Choose from 89 Fun Things to Do in Amsterdam
ShowingFilter 61-80 of 89 listings.
Vondelpark
As vital to Amsterdam as Rembrandt, canals, and coffee shops, on a sunny day there’s not place better than Vondelpark. As people from all walks of life descend on this sprawling English-style park - beautifully appointed with ponds, lawns, thickets, and winding footpaths - a party atmosphere ensues.
Some kick back by reading a book, others hook up with friends to cradle a beer at one of the cafes, while others trade songs on beat-up guitars. Still others jog, cruise on inline skates, ride bikes, and fly kites. Let us not forget families with prams, couples in love, teenagers playing soccer, and children chasing ducks - Vondelpark encourages visitors to enjoy and explore its bucolic surroundings.
On a summer day, a great place to follow the action is the upper terrace of Café Vertigo. Also check out the open-air theater and the lovely ponds and rose gardens.
Practical Info
Vondelpark is easily accessible by tram and bus. You’ll find bicycle rentals near the park’s main entrance and the Amstelveenseweg entrance, at the southwestern end of the park. Restaurants and shops populate the blocks northeast of the park. A few blocks southeast of the park is the Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum.
Address: Vondelkerkstraat 12, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 23
Amsterdam Tulip Museum
The miniscule but informative Tulip Museum is just across Prinsengracht canal from the Anne Frank House and has recently has a major revamp. The all-new displays take a colourful and cheery look at Amsterdam's obsession with tulips in the 17th century, when the bulbs were imported from the Himalayas and sold on the open market in The Netherlands. For years they were more highly prized than gold and prices became so over-inflated that the country nearly went bankrupt when trade in the bulbs collapsed in 1637. This sorry tale of national folly is related in a series of basement exhibitions alongside cleverly designed woodcuts showing the journey of tulips from the Far East into Europe. Today's multi-million-euro Dutch bulb industry is also showcased against the stunning backdrop of vast photos of tulips in glorious technicolor that adorn the walls. On the ground level of the museum is one of Amsterdam's classier souvenir stores, selling bulbs and flowers that can be packaged for transporting overseas.
Practical Info
Prinsengracht 116. Admission €5 adults; €3 students; families €15; free with the IAmsterdam Card. Open daily 10am"“6pm. Tram 13 or 17 to the Westerkerk.
Address: Prinsengracht 116, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Hours: Open daily 10am"“6pm
Admission: Adults: €5
From $ 46
Science Center NEMO
The Science Center NEMO overlooks the Oosterdok and is the perfect antidote to Amsterdam on a rainy day, especially for families as its clever interactive experiments can entertain children for hours. Housed in what appear to be a pale green ship – albeit one designed by Renzo Piano in 1997 – the aim of NEMO is to introduce science and maths to kids and make both subjects educational and entertaining. Through experiments, demonstrations and interactive games, they can learn how rainbows form, search for ETs, follow treasure trails through the galleries and send parcels across the world. NEMO looks forward too, with clear explanations of Big Bang and the future of our planet, discussions on harnessing green energies and experiments on purifying water.
In summer NEMO’s stepped and sloping roof (currently under renovation) comes into its own for adults as one of the places to hang out, taking in the view of the fast-changing architecture surrounding the IJ waterway while enjoying an espresso or glass of wine on the terrace of Café DEK5. There’s also a small outpost of NEMO at Schiphol airport.
Practical Info
Oosterdok 2. Admission €15; free for kids under four; free with IAmsterdam Card. Open Tue–Sun 10am–5:30pm. Accessible via buses no 22 or 48 to Kadijksplein or a 15-minute walk from Centraal Station.
Address: Oosterdok 2, Amsterdam 1011 VX, Netherlands
Hours: Tue-Sun 10am-5:30pm
Admission: €15, Free for Kids Under 4
From $ 23
Singel
This slow, winding canal served as a moat around Amsterdam before the capital city expanded in 1585. Today, Singel has become a top attraction thanks to scenic passes and easy access to a number of Amsterdam’s most popular neighborhoods, including the infamous Red Light District.
