Choose from 125 Fun Things to Do in Netherlands
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Madame Tussauds Amsterdam
The Amsterdam outpost of the Madame Tussauds wax museum empire is filled with eerily accurate look-alikes, from Dutch royalty to internationally known figures from film, music, sports, and politics. Displays change regularly to keep things topical, though some classic figures, such as Marilyn Monroe and E.T., are constant fixtures.
The Basics
Madame Tussauds is a fun, family-friendly diversion for visitors to the Netherlands' capital. Prebook fast-track admission and explore at your leisure, or save money by combining admission to Madame Tussauds with tickets to other popular Amsterdam attractions, such as the Amsterdam Dungeon and canal cruises. Free or discounted entrance to Madame Tussauds is also included on some Amsterdam sightseeing passes, and the museum features as a stop on hop-on hop-off bus tours of the city.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Save time waiting in line by prebooking fast-track tickets.
- Be sure to bring your camera; a big part of the appeal here is snapping photos with familiar faces.
- Madame Tussauds Amsterdam is stroller-friendly and wheelchair-accessible, though only two wheelchair users are able to enter at any given time. Book a spot in advance to ensure access.
How to Get There
Madame Tussauds is in the historical center of Amsterdam on Dam Square in De Wallen, Amsterdam's red light district. Amsterdam's Centraal Station is just a 10-minute walk away. Alternatively, ride the tram to Magna Plaza/Dam stop (1, 2, 5, 17, and 20) or Bijenkorf/Dam stop (4, 9, 16, 20, 24, and 25).
When to Get There
Lines are not uncommon at Madame Tussauds, especially during the busy summer season. Buy fast-track tickets in advance to save time. For a quieter experience, avoid holidays and weekends, or try going in early evening.
Things to Do Nearby
If you've got a little time to spare, be sure to take a look around Dam Square. The large public square is littered with landmarks, including the neoclassical Royal Palace, the Gothic Nieuwe Kerk (New Church), and the National Monument, a white sculpted column that serves as a World War II memorial. It's also a hot spot for buskers, with street performers of all varieties competing for tourists' attention (and tips).
Address: Dam 20, Amsterdam 1012, Netherlands
Admission: Varies
From $ 18
Artis Royal Zoo
Established in 1838, Amsterdam's happily family-friendly zoo was the first to open in The Netherlands and covers more than 14 hectares (35 acres) of shady tree-lined pathways and landscaped botanical gardens in the Plantage. It combines 19th-century architecture amid hundreds of mature trees with a 21st-century approach to conservation, housing more than 900 species of animal, some in majestic 19th-century compounds. The most impressive of these is the Aquarium, which was built in 1882 and reveals a cross-section of the murky waters of the city's canals as well as housing more than 300 species of shark, eel and shoals of tropical fish.
While the Wolf House was formerly a 19th-century pub, the big cats, elephants, gorillas, zebras, meerkats, giraffes and antelopes range freely in spacious enclosures of modern design. Artis holds daily keeper talks (not always in English, so check ahead of time at the ticket office, where daily timetables are posted) and feeding times for the sea lions, vultures and comical penguins as well as elephant training "“ always popular with the kids, who will also love the fluttering dashes of color in the Butterfly Pavilion. The ticket price also gives admission to the greenhouses, zoological and geological museums as well as the Planetarium, where 3D movies on the birth of our universe are featured. There's a kiddies' playground, five restaurants and plenty of tray bikes selling pancakes and spicy, creamy bitterballen. Late-night openings on Saturday evenings between June and late August are often accompanied by live music.
Practical Info
Located at Plantage Kerklaan 38"“40, the Artis Royal Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours until 6 p.m. in April through October. Admission costs €19.95 for adults, €16.50 for children ages 3-9 and is free for those under 3. Tram 9 or 14 can be taken to the zoo.
