Attractions
Anne Frank House
This museum is dedicated to the memory of Anne Frank whose famous diary, recorded over a two-year period, describes the experiences of a Jewish teenager during World War II. Part of the house was used as a hiding place by the Franks and others to escape Nazi persecution. The families were later discovered and sent to their deaths in the concentration camps. Otto Frank was the only survivor. The original diary is on display as part of the permanent exhibition. The museum also hosts temporary exhibits that focus on related issues.
Address: Prinsengracht 267 (Westerkerk)
Telephone: (020) 556 7105
Web site: www.annefrank.nl
Transport: Tram 13 or 17; or bus 21, 170, 171 or 172 from Central Station to Westermarkt
Opening time: Daily 9am to 7pm; and 9am to 9pm (15 March to 14 September). Note that the lines can be long
Admission: EUR7.50 (adults); EUR3.50 (children aged 10 to 17)
Back to top
Van Gogh Museum
The museum houses a permanent display of several hundred of the artist's paintings and drawings. The collection is organized according to three criteria. The first of these is the work of Vincent van Gogh, which is divided into five notable periods. Then there is the display of work of other artists including those of his friends and contemporaries. The third section is the showcase of the museum's history recording its progress with a feature on the development of the new wing designed by Japanese architect, Kisho Kurokawa, built to house the temporary exhibitions.
Address: Paulus Potterstraat 7
Telephone: (020) 570 5200
Email: info@vangoghmuseum.nl
Web site: www.vangoghmuseum.nl
Transport: Tram 2 or 5 from Central Station
Opening time: Daily 10am to 6pm, Fridays 10am to 10pm
Admission: EUR10 (adults), EUR2.50 (children aged 13 to 17)
Back to top
The Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum was opened in 1885 and is best known for its collection of 17th century Dutch Masters such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, Frans Hals and Jan Steen. The most notable of these is Rembrandt's masterpiece, the Night Watch. The museum contains thousands of other paintings and artifacts in its Asiatic collection, Print Room, Dutch History and Applied Arts sections. A visit to the museum should include a trip into its delightful garden adorned with bright flowers, fountains, sculptures and summerhouses. Nestled within the garden is a collection depicting five centuries of Dutch architecture. It is advisable to consult a map or purchase a CD audio tour for an orientation to the extensive collection.
Address: Jan Luijkenstraat 1
Telephone: (020) 674 7000
Web site: www.rijksmuseum.nl
Transport: Tram 2 or 5 from Central Station to Hobbemastraat
Opening time: Daily 9am to 6pm (closing at 10pm on Fridays). Closed 1 January
Admission: EUR10 (adults), under 18s are free
Back to top
Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art
The museum closely traces the development in art of the second half of the 20th century, showcasing the most impressive collections of modern art in Amsterdam. The permanent exhibition focuses on De Stijl, Cobra, Nouveau Realisme, Pop Art, Colorfield Painting, Zero and Minimalist Art while temporary exhibitions on design and applied art are housed in the new wing. The museum at Paulus Potterstraat is currently closed until 2008.
Address: Post CS building, Oosterdokskade 5 (temporary location until 2008)
Telephone: (020) 573 2911
Email: info@stedelijk.nl
Web site: www.stedelijk.nl
Transport: A few minutes walk from Central Station following the signs 'Route Oosterdok'
Opening time: Daily 10am to 6pm. Closed 1 January
Admission: EUR9 (adults), EUR4.50 (children 7-16), family pass EUR22.50
Back to top
Rembrandt House
This museum provides an insight into the life and times of the famous painter. Rembrandt lived here between 1639 and 1658 at the height of his career. The museum presents a permanent collection of Rembrandt's work, a reconstructed 17th century studio together with temporary exhibitions and a collection of paintings done by his teacher, Pieter Latman, and those of Rembrandt's pupils.
Address: Jodenbreestraat 4
Telephone: (020) 520 0400
Email: museum@rembrandthuis.nl
Web site: www.rembrandthuis.nl
Transport: Five-minute walk from Central Station
Opening time: Daily 10am to 5pm (open from 11am on Sundays and public holidays). Closed 1 January
Admission: EUR7.50 (adults), EUR1.50 (children 6-15)
Back to top
Amsterdam Historisch Museum
Housed in a former orphanage, The Historical Museum explores Amsterdam's development from a small medieval settlement along the river into a thriving modern city. The museum's galleries showcase the progress of each century, with particular emphasis given to Holland's Golden Age. The museum provides a showpiece of Dutch Master paintings, archeological discoveries, gold, silver, glass and earthenware and other artifacts. The museum fee covers entry to the Civic Guards Gallery. This is a glass-roofed gallery stretching between Kalverstraat and the Begijnhof, lined with portraits of Amsterdam's Civic Guards dating back to the 17th century.
Address: Kalverstraat 92
Telephone: (020) 523 1822
Email: info@ahm.amsterdam.nl
Web site: www.ahm.nl
Transport: 10-minute walk from Central Station; tram 1, 2, 5 to Spui, or tram 4, 9, 14, 16, 24 and 25 to Rokin
Opening time: Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm; Saturday and Sunday 11am to 5pm. Closed 1 January, 29 April, 25 December
Admission: EUR6 (adults), EUR3 (children aged 6 to 16)
Back to top
Red Light District (De Wallen)
A visit to Amsterdam would not be complete without a stroll around the notorious Red Light District. The atmosphere can be chaotic with throngs of tourists jostling for space alongside city slickers and party-goers. The district's architecture comprises a scenic mix that dates back to the Middle Ages. Areas to explore include Waterlooplein, Zeedijk and Nieuwmarkt Square. Waterlooplein is the location of the modern City Hall and Muziek Theatre. The square was created in 1880 from two canals that were filled and then allocated to Jewish traders who used to ply their wares on its pavements. Nieuwmarkt Square was also once home to a thriving Jewish community, mainly Portuguese Jews who had fled from persecution during the Spanish Inquisition. The cultural diversity of this area extends to Zeedijk Street, which is often referred to as Chinatown. The street runs from the Saint Olof Chapel to De Waag.