Travelers looking to explore the Singel can peruse Bloemenmarkt—a well-known flower market that’s comprised of floral-filled boats floating between Koninsplein and Muntplein squares. And a trip along the canal will take travelers past architectural masterpieces from the Dutch Golden era, including iconic houses, the Munttoren tower and the library of the University of Amsterdam. A stroll along the Singel is the perfect way to enjoy an early spring day while taking in the sites, culture and history of one of the Netherlands most favorite cities.
Practical Info
The canal runs between IJ Bay, near Central Station and Muntplein square.
Address: Singel, Amsterdam, Netherlands
From $ 26
Venustempel Sex Museum
Located on the outskirts of Amsterdam’s famous Red Light District, the Venustempel Sex Museum is the world’s oldest sex museum, dating back to 1985. Housed in a striking 17th-century building, it chronicles the evolution of human sexuality throughout the ages through an extensive collection of items relating to sex and eroticism.
The Basics
Tickets for the Venustempel Sex Museum include full access to the exhibitions, and the small museum is easy to explore on a self-guided tour. You can also combine a visit to the museum with an Amsterdam city tour, a walking tour of the Red Light District, or a coffee shop tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Plan around an hour for your visit—that’s plenty of time to take in all the exhibitions.
- Visitors under 16 years old are not permitted to enter the museum; identification may be required.
- The museum is not accessible for wheelchair users or strollers.
How to Get There
The museum is conveniently located near the Central Station within Amsterdam’s canal ring. It’s about a five-minute walk from Dam Square and situated close to attractions such as the Oude Church, the Royal Palace, and the Anne Frank House.
When to Get There
The museum is open daily year round and stays open late—around 11:30pm or so. The small museum can get crowded during peak season (July and August), so opt for an early morning or late evening visit.
Inside the Venustempel
More than just a display of erotically charged items, the museum charts how sex has been regarded and experienced throughout periods of history, including ancient Egypt and Rome and the repressive Middle Ages. The museum also has a permanent display of erotic paintings, statues, recordings, photographs, and artifacts.
Address: Damrak 18, Amsterdam 1012, Netherlands
Admission: Varies
From $ 23
Van Gogh Museum
Amsterdam’s Van Gogh Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of works by the legendary Dutch artist, is a must-see for art and art history lovers. The museum boasts a collection of Vincent van Gogh’s personal effects, plus 200 paintings and 500 drawings by the master and his contemporaries—including Gauguin, Monet, Toulouse-Lautrec, and Bernard—plus Van Gogh’s famous works “The Potato Eaters” and “Wheatfield with Crows.”
The Basics
The Van Gogh Museum is comprehensive yet not overwhelmingly vast; once inside, you can experience it in two to four hours. Touring the museum with a professional art historian, either on a group or private tour, is a great way to learn more about the master’s life and works. Many of these tours also include a skip-the-line ticket, which allows you to bypass the crowds and head right inside.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Lines at the museum can be very long, especially in summer, so consider a skip-the-line ticket for fast-track entry.
- Only small backpacks are allowed in the luggage room—no large bags, strollers, etc.
- Strollers are permitted in the museum.
- Photography of artworks in the museum galleries and exhibition spaces is prohibited.
- Photography (without a flash or tripod) is permitted only in certain designated areas, such as in the entrance hall and by the so-called “selfie walls.”
How to Get There
The Van Gogh Museum is located on the Museumplein, next to the Stedelijk Museum. It is easily accessible via tram to Van Baerlestraat. Nearby attractions include the Red Light District, the Heineken Experience, the Anne Frank House, and the Rijksmuseum.
When to Get There
The Van Gogh Museum is open 365 days a year, with extended hours (until 10pm) on Fridays. The museum’s busiest times are between 11am and 3pm; try visiting before 11am on a weekday morning for a shorter wait time. The last admission is 30 minutes before closing time.
