Amsterdam
Priceless China
De Nederlandse Opera perform Puccini’s work based on a Persian fairy tale about the beautiful but icy Chinese princess, Turandot. The opera – which includes the famous aria, Nessun dorma – remained unfinished at the time of Puccini’s death in 1924, but was completed by Franco Alfano and premièred at La Scala, Milan in 1926. In 2001, a new musical finale was added by composer Luciano Berio, drawn from sketches left by Puccini. TURANDOT May 7-30 Muziektheater, Amstel 3; +31 20 6255455; www.het-muziektheater.nl
EVENTS
WETLANDS SAFARI Until September 15
Canoe excursions with English-speaking guides through a 17th-century landscape that inspired artists like Rembrandt and Ruysdael.
Meet: Bus Station behind Amsterdam Centraal Station; +31 20 6863445; www.wetlandssafari.nl
CONCERT ON THE AMSTEL May 5
This free, open-air classical music concert on the River Amstel – attended by Queen Beatrix – traditionally marks ‘Liberation Day’, a public holiday in The Netherlands.
www.amsterdams4en5meicomite.com
ART AMSTERDAM May 26-30
A huge contemporary art fair featuring photographs, paintings and video art, sculptures, drawings and installations.
RAI, Europaplein 22; +31 20 5491212; www.artamsterdam.nl
THE AMSTERDAM TRADITIONAL TEXTILES FAIR May 30
A rich collection of authentic ethnic textiles from all over the world.
De Duif, Prinsengracht 756; +31 6 52620145; www.amsterdamjewelryfair.nl
EXHIBITIONS
FIRST LIGHT: PHOTOGRAPHY & ASTRONOMY Until May 30
Historic photos combined with spectacular images from telescopes and spaceships.
Huis Marseille, Keizersgracht 401; +31 20 5318980; www.huismarseille.nl
PAUL GAUGUIN: THE BREAKTHROUGH INTO MODERNITY Until June 6
The development of Gauguin’s signature style.
Special offer: Flying Blue members can receive a unique Gauguin exhibition poster for free (normal price: €7.50) by showing their membership card in the museum shop, throughout the duration of this exhibition.
Van Gogh Museum, Paulus Pottersstraat 7; +31 20 5705292; www.vangoghmuseum.com
WORLD PRESS PHOTO Until June 20
Award-winning press photography.
Oude Kerk, Oudekerksplein 23; +31 20 6258284; www.worldpressphoto.org
RESTAURANT
GUSTO
Just off the Nieuwmarkt square in the old centre, this rustic yet smart restaurant purveys authentic Italian dishes, served in hearty portions. Fish and meat lovers, along with vegetarians are all catered for – and service is excellent! If you can resist chocolate delights such as Tartufo Nero for dessert, try the house specialty, Sgroppino Gusto: the magic is conjured up right before your eyes.
Kloveniersburgwal 7; +31 20 6262582; www.ristorantegusto.com
GIGS
Editors May 1, Heineken Music Hall
LCD Soundsystem May 4, Paradiso
Mika May 7, Heineken Music Hall
Rox May 10, Paradiso
Randy Newman May 11, Concertgebouw
Madness May 15, Heineken Music Hall
Gotan Project May 20, Paradiso
WEBSITES
www.dutchnews.nl
Daily Dutch news in English
www.specialbite.com
Cool and comprehensive restaurant reviews
www.underwateramsterdam.com
Events and info galore
www.iamsterdam.com
The city’s most comprehensive portal
www.amsterdam.info
Useful tourist information
www.lastminuteticketshop.nl
Half-price tickets to events
