Choose from 125 Fun Things to Do in Netherlands
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Rijksmuseum
Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum is the largest and most visited art museum in the Netherlands. Its collection, which ranks among the world’s finest, includes nearly 8,000 pieces spread over 80 galleries. Some of the Rijksmuseum’s most revered works are 15th- to 19th-century paintings by Flemish and Dutch masters, including Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Frans Hals. In addition to the astounding eight centuries of Dutch art and history, the museum has extensive outdoor gardens and a Michelin-starred restaurant.
The Basics
No surprise, this stellar national museum gets crowded. Consider purchasing a skip-the-line ticket, which lets you head right inside. To maximize your experience of the Rijksmuseum, visit with a licensed art historian, either as a private guide or on a group tour. Or combine a canal cruise with a skip-the-line ticket, allowing you to see the museum on your own schedule.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Allow at least a half-day for your visit, although even in four hours you’ll be able to see only a fraction of the Rijksmuseum’s huge collection.
- You do not need a ticket to visit the gardens, shop, or café, all of which are open daily from 9am to 6pm.
- The museum has free Wi-Fi.
- Flash photography, selfie sticks, and videos with lights are not allowed.
How to Get There
The Rijksmuseum is located in Amsterdam South on the Museumplein (“Museum Square”), at Stadhouderskade and Museumstrasse. It is easily accessible via tram to Hobbemastraat. Nearby attractions include the Van Gogh Museum, the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, and the Concertgebouw. The Red Light District is also within walking distance.
When to Get There
The museum is open 365 days a year, with the busiest months being April, May, and August. During the museum’s peak hours—10am to 3pm—the estimated wait time at the ticket office is approximately 20 to 30 minutes, so it’s best to book a skip-the-line ticket. Last admission is 30 minutes before closing time.
The Rijksmuseum’s Notable Works
The Dutch Golden Age in Holland was a time of prolific art and powerful commerce, and some of the most famous paintings on display at the Rijksmuseum include works from this time period. Be sure to see Rembrandt's “Nightwatch” (1650), showing the militia led by Frans Banning Cocq. Other featured 17th-century Flemish and Dutch masters include Jan Vermeer (“The Milkmaid,” “Woman in Blue Reading a Letter”), Frans Hals (“The Merry Drinker”), and Jan Steen (“The Merry Family”). Beyond the celebrated paintings, other notable galleries include Sculpture and Applied Art (Delftware, dollhouses, porcelain, furniture), Dutch History, and Asiatic Art in the Asian Pavilion, which includes the famous 12th-century bronze statue of a dancing Shiva.
Address: Museumstraat 1, 1070 DN, Amsterdam, l, Netherlands
Hours: Open daily 9am - 5pm. Open year-round.
Admission: Adults: € 17.50, Children (18 and under): Free
From $ 17
South Kennemerland National Park (Nationaal Park Zuid-Kennemerland)
Some 3800 hectares of classic Dutch coastal dunes are being restored in this large nature reserve right in the middle of the busy Randstad. The South Kennemerland National Park is composed of chalky dunes, wide beaches, and coastal forests. Remnants of cultural history like farming estates, seaside villages, and bunkers can also be found in the national park. De Zandwaaier, the park's visitor center, has nature displays and a selection of detailed walking and cycling maps. The Duincafé near the visitor’s center serves coffee, rolls, snacks, and Dutch pancakes.
The park offers more than a hundred miles of footpaths, cycling routes, and horse-riding paths. Whether you want to choose your own route or follow a predetermined path, there’s something for you to enjoy through the woods, across the open sand dunes, and along the lakes and beaches. Trails wind through copses of Corsican firs and valleys of low-lying thickets; at the western edge of the National Park lies a massive sand barrier that's 1,000 years old.
Practical Info
This National Park is located in the heart of the Dutch metropolitan area between Haarlem and Zandvoort, 45 minutes from Amsterdam. There are four train stations within short walking distance of the National Park: Overveen, Bloemendaal, Santpoort Zuid, and Santpoort Noord. All stations lie the ‘Sprinter’ line from Haarlem to Uitgeest. The Overveen station is closest to the visitor’s center.
