Events Tips for Amsterdam

If you're missing English literature while traveling, American Book Center on Spui hosts regular author readings, book clubs, and literary events. They have a great travel writing section upstairs and the staff actually knows books, not just bestsellers.

Check their website for events during your visit. I caught a poetry reading there last month that was surprisingly good. They also have a decent café on the second floor if you want to read and drink coffee for hours without anyone bothering you.

12:30pm every Wednesday, completely free. World-class acoustics in one of the best concert halls globally. Students and young professionals perform classical pieces.

Show up 15 minutes early for good seats. It's only 30 minutes but the sound quality will blow you away.

Last weekend of every month at NDSM-Werf. Take the free ferry from Central Station, it's a 10-minute ride.

€5 entry gets you into halls filled with vintage clothing, vinyl records, antique furniture, and random treasures. While Waterlooplein has its charm for regular browsing, IJ-Hallen's monthly format means vendors bring special pieces they've been saving. Bring cash and arrive early — The unique items go fast.

Three floors of English books at Spui 12, plus they host author readings and book clubs twice a week. Tuesday evening book discussions are particularly good for travelers wanting to meet locals.

Excellent travel writing section and they stock books by local Amsterdam authors. Staff actually read the books they sell, which is refreshingly rare these days.