Amsterdam’s art and antiques district, the Spiegelkwartier (literally: Mirror Quarter) ambles along canals and alleyways in the heart of the canal belt. Antique dealers, vintage stores, galleries, fashion boutiques, and sweet treat merchants make it an atmospheric place to spend an afternoon shopping—or simply window-shopping.
Queen of the Netherlands for almost 60 years, Wilhelmina was a hero to many Dutch people because of her role in the Resistance during World War II. The bronze Equestrian Statue of Queen Wilhemina on the Rokin commemorates her as a young woman, sitting side-saddle on a trotting horse, wearing a practical hat and long skirts that cover her feet.
Most visitors to Amsterdam will walk along the Rokin without even knowing its name: This bustling thoroughfare is on the route many travelers follow when walking from Amsterdam Central station. It’s hard to miss with Dam Square at its northern end, while Mint Square (Muntplein) and the 15th-century Mint Tower (Munttoren) are its southern end.
Born from one man’s private collection, the Amsterdam Pipe Museum is quirkily fascinating. The museum, housed in a traditional canal house, features a collection of pipes and smoking utensils spanning six continents and 2,500 years. You can discover Chinese opium pipes, Dutch clay pipes, enormous ceremonial African pipes, Native American ritual pipes, and more.
Dating back to 1648, the Torensluis is a bridge with three arches over the Singel Canal. As the oldest and widest bridge in Amsterdam, it’s a popular spot among visitors and locals alike. There's also a bust statue of Dutch author Eduard Douwes Dekker, better known as Multatuli, right on the bridge.
The Netherlands Photo Museum (Nederlands Fotomuseum) is a haven for photography enthusiasts, with over 100,000 images available to browse in its digital collection spanning more than a century. Exhibits featuring photos from the millions in the museum archives, plus temporary photography shows, are held throughout the year.
The Montelbaanstoren (or Montelbaan Tower) is a remnant of Amsterdam’s chaotic past: Built in 1516, it was originally part of the city's defensive walls and fortifications. Find it on the eastern side of Amsterdam's city center, along the Oudeschans canal, as well as on the canvases of Rembrandt and other Dutch masters.
Winding through Leiden’s historical quarter, the Leiden Rhine is one of the city’s most picturesque features. As it flows through the canal-woven old district, it splits into the Old Rhine (Oudje Rijn) and New Rhine (Nieuwe Rijn) before converging again, expanding the opportunity to cruise its waters, enjoy floating restaurants, and stroll cobbled banks past bridges, windmills, and gabled houses.
If you're interested in how ports work or simply want to spend some time out on the sea, a boat visit to Rotterdam's FutureLand visitor information center might be just the ticket. Here you can view the massive port, tour it via VR, sign your child up for a workshop, or dine in one of many on-site restaurants.
Inscribed on buildings, walls, and bridges, the Wall Poems of Leiden were initiated in 1992 by the city’s poetry-loving Tegen-Beeld Foundation to bring beautiful words into the lives of locals and visitors. Stroll this charming university city to see over 100 literary gems by greats like Shakespeare, Rimbaud and Basho—all scripted in their original languages.
Museumgoers of varying ages and interests will find something of intrigue at the popular The Hague Museum of Photography (Fotomuseum Den Haag), which presents around four to six diverse exhibits every year. Conveniently located next door to the Kunstmuseum Den Haag, it’s an essential stop for travelers seeking a comprehensive artistic experience in The Hague.
One of the city’s most storied live music venues, Bourbon Street Amsterdam has hosted local and international musicians for more than three decades. Founded as a blues and jazz bar—but now expanded to encompass genres ranging from rock and soul to reggae, folk, and funk—this landmark is a must-visit for music lovers in the Dutch capital. Some popular concerts or special gigs need to be booked in advance, but visitors can often stroll right in.
Den Haag’s hypermodern science museum, one of the Dutch city’s top family-friendly attractions, succeeds at its mission of being both educational and fun. A very hands-on affair, Museon has plenty of buttons to press, smells to sniff, and movies to watch in the permanent exhibition, which deals with the development of life on Earth.
The Vincent van Gogh Huis is a museum and art center that marks the spot where the artist was born in the Dutch town of Zundert. The original building was torn down in 1903 to make room for a new parsonage, which was later retrofitted to house Van Gogh–themed exhibitions and art workshops.
This well-known global chain opened the doors of its Amsterdam location in 1999. Equal parts restaurant, bar, and museum, the Hard Rock Cafe Amsterdam offers traditional American fare, cocktails, live music performances, and memorabilia—including items from the likes of Jimi Hendrix and Elvis Presley. The restaurant is located in the heart of Amsterdam and has canal-side outdoor terraces and a lively bar.
Designed by US architect Richard Meier, The Hague City Hall (Stadhuis) is one of the city’s most striking buildings and a must-see for fans of contemporary architecture. Finished in the mid-1990s, the city hall stands out from The Hague’s historic cityscape, its white and glass exterior earning it the nickname the “Ice Palace.”
Puccini Bomboni is one of Amsterdam’s finest chocolatiers, dedicated to high-end, sustainable, delectable chocolates—you probably haven’t tasted chocolate like this. The Puccini bonbon is the specialty, where chocolate sings in a variety of flavors. Two stores in the city—and one in Utrecht—are open daily for anyone bold enough to risk the many temptations of offer.
Amsterdam’s top English-language comedy show, Boom Chicago boasts plenty of star alums—including Seth Meyers, Jordan Peele, and Jason Sudeikis. Running for 30-plus years, it’s known for its fast-paced ensemble improv evenings, but also offers Friday night stand-up shows, comedy classes, and sets by touring comedians.
The dark wooden interior with wall-mounted gin barrels hints at the age of Café Hoppe in Amsterdam. One of the city’s oldest cafes, which has been open since 1670, this local institution is a perfect example of Amsterdam’s “brown cafés” that offer coziness, beer, gin, and traditional local specialties. It’s a popular spot for a typical Dutch pub lunch or drink.
