IDFA – the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam – is the largest documentary festival in the world. The 39th edition runs from 12 to 22 November 2026, bringing around 250,000 festival visits to cinemas across the city centre.

The world capital of documentary film

For eleven days, Amsterdam is the meeting place for documentary makers and film lovers from around the globe. IDFA screens close to 300 documentaries, from world premieres of big-name directors to daring debuts, many followed by Q&As with the makers. The festival’s heart beats in the historic Royal Theater Carré on the Amstel and in the cinemas around Rembrandtplein and Leidseplein.

Why visit IDFA as a traveller

• Most screenings are in English or with English subtitles – perfect for international visitors
• November is low season: combine premieres with a quiet, atmospheric city
• The festival cafés and talks are open to everyone – you’ll be debating films with directors before you know it

Tickets and planning

• Dates: 12-22 November 2026
• Tickets: per screening via the official IDFA website; popular premieres sell out, but the programme is huge
• Locations: Carré, Tuschinski (the most beautiful cinema in the Netherlands), and a dozen more city-centre venues

Between screenings, November is a wonderful month to see the canals at their moodiest – by evening the canal cruises glide past the first festive lights of the season, and from 26 November the Amsterdam Light Festival takes over.