"Cycling and opera in Amsterdam" Amsterdam by Nemorino

Amsterdam Travel Guide: 12,428 reviews and 20,142 photos

What sets Amsterdam off from other major cities is its glorious tradition as a cycling city.

Some decades have been more glorious than others, however. Bicycle use actually declined in the 1950s, 60s and 70s while the automotive lobbies had the upper hand, but in 1978 a new and more sensible City Council was elected, and since then the city has been working consistently to improve the quality of life, which of course includes measures to reduce motor traffic and encourage cycling.

As on my Paris page, I have grouped all my Amsterdam cycling tips under the category of General Tips, so as to keep them together. I hope you'll enjoy reading them!

The Opera House in Amsterdam

Unlike other European countries such as Italy, France, Austria and Germany, the Netherlands do not have a long opera tradition. Even neighboring Belgium, which owes its very existence as a country to the Opera House Revolution of 1830, has more of an opera tradition than the Netherlands.

Now, though, Amsterdam has an impressive new opera house which was built in 1986. Its official name is Het Muziektheater, meaning The Music Theater. The name is in the singular because it is the only real opera house in the whole country.

In the opera house

In the entrance hall of the Amsterdam Opera House this statue of a violinist seems to be erupting through the floor from some forgotten world below the surface. My impression of this violinist is that he is dead (look at his hand) and that he is perhaps a Jewish violinist who was murdered by the Nazis. This would be apt because the opera house was built on the site of an old pre-war Jewish neighborhood.

The message of the sculpture might be: You have killed us but you can't kill our music.

Last visit to Amsterdam: May 2006
Intro Updated Feb 1, 2012
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (31)

Unbeatable location, but... Restaurants (1)

Except for the food this is a really nice little restaurant. Pleasant atmosphere, friendly young waitress -- and an... more travel advice

Taxi-bikes Transportation (4)

I've never tried this, since I always had a rental bike and did the pedaling myself, but an alternative might be to take... more travel advice

Trams Transportation (4)

As a cyclist I rarely use the trams, but I am highly in favor of them on general principles and was very impressed with... more travel advice

Centraal Station Transportation (4)

This is the main railway station where all the international trains arrive and depart. It was built in 1889 in... more travel advice

Hotels (1)
Just off the Dam Square
Off The Beaten Path (3)
See All Frankendael

Things to Do (10)
See All Rainy day boat trip
Favorites (12)
See All Dogs

Comments (73)

Yaqui Feb 20, 2012 at 9:32 AM Report Abuse

The Opera Houses and Theaters are gorgeous! How wonderful everyone uses bicycles and trains! Both excellent modes of transportation! The sculpture coming out of the floor is fantastic! Excellent page!
lina112 Feb 1, 2012 at 12:40 PM Report Abuse

What a fantastic page of Amsterdam and enjoyed reading all tips about bikes. Few days after back from Amsterdam i saw in tv a new about the ships than clean the canals and remove bikes.
goodfish Jan 26, 2012 at 6:52 AM Report Abuse

Excellent pages, Don - and I LOVED your favorites! What great info about biking in Amsterdam (which we were too nervous to do!!) I see the Skinny Bridge in your window shot at the Opera? We stayed 1/2 block away and could see the bridge from our balcony. LOL, you mentioned the Rijks being fully open in 2009? It was STILL partially closed in 2010 when we were there!
Aunt_Bertha Jan 10, 2012 at 12:32 AM Report Abuse

Thanks for visiting my Amsterdam page! You have an excellent Amsterdam page, I especially enjoyed all the bicycle tips. Although I must admit I traveled around Amsterdam mainly by tram and on my feet.
pfsmalo Dec 17, 2011 at 7:55 AM Report Abuse

Hi Don,
Very moving story of the Schouwburg theatre, reminds me also that I have to return to Amsterdam one of these days. Thanks for the visit to Jugon with me.

All the best
Paul
kris-t Nov 17, 2010 at 4:51 PM Report Abuse

Don, thanks for visiting our Toronto page. Enjoyed your tips on Amsterdam even I am not a cyclist at all.
Jefie Oct 18, 2010 at 8:56 AM Report Abuse

That's a very unique take on Amsterdam, thanks to your knowledge of operas and cycling. I have to admit that I don't like wearing a helmet, so the Netherlands would be perfect for me!
unaS Sep 23, 2010 at 3:16 AM Report Abuse

Interesting theory about the statue of the violinist - "Two theories about the artists identity circulate. The artist is supposedly called Floris de Graaf." http://magazine.istopover.com/2009/09/15/mystery-statues-made-by-queen-beatrix/
alancollins Aug 19, 2010 at 1:33 PM Report Abuse

I have not managed a trip to Amsterdam so far. I have got as far as looking at brochures and no further.
greekcypriot Aug 13, 2010 at 1:35 AM Report Abuse

Don, you have done great job, nice and helpful tips and beautiful photos.