Raul Gavira, Author at Secret Amsterdam

Culture Sports

From the pioneers who brought indoor karting to Europe in 1993 to a clearance sale in Westpoort: Race Planet is closing its iconic location in Amsterdam and auctioning everything online, including karts, a bowling alley, and the historic double-decker bus

For generations of Amsterdammers and motorsports fans, the departure of Race Planet marks the end of an era. For three decades, the complex in Westpoort was the go-to spot for birthdays, company outings,...

Finally, faster travel to Berlin, Frankfurt, and Hamburg: new agreement puts an end to slow train journeys to Germany

Anyone taking the train to Germany today often encounters slow journeys and the stress of transfers. That needs to change quickly. The Netherlands and Germany have joined forces to significantly speed up...

Culture Things to do

The Amsterdam Winter Paradise at the RAI: the ultimate guide to the Netherlands’ largest winter event, featuring admission prices, the program, and visitor tips

For two weeks, from December 17 through January 2, the RAI Amsterdam transforms into the Netherlands’ largest winter wonderland for the Amsterdam Winter Paradise. The event offers plenty of fun for young...

Things to do

The Amsterdam Weekend Guide: What to Do from November 13–15?

What to do from November 13–15? Fall is in full swing, and we’re already halfway through November. Fortunately, despite the bleak fall weather, the city is bustling with indoor activities. From long n...

Culture

In 1885, the Westergasfabriek was built to supply Amsterdam with energy: 141 years later, the iconic Gasometer from 1903 is reopening as a cultural venue for 3,500 people, featuring a gigantic underground world.

Where a century ago people stayed away out of sheer fear of poison and explosions, today lies the beating cultural heart of Amsterdam. The monumental Gashouder reopens with an underground space capable of...

Culture Things to do

In 1672, Stadtholder William III had the castle blown up with gunpowder: 354 years later, near Valkenburg, you can explore the castle ruins and 5 kilometers of underground escape tunnels

While the rest of the Netherlands was building castles surrounded by marshy moats, a rare phenomenon arose around 1075 on the Heunsberg in Limburg. From this massive hilltop castle, the lords of Valkenbur...

Things to do

Free salsa and bachata on Sundays: here’s how to join in at Orchid House next to Oosterpark

Anyone walking down Linnaeusstraat on a Sunday afternoon can already feel the Caribbean warmth radiating out. Right next to Oosterpark, Orchid House opens its doors every week for free salsa and bachata....

Major KLM reorganization affects 5,000 jobs: what does this mean for you as a traveler and your flight from Schiphol?

Reports of a massive reorganization at KLM are immediately causing concern among travelers. Especially now that it’s known that approximately 5,000 jobs will be affected, many fear new chaos at Schiphol....

Food & drink

Kade Noord opens its doors today: 1,000 m² of street food and beer along the IJ

On Friday, November 6, Amsterdam-Noord will gain a massive culinary gathering spot. On the Gedempt Hamerkanaal, at the familiar location of the former Restaurant Stork, Kade Noord will officially open its...

Culture

In 1870, De Bijenkorf began as a tiny shop on Nieuwendijk: 42 years later, a makeshift building led to a fivefold increase in sales, ensuring that the department store still stands there today, more than 110 years later

On March 23, 1870, Simon Philip Goudsmit opened the doors of Magazijn De Bijenkorf at Nieuwendijk 132. His business was straightforward: a modest haberdashery with four employees and shelves full of yarn,...