Back to top
Our Dear Lord in the Attic (Museum Amstelkring)
This concealed Catholic church (the combined top floors of a 17th century canal house) is a reminder of the Alteration period in Holland. Protestantism was declared the official religion and churches like this one relied on clandestine activity for their survival. The building's lower floors became a museum in 1888 housing a collection of church artifacts and paintings. It is located to the edge of the Red Light District.
Address: Oudezijds Voorburgwal 40
Telephone: (0)20 624 6604
Email: info@opsolder.nl
Web site: www.museumamstelkring.nl
Transport: A seven-minute walk from Central Station
Opening time: Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm (open from 1pm on Sundays and public holidays). Closed 1 January and 30 April
Admission: EUR7 (adults), EUR1 (children 5-18), other concessions available
Back to top
The Dutch Resistance Museum (Verzetsmuseum)
A trip to this museum provides a fascinating insight into the activities of the Dutch Resistance Movement during World War II. Displays of false documents, weaponry and other equipment provide testimony to the bravery and innovation of its members.
Address: Plantage Kerklaan 61
Telephone: (0)20 620 2535
Email: info@verzetsmuseum.org
Web site: www.verzetsmuseum.org
Transport: Tram 9 and Circle tram 20A from Central Station
Opening time: Tuesday to Friday 10am to 5pm; Saturday, Sunday, Monday and public holidays 12pm to 5pm
Admission: EUR5.50 (adults), EUR3 (children 7-15)
Back to top
The Royal Palace (Koninklijk Paleis)
Although the Royal Palace is the official Royal residence it is mainly used for functions as the family reside in The Hague. The building dates back to 1648 and was originally designed for use as Amsterdam's city hall. King Louis Napoleon however had other plans. In 1808 he turned the city hall into a palace. A large collection of furniture from this period adorns its interiors. Guided tours are offered to visitors (these need to be booked two weeks in advance). *The Royal Palace will be closed for renovations from 8 September 2005 until early 2008*
Address: Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 147, Dam Square
Telephone: (0)20 620 4060
Web site: www.koninklijkhuis.nl
Transport: 10-minute walk from Central Station, or any tram leaving from Central Station
Opening time: 12.30pm to 5pm; closed Mondays and Fridays (November, January and February). Guided tours can be booked on (020) 624 8698
Admission: EUR4.50/EUR6.50 with audio tour (adults), EUR3.60 (children)
Back to top
Maastricht
Maastricht is the oldest city in the Netherlands, peacefully perching on the banks of the Maas River. It is also one of the sunnier spots, located at Holland's southernmost point, squeezed in between the Belgium and German borders. Ancient fortifications provide pleasant walking routes and some of these can be explored on the city's western outskirts. The Bonnefantenmuseum traces the city's historical roots, and makes for a good introduction to one's visit. Another must-see is the Basilica of Saint Servatius. It is a medieval cruciform basilica with a significant collection of religious artifacts as well as the burial place of Holland's first bishop. In the old center of Maastricht is a selection of shops and department stores. Here one can also savour the fine food that Maastricht has developed a reputation for. A selection of wines from nearby vineyards can be savored with the cuisine that has been influenced by the distinctive tastes of its neighbors. Maastricht is located 133 miles (215km) from Amsterdam.
Web site: www.vvvmaastricht.nl
Back to top
International Court of Justice
The Peace Palace was so named to import its significance as a place of arbitration for the maintenance and promotion of world peace. Situated in The Hague, the building houses the International Court of Justice, the Permanent Court of Arbitration and The Hague Academy of International Law. It was here (in 1946) that the first session of the International Court of Justice was held. Four guided tours are conducted daily. The Hague is located approximately 35 miles (57km) from Amsterdam.
Address: Carnegieplein 2
Telephone: (0)70 302 4242
Web site: www.vredespaleis.nl
Transport: Tram 10 from Hague Central or bus 24 from bus station to Vredespaleis stop
Opening time: Guided tours Monday to Friday at 10am, 11am, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm
Waterland Neeltje Jans
Enjoy a whole day with marine animals, experience fantastic attractions and see and learn about the world famous Delta Works at this spectacular water park. Attractions include the storm surge barrier, Delta Expo, a waterslide and water playground, whale world exhibition and a hurricane simulator.
Address: Eiland Neeltje Jans, Faelweg 5
Telephone: (0)111 655 655
Email: info@neeltjejans.nl
Web site: www.neeltjejans.nl
Transport: Bus 133
Opening time: Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm (winter), 10am to 5.30pm (summer)
Admission: EUR15 (summer), EUR9.50 (winter)
Back to top
Royal Delftware Factory
The white and blue decorative pottery, the trademark of Royal Delftware, was influenced by Chinese porcelain brought back from the east by the tradesmen of the Dutch East India Company. The Royal Delftware Factory (Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles) is the only remaining earthenware factory in Delft and dates back to the 17th century. Visitors to the factory can see painting demonstrations, attend painting workshops or visit the factory's museum and showroom. Delft is 30 miles (47km) south of Amsterdam, near The Hague.
Address: Rotterdamseweg 196, Delft
