TRADITIONS IN AMSTERDAM

Amsterdam, a city steeped in history and culture, boasts a rich tapestry of traditions that have been passed down through generations. These enduring customs contribute to the city’s unique character and offer a glimpse into its vibrant heritage.

Sinterklaas and Zwarte Piet:

  • Overview: Sinterklaas, a Dutch counterpart of Santa Claus, arrives in Amsterdam each November, accompanied by his helpers, known as Zwarte Piet (Black Pete). This beloved tradition includes parades, gift-giving, and festive celebrations.
  • Highlights: Sinterklaas Arrival Parade, Sinterklaasavond (Sinterklaas Eve).

King’s Day (Koningsdag):

  • Overview: Celebrated on April 27th, King’s Day marks the birth of King Willem-Alexander. The entire city transforms into a sea of orange as locals and visitors take to the streets for festivities, flea markets, and live music.
  • Highlights: Canal Parades, Vrijmarkt (freemarket), live music events.

Bloemenmarkt – Floating Flower Market:

  • Overview: Amsterdam’s famous floating flower market is a centuries-old tradition. It showcases a vibrant array of flowers and bulbs, allowing visitors to purchase and take home a piece of Dutch horticultural history.
  • Highlights: Tulip bulbs, fresh-cut flowers, floral souvenirs.

Haringhandel – Herring Stalls:

  • Overview: Eating raw herring is a traditional Dutch delicacy. In Amsterdam, herring stalls can be found throughout the city, offering this unique seafood experience. The correct way to eat it is to hold the herring by the tail and take a bite.
  • Highlights: Haring, typically garnished with onions and pickles.

Bicycling Culture:

  • Overview: Cycling is an intrinsic part of Amsterdam’s culture and daily life. This tradition includes a vast network of bike paths, dedicated parking, and an unwavering commitment to eco-friendly transportation.
  • Highlights: Renting a bicycle, exploring the city on two wheels, visiting the Bicycle Museum.

Dutch Pancakes (Pannenkoeken):

  • Overview: Traditional Dutch pancakes, thinner than American pancakes but larger than French crêpes, are a culinary favorite. These can be sweet or savory and are often served in pancake houses throughout Amsterdam.
  • Highlights: Poffertjes (mini pancakes), Dutch apple pancakes, stroopwafels.

Houseboats and Canals:

  • Overview: The tradition of living on the water dates back centuries. Houseboats along the city’s canals are not just unique homes but also integral to Amsterdam’s culture.
  • Highlights: Canal cruises, visiting houseboat communities, floating hotels.

Dutch Cheese Markets:

  • Overview: The cheese market tradition is a nod to the country’s dairy heritage. Several cities near Amsterdam host cheese markets where traders and farmers gather to buy and sell cheese wheels.
  • Highlights: Alkmaar Cheese Market, Edam Cheese Market, Gouda Cheese Market.


Windmills and Polder Landscape:

  • Overview: Windmills are an enduring symbol of the Netherlands. In the countryside surrounding Amsterdam, you can explore working windmills and witness how they’ve been used for centuries to manage water levels and create polder landscapes.

Stroopwafels:

  • Overview: Stroopwafels are a sweet treat enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. These thin waffle-like cookies are filled with a sweet syrup, and they are often sold fresh at street markets or specialized shops.

Grachtenconcert (Canal Concerts):

  • Overview: Each year, Amsterdam hosts the Grachtenfestival, a festival featuring classical music performances on canal-side stages and boats. The serene canals provide a unique backdrop for these open-air concerts.

Indonesian Cuisine:

  • Overview: Amsterdam’s Indonesian food scene is a reflection of its colonial past. Rijsttafel, a Dutch-Indonesian banquet of small dishes, is a culinary tradition enjoyed in local restaurants.

Sailing on IJsselmeer:

  • Overview: Amsterdam’s proximity to the IJsselmeer, a large inland lake, offers the opportunity to partake in a seafaring tradition. Sailing, wind surfing, and fishing are popular activities on the lake.

Huisjesmelkerij – House Rental Tradition:

  • Overview: Amsterdam’s historic canal houses are often owned by individuals who rent out apartments to tenants. This unique housing tradition is integral to the city’s architectural character.

Koekhappen:

  • Overview: Koekhappen is a traditional Dutch game played at celebrations, particularly during birthdays. Participants take turns biting pieces of cake hanging from a string while blindfolded.

Oliebollen:

  • Overview: Oliebollen, which translates to “oil balls,” are deep-fried doughnuts traditionally eaten during the New Year’s holiday season. They are often served with powdered sugar and are a sweet and delicious tradition.

Remembrance Day (Dodenherdenking):

  • Overview: On May 4th, the Netherlands commemorates those who lost their lives in World War II and other conflicts. The day is marked by a two-minute nationwide silence, followed by ceremonies and the laying of wreaths at war memorials.

Sjoelen – Dutch Shuffleboard:

  • Overview: Sjoelen is a traditional Dutch tabletop game that involves sliding wooden pucks down a wooden board to reach scoring areas. It’s a popular pastime in Dutch homes and cafes.

Clog Making and Klompen:

  • Overview: Wooden clogs, known as klompen, are an iconic Dutch symbol. The art of clog making continues to be a cherished tradition, and you can visit workshops and see how these iconic shoes are crafted.