Amsterdam Weekend Guide (2-4 May)

ART & EXHIBITIONS

Banksy: Laugh Now

In collaboration with Moco Museum

As Amsterdam's Museumplein bursts into spring blossom, Moco Museum presents an unmissable exhibition dedicated to Banksy, the world's most famous anonymous street artist. His thought-provoking works use sharp wit and bold imagery to challenge themes of war, authority and social issues. This collection highlights his globally recognised impact, proving that urban art can be both visually striking and politically powerful. Iconic works like Laugh Now, Girl with Balloon, and Flower Thrower are on display, offering visitors a perfect opportunity to get to grips with the rockstar British artist.

Banksy: Laugh Now | permanent exhibition | Moco Museum, Museumplein

World Press Photo

A true highlight for photography enthusiasts, the annual World Press photo exhibition returns to the striking Gothic setting of De Nieuwe Kerk, Amsterdam’s oldest building. Presenting award-winning photojournalism, the exhibit captures poignant and powerful moments from around the globe. Catch this visual narrative of the bygone year's most pressing geopolitical events as seen through the lens of photojournalists who risked it all to tell their truth. Visit this iconic exhibit for free with your I amsterdam City Card.  

World Press Photo | until 21 September | De Nieuwe Kerk, Centrum

Josephine Baker: A Life of Resistance

Famed dancer, performer and icon of the WWII resistance movement, Josephine Baker, is spotlighted at Amsterdam’s Verzetsmuseum (Resistance Museum) with a special exhibit that dives into her complex and multifaceted life. Born at the turn of the 20th century in the United States, Baker escaped systemic racism by moving to Paris, where she began her celebrated career as a performer. During WWII, she leveraged her fame to gather intelligence for the Allies, smuggling information hidden in sheet music with invisible ink. 

Josephine Baker: A Life of Resistance | until 9 November | Verzetsmuseum (Resistance Museum), De Plantage

FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Liberation Day

5 May marks exactly eighty years since the Netherlands was liberated from Nazi occupation. To celebrate, Amsterdam hosts plenty of city-wide events, including storytelling evenings and music festivals. Experience the coming-together of residents to share stories of survival and resistance in the former homes of Jewish citizens and resistance fighters as part of Resistance Homes – Open Jewish homes. Take in the wealth of music and food at an open-air festival in Westerpark. The annual Liberte Liberte festival, organised by ZeeZout, returns to the grounds of Nieuw-West club Lofi for a memorable day-to-night party. 

Liberation Day | 5 May | citywide

May Holidays

The May holidays are upon us, which means a sun-filled weekend of fun for the whole family. As part of the festivities, Watersportcentrum Sloterplas opens its doors on 3 May for an afternoon of free activities. Expect hands-on sailing lessons, canoeing and pedal boating for adults and children aged eight and up. Dive into public pool savings this weekend, with two-for-one entry at some of the city’s popular swimming spots such as the Mirandabad and Noorderparkbad. After all that sunshine, it’s time to head indoors for beloved audiovisual experience Fabrique des Lumieres, which brings its newest installation “De Zee" (The Sea) to the iconic Westergasterrein. During this immersive experience, take in the wonders of the underwater world.

SHOPPING & MARKETS

Studio Snoeck

Curated designer market Studio Snoeck brings together local designers in the industrial cool surrounds of Roest. Gathering standout local creatives, Studio Snoeck offers everything from sculptural jewellery to chic outerwear. A market prioritising high-quality timeless items, it’s the perfect spot for discovering your next go-to piece, all while supporting the city's rising talents.  

Studio Snoeck | 3 May | Roest, Oostelijke Eilanden

RESTAURANTS & BARS

Up in the Sky: nNea x The Pizza Show

Pizza in the sky, anyone? Transforming popular venue The Loft into a haven for pizza enthusiasts is the Pizza Show, which organises pizza pop-ups in historic locations across the Netherlands. This time they’ll team up with renowned institution nNea – ranked no less than 8th in the list of best pizza joints in Europe – to combine music, unbeatable ambience and some of the best pizzerias in the world for a truly winning combination. From the 15th floor of the iconic A’DAM Tower, take in sweeping vistas of the IJ River and the city with a slice of pizza or two (or three).  

Up in the Sky: nNea x The Pizza Show | 2 - 3 May | The Loft, Noord

Roest

Found some gems at Studio Snoeck? Stay for dinner at Roest. Once the home of a bunker-style cafe and industrial beach, the building of Roest closed after a long and popular life. But now it returns in a newer, more refined form as a restaurant that’s as changed as the Oostenburg neighbourhood it calls home. Run by the team behind De Willem in Westerpark, gone are the indie feels of old and in is the contemporary cool of now, where leather and dark wood furniture play off against industrial beams and distressed walls for a bunker-esque space that just so happens to plate up great food too. Here you’ll find modern bistro fare like grilled ribeye with pepper sauce, peppered creme brulee, smoked eel and barbecued shrimp with chilli butter, as well as a chic crowd and even chic-er interior.

Roest | Jacob Bontiusplaats 1, Oostelijke Eilanden

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