The Van Gogh Museum’s Notable Works
The Van Gogh Museum houses the world's largest collection of artworks by Vincent van Gogh, including famous canvases like “Sunflowers,” “Almond Blossom,” “The Bedroom,” and “The Potato Eaters.” Through van Gogh’s paintings, the museum chronicles the artist’s journey from Holland (where his work was dark and somber) to Paris and the south of France; of special note is the second-floor wall, which displays 18 paintings produced during this time. A newer wing, set partly underground, showcases temporary exhibits by van Gogh and other artists.
Address: Paulus Potterstraat 7, Old South, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Hours: Daily 9am - 6pm (until 10pm on Fridays)
Admission: Adults: € 17, Children (under 18): Free
From $ 17
Artis Royal Zoo
Established in 1838, Amsterdam's happily family-friendly zoo was the first to open in The Netherlands and covers more than 14 hectares (35 acres) of shady tree-lined pathways and landscaped botanical gardens in the Plantage. It combines 19th-century architecture amid hundreds of mature trees with a 21st-century approach to conservation, housing more than 900 species of animal, some in majestic 19th-century compounds. The most impressive of these is the Aquarium, which was built in 1882 and reveals a cross-section of the murky waters of the city's canals as well as housing more than 300 species of shark, eel and shoals of tropical fish.
While the Wolf House was formerly a 19th-century pub, the big cats, elephants, gorillas, zebras, meerkats, giraffes and antelopes range freely in spacious enclosures of modern design. Artis holds daily keeper talks (not always in English, so check ahead of time at the ticket office, where daily timetables are posted) and feeding times for the sea lions, vultures and comical penguins as well as elephant training "“ always popular with the kids, who will also love the fluttering dashes of color in the Butterfly Pavilion. The ticket price also gives admission to the greenhouses, zoological and geological museums as well as the Planetarium, where 3D movies on the birth of our universe are featured. There's a kiddies' playground, five restaurants and plenty of tray bikes selling pancakes and spicy, creamy bitterballen. Late-night openings on Saturday evenings between June and late August are often accompanied by live music.
Practical Info
Located at Plantage Kerklaan 38"“40, the Artis Royal Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours until 6 p.m. in April through October. Admission costs €19.95 for adults, €16.50 for children ages 3-9 and is free for those under 3. Tram 9 or 14 can be taken to the zoo.
Address: Plantage Kerklaan 38-40, Amsterdam 1018 CZ, Netherlands
Hours: Daily 9am-5pm
Admission: Adults €19.95, Child 3-9 €16.50, 3 and Under Free
From $ 46
West Church (Westerkerk)
Built on the banks of Prinsengracht Canal in the 17th century, Amsterdam’s Westerkerk is famous for three things: sky-high views of Amsterdam from the top of its spire, Rembrandt's grave, and Anne Frank's ties to the church.
Designed by star architect Hendrick de Keyser in the Dutch Renaissance style, the Protestant church's spire reaches 85 meters, making it the highest structure in Amsterdam's old city. From the viewing platform halfway up the tower, you'll get panoramic views right across town. And from outside the church, look up at the bell tower to see the blue imperial crown of Habsburg emperor Maximilian I at its top — it was bestowed on the city as a coat of arms in 1489.
Rembrandt’s paintings may fetch tens of millions today, but he died bankrupt in 1669 and was buried in an unmarked grave, typical for the very poor, at Westerkerk, so that no one quite knows this exact location of his final resting place where he lies buried along with his wife and son.
On Sundays, you’ll hear the 50 church bells of Westerkerk ring out across the neighborhood, and Anne Frank, who for two years hid from Nazi persecution in an attic just around the corner from the church, wrote in her wartime diaries that the sound of the bells and view of the clock tower from her attic window brought her comfort.
Practical Info
Westerkerk is a 5- to 10-minute walk west from Dam Square, and Carillon recitals take place on Fridays, generally at 1pm. Entry to the church tower is by guided tour only (April to October), which run every 30 minutes every day but Sunday. The viewing platform can only be reached by fairly steep stairs, and children must be 6 or older to enter. Tickets cost €7.50 per person.
