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Netherlands > Amsterdam

Five ideas for guided tours in Amsterdam

• Rijksmuseum – Amsterdam State Museum

  The Rijksmuseum is one of the most prestigious art museums in the world. Located between the Stadhouderskade and the Museumplein, the complex houses masterpieces by talented Dutch artists such as Rembrandt, Vermeer and Van Gogh. More than 8,000 works of art are on display in 1.5 km of galleries. Start with the 2nd floor of the main gallery, usually the most popular, which displays the most magnificent paintings such as the famous “Night Watch”. Other elements worth mentioning are the dollhouses, the Asian pavilion, the gardens that surround the exterior with its greenhouse of ancient vegetables, its water maze and sculptures. Those with a sweet tooth can also enjoy a meal at the Michelin-starred Rijks restaurant: exceptional cuisine in an exceptional setting guaranteed!

• Jordaan

  The Jordaan district is famous for its charming medieval style houses, its delicious restaurants and its small original stores. Every street and small square is adorned with trees that allow visitors to cool off in the summer. It is here, along the bridges that separate the most beautiful canals, that you will be able to take your souvenir photos and understand why the city is nicknamed the “Venice of the North”. This part of the city was originally built in the early 17th century to house the working classes and immigrants. Many of them came to Amsterdam in the hope of finding freedom, as the destination was known for its tolerance when religious minorities were persecuted elsewhere on the continent. In the heart of the district, you can find markets, museums, and some monuments not to be missed, such as the Anne Frank House or Westerkerk, the largest protestant church in the country. Don’t hesitate to climb to the top of its belfry. From there, you can enjoy one of the most beautiful panoramas.
  Come also to discover the coffee shops, world famous where cannabis is sold in all transparency. Let’s mention for example Mr. K & CO, the Paradox or the Tertulia,
  You can also go to the brown cafés (“bruine kroeg”) in Jordaan, less known by travelers, but well anchored in the mentality of the Amstelloden. You will be immersed in bars with a unique decor and a warm atmosphere. Here, they serve you strong and delicious beers. Go to the oldest one, Cafe Chris, where the painter Rembrandt used to hang out. To make sure you don’t miss out on any of the other corners of this little suburb, don’t hesitate to ask an Amsterdam tourist guide to accompany you.

• Vondelpark

  The most famous city park in the city is called Vondelpark. Founded in 1865, it’s named after the 17th century poet and playwright Joost van den Vondel, whose statue stands in a main alley. The entire design of the gardens is inspired by British landscapes with lakes, large lawns, small paths and woods, all giving a natural feel. It attracts nearly 11 million visitors each year. With a surface area of 45 hectares, the site offers a multitude of walks, sports and cultural activities. From May to September, an open-air stage offers a large number of musical performances, plays or film screenings in an atmosphere that has retained the hippie atmosphere of the 1960s.

• The Bloemenmarkt

  The famous flower market called Bloemenmarkt, which you will find right next to the Rembrandtplein, is a must-see as it is probably one of the most typical places in the Dutch megalopolis. The stores are built on barges tied to the banks of the Singel, one of the oldest canals that used to mark the borders of the old city. Opened in 1862, it has become a must for tourists who come to admire and smell all kinds of plants, including of course THE tulip, which can be found in all colors and forms (seed, bulb or flower). It is the symbol of the country since its importation from Central Asia in the 16th century. Apart from the restaurants and bars in the area, the area is also very popular for buying souvenirs.

• The Beguinage

  Just a few steps from Kalverstraat, one of the city’s busiest shopping streets, find some peace and quiet in the landscaped inner courtyard of the Beguinage “Begijnhof”. Built in the Middle Ages, around 1350, it was home to the beguines, pious Catholic women, single or widowed. Originally the square was surrounded by water and only a bridge allowed access. Successive fires have destroyed the buildings made entirely of wood and nowadays only one house made of this material remains, the famous Het Houten Huys at number 34. This haven of peace consists of forty beautiful houses spread around a lawn and the red brick chapel.
  Nearby is the small square of Spui where every Friday there is an exhibition of old books and every Sunday, from spring to late autumn, there is a small fair called Artplein-Spui, where about thirty contemporary artists. present their creations and sell directly to the public.