Address: Zeeweg 12, Overveen, North Holland, Netherlands
Hours: Daily 8am–6pm
From $ 148
Square 1813 (Plein 1813)
It may sound funny, but Square 1813 (Plein 1813) is actually a circle or what some might call a roundabout. In the center is a large monument to independence – the largest 19th-century statue in the Netherlands. It was erected to commemorate the victory over Napoleon and the end of French occupation in The Netherlands, which took place, of course, in 1813.
Practical Info
Plein 1813 is located at the intersection of Alexander Street and Sophialaan in Willemspark.
Address: Alexander Street and Sophialaan, Willemspark, Netherlands
Hours: Daily
From $ 277
Rotterdam Central Station
As the main railway station of the city of Rotterdam and one of the most important transportation hubs in all of the Netherlands with over 110,000 daily passengers in 2007 (as many as Amsterdam Schipol airport), Rotterdam Centraal was just recently renovated and reopened in March 2014. Because it is
now connected to several high-speed networks in Europe and because of its proximity to Schipol airport, it is expected that the numbers of daily passengers will increase to 323,000 by the year 2025.
In terms of architecture, the station has already received the acclaim of the industry thanks to its bold yet efficient design – a nod to the city’s architectural heritage, which is famous for being edgy and resolutely non-traditional. One of the main changes from the recent renovations works is the difference
between the north and south entrances; one faces the residential Provenierswijk neighborhood and the other, a futuristic, skyscraper-ridden commercial district. The station was designed so that commuters feel the gradual evolution from a more modest northern entrance with plenty of natural light and green
spaces merging into a metropolitan, dramatic allure to the south as the stations opens up onto a large and lively public square and a 5000-bike parking.
Practical Info
Rotterdam Central Station offers regular service to most Dutch cities as well as international services to Antwerpen, Brussels and Paris up to 14 times a day and to Lille twice per day.
Address: Stationsplein 1, Rotterdam, South Holland 3013, Netherlands
From $ 34
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
The Hague City Hall
The Hague City Hall This more modern landmark is known by a number of names. The Town Hall of The Hague is a white building with a large glass atrium. Due to its white appearance, locals nicknamed it the Ice Palace. In comparison to the numerous historical buildings in The Hague, finished in the mid-90s, it’s a fairly new addition to the landscape. It was designed by American Richard Meier.
The large Atrium (4,500 square meters or more than 48,000 square feet) hosts events and exhibitions throughout the year. It’s also where you’ll find some basic services for local residents including municipal counters and public service desks. The Town Hall is also home to the public library and the municipal archives. All in all, approximately 8,000 people visit the Ice Palace every day.
Practical Info
The town hall has some note-worthy neighbors including the New Church, the Plein and the Spuistraat shopping area. City Hall is open for visitors every day but Sunday.
Address: Spui 70 2511 BT Den Haag, The Hague, Netherlands
Hours: City Hall is open for visitors every day but Sunday.
From $ 55
Van Gijn House
From the outside this house may not seem unique, but step inside and you be transported back in time. This museum was the home of the banker and collector Simon van Gijn, who lived in it from 1864 until he died in 1922. Upon his death Van Gijn left his home and most of his collections to the Old Dordrecht Society, with the stipulation that they be made publicly available and the house’s interior maintained as close to its original state as possible. The rooms are richly decorated, with lush wall tapestries and woodwork, hand-embossed leather wallpaper, the first indoor toilet, and beautiful furnishings on all three floors.
The museum recently underwent an extensive restoration to return the building to the state it was during Van Gijn’s life, making it easy to imagine what upper-class living around the year 1900 was like — the house looks as though the owner may come home at any moment! Alongside interiors dating back several centuries, the museum has a wonderful collection of arts and crafts, an extensive toy collection that fills the attic, and a large collection of history prints and drawings, known as the Van Gijn Atlas.
