Amsterdam Weekend Guide (6 - 8 June)

Hortus Botanicus

In collaboration with Hortus Botanicus

Located in Amsterdam’s beautiful De Plantage neighbourhood, you’ll find the city’s historic Hortus Botanicus. Founded in 1638 as a medicinal garden, Hortus is one of the oldest botanical gardens. Its iconic 1993 greenhouse has been newly renovated and turned into the Climate House, housing three global climate zones. Journey through the humid tropics, arid deserts and the dynamic South African Cape, all linked by the World Zone, a space that illustrates how species adapt and evolve. Getting a little thirsty from all that exploring? Stop for a refreshment at the Orangery Cafe. 

Read our article Hortus Botanicus: Around the World in Three Climates for more details!

Climate House | Open daily, 10:00 - 17:00 | Hortus Botanicus

CONCERTS & SHOWS

Red Light Jazz Festival at Contra

Amsterdam’s city centre comes alive every June with the Red Light Jazz Festival. While the age-old Red Light District is often known for its late-night pursuits, it's one of the city's oldest and most beautiful parts, with a rich and diverse cultural history and a tight-knit community. The three-day festival plays out across intimate venues such as the newly opened Contra. Formerly the Academic Club of the University of Amsterdam, this elegant pop-up jazz bar and restaurant curates a three-day program to please jazz aficionados and newbies alike. On Saturday, catch rising Dutch jazz talent Sadewa Bekker make his debut as a bandleader with a quintet performing original contemporary compositions.

Red Light Jazz Festival at Contra | 6 – 8 June | Oudezijds Achterburgwal 235

FOOD & RESTAURANTS

Bacchus Wine Festival

Wine festival Bacchus returns to the leafy grounds of the Amsterdamse Bos for two weekends of indulgence beneath the trees. This is no ordinary wine festival: think curated vintages from local wine merchants, as well as sellers from all over the world. From crisp whites to flavourful reds, Bacchus prioritises quality over quantity (though there’ll be plenty to choose from). Expect more than just tastings, with expert talks, pairings and restaurant-worthy bites, all unfolding in a beautiful woodland setting. 

Bacchus Wine Festival | 6 – 15 June | Het Amsterdamse Bos

ART & EXHIBITIONS

Queer Architecture Bike Ride

For decades, Amsterdam has been a symbol of queer acceptance – from its rich and diverse LGBTQ+ culture, to becoming the first place to legalise same-sex marriage. With such values embedded in the city’s culture, it’s no surprise that this spirit of inclusion translates into its inhabitants' homes and spaces. On this bike tour, you’ll explore architectural projects that embrace diversity, self-expression and belonging. Journey through Amsterdam’s historic canals as well as contemporary developments to discover how the built environment reflects and shapes queer identities and communities. 

Queer Architecture Bike Tour | Friday 6 June | citywide

Rembrandt & Amsterdam

See the city through Rembrandt’s eyes at Rembrandt & Amsterdam, the Rembrandthuis’ newest summer exhibition. Celebrating Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary, this special curation of works spotlights everything the city had to offer in the 1600s. Even in Rembrandt’s time, Amsterdam has been an epicentre of art, culture and entertainment for centuries. Featuring 60 prints and drawings from the collection, you can trace the story of Rembrandt’s own Amsterdam as you walk through the very house where he lived and worked. 

Rembrandt & Amsterdam | 23 May – 7 September | Rembrandt House Museum

ARTZUID Biennale

The ninth edition of Amsterdam's renowned sculpture biennale ARTZUID will feature 60 outdoor artworks along a picturesque five-kilometre path. Right in the heart of iconic Dutch architect Berlage's expansive Plan Zuid, which spans the tree-lined boulevards of the Apollolaan, the Minervalaan and the Churchilllaan, the exhibit will display works curated by prominent names such as Rudi Fuchs and Roberto Meyer. Celebrating the beauty of outdoor sculpture and the surrounding landscape, ARTZUID is a public art experience like no other. 

ARTZUID | 17 May – 21 September | Zuid

SHOPPING & MARKETS

The weekend beckons with a host of markets to satisfy every kind of shopper. Rummage through vintage and second-hand wares at the Javaplein market on Saturday, or peruse quality wares at the travelling artisanal produce market Pure Markt, which returns to the Amstelpark this Sunday. Continue the open-air weekend vibes with the Sunday Market, a creatives market selling art, fashion and design curated by local makers.

CLUBBING & NIGHTLIFE

Under (mostly) clear skies, the Dutch capital comes alive with festivals this weekend. Techno heavy-hitters like Charlotte de Witte and Adam Beyer grace the stages of 909 Festival, held in the sprawling green expanse of the Amsterdamse Bos. Across two days, Amsterdam Open Air offers a diverse range of music, from the curated Diynamic Outdoor headlined by Solomun, the “king of Ibiza”, to plenty of fun-loving house music by local favourites like Benny Rodrigues, guaranteeing a weekend of dancing in Zuidoost’s Gaasperpark.

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