Address: Prinsengracht 281, Amsterdam 1016, Netherlands
From $ 19
Volendam
Volendam is a glimpse into the past. Here, colorful wooden houses surround a boat-filled harbor, and locals wear traditional Dutch clogs, aprons, and bonnets. Once a favorite inspiration spot for artists such as Picasso and Renoir, the village now draws visitors for its cheese, seafood, and historic atmosphere.
The Basics
Volendam is an ideal day trip destination from Amsterdam. Visit on a guided excursion and walk the maze-like streets with a local tour guide to peruse souvenir shops, seafood stalls, and quaint cafés, or delve into the town’s history at the Volendam Museum, which houses paintings, sculptures, and pottery. You can also learn about the evolution of Dutch cheese-making at the Cheese Factory and Museum, or visit a clog maker to try on traditional Dutch costumes. The surrounding countryside is also filled with charming fishing villages—get an overview of the area on a group coach or cycling tour from Amsterdam, and hit must-see spots such as the Zaanse Schans windmills, the village of Marken, and the famous cheese-making town of Edam. Or, give your experience a maritime touch by visiting Volendam on a boat tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Don’t miss the local seafood; for a signature meal, order salmon with dill or a bouillabaisse-style seafood stew.
- Much of Volendam are wheelchair accessible.
- There is a tourist office on the corner of Juliana-Weg and Populierenlaan, and a tourist information stand near the waterfront.
How to Get There
Volendam is located on Gouwzee Bay, 13.5 miles (22 kilometers) northeast of Amsterdam, or 30 minutes by road. The village is easily accessible from the capital city by bus, car, or bicycle. Public car parking is available in town.
When to Get There
Though there is plenty to do year-round in Volendam, much of the village’s charm lies in its outdoor attractions, so late spring and summer are the best times to visit. Volendammer Weekend in June is especially festive, with traditional crafts and eel-smoking demonstrations, people in authentic Dutch dress, sailing competitions, and more. Winters in the Netherlands can be rainy and windy, so dress accordingly.
Things to Do Near Volendam
The historic cheese-making town of Edam is set just a few minutes inland of Volendam, and the working windmill village of Zaanse Schans is also nearby. Across the bay lies the fishing village of Marken, which can be reached by a 45-minute ferry ride. You can visit the Alkmaar cheese market from April through September. If visiting Volendam in spring, consider going to Keukenhof Gardens to see the millions of flowering seasonal bulbs.
Address: Volendam, Netherlands
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 10
Willet-Holthuysen Museum
Located in a terrace of sprawling 17th-century mansions along Herengracht in Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed Canal Ring, the Willet-Holthuysen Museum forms the elegant backdrop to a wonderful collection of fine paintings, antique furnishings and decorative pieces. Owned in the 19th century by the wealthy Willet family of avid art collectors, the house and its contents were later donated to the city. Today it forms the best example of 19th-century style and decoration in the city.
The carefully restored interior, decorated in rich blues, gold and greens, is typical of the indulgent lifestyle of Amsterdam’s prosperous merchant classes. Above stairs there’s a ballroom, library, dining room, salons and a bedroom complete with an ornately carved four-poster bed; they are all kitted out with silverware, silk wallpaper, gold-embellished Meissen porcelain, hand-embroidered curtains and beautifully crafted furniture. Below stairs in the basement are the servant’s quarters, and here the story is rather different; the kitchen is plainly furnished for practicality, with a simple tiled fireplace for cooking and rough-hewn furniture. A formal knot garden is tucked away behind the house, where 19th-century ladies would have wandered among the Classical statuary.
Practical Info
Located at Herengracht 605, the Willet-Holthuysen Museum is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission costs €8 for adults, €6 for students and €4 for youth ages 5 to 18.
Address: Herengracht 605, Amsterdam 1017, Netherlands
Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat-Sun 11am-5pm
Admission: Adults €8, Students €6, Youth (5-18) €4
From $ 12
Het Grachtenhuis
Amsterdam's picturesque ring of canals is one of the city's most iconic sights and after the famous waterways achieved UNESCO World Heritage status back in 2010, a new museum sprung up to celebrate their rich history.
