The AmsTerdAm FesTivAl oF lighT 27Th November – 18Th JANuAry 2015

Pho

To b

y Jo

ris

vAN

Kes

Tere

N

The Amsterdam light Festival When I was little I’d get my Dad to drive through the centre of London at night just to look at the neon ads around Piccadilly Circus. At that age there was something about the lights and staying up late that was so enthralling. The Amsterdam Light Festival recaptures that same feeling for me; when the already beautiful city canals and side streets are transformed by light sculptures, installations and

projections combined with that pre-Christmas-y feeling the centre of Amsterdam becomes alive with positive energy.

You can follow the now annual festival across two routes, one on foot (Illuminade) takes you through the city centre, and another by boat along the canals (Water Colors), both intertwine along the way. You can join one of the many tours or just grab a map and go your own way.

This years Festival has the sub-title ‘A Bright City’, throwing down a challenge to the artists involved to create a tribute to life in modern Amsterdam. One of my favourites from last year was by French artist Vincent Olinet and entitled ‘Pas Encore Mon Histoire’, a grandiose four poster princess bed with silk sheets, beautifully illuminated, floating on the canal (see first page). Another along the walking route situated in front of the City Hall was a collaborative project between Amsterdam residents and the ‘New Heroes Foundation’. The installation, featuring hundreds of table lamps when looked at from above on a certain staircase inside the Hall spelled out the words ‘We light Amsterdam’

(I didn’t know this at the time). It was just as spectacular from the ground view.

Just remember to wrap up warm and buy an ‘I Amsterdam’ city card. These will grant you free admission to most Amsterdam Museums (some, like the Rijksmuseum offer a reduced rate), free travel on trams, buses, a canal cruise and too much other good stuff to list here. Prices vary depending on the duration, but the 48hr pass for €57 is a good bet. For more info visit www.iamsterdam.com

Amsterdam Festival of light runs from 27th November – 18th January 2015For more info visit www.amsterdamlightfestival.com

The rijksmuseumOfficially re-opened in April last year after a protracted restoration project that lasted five years longer than planned and went millions over budget, the Rijksmuseum is back and more stunning than ever. New areas such as the cavernous entrance hall compliment the existing building so naturally you can forgive all the delays and it’s pretty much compulsory to come here if you visit Amsterdam.

Ask a Dutch person who their favourite artist is and EVERY single one of them will tell you, Rembrandt. The man is still very much a legend in these parts and his painting ‘Night Watch’ sits pride of place in the wonderful ‘Gallery of Honour’. The Rijksmuseum has many star paintings, including Vermeers ‘The Milkmaid’ plus pieces by Van Gogh and many of the Dutch Masters. For me the real joy is exploring the lesser know works on display and you could easily spend two days just pottering around.

Admission is €17.50 for adults or free for under 18’s. For more info visit www.rijksmuseum.nl

iCe* With the Rijksmuseum as a backdrop, ICE* Amsterdam is the coolest place to throw some shapes on your skates. They are cheap to hire (€5.00 for two hours) and when you’ve had enough of falling over, retire into the ace wooden cabin next door for some of the best Apple Pie and Hot Chocolate on the planet. Seriously.

open from saturday 22nd November – sunday 1st February 2015 www.iceamsterdam.nl

Where to stay: Nh grand hotel KrasnapolskyThere are plenty of funky hotels in Amsterdam, but for a touch of European splendour stay at the 5 Star NH Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky in Dame Square. Location wise it’s right in the heart of Amsterdam, with easy walking distance to many tourist attractions including the Royal Palace, Nieuwe Kerk, Anne Frank House, and the Van Gogh museum. De Bijenkorf (The Bee-hive, right) the famous department store is just across the way and the buses and trams stop virtually outside.

Since the Hotel opened in 1883, it’s been extended and has taken over some of the surrounding buildings. If you can, try and stay in the original building, it retains a traditional feel with all the added modern conveniences we’ve come to love.

Prices start from around £180 per night, for more info visit http://bit.ly/krasnapolsky-amsterdam

getting there KLM fly to Amsterdam from 16 UK airports and journey time is about an hour. I flew from Norwich and with the hour time difference was home 10 minutes after I left Amsterdam. For more info visit www.klm.com

For further information on accommodation, attractions, festivals and lots more visit www.holland.com