A travelling tent festival of theater and more, De Parade, happens among four major Dutch cities, transforming public spaces into lively summer, circus stages. These theater, dance, and music performances provide some rare artistic displays, such as antique whirligigs made of miniature wheels. Inventing light, exciting scenes for a charitable cause is the ultimate purpose of De Parade. There is even a day program given for kids. Lasting from August 9th - 25th in Amsterdam’s Martin Luther King Park, food stands line the park to offer culinary delights that complement the frolicking festivities. With 74 performances, 19 children shows and 35 bands, this event truly has something for all to value. So bring the kids along for a full family outing!

During September 5th - 15th, Amsterdam hosts the Dutch thespian event of the year, the Netherlands Theater festival, resulting in a retrospective summary of Holland’s ten best stage productions of the season. The festival also includes presenting the very prestigious Theater Prize for best production along with the Golden Cricket award for the best children's play. Coinciding with the Netherlands Theater Festival, the Amsterdam Fringe Festival supports all types of theater appreciators. This span of early September is where theatrical focuses intermingle and refined amazements appear each day.

Spring is in the air and you are invited to enjoy Amsterdam’s natural spring snow while on your leisure or business short stay. The annual Springsnow Festival runs from 21 April to 21 May, 2014 and lets you feel the Elm seeds as they fall from the trees.

Food enthusiasts unite May 15th - 18th for a series of delicious summer outings surrounding culinary culture from around the world as Amstel Park hosts the annual Taste of Amsterdam festival. Some of the Dutch capital's most well reputed restaurants serve up the best in international cuisine with their signature dishes. The Taste of Amsterdam illuminates all the senses with rare aromatic flavours, delightful textures, insightful conversations and savory memories. Observe renowned chefs in masterful action. Guide your taste buds through a tasting tutorial. Sample nature’s bounty at the gourmet and organic market which boasts over 60 total merchant stands to entice and satisfy even the most discriminating appetite.

Compared to other large cities, Amsterdam is a relatively safe place for both tourists and residents. Violent crimes do not occur here very often. But be aware of pickpockets and thieves, though. Pickpockets are active in crowded places and on trains travelling between Schiphol Airport and Amsterdam Centraal Station, but you can also encounter them in trams or in places where people watch street artists. Take sensible precautions, mind your belongings carefully, and leave your valuable items at your apartment.

Since centuries most of the Dutch Jews have lived in Amsterdam. There are for example still a lot of ‘Jiddisj’ words in the Amsterdam dialect. The Jews contributed to the prosperity of Amsterdam, to the establishment of the Dutch West Indies Company, and to the Dutch Golden Age. Before World War II, 10% of the population in Amsterdam was Jewish, which meant about 80,000 people – but only 20% of them survived the Holocaust, though. The most well-known victim in Amsterdam is the Jewish girl named Anne Frank, who wrote her world-famous diary while in hiding. Her hiding place in the Secret Annex is a museum, called the Anne Frank House, situated in the centre of Amsterdam at Prinsengracht 263-267.

The Noordoostpolder, opposite the Markermeer bay from Amsterdam, contains more tulips than anywhere else in the Netherlands. From April 17 - May 5th, the annual Tulip Festival is a formal introduction to the super abundant tulip fields in the Noordoostpolder. Each spring a small migration of flower lovers saunters through a landscape of blooming bulbs, hand seeded a few months prior. Come admire the sheer outburst of organic colors arrayed forth in nectar scented petals.

Amsterdam Roots Festival has no doubt become a trademark on its own. Attracting over 50,000 enthusiasts of less-commercial acts from around the whole globe each year, it certainly is a nice event to attend if you’re about to enjoy a short stay Amsterdam in early summer.

Inspired by the culinary mastermind Jamie Oliver’s successful concept of Fifteen in London, the Dutch Fifteen Amsterdam is an excellent eating establishment which offers delights able to please even the most sophisticated palate. Our rich offer of Amsterdam holiday apartments – many of which are located close to this fabulous restaurant – will make it easy for you to enjoy this memorable culinary experience to the max.

Taking place annually in September, the Jordaan Festival is an event certainly not to be missed whilst visiting the vibrant city of Amsterdam. Set within the fashionable Jordaan district and within easy reach of many of our Amsterdam holiday apartments, the festival is bursting with traditional Dutch music and emits a warm and welcoming atmosphere, full of character and charm.