Address: Plantage Kerklaan 38-40, Amsterdam 1018 CZ, Netherlands
Hours: Daily 9am-5pm
Admission: Adults €19.95, Child 3-9 €16.50, 3 and Under Free
From $ 46
Amsterdam Tulip Museum
The miniscule but informative Tulip Museum is just across Prinsengracht canal from the Anne Frank House and has recently has a major revamp. The all-new displays take a colourful and cheery look at Amsterdam's obsession with tulips in the 17th century, when the bulbs were imported from the Himalayas and sold on the open market in The Netherlands. For years they were more highly prized than gold and prices became so over-inflated that the country nearly went bankrupt when trade in the bulbs collapsed in 1637. This sorry tale of national folly is related in a series of basement exhibitions alongside cleverly designed woodcuts showing the journey of tulips from the Far East into Europe. Today's multi-million-euro Dutch bulb industry is also showcased against the stunning backdrop of vast photos of tulips in glorious technicolor that adorn the walls. On the ground level of the museum is one of Amsterdam's classier souvenir stores, selling bulbs and flowers that can be packaged for transporting overseas.
Practical Info
Prinsengracht 116. Admission €5 adults; €3 students; families €15; free with the IAmsterdam Card. Open daily 10am"“6pm. Tram 13 or 17 to the Westerkerk.
Address: Prinsengracht 116, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Hours: Open daily 10am"“6pm
Admission: Adults: €5
From $ 46
Zaanse Schans
The scenic Dutch village of Zaanse Schans is most famous for its windmills, once used to power everything from paint-making to paper production. Today, the Zaanse Schans is set up like an open-air museum, with five working windmills open to visitors. Wander the village, view the preserved architecture, and watch the locals at work—in their traditional wooden shoes and Dutch garb, naturally. Green wooden houses, a historic shipyard, and a pewter factory are among the village’s top attractions.
The Basics
The Zaanse Schans is a popular day trip destination from Amsterdam; the scenic drive through the Dutch countryside—past lovely fields, green pastures, and winding canals—is a tour highlight in and of itself. Visit on a half- or full-day tour to explore the five Dutch Golden Age windmills, including some that serve as a sawmill and an oil mill, and visit the workshops of local craftspeople. Cheese-making and clog-making demonstrations are other key experiences, in addition to pewter-casting and mustard-making demos. For a fun photo souvenir, stop by a shoemaker’s shop and try on traditional Dutch clogs and costumes. When you get hungry, pop into a bakery for a taste of the sweet white duivekater bread, head to the cheese factory for some famous Edam cheese, or step inside Albert Heijn—the village’s oldest shop—for a bag of sweets. A boat trip or a canal cruise is another excellent way to see the Zaanse Schans and the surrounding villages.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Zaanse Schans is a must-see for visitors interested in learning about traditional Dutch culture.
- Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the outdoor area.
- The Zaanse Schans is free to visit, but some individual attractions may require fees.
- Not all areas are wheelchair accessible due to the historic nature of the area, but accessible bridges and parking are available. Jonge Schaap is the only wheelchair-accessible windmill.
- Most shops and restaurants in the neighborhood accept credit and debit cards; ATMs are located at the Zaanse Schans parking office.
How to Get There
The Zaanse Schans neighborhood is set in Zaandam, near Zaandijk, about 13 miles (21 kilometers) northwest of Amsterdam. The village, located on the eastern bank of the Zaan river, is easily accessible from Amsterdam’s Centraal Station by transit—it takes less than an hour to get there by bus, train, or car. Fee-based parking is available.
When to Get There
Though there is plenty to do year-round in the Zaanse Schans, much of the village’s charm lies in its outdoor attractions, making late spring and summer the best times to visit. Winters in the Netherlands are known to be rainy and windy, so if you’re visiting then, wear warm layers under a waterproof jacket.
The Dutch and Their Bicycles
It’s said that there are 1.5 bicycles for every inhabitant of the Netherlands. The Dutch love their bikes and can be found pedaling them to work, school, the grocery store, and everywhere else in between. Renting a bicycle is a great way to see Holland like a local. In summer, a bike tour from Amsterdam to the Zaanse Schans is a popular way to experience the quaint village and the bucolic countryside.
Address: Netherlands
From $ 29
Museum Van Loon
The Museum Van Loon is located in a fine mansion overlooking the Keizersgracht canal; it was designed by Adriaen Dortsman in 1672 and the house's first tenant was Ferdinand Bol, a pupil of Rembrandt. Between 1884 and 1945 it was home to the Van Loon family, who founded the Dutch East India Company (Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie or VOC) and were one of the wealthiest families in Amsterdam. Today this is one of the few 17th-century canal-side townhouses in Amsterdam to have retained its original integrity and the elegant double-fronted mansion still stands with its vast proportions intact. It certainly reflected the Van Loon family's elevated social standing by its sheer size, with grand apartments stuffed with Louis XV furniture, fine porcelain and precious silverware leading on to a procession of yet more ornate rooms. Furnished in the style of the Dutch aristocracy of Golden Age, the walls are smothered with family portraits and the grand staircase is constructed from decorative marble with an ornate brass balustrade. A formal knot garden lies behind the house; beyond that is a coach house built in the style of a colonnaded Greek temple.
