A Culture Lover’s Guide to Amsterdam
Culture lovers have long been drawn to Amsterdam—and for good reason: The Dutch capital is not only home to fabulous museums, it’s also the cultural and political hub of the Netherlands. Here, you can rent a bike and spend your days exploring like a resident, or sit back and take in the scenery from the comfort of a canal cruise. Meanwhile, if you love art, you’ll have your pick of museums to choose from, many showcasing the works of celebrated artists such as Vermeer, Van Gogh, and Rembrandt.
More interested in culinary traditions? Sample everything from smokey gouda to sweet stroopwafels on an Amsterdam food tour. If you're wondering where to start, this all-things-culture guide will help you make the most of your Amsterdam travel experience.
1. Make a point to visit the Rijksmuseum
See many of the world-famous Dutch masterpieces in one place at the enormous Rijksmuseum.
The largest and best-known of Amsterdam's many museums, the Rijksmuseum is naturally one of the best places to learn about art and history in Amsterdam. It houses more than 8,000 works of art, including pieces by well-known artists such as Rembrandt, Johannes Vermeer, and Vincent Van Gogh.
While some of the most recognizable works are by Dutch artistsvincluding Vermeer's The Milkmaid and The Night Watch by Rembrandt—you'll also be able to spot notable pieces by non-Dutch artists, including El Greco, Francisco Goya, and Jean-Michel Basquiat.
Insider tip: This museum is incredibly popular, and tickets often sell out well in advance. Pre-booking a small-group tour is wise for first-time visitors who want to see the highlights without getting lost.
Related: 9 of the Best Museums in Amsterdam and How To Visit
2. Immerse yourself in artistic talent at the Van Gogh Museum
Observe the works of Vincent Van Gogh at his namesake museum in Amsterdam.
Featured in most Amsterdam museum guides, the Van Gogh Museum sits just around the corner from the Rijksmuseum, and many people visit both on a combo tour for a cultural afternoon of art. As the name suggests, this museum focuses on the works of Vincent Van Gogh, and many of the artist's best-known pieces are showcased here.
Must-see paintings include Almond Blossom, Sunflowers, Irises, and a number of the artist's famous self-portraits. While the Van Gogh Museum is relatively compact, it’s best explored with an audio or tour guide who can point out the highlights and explain their significance.
Related: An Art Lover’s Guide to Amsterdam
3. Enjoy the fresh air at Zaanse Schans
Experience the Dutch countryside in Zaanse Schans, for a cultural day out not far from Amsterdam.
For a true taste of Dutch culture, it’s worth heading to nearby Zaanse Schans, an open-air heritage area just north of Amsterdam. Situated on the Zaan River, Zaanse Schans is known for its historic windmills and—if you come in the spring—seemingly endless fields of colorful tulips.
Since it only takes around 20 minutes to get here by car from the city, you can easily visit on a half-day tour or even enjoy a full-day trip from Amsterdam. As a bonus, many small-group tours to Zaanse Schans also include a visit to a cheese farm and a wooden clog–making workshop, though still leave plenty of time for you to check out the world-famous windmills and take photos of the picture-perfect landscape.
4. Chow down at the Amsterdam Cheese Company
Sample fresh Gouda at this celebrated Amsterdam cheese shop and get a taste of the local food culture.
Cheese lovers know that the Netherlands is home to tons of great flavors, from nutty Edam to gooey Gouda. While you can easily pick up all sorts of local cheeses at Amsterdam supermarkets, it’s worth splurging for the higher-quality, artisan options available at the Amsterdam Cheese Company.
Stop by one of the popular chain’s four local branches to try all sorts of samples while learning about Dutch cheesemaking traditions from staff members. For an added immersion to all things cheesy, head over to the Amsterdam Cheese Museum after your tasting and shopping experience.
Related: Food in Amsterdam: 10 Quintessentially Dutch Dishes and Where To Eat Them
5. Visit the Wereldmuseum Amsterdam
Learn about global cultures at the culture and art-forward Wereldmuseum Amsterdam.
Previously known as the Tropenmuseum, Wereldmuseum Amsterdam focuses on cultural and artistic traditions from around the world. The permanent exhibit is divided geographically, with a heavy focus on regions that were previously under Dutch colonial occupation.
The museum also does an excellent job of catering to younger visitors, with special features ranging from interactive climate exhibits for children to kid-centric activities focused on how holidays are celebrated in different parts of the world. (But adults can also drop in for one-off lectures, or visit on a weekend for a free guided museum tour.)
Insider tip: Note that the museum is just outside of the city center, but its canal-side location makes it easy to get to on some hop-on hop-off boat tours.
6. Sail through the Houseboat Museum (Woonboot Museum)
Get an inside look at Amsterdam canal culture on an authentic houseboat.
Housed in a former cargo ship dating to 1914, the Houseboat Museum (Woonboot Museum) is the best place to go if you want to learn all about what it's like to live on a traditional Dutch houseboat. On the boat, you'll be able to explore the mix of indoor exhibit areas with interactive video walls and outdoor spaces, including a green roof for growing flowers and veggies.
Plus, the Houseboat Museum is situated in the historic Jordaan neighborhood, which is in and of itself is a great place to explore if you’re looking to immerse yourself in Dutch culture in Amsterdam.
7. Slow down in the Oude Kerk (Old Church)
Go back in time, or look to the future, inside Amsterdam’s oldest building.
Built in the late 13th century, Oude Kerk (Old Church) is a fantastic place to learn about history, music, and art in Amsterdam. This historic structure, which features on many heritage walks in Amsterdam, is as celebrated for its historic architecture and beautiful interiors—complete with colorful stained-glass windows—as it is for its modern-day role as an art and performance space.
In fact, contemporary art shows are held at the church throughout the year, and regular live music performances take advantage of the building’s fantastic acoustics. (It’s also one of the venues used for Dekmantel, one of the most popular local festivals Amsterdam puts on for fans of electronic music.)
8. Find your flower power at Bloemenmarkt
Stop and smell the tulips at the popular Bloemenmarkt flower market.
Situated on the Singel Canal, Bloemenmarkt is Amsterdam's main flower market and a great place to go if you want to take colorful photos or simply soak in the botanic culture. Naturally, this floating market is a must-see if you're a fan of tulips, with every sort of bloom and bulb imaginable during the spring bloom season; however, even non–flower fans will likely be charmed here.
While flowers and other types of foliage are the main draw, you can also pick up locally produced handicrafts, including wooden tulips (which are much easier to get through customs) and tchotchkes related to Dutch culture.
9. Make time for Our Lord in the Attic Museum (Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder)
Step inside a clandestine church from the 17th century at the Our Lord in the Attic Museum.
One of Amsterdam's smallest museums, Our Lord in the Attic Museum (Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder) is also arguably among its most fascinating, especially if you're interested in learning about the city's architectural and religious history. The museum preserves an attic church that was used by Catholics to worship in the late 17th century, during a time when practicing Catholicism in public was forbidden.
These days, it houses an extensive collection of liturgical objects, manuscripts, and paintings, though the beautifully preserved attic church remains the main highlight. Just make sure to book your admission tickets ahead of time, as space in this small museum is limited.
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