Amsterdam guidebook
Museums
Amsterdam is home to a variety of world-famous museums. No trip to the city is complete without stopping by the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum or Stedelijk Museum, but the city also has a multitude of treasures outside of the Museum District.
The Rijksmuseum is one of Amsterdam’s grandest and most popular museums. Its vast collection showcases iconic art and a wide variety of artefacts that reflect more than 800 years of Dutch and global history, including jaw dropping paintings by the likes of Rembrandt, Van Gogh and countless more Dutch greats.
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Rijksmuseum
1 MuseumstraatThe Rijksmuseum is one of Amsterdam’s grandest and most popular museums. Its vast collection showcases iconic art and a wide variety of artefacts that reflect more than 800 years of Dutch and global history, including jaw dropping paintings by the likes of Rembrandt, Van Gogh and countless more Dutch greats.
Situated on Museumplein, where it first opened in 1895, Amsterdam’s Stedelijk Museum is the largest Dutch museum dedicated to modern and contemporary art and design. The collection contains extraordinary pieces of art by world-renowned artists, including a great number of works by major twentieth-century Dutch artists.
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I-Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam
10 MuseumpleinSituated on Museumplein, where it first opened in 1895, Amsterdam’s Stedelijk Museum is the largest Dutch museum dedicated to modern and contemporary art and design. The collection contains extraordinary pieces of art by world-renowned artists, including a great number of works by major twentieth-century Dutch artists.
The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam is one of the most popular museums in the world, attracting visitors from every corner of the globe. Naturally, this is in large part due to it housing the largest collection of works by Vincent van Gogh – more than 200 paintings, 500 drawings and 700 of his letters. Having originally opened on Museumplein in 1973, the Van Gogh Museum has been expanded and modernised over the years, ensuring it's a truly cutting-edge exhibition and visitor space.
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I-Van Gogh Museum
6 MuseumpleinThe Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam is one of the most popular museums in the world, attracting visitors from every corner of the globe. Naturally, this is in large part due to it housing the largest collection of works by Vincent van Gogh – more than 200 paintings, 500 drawings and 700 of his letters. Having originally opened on Museumplein in 1973, the Van Gogh Museum has been expanded and modernised over the years, ensuring it's a truly cutting-edge exhibition and visitor space.
Anne Frank is one of Amsterdam’s most well known former residents. The Anne Frank House at Prinsengracht 263 in Amsterdam is where she lived in hiding with her family for more than two years during World War II. Now converted into a museum it contains a sobering exhibition about the persecution of the Jews during the war, as well as discrimination in general.
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Indlu kaAnne Frank
20 WestermarktAnne Frank is one of Amsterdam’s most well known former residents. The Anne Frank House at Prinsengracht 263 in Amsterdam is where she lived in hiding with her family for more than two years during World War II. Now converted into a museum it contains a sobering exhibition about the persecution of the Jews during the war, as well as discrimination in general.
The Hermitage Amsterdam is the Dutch branch of the world-famous Hermitage museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Located on the banks of the Amstel River, the Hermitage Amsterdam is an exhibition space and cultural education centre with a focus on Russian history and culture.
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Hermitage Amsterdam
51 AmstelThe Hermitage Amsterdam is the Dutch branch of the world-famous Hermitage museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Located on the banks of the Amstel River, the Hermitage Amsterdam is an exhibition space and cultural education centre with a focus on Russian history and culture.
The Amsterdam Museum offers an expansive collection of exhibitions and items that retell the compelling story of the Dutch capital, from its earliest developments, through the surge of growth in the Golden Age and up to the present.
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Iziko le-Amsterdam
51 KalverstraatThe Amsterdam Museum offers an expansive collection of exhibitions and items that retell the compelling story of the Dutch capital, from its earliest developments, through the surge of growth in the Golden Age and up to the present.
Take a voyage of discovery at NEMO Science Museum in Amsterdam, where children can playfully experience science and technology all day long. The museum is situated in an unmistakable, sloping green building, set amidst the city’s Eastern Docklands.
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NEMO Science Center
2 OosterdokTake a voyage of discovery at NEMO Science Museum in Amsterdam, where children can playfully experience science and technology all day long. The museum is situated in an unmistakable, sloping green building, set amidst the city’s Eastern Docklands.
Built in 1656, the former national naval warehouse was once used by the Dutch navy to store sails, ropes, weapons and ammunition. Since 1973 it has been home to the National Maritime Museum, known as the Scheepvaartmuseum in Dutch.
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I-Maritime Museum
1 KattenburgerpleinBuilt in 1656, the former national naval warehouse was once used by the Dutch navy to store sails, ropes, weapons and ammunition. Since 1973 it has been home to the National Maritime Museum, known as the Scheepvaartmuseum in Dutch.
The striking architecture of the Eye Filmmuseum made it quickly become one of Amsterdam’s modern icons. Situated on the northern bank of the River IJ, just opposite Central Station, this cinema, film museum, café/restaurant and cutting-edge event location is a must-see. Eye Filmmuseum is free to visit with the I amsterdam City Card, but for some of the exhibitions there is an additional surcharge.