Practical Info
Keizersgracht 672. Admission €9 adults; €7 students; €5 children aged 6"“18; under 6 free. The museum is open daily 10am"“5pm. Walk from Centraal Station, or take Tram 16 or 24 to Keizersgracht.
Address: Keizersgracht 672, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Hours: Open daily 10am"“5pm
Admission: Adults: €9
From $ 46
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
Royal Delft
Royal Delf, a Dutch manufacturer of iconic blue and white porcelain goods was opened in 1653 and today, remains the only Delftware factory from the 17th century. Travelers looking to travel back in time and learn about this one-of-a-kind hand-painted stoneware can see it all on a truly memorable tour of Royal Delft.
Visitors will learn about the history of this unique art and see modern master painters at work. A tour includes a peek at the Vermeer and Dutch Royal family Chamber, as well as the opportunity to explore the factory's own museum, where hundreds of antique Delft pieces are prominently displayed.
Practical Info
Royal Delft admission is 12.5 Euros for adults and fee for children under 12. The factory is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. between March 16 and October 31, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12 p.m. until 5 p.m. Sundays between November 1 and December 31.
Address: Rotterdamseweg 196, AR Delft 2628, Netherlands
Hours: March 16-Oct 31: 9am-5pm, Nov 1-Dec 31: Mon-Sat 9am-5pm & Sun 12pm-5pm
Admission: Adults: 12.5 €, Child 12 & under free
From $ 55
Museum Het Schip
Michel de Klerk was the leading architect of the early 20th-century Amsterdam School movement, and his legacy is the foremost example of the style in the city. Greatly influenced by the works of Hendrik Berlage, the designer of the Amsterdam Stock Exchange (Beurs van Berlage), De Klerk's Het Schip is found just north of the Westerpark and was completed in 1921. It was to be his swansong, a vast apartment building intended to provide social housing for more than 100 families of railway employees to combat a severe housing crises in the city. Beautifully formed in the shape of an ocean liner and constructed from red brick, Het Schip is adorned with elaborate masonry, spiky towers, spires, ornate glass and wrought-iron grid-work. When it was completed, the complex also incorporated a school, meeting hall and a post office; the latter is today a museum of Amsterdam School architecture featuring a typical working-class apartment of the 1920s, which stands in contrast to the one designed according to Michel de Klerk's socialist principles. There are plans afoot to build an extensive new museum at the site.
Practical Info
Spaarndammerplantsoen 140. Admission €7.50 adults, €5 students; free with IAmsterdam Card. Open Tue"“Sun 11am"“5pm. Get there by bus no. 22 to Zaanstraat.
Address: Spaarndammerplantsoen 140, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Hours: Open Tue"“Sun 11am"“5pm
Admission: Adults: €7.50
From $ 66
Hard Rock Cafe Amsterdam
The world-renowned Hard Rock Cafe opened an Amsterdam location in 1999. It has since been providing visitors with a complete sensorial experience through traditional American fare, inventive drinks, and loud (you've guessed it) rock music. Each Hard Rock Cafe around the world is unique and customized to its location; the Amsterdam branch has a definitive relaxed feel that blends in perfectly with the casual fun that has become so typical of the Hard Rock brand throughout the years.
There's also a small museum on site with two particularly crowd-pleasing features; the former is the memorabilia, which, in this instance, holds authentic items like Run D.M.C.'s iconic hat, John Lennon's cigarette box, Van Halen's trademark Kramer guitar, a small acoustic guitar that was used by Jimi Hendrix, and Gene Simmons' Punisher bass, to name a few. The latter is an interactive display called "Rock Wall Solo", which allows visitors to view memorabilia located in all 181 other Hard Rock Cafe locations worldwide. There is also a gift shop on-site for Hard Rock Cafe merchandise collectors.
