Derek Robertson

Amsterdam might be trying to abandon its party girl image, but that doesn’t mean all the fun stuff has stopped. Far from it. Amsterdam’s best bars are open late, its best clubs are poppin’ as ever, and its notorious coffeeshops? Thriving. But lets get one thing out the way first: when we talk about coffeeshops, we mean licenced cannabis cafés (not normal cafés), where you can choose from extensive marijuana menus. And they’re more than that, too – these joints are social hubs, creative spaces, and they’re intrinsic to Amsterdam’s identity.  Coffeeshop opening hours in Amsterdam You might have guessed it – but just as raucous behaviour is not encouraged in Amsterdam, coffeeshops do not stay open until the early hours either. Coffeeshops here are designed to be chill, sociable venues, as appropriate for solo moments in the daytime as they are for a smoke with friends at nighttime. If you want coffeeshops open latest, head to the Red Light District, where you’ll find they might stay open until around 1am. Elsewhere, they might close at 10pm or so, or when things naturally quieten down. Remember, coffeeshops don’t sell alcohol, so if you’re looking for late-night drinks, you’re looking for a bar – and yes, those are open much, much later.    📍 RECOMMENDED: A beginner’s guide to smoking weed in Amsterdam   Can tourists still use coffeeshops in Amsterdam? In short, yes – tourists can still visit and purchase cannabis in Amsterdam’s coffeeshops. A locals-only system was implemented

Ah, Amsterdam – the city of canals, cycling, and, of course, cannabis. The Dutch capital has become something of a mecca for stoners thanks to its famously relaxed attitude towards weed, but whiling away a few hours in a coffeeshop has also become a rite of passage for the curious, the adventurous, and ‘I’m-just-trying-it-once’ tourists alike. There are, however, several rules and an established etiquette for those wishing to indulge – and a little more nuance involved than just walking in and lighting up. Amsterdam’s relationship with cannabis is as iconic as it is misunderstood, so here’s what you actually need to know to smoke like a pro – and avoid offending local sensibilities.  Is weed legal in Amsterdam? Technically, no – but also, yes. Kind of. Cannabis isn’t legal in the Netherlands, but it’s tolerated under a policy known as gedoogbeleid. This means that while the sale and possession of small amounts (up to five grams) for personal use are technically illegal, it’s been decriminalised, meaning authorities won’t prosecute (the police can still confiscate your stash, though). And as the production, transportation, and (bulk) possession of weed will still land you in legal hot water, coffeeshops remain the only place to buy and consume cannabis – they must be licensed, and can only operate legally under strict regulations. It’s a uniquely Dutch approach: pragmatic, slightly bureaucratic, but ultimately pretty chill – especially compared to many of its neighbouring coun

Amsterdam in 2025: It’s finally summer in Amsterdam, and the city has burst into life. The city’s attempts to curb the worst tourism excesses and make visits a more pleasant experience are ongoing (and successful!), but there’s another, even better, reason why the Venice of the North should be on your destination list in 2025: it’s celebrating its 750th birthday.  Essentially, there’s never been a better time to visit Amsterdam, as throughout the year, a host of special events will commemorate this momentous milestone: 24 Hours will see each district take turns to open up with workshops, tours, and exhibitions (September 6, October 11); SAIL Amsterdam returns for the first time in five years (August 20-25); and on the longest day of the year (June 21), the A10 ring road round the city will be turned into a 15-kilometre parade full of music, dance, theatre, food trucks, and more – oh, and the city will even pay for your wedding if you ask nicely. More on all that below. And of course, there’s plenty to see and do year-round, too: here are its best things to do, whenever you’re visiting, according to our experts.  📍 RECOMMENDED: Ultimate guide to what to do in Amsterdam What shouldn’t I miss in Amsterdam? You could stay here a week and not have time to see all the main attractions. But no visit should be without a canal cruise – it’s the best way to see the city and provides a unique perspective of the UNESCO World Heritage canal ring. Don’t miss the Rijksmuseum, truly one o

