spans an entire week. There are sailing races every day, in various categories, as well as festivities and a fair.
Dates: Aug. 7 – 12, 2010
Location: Sneekermeer, Sneek (province of Friesland)
Internet: www.sneekweek.nl  

DAM TO DAM LOOP
A 16km-course from Dam Square to the centre of Zaandam through the IJ-tunnel. A maximum of 30,000 runners from across the world participate, whereby approximately 20,000 sign up for the Business Run (Business Loop). As of 2005, participators are encouraged to run in support of a charity; these charities are given extra publicity preceding the Run. There are bands and small orchestras lining the course, along with hundreds of thousands of spectators, creating a festive atmosphere.
Date: Sep. 19, 2010
Location: Amsterdam
Internet: www.damloop.nl  

SKÛTSJESILEN
Skûtjesilen is the name for sailing races between old freight ships, or flat-bottom boats, that were used towards the turn of the former century to transport turf, fertilizer and other goods to isolated farms. The bottoms were flat, to allow them to navigate the shallow waters when approaching their destination. These boats are a sight to behold; beautiful, old-fashioned, lovingly-constructed wooden testaments to a practical, sea-faring nation.
Dates: Jul. 24 – Aug. 6, 2010
Location: Frisian Lakes
Internet: www.skutsjesilen.nl  

JUMPING AMSTERDAM
One of the largest international equestrian events in the Netherlands, that attracts approximately 50,000 visitors a year and includes a.o. dressage, jumping, ponies, juniors, and driving – as well as entertainment.
Date: Jan. 20 – 23, 2011
Location: Amsterdam RAI
Internet: www.jumpingamsterdam.nl  

ABN AMRO TENNIS TOURNAMENT
An increasingly famous tournament, which has become one of the ten worldwide ‘500 points tournaments’, allowing the players to accumulate more ‘ranking points’.
Date: Feb. 2011, date to be announced
Location: Rotterdam Ahoy
Internet: www.abnamrowtt.nl  

FORTIS CPC LOOP
An international half-marathon that takes place annually in The Hague, attracting over 18,000 participants every year. The course is flat, fast and traffic-free. The race begins in the city center, heads out to the pier at the coastal resort of Scheveningen and then returns to where it started. There is also a 10km fun run and other recreational walking and running events varying in distance – also two for kids.
Date: Mar. 2011, date to be announced
Location: The Hague – Scheveningen
Internet: www.fortiscpcloop.nl  

ROTTERDAM MARATHON
Thanks to the three World records that have been established on this course, the Rotterdam marathon has attained (inter)national fame. The Fortis Marathon Rotterdam has become the biggest marathon in the Netherlands. The course is fast, the crowds are great and the atmosphere on the Coolsingel is unique.
Date: Apr. 2011, date to be announced
Location: Rotterdam
Internet: www.fortismarathonrotterdam.nl  
 

EXPATS’ TOP TEN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Tourists and expatriates alike come to the Netherlands to admire the beautiful manifestations of its cultural heritage, with lyrical windmills, spectacular fields of tulips and renowned Dutch artists such as Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Vermeer, Hals and Steen completing the picture.
Below you will find the ten most popular sites visited. While Amsterdam remains the biggest draw with its rock-and-roll reputation, some of the best-kept travel secrets lie well beyond this hub, and there’s much more to see within a very short reach.

1. Van Gogh Museum
Amsterdam’s top tourist attraction is devoted almost entirely to the work of one of the most popular artists that the world has ever known, spanning his early years in South Holland, through his Impressionist years in Paris, to his last years in St. Rémy. This museum is a perfect size for those short on time. Temporary exhibits also on tap.
Address: Paulus Potterstraat 7, Amsterdam, tel.: 020 570 52 00
Internet: www.vangoghmuseum.nl  

2. Anne Frank House
Possibly the most deserving of all the Netherlands’ major tourist attractions, the Anne Frank House, gives a fascinating insight into the Frank family’s life in hiding from 1942 until 1944 during the Nazi occupation. The museum also gives information on the plight of the 100,000 Dutch Jews who were killed in the Holocaust.
Address: Prinsengracht 267, Amsterdam, tel.: 020 556 71 05
Internet: www.annefrank.nl  

