In case you’ve been browsing around Amsterdam and wondering what those beautiful colorful art installations around the city are, we’re happy to share the news with you. Our cozy city is proud to host the fifth annual Light Festival that celebrates art, light and festive holidays. As a matter of fact this year edition celebrates Amsterdam itself with a new theme “A view on Amsterdam” with city being the canvas for artists. These talented creators bring on new ideas on its look and interpret various visions on Amsterdam through their stunning art pieces.

Water Colors

What are the water colors of the canals of our charming town? Well, this season (all the way until 22 January 2017!) the water becomes alive with all the rainbow colors (including the rainbow installation itself). Some of the artworks can be seen from the shore, like Wolfert’s dog that marked the foundation of Amsterdam according to the legend or the nest that inspires organic architecture and reevaluation of the idea of home. Other pieces can be admired better from the water, for example illusive three-dimensional houses, which turn out to be just unbelievable flat lines of lights or the dangerous love zone that underlines the contemporary status of love. The most magnificent pieces are the brightest colorful tulips that you can ever imagine (and right in the middle of the canal!), the flower strip full of lilacs on the water and of course the brightly lit bicycles that are falling into the water as a symbol of 15 000 bikes that gets fished out of Amsterdam canals annually.

We chose KINboat tour

We were lucky to be on the Amsterdam Light Festival tour with KINboat that impressed us with their laid-back guides and a nice vibe on board. It is a friendly company that operates smaller boats allowing for a more personal experience and communication with like-minded people.  So not only you get to enjoy an amazing view of the canals and light art, but also meet local guides who are passionate about their city, ready to crack a funny joke and tell a personal story. If you’re a bit more introverted and find communication with strangers difficult, KINboat will melt the ice with a cup of hot gluhwein or chocolate. Yes, alcohol is included! And it makes the perception of night Amsterdam even better.

How great it was to discover that the boat had a 360 degrees overview of the water and leaning Dutch houses dancing in the lights of the art pieces. We could choose between inside seating and being covered against wind and rain or being outside on the deck with a spot for taking perfect pictures.  In addition, it happened to be a silent 100% electric and green boat, which made our experience more environmentally friendly and sustainable. We couldn’t believe that the tour was over, as 75 minutes flew by making us want to come back and explore more with KINboat guys.

Fancy a walk?

If you’re not into looking at Amsterdam from below the ground level (although it’s stunning!), then Illuminade is the right part of the Light Festival for you. Enjoy a long evening walk around the magical city admiring the outdoor exhibition presented to you by local and international artists. 23 light art pieces are waiting for you to see Amsterdam in a different dimension (sometimes you can even walk through them!). This year walking route’s theme is biomimicry that brings nature to solve problems of humans. The best news is that you can enjoy this charming walk for FREE till 8 January 2017, just grab your map and good company.

Watch the green flying pigs in a tree (no, you don’t need to smoke to see them!) being a symbol of positivism and recycling, or find an illuminated glass house activated through your voice that would make you feel surreal, or dance with the light trees connecting with nature and art. Your opportunities are endless and will surprise you with each artwork you pass: just think about the flowering phantasm opening its petals with you movement or light waves that operate with the help of the wind and make you think about sustainable energy.

“Blank walls are a shared canvas and we’re all artists.” 

Carla H. Krueger

When we started with alternative art tours for our guests around Amsterdam and met great guys from AllTourNative, little did we know how carried  away we would get. Teleport had no clue where this collaboration would bring us and what would grow out of it. It’s been developing step by step: first we got introduced to Amsterdam Street Art (ASA) association (really talented street artists, who create true masterpieces!), then we decided to make Teleport Hotel more artsy and got so much inspiration that we couldn’t hold it anymore. That’s how the idea of Amsterdam Street Art Event was born.

We had the canvas of the blank walls, and we felt that we needed the artists to change them into something unique and breathtaking. And we were lucky to know just the right guys for it, who could share their talent with our guests and add up to the open-minded spirit of Teleport Hotel. Now we’re happy to share what turned out of a very special event last week.