We get it, there’s plenty of things to do in Amsterdam. Your itinerary for a weekend here might be crammed full already. But if Amsterdam’s best markets aren’t on your list yet, we’re afraid there’s a little bit more to add. Here in the Dam you’ll find markets to suit every taste; works by local artists, one-of-a-kind antiques, rails and rails of vintage clothing and of course, the foodie markets of your dreams (yes, there’s cheese). Whether you’re window shopping or ready to fill that suitcase to the brim, here are the best markets in Amsterdam.  What day is market day in Amsterdam? One of the best things about visiting Amsterdam? Market day is almost every day here. We take markets very seriously here, and there’s pretty much always a brilliant one to visit, whether you’re on the hunt for food, clothing, nick-nacks or (of course) flowers. The only day you should be wary of? Sundays. Most of the city’s most iconic markets shut down for the day, or operate with limited hours. But hey, if you read on, you’ll find there’s still a few around to visit on the day of rest. Here are the best markets in Amsterdam.  📍 Ultimate guide to what to do in Amsterdam🏨 Ready to book? Check out the best hotels in Amsterdam This guide is by Derek Roberston, a writer based in Amsterdam. Original photos by Amsterdam-based photographer Joao Costa. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial g

A guide to Amsterdam’s best attractions? Well, we could go on, and on, and on. This city packs a cultural punch, with more world-leading museums, galleries and weird cultural activities than you can shake a stick at. But on our list of its best attractions, we wanted to make sure we ticked every single box. That’s why you’ll find its bucket list-worthy museums alongside boozy, fun-filled canal tours,  stroopwaffel-making classes, seriously wacky museums and a whole lot more. For our more off-the-beaten-track recommendations, we’d suggest heading to our list of Amsterdam’s best things to do – but for proper, ultimate tourist attractions, you’re in the right place. Here are Amsterdam’s most unmissable sights and activities to book right now.  📍 Ultimate guide to what to do in Amsterdam Should I book attractions in advance? Lots of your Amsterdam trip you can do on the fly – its abundance of tours, classes, galleries and more lends itself to a fair bit of spontaneity. But heed our warning, if you want to visit the ‘Big Three’ (aka Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank Huis and Van Gogh), you’re going to want to book well in advance – for Anne Frank Huis, you’ll want to start looking at time slots about three months ahead. But hey, if you’re reading this on the day and you’re panicking, don’t fear: often queueing from the early hours should get you in too. Derek Robertson is a writer based in Amsterdam. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities

Amsterdam restaurants in 2025: Amsterdam’s restaurant scene is buzzing, with brand-new Turkish-international eatery Esra joining our list alongside long-loved Asian spots Hoi Tin and Namche. More exciting upcoming openings include Boon & De Koot, a wine bar and restaurant from the team behind Zoldering, plus Veneur by the ex-chef of De Juwelier and acclaimed Ghanese chef Joseph Odoom’s Momi, arriving hot on the heels of West African fine dining hit Kenneh. So there’s a lot happening in Amsterdam’s food scene. And two of our top-ranked restaurants are currently undergoing some serious renovations (don’t worry, they’ve both launched pop-ups in the interim: more on that below). But whatever your vibe, we can promise you’ll find something for you on this list. We’re talking comforting Dutch classics, the freshest veg-led menus, creative Michelin marvels and a whole lot more – and the best bit? It just keeps getting better. Read on for our top picks for 2025.  RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Amsterdam🍳 The best brunches in Amsterdam🍷 The best bars in Amsterdam🏘️ Where to stay in Amsterdam🏨 The best hotels in Amsterdam This guide was updated by Karin Engelbrecht, a food writer based in Amsterdam. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

Everyone knows what great pizza means to them. It could have a paper-thin, crispy base or one so doughy it’s comparable to a pillow; it could be an abundance of vegetables and cured meats or simply a great, classic margherita (for the purists). Some of us even crave a bit of pizza-induced controversy (fans of a white base or those who opt for a pineapple topping, we’re looking at you).  But no matter your preference, whether it’s socially acceptable or totally unhinged to everybody else, you’ll find your perfect pizza pie somewhere in the world, and somewhere on this list, too. That’s because we’ve asked our travel writers and international editorial staff about their absolute favourite spots for when they’re craving a pizza, from Cape Town to Lisbon, Buenos Aires to Miami. We hope you’re hungry – don your napkin and read on for the world’s very best pizzas.  RECOMMENDED:🥪The best sandwiches in the world🥩The best steaks in the world🍝The best cities in the world for food This list was edited by Liv Kelly, a writer for Time Out Travel. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

