Sightseeing
Overview
With its flat and compact city centre, Amsterdam
is an easy city to get around on foot. One of the best ways for
visitors to get a real feel for the place is to head straight out
on a canal tour, something that many locals have
never done. Most of the main attractions are situated within the
historical core, usually within walking distance of each other,
although the efficient tram and bus networks are close at hand for
attractions further afield.
The most visited sites in Amsterdam are the many excellent museums,
such as the Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank Museum,
Amsterdams Historisch Museum, Stedelijk
Museum of Modern Art, Van Gogh Museum
and the new NEMO Museum.
Less cerebral pursuits are on offer among the grand facades and
elegant museums, with the brown cafés and prostitutes adorning
windows all day and night in the red light districts. Away from
these busy places, the city is also blessed with quiet canals and
leafy parks, which provide an escape all year round, especially
Vondelpark, with its open-air, free concerts during
summer. Breaking away from the main tourist throng is the best way
for one to discover the real Amsterdam of grand old canal-side merchants’
houses where modern Amsterdamers still live, in an almost bucolic
setting. As well as being the transport hub for the city, Amsterdam’s
grand Centraal Station is also the gateway to a
myriad half and full-day trips, with regular and inexpensive train
services all over the country.
Tourist
Information
VVV Amsterdam
Tourist Office
Stationsplein 10 (opposite Centraal Station)
Telephone number: (020) 551 2525 or (0900) 400 4040. Fax number:
(020) 625 2869.
E-mail: info@amsterdamtourist.nl
Website: www.visitamsterdam.nl
Opening hours: Daily 0800 hrs–1700 hrs.
Other VVV offices are located at Centraal Station, Leidseplein/Leidsestraat,
Purmerend, Zaandam and at the airport. Services provided include
general tourist information, hotel and package reservations, excursions
and canal cruises, maps and guidebooks, public transport tickets,
theatre, walking tours, concert and museum tickets, souvenirs and
posters, telephone cards, VVV gift vouchers and currency exchange.
Passes
The
Amsterdam Pass offers tourists the use of public transport
and includes the tram, bus and underground, free admission to 26
museums, a voucher booklet for 25 per cent discount on several attractions
and restaurants, and a full-colour pass guide. Attractions offering
free entrance to Amsterdam Pass holders include
the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk
Museum, Rembrandthuis, Amsterdams Historisch Museum and
Hortus Botanicus. Other free benefits include a
cup of coffee at Restaurant La Place, an Amsterdam
city map, five postcards at Café Ristretto
and a free city canal tour. The pass also includes a free guided
tour of the Amsterdam Diamond Group and admission
to the Holland Casino.
Valid for one, two or three days and costing €31, €41
and €51 respectively, the Amsterdam Pass is available for purchase
from the VVV Amsterdam tourist offices, as well as a number of hotels.
Key Attractions
Rijksmuseum
The largest and most popular museum in the Netherlands was opened
in 1885 and has grown steadily ever since. Today, it includes paintings
dating from the 15th century up until 1850, as well as some quite
stunning pieces of furniture. Visitors with a limited amount of
time should head straight for the Dutch Masters on the first floor,
where the star painting, Rembrandt’s Nightwatch, hangs alongside
several Vermeers and Van Hals. A pamphlet describes all of the museum’s
highlights and there are audio tours available. Although part of
the Rijksmuseum and included in the price of the museum ticket,
the South Wing has its own entrance, at Hobbemastraat 19. Exhibits
include 18th- and 19th-century paintings, Oriental objets d’art
and a textile and costume section.
Stadhouderskade 42
Telephone number: (020) 674 7047. Fax number: (020) 674 7001.
E-mail: info@rijksmuseum.nl
Website: www.rijksmuseum.nl
Transport: Trams 2, 5, 6, 7 or 10.
Opening hours: Daily 1000 hrs–1700 hrs.
Admission: €9 (concessions available).
Anne Frankhuis (Anne Frank House)
The queues can be horrendous at the small but very popular Anne
Frank House, which attracts roughly half a million people during
the year. It is the historic home where Anne Frank, her family
and four other Jewish people hid from the occupying Germans during
World War II, after fleeing their native Germany.