Practical Info
A free guidebook is available with plenty of information about the rooms, their artifacts, and the house’s significant paintings. Audio guides are also available for purchase and there is a reasonably priced cafeteria on the ground floor with nice views of the garden.
Address: Nieuwe Haven 29–30, 3311 AP, Dordrecht, Netherlands
Hours: Tuesday–Sunday 11 a.m.–5 p.m.; closed Mondays
Admission: € 10 adults; € 3,50 ages 13–18; younger than 13 visit for free
From $ 32
Rotterdam City Hall
Rotterdam is famous around the world for its modern architecture, but this quirky feature came about by obligation rather than by imagination. The vast majority of the city was turned to ashes during the destructive Rotterdam Blitz by the German Air Force of 14 May 1940, but one building miraculously survived: the City Hall. Built between 1914 and 1940 as per Queen Wilhelmina’s request, it has a symmetrical design and a sober Renaissance style that is not without resemblance to other Dutch city halls. It features and four wings and a small interior courtyard, as well as two statues on either side of the main entrance: the ‘Portier’ (doorman) and the ‘Fiscus’ (tax collector); there are ten other statues scattered around the city hall’s gardens, each representing Rotterdam’s values and virtues. The most striking part of the building, however, is the 70-meter high tower featuring a clock, a bell, and an angel of peace. During the holiday season, Rotterdam's biggest Christmas tree is set up in front of the City Hall.
Practical Info
Rotterdam City Hall is is located at Coolsingel 40, opposite Stadhuisplein. It can be reached by metro via lines D and E (stop Stadhuis), or by tram via lines 21, 23, and 24 (stop Stadhuis). Although it is open Monday to Saturday between 8:30 AM to 5 PM, self-guided visits are not allowed. Guided tours must be booked at the local tourist office.
Address: Coolsingel 40, Rotterdam 3011 AD, Netherlands
Hours: Mon-Sat 8:30am-5pm
From $ 22
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
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
Ridderzaal (Hall of Knights)
As one of the oldest and most-admired landmark buildings in The Hague, the Ridderzaal makes up part of the medieval Binnenhof (Inner Court) complex, which was built back in the 13th century for the counts of Holland as a hunting lodge. Ridderzaal dominates the great cobbled courtyard and cloistered archways of the Binnenhof, home to the offices and meeting rooms of the Dutch Parliament and now the political hub of the Netherlands.
The Ridderzaal was the last building to be added to the Binnenhof in 1280, and its exterior is adorned with ornate twin spires and Gothic detailing. Its interior reveals a great vaulted hall some 100 feet (30 meters) in length, with walls plastered in coats-of-arms. The hall has a leading role in contemporary politics, as it is the scene of the Dutch Opening of Parliament ceremony. Every September on Prince’s Day (Prinsjesdag), King Willem-Alexander delivers his annual Speech from the Throne to the Dutch people from the Ridderzaal.
Practical Info
The Ridderzaal and the whole Binnenhof are open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. for guided tours, all centered on the photogenic Hofvijver Lake. The area is accessible by Tram 10, 16 or 17 to Buitenhof, and costs for guided tours range from 5€ to 8€. The stately Binnenhof courtyard and Ridderzaal reception hall are open to wander for free.
Address: The Hague, Netherlands
Hours: The Ridderzaal and the whole Binnenhof are open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. for guided tours
Admission: Costs for guided tours range from 5€ to 8€
From $ 55
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
St Lauren's Church (Sint Laurenskerk)
St. Lauren’s Church, or The Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk, is the primary cathedral of Rotterdam, and the only remaining building of medieval times in the city. The late-Gothic structure was built between 1449 and 1525, originally consecrated as a Catholic cathedral before being converted to a Protestant place of worship following the Reformation in 1572. Much of the ornate decoration from the interior was removed at this time.