People who don’t live in cities will tell you they’re busy, lonely and expensive places. But there’s a reason so many people choose to live in them: with world-class art and culture, unbeatable food and nightlife, buzzing neighbourhoods and a dizzying amount of stuff to do and see, there’s simply no better place to be.  Every year, we take the pulse of city living by quizzing thousands of locals across the planet about life in their hometowns. This year, more than 18,500 city-dwellers shared their insights on everything from food, nightlife and culture to affordability, happiness and the overall city vibe. When urban living can sometimes feel isolating and costly, this year we wanted to get a sense of what, exactly, makes a city feel like home. Sure, the nightlife is great, but is the city safe and walkable? Is good quality food and art available at a reasonable price? Is it easy to make friends, find love, and access nature?  Livability was a key factor in our ranking this year. But a great city to live in is, naturally, a great city to visit. So, along with the thousands of responses from locals around the world, we asked Time Out’s global network of city experts to vote on the places they think are particularly exciting right now. After crunching all that data, here we are: Time Out’s definitive ranking of the world’s best cities in 2025. Read on to see how your hometown fared… RECOMMENDED:🛍️ The coolest neighbourhoods in the world right now🌎 The best things to do in the

Fittingly for a city known as being something of a party destination, there’s no end of late-night entertainment and dancing options in Amsterdam. However, the scene has undergone something of a metamorphosis of late – following several years of vocal (local) complaints and increasingly strict laws, the work of successive Night Mayors has seen clubbing receive a veneer of acceptability and greater freedom; witness the introduction of several 24-hour licenses and a more holistic approach to the granting of permits.  This has seen new venues quickly establish themselves – Shelter, or the now sadly closed De School – and existing ones cement their reputation as incubators of talent. After all, the Dutch are known for their love, and ability, with underground dance, techno, and electronica, and most places continue to push the new and the innovative for crowds always hungry to dance the night away to the latest and greatest. Whatever your vibe, these are the best clubs in Amsterdam right now.  RECOMMENDED:🍷 The best bars in Amsterdam🌿 The best coffeeshops in Amsterdam📍 The best things to do in Amsterdam🏘️ Where to stay in Amsterdam This guide was updated by Derek Robertson, a writer based in Amsterdam. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

Amsterdam is many things to many people. Some come for the beautifully quaint canals, postcard-perfect cobbled streets, and rich history – not for nothing is the city nicknamed the "Venice of the North". Others are drawn by the coffeeshops, liberal nightlife, and the world-famous Red Light District for thrills of a completely different kind. But whichever side of the city you find most alluring, there’s so much more than meets the eye – for Amsterdam is truly unique.A laid-back city whose inhabitants are a thrill-seeking, fun-loving bunch, the mix of the Dutch’s famed tolerance, open-mindedness, and endless creative energy and spirit, is a heady concoction. Whether you’re into culture, food, sport, design, or just partying until sunrise, Amsterdam possesses all the buzz of a big city in a small package. Compact, easy-to-navigate neighbourhoods mean you are never far from something interesting – peaceful parks, classy shopping, world-class museums, inventive restaurants, and 24-hour nightclubs are just some of the delights that await – for Amsterdam is a city that rewards exploration. So, no matter how long you’re in town, take the time to just wander – there are hidden gems and delights around every corner and down every picturesque little street. We are confident enough to wager that "a fun-filled weekend in a swanky Amsterdam Airbnb" is one of the most popular bucket list items in all of tourism. So it shouldn’t come as a great surprise to hear that the city is full of awe-

Few cities combine old world charm with a contemporary buzz quite like Amsterdam. In part, this is what’s made it such a popular destination – it can be whatever you want it to be, from a debauched, party-fuelled high to a genteel cultural experience. It’s also a city that rewards exploration – some of its best bits are hiding down side alleys and by picturesque canals. What is the best part of Amsterdam to stay in? What you want from the city will determine where you stay; each of the areas below have a distinct vibe and character, yet everything is walkable – and cyclable – making seeing all the sights a breeze. With efforts to curb the worse aspects of tourism starting to pay dividends, now’s the time to visit – Amsterdam’s true colours are shining brighter than ever. Here’s our full guide to where to stay, for first-timers, seasoned ’dammers and everyone in between.  RECOMMENDED:🏨 The best hotels in Amsterdam🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Amsterdam🏠 The best budget hotels in Amsterdam📍 The best things to do in Amsterdam This guide is by Derek Roberston, with original photos by photographer Joao Costa, both based in Amsterdam. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers. Find more in our editorial guidelines. This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 