2 days, 8 artists, 20 rooms

We’re fortunate enough to welcome guests to the city of Amsterdam that embodies freedom and liberty, and that has motivated us to give all the freedom of creativity to 8 selected (amazing!) artists from ASA. These talented guys have their own distinctive styles, and we knew that we made the right choice the moment we saw bright color sprays on the once boring white walls.

This time our hotel started with 20 rooms that were ready for transformation and new character with any form of alternative art on their walls. And since we like sharing happy moments with our guests, we made a 2-days party out of it with free mojitos, yummy snacks, live DJ, live painting and even street art workshop.

Paint smell, can shakes sound and work in progress

When you entered the hotel you could already smell the work of the artists, but the moment you opened the door of the rooms, you could finally see the work of the creators. Most of ASA guys not only didn’t mind visitors observing their creative process, but they were also willing to tell more about their style and a particular piece. Impressive eyes (whether it was one of a fish, a tree or one by itself) by Sjembakkus were staring at your soul from the walls, while almost real life Salvador Dali by Ives.One was questioning your intentions with his double face. Dotsy’s unique character was teleporting you from one room to another, and PressOne colorful creatures were multiplying without stopping. Beazarility decorated Teleport with detailed Amsterdam symbols easily recognized by tourists, while Sket185 sprayed some old school graffiti throw ups bring Amsterdam streets to the hotel.

Mojitos, workshop and music

In between observing the talents spraying their artwork and making the walls alive, the visitors could catch some fresh air and enjoy freshly prepared mojitos accompanied by delicious snacks. The most adventurous souls even tried themselves at street art by learning how to spray the famous puzzle pieces by Hero de Janeiro. He was giving some speed lessons on stencils art, cracking jokes and working his way up the long corridor wall.

Those with dancing feet could enjoy the vibrant tunes by our DJ and then come back to see the final results of the 2-days hard work of Amsterdam Street Art guys.

What’s now and what will happen next?

Now Teleport Hotel is proud to have 20 rooms decorated with the top street art pieces by all different styles and techniques. The guests are happy with the creative rooms and original walls that they love taking pictures of. The good news is that this event just the start of the Teleport transformation. Amsterdam’s best street artists will return for our next street art event to bring even more colors, creativity and character to the rest of the hotel rooms in February. We can’t wait! Can you?

Amsterdam is one of the greatest cities to explore by bike, which happens to be the most convenient way to get around it. It’s fun, easy and allows you see the hidden corners of the charming place. However, cycling is far from the only way to experience Amsterdam, and this time we encourage you to try all the cool options.

Amsterdam by canal bike

Instead of cycling along the bike paths, we recommend you biking on water! Just rent one of pedalos, explore the canals and enjoy the sunshine! Amsterdam is spectacular when viewed from the water, as you will have a new angle at all the numerous bridges and dancing houses of the town. Most of water bikes are designed for four people, making it a joyful option for a group of friends or a romantic way to see Amsterdam for couples.  They are even equipped with a waterproof head in case of rain, so don’t be afraid to use a canal bike at any weather.  A canals’ map, routes and a few sailing tips are guaranteed.

Amsterdam by paddling

Continuing the topic of discovering Amsterdam from the water, let us introduce you stand up paddling, which maybe you thought wasn’t even possible around here. We can’t promise that it would be easy, but you will remember it as the craziest way to explore the city, that’s for sure. Peaceful and entertaining option for those who aren’t afraid to attract the attention of tourists and locals.

If paddle boarding is not in your list, then you can always rent a small boat in Amsterdam instead of joining the standard and sometimes primitive boat tours offered by the agencies. Create your own Dutch experience, mingle with local fancy boat owners and see the magnificent canals of Amsterdam. In case you want to explore further and option of renting  a boat sounds too costly, then how about canoeing in Amsterdamse Bos, the famous forest in the south part of the city? This scenic area has a couple of routes to offer, which will get you closer to nature and shows you a different side of Amsterdam.