Practical Info
Hard Rock Cafe Amsterdam is located at Max Euweplein 57 along Singelgrachtkering. It can be reached by tram from nearby Leidseplein, which is serviced by lines 7 and 10. It should be noted that the cafe is located in the heart of Amsterdam's entertainment district, with a large casino and live music venues nearby. The restaurant is open seven days a week; from 11:30 AM to midnight between Sundays and Thursdays, and from 11:30 AM to 1 AM on Fridays and Saturdays.
Address: Max Euweplein 57, Amsterdam 1017 MA, Netherlands
Hours: Sun-Thur 11:30am-Midnight, Fri&Sat 11:30am-1am
From $ 24
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
Kop van Zuid
What was once an abandoned port area has now been redeveloped into an urban, metropolitan neighborhood. Many of the disused buildings in Kop van Zuid "“ shipyards, headquarters, and plants "“ have remained and were recently given a second life, not without thanks to the completion of the now-iconic Erasmus Bridge that finally united the north and the south sides of the mighty Nieuwe Maas River. Along with new infrastructure and award-winning architecture (throughout their modernization, most buildings kept a lot of their original features to keep history alive), this duality and eclectic feel have helped Kop van Zuid reached an international reputation, and its business model has since been copied several times in other naval cities facing similar issues. If Kop van Zuid used to be exclusively for dockworkers and sailors, it is now filled with fashionable youngsters and local families wanting to experience a new side of their city. Visitors will now find a contemporary and inviting entertainment district that features hotels, cafes, restaurants, a theater, and many businesses "“ even an international cruise ship port, the Wilhelmina Pier.
Practical Info
Kop van Zuid is located on the south bank of the Nieuwe Maas River in Rotterdam. It is accessible on foot from the Leuhaven district by crossing the Erasmus Bridge, by metro via lines D and E (Wilhelminaplein stop), or by tram via lines 12, 20, 23 and 25 (Wilhelminaplein stop).
Address: Rotterdam, Netherlands
From $ 22
Allard Pierson Museum
Run by the University of Amsterdam and housed in a grandiose former bank on the southern fringes of the Red Light District, the Allard Pierson is the city's leading archaeological museum. Unaccountably often overlooked, it is named after the first classical archaeology professor at the university and turns the spotlight on ancient Mediterranean civilizations. The collection of antiquities spans the centuries 4,000 BC to 500 AD, from the time of the pharaohs through the ancient Greek and Roman empires until early Christianity. Including Persian, Etruscan and Cypriot pottery, jewelry and glassware, the museum may not be vast but it is certainly world class; the star exhibit are the extensive Egyptian collection, including mummies, statuary, and everyday household objects unearthed from tombs. A roster of temporary exhibitions provides further insights into civilization around the shores of the Mediterranean during ancient times.
Practical Info
Oude Turfmarkt 127. Open daily 10am"“5pm. Admission is adults €10; students and children between ages 4"“15 €5; under 4 free; free with IAmsterdam Card. The museum can be reached by trams 4, 9, 16 and 24 from Centraal Station.
Address: Oude Turfmarkt 127, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Hours: Open daily 10am"“5pm.
Admission: Adults: €10
From $ 46
Xtracold Icebar
The experience of Amsterdam’s Xtracold Icebar begins with the chance to enjoy some of the best cocktails in the city in the – normally heated – bar lounge. From there, a 3-D movie transports visitors back to the 16th century, where they find themselves aboard the ship Mercury, captained by explorer Willem Barentsz as it sails into the frozen north. After donning thermal ponchos and mittens, it’s time to enter the ice bar itself, a magical world of polar bears scattered on an icy Arctic coastline, where even the vodka shots are served in frozen glasses.
The design of the Icebar is remodelled every year, using 60 tons of ice imported from northern Europe. The temperature inside the bar is kept at a consistent -10 degrees Celsius and everything, from the walls to the bar and the bar stools, is fashioned from ice. A light show reflects all the colors of the rainbow off the sparkling blue walls and a pumping sound system keeps people moving around.
Practical Info
Amstel 194-196. Open Sun–Fri 12.30pm–1am; Sat 12.30pm–2.40am. Tickets adults €19.50; children €12.50. Three free drinks are included in the entry price. Take trams 9 or 14 to Waterlooplein.
Address: Amstel 194-196, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Hours: Open Sun–Fri 12.30pm–1am; Sat 12.30pm–2.40am
Admission: Adults: €19.50
From $ 12
Het Grachtenhuis
Amsterdam's picturesque ring of canals is one of the city's most iconic sights and after the famous waterways achieved UNESCO World Heritage status back in 2010, a new museum sprung up to celebrate their rich history.