Planning an autumn trip to Amsterdam? You’re right to. This city is magical all year round, but especially once the trees start showing their autumn leaves. While you’re here, you could spend your days queuing for TikTok-hyped restaurants all day, if you wanted. Or you can spend your life savings on (admittedly delicious) tasting menus at one of Amsterdam’s best restaurants.  Well, you’re welcome to. But not everyone coming to Amsterdam has funds to spare. It might just be that you’re interrailing, or you’re strapped for cash, or you blew all your money on the first night in one of Amsterdam’s best clubs. If that’s the case, you’re in the right place. Here are my best cheap eats in Amsterdam.  RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Amsterdam🥞 The best best brunches in Amsterdam☕ The best cafés in Amsterdam🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Amsterdam Derek Robertson is a writer based in Amsterdam. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

What is it? Originally known as the Museum Amstelkring, this place was once a well-kept secret (not so much nowadays). It’s one of the oldest museums in Amsterdam, hidden away in an old canal house, and going to see it feels like discovering something quite special in the city – even if the secret is very much out.  What should I see there? The main attraction is upstairs, and goes by the name: ‘Our Sweet Lord in the Attic’. Built in 1663, this attic church was used by Catholics during the 17th century, when they were banned from worshipping after the Alteration. The altarpiece features a painting by the noted 18th-century artist Jacob de Wit. Meanwhile, the beautifully preserved rooms on the lower floor offer a realistic glimpse of what life was like during the 17th century. What’s there to do nearby? Well, there’s the rest of the Red Light District for starters. Or check out Little Saigon (a three-minute walk away) for a banh mi or bowl of pho if you fancy a bite to eat.  This review was fact-checked and updated in 2024. 

What is it? The Oude Kerk began life as a simple wooden chapel in 1306, but today rates as Amsterdam’s most interesting church. Is it worth visiting? It’s easy to imagine the Sunday Mass chaos during its heyday in the mid-1500s, when it had 38 altars, each with its own guild-sponsored priest. Now it serves more as a radical contrast to the surrounding Red Light District, but still holds lessons: the inscription over the bridal chamber states ‘marry in haste, mourn in leisure’. What should I see there? Keep your eyes peeled for the floor grave of Rembrandt’s wife Saskia, who died in 1642. Also note the Gothic and Renaissance façade above the northern portal, and the stained-glass windows, parts of which date from the 16th and 17th centuries. For shock value, check out the carvings in the choir benches of men evacuating their bowels – they tell a moralistic tale. Occasional art shows exhibit a range of fascinating subjects, from contemporary local art to the World Press Photo Exhibition. What’s good to visit nearby? If you fancy a bit of a museum crawl, check out Museum Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder and Red Light Secrets after. Then find even more things to do on our list of the Red Light District’s top attractions.  This review was fact-checked and updated in 2024. 

What is it? An iconic gay club on Amsterdam’s equally iconic Gay Street with 850-person capacity. Although this is a club for the LGBTQ+ community, everyone is welcome at Club NYX. Is it worth visiting? Since being reborn as Club NYX (previously it was Club Exit), named after the Greek Goddess of the Night, this club has been pretty notorious on the city’s LGBTQ+ scene. Three floors offer distinct vibes – making liberal use of graffiti, glitter and concrete – and a toilet DJ keeps the party going while you wash your hands at a giant pink phallus. This page was fact-checked and updated in 2024. 