Amsterdam by segway

Riding on a segway  can be a brilliant idea for those of you that are not afraid to try something new in the middle of a busy city. Learn the history of Amsterdam by getting into the narrowest streets and alleys while driving your segway. Most likely you would have to take a tour with a guide though, as not too many people can be trusted with a segway in the heart of Amsterdam, riding it for the first time. Even though it’s quite easy to balance and navigate.  It’s definitely different from all the transportation you experienced before, but it can bring you far on those 400 km of bike lanes in the city.

Amsterdam by beer bike

Yes, we’ve promised not to mention cycling in this article, but riding a beer bike is not the same. You don’t even have to pedal  if you don’t want to! But if you wish to combine cycling and drinking (don’t repeat it again with any other bikes except for a beer bike!), then welcome on board! Your driver is the only sober one on the bike and is making sure you’re safe and sound, while the whole group of drinking buddies are totally having a blast. Hop on this crazy beer bike and start your Amsterdam adventure.

We hope you got excited about discovering new and creative ways to look at Amsterdam, explore its canals, parks, charming streets and impressive architecture. But if you want to stick to the old friend and simply rent a bicycle, then Amsterdam Teleport is there to help you! On top of that you’re entitled for our Free Alternative Bike Tour! Join us every day! First four signups of the day have the bike included for free as well!

The best things in life are free… And they can be found even in Amsterdam! What seems as an expensive city has so much to offer for every budget, taste and preference.  The summer time is the greatest time to enjoy it all and explore the city to its fullest with numerous free events and markets. So why not start now and look at the options!

Free outdoor concerts and festivals

Vondelpark Open Air Theatre will make your days with way more than just theater performances. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday there is something interesting and fun waiting for the spectators. Lots of live music (pop, hip-hop, jazz, orchestras and more), DJs playing their amazing danceable sets, workshops (often for kids too) and festivals that combine all of that are ready to surprise you in Vondelpark. This small stage can fit it all, while you’re enjoying yourself, trying nicely smelling food, dancing, singing and exploring. The best part is that lots of these events are for free, which means you can get an extra drink or mouth melting Belgium fries for the spare change.

Amsterdam Gay Pride can easily become the highlight of this summer in Amsterdam with its unstoppable street parties, rainbow and pink colors all over the city and ever joyful crowd proud to express themselves. Observe Amsterdam transforming into the most tolerant city in the world from 23 July to 7 August and don’t miss Canal Parade as one of its best parts! Lots of fun, freedom and love are guaranteed with many events for free.

Bijlmerbios is a free outdoor film festival at Amsterdam Zuidoost on 21-23 August, when you can see a cool movie at a unique location. Have you ever watched a film in the tunnel under the tracks? Well, now you have a chance to broaden your mind and join locals in the great pastime.

Uitmarkt is an ultimate event in Amsterdam that everybody’s looking forward to in the end of August (26-28 August to be precise), as it marks the beginning of the new cultural season in the city. This festival will blow your mind with about 2,000 artists and 450 performances at various venues in Amsterdam. Most of them will gather a huge crowd by both indoors and outdoors events at Museumplein and Leidseplein. And again, you don’t have to pay a cent for it because Uitmarkt became possible thankfully to numerous volunteers, including the artists you see.

The glory of markets

We can’t promise you free goods at the markets, but you can totally expect a free entrance, nice food, awesome vibe and sweet people. We’ve been mentioning Pure Markt quite a few times, but that’s for a good reason. This biological Sunday market is traveling around the country with its base in Amsterdam (Amstelpark, Amsterdamse Bos, Park Frankendael) and offers you the freshest and most natural food and products. In addition you can entertain yourself with workshops, small concerts, a solar powered merry-go-round and creative shopping (designer, gift and vintage goods).

Neighbourfood Market will become your favorite from the first time you attend it at the hype Westerpark. The location of Westergasfabriek hugely adds up to the special atmosphere at this food and flea market with locally produced items. If you care about small productions, home-made stuff, good music and hip people of Amsterdam, then this is the place to be at on 17 July and 21 August. Yes, it happens only once per month, but is so much worth waiting for.