For a time, from 1619 to 1642, the church was topped with a wooden spire designed by architect Hendrick de Keyser, but this was demolished due to rot. The next idea was to top the tower with a stone pinnacle, but this caused the tower to tilt, requiring new piles to be added under the foundation. Much of the remaining interior decoration was removed during the Batavian Revolution of 1795.
Sint-Laurenskerk was heavily damaged in the German bombing of May 14, 1940, the images of which still symbolize the hardship the city endured during this period. After the bombing, there was controversy over whether to keep or demolish the church, and in the end, a restoration was agreed upon.
One of the main attractions of the Sint-Laurenskerk is the Carillon of bells, which were originally installed in 1661 as a set of 36 designed by F. Hemony. More were later added during the post-war renovation, and there are now 49.
Practical Info
The Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk is open from Tuesday through Saturday, 11am to 5pm. The church is closed on Sunday and Monday except for church services. Admission is €1 for adults, with children up to age 12 free. Admission for the exhibit is €5 for adults, €3.50 for children 13-18, and free for children to 12 years. You can access the museum via Tram 21 (Blaak stop) or Metro Beurs or Blaak.
Address: Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk Grotekerkplein 15, Rotterdam, Netherlands
Hours: Tue-Sat 11am-5pm, Closed Sunday & Mon except for church services
Admission: Admissions Varies on Activity
From $ 13
Rotterdam Zoo (Diergaarde Blijdorp)
Rotterdam Zoo is the largest in the Netherlands and one of the most active in Europe, running both conservation and breeding programs. A rare Indian rhino, an Asian elephant, Asian lion cubs and baby polar bears have all been successfully bred here.
There are many species to see in the zoo’s themed enclosures, ranging from the lions, gazelles, ostriches and giraffes of the African savannah to the tigers and elephants from the Asian rainforest, plus polar bears and Arctic foxes from more wintery regions. Cute otters splash in pools, penguins dart around their aquarium and gorillas play on African Gorilla Island at Rotterdam Zoo.
Even on a rainy day there’s plenty to do undercover; visit the sharks and rays in the Oceanium or admire the thousands of butterflies in Amazonica, a climate-controlled pavilion that opened in 2013. The zoo is also home to Crocodile River, where visitors can follow the pathways to get up close with the crocs.
Practical Information:
General admission is €21, while it is €16.50 for youth ages 3 to 12. The zoo is open daily from 9 a.m until 5 p.m., or 6 p.m. in the summer. Visitors can take the metro to Blijdorp (no cash) to reach the zoo or walk 15 minutes from Central Station. Rotterdam Zoo also has supervised onsite parking for €8.
Address: Blijdorplaan 8, Rotterdam 3041 JG, Netherlands
Admission: €21
From $ 13
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
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
Teylers Museum
Teylers Museum is an art, natural history, and science museum in Haarlem — it is the oldest museum in The Netherlands. Founded in 1778, and open to the public since 1784, the museum was once used for public demonstrations of scientific experiments. Today, it is known as the best-preserved 18th-century public knowledge institution for the arts and sciences in the world, and is slated to become a UNESCO world heritage site.
Most of the museum’s exhibitions showcase natural history like rocks and minerals, fossils, and some of the very first equipment used by physicists and other scientists. There’s also something for the fine-art lover, including a selection of works by Dutch masters like Rembrandt van Rijn and some prints and drawings by Michelangelo and Raphael. Other exhibits include fossils that are millions of years old, machines that generate electricity, and historical books and coins. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions a few times each year.
Practical Info
Audio guides in several languages are available. Umbrellas and large bags must be left in the lockers at the museum’s entrance. No flash photography is allowed. All public areas of the museum are wheelchair accessible. A small number of wheelchairs and walkers are available by reservation. For people unable to move through the museum by themselves, one companion may enter the museum to assist them, free of charge.