Finally caught by the Nazis, after two years in hiding, they were
taken off to concentration camps, where Anne died. However, her
father survived and published her diary, which has been translated
into 50 languages.
Prinsengracht 263, Westerkerk
Telephone number: (020) 556 7100. Fax number: (020) 620 7999.
E-mail: museumsecretariaat@annefrank.nl
Website: www.annefrank.nl
Transport: Trams 13, 14 or 17.
Opening hours: Daily 0900 hrs–1900 hrs (September–March),
daily 0900 hrs–2100 hrs (April–August).
Admission: €6.50 (concessions available).
Van Gogh Museum
This spacious museum houses a permanent display of 200 paintings
and 500 drawings by Van Gogh, as well as works by Toulouse-Lautrec
and Gauguin. A new wing is being used to display temporary exhibitions.
Paulus Potterstraat 7
Telephone number: (020) 570 5200. Fax number: (020) 673 5053.
E-mail: info@vangogh.nl
Website: www.vangoghmuseum.nl
Transport: Trams 2, 3, 5, 12 or 16.
Opening hours: Daily 1000 hrs–1800 hrs.
Admission: €9 (concessions available).
Museum Het Rembrandthuis
The museum is a charming three-storey house, built in the early
17th century, is where Rembrandt lived for nearly
20 years. Recently, a museum wing has been added, with more space
for a permanent collection of his work. It is home to a comprehensive
collection of 250 of the artist’s etchings and self-portraits.
The work of Rembrandt’s teachers and students are also on
display, which adds depth and dialogue to Rembrandt’s own
work.
Jodenbreestraat 4–6
Telephone number: (020) 520 0400. Fax number: (020) 520 0401.
E-mail: museum@rembrandthuis.nl
Website: www.rembrandthuis.nl
Transport: Trams 4, 9 or 14; metro Nieuwmarkt, boat to Waterlooplein
or Zwanenburgerwal.
Opening hours: Monday–Saturday 1000 hrs–1700 hrs,
Sunday 1300 hrs–1700 hrs.
Admission: €7 (concessions available).
Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art
The best collection of modern art in Amsterdam is housed in a
neo-Renaissance building, designed by AW Weissmann
in 1895 a further wing was added in the 1950s. The permanent collection
includes Dutch and international art from the second half of the
19th century onwards, with works by Picasso, Cézanne,
Chagall and Monet, as well as photography,
video, film and industrial design. Recent Dutch artists on display
include Mondrian, De Kooning and Lichtenstein.
Frequently changing temporary exhibitions are displayed in the
New Wing. The museum has a restaurant with a terrace overlooking
the sculpture garden and a lovely place in which to sit, on a
sunny day.
Paulus Potterstraat 13
Telephone number: (020) 573 2737. Fax number: (020) 573 2789.
E-mail: dir@stedelijk.nl
Website: www.stedelijk.nl
Transport: Trams 2, 3, 5, 12 or 16; bus 63.
Opening hours: Daily 1000 hrs–1800 hrs(April–October),
daily 1100 hrs–1700 hrs (November–March).
Admission: €5.
Amsterdams Historisch Museum (Amsterdam
Historical Museum)
The Amsterdam Historical Museum shows how this
city grew from a small medieval town into a vibrant modern city.
Housed in a former orphanage that dates back to 1524, the museum
is filled with paintings, prints and archaeological finds. One
of the most interesting exhibits is an 18th-century coach without
wheels. According to council regulations, and to reduce the noise
of wheels on the cobbled streets, wealthy Amsterdammers had to
travel by sleigh, even in summer.
The entrance fee to the museum includes free entry to the Civic
Guards Gallery, a glass-roofed street between Kalverstraat
and the Begijnhof, which is lined with 15 massive
portraits of the Amsterdam Civic Guards, dating from the 17th
century. However, the Rijksmuseum has the most
famous painting of the Civic Guard, Rembrandt’s
Nightwatch.
Kalverstraat 92 or Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 359
Telephone number: (020) 523 1822. Fax number: (020) 620 7789.
E-mail: info@ahm.nl
Website: www.ahm.nl
Transport: Trams 1, 2, 4, 5, 9, 14, 16, 24 or 25.
Opening hours: Monday–Friday 1000 hrs–1700 hrs, Saturday
and Sunday 1100 hrs–1700 hrs.