What’s the vibe? ‘Unique’ doesn’t come close to describing Dokter, a historic, classic Amsterdam brown café (and the city’s smallest). And with dusty brick-a-brac hanging above the bar, old, mellow jazz records providing the mood, and no end of colourful, chatty locals, it’s also an ‘experience’. But just soak up the charm and run with it – time will just float right by. What are the prices like? Reasonable for the centre of Amsterdam, and on a par with other brown bars. Their liqueurs, spirits, and jenevers start from €4 to €7, a house beer is €5, and their house jenever is a snip at just €4.25. Bar snacks are cheap too.  What should I order? It has to be Brand beer from the Limberg Brewery, alongside something a little harder. Try a jenever, or one of their many whiskies (they always have a Whisky of the Month on offer). What’s worth visiting nearby? Located in the heart of the Old Centre, there’s plenty of fun and mischief to be had in every direction. But head up to the Red Light District and the area around De Oude Kerk to experience an Amsterdam that is disappearing. 

What’s the vibe? When the sun’s out, there’s no better place to sip on something cold than Hannekes Boom’s huge, waterside terrace. But the actual bar itself, constructed out of scrap lumber, is pretty sweet too; rustic, bohemian, and featuring a proper wood burning stove, it’s been a hotspot since forever. Sustainable too – they focus on local, organic, fresh produce alongside a great range of beers, wines, and spirits. What are the prices like? For such a popular spot, very reasonable. Draft beers start at €3.40, spirits from €5.50, wines from €6 a glass, and cocktails around €11. For such an iconic, central spot, what’s not to like? What should I order? If it’s warm, and you’re sitting on that incredible terrace, Jupiler is the draft beer of choice for the locals. Or, if you’re splashing out, order a Hannekes Spritz – pure summer in a glass. What’s worth visiting nearby? Duck under the railway bridge, turn right, and walk down towards the Eastern Docklands. There are all manner of quirky, fun bars, restaurants, shops, and architecture to be discovered on Java-Eiland, KNSM-Eiland, and Cruquiuseiland. 📍 Discover the best restaurants in Amsterdam

What’s the vibe? Discreet yet stylish, this corner bar oozes class and impeccable taste. A favourite of cool young professionals and those who favour substance over style, the 1920’s style décor lends a slightly old-fashioned, Gatsby-esque sophistication to proceedings; the buzz here is studied, yet refined. When you know, you know.   What are the prices like? It’s not cheap, but with the mixology expertise on display, complimentary olives and mixed nuts, and refined ingredients such as sotol, rare mezcals, and fresh fennel, nor should it be – the quality here is top drawer. Expect to pay between €16 and €20 for most concoctions. What should I order? Their menu is somewhat seasonal, and so frequently changes, but if you have a fave classic, they’ll make it with care and skill. Alternatively, and if you’re feeling brave, order ‘The Walking Dead’ – limited to one per night per customer, it’s a deadly, secret concoction that’s set on fire and served in a giant glass skull. Danger never tasted so delicious.  What’s worth visiting nearby? Head north and you can walk around the Oosterdokseiland docks, home to numerous old boats and the famed NEMO Science Museum. Head south, and you’ll discover the Hortus Bontanicus, which dates from 1682, and the Artis Zoo.  📍 Discover more of the best things to do in Amsterdam

What’s the vibe? Rough and ready yet quintessentially Amsterdam, a visit to this venerated institution is essential. The diversity of the stalls is reflected by the visitors – you’ll see hip teenagers mingling with OAPs doing their weekly food shop and people looking to stock up on (cheap) basic household goods.  Is it worth visiting? The laid-back geniality makes wandering up and down the market’s length a fun, relaxing hour or two. And generally, prices are pretty good value too, particularly when it comes to meat, fish, fruit and vegetables – many locals do the bulk of their food shopping here. With everything else, wares tend towards the cheaper, more basic end of the spectrum, but there are a few stalls selling high quality, specialised products, like spice emporium De Peperbol at No. 150. 📍 RECOMMENDED: Discover the best markets in Amsterdam Which days is the market open?  Albert Cuyp Market is open 9.30am-5pm every day bar Sunday. It’s a great place to try herring, especially in summer when its flavour is at its best. Don’t fancy fish? Try some roast chicken from Chris Kip at No. 181, or grab a stroopwafel from any number of vendors.  What’s worth visiting nearby? Use the market as a starting point for exploring De Pijp. If the weather is nice, take your snacks and head two blocks south to Sarphatipark – it’s a gorgeous little oasis, and surrounded by yet more fine bars, cafes, and restaurants. 📍 Ultimate guide to what to do in Amsterdam