Address: Spaarne 16, 2011 CH, Haarlem, Netherlands
Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; weekends and public holidays, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Admission: € 13 Adults; € 2 children from ages 6–17
From $ 34
Royal Palace (Koninklijk Paleis)
With its classical sandstone façade looming over Amsterdam’s central Dam Square, the 17th-century Royal Palace (Koninklijk Paleis) has been a firm favorite on tourist itineraries since becoming state property back in 1936.
Designed by Jacob van Campen, the impressive Romanesque construction is fashioned around over 13,500 woolen piles sunk into the ground and is best known for its iconic rooftop statue of Greek titan Atlas, straining beneath the weight of the world on his back. First built as a city hall, the building was transformed into a Royal Palace back in 1808, under reign of Louis I, King of Holland and is still used frequently for state visits by today’s monarchs.
Famously described as ‘the eighth world wonder’ by local poet Contantijn Huygens, the Royal Palace does its best to live up to its opulent reputation with glistening marble floors, lavish décor and a slightly ostentatious theme of Amsterdam’s power and prestige. The grand interiors, open to the public, provide the principal attractions, furnished with a spectacular collection of antiques and decorated with ornate carvings and Rembrandt-inspired paintings. Most impressive are the vast marble and bronze carvings adorning the baroque Citizen’s Hall, where the embellishments show a stylistic interpretation of the universe centered around Amsterdam.
Designed by Jacob van Campen, the impressive Romanesque construction is fashioned around over 13,500 woolen piles sunk into the ground and is best known for its iconic rooftop statue of Greek titan Atlas, straining beneath the weight of the world on his back. First built as a city hall, the building was transformed into a Royal Palace back in 1808, under reign of Louis I, King of Holland and is still used frequently for state visits by today’s monarchs.
Famously described as ‘the eighth world wonder’ by local poet Contantijn Huygens, the Royal Palace does its best to live up to its opulent reputation with glistening marble floors, lavish décor and a slightly ostentatious theme of Amsterdam’s power and prestige. The grand interiors, open to the public, provide the principal attractions, furnished with a spectacular collection of antiques and decorated with ornate carvings and Rembrandt-inspired paintings. Most impressive are the vast marble and bronze carvings adorning the baroque Citizen’s Hall, where the embellishments show a stylistic interpretation of the universe centered around Amsterdam.
Address: Dam Square, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Hours: Open to the public but often closed due to official state business. Check current schedule: http://www.paleisamsterdam.nl/en/visit/opening-hours
Admission: Adults €7.50; Children 5-18, €3.75; Over 65 and student, €6.50
From $ 4
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
St John Church (Sint Janskerk)
John the Baptist, patron saint of the town of Gouda, looks out from the Sint Janskerk (St John Church) and welcomes visitors that come from all over the world to see the church’s famous stained-glass windows. The large brick church, built in the Gothic style during the 15th and 16th centuries, is notable not only for its beautiful windows but also because it is the longest church in the Netherlands. The church has been placed on the UNESCO list of Dutch monuments specifically for its stunning stained-glass windows. The ‘Gouda Windows’ (Goudse Glazen) were made and installed between 1555-1571 by the brothers Dirk and Wouter Crabeth, and were spared during the Reformation and several following wars. The main theme depicted in the windows is the life of St John, although there are many biblical scenes pictured, as well as important events in Dutch history.
Another highlight of the church is a narrow passage leading from the back of the choir to a small chapel. The chapel’s stained-glass windows depicting the Passion of Christ (also from the workshop of Dirck Crabeth), were moved to St John Church in the 1930s from the Monastery of the Regulars.
Practical Info
The church is closed to visitors on Sundays and public holidays, and does charge a small admission on days it is open to the public. A free pamphlet gives basic explanations of the scenes depicted in the stained-glass windows.
Address: Achter de Kerk 16, 2801 JX, Gouda, The Netherlands, Netherlands
Hours: Monday–Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (10 a.m.–4 p.m from November–March); closed to tourists on Sundays and public holidays
Admission: €3.50 (€2 for children 5 to 12)
From $ 32