And of course, it’s impossible not to mention IJ-Hallen market that will take place on 23-24 July and 13-14 August in the North of Amsterdam. Even though you have to pay a tiny entrance fee, it has to be in this list here, as there are so many bargains you can get at IJ-Hallen. It’s the largest fleamarket in Europe, so why not visit it for the extraordinary gifts to bring home from Holland.

Don’t limit yourself thinking that you have to spend a fortune in Amsterdam. There are lots of things available for free, you just need to find the right place and time for it. And we haven’t even mentioned free film festival Pluk de Nacht, or Canal Festival with free concerts, or the fabulous Amsterdam Public Library open for everybody, or free classical and jazz concerts at the Royal Concertgebouw and the Bimhuis, or numerous gardens and parks sharing their free beauty with you.

One of the best features of Amsterdam is its well known bicycle-friendliness, which makes it the world capital of bikes. It’s so easy to get around on two wheels that hardly any other transportation is needed here. Cycling is so important in the Dutch culture that more than half of Amsterdam city center traffic movement is by bicycle. Traffic education, cycle traffic lights, special routes, numerous bike lanes and free bike parking (versus extremely expensive car parking) encourage Amsterdammers and guests of the city to use bikes more. Let’s have a closer look at this interesting typical Amsterdam thing to do!

Friendly numbers

It’s a fact that there is more bikes in Amsterdam than people with the proof of a full four story bicycle parking next to Central Station, lots of underground parking and always packed bike racks everywhere around the city. There are about 881,000 bikes for 800,000 people in Amsterdam, therefore almost everybody cycles. To be precise, 83% of people living here use their bikes at least once per week. Then how is it possible with countless cyclists that there is enough space for everybody? The answer lies within the highly developed infrastructure with around 500 kilometers of cycle paths in Amsterdam alone. But we all know that the life of a bike is not eternal, so guess where many of the old ones end up? In the canals of Amsterdam! Every year the municipality fishes from 12,000 to 15,000 bicycles, which is actually quite a view to observe. Next time you might think twice when having a thought of swimming in the canal.

Outstanding bike types

The most common bike type in Amsterdam is a simple omafiets  (grandma style one) with pedal-back brakes, no gears, often with a wicker basket in front or panniers for groceries in the back. That’s a convenient, nothing fancy model that decreases the chances of your bike being stolen by a junkie (who will sell it to new coming students later on). However, when you look around the city, it is far from the only type out there. Some of the cooler bike representatives in Amsterdam are bakfiets, tandem bikes, fixies and of course legendary beer bikes.

Bakfiets

Modish and posh, bakfiets is the privilege of the richer Amsterdammers, who can afford spending couple of thousands Euros on a bicycle. It makes the life of modern mothers way easier though, as a typical bakfiets can fit in a few children. It’s a common scene to see one full of toddlers and a happy mum cycling hard.

Tandem bikes

Amsterdam tandem bikes come in all shapes and variations: it can be for 2 adults or 1 adult and 1 kid, or 1 adult and 2 kids, or 3 adults… the list is endless, as you can find a bike fitting any needs in this city. Actually a tandem bike can be a brilliant solution for a couple, when one doesn’t feel too comfortable with cycling in the city. Only one person has to steer, and another can peacefully pedal and have his hands free for picture taking on the way.

Fixies

Fixies or fixed-gear bikes have become very popular in Amsterdam, as it’s full of hipsters who tend to love this type. Fixies are known for their smooth minimalistic designs, extremely low weight, less human energy needed for riding it withz great speed. Although some people prefer to have brakeless fixed-gear bikes, it’s required to have a proper brake system in the Netherlands.

Beer bikes

Have you ever dreamed about having a beer and cycling at the same time without putting your life in danger? It’s absolutely possible in Amsterdam with crazy beer bikes when pedaling and drinking come together. What a great idea for a bachelor party! But no worries, you will always have a sober driver provided by the rental company, who will guarantee fun and safe journey.

As you can see cycling is a must-have experience in Amsterdam, so don’t hesitate to hop on one of our bikes and explore the numerous parks, fairytale-like downtown area or peaceful Jordaan. And even better, join us for one of our free alternative bike tours around the city and enjoy a true adventure. Welcome to Amsterdam on two wheels!