Amsterdam boasts an abundance of magnificent attractions that attract visitors from across the globe. With museums, parks, and breathtaking buildings to see in this bustling metropolis, there is always something exciting happening in Amsterdam.
The Stedelijk Museum provides an outstanding venue for both established and up-and-coming artists to exhibit their works, with notable pieces by Van Gogh and Vermeer being some of the highlights. Art enthusiasts will surely appreciate all that’s on offer here! Hong Kong to Amsterdam Cathay Pacific flights are now available.
Van Gogh Museum
The Van Gogh Museum is one of Amsterdam’s premier landmarks, housing one of the world’s largest collections of works by Vincent van Gogh and his contemporaries. A must-visit for art enthusiasts looking to gain insight into his life and mind – with over 200 paintings, 500 drawings and letters on display chronologically to take visitors on a journey through his artistic development and career arc – plus famous pieces like Bedroom Sunflowers and Almond Blossom by Vincent himself!
Museum Square in Amsterdam South District became home for this museum on 2 June 1973 and houses one of Vincent van Gogh’s largest collections worldwide – paintings and drawings by him as well as those by others such as Gerrit Rietveld (design of primary structure) and Kisho Kurokawa (presentation wing design) who both died between 1973-1999.
The Museum offers visitors an enjoyable visit, complete with cafe, bookstore and souvenir shop services to complement their visit. In addition, guests may book a multimedia guide that provides more in-depth knowledge about its permanent collections; additionally, various exhibitions present a new view into the work of famed painter Michelangelo.
Public transportation makes accessing the museum easy; visitors can catch a train to Amsterdam Station Zuid and then walk or take tram service directly to Van Baerlestraat – directly next to the museum! For those driving themselves there are nearby parking lots and there are multiple dining options nearby including an in-museum cafe and Cafe Le Tambourin; visitors should allow themselves at least two hours for touring all aspects of this fantastic attraction.
National Maritime Museum
The National Maritime Museum (Het Scheepvaartmuseum) in Amsterdam is one of the city’s top museums. Spanning over 500 years of Dutch history and culture, its rich collection features navigation instruments like compasses as well as full-size replicas of Amsterdam as well as exhibits targeted to children from age 6.
The museum hosts temporary exhibitions as well. Their current exhibit, entitled “I Love Banda”, explores the past, present and future of Banda Islands as part of Dutch maritime history and features works by Isabella Boon and other contemporary artists who are inspired by its beauty. Furthermore, National Maritime Museum purchases artifacts of great value – last year they bought two tapestries designed by Willem van de Velde the Elder (1611-1693).
This museum is just minutes from other popular museums like Verzetsmuseum and NEMO Science Museum, both designed to encourage young minds into science and technology fields. Additionally, they host interactive exhibits and experiments which can both educate as well as entertain.
Visit A’dam Lookout for breathtaking city views that match its art and architecture – its observation deck sits atop a 20th floor building and offers splendid 360deg vistas of city center canals, historic buildings, Over the Edge swing ride or grab a drink at Sky Bar! Easily one of Europe’s highest swing rides or just relax while taking in incredible sights of Amsterdam between 9AM-6PM daily!
Our Lord in the Attic
At first glance, this canal house may appear ordinary; but hidden behind its facade lies an extraordinary church! Our Lord in the Attic Museum (Ons Lieve Heer op Solder) takes visitors through 17th-century home’s narrow hallways and stairs to reveal an altar, corridors, and church that could seat up to 150 people – which served Catholics during Protestant Reformation when public church services were banned and they needed somewhere private to worship; hence this clandestine church served this function perfectly!
The museum has received wonderful feedback from visitors and was recognized with the European Heritage Label in 2016. While it may remain one of Amsterdam’s lesser-known spots, its significance cannot be overstated: It promotes tolerance between different religious communities while encouraging dialogue. Furthermore, Voices of Tolerance runs an intercultural dialogue project among young people at this location.
This attraction can be found in Amsterdam’s NDSM district, home of numerous unusual museums and art spaces. This neighborhood features some intriguing attractions such as an old submarine, rusting trams, greenhouse cafes, concerts and exhibitions; making NDSM an excellent way to experience a more alternative side of Amsterdam.
Amsterdam is famously home to Madame Tussauds, the world-famous wax museum which draws tourists from around the world. Visitors will see lifelike wax figures of celebrities and historical icons like Anne Frank and Albert Einstein. Additionally, Amsterdam boasts other unique attractions such as stunning architecture, performances at Amsterdam Arena or one of many unique bars or restaurants that guests can explore.
Stedelijk Museum
Stedelijk Museum is one of the premier Amsterdam attractions and boasts masterpieces dating back to Rembrandt’s Night Watch and Vermeer’s Milkmaid, as well as modern art collection featuring some of the world’s best gallery spaces.
Benthem Crouwel Architekten designed the new addition of the museum by Benthem Crouwel Architekten to highlight its strengths, such as spacious rooms and natural lighting. The space rises without concealing its volume; instead it extends across park ponds, giving visitors an immersive experience of the museum as a whole.
When the Stedelijk opened in 1928, it marked one of Europe’s first postmodern art museums. In its initial years, it housed coins, antiques and curios gathered by Sophia Augusta Lopez Suasso de Bruyn before gradually including modern art that didn’t belong at Rijksmuseum.
Since its expansion in the early 1990s, exhibitions at the museum have moved to their current site. When visitors enter, an Appel Wall mural by Dutch artist Karel Appel greets them.
Today, the museum continues its focus on contemporary art while exploring how best to utilize its gallery spaces. Their collection boasts works by Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock, Henri Matisse, Willem de Kooning and Willy van der Niepoel among many others.
As this museum is so popular, it often gets very crowded during peak seasons. To avoid long wait times and save yourself some hassle, reserve tickets in advance online; entry to this museum is free for children under 12. Additionally, other worthwhile museums in the area include Tropenmuseum with its expansive world culture collection and A’DAM Tower where visitors can climb its platform to admire breathtaking panoramic views of Amsterdam from above.
EYE Film Institute Netherlands
Chances are, whether you live or visit Amsterdam, that you have seen the EYE Film Institute Netherlands on its iconic waterfront building. Designed by Vienna-based Delugan Meissl Associated Architects and inaugurated in 2012, it quickly became an icon for Amsterdam and a major cultural attraction.
The EYE was constructed to house a collection of cinematographic art. Situated on Amsterdam’s IJ waterfront across from Amsterdam Central Station, its prime location reflects this heritage through light, shadow, movement and exciting lines of sight – such as “stairs to nowhere”. Additionally, there are unexpected angles like those found near Cinema 1.
Rien Hagen decided not to oversee this large construction project and left the EYE in 2007. The first pile was driven in 2009 for this building which overlooks IJ Harbor as part of a new district called Overhoeks on the former Shell research lab site, housing four screens, an interactive basement, museum store, and restaurant – among other amenities.
Eye is more than a museum; they also promote film culture through exhibitions that intersect with art world exhibitions as well as educational programmes for both children and adults. Eye has an international profile as they partner in many festivals and events around the world.
