SAIL Amsterdam 2025
August 20, 2025 @ 8:00 am – August 24, 2025 @ 11:30 pm
Amsterdam, the enchanting city of canals, tulips, and rich history, is turning 750 years old in 2025. And what better way to celebrate this monumental milestone than with the return of the world-renowned maritime event, SAIL Amsterdam?
A historic celebration for a historic city
Founded in 1275, Amsterdam has grown from a small fishing village to one of the world’s most iconic cities. Its 750th birthday is not just a celebration of its age, but a testament to its resilience, innovation, and spirit. The city has survived wars, witnessed the Golden Age, and has become a global hub for art, culture, and commerce.
SAIL 2025: A nautical extravaganza
Every five years, Amsterdam’s IJ harbor transforms into a bustling maritime spectacle, and SAIL 2025 promises to be the grandest edition yet. Here’s what to expect:
- Tall Ships Parade: Witness the majestic tall ships from all over the world as they sail in a grand parade, showcasing the splendor of maritime heritage.
- Maritime Exhibitions: Dive deep into the world of nautical history, innovations, and the future of sailing with interactive exhibitions.
- Cultural Performances: From traditional Dutch songs to contemporary performances, the event will be a melting pot of cultures, reflecting Amsterdam’s cosmopolitan spirit.
- Fireworks Display: The sky will light up each night, painting a mesmerizing picture against the backdrop of the city’s iconic skyline.
- Special 750th Birthday Celebrations: Expect unique events, installations, and performances dedicated to celebrating Amsterdam’s 750-year journey.
A sustainable celebration
In line with Amsterdam’s commitment to sustainability, SAIL 2025 will emphasize eco-friendly practices. From using sustainable materials to promoting clean energy solutions in maritime practices, the event will be a beacon for a greener future.
Visit SAIL Amsterdam 2025 with a cruise
During SAIL Amsterdam 2025, several canal cruises can be booked. With these official canal cruises, you will experience SAIL Amsterdam at its best. Cruise close to the most beautiful ships. The cruises will be available from August 2024. Please note: canal cruises have limited availability so book in time.
SAIL Amsterdam 2025 programme
There is plenty to do and experience during SAIL Amsterdam. The full programme has not yet been announced but below are the main highlights.
20 August | SAIN IN Parade
SAIL Amsterdam 2025 kicks off with the mesmerizing SAIL IN Parade, where hundreds of ships navigate through the North Sea Canal, docking near Central Station and the Eastern Docklands. Locals and visitors alike flock to secure the best viewing spots.
21, 22 and 23 August | Event Highlights
Over the next three days, the city along the IJ river transforms, hosting various activities:
- Heart of the City: Ship displays.
- The Eastern Islands: Intimate events.
- Western Islands: Hospitality area.
- Northern IJ River: Young & Urban zone and maritime future discussions.
Activities include speed dating and weddings on tall ships, water games and sports, and stunning ship views from a Canal Cruise boat. Each evening culminates in a spectacular show.
24 August | SAIL OUT Closing Ceremony
The event concludes with the SAIL OUT, where all ships depart, offering another chance to see these magnificent vessels in action.
Our preferred hotels during SAIL Amsterdam 2025
SAIL Amsterdam 2025 is a great opportunity to discover Amsterdam. Still looking for a hotel in Amsterdam during the event? Lots of hotels along the event grounds are already fully booked. Check availability and prices of all hotels and B&Bs during SAIL Amsterdam 2025 on the map below
Join the festivities!
Whether you’re a maritime enthusiast, a history buff, or someone looking for a grand celebration, SAIL 2025 is the place to be. Join us in August 2025 to be a part of this once-in-a-lifetime event. Celebrate Amsterdam’s glorious past, vibrant present, and promising future.
Book your tickets, plan your stay, and get ready to set sail on a journey of celebration and discovery. Here’s to Amsterdam – 750 years young and still making waves! 🎉🛳️🌷
FAQ SAIL Amsterdam 2025
The basis of SAIL is an inspiring, pride-inspiring, five-year, nautical event. It is the largest freely accessible event in Europe with the Tall Ships, sailing heritage and all other ships at its heart. From 20 to 24 August 2025, ships, crews and visitors will come together from all over the world.
SAIL Amsterdam 2025 will take place from 20 to 24 August 2025
In 2025, a new generation will be introduced to SAIL. What will SAIL give this young generation? Mutual trust, understanding and (international) cooperation are the answers in our troubled and complex world. With its global reach, SAIL brings substantive themes such as sustainability, inclusion and talent development to the attention of millions. During SAIL, we step into the world of tomorrow with the modern, innovative ships. The historic ships capture the imagination with stories of freedom, adventure and prosperity. But also tell us stories of unfreedom and oppression. What lessons do we take away for the future? How do we remain open to dissenters? At a time when tensions are rising worldwide, SAIL is the bridge to connect worlds. In addition, we will celebrate a triple anniversary during SAIL 2025: the 750th anniversary of our capital city, 50 years of SAIL and the 10th edition of the largest freely accessible event in the Netherlands;