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Eye Film Museum
1 IJpromenadeThe striking architecture of the Eye Filmmuseum made it quickly become one of Amsterdam’s modern icons. Situated on the northern bank of the River IJ, just opposite Central Station, this cinema, film museum, café/restaurant and cutting-edge event location is a must-see. Eye Filmmuseum is free to visit with the I amsterdam City Card, but for some of the exhibitions there is an additional surcharge.
Foam is an internationally renowned Amsterdam museum that exhibits all genres of photography in a beautiful canal-side setting. As well as displaying a wide variety of works, it acts as a creative hub where photographers can meet and participate in forums and symposiums.
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Foam
609 KeizersgrachtFoam is an internationally renowned Amsterdam museum that exhibits all genres of photography in a beautiful canal-side setting. As well as displaying a wide variety of works, it acts as a creative hub where photographers can meet and participate in forums and symposiums.
During the height of his career, renowned Dutch Golden Age artist Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn lived in this house located just off Waterlooplein in the centre of Amsterdam. It is now a museum dedicated to both his life and his work.
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I-Museum Het Rembrandthuis (Indlu kaRembrandt)
4 JodenbreestraatDuring the height of his career, renowned Dutch Golden Age artist Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn lived in this house located just off Waterlooplein in the centre of Amsterdam. It is now a museum dedicated to both his life and his work.
Amsterdam’s Tropenmuseum is a museum of world cultures, housed in one of the most beautiful museum buildings of the Netherlands, off the beaten tourist track in Amsterdam’s hip east.
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Tropenmuseum
2 LinnaeusstraatAmsterdam’s Tropenmuseum is a museum of world cultures, housed in one of the most beautiful museum buildings of the Netherlands, off the beaten tourist track in Amsterdam’s hip east.
Essentials
Q-Park Europarking
250 MarnixstraatMacBike | Bike Rental Amsterdam | Museum District - Leidseplein
2 WeteringschansBlack Bikes Leidseplein | Bike Rental Amsterdam
283 LijnbaansgrachtSplash Healthclub Amsterdam BV
241 LijnbaansgrachtAH Elandsgracht
13 A ElandsgrachtSightseeing
Each area of Amsterdam has its own character and charm, and its own unique variety of shops, restaurants, cafes, museums and attractions. Take time to discover the city's hidden treasures in Amsterdam's neighbourhoods.
De Pijp is starkly different from the picturesque canal district, but that is made up for by the lively and eccentric people that grace its streets. Here academics continue to mingle with artists in countless cafés, and the flourishing nightlife continues to draw people from all over the city.
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De Pijp
De Pijp is starkly different from the picturesque canal district, but that is made up for by the lively and eccentric people that grace its streets. Here academics continue to mingle with artists in countless cafés, and the flourishing nightlife continues to draw people from all over the city.
Often cited as Amsterdam’s most charming neighbourhood, wandering into the Jordaan feels like stepping back in time. Originally a working class area, the Jordaan’s narrow streets and quaint buildings now make up one of Amsterdam’s most desirable quarters, dotted with independent art galleries, antiques shops, courtyard gardens and atmospheric bars and restaurants. Ditch the map and lose yourself in the labyrinth of narrow lanes that sprawl eastwards from Prinsengracht canal known as the 9 Streets; one of Amsterdam's most rewarding shopping experiences.
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Jordaan
Often cited as Amsterdam’s most charming neighbourhood, wandering into the Jordaan feels like stepping back in time. Originally a working class area, the Jordaan’s narrow streets and quaint buildings now make up one of Amsterdam’s most desirable quarters, dotted with independent art galleries, antiques shops, courtyard gardens and atmospheric bars and restaurants. Ditch the map and lose yourself in the labyrinth of narrow lanes that sprawl eastwards from Prinsengracht canal known as the 9 Streets; one of Amsterdam's most rewarding shopping experiences.
Created in the 17th century to keep the sea at bay, Amsterdam’s UNESCO protected canal belt is the quintessential picture-postcard vision of Amsterdam, and an unbelievably pretty sight by both day and night - when the bridges are lit up by fairy lights and the whole area takes on a magical feel. Floating along the canals by guided boat tour is a great way to get under the fabric of the city, and you’ll learn lots of fascinating facts along the way – such as why the tilting homes along the canals are known as ‘dancing houses’. There are many different canal cruises to choose from, from hop-on-hop-off sightseeing tours to atmospheric candlelit night time cruises with food and wine.
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Canals of Amsterdam
Created in the 17th century to keep the sea at bay, Amsterdam’s UNESCO protected canal belt is the quintessential picture-postcard vision of Amsterdam, and an unbelievably pretty sight by both day and night - when the bridges are lit up by fairy lights and the whole area takes on a magical feel. Floating along the canals by guided boat tour is a great way to get under the fabric of the city, and you’ll learn lots of fascinating facts along the way – such as why the tilting homes along the canals are known as ‘dancing houses’. There are many different canal cruises to choose from, from hop-on-hop-off sightseeing tours to atmospheric candlelit night time cruises with food and wine.
