Despite not being an official holiday this year, there’s plenty to experience during Liberation Day in Amsterdam. On Sunday, 5th May 2024, our capital city will be filled with enjoyable events for people of all ages, from educational to entertaining. Here are the 9 best Liberation Day events in Amsterdam.
Liberation Day Amsterdam 2024 – don’t miss these 9 events
It doesn’t matter that Liberation Day 2024 isn’t an official holiday, as it falls on a Sunday this year. And if you don’t have to work, this is a perfect opportunity to celebrate the freedom we enjoy in our country. Take a tour of Artis, attend the concert at Carrรฉ, or join a guided tour of the Royal Palace on Dam Square. These are the best Liberation Day events in Amsterdam.
Concert Op de Amstel
At Carrรฉ, a vast floating stage will be set up on 5th May, where the biggest finale of Liberation Day in Amsterdam occurs. All kinds of music genres will be featured. And if you’re lucky, you might spot Willem-Alexander and Mรกxima in the crowd.
Amstel 115-125, Amsterdam, 4en5mei.nl/vieren/5-mei-concert
Tour at Paleis Amsterdam
On 5th May, a special guided tour is organised at the Royal Palace Amsterdam, also known as ‘Het Paleis op de Dam’ (The Palace on Dam Square). With the theme ‘The Palace in Wartime,’ you’ll not only delve into the history of this stately building but also explore its role during the Second World War.
Nieuwezijdsvoorburgwal 147, Amsterdam, paleisamsterdam.nl/5mei
Le Foodwalk 5 mei
On Sunday May 5th, a Le Foodwalk is being organized in De Pijp. For only โฌ45, you’ll get five dishes and two drinks at various locations. Following a digital tour, you’ll walk a route to five culinary hotspots. It’s a fun activity with friends, as a date, or instead of Sunday drinks.
De Pijp, Amsterdam, lefoodwalk.com
Even more fun events to visit during Liberation Day Amsterdam 2024
Het Vrije Westen
The Westerpark is the stage for ‘Het Vrije Westen’, an annual festival on Liberation Day. Talk shows, spoken word, musical performances, food trucks, the Children’s Freedom Party, and much more: ‘Het Vrije Westen’ offers something for everyoneโfrom the very young to the old. To close out the day, you can head to club RadioRadio, where you can dance until the early hours.
Westerpark, Amsterdam, hetvrijewesten.eu
Het Amsterdams Verbond
On 5th May 2024, the Olympic Stadium will be transformed into a prestigious festival venue. During ‘Het Amsterdams Verbond’, you can enjoy artists like Bumbu, Dewi Elisa, Zoรซ Turan, Philou Louzolo, and Benny Rodrigues. Check out the full lineup here and sign up for the waiting list to be eligible for tickets – the event is currently sold out.
Olympisch Stadion, Amsterdam, hetamsterdamsverbond.nl
KinderBevrijdingsfestival
The Kinderbevrijdingsfestival (Children’s Liberation Festival) traditionally takes place at the open-air theatre in Vondelpark. It features various musical performances and staged theatre plays, all aimed at raising awareness among the little ones about the freedom they enjoy today.
Vondelpark, Amsterdam, openluchttheater.nl
Even more fun events to visit during Liberation Day Amsterdam 2024
Vrijheidsmaaltijden
On May 5th, Vrijheidsmaaltijden (Freedom Meals) take centre stage. At various locations in Amsterdam, you can enjoy a complimentary meal to celebrate freedom together and reflect on the past. Check out this map for the places and events.
Verschillende locaties, Amsterdam, 4en5mei.nl/vieren/vrijheidsmaaltijden
Artis during wartime
From April 27th to May 5th, Artis is organizing special guided tours. Did you know, for instance, that Artis provided shelter to people in hiding, including resistance fighters and Jews? During the tour, you’ll learn about the people in hiding, how Artis assisted them, and how the animals endured wartime.
Plantage Kerklaan 38-40, Amsterdam, artis.nl
Party at Homomonument
From 3:00 to 11:00 PM, you’re in the right place at the Homomonument (Gay Monument) to dance the night away. The 2024 lineup includes Het Danspaleis, Sweetie Darling, and Superball Amsterdam. The Homomonument Foundation is entirely run by volunteers, who receive a small compensation from the bar proceeds. Any profits benefit the LGBTQIA+ community.
