Choose from 125 Fun Things to Do in Netherlands
ShowingFilter 61-80 of 125 listings.
Museumplein
Amsterdam’s museum quarter – or Museumplein – is home to the three most important and revered museums in Amsterdam – the Rijksmuseum, the Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art, and the Van Gogh Museum. The surrounding area also features some exclusive shopping, the largest city park in Amsterdam (the Vondelpark), along with a whole host of other attractions.
The Museumplein is a place that attracts Amsterdam’s visitors and locals in equal measure – where international art-lovers mingle with local children playing football on the grass. In 1999 the main square was transformed from a simple 19th-century paved square into a large field with a pond at its centerpiece.
Located to the south of the Museumplein, Amsterdam’s world-famous Concert Hall can accommodate up to 2000 people and is international recognized for its outstanding acoustics. Between the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum sits Coster Diamonds, where visitors can discover the process of polishing and cutting diamonds on a free guided tour. Meanwhile, the nearby P.C. Hooftstraat shopping street is home to some of the world’s most chic and exclusive fashion outlets – and is one of the most expensive shopping streets in The Netherlands.
Practical Info
The Museumplein area is served by tram lines 2, 3, 5, 12, 16 and 24. The Canal Bus (a hop-on/hop-off canal boat line) also stops just across from the northern entrance to the Vondelpark.
Address: Museumstraat 1, Amsterdam, Netherlands
From $ 23
National Holocaust Memorial (Hollandsche Schouwburg)
The Hollandsche Schouwburg, once an historic theatre, is a Jewish war memorial in Amsterdam's Plantage district that commemorates the many Jews deported from Amsterdam during WWII. The building, which was constructed in 1892, was used as a theater for many years during. During the German occupation of Amsterdam in 1942-1943, the theater was used as a deportation center, where Jews from Amsterdam and the surrounding areas were held before being taken to Dutch transit camps and eventually to concentration camps in Germany.
In the early 1960s, an obelisk that serves as a monument and a place for reflection was erected near the former theater stage to honor the memory of the thousands of people who were held there awaiting their terrible fate. Inside the building, there is a chapel with an eternal flame and a wall where the names of many Dutch Jewish families who lost suffered are inscribed. Upstairs, on the first floor, there is an exhibition space that chronicles the persecution of Dutch Jews. The exhibit has photos, videos, and some personal items.
Practical Info
Hollandsche Schouwburg is located in Amsterdam’s city center on Plantage Middenlaan (a short walk from Waterlooplein), in the Jewish Cultural Quarter. In this old Jewish quarter, you will find the Jewish Historical Museum, the Children's Museum, the Portuguese Synagogue, and the Hollandsche Schouwburg. Trams 9 and 14 stop directly outside.
Admission prices are as follows: €15,0 Adults; €7,50 Students and persons aged 13-17; €3,75 Children ages 6-12; Children younger than 6 visit for free.
Your ticket to the memorial is valid for one month from purchase, and it includes admittance to any events as well as a monthly special offer in the museum shops.
Address: Plantage Middenlaan 24, Amsterdam, DE 1018, Netherlands
Hours: Open daily from 11am-5pm. Closed early or entirely on certain holidays. Ticket sales cease 30 minutes before closing time.
Admission: €15,0 Adults; €7,50 Students; €3,75 Children ages 6-12
From $ 16
Museum Prinsenhof
Housed in a historic 15th century former monastery, this museum holds an impressive collection of Dutch Golden Age paintings. The Prisenhof has a fascinating history; after its use as a convent it served as the residence for William of Orange, who was murdered (bullet holes still visible) in the house by a fanatic in 1584. Operating today strictly as an art museum, its collection consists mostly of 17th century paintings and Delftware ceramics. There’s also rich period furniture, tapestries, portraits, pottery, and fine gold and silver items that give a sense of Dutch aristocracy.
Themes from the time period, including the life of Prince William of Orange and the House of Orange-Dassau, the city of Delft, and the Dutch Uprising, are all well represented in the art. The interior also gives visitors the chance to experience Dutch life much as it was in the 16th century. Interactive multimedia and video presentations do a great job of bringing the history to life.
