The east end of the city is strikingly green and spacious. And yet here you will find the most places of interest per square metre, varying from a 19th-century zoo to the former residence of Rembrandt. Apart from nature and culture, De Plantage also has stylish terraces, leading restaurants and ample shopping opportunities for fans of all things vintage.
Close to the Waterlooplein is the Rembrandthuis (‘Rembrandt House’). This former residence of the famous Dutch painter Rembrandt van Rijn has an authentic 17th-century interior and houses many of his etchings. Another exceptional museum is Hermitage Amsterdam, an auxiliary branch of the Hermitage in Saint Petersburg, with ever-changing exhibitions.
The Tropenmuseum (‘Museum of the Tropics’) is an anthropological museum housed in one of Amsterdam’s most beautiful historic buildings.
Jewish history is visible in many places in De Plantage. It is possible to visit the impressive Portuguese Synagogue, which has been in use since the 17th century. In the Joods Historisch Museum (‘Jewish Historical Museum’) you will find everything on Jewish history and culture. The horrors of the Second World War are palpable in the Verzetsmuseum (‘Dutch Resistance Museum’) and at the monument to the Jewish victims in Amsterdam: the Hollandsche Schouwburg (‘Dutch Theatre’).
Anyone that prefers enjoying nature definitely has to pay a visit to ArtisZoo, the stylish 19th-century city zoo. The Zoological Museum of the University of Amsterdam in Artis deserves a special mention. The entire collection now comprises more than 15 million, ranging from exotic plants, animals, rocks and other natural items.
In the greenhouses and gardens of the Hortus Botanicus (‘Botanical Gardens’), unusual plants have been collected since 1638.
The Waterloopleinmarkt is the city’s flea market. Here, bargain hunters and fashionistas rummage around in fraternal harmony. Anyone preferring to look for vintage items indoors is advised to try Episode. The shop has a sizeable collection of 70s and 80s clothing which is back in. New ‘street-style’ clothing can be found round the corner of the Waterlooplein in the huge basement of 290 Square Meters, with limited edition trainers, jeans, perfume and other unique things.
Every day in the historic and beautiful heart of Amsterdam, rough diamonds are transformed into dazzling jewels. And you can experience the sensation of diamond cutting first-hand and view every stage of the process. Step into the exciting world of more than four centuries of craftsmanship and tradition at Gassan Diamonds. It is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
The Amsterdam Music Theatre is home to the Netherlands Opera and the
Dutch National Ballet. Here, you can enjoy the very best in opera, ballet, modern dance and special international guest performances. The Music Theatre is responsible for creating all the costumes, props and sets used by the Netherlands Opera and Dutch National Ballet. Carré Royal Theatre is a magical venue on the Amstel River and has proudly been at the centre of the Dutch theatre world for the past 125 years. The Carré Theatre’s historical and
elegant building often plays host to full houses. Audiences flock here to see the latest musicals, concerts and plays, as well as circus and comedy performances – a spot where music, comedy, musical theatre and acrobatic feats always reach the highest levels of excellence.
De Plantage has countless terraces in extraordinary locations. Thus restaurant Bloem is located in a 17th-century storehouse and the terrace has a view of the calm waters of the Entropotdok (‘Warehouse Dock’). The terrace of Plancius looks out over the entrance to Artis zoo. On the stylish Kadijksplein is the exceptional Italian restaurant A Tavola, but also eateries like Orloff and Café Kadijk. From their large terraces you have a wonderful view of the water, the lock and all sorts of passers-by.
A little further into De Plantage is the romantic Park Frankendael. This former 17th-century country estate is now a park where you can take a wonderful stroll, visit an art exhibition in the grand country house or eat in the stylish restaurants Merkelbach and De Kas.
Open the interactive map.
All activities and events:
www.deplantageamsterdam.nl