Westermarkt, Amsterdam, homomonument.nl/nl/event/bevrijdingsdag-2024
Amsterdam Bucketlist & Things to Do
(DIGITAL) ART EXPERIENCES IN AMSTERDAM:
โ Fabrique des Lumiรจres
โ NXT Museum
โ STRAAT street art museum
โ MOCO Museum for street and modern art
โ Amaze, an audiovisual labyrint
FOOD EXPERIENCES IN AMSTERDAM:
โ Food Tasting Tour of Jordaan area
โ Albert Cuyp Market Food Tour
โ Sightseeing Boat Cruise with unlimited drinks
โ Pancake Cruise
โ Micro Brewery Beer Tasting Tour
BEST BIKE TOURS IN AMSTERDAM:
โ Fatbike e-bike tour (also to Amsterdam North)
โ Rent a bike by yourself and explore like a local
โ Outside of Amsterdam: windmills & Zaanse Schans
โ 3 hour biketour: backstreets & hidden gems
FIRST TIME VISIT TO AMSTERDAM – MUST SEE & DO’S:
โ Private Canal Boat Tour
โ Rijksmuseum with the Dutch masters
โ Van Gogh Museum, a staple in Amsterdam
โ Stedelijk Museum for modern art lovers
โ Canal Cruise in the evening
INSTAGRAM MUSEUMS IN AMSTERDAM:
โ Discover the Instagrammable experience WONDR
โ Youseum
โ The Upside Down
DAY TRIPS FROM AMSTERDAM:
โ Get out of town and into the Dutch country side of Giethoorn
โ Drive-it-Yourself Tulip Fields GPS Audio Tour
โ Catch a direct train from Amsterdam to Antwerp, Brussels, London or Paris, starting at โฌ 20,-! Check tickets & prices >>
AMSTERDAM WITH KIDS:
โ Visit Artis Royal Zoo
โ Go an a bike tour with the kids
โ NEMO Science Museum
SPIRNG / SUMMER IN AMSTERDAM:
โ Paddle board tour on the canals
โ Go for a kayak-tour in Amsterdam
FALL / WINTER IN AMSTERDAM:
โ Amsterdam Light Festival boat tour
โ Amsterdam Light Festival bike tour
| TIP: Buy an I amsterdam City Card. Save money on entrance fees to museums and attractions, public transport and profit from discounts on everything from restaurants to concerts. You can also skip some lines to make the most of your time in Amsterdam! You can buy a card for 24 hours up to 120 hours. Check the prices here >>
Our favourite hotels in Amsterdam:
TOP LUXURY // โฌโฌโฌ
โพ Pillows Maurits at the Park: this newly opened hotel is all about luxury.
โพ Pulitzer Amsterdam: on the canals at the border of the Nine Streets and the Jordaan.
โพ L’Europe: recently renovated, this hotel has the best spa with a view in Amsterdam.
โพ Conservatorium Hotel: located in one of the most beautiful buildings in town.
โพ Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam: if you have something to celebrate this is the one.
โพ W Amsterdam: with lively restaurants and a posh rooftop bar with swimming pool.
VERY VERY NICE // โฌโฌ
โพ The Hoxton: favourite lifestyle hotel right on the canals with great all day bar.
โพ Hotel Jakarta: the most sustainable hotel รกnd great value for money with a spa.
โพ Hotel V: with two locations and a great restaurant, in the city center and East.
โพ Sir Adam: with the coolest view over Amsterdam from the North side.
โพ Sweets: a unique stay in former bridge houses.
โพ Hotel Dwars: small scale and around the corner of the trendy Utrechtsestraat.
โพ Hotel Mercier: pretty new hotel in the cosy and historic Jordaan district.
โพ INK Hotel: lifestyle hotel in the heart of the city by MGallery.
โพ Morgan & Mees: boutique hotel with restaurant in Amsterdam West.
โพ Conscious Hotel Westerpark: in a beautiful building at the industrial Westergas area.
โพ Ruby Emma: eco design hotel with a great skybar near Amstel station.
AFFORDABLE (FOR AMSTERDAM PRICES) // โฌ
โพ Generator Hostel: the best poshtel of the city located in a park.
โพ The Social Hub budget proof in trendy East district close tho the subway.
โพ Het Volkshotel: affordable and with a cool rooftop bar.
โพ CitizenM: all you need is that XL bed (location near Amstel is great).
โพ Motel One: budget design hotel with several locations in Amsterdam.
Let’s get social
I really hope you enjoy your time in Amsterdam! On my Instagram account @yourlbb and @yourlbb.amsterdam you can find more recommendations and new hotspots in town.