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Image from Koen Smilde

Things to do in the Museum Quarter

Unearth the treasures of Amsterdam's Museum Quarter, home to some of the world’s most important artistic, historical, and cultural experiences. Break up a day of museum hopping by shopping at the high-end stores of one of the country's most opulent streets, or sample locally distilled liqueurs at a jenever museum.

Immerse yourself in art history

Rijksmuseum Rembrandt Night's Watch painting
Image from Koen Smilde

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

Stedelijk Museum permanent collection
Image from Peter Tijhuis

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 the dulcet tones of a classical music concert

Image from Jan de Ridder

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, known as 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 both discerning listeners and newcomers, as well as free weekly lunchtime recitals on Wednesdays, there is truly something from everyone at the Royal Concertgebouw.

Experience the genius of a Dutch impressionist

Van Gogh Almond Blossom
Image from Bas Uterwijk

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 largest collection of his original paintings, sketches, and private correspondence in the world. Van Gogh's influence and inventiveness are further enhanced by a rotating exhibition program that complements its permanent collection and places him amid the larger artistic movements of his era by presenting works by his contemporaries and fellow impressionists.

Sample jenevers from the city’s oldest spirit brand

House of Bols cocktailworkshop
Image from House of Bols

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, which was established in 1575. You’ll have the opportunity 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

Crown in the collections at the Diamond Museum Diamant Museum - Royal Coster Diamonds
Image from Diamant Museum Amsterdam

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

Moco Museum Advertorial Banksy KAWS Keith Haring
Image from Moco Museum

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

Indulge in some exclusive retail therapy

Lights in the winter at Christmas in the PC Hooftstraat shopping street
Image from Koen Smilde

Just off Museumplein, you’ll find an array of designer shops along the P.C. Hooftstraat leading up to the Willemsparkweg. Shop from exclusive brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, DKNY, Mulberry, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, and more within a few short blocks. 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

People sitting on the grass in Vondelpark in Summer
Image from Niels Blekemolen

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 largest 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

Image from Nicky Otten

Adorned with thousands of sparkly lights, the trees around the Spiegelgracht 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.