Things to Do in Netherlands

The one-time abode of French philosopher René Descartes, Maison Descartes has become a popular attraction for French tourists, housing the French consulate and the French institute, who organize a number of cultural events in the city.

In 1635, Descartes lived at 6 Westermarkt, on the same block as the famous Anne Frank House, and today it remains dedicated to his memory. It was here that he wrote his final published work, Treatise on the Passions of the Soul, one of his most poignant pieces, allegedly inspired by his affair with maid Helena Jans Van der Strom, with whom he had a daughter, Francine.

Few places are as unashamedly picturesque as the village of Marken, and thus, its location, a peninsular stretching onto the IJsselmeer Lake, is often found plastered on souvenir postcards.

The quintessentially Dutch village has become a key tourist destination, with tour groups flocking to catch a glimpse of the unique island culture. Here, the vistas are undeniably quaint: painted wooden houses line the waterfront; colorful fishing boats jostle for space around the dock and the glistening lake waters reflect every detail. Even the village’s 2,000 inhabitants seem caught in time, dressing themselves in traditional costumes and preserving their time-honored customs.

Marken’s wooden houses, many of them now listed as national heritage sites, remain the village’s key attractions, but there are enough sights to make a pleasant day trip from Amsterdam, just 45 minutes away by road or boat.

Amsterdam is justly proud of its long-standing reputation for tolerance and with Ashkenazi Jews finding refuge in its borders throughout the 17th century, Jewish traditions have played an important part in the city’s heritage.

To honor this, the award-winning Joods Historisch Museum (Jewish Historical Museum) opened in the 1930s, and despite being shut down during the Nazi occupation of WWII, reopened in 1955. Its present location sprawls throughout the 17th-century buildings of 4 Ashkenazi synagogues on Jonas Daniël Meijerplein; as impressive outside as it is inside. Today, it remains the country’s only dedicated Jewish museum, exploring the history, culture and religion that have shaped so much of its population.

A vast collection of artwork, short films and photography accompanies the three permanent exhibitions, which showcase over 11,000 objects and focus on ‘Jewish traditions and customs’, the ‘history of Jews in the Netherlands’ and the harrowing tales and written testimonies of persecution under Nazi rule.

The modern museum also puts a twist on the storytelling in the adorning ‘JHM Children’s Museum’, where all ages are welcome to take part in Jewish-themed activities – if you’ve ever wanted to learn how to bake matzo, play traditional Jewish music or write in Hebrew, this is the place to learn. There’s even a café onsite, where you can recover from the day’s explorations – all kosher, of course.

One of Amsterdam’s most famous central squares, the busy Leidseplein, or Leiden Square, claims a prime location to the South of the city’s canal ring and opposite the popular Vondelpark.

Once serving as a 17th-century transport stand for horse-drawn carriages, the square remains a vibrant center point, alive with street entertainers and freestyle jazz performers. Here, costumed acrobats and break-dancers amuse punters at the square’s many cafés, shops and restaurants. As the sun sets, the city’s notorious brown cafés, Irish pubs and music venues fill up, and the square is at its liveliest, flickering with neon and echoing with music spilling from the clubs. Melkweg and Paradiso are two of the most famous music venues, with a number of acclaimed international artists performing alongside local acts.

Whether the sun’s shining or the snow’s falling, Leidseplein remains at the heart of the city’s festivities. Throughout the summer months, café terraces sprawl out into the plaza, while the festive season brings a giant open-air ice rink and food stalls serving seasonal delicacies and hot snacks late into the night.

There’s plenty to admire even in the quietest times, with some impressive architectural landmarks dotted around the square. Passersby can marvel at the neo-Renaissance facade of the famed Stadsschouwburg theatre, now home to the Dutch National Ballet, and the impressive Art Deco building that houses the renowned American Hotel.

Conveniently located right in central Amsterdam, Jordaan is one of the city's most important, and most interesting districts. Never short of things to do, it is the location of the famous Anne Frank house, where renowned holocaust victim Anne Frank hid from the Nazis during WWII.

Currently, the district is bustling with life, with tons of opportunities to visit one of its many specialty shops, soak in Dutch culture at an art gallery, or try some of the local delicacies at its street markets.
   
Prideful of its early 20th-century music culture, this central district also features wonderful music festivals and has scattered statues throughout, commemorating the likes of local hero and Dutch patriot Johnny Jordaan. Not dead, you can go check out Jordaan's lively modern music scene at many of its bars and club venues, these days mainly featuring alternative, punk and grunge music.