Over the last few years, Amsterdam has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe even though it’s situated in the country with the highest flood risk. Therefore, you may well have heard of flood appeals linked to the Netherlands; however, the country and the city of Amsterdam have a whole lot more to offer than that. In fact, Amsterdam has been described as Europe’s most exciting city, and it’s no wonder why. With entertainment, history, culture, and more, you’ll never be short of something to do in the Dutch capital.
Ons’ Lieve Heer Op Solder
The name roughly translates to “Museum of Our Lord in the Attic” and it used to be regarded as Amsterdam’s best kept secret. Since, however, tourists far and wide have discovered the building and it can not longer be considered a secret. The illustrious building spans across the top three floors of a canal house from the 1600s and was once a church. This was the space in which Catholics prayed once public worship was banned in 1578 by the Alteration. The preservation of the church means you can almost see what life in the 1600s was like.
Van Gogh Museum
As you can probably piece together, the Van Gogh Museum exhibits Vincent van Gogh’s works, as well as the work of his contemporaries. In fact, this building contains the largest collection of the artist’s work across the globe. The building is ideally situated for anyone looking to embark on a culture excursion in Amsterdam, as it’s next door to the Stedelijk Museum and around the corner from the Rijksmuseum. As a result, it’s an integral feature of Amsterdam’s Holy Trinity of culture, making it a can’t-miss when visiting the Dutch capital.
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De Negen Straatjes
De Negen Straatjes or the Nine Streets sits in the center of Jordaan’s canal belt and can be characterized as a micro-neighborhood of quirky and quaint streets that contain artisanal food shops, vintage stores, independent boutiques, and cozy cafes. While Amsterdam is full of sights that need to be seen, sometimes you need to sit back, relax, and watch the world go by. This is the ideal place to do so, as you’ll be able to simultaneously experience the sights of Amsterdam and unwind after busy days of exploring. Some of the most famous establishments include Screaming Beans, Catwalk Junkie, Zipper, Libertine Café, and Ree7.
Anne Frank Museum
When hiding from the Nazis, Anne Frank, her family, and four others spent two years in a canal house from the 1600s. Since then, the space has been transformed into an educational center and museum. This is to memorialize the struggles faced by Anne Frank and other victims of the Holocaust, displaying the cramped conditions they were subjected to and the fear they were forced to endure. Arguably, the Anne Frank Museum is one of the most important historical sites in the world, encouraging us to address the horrors of World War Two.
Rijksmuseum
Last but not least is the Rijksmuseum, which is ultimately the grandest of all Amsterdam’s galleries and museums. The building is a piece of Renaissance and Gothic architecture, which contains an unmatched collection of masterworks from the Golden Age. You can discover the museum using its app, which provides excellent guided tours. Similarly, there’s a Michelin star restaurant and library onsite, meaning you can eat, learn, and explore all in one. Time spent in Amsterdam is all about creating a cultural experience, and the Rijksmuseum provides the perfect setting to do so.
What’s on your to-do list for Amsterdam?