3. Rijksmuseum Amsterdam (Although only partly open during major renovation. The museum will be under renovation until 2012/2013. Actually, this is actually one of the best times to visit this world-famous museum, as the most important pieces have been temporarily assembled in one wing.)
The largest museum in the Netherlands houses an internationally renowned collection based around the paintings of the 17th-century Dutch Republic, the ‘Golden Age’, including works by Rembrandt (the most famous of which is the imposing Night Watch), Johannes Vermeer, Frans Hals and Jan Steen. Silver, delftware, doll’s houses, prints, drawings, Asiatic art and Dutch history are also featured.
Address: Jan Luikenstraat 1, Philips Wing (temporary entrance), Amsterdam, tel.: 020 674 70 47.
Internet: www.rijksmuseum.nl  

4. Keukenhof
From late March through the end of May, visitors come in droves to see the display of over 7,000,000 flowers in the famous Keukenhof Gardens. The 70-acre gardens offer a breathtaking, immaculate display of tulips, hyacinths, daffodils and amaryllis planted by the Netherlands’ leading flower growers. Not to be missed.
Address: Stationsweg 166a, Lisse, tel.: 0252 465 555
Internet: www.keukenhof.nl  
Opening times 2010: 18 March up to 16 May 

5. Delft
Famous for its distinctive blue and white porcelain, Delft continues to charm visitors – and shoppers. Once home to Dutch artist Vermeer, it has an abundance of beautifully preserved 17th-century buildings (including the imposing Town Hall and the Old Church), requisite tree-lined canals and a daunting array of porcelain shops.
For information, contact VVV Delft, Markt 85, tel.: 015 212 61 00
Internet: www.delft.nl  

6. The Kröller-Müller Museum
Located in the wooded parkland of De Hoge Veluwe National Park, you can either drive your car or borrow white bicycles available at the park gates, free of charge, to travel the couple of kilometers to this museum, which ranks as the third most important collection of art in the Netherlands. Over 275 works by Van Gogh (roughly 50 of which are on display at any given time) and other artists such as Seurat, Monet and Picasso are featured, including a Sculpture Garden second to none and worth the trip in itself.
Address: Houtkampweg 6, Otterlo, near Arnhem, tel.: 0318 59 10 41
Internet: www.kmm.nl  

7. Delfshaven/Port of Rotterdam
Delfshaven is where the Pilgrim Fathers departed for the New World in 1620. The tiny harbor has been preserved to look much as it did in centuries past, with the addition of some trendy waterfront restaurants. Across the road at the Spido Landing Stage, tours by boat give a unique insight into modern life in the world’s busiest seaport.
Delfshaven/Spido Landing Stage, Rotterdam, tel.: 010 41 35 400
For more information on Delfshaven: De Havenaar, Information Center for Historical Delfshaven, Voorhaven 38c, 3024 RN Rotterdam, tel.: 010 425 86 47, Internet: www.delfshaven.com
Historisch Museum Rotterdam, Korte Hoogstraat 31, 3011 GK Rotterdam, tel.: 010 217 67 67,
Internet: www.hmr.rotterdam.nl  

8. Madurodam
‘All Netherlands in a day’ is how to best describe this miniature scale-model town where you can see all of the Netherlands’ major cities and landmarks up close and personal, with many mechanized exhibits, including busy motorways and sailing ships.
Address: George Maduroplein 1, The Hague, tel.: 070 416 24 00
Internet: www.madurodam.nl  

9. Kinderdijk
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most archetypal of all Dutch scenes with 19 windmills idyllically situated along a broad canal. Visitors’ windmill opens March 21, with canal cruises beginning on May 1. During July and August the mills are put into action on Saturdays from 1:30 – 5:30 P.M. (National Windmill Day is May 7, when most windmills across the country are open to the public.)
Location: By the Lek River, southeast of Rotterdam
Visitors’ Center Windkracht 4, Molenstraat 236, Kinderdijk, tel.: 078 693 09 25, or VVV Zuid
Holland, tel.: 078 613 28 00
Internet: www.kinderdijk.nl  

10. The Archeon
This archaeological theme park in Alphen aan de Rijn in South Holland is world renown among history buffs. There are reconstructions of villages from three major time periods: Prehistory, the Roman Period, and the Middle Ages. It is a ‘live’ museum where people in period dress live and work and therefore a highly participatory way to see and learn about history.
Location: Archeonlaan 1, Alphen a/d Rijn, tel.: 0172 44 77 44
Internet, also information in English: www.archeon.nl

For useful addresses and websites, please use the info-link button at the top of this page

More on these subjects can be found in The Holland Handbook 2010- 2011