Choose from 125 Fun Things to Do in Netherlands
Maritime Museum Rotterdam
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Kunsthal Rotterdam
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Keizersgracht
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Nederlands Fotomuseum
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Mauritshuis
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Noordeinde Palace
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Markthal Rotterdam
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Nieuwe Kerk
First built at the turn of the 15th century, the original building was burnt to ashes in the 17th century before being faithfully reconstructed in its original early Renaissance and Gothic style, including its magnificent bell tower. Today, the church is one of the city’s most beloved monuments and, although no longer used for public services, is a popular exhibition space, hosting a number of temporary art and history events.
Ridderzaal (Hall of Knights)
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Oude Kerk (Old Church)
The Oude Kerk (or Old Church) is the city's oldest surviving building, consecrated in 1306. Yet the location of this triple-nave, late-Gothic church embodies a huge moral contradiction: it's in full view of the Red Light District, with passers-by getting chatted up a stones throw from the church walls.
Still, this Gothic-style church rewards visitors with one of the finest carillons in the country, the city's oldest church bell (1450), and a stunning Christian Müller organ that’s still used for recitals. Check out the lively 15th century carvings on the choir stalls, some of which are downright rude.
The floor of the church consists entirely of gravestones, as the church itself was built on a cemetery. There are 2,500 graves in the Oude Kerk, under which are buried 10,000 Amsterdam citizens, including Rembrandt's first wife, Saskia van Uylenburgh. Rembrandt himself visited the Oude Kerk often, and his children were all christened here. Be sure to climb up the church tower for panoramic views of Amsterdam.
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The Oude Kerk is located at Oudezijds Voorburgwal, easily accessible via tram to Nieuwmarkt. Nearby attractions include Museum Amstelkring and the infamous Red Light District. A Dutch Reformed service is held at 11am Sunday (doors close at 11am sharp).
Rembrandtplein
With both the plaza and its surrounding streets crammed with cafés, music clubs and bars, Rembrandtplein comes alive in the evening hours, as locals and tourists cram onto the rooftop terraces to admire the glittering skyline and party into the early hours. Club rain and Escape are two of the square’s most popular institutions, while De Duivel is the go-to venue for hip-hop and the nearby Reguliersdwarsstraat is the central hub of the city’s renowned gay scene. Dutch café culture is alive and well here too, with many opening their stages in the evening hours to local folk singers. Uniquely, Rembrandtplein is also home to Europe’s largest interactive video screen, a 15-meter wide display that allows passersby to post messages and access interactive features via Bluetooth.
Don’t just wait until the sun has set to visit though, as Rembrandtplein is home to some landmark architecture, including the dramatic Art-Deco inspired building that houses the modern Pathe Tuschinski cinema and the late 18th-century De Kleine Komedie, Amsterdam’s oldest theater. Throughout the summer months, café-seating spills out onto the square, making it the perfect spot for people watching, coffee drinking and soaking up the atmosphere of Amsterdam’s most happening hotspot.
Keukenhof Gardens
- Keukenhof is only open from mid-March to mid-May.
- Lockers are available to store luggage.
- The park is wheelchair accessible.
- Wi-Fi is available throughout the park.
Nieuwmarkt
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Rembrandt House Museum
The building in Jodenbreestraat, Amsterdam, was purchased by the man himself back in 1639 and he lived there with his wife Saskia and son Titus for 20 years, before being declared bankrupt in 1656. Today, the rooms have been reconstructed to their original condition and form part of the museum.
A tour of the Rembrandt House showcases an almost complete collection of artworks (over 250 graphic prints), alongside exhibits on the life and times of the iconic artist and his renowned painting techniques. The printing studio, where a fully working traditional printing press demonstrates how Rembrandt made his famous etchings, is one of the most interesting rooms, but the kitchen, showrooms and bedrooms are all also open for exploration. The upstairs rooms are another highlight, where Rembrandt’s studio houses his personal collection of artworks, artifacts and curiosities. Paintings by Rembrandt’s students are also on display around the house and two additional exhibition galleries, a library and the Rembrandt Information Centre, are now housed in a new annex, adjourning the main building.
Rijksmuseum
- 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.
Marken
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.