What’s the vibe? There’s a buzzy but gritty eclecticism to this, the city’s largest – and some say best – flea market. Students and bargain hunters mingle with genuine collectors and those simply browsing the madness across Waterlooplein’s 300 stalls. And the ‘colourful character’ trope extends to the stallholders, most of whom are happy to chat and tell stories. Definitely a fun way to spend a few hours, but keep your valuables safe – this is not the place to flaunt cash and new phones.  What are the prices like? Bargain basement shopping is the name of the game here, with many stalls selling some (very) random bric-a-brac and what looks like the contents of long-forgotten cupboards and drawers. Nothing is really very expensive, including the bikes for sale near the entrance.  📍 RECOMMENDED: Discover the best markets in Amsterdam What should I buy? Vintage and old clothes, old books and records, random art, bikes, kids’ toy, coins and stamps…there’s no end to the weird and the wonderful here. Genuine finds might be a little thin on the ground, but they do exist – get hunting! What’s worth visiting nearby? Wander southeast and you’ll come across the Hortus Bontanicus and Artis Zoo. Both are worth visiting, but talk a walk down Hoogte Kadijk to see some exceptionally pretty houses before exploring Czar Peterstraat, a quaint little street full of quirky little boutiques, speciality shops, and some great food and drink options.   📍 Ultimate guide to what to do in Amsterdam

What is Bloemenmarkt? Calmness pervades Bloemenmarkt, the world’s only floating flower market. The barges that make up the market overflow with tulips, daffodils, and all sorts of bulbs, and sell to locals and business owners as mich as tourists.  Is it worth visiting? The flower market is pretty much a right of passage when in Amsterdam. Located right in the centre, just a stone’s throw from Muntplein, this colourful, picturesque beauty dates back to 1862 and remains just as important to the city.  📍 RECOMMENDED: Discover the best markets in Amsterdam What are the prices like and what should I buy? So popular are the tulips in this city that they have their own festival and a museum dedicated to them. An endless variety of both bulbs and fresh flowers (in season) can be bought here. Prices are very reasonable for what you’re buying – there’s very little gouging or profiteering going on here (the number of locals who buy here is testament to the value that can be found).  What’s worth visiting nearby? Ignore Rokin, Kalverstraat, and the overcrowded main shopping streets, and instead head south to Herengracht. One of the city’s prettiest canals, a wander along this ring will reveal an endless aray of cool boutiques, cafes and bars. 📍 Ultimate guide to what to do in Amsterdam

They say 75 years is a diamond anniversary, so what do you call 750? A whole crown jewel, perhaps. As Amsterdam gears up to celebrate its 750th birthday, the city – home to historic diamond trade giants like De Beers – is polishing itself up for a year-long celebration worthy of its glittering past. Long considered one of Europe’s finest gems, the Dutch capital is about to shine brighter than ever. From now until the big official birthday on October 27, 2025, the Dutch capital will come alive with special events, festivals, and cultural happenings. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, here’s everything you need to know about this historic celebration – and how to get involved.  RECOMMENDED:🇳🇱 The best things to do in Amsterdam in 2025🖼️ The best Amsterdam museums to visit🏠 Where to stay in Amsterdam: the city’s best neighbourhoods What is Amsterdam 750? Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary marks 750 years since the city received its official city rights in 1275. While Amsterdam has grown from a small fishing village into a global hub of culture and commerce, this milestone is an opportunity to reflect on its rich history and vibrant present. The festivities, known as Amsterdam 750, will span an entire year and feature a diverse array of events that showcase the city’s creativity, inclusivity, sustainability credentials and community spirit. What events are happening for Amsterdam 750? The anniversary year is packed with events, ranging from neighbourhood gatherings to large-scal

