7 Things to do on Liberation Day in Amsterdam

5 May 1945 marks the liberation of the Netherlands from German occupation during the Second World War. Now, 81 years later, we still come together every year to celebrate our freedom. In Amsterdam, the city comes alive with festivals, commemorations and all kinds of activities that honour this day in different ways. In this blog, we’ll take you through seven things to do on Liberation Day in Amsterdam, from lively events to meaningful places to explore.

Two minutes’ silence at 8.00 pm on the 4th of May

Before we tell you what you can do in Amsterdam on the 5th of May, it is important to reflect on the day before. On May 4th, the Netherlands commemorates Remembrance Day. At 8.00 pm the whole country goes silent for two minutes. Everyone stops what they are doing and stays quiet. Hotel staff pause the check-in of guests, waiters stop serving drinks, public transport comes to a standstill, no music is played and people stop talking on the streets. These two minutes, during which the Netherlands is, as it were, on pause, hold great significance: it is the moment when we remember the victims of the Second World War. 

The National Remembrance Ceremony takes place at the National Monument on Dam Square. Present at this moment are, among others, the king and queen of the Netherlands, war veterans, relatives of victims, ministers and the mayor. Floral wreaths are laid, speeches are given and recitations are performed. If you are in Amsterdam (or elsewhere in the Netherlands) on the 4th of May, we invite you to join the two minutes of silence at 8:00 pm and reflect together on the victims.

What is there to do on Liberation Day?

1. Visit the Dutch Resistance Museum

A museum that fits perfectly with the theme of this day is the Dutch Resistance Museum. This museum shows in an accessible way what life in the Netherlands was like during the World War II. The focus is on how the Dutch resisted the German occupation. A visit on Liberation Day makes the experience extra special: you gain a deeper understanding of where the freedom we celebrate comes from and why it remains so precious.

2. Have fun at the Liberation Festival: Het Vrije Westen

One of the best-known Liberation Festivals in Amsterdam takes place in Westerpark. Here you can enjoy live music, DJs and various cultural programmes spread across multiple stages. Entry is free and the festival runs from 14:00 pm to 23:00 pm.

3. Dance at the Liberation Dance Festival

This free festival centres on celebrating freedom, with dance and music as its key elements. The day begins with a Freedom Meal in the garden of the Rijksmuseum. This is followed by performances, workshops and a silent disco. Visitors can enjoy various dance styles, such as ballroom, Bollywood and contemporary dance. The Liberation Dance Festival takes place on Museumplein and runs from 14:00 pm to 21:00 pm.

4. Enjoy live music at the Concert on the Amstel

For the 32nd time, 5 May will end with the Concert on the Amstel. This special concert attracts many visitors every year, and the royal couple are often in attendance. It takes place at the end of the day, between 9.00 pm and 10.30 pm, and admission is free.

5. Party at Bevrijdingspop in Haarlem

Haarlem hosts the oldest and one of the largest Liberation Day festivals in the Netherlands: Bevrijdingspop. Various Dutch artists and bands perform across multiple stages. Entry is free and the festival runs from 12:00 pm to 24:00 pm. If you’re looking for a major Liberation Day festival close to Amsterdam, this one is definitely recommended. From Amsterdam Central Station, the train takes you to Haarlem in about 20 minutes. From there, it’s best to take the bus or walk to the Bevrijdingspop festival site.

6. Explore the Jewish Cultural Quarter

The Jewish Cultural Quarter is a truly impressive museum complex. Here you can stroll past the Jewish Museum, the Jewish Museum Junior, the Portuguese Synagogue, the National Holocaust Museum and the Hollandsche Schouwburg. At these special sites, you’ll discover how the Jewish community in the Netherlands experienced the Second World War. Here, you’ll see not only the broad strokes of history, but also the personal stories that reveal what this period meant to people. A visit to the Jewish Cultural Quarter is a valuable addition to the festivities, as it allows you to combine the celebration of freedom with greater insight and meaning.

7. Get to know more about Anne Frank’s life

The following walks focusing on the life of Anne Frank are highly recommended if you want to mark Liberation Day in a more meaningful way. On the Guided Anne Frank and Jewish Quarter Walking Tour, you’ll discover the city’s rich history and visit key sites from the Second World War. You’ll also follow Anne Frank’s story through her diary. If you opt for the Anne Frank Immersive Walk, you’ll set off on your own and explore places that played a role in her life at your own pace. Interactive audio and video bring history to life. Both tours take you past impressive locations and personal stories, offering a valuable addition to the city’s festivities.

Celebrate Liberation Day in Amsterdam

Are you in Amsterdam on Liberation Day? Then be sure to visit one of the activities mentioned above, there is plenty to do throughout the day. Whether you choose one of the festivals, the Dutch Resistance Museum, the Jewish Cultural Quarter or one of the Anne Frank Walks to learn more about the history behind Liberation Day, freedom takes centre stage across the city on 5 May. Celebrate freedom and enjoy everything Amsterdam has to offer on this special day. And don’t forget the two minutes of silence on 4 May at 8:00 pm, when the Netherlands commemorates the victims of the Second World War.