Practical Info
The museum is located in the center of Delft on Sint Agathaplein. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm, admission costs €12 for adults and €3 for children. Guided tours are also given daily.
Address: Sint Agathaplein 1, 2611 HR, Delft, Netherlands
Hours: Tues-Sun from 11am-5pm
Admission: €12 for adults, €3 for children
From $ 14
Leiden Square (Leidseplein)
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.
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.
Address: Amsterdam, Netherlands
From $ 21
Miniworld Rotterdam
Miniworld Rotterdam is the largest indoor miniature world in the Netherlands. The 535-square-meter site of Dutch landscapes is complete with miniature versions of polders, city views, harbors and model trains that traverse over 2 kilometers of track.
Experience the city of Rotterdam, complete with historic architecture and modern towers, including buildings such as the Erasmusbridge, the Euromast, Hotel New York, the new Rotterdam Central Station and City Hall. There is even a to-scale working model of the Port of Rotterdam, the largest port in the world. The site even expands beyond city limits, stretching out to the coast and including the suburbs of Rotterdam. The UNESCO World Heritage windmills of Kinderdijk are here in miniature too.
One day in Miniworld Rotterdam lasts 24 minutes, and toward the end of each cycle, night falls with the overheard lights dimmed in a sunset, while thousands of tiny lights illuminate the miniature landscape. An open workshop allows visitors to see how the models are made, and the command center is open for exploration as well.
Practical Info
Miniworld Rotterdam is open Wednesday through Friday from noon to 5pm and on weekends from 10am to 5pm. The museum is just a short walk from Rotterdam Central Station, located at Weena 745.
Address: Weena 745, Rotterdam 3013 AL, Netherlands
Admission: Varies
From $ 12
Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen
Rotterdam’s premier art museum began with bequests from two wealthy Dutch art lovers: Frans Jacob Otto Boijmans donated his collection to the city in 1847, and Daniel George van Deuningen followed suit in 1955. From 16th-century paintings to contemporary glassware, the museum’s displays of western works are constantly changing; it has featured 20th-century bodies of work by German Expressionist Max Beckmann and French surrealist Yves Tanguy, as well as pieces from hundreds of years earlier.
Highlights of this expansive 140,000-work collection include Pieter Bruegel’s peerless Old Testament offering The Tower of Babel (1553), which warrants close inspection for all its detailed activity; scores of delicate drawings by Renaissance artist Fra Bartolommeo; Rembrandt’s winsome Titus at his Desk; and a collection of Gerrit Rietveld’s distinct colored wooden furniture. The many other artists represented here include Rubens, Dalí, Da Vinci, Monet, Picasso, Van Eyck and Man Ray. All works are housed in a stylish red-brick building designed by Adrianus Van der Steur, now updated with airy glass galleries and surrounded by a sculpture park and fountains. Free temporary exhibitions are on display in the Willem van der Vorm gallery and Serra Hall just inside the main entrance.
Practical Info:
Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen is at Museumpark, and the general entrance fee is 12.50, while it costs €6.25 for students and €10 for seniors. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Visitors can take subway A, B or C from Central Station to De Akkers (with a prepaid card only), or park in the underground lot at Museumpark, which does not accept cash. Audio guides and guided tours are available.
Address: Museumpark 18, Rotterdam 3015 CX, Netherlands
Admission: €12.50
From $ 13
Kalverstraat
One of the busiest shopping streets in Amsterdam, Kalverstraat is known for its many boutiques and shops — over 160 to be exact. The pedestrian street is lined with various retailers today, but retains its name from the cattle market that had been held here since the 14th century. There’s a mix of local small stores and larger international brands, and at a variety of price points. Though with high-end options, this has become the most expensive street in the Netherlands. It’s at the heart of Amsterdam life, with many restaurants, clubs, museums, and of course, shops.
