Last Updated on May 10, 2025 by Christian Heide
If cities could throw birthday parties, Amsterdam would be the one that makes everyone else jealous. In 2025, this iconic Dutch capital is blowing out 750 candles – and it’s not just a one-day bash. It’s a year-long, city-wide celebration that blends rich history, bold creativity, and a whole lot of gezelligheid (that untranslatable Dutch coziness you feel when you’re somewhere you belong).
When you land in Amsterdam these days the energy in the air is unmistakable. Whether you’re cycling down the canal-lined streets or sipping coffee in a sunlit café, you’ll notice the city feels different this year – proud, reflective, and ready to party.
A Birthday Centuries in the Making
Amsterdam officially traces its roots back to 1275, when fishermen built a small dam on the Amstel River. From there, it bloomed into one of Europe’s most progressive, artistic, and inclusive capitals. The city has seen it all – Golden Age grandeur, wartime scars, counterculture revolutions – and through it all, it’s held onto its character: resilient, curious, and always moving forward.
To mark 750 years, the city kicked things off on October 27, 2024, with a concert at the Ziggo Dome that could rival any Eurovision finale. Local legends and new voices alike took the stage, each song echoing the city’s fierce pride in its diversity and open-mindedness. And let’s not forget the unveiling of a shimmering commemorative coin – because what’s a milestone without a bit of sparkle?
Art, Light, and Local Stories
As an art lover, you cannot resist the pull of the H’ART Museum’s “Happy Birthday Amsterdam” exhibit, featuring 75 artists paying homage to the city’s past and future. Walking through the galleries, you will be struck by how personal the work feels. This isn’t just a museum show – it’s a love letter to the city.
Outside, the streets themselves are part of the celebration. The Amsterdam Light Festival has gone all out with its special “Rituals” edition. Picture this: the canals glowing with intricate light installations, each one telling a story of tradition, transition, or transformation.
Neighborhoods That Know How to Party
But Amsterdam’s birthday isn’t just a cultural affair – it’s a street-level celebration. Locals in every district are organizing their own neighborhood parties, from food-filled markets in De Pijp to dance battles in Nieuw-West. You don’t need to look far to find a pop-up concert or a communal dinner.
One event Amsterdam is especially excited about is happening on June 21: the Big Celebration on the A10 Ring Road. That’s right – Amsterdam is shutting down a major highway and turning it into a 15-kilometer-long playground. Think music stages, food trucks, bike parades, and maybe even a few impromptu dance floors. Only in Amsterdam.
Walking Through the Past
For travelers who are always curious about the “why” behind a place, the city has rolled out walking tours and interactive history routes. One standout is the “Rembrandt’s Amsterdam” trail along the Amstel River. You start near the old city gates and meander past spots where the painter lived and worked, piecing together what life was like when Amsterdam was the heart of the Dutch Golden Age.
But history isn’t just being told – it’s being reimagined by the next generation. Thousands of local children are collaborating with artists to create public art that bridges the past and the future. It’s called “Mind Bridges,” and it’s one of the most hopeful, heartwarming parts of the whole celebration.
Eat, Float, and Celebrate
Of course, no birthday is complete without cake – or at least some delicious Dutch treats. On the Amsterdam 750 Anniversary Cruise, you can float through the historic canals with a glass of bubbly in one hand and a stroopwafel in the other, while your guide recounts the city’s most intriguing tales.
Why You Should Visit in 2025
Whether you’re a history buff, an art aficionado, or just someone who loves a good celebration, 2025 is the perfect time to (re)discover Amsterdam. The city is pulling out all the stops—but not in a flashy, overdone way. It’s personal. It’s thoughtful. It’s Amsterdam at its very best.
More than just a party, the 750th anniversary is a reminder of what makes this city so special: its ability to adapt without losing its soul, to celebrate without excluding, and to honor the past while making room for the future.
So, if you’ve ever wanted to walk through a living museum, toast centuries of resilience, or dance on a highway, this is your year. Amsterdam is turning 750 – and everyone’s invited.