The Het Grachtenhuis, or the Canal House, opened its doors in 2011 and features a series of exhibitions devoted to the history of Amsterdam's 17th-century canals and the city development project behind them. The self-guided tours utilize audio guides and a series of interactive installations to provide a uniquely entertaining and engaging rundown of how the system was designed and built. 3D video projections, miniature city models, animations and galleries all help to bring the exhibition to life, making it a thoroughly modern museum experience.
The Canal House itself, perched on the banks of the Herengracht or "˜gentleman's canal', is just as impressive outside as it is from the inside. The mid-17th century stately townhouse was designed by Philips Vingboons and inhabited through the years by a number of prominent Dutch tradesmen, including millionaire Jan Willink (famous for his generous donation to the Americans during the War of Independence). Today, it's a designated national monument and has been restored to its former glory, with original floors and wall paintings, as well as an idyllic courtyard garden.
The Het Grachtenhuis, or the Canal House, opened its doors in 2011 and features a series of exhibitions devoted to the history of Amsterdam's 17th-century canals and the city development project behind them. The self-guided tours utilize audio guides and a series of interactive installations to provide a uniquely entertaining and engaging rundown of how the system was designed and built. 3D video projections, miniature city models, animations and galleries all help to bring the exhibition to life, making it a thoroughly modern museum experience.
The Canal House itself, perched on the banks of the Herengracht or "˜gentleman's canal', is just as impressive outside as it is from the inside. The mid-17th century stately townhouse was designed by Philips Vingboons and inhabited through the years by a number of prominent Dutch tradesmen, including millionaire Jan Willink (famous for his generous donation to the Americans during the War of Independence). Today, it's a designated national monument and has been restored to its former glory, with original floors and wall paintings, as well as an idyllic courtyard garden.
Address: Herengracht 386, Amsterdam 1016 CJ, Netherlands
Hours: Mon: Closed,Tue - Sun: 10am"“5pm
From $ 46
Waterlooplein Market
Amsterdam’s largest and oldest daily flea market, Waterlooplein market has a vibrant history dating back to 1893 and remains one of the city’s liveliest markets, sprawled between the Leprozengracht and Houtgracht canals. Held from Monday to Saturday in the former Jewish quarter, the market has long been at the center of Amsterdam’s bohemian culture and remains one of the prime gathering spots for the city’s youth.
Browsing the stalls offers a snapshot of the city’s cosmopolitan culture with alternative and vintage clothing, music posters and memorabilia and DVDs all on sale, along with hair braiding artists and tattoo booths. Today, the market encompasses around 300 stalls, selling everything from quirky antiques and second hand goods to cheap and cheerful souvenirs and general bric-a-brac. Even if you’re not buying, shimmying your way through the crowds of locals and tourists provides the perfect opportunity to soak up Amsterdam’s eclectic vibe.
Browsing the stalls offers a snapshot of the city’s cosmopolitan culture with alternative and vintage clothing, music posters and memorabilia and DVDs all on sale, along with hair braiding artists and tattoo booths. Today, the market encompasses around 300 stalls, selling everything from quirky antiques and second hand goods to cheap and cheerful souvenirs and general bric-a-brac. Even if you’re not buying, shimmying your way through the crowds of locals and tourists provides the perfect opportunity to soak up Amsterdam’s eclectic vibe.
Address: Waterlooplein 2, Amsterdam, Netherlands
From $ 18
South Church (Zuiderkerk)
Built in 1611, Amsterdam’s South Church (Zuiderkerk) was the city’s first Protestant church and remains one of its most memorable landmarks. The church’s striking facade and distinctive bell tower have been painted by Monet, while Rembrandt reputedly painted The Night Watch there.
The Basics
Amsterdam walking tours often make a stop to admire the South Church and the quintessential photo spot is looking out across the Groenburgwal canal—the same angle from which Monet painted his Zuiderkerk painting. After admiring the 17th-century church from outside, continue your sightseeing tour to nearby attractions including the Rembrandt House, the Royal Palace, Waterlooplein Market, and the Red Light District.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Church services are no longer held at the South Church and it is instead used as a venue for concerts, events, and corporate entertaining.
