Let’s ‘ear it for Amsterdam
Usually when you visit a city you go sight-seeing. But what about using your other senses? From the ting-ting of bicycle bells to the screech of trams on the rails, Amsterdam is characterized by its own unique sounds. Here we’ve come up with an aural enjoyment guide. So listen up people, and experience even more of Amsterdam!
Bell-issimo
Wherever you go in Amsterdam, you’ll regularly hear the pealing of bells. In medieval times, bells were first used as a way of notifying people of fires, storms, wars and other significant events. Later, bells were mounted in grand towers of rich cities as symbols of civic pride and status. The Netherlands has one of the highest concentrations of carillons in the world.
One of the most famous bell-founders of the 17th century, François Hemony constructed several carillons for the city of Amsterdam. One of these is in the Westerkerk tower and these are the bells Anne Frank could hear whilst in hiding. Other Hemony carillons can be heard pealing from the Oude Kerk, Munt tower, the Zuiderkerk and the Royal Palace on the Dam (which was the former town hall).The Royal Palace bells chime every half hour and a melody is played every hour - the tune changes every year.
A barrel of laughs
Love ‘em or hate ‘em, barrel organs (draaiorgels) are a traditional source of merriment in Amsterdam. The history goes back to 1875 when a nearly blind Belgian Léon Warnies started a company hiring out barrel organs. The city was in desperate need of cheering up and the organs were a source of income for invalids. People danced spontaneously in the streets and the organs became more lavish and were found on almost every street corner.
These days Amsterdam only has three barrel organs. As the music is not on everybody’s hit list, they’re only allowed to play twice a day in the popular areas for a maximum of 10 minutes, before moving on. The exception is the annual barrel organ festival held on the last Saturday in October, where the organs are rolled out in their full glory!
Street performers
If you’re not in the city during the barrel organ festival never fear - there is still plenty of on-street entertainment. Street musicians are often found in the popular public squares (e.g. Dam square, Leidseplein) and troupes also regularly strike-up outside of Centraal station. Some performers are very good, and others are an acquired taste.
Water, water everywhere
For some more serene sounds, how about some burbling, splashing and gushing? Amsterdam is built on water and a canal boat trip is the perfect way to unwind. For even more tranquillity, why not go canoeing on a wetlands safari?
Dutch wildlife
Of course there are plenty of aquatic birds to be seen and heard in Amsterdam – ducks, geese and swans quack, honk and hiss their way around the waterways. Another typical Amsterdam sound is the gentle cooing of the thousands of pigeons on Dam Square. If you prefer something wilder, then a trip to Artis zoo is always resplendent with growls and peeps – not to mention the sounds the animals make…
Formal music
For more formally organised aural treats, head to the Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ or the Concertgebouw for classical music, the intimate Bimhuis for jazz, or the Melkweg, Paradiso and the Heineken Music Hall for big-name artists.
Dutch musicians
And if even after reading this article, you just can’t be separated from your MP3 player, then opt for a Dutch soundtrack as you explore the city. Golden Earring, the George Baker Selection, Anouk and Alain Clark are just some of the internationally renowned Dutch artists you might know already!
Prick up your ears and enjoy the sounds of the city!
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