The Het Grachtenhuis, or the Canal House, opened its doors in 2011 and features a series of exhibitions devoted to the history of Amsterdam's 17th-century canals and the city development project behind them. The self-guided tours utilize audio guides and a series of interactive installations to provide a uniquely entertaining and engaging rundown of how the system was designed and built. 3D video projections, miniature city models, animations and galleries all help to bring the exhibition to life, making it a thoroughly modern museum experience.
The Canal House itself, perched on the banks of the Herengracht or "˜gentleman's canal', is just as impressive outside as it is from the inside. The mid-17th century stately townhouse was designed by Philips Vingboons and inhabited through the years by a number of prominent Dutch tradesmen, including millionaire Jan Willink (famous for his generous donation to the Americans during the War of Independence). Today, it's a designated national monument and has been restored to its former glory, with original floors and wall paintings, as well as an idyllic courtyard garden.
The Het Grachtenhuis, or the Canal House, opened its doors in 2011 and features a series of exhibitions devoted to the history of Amsterdam's 17th-century canals and the city development project behind them. The self-guided tours utilize audio guides and a series of interactive installations to provide a uniquely entertaining and engaging rundown of how the system was designed and built. 3D video projections, miniature city models, animations and galleries all help to bring the exhibition to life, making it a thoroughly modern museum experience.
The Canal House itself, perched on the banks of the Herengracht or "˜gentleman's canal', is just as impressive outside as it is from the inside. The mid-17th century stately townhouse was designed by Philips Vingboons and inhabited through the years by a number of prominent Dutch tradesmen, including millionaire Jan Willink (famous for his generous donation to the Americans during the War of Independence). Today, it's a designated national monument and has been restored to its former glory, with original floors and wall paintings, as well as an idyllic courtyard garden.
Address: Herengracht 386, Amsterdam 1016 CJ, Netherlands
Hours: Mon: Closed,Tue - Sun: 10am"“5pm
From $ 46
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
Kröller-Müller Museum
Some 20,000 works of art can be found at the Kröller-Müller Museum in Otterlo, The Netherlands. The art and sculpture museum (which opened in 1938) was founded by collector Helene Kröller-Müller, an early admirer of Vincent van Gogh. Although today Van Gogh is one of the world's most famous artists, he received little recognition while he was alive. Kröller-Müller regarded Van Gogh as a "˜great spirit of modern art' and was a prolific collector of his works. In fact, the attention she gave to his work contributed to his recognition as an artist. The Kröller-Müller Museum has the second-largest collection of Van Gogh's art in the world (around 90 paintings and 180 drawings). In addition to the large collection of works by Van Gogh, the museum is home to masterpieces by artists including Claude Monet, Georges Seurat, Pablo Picasso, and Piet Mondriaan. The museum also has one of the largest sculpture gardens in Europe. This "˜outdoor gallery' measures some 25 hectares and is open year-round to showcase more than 160 sculptures by iconic artists like Aristide Maillol and Pierre Huyghe.
Practical Info
The Kröller-Müller Museum is located in the middle of De Hoge Veluwe National Park, one of the largest continuous nature reserves in the Netherlands. The entrance fee to the museum also includes the entrance fee to the national park, and it is lovely to see how the sculptures, the garden, and the park all integrate together "” which you may do by bicycle on one of the free loaner bikes available to visitors.
Address: Houtkampweg 6, 6731 AW, Otterlo, Netherlands
Hours: Tuesday"“Sunday, 10:00 a.m."“5:00 p.m., closed Mondays and New Year's Day.
Admission: €18,30 adults; €13,75 students (with ID); €9,15 children 6"“12
From $ 172
Prinsengracht
With its ring of canals extending over 62 miles (100 km) and featuring an incredible 1,500 bridges, it's no surprise that Amsterdam's canal ring has earned itself the nickname "˜the Venice of the North'. The 17th-century canals, including the most famous waterways of Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht, Herengracht and Jordaan, achieved UNESCO World Heritage status back in 2010, and remain key landmarks for visiting tourists.