Admission: €6 (concessions available).
Heineken Experience
Voted Best Amsterdam Visitor Attraction in 2001,
the Heineken Experience is a self-guided, multimedia delve into
the workings of the world’s largest beer exporter. There
is plenty of information on the company’s rich history and
also the Bottle Ride, where visitors get to feel
what it is like to be a beer bottle during the production process.
At the end of the tour, there is, of course, the chance to sample
the hallowed brew.
Stadhouderskade 78
Telephone number: (020) 523 9666.
E-mail: info@heinekenexperience.nl
Website: www.heinekenexperience.nl
Transport: Trams 16, 24 or 25.
Opening Hours: Tuesday–Sunday 1000 hrs–1800 hrs.
Admission: €7.50 (concessions available).
Sub-Culture Museums
Amsterdam is infamous for its Sex Museum but
it also boasts the dubious charms of the Hash Museum
and the Torture Museum. The extremely tacky Sex
Museum, the only one in Europe, is full of erotica, objets d’art,
photos, prints, paintings and videos, dating from the Roman era
to about 1960, although somehow manages to be totally devoid of
eroticism.
The Hash Museum is of interest to those visitors
who come to Amsterdam in search of coffee shops and would like
to learn a little more about the hallowed weed, while the Torture
Museum caters for another sub-group of society altogether.
Nevertheless, it is tongue-in-cheek enough to be of interest to
all. These museums are all within walking distance in the city
centre.
Hash Museum
Oudezijds Achterburgwal 130
Telephone number: (020) 623 5961.
Transport: Trams 4, 9, 14, 16, 24 or 25.
Opening hours: Daily 1100 hrs–2200 hrs.
Admission: €5.70.
Sex Museum
Damrak 18
Telephone number: (020) 622 8376.
Website: www.sexmuseumamsterdam.com
Transport: A short walk from Centraal Station.
Opening hours: Daily 1000 hrs–2300 hrs.
Admission: €2.60.
Torture Museum
Singel 449
Telephone number: (020) 639 2027.
Transport: A short walk from Centraal Station.
Opening hours: Daily 1100 hrs–2200 hrs.
Admission: €5.70.
Koninklijk Paleis (Royal Palace)
The Royal Palace, designed by Jacob van Campen,
was built in 1648, as Amsterdam’s city hall. When King
Louis Napoleon arrived in Amsterdam, in 1808, he had
the city hall turned into a palace. The large collection of Empire-style
furniture, clock and schandeliers date from this period. Although
the palace is still the official royal residence, the royal family
lives in The Hague. However, Queen Beatrix does
host official functions here.
Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 147
Telephone number: (020) 620 4060.
E-mail: info@koninklijkhuis.nl
Website: www.koninklijhuis.nl
Transport: Trams 1, 2, 4, 5, 9, 13, 14, 16, 17, 24 or 25.
Opening hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday
1230 hrs–1700 hrs, guided tours need to be booked two weeks
in advance.
Admission: €4.50 (concessions available).
NEMO Museum
The funky new NEMO Museum is an unmistakable
sight on the banks of the IJ. Just a short stroll away from Centraal
Station is this museum, which attempts to defy the crusty image
of some the more traditional museums by offering plenty of hands-on
exhibits to stimulate young minds and keep them occupied, as well
as provide more information on science and technology for older
visitors. This bright, relaxed venue is a great antidote to Amsterdam’s
other, perhaps more stuffy museums, especially for the younger
visitors.
Oosterdok 2
Telephone number: (900) 919 1100. Fax number: (020) 531 3535.
Website: www.e-nemo.nl
Transport: Bus 22.
Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday 1000 hrs–1700 hrs.
Admission: €10 (concessions available).
Further Distractions
Vondelpark
Named after a famous Dutch poet, the Vondelpark
is known as the green lung of Amsterdam. It contains
49 hectares (120 acres) of gardens, ponds, lakes, playgrounds,
cafés and a bandstand. In the summer, there are regular
free concerts. At times, palm readers and buskers, African drummers,
classical quartets and jazz singers, provide entertainment. Just
a short walk from the Leidseplein, the Vondelpark is an ideal
place for visitors to get away from it all.
Vondelpark, Roemer Visscherstraat
Telephone number: (020) 676 5860.
