DK - Amsterdam Like a Local

Expats lured by tech start-ups, families seeking a fresh beginning, students living their best lives: Amsterdammers make up a real patchwork of people. And thats nothing new. This city, shaped for centuries by immigration, has long been a beacon for the independent-spirited, where differences arent just tolerated but are, in fact, celebrated. Sure, the locals here appear abrasive (if they dont like your haircut, youre going to hear about it) but under that direct exterior, Amsterdammers look after one another, whether fighting for the first legally recognized gay wedding, championing the rights of sex workers or ensuring cyclists rule the road.

The city is as diverse as its people a hybrid of history and forward-thinking, exuberant energy and convivial charm, buzzing capital and laid-back small town. History is woven into every brick and beam (and you cant swing a cat without hitting a masterpiece) but a stones throw from every gabled mansion is a post-industrial cultural hub, beside each Old Master a cutting-edge design, for every small gezellig bar a boisterous, spirited festival.

With so many glorious contradictions, it can be hard to know where to start. Thats where this book comes in. We know the places locals love best, from the quirky galleries that showcase the Rembrandts of the future to the brown pubs that have folks lingering till late. Of course, these pages cant capture the experience of every Amsterdammer, but instead offer a snapshot of the citys wonderful diversity.

So, whether youre a long-time local uncovering the unknown or a visitor wanting to rip up the traditional to-do list, this book will help you embrace the many sides of this multicultural city. Enjoy Amsterdam, the local way.

Amsterdam | WELCOME TO THE CITY

Liked by the locals

Living in Amsterdam reminds you lifes meant to be enjoyed. It has all the amenities of a city ten times its size, but everything is more accessible. And all that water!

ELYSIA BRENNER, WRITER, EDITOR, TRANSLATOR AND WINE PROFESSIONAL

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Amsterdam

THROUGH THE YEAR

From spring blooms and festivals to gezellig (super-cosy) winter gatherings and saunas, theres a cause for celebration with each new season in Amsterdam.

SPRING

FESTIVAL FUN

As Amsterdam emerges from winter, festival season begins. Locals flock to Westerpark, Amsterdamse Bos and NDSM, to name but a few places, for food, music and theatre celebrations that carry on through to the autumn.

KONINGSDAD

On 27 April the Netherlands celebrates the kings birthday (Kings Day). Crowds dressed in orange gather for huge flea markets and concerts in the capital.

TULIP SEASON

Come April, locals have one thing on their mind: to see the tulip fields near Lisse. Heading out of the city on their bikes, they skip the tourist-filled Keukenhof Gardens, cycling a little further north alongside the fields near Hillegom.