- The church is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The South Church sits just south of Amsterdam’s Nieuwmarkt, within the central canal loop. The closest metro station is Nieuwmarkt, and the church is just a short walk from Waterlooplein and many of central Amsterdam’s attractions.
When to Get There
For photographers, the most flattering light can be found at dusk, but for a crowd-free shot, aim to get there early in the morning.
An Architectural Masterpiece
The South Church is one of a series of ecclesiastical masterpieces constructed by Dutch Renaissance architect Hendrick de Keyser, who helped shape the face of the Grachtengordel (Canal Ring) by designing the West Church (Westerkerk) on Prinsengracht and the North Church (Noorderkerk) in the Jordaan district. The church’s architectural highlight is its ornamental wooden spire, which looms 246 feet (75 meters) above the surrounding gabled houses and stands out thanks to its ornate gilding and balustrading. De Keyser died in 1621 and is buried in the church along with three of Rembrandt’s children and Ferdinand Bol, who was the artist’s most famous pupil.
Address: Zuiderkerkhof 72, Amsterdam, Netherlands
From $ 57
Ripley's Believe It or Not Amsterdam
With his collection of rare and exceptionally bizarre artifacts, Robert Ripley’s name has become associated with items you have to see to believe. Many of his outrageous items are on display at this Amsterdam museum, including a 7-meter tall Transformer made of car parts, a shrunken head from the Amazon, a real Faberge egg, and an ancient T-Rex skull. It is a collection of oddities Ripley has found in over 200 different countries from all around the world. There are more than 500 artifacts in total, situated across five floors.
In addition to the exhibits there is a 5-D theater and ride that moves as the film plays. A shooting gallery and Mr. Ripley’s own boat are two other things to see. As a bonus, visitors can relax in a lounge with a beautiful panoramic view of Amsterdam and the square on which it resides.
Practical Info
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is located in Dam Square in Amsterdam’s Red Light District. Each location around the world has different artifacts, so even those who have been to others will find unique items in the exhibits. It’s open daily until 8:30pm, with a separate entrance cost for the 5-D theater.
Address: Dam 21, Amsterdam 1012 JS, Netherlands
Hours: Daily 10am-8:30pm
Admission: Adults: 17 EUR; Children: 13 EUR
From $ 24
Hard Rock Cafe Amsterdam
The world-renowned Hard Rock Cafe opened an Amsterdam location in 1999. It has since been providing visitors with a complete sensorial experience through traditional American fare, inventive drinks, and loud (you've guessed it) rock music. Each Hard Rock Cafe around the world is unique and customized to its location; the Amsterdam branch has a definitive relaxed feel that blends in perfectly with the casual fun that has become so typical of the Hard Rock brand throughout the years.
There's also a small museum on site with two particularly crowd-pleasing features; the former is the memorabilia, which, in this instance, holds authentic items like Run D.M.C.'s iconic hat, John Lennon's cigarette box, Van Halen's trademark Kramer guitar, a small acoustic guitar that was used by Jimi Hendrix, and Gene Simmons' Punisher bass, to name a few. The latter is an interactive display called "Rock Wall Solo", which allows visitors to view memorabilia located in all 181 other Hard Rock Cafe locations worldwide. There is also a gift shop on-site for Hard Rock Cafe merchandise collectors.
Practical Info
Hard Rock Cafe Amsterdam is located at Max Euweplein 57 along Singelgrachtkering. It can be reached by tram from nearby Leidseplein, which is serviced by lines 7 and 10. It should be noted that the cafe is located in the heart of Amsterdam's entertainment district, with a large casino and live music venues nearby. The restaurant is open seven days a week; from 11:30 AM to midnight between Sundays and Thursdays, and from 11:30 AM to 1 AM on Fridays and Saturdays.
Address: Max Euweplein 57, Amsterdam 1017 MA, Netherlands
Hours: Sun-Thur 11:30am-Midnight, Fri&Sat 11:30am-1am
From $ 24
Stedelijk Museum
Reopened at the end of 2012 after a major revamp, the Stedelijk Museum is home to one of the Netherlands' most celebrated collections of modern and contemporary art. Walking through the halls whisks travelers on a journey through the world's most innovative art movements, from iconic Andy Warhol prints and memorable impressionist works by Matisse and Cezanne to extraordinary Rodin sculptures.