Fashion and clothing are the main shopping draws on Kalverstraat, but you’ll also find specialty stores with food, art, and souvenirs. It’s a great place to simply stroll and take in the surroundings. Local cafes and restaurants can be found throughout when you need a place to relax. A walk on the famous street is a must for any walking tour of the city.
Practical Info
Kalverstraat is located right in the city center. It begins at Dam Square and ends at Munt Tower in Muntplein Square. Hours for individual shops vary, but generally they’re open during business hours Tuesday to Sunday, with late night shopping on Thursdays until 9pm and limited hours on Sunday and Monday. The street is typically busy with crowds, but especially so on weekends.
Address: Kalverstraat, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Hours: Mon from 1-7pm, Tues-Sat from 9am-6pm, Sun from 12-5pm
From $ 24
Jordaan
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.
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.
Practical Info
This highly accommodating and lively part of Amsterdam is quite easily
navigated, and with hotels scattered about, there is no difficulty
finding a place to stay close-by. Many travel by bicycle, however, trams
number 13 and 17 both land right smack in the heart of the action, from
other populated stops in the city. If all else fails, the Dutch are
renowned English speakers and are generally more than happy to help out a
lost traveler.
Address: Amsterdam, Netherlands
From $ 21
Magere Brug
Magere Brug is a bridge in Amsterdam that crosses the Amstel River. Its name translates as “skinny bridge” and comes from the original bridge that was so skinny, it was difficult for two people to pass each other while walking across it at the same time. Legend also has it that the bridge was built by the Mager sisters to make it easier to visit each other since they lived on opposite sides of the river. Though it is still called the Skinny Bridge, today it is no longer so skinny. The bridge was replaced with a wider one in 1871, and now pedestrians and bicycles can cross with greater ease.
The bridge is a wooden drawbridge that is raised frequently throughout the day to allow boats to pass through. At night it is lit up by over 1,000 light bulbs. Day or night, the Skinny Bridge is a charming place to visit and enjoy views of the river and the city.
Practical Info
Magere Brug is located on the Amstel River between Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht and connects Kerkstraat with Nieuwe Kerkstraat.
Address: Amsterdam, Netherlands
From $ 17
Museum De Lakenhal
Leiden's Museum De Lakenhal and the building it is housed in (the Laecken-Halle) are considered to be one of the best examples of Dutch Golden Age architecture in the Netherlands. For centuries, the building served as the inspection hall and the bustling center for Leiden's famous fabric trade, the products of which were exported to all corners of the world. The original façade of the 17th-century palace remains intact, although the interior has undergone quite a few changes over the centuries.
The site welcomed the Museum De Lakenhal in 1874, bringing in a diverse collection of works by Leiden-born master painters including Rembrandt van Rijn, Lucas van Leyden and Theo van Doesburg. With a focus on fine arts and Leiden history, the museum hosts visiting exhibitions in addition to its permanent collection. A mix of armaments, old tile, fabric, paintings and even an altarpiece from a 'hidden church' are tied together by the history of Leiden, allowing visitors to easily imagine what life in this historic city may have once been like.
Practical Info
The museum is a 10-minute walk from Leiden Central Station. Every Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m., free guided tours are offered by the museum. All public areas are wheelchair accessible, and a small number of wheelchairs and walkers are available by reservation. Mobility scooters are not allowed. For those unable to move through the museum on their own, one companion is allowed to enter the museum free of charge. Youth under the age of 18 enter for free.
Address: Oude Singel 28 /32, 2312 RA, Leiden, Netherlands
Hours: Tuesday–Friday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Saturday, Sunday, and holidays 12 p.m.–5 p.m.
Admission: €7.50 (adults 18-65); €4,50 (65+)
From $ 32
Maison Descartes
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.
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.
Address: Westermarkt 6 1016 DK, Amsterdam, Netherlands
From $ 35
Madurodam
Madurodam, a mini-Holland on a 1:25 scale, lets you tour the entirety of the Netherlands in an hour. One of Holland’s most popular attractions since its development in the Hague in 1952, it highlights the epitomes of Dutch culture in scale-model replicas of perfectly ornamented bridges, canals, windmills, and major national landmarks.