E-mail: info@vondelpark.tv
Website: www.vondelpark.tv
Transport: Tram 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 10 or 12.
Opening hours: Daily dawn until dusk.
Admission: Free.
Nieuwe Kerk (New Church)
Despite its name, the building of the original church that stood
on this site was started in 1408, as the congregation had outgrown
the Oude Kerk (Old Church). The present church
dates to the 17th century, the previous wooden church having been
badly damaged by fire. One of the most interesting pieces inside
the church is the pulpit. Rising to a height of more than 10m
(33ft), it took sculptor Albert Jansz Vinckenbrinck
almost 20 years (1645–1664) to create. A close look at the
carved ‘rope’ of the handrail will reveal mischievous
angels sliding down it. Situated next door to the Royal Palace,
on the Dam, the Nieuwe Kerk has been used for
the inauguration of Dutch monarchs since 1815, Queen Beatrix
was crowned here in 1980. The church is also renowned for excellent
exhibitions and it is rated as one of top three exhibition locations
in the country.
Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal
Telephone number: (020) 638 6909, for recorded information.
E-mail: mail@nieuwekerk.nl
Website: www.nieuwekerk.nl
Transport: Tram 1, 2, 4, 5, 9, 13, 14, 16, 17, 24 or 25.
Opening Hours: Monday–Friday 1000 hrs–1600 hrs, Saturday
and Sunday 1100 hrs–1700 hrs(can vary).
Admission: Variable according to exhibition, often free.
Hortus Botanicus
The very pretty Hortus Botanicus is home to more
than 800 plants from all over the world. It is also one of the
oldest botanical gardens in the world, established as a ‘Hortus
Medicus’ herb garden in 1638. The garden became
an ornamental garden, displaying foreign plants brought back by
the East India Company, from as far as South Africa, India, Australia
Indonesia and Japan. Conducted tours take place on Sunday at 1300
hrs and last for 60–90 minutes.
Plantage Middenlaan 2a
Telephone number: (020) 625 9021. Fax number: (020) 625 7006.
E-mail: hortus.amsterdam@wxs.nl
Website: www.hortus-botanicus.nl
Transport: Metro Waterlooplein, tram 7 or 9.
Opening hours: Monday–Friday 0900 hrs–1700 hrs, Saturday
and Sunday 1100 hrs–1700 hrs (April–October), Monday–Friday
0900 hrs–1600 hrs, Saturday and Sunday 1100 hrs–1600
hrs (November–May).
Admission: €3.40 (October–April),€6 (April–October),
concessions available.
Roemer Visscherstraat
Also known as United Europe, or Seven
Countries Houses, the extraordinary street, Roemer Visscherstraat,
was built in 1894, by the architect Tjeerd Kuipers,
with the intention of focusing on the history of European architecture.
Lying between the Vondelpark and Leidseplein, numbers 20 to 30a
of this street provide a one-minute excursion through 7 European
cities. Number 20, with its Gothic windows, is based on romantic
German architecture. Number 22 is a miniature French Loire château,
while 24 is a Moorish masterpiece reminiscent of Granada’s
Alhambra. There is an Italian palazzo at number 26, next door
to which, with its onion-shaped dome, is a house reminiscent of
a Russian cathedral. Number 30 is a Renaissance-style Dutch house,
while 30a is an English cottage.
Roemer Visscherstraat 20–30a
Transport: Tram 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 10 or 12.
Houseboat Museum
Living on a houseboat sounds like an alluring way of life and
it is increasingly popular in the city. This modest museum, reputed
to be the only one of its kind in the world, attempts to delve
into this unique way of life, answering questions about what it
is like to live on a boat in Amsterdam. The boat is much as it
would be as a house, with a living room, shower, toilet and bedroom,
and is a far better way of scouring a houseboat that poking through
the windows of a real one, as many curious visitors cannot help
themselves doing.
Opposite Prisengracht 296
Telephone number: (020) 427 0750.
E-mail: info@houseboatmuseum.nl
Website: www.houseboatmuseum.nl
Transport: Trams 13, 14 or 17.
Opening hours: Wednesday–Sunday 1100 hrs–1700 hrs
(March–October), Friday–Sunday 1100 hrs–1700
hrs (November–February).
Admission: €2.50. |