The vast and eclectic collection also includes pieces by Van Gogh, Picasso, Jackson Pollock and Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, while boasting an additional gallery devoted to Dutch Art Nouveau, or 'De Stijl,' with works by homegrown artists such as Piet Mondrian and Gerrit Rietveld.
A striking new wing, designed by architects Benthem Crouwel, is as bold as the artwork it harbors. The modernist façade, a shimmering white design aptly nicknamed 'the bath tub,' serves as a provocative declaration of the museum's artistic sensibilities – equally inspiring and polarizing.
Practical Info
Founded in 1874, the Stedelijk Museum is located on the Museumplein in Amsterdam's renowned Museum Quarter.
Address: Museumplein 10, Amsterdam 1071 DJ, Netherlands
Hours: Friday through Wednesday 10am – 6pm; Thursday: 10am - 10pm
Admission: Varies
From $ 17
Zaanse Schans
The scenic Dutch village of Zaanse Schans is most famous for its windmills, once used to power everything from paint-making to paper production. Today, the Zaanse Schans is set up like an open-air museum, with five working windmills open to visitors. Wander the village, view the preserved architecture, and watch the locals at work—in their traditional wooden shoes and Dutch garb, naturally. Green wooden houses, a historic shipyard, and a pewter factory are among the village’s top attractions.
The Basics
The Zaanse Schans is a popular day trip destination from Amsterdam; the scenic drive through the Dutch countryside—past lovely fields, green pastures, and winding canals—is a tour highlight in and of itself. Visit on a half- or full-day tour to explore the five Dutch Golden Age windmills, including some that serve as a sawmill and an oil mill, and visit the workshops of local craftspeople. Cheese-making and clog-making demonstrations are other key experiences, in addition to pewter-casting and mustard-making demos. For a fun photo souvenir, stop by a shoemaker’s shop and try on traditional Dutch clogs and costumes. When you get hungry, pop into a bakery for a taste of the sweet white duivekater bread, head to the cheese factory for some famous Edam cheese, or step inside Albert Heijn—the village’s oldest shop—for a bag of sweets. A boat trip or a canal cruise is another excellent way to see the Zaanse Schans and the surrounding villages.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Zaanse Schans is a must-see for visitors interested in learning about traditional Dutch culture.
- Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the outdoor area.
- The Zaanse Schans is free to visit, but some individual attractions may require fees.
- Not all areas are wheelchair accessible due to the historic nature of the area, but accessible bridges and parking are available. Jonge Schaap is the only wheelchair-accessible windmill.
- Most shops and restaurants in the neighborhood accept credit and debit cards; ATMs are located at the Zaanse Schans parking office.
How to Get There
The Zaanse Schans neighborhood is set in Zaandam, near Zaandijk, about 13 miles (21 kilometers) northwest of Amsterdam. The village, located on the eastern bank of the Zaan river, is easily accessible from Amsterdam’s Centraal Station by transit—it takes less than an hour to get there by bus, train, or car. Fee-based parking is available.
When to Get There
Though there is plenty to do year-round in the Zaanse Schans, much of the village’s charm lies in its outdoor attractions, making late spring and summer the best times to visit. Winters in the Netherlands are known to be rainy and windy, so if you’re visiting then, wear warm layers under a waterproof jacket.
The Dutch and Their Bicycles
It’s said that there are 1.5 bicycles for every inhabitant of the Netherlands. The Dutch love their bikes and can be found pedaling them to work, school, the grocery store, and everywhere else in between. Renting a bicycle is a great way to see Holland like a local. In summer, a bike tour from Amsterdam to the Zaanse Schans is a popular way to experience the quaint village and the bucolic countryside.