The Basics
This miniature park allows you to discover the Madurodamers working, relaxing, watching a football match, and just going about their lives. Check out Madurodam’s fully functionally harbor, trains, and airport. The model city even has carefully manicured gardens made with real flowers and plants at a quarter of real size. All of the important Dutch cities—including Rotterdam, the Hague (with its International Court of Justice), Delft, and Amsterdam (including the Peace Palace)—are rendered in accurate lifelike representations.
You can purchase tickets at the park or in advance. You can also make your way to the miniature town as part of a guided tour; popular options combine a visit to Madurodam with city sightseeing tours of Delft and the Hague.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There is scheduled maintenance on parts of the display each day and some sections may be closed. Check the website for the daily maintenance schedule.
- Children under the age of three can enter the park free of charge.
- Guide dogs are allowed in the park, but pets are not. On-site kennels are available to keep your pet; it’s best to reserve ahead.
- Madurodam is accessible to strollers and wheelchairs, and both are available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis.
How to Get There
Madurodam is located within the Hague (between Central Hague and Scheveningen). You can access the park easily by car; there is a small parking fee. Trains are available from within the Hague; use tram 9 or bus 22.
When to Get There
Madurodam is open every day of the year. Hours vary seasonally: Typical spring and summer hours are from 9am to 8pm; fall and winter hours are 11am to 5pm. Check the park’s website for exact times.
Family Activities at Madurodam
Madurodam is a natural fit for a family-friendly day trip. Kids of all ages will enjoy the variety of hands-on activities, including managing a miniature Dutch port, discovering Dutch cheese, generating wind energy, and playing with water. A fully equipped playground helps kids burn off excess energy.
Address: George Maduroplein 1, 2584 RZ The Hague, Netherlands
Admission: Varies
From $ 68
National Monument
Standing high in the center of Amsterdam’s Dam Square, the National Monument is the Netherlands’ most important World War II memorial. In 1945, shortly after the end of the war, a liberty pole was erected in Dam Square; it evolved into the present-day 72-feet tall monument, which was unveiled on May 4 1956 by Queen Juliana of the Netherlands. Every May 4 since then, the Dutch royal family and local residents participate in National Remembrance Day and pay their respects to fallen soldiers from both WWII and subsequent armed conflicts involving the Netherlands.
Dutch architect J.J.P. Oud created the travertine stone monument, while John Rädecker and his sons designed the monument's sculptures. One of the most striking features is the Peace relief, which depicts four chained male figures demonstrating the misery endured during the war. The conical pillar is inscribed with a Latin message meaning, "Here, where the heart of the fatherland is, may this monument, which citizens carry in their heart, gaze at God's stars."
Practical Info
Due to its central location on Dam Square, the National Monument is easily accessible on foot or by public transit, including trams (4, 9, 14, 16, 24).
Address: Dam Square, Amsterdam, North Holland 1012, Netherlands
From $ 29
Portuguese Synagogue
Built in the late 17th century, the Portuguese Synagogue in Amsterdam is one of the most significant legacies of Jewish history in the entire city. During the 16th and 17th, century when the Jewish community was facing persecution in Spain and Portugal, many fled to Amsterdam and the concept of building the biggest synagogue in the world began.
Building of the Portuguese Synagogue began in 1671 and was complete in 1675. Restorations have been made over the years but overall it stands today as it did over 300 years ago. Still in use by the Jewish community in Amsterdam, it also attracts swathes of visitors who come to marvel at its ancient architecture and beguiling interior.
The synagogue is located in a complex that also houses a number of other buildings, including the rabbinate, a mortuary, and the Ets Haim (Tree of Life) library, which is home to a valuable collection of Sephardic Jewish manuscripts.
Practical Info
The Portuguese Synagogue is located at Mr. Visserplein 3 and can be reached via tram lines 9 or 14 – or via the 51, 53 or 54 metro lines to the Waterlooplein stop. Opening times vary throughout the year and visitors should be aware that the synagogue is closed on Saturdays, Jewish holidays and for special events. Entrance fee for adults is €6.50.
