What to do in Amsterdam

Interested in art? There are plenty of places to suit your interests. The Rembrandt House Museum, the Van Gogh Museum or even the lesser-known Moco Museum which is located in a two-storey city mansion and houses mainly temporary exhibits; such as previously, Banksy, Salvador Dali and Roy Lichtenstein.

How about a visit to the Rijksmuseum? Housing a score of Medieval to Modern Day artefacts and paintings by Low Lands painters including Vermeer, Hals and Rembrandt. Check out the Night Watch, Rembrandt’s most famous piece.

For some excellent shopping, head to the main high streets: Kalverstraat, Leidsestraat and P.C. Hooftstraat. Or combine your trip to the Anne Frank House with some antique shopping in the Jordaan neighbourhood.

Looking for something a little bit quirkier? How about a visit to Body Worlds: The Happiness Project. A permanent exhibit featuring over 200 real bodies and celebrating human anatomy and the story of health and happiness.

If you feel like a touch of nature we would recommend Hortus Botanicus, botanical gardens, right in the city centre. There are even some greenhouses for rainy day visits. Why not visit Keukenhof, the epitome of Dutch symbolism, to see the endless fields of tulips (late March to early May).

FIND A ROOM

Want a bit of a global feel for the city? We suggest A’dam Lookout, almost 100 metres tall, with a 360° view of Amsterdam.

If you are attending an event or conference at the Amsterdam RAI, a direct train runs from Sloterdijk every few minutes.

Family Fun

Up for a playful, yet educational activity? We highly recommend the NEMO Science Museum. Children learn about science while doing hands-on experiments in an interactive playground-like setting. A good full day activity for children.

Or plan a visit to ARTIS, the Amsterdam Royal Zoo. It contains all the typical zoo features as well as an aquarium, a butterfly house and some historical WWII buildings.

Looking for a quiet place among the city’s bustle? The lovely park Amstelpark has beautiful trees and foliage, with ponds, animals for kids to pet, various playgrounds, a kids’ maze, a miniature train and mini golf.

Fancy a snack? Then visit the Van Stapele Koekmakerij. People queue en-masse for a taste of these divine cookies, which are baked right in front of you. They are so good, they need to be rationed!