Address: Netherlands
From $ 29
Xtracold Icebar
The experience of Amsterdam’s Xtracold Icebar begins with the chance to enjoy some of the best cocktails in the city in the – normally heated – bar lounge. From there, a 3-D movie transports visitors back to the 16th century, where they find themselves aboard the ship Mercury, captained by explorer Willem Barentsz as it sails into the frozen north. After donning thermal ponchos and mittens, it’s time to enter the ice bar itself, a magical world of polar bears scattered on an icy Arctic coastline, where even the vodka shots are served in frozen glasses.
The design of the Icebar is remodelled every year, using 60 tons of ice imported from northern Europe. The temperature inside the bar is kept at a consistent -10 degrees Celsius and everything, from the walls to the bar and the bar stools, is fashioned from ice. A light show reflects all the colors of the rainbow off the sparkling blue walls and a pumping sound system keeps people moving around.
Practical Info
Amstel 194-196. Open Sun–Fri 12.30pm–1am; Sat 12.30pm–2.40am. Tickets adults €19.50; children €12.50. Three free drinks are included in the entry price. Take trams 9 or 14 to Waterlooplein.
Address: Amstel 194-196, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Hours: Open Sun–Fri 12.30pm–1am; Sat 12.30pm–2.40am
Admission: Adults: €19.50
From $ 12
Allard Pierson Museum
Run by the University of Amsterdam and housed in a grandiose former bank on the southern fringes of the Red Light District, the Allard Pierson is the city's leading archaeological museum. Unaccountably often overlooked, it is named after the first classical archaeology professor at the university and turns the spotlight on ancient Mediterranean civilizations. The collection of antiquities spans the centuries 4,000 BC to 500 AD, from the time of the pharaohs through the ancient Greek and Roman empires until early Christianity. Including Persian, Etruscan and Cypriot pottery, jewelry and glassware, the museum may not be vast but it is certainly world class; the star exhibit are the extensive Egyptian collection, including mummies, statuary, and everyday household objects unearthed from tombs. A roster of temporary exhibitions provides further insights into civilization around the shores of the Mediterranean during ancient times.
Practical Info
Oude Turfmarkt 127. Open daily 10am"“5pm. Admission is adults €10; students and children between ages 4"“15 €5; under 4 free; free with IAmsterdam Card. The museum can be reached by trams 4, 9, 16 and 24 from Centraal Station.
Address: Oude Turfmarkt 127, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Hours: Open daily 10am"“5pm.
Admission: Adults: €10
From $ 46
Kröller-Müller Museum
Some 20,000 works of art can be found at the Kröller-Müller Museum in Otterlo, The Netherlands. The art and sculpture museum (which opened in 1938) was founded by collector Helene Kröller-Müller, an early admirer of Vincent van Gogh. Although today Van Gogh is one of the world's most famous artists, he received little recognition while he was alive. Kröller-Müller regarded Van Gogh as a "˜great spirit of modern art' and was a prolific collector of his works. In fact, the attention she gave to his work contributed to his recognition as an artist. The Kröller-Müller Museum has the second-largest collection of Van Gogh's art in the world (around 90 paintings and 180 drawings). In addition to the large collection of works by Van Gogh, the museum is home to masterpieces by artists including Claude Monet, Georges Seurat, Pablo Picasso, and Piet Mondriaan. The museum also has one of the largest sculpture gardens in Europe. This "˜outdoor gallery' measures some 25 hectares and is open year-round to showcase more than 160 sculptures by iconic artists like Aristide Maillol and Pierre Huyghe.
Practical Info
The Kröller-Müller Museum is located in the middle of De Hoge Veluwe National Park, one of the largest continuous nature reserves in the Netherlands. The entrance fee to the museum also includes the entrance fee to the national park, and it is lovely to see how the sculptures, the garden, and the park all integrate together "” which you may do by bicycle on one of the free loaner bikes available to visitors.
Address: Houtkampweg 6, 6731 AW, Otterlo, Netherlands
Hours: Tuesday"“Sunday, 10:00 a.m."“5:00 p.m., closed Mondays and New Year's Day.
Admission: €18,30 adults; €13,75 students (with ID); €9,15 children 6"“12
From $ 172