Amsterdam has long been celebrated as a cultural playground, from its forward-thinking art exhibitions and distinctive cityscapes, to its buzzy culinary scene that never misses a beat. This year, the city takes its energy to a whole new level as it marks an extraordinary milestone: its 750th anniversary. To honour this historic occasion, here’s the ultimate guide to celebrating what makes Amsterdam so iconic.
What to do
From October 2024 to October 2025, Amsterdam has pulled out all the stops, offering something for everyone—from intimate neighbourhood gatherings to grand spectacles like the 10th edition of SAIL Amsterdam, the visionary FutureFest, and the show-stopping Party on the Ring A10.
For those ready to embrace the cold, step into the magical ice world of Art Below Zero, Europe’s largest ice sculpture exhibition. Until March, the Central Market Hall will be transformed into a frosty time machine, bringing Amsterdam’s story to life – from its founding in 1275 to today. Then, as spring awakens, the city bursts into colour with the 11th Annual Tulip Festival paying homage to the city’s anniversary with full bloom tulips in Vondelpark and a special mini-expo at the Amsterdam Museum. Art enthusiasts can explore street-artist Banksy at MOCO Museum Amsterdam or visit Rijksmuseum which is hosting the Netherlands’ first major survey exhibition of American Photography, featuring the likes of Andy Warhol and Nan Goldin. Whilst travellers interested in the future, won’t want to miss the ToekomstTiendaagse (Future Fest) from 12-21 June. This festival will ignite conversations to envision a sustainable and liveable Amsterdam for future generations to come. With festivities culminating in the unmissable Party on the Ring; where 15 kilometres of the car-free Ring A10 will come alive with music, sports, and dance. Summer and autumn will heat up with legendary events like SAIL Amsterdam, the TCS Marathon, and the Kwaku Festival. Whilst for the gig trippers, old and new music stars will be taking centre stage throughout the year at the city’s Ziggo Dome, such as Sabrina Carpenter, Lenny Kravitz, Billie Eilish, and Kylie Minogue.
Where to stay
Overlooking two of the city’s most picturesque canals, Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht, and spanning twenty-five connecting 17th and 18th-century canal houses, famed heritage Pulitzer Amsterdam holds a prime location in the heart of Amsterdam’s UNESCO city centre, acting as the perfect base for any discerning travellers trip to the Dutch capital.
Thoughtfully reimagined in 2016 by Lore Group’s Creative Director, Jacu Strauss, Pulitzer’s 223 rooms and suites blend modern and traditional influences with quintessential Dutch elegance and style, ensuring guests are instantly immersed in the city’s diverse culture. 2024 saw the completion of Pulitzer’s exceptional Collector’s Suite range, including The Flower Collector’s Suite, The Porcelain Collector’s Suite, and The Merchant Suite. Each suite is inspired by the narrative of elaborate characters who lived in the buildings throughout the years, from a compulsive art devotee to an eccentric book lover, and a grand antique collector. Whilst this year, the property is set to launch a selection of new Family Suites. Ideal for a multigenerational getaway these will include interconnected bedrooms, bathrooms and a cosy living room.
Debuting into the micro-wellness space, The Beauty House opened last year as the ultimate spot to unwind amidst the bustling city. In partnership with 111Skin and Chāmpo, treatments include both traditional and high-tech including aromatherapy massages, cryotherapy, reflexology, non-surgical facelifts and ayurvedic hair treatments.
Where to eat & drink
With new restaurants and bars cropping up over the city, Amsterdam’s diverse and delectable culinary scene is not one to be missed, with a total of 18 Bib Gourmands, 24 one-star, and seven two-star MICHELIN Guide restaurants. From classic street-side bitterballen, stroopwafles, and frietjes, to authentic Turkish cuisine at newly opened esra and Mexican flavours at the new hotspot Tula Cantina, Amsterdam offers a never-ending mix of flavours to sample.
Executive Chef Boone recently joined the Pulitzer Amsterdam team from Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam, revealing his new menu across the elegant restaurant Jansz. Reflecting his vision of refined flavours and creativity, the menu is inspired by modern-Dutch cuisine. Don’t miss the ‘Dutch Yellowtail with fennel, zucchini, and dashi vinaigrette’, or the ‘Venison with pointed cabbage’ or a delicious De Kaaskamer cheese fondue at the Jansz. Winter Garden. After a busy day, guests can find a candle-lit corner in the Art-Deco-style Pulitzer’s Bar, and enjoy a classic Martini or speciality such as Starry Night or Nightmare, at one of the city’s chicest haunts, loved by tourists and locals alike.