Address: Mr. Visserplein 3, Amsterdam 1011 RD, Netherlands
Admission: €6.50
From $ 16
Munttoren (Mint Tower)
The Munttoren, which means “Mint” or “Coin” tower in Dutch, is located on busy Muntplein Square in Amsterdam, precisely where the Amstel River and the Singel Canal meet and formed Regulierspoort. Built in 1487 as part as one of the main gates in Amsterdam's medieval city wall, Munttoren was mainly used to mint coins until it burned down in 1618.
It was later on rebuilt in the Amsterdam Renaissance style, with an octagonal-shaped top half and an open spire designed by celebrated Dutch architect Hendrick de Keyser. But visitors looking for a tower fitting this description will be disappointed; indeed the original guardhouse, which had survived the fire, was entirely replaced with a new building in the late 19th century except for the original carillon. It was made in 1668 and consists of 38 bells that chime every 15 minutes, even to this day – a carillonneur employed by the city of Amsterdam gives a live concert every Saturday between 2 and 3 p.m. Fun fact: scale models of the tower are exhibited at Madurodam in The Hague and at Mini-Europe in Brussels.
Practical Info
Due to its central location on Muntplein, Munttoren is easily accessible on foot or by public transit, including trams (1, 2, 4, 5, 9, 14, 16, 24) and buses (363). The tower is not open to the public for visits but can be enjoyed from many different viewpoints along the surrounding canals.
Address: Muntplein 12/14, Amsterdam, North Holland 1012, Netherlands
From $ 18
Jewish Historical Museum
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.
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.
Address: Nieuwe Amstelstraat 1, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Hours: Open daily 11am - 5pm.
Admission: Adults, €12; Teens 13-17, €6; Children, 6-12 €3; Under 6, free
From $ 16
House of Bols
The House of Bols Cocktail & Genever Experience is on Museumplein and has won awards for its innovative, contemporary design. At just a stone’s throw from the three great art museums of Van Gogh, Stedelijk and Rijksmuseum, it is an homage to two of Amsterdam’s oldest alcoholic drinks: Bols was the world’s first distilled spirit, produced in Amsterdam in 1575 by Lucas Bols, while genever is the Dutch equivalent of today’s gin and was drunk instead of water in the 17th century, as it was believed to hold medicinal properties.
A fun-filled, self-guided romp around the exhibition takes about an hour and includes taste, touch and smell sessions in the Hall of Taste as well as the chance to learn about the process of distilling Bols and to experience life as a liqueur in the interactive World of Cocktails. All tours end in the sleek and futuristic Mirror Bar, where the staff can whip up pretty much any cocktail under the sun.
The House of Bols also holds cocktail workshops where you can learn mixology tricks of the trade, and offers genever and Bols tasting sessions as well as alcoholic afternoon teas. Alternatively you can test your bar-tending skills in the Flair Booth as you star in your very own mixology movie.
Practical Info
The House of Bols is located at Paulus Potterstraat 14, opposite the Van Gogh Museum. It is open Monday through Thursday and on Sunday from noon to 6:30 p.m. On Friday, it is open until 8 p.m., and on Saturday it is open until 8 p.m. Tickets cost €14.50 and include one cocktail. The minimum age for entry is 18.
Address: Paulus Potterstraat 14, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Hours: Mon-Thurs & Sun noon-6:30 p.m.;
Fri-Sat until 8 p.m.