アムステルダムを「罪の街」と呼ぶのは簡単だ。この街は観光客にとってはもちろん、一部の地元の人たちにとっても、（毎晩ではないにせよ）酒色にふけり楽しい時間を過ごせる場所だろう。しかし、きらびやかな運河と絵のように美しい切妻屋根の家々が並ぶアムステルダムは最近、持続可能性とグリーンイノベーションの砦（とりで）としての地位を確立しつつある。それを裏付けるように、今年タイムアウトが実施した都市調査でも、この街は世界で3番目に「環境に優しい都市」「サスティナブルな都市」に選ばれた。 同市がそうした状況にあるのは、循環型経済への全面的な取り組みとして、いわゆる「ドーナツモデル」を採用している結果といえる。これはオックスフォード大学の経済学者であるケイト・ラワースが、2012年に発表した現代的な持続可能性を実現するためのビジョンで、「廃棄物と汚染を可能な限りの排除すること」「製品や素材を使い続けること」「自然のシステムを再生させること」の3つの要素が指針とされる。アムステルダムではこのように、再生可能なエネルギーと素材の利用に重きを置きながら、さらに「デジタル・イノベーション」にも焦点を当てている。 これらの取り組みのゴールは、人類のニーズを満たしつつ、地球のために実行可能な未来を創造すること。そういう意味では、このスイートスポット（つまり「ドーナツ」）は、あらゆる政府が目指してもいいのかしれない。 ドーナツモデルの採用 アムステルダムは2015年、世界で初めて都市レベルでドーナツモデルの可能性について検討するため、調査を実施。その後は報告書に基づいて、再生可能エネルギーや緑地、持続可能なフードシステムの構築、消費の削減など、数多くの野心的な政策や目標を採択してきた。 市は2030年までの目標として、「二酸化炭素排出量の55％削減」「電力の80％を再生可能エネルギーで賄うこと」「個人消費の50％削減」を設定。さらに公園の数を増やしたり、あらゆる製品を修理して再利用するためのインフラを整備するといった、市が長期的な視点を感じ取れる具体的な目標も掲げている。 アムステルダム版ドーナツモデル『Amsterdam City Doughnut』の影響範囲は幅広く、市の『Circular Strategy（循環戦略）2020-2025』の中心的構成要素としても位置づけられている。この戦略は「地球の限界を尊重しながら、全ての市民に繁栄をもたらす、リジェネラティブでインクルーシブな都市」の実現するために策定されたものだ。 コロナ禍のドーナツモデル 「変革のためのツール」と銘打たれたこの戦略は、ラワース本人も協力した開発フェーズを経て、2020年4月に発表された。しかし、その頃ちょうど世界中でロックダウンが発生。ところが、パンデミックはこの戦略の障害になるどころか、多くの都市住民が根本的な「変化」を待ち望んでいたことを気付かせてくれるきっかけとなった。 「タイミングには疑問も感じていましたが、結果的には人々は危機後の経済を立て直すためのアイデアを求めていることが分かりました」と語るのは、アムステルダムのサステナビリティ担当副市長のマリーケ・ファン・ドーニンクだ。 彼女は同市の循環戦略について、「単に 『それまでのビジネス』に戻るのではなく、経済を異なる形にする方法を模索するためのツール。経済回復のための計画としても注目されています」と教えてくれた。さらにそのメリットは誰の目にも明らかであるべきだと、次のように強調した。「循環型経済は生産、消費、再処理が地域で行われるため、より

It’d be all too easy to dismiss Amsterdam as a City of Sin, with hordes of tourists – and a fair few locals – pursuing debauchery and late-night revelry seven days a week. But recently this city of glittering canals and picturesque gabled houses has also positioned itself as a bastion of sustainability and green innovation. So much so that earlier this year, Time Out readers voted it the third ‘greenest’ – and third most ‘sustainable’ – city in the world. This is largely thanks to the Dutch capital’s wholehearted embrace of a circular economy, the so-called ‘doughnut model’: a vision of modern sustainability first set out by University of Oxford economist Kate Raworth in 2012. This is driven by three guiding principles: eliminate waste and pollution as far as possible, keep products and materials in use, and regenerate ‘natural systems’. Renewable energy and materials should be prioritised, and there should also be a focus on ‘digital innovation’. The main goal is to create a viable future for the planet, while also meeting the needs of the human population: this sweet spot, the doughnut, is what all governments should be aiming for. Back in 2015, Amsterdam was the first city in the world to commission a study into the model’s potential at the city level. That report led to the adoption of a raft of ambitious policies and targets, ranging from renewable energy and green spaces to building sustainable food systems and reducing consumption. The city aims to cut carbon emissions