Grachtenfestival

For ten days, Grachtenfestival turns Amsterdam's canals into open air concert halls, with performances given on barges, in hidden courtyards, canal houses and floating stages. Dedicated to classical music, the festival pairs demanding repertoire with unusual settings and showcases both emerging musicians and established names, including the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. Each August edition draws more than 60,000 visitors who take in the city from the quaysides or the water itself.