Admission: Admission: €14.50
From $ 12
Houseboat Museum (Woonboot Museum)
In Amsterdam’s central district Jordaan, along the Prinsengracht canal, you’ll find this small, quirky museum floating right on the water. The Houseboat Museum (Woonboot Museum) is a traditionally furnished houseboat that really gives a feeling for what everyday life on the canals of Amsterdam was like before ‘modern’ times. The boat, a former freighter named the ‘Hendrika Maria,’ is completely furnished and has several different visuals and models to show how life on the canals has changed through the decades. Once on board, you can see how the authentic barge (built in 1914) was converted to a comfortable houseboat in the 1960s. The houseboat has proper skipper’s quarters with a sleeping bunk, a good-sized living room and kitchen, and a bathroom. (The houseboat is equal in size to the average Amsterdam apartment.) Nowadays, the Hendrika Maria welcomes visitors to its homey interior — it seems as though the owners have just popped out to do a bit of shopping! Visitors can sit in the ship’s living room with a cappuccino or a hot chocolate from the museum’s shop while taking in the surroundings.
Practical Info
The Houseboat Museum is located in a very central area of Amsterdam, in the Jordaan district, just a five-minute walk from the Anne Frank house. Though it’s small and rather off the traditional tourist circuit, the charming museum is interesting and well worth a visit.
Address: Prinsengracht 296K, 1016 HW, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Hours: Daily, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; closed on bank holidays.
Admission: Adults € 4,50; Children 5–15 years € 3,50; Groups of 10 or more, € 3,50/person
From $ 21
National Maritime Museum (Het Scheepvaartmuseum)
Housed in a humungous former arsenal built in 1656, the National Maritime Museum reopened in 2011 after extensive reworking and is dedicated to showcasing the importance of Amsterdam’s maritime history. During the 17th-century Golden Age, The Netherlands was one of the richest powers in the world, thanks to its trading wealth and an empire that stretched across the globe. It was a time of great progress in Amsterdam, when the Canal Ring was built and the middle classes grew rich. All this is reflected in interactive and audio-visual displays of model ships, maritime oil paintings, charts, silverware and weaponry; the growth of the fabulously successful Dutch East India Company (Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie or VOC) is charted and visitors are whisked on a simulated journey through Amsterdam as a piece of cargo. Two now controversial issues that are dealt with sensitively through thoughtful exhibits are the European slave trade and the whaling industry.
For kids, the highlight of a visit to the National Maritime Museum is undoubtedly the full-size replica of the merchant ship Amsterdam, which foundered in 1749 on a voyage to the East Indies (the present-day Indonesia). The craft is ‘crewed’ by actors who fire cannons, sing sea shanties, tie ropes and even stage a burial at sea.
Practical Info
Kattenburgerplein 1. Admission €15 adults; €7.50 students and children aged 5–17; free with IAmsterdam Card. Opening hours are daily 9am–5pm. Accessible via buses no 22 or 48 to Kadijksplein or a 15-minute walk from Centraal Station.
Address: Kattenburgerplein 1, Amsterdam 1018 KK, Netherlands
Hours: Daily 9am-5pm
Admission: Adult €15, Child €7.50
From $ 18
Museum Our Lord in the Attic (Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder)
Museum Our Lord in the Attic (Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder) is one of the oldest museums in Amsterdam. The attic of this 17th century canal house conceals a secret church, where Catholics of the Dutch Reformed Church who were unable to worship in public held their services.
A merchant purchased the building during this period, and he and his family lived on the ground floor. Catholic masses were officially forbidden from 1578 onwards, but the Protestant governors of Amsterdam generally turned a blind eye, as long as churches such as this one were unrecognisable from the outside.
The lower floors of the building became a museum in 1888 and today contain refurbished kitchens and other rooms housing a collection of church paintings, silver, and various religious artifacts. Visitors can explore the building’s narrow passageways and stairways while marveling at the ornate furniture and works of art. The church organ, located opposite the altar, was built by Hendrik Meyer in 1794 especially for the church, and is still regularly played.
Practical Info
The Museum Our Lord in the Attic is located right in the heart of Amsterdam, within walking distance of Dam Square. Guided tours are available in Dutch, English, German, and French.
Address: Oudezijds Voorburgwal 38, Amsterdam 1012, Netherlands
Hours: Open daily 10am-5pm (1pm-5pm on Sundays)
Admission: Adults: €10; Children over 5: €5; Children under 4: Free
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