Amsterdam is home to many orchestra's, theatre and dance troupes, comedians and experimental performance groups. It is a city which inspires and is a breeding ground for budding talent and creative innovation. Find your inspiration in any one of the theatres, arthouse cinemas or open-air stages; try your luck at the blackjack table or attend one of the 50 cultural festivals which take place each year.
Amsterdam has dozens of cinemas. So whatever your taste in films, you’re bound to find something that appeals to you. For Hollywood blockbusters, head for the cinemas of the Pathé chain. Near Munt square you’ll find two such cinemas with several halls: Pathé De Munt and Pathé Tuschinski. The Tuschinski cinema is worth visiting for its beautiful art-deco interior alone. There’s another mega-cinema complex near the Arena stadium: Pathé Arena. All cinemas and most cafés show a playlist of current movies. For reservations in advance go to www.belbios.nl (Dutch).
Lovers of arthouse films will find plenty to their liking, too. Many film theatres present both commercial and arthouse films. A good example is The Movies, accommodated in a former brothel, as you can still see. It has a very alluring ambiance. So alluring, in fact, that many visitors remain glued to the bar after watching a film. Cinecenter also offers a double programme. This cinema specialises in Mediterranean films. For golden oldies you should go to the Filmmuseum. Highly recommended, because the Filmmuseum is accommodated at what is probably the most stunning venue in Amsterdam. It’s not surprising that the museum’s patio was once voted the most beautiful in the world.
Now that you’re in Vondelpark, you may well find it a good idea to walk on a bit, to the open-air stage. During the summer months performances are staged there almost every evening. They may vary from cabaret and dance to loud pop music. But there are more open-air stages in Amsterdam. The Amsterdamse Bos (‘Amsterdam Forest’) theatre for example. Performances typically include modern adaptations of classic works such as Shakespeare, Tsjechow, Brecht. The bleachers hold some 2000 spectators. The atmosphere is magical; many people come a few hours before the show to picnic. Please note: the theater is open only during the summer months and if weather permits.
In the Netherlands, gambling is largely state-controlled. Certain games of chance such as Black Jack, Poker and Roulette may only be played in government-controlled casinos. There are two in Amsterdam: Holland Casino at Max Euweplein (near Leidseplein) and another at Schiphol airport.