Artis, short for Natura Artis Magistra, is a zoo in the centre of Amsterdam. It is the oldest zoo in the Netherlands and one of the oldest zoos of mainland Europe. Artis Royal Zoo is not just a zoo...
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ARTIS
38-40 Plantage KerklaanArtis, short for Natura Artis Magistra, is a zoo in the centre of Amsterdam. It is the oldest zoo in the Netherlands and one of the oldest zoos of mainland Europe. Artis Royal Zoo is not just a zoo...
A public urban park of 47 hectares in Amsterdam. It is located in the stadsdeel Amsterdam Oud-Zuid, west from the Leidseplein and the Museumplein.
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Vondelpark
A public urban park of 47 hectares in Amsterdam. It is located in the stadsdeel Amsterdam Oud-Zuid, west from the Leidseplein and the Museumplein.
Leidseplein is a buzzing nightlife hub centered around Leidseplein Square, where crowds are entertained by street performers and the surrounding bars and restaurants are always busy. Local theaters, such as the neo-Renaissance Stadsschouwburg, present classical music, stand-up comedy and musicals, while iconic concert venues Paradiso and Melkweg host DJ gigs and concerts by indie and big-name bands.
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Leidseplein
LeidsepleinLeidseplein is a buzzing nightlife hub centered around Leidseplein Square, where crowds are entertained by street performers and the surrounding bars and restaurants are always busy. Local theaters, such as the neo-Renaissance Stadsschouwburg, present classical music, stand-up comedy and musicals, while iconic concert venues Paradiso and Melkweg host DJ gigs and concerts by indie and big-name bands.
Breakfast
In a city where the collective population cycles 2 million kilometers each day, there is no shortage of hearty breakfast options. From bakeries, brunch spots, pancake shops, brasseries and bistros, here are the places you should head to fuel up and start your day in style.
A cosy pancake house located in a 17th-century Dutch East India Company canal house at the Prinsengracht in Amsterdam. The Pancake Bakery began as a small pancake restaurant with a basic menu. In 1980, the owner (still the present owner today) introduced several changes which made The Pancake Bakery what is is today: a world-known pancake restaurant loved by all.
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The Pancake Bakery
191 PrinsengrachtA cosy pancake house located in a 17th-century Dutch East India Company canal house at the Prinsengracht in Amsterdam. The Pancake Bakery began as a small pancake restaurant with a basic menu. In 1980, the owner (still the present owner today) introduced several changes which made The Pancake Bakery what is is today: a world-known pancake restaurant loved by all.
B&R is a New Zealand style café served with a heavy dose of Brazil. It’s our piece of home away from home (and home is along way away). The open kitchen produces all your favourite brunch dishes, fresh fruit salads, and kiwi-twisted baked goods all day long. All our cakes are made in-house and our Ozone coffee is always served as doubles.
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Bakers & Roasters
54 Eerste Jacob van CampenstraatB&R is a New Zealand style café served with a heavy dose of Brazil. It’s our piece of home away from home (and home is along way away). The open kitchen produces all your favourite brunch dishes, fresh fruit salads, and kiwi-twisted baked goods all day long. All our cakes are made in-house and our Ozone coffee is always served as doubles.
Restaurant Blue Amsterdam is a wonderful 'secret' in the centre of Amsterdam. Situated atop the Kalvertoren shopping centre, many shoppers below often have no idea of the spectacular views and food that awaits.
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Blue Amsterdam
457 SingelRestaurant Blue Amsterdam is a wonderful 'secret' in the centre of Amsterdam. Situated atop the Kalvertoren shopping centre, many shoppers below often have no idea of the spectacular views and food that awaits.
They don't make ordinary toasted sandwiches at Toastable in Amsterdam: this is the place to be for triple-decker toasted sandwiches that you wouldn't be able to come up with even in your wildest imagination. You can put together your own breakfast from a wide range of products for the perfect start to the day. Drop in for a delicious giant toasted sandwich or simply for a tasty fresh fruit juice.
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Toastable Koningsplein
441 SingelThey don't make ordinary toasted sandwiches at Toastable in Amsterdam: this is the place to be for triple-decker toasted sandwiches that you wouldn't be able to come up with even in your wildest imagination. You can put together your own breakfast from a wide range of products for the perfect start to the day. Drop in for a delicious giant toasted sandwich or simply for a tasty fresh fruit juice.
Amacebiso ngesixeko
Ukuhamba-hamba
The Leidseplein has great tram connections
You can buy a ticket for €2-3 on the tram to all corners of the city
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Avoid cueing and disappointments
At most major museums you can buy tickets in advance, the Anna Frank House in particular is sold out quickly.
Iindlela zokonga
Take the public transport to our apartment
Taxi's are expensive in Amsterdam, and the public transportation connections are great to our apartment