The Prisengracht, or Prince's Canal, is the longest of Amsterdam's four main canals, measuring around two miles, and one of the liveliest in the city. Here, colorful houseboats float by the riverbanks and the surrounding streets are crammed with cafes, shopping boutiques and landmark buildings. Admire the famous Eenhoornsluis (Unicorn Lock) at the entrance to the Prisengracht, then Cross over the Papiermolensluis (Paper Mill Lock') to explore sights like the Anne Frank House; Amsterdam's tallest church, the Westerkerk (Western church); the 17th-century Noorderkerk (North Church) and the quirky Houseboat Museum. Stock up on goods at the nearby Noordermarkt flea market, snap a few photos of Amsterdam's narrowest house (measuring in at a tiny three feet wide), then stop for coffee at one of Amsterdam's longest established brown cafes, Cafe Papeneiland, dating back to 1642. If you get chance, sneak a look at the cafe's secret basement tunnel, built to aid fleeing Catholics in the 17th century and running all the way to the Posthorn Church.
The Prisengracht, or Prince's Canal, is the longest of Amsterdam's four main canals, measuring around two miles, and one of the liveliest in the city. Here, colorful houseboats float by the riverbanks and the surrounding streets are crammed with cafes, shopping boutiques and landmark buildings. Admire the famous Eenhoornsluis (Unicorn Lock) at the entrance to the Prisengracht, then Cross over the Papiermolensluis (Paper Mill Lock') to explore sights like the Anne Frank House; Amsterdam's tallest church, the Westerkerk (Western church); the 17th-century Noorderkerk (North Church) and the quirky Houseboat Museum. Stock up on goods at the nearby Noordermarkt flea market, snap a few photos of Amsterdam's narrowest house (measuring in at a tiny three feet wide), then stop for coffee at one of Amsterdam's longest established brown cafes, Cafe Papeneiland, dating back to 1642. If you get chance, sneak a look at the cafe's secret basement tunnel, built to aid fleeing Catholics in the 17th century and running all the way to the Posthorn Church.
Address: Amsterdam, Netherlands
From $ 57
Micropia
Micropia is a unique museum in Amsterdam dedicated to microbes and microorganisms. These microscopic organisms make up two thirds of all living matter. As soon as you enter the museum, you'll start to learn about the invisible organisms living all around us. An animation in the first elevator tells you about the mites that live on your eyelashes and the bacteria and viruses that live on those mites. Other exhibits include a body scanner that tells you what type of microbes live on your body and a Kiss-o-meter that counts the number of microbes transferred during a kiss. There are Petri dishes with bacteria in them that show you what lives on everyday household objects.
Another exhibit shows a collection of animal feces and a preserved human digestive system. There are also films showing different animals decomposing. In a real-life working laboratory, visitors can view technicians preparing the exhibits through a window. Other displays teach visitors about bacteria, viruses, fungi, and algae. This museum will also teach you how microbes are essential for life, from supplements to food and more.
Practical Info
Micropia is located at Plantage Kerklaan 36-38 and can be reached by taking tram 9 to Plantage Kerklaan. Opening hours are 9am to 6pm Sunday through Wednesday and 9am to 8pm Thursday through Saturday. Admission is 14 euros.
Address: Plantage Kerklaan 36-38, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Hours: Open 9am to 6pm Sunday through Wednesday and 9am to 8pm Thursday through Saturday
Admission: 14 euros
From $ 24
Ripley's Believe It or Not Amsterdam
With his collection of rare and exceptionally bizarre artifacts, Robert Ripley’s name has become associated with items you have to see to believe. Many of his outrageous items are on display at this Amsterdam museum, including a 7-meter tall Transformer made of car parts, a shrunken head from the Amazon, a real Faberge egg, and an ancient T-Rex skull. It is a collection of oddities Ripley has found in over 200 different countries from all around the world. There are more than 500 artifacts in total, situated across five floors.
In addition to the exhibits there is a 5-D theater and ride that moves as the film plays. A shooting gallery and Mr. Ripley’s own boat are two other things to see. As a bonus, visitors can relax in a lounge with a beautiful panoramic view of Amsterdam and the square on which it resides.
Practical Info
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is located in Dam Square in Amsterdam’s Red Light District. Each location around the world has different artifacts, so even those who have been to others will find unique items in the exhibits. It’s open daily until 8:30pm, with a separate entrance cost for the 5-D theater.
Address: Dam 21, Amsterdam 1012 JS, Netherlands
Hours: Daily 10am-8:30pm
Admission: Adults: 17 EUR; Children: 13 EUR
From $ 24
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