Amsterdam is a great place to visit at any season. But there is something magical about spending summer in Amsterdam. Days are longer and sunnier, and there is so much to do there during the summer months. If you plan to visit it at that time of the year, here is your list of 10 fun things to do in Amsterdam this summer.
Bringing a lovely souvenir back home from your trip makes you feel like you’re at that particular destination for just a bit longer. And the same applies to the Dutch capital. You’ll find a souvenir shop on every corner in Amsterdam. However, finding the right one to bring back home could be a challenging task. It should be something produced in the Netherlands that is meaningful and has a story linked to the Dutch capital. After buying presents and souvenirs in Amsterdam for my friends and family for years, here is my list of the best souvenirs from Amsterdam.
Art enthusiasts know Amsterdam museums as home to the Old Masters, such as Rembrandt or Vermeer, and home to most of Van Gogh’s artworks. However, the Netherlands was also a birthplace of crucial modern art styles, like de Stijl, and artists such as Piet Mondrian or Gerrit Rietveld. Amsterdam is still one of the European capitals of contemporary art. The place to go to Amsterdam to enjoy some of the top modern and contemporary art is the Stedelijk Museum.
The Van Gogh Museum is one of the best museums in Europe, and often the only reason people visit Amsterdam. But with more than two million visitors each year, it’s wise to prepare for your visit to the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam well. Keep reading to learn about the Van Gogh Museum highlights and tips for visiting that fantastic museum.
This year starts with one of the best art shows in 2024, the Frans Hals Exhibition at the Rijksmuseum. After its debut at the National Gallery in London, the exhibition travels to Amsterdam, where it will be on display until June 2024. During the last few years, Rijksmuseum organised a few exhibitions dedicated to Dutch Golden Age masters (All the Rembrandts in 2019 and Vermeer in 2023). It’s continuing its series of fantastic 17th-century masters exhibitions with one of its stars, Frans Hals.
Do you need some ideas for Valentine’s Day in Amsterdam? With its old-city charm, illuminated bridges and dreamy canals, Amsterdam is one of the most romantic cities in the world. From going on a canal cruise, having dinner at a romantic restaurant, and wandering around its historic neighbourhoods, there are so many romantic things to do in Amsterdam. Read my article for some great Valentine’s Day in Amsterdam ideas.
Is the I Amsterdam City Card worth it? During my last trip to Amsterdam, I used the 72 h I Amsterdam card and loved it. It’s a handy city card offering public transport and free or discounted entrance to most museums in Amsterdam. There is also a significant discount on some Amsterdam city tours, canal cruises, and bicycle rentals. Read my I Amsterdam City Card review to see if it’s the right choice for your trip to the Dutch capital.
Are you looking for art cafes in Amsterdam? The Dutch capital is the city of art, home to many fantastic museums, lovely galleries, and cultural venues. Many of Amsterdam’s museums have beautiful cafes. But you’ll also find some wonderful art cafes in Amsterdam where you can enjoy a cup of coffee surrounded by beautiful artwork. After visiting many of them over the last ten years, here is the Culture Tourist selection of the best art cafes in Amsterdam.
MINA Gallery Cafe in Amsterdam is a new hotspot in the Dutch capital, aiming to become a meeting place for art lovers. Located just a few steps from Museumplein and famous cultural institutions like the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, or MOCO Museum, it makes a wonderful place to relax after a visit to some of these venues. However, it’s more than just a place to have a tasty cup of coffee. It’s also a contemporary art gallery and a meeting point for artists, designers, and anyone interested in art.