Things to do in the Museum Quarter

Immerse yourself in art history

A must-visit for all art lovers, the Rijksmuseum spans 800 years of Dutch art history. Take in masterpieces by Rembrandt van Rijn, Jan Steen and Frans Hals, but these masters are just the tip of the iceberg in the museum's vast collections. Highlights include Rembrandt’s The Nightwatch and the iconic Cuypers Library, the most extensive and oldest art history library in the Netherlands, with a beautiful spiral staircase that begs to be photographed. 

See the modern masters

Housed a strikingly unique building that resembles an enormous bathtub, the Stedelijk Museum boasts a permanent collection of over 90,000 works, featuring iconic pieces by Van Gogh, Picasso, Warhol, Mondrian, Rothko, Lichtenstein, Appel, Kusama, and many more. Bold, provocative, and endlessly inventive, the museum’s rotating exhibitions push the boundaries of curation, and spotlight works that provoke, challenge and inspire.

Lose yourself in a classical music concert

The Royal Concertgebouw is a world-renowned concert venue that consistently ranks among the top in the world for its superb acoustics. It is the stomping ground of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, the epicentre for classical music in the Netherlands. It boasts a grand Main Hall suited for a full orchestra, a Small Hall for chamber quartets and a Choir Hall for intimate recitals. With an exciting and diverse program that caters to discerning listeners and newcomers and free weekly lunchtime recitals on Wednesdays, there is truly something from everyone at the Royal Concertgebouw.

Experience the genius of a Dutch impressionist

The enduring allure of Vincent van Gogh’s vivid palette and expressive brushwork is as strong as ever, and the Van Gogh Museum offers an illuminating perspective on the artist’s life and legacy. The museum offers a close-up view of his restless genius and is home to the world's most extensive collection of his original paintings, sketches, and private correspondence. Van Gogh's influence and inventiveness are further enhanced by a rotating exhibition program that complements its permanent collection and places him amid his era's more significant artistic movements by presenting works by his contemporaries and fellow impressionists.

Sample jenevers from the city’s oldest spirit brand

Nothing warms up a day of museum hopping better than a pitstop at the House of Bols Cocktail & Genever Experience. Embark on an interactive journey as you learn about Lucas Bols, the city’s longest-standing distilled spirit brand, established in 1575. You’ll be able to try over 42 liqueurs, including traditional jenevers mixed into delicious cocktails. The tour concludes with a visit to the Mirror Bar, where the bartenders are ready to shake up your favourites.

Marvel at the treasures of the Diamond Museum

Amsterdam has a long heritage in the diamond trade. Dive into this sparkly industry at the Diamond Museum, which takes visitors on a 3 billion-year journey that starts 200 km below your feet and ends up in the ring on your finger. The exhibition delves into the history of Amsterdam through diamond-related stories, accompanied by film footage, photography, authentic jewellery and historical documents.

Get to grips with Banksy and more modern masters

Moco Museum is an independent museum dedicated to making contemporary and modern art accessible to a broad audience. It showcases works by international icons like Banksy, Andy Warhol, Basquiat, Yayoi Kusama, and Keith Haring and offers a dynamic mix of rotating exhibitions. Tucked away behind the building, a hidden sculpture garden invites visitors into a playful and immersive art experience.

Indulge in exclusive retail therapy

Just off Museumplein, you’ll find an array of luxury and designer shops along the P.C. Hooftstraat, leading up to the Willemsparkweg. Within a few short blocks, you can shop from exclusive brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, DKNY, Mulberry, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, and more. This district looks particularly magical during the festive season when the streets are decorated with twinkly lights and the storefronts put on their most vibrant displays.

Saunter through Vondelpark

When in Amsterdam, do as the Amsterdammers do. That means taking to Vondelpark for a long and sunny (weather-permitting, of course) wander through one of the city's most significant historic parks. Vondelpark is immensely popular with locals and visitors alike, beloved for its beauty and for its many cosy restaurants and bars where you can grab a refreshment. Featuring an authentic Picasso sculpture, a quietly hidden rose garden and several picturesque ponds, Vondelpark is an unmissable part of the city.

Take in the beauty of the Spiegelgracht

The trees around the Spiegelgracht, adorned with thousands of sparkly lights, have turned this street into one of the city's most magical spots. The Spiegelgracht, running directly from the Rijksmuseum into the heart of the canal belt, is also a cultural hotspot, lined with galleries, antique shops, and cafés. Check out our guide to exploring the Spiegelkwartier for more.