I had 6 fantastic days to get lost in Netherland (not just Amsterdam). Therefore, it was quite hard to determine which places I should visit in Amsterdam. After some thoughts, I decided to explore Amsterdam in just one day since there were lots of interesting places outside Amsterdam I would like to visit (you can read my adventure on Keukenhoff Tulips Garden here). The selection is basically based on my interest on art museum, famous landmark, as well as unique architecture which Amsterdam famous of. Without further ado, here are places that i visited in Amsterdam on a self-discovery Amsterdam City Tour by walking (back on April 2017).
Table of Contents
1. Damrak
I have to admit that I came across The Dancing Houses at Damrak by accident. on that day, I woke up at 5 from my Airbnb apartment near Amsterdam Central Station and walked towards Golden Bend Area. The route passed Damrak and I was immediately attracted to the cute houses lined densely across the Singel Canal. They are the famous “The Dancing House”.
The term “dancing house” refers to the unequal sinking of the house’s footing (wood pylons, pillars) which the houses resting on, causing them to slightly bent/ curved in shape. To photograph the dancing house in Damrak was quite tricky since there were lots of boats docked on the area. However, there were some boat-free spots where you can take a picture of the house array unobstructed.
Damrak itself refers to an area in Amsterdam Centraal in the north and Dam Square in the South. It is the main street where several tram line runs and filled with financial buildings, restaurants, bars, and other tourist spots.
2. Golden Bend (Gouden Bocht)
Golden Bend refers to area in Herengracht (between Leidsestraat and Vijzelstraat) which were inhabited by wealthy merchants and ship owners in 17th century. It is considered the wealthiest part of Amsterdam. Nowadays, it is home to financial institutions and private museums.
I took a stroll along the main road of Keizersgracht and Herengracht, with some stops to its branch road such as Huidestraat, Leidsegracht, and Reguliersgracht. It was quite early in the morning with no crowds nor bikes. So, it was some quite special moment strolling around in the canals of Amsterdam.
3. Rijksmuseum
Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Stedelijk Museum are three museums located in Museumplein area. As National Museum of Netherlands, Rijksmuseum holds 800 years of dutch history since 1200. On November 1798, government intended to build national art gallery in The Hague. This art Museum stored more than 200 paintings and historical objects.
During the reign of Napoleon Bonaparte in 1800, he moved the collections to the new capital of Amsterdam. The collections were put in the Royal Palace on Dam Square. This Royal Museum opened in 1809 on Palace’s Top Floor. And then, during King Willem I Reign on 1813, the collections were relocated to Trippenhuis. This time around, they formally recognized the house as “National Museum”.
On 1876 there was the need to build a National Museum on itself, and Pierre Cuypers was the architect. The Museum was opened on 1885 and over the years, the building has undergone several reconstructions. The recent renovation (2003-2013) drew over 2 million visitors per year until the coronavirus pandemic.
This museum has a vast collections of paintings, among 8000 objects of arts and history, making it the largest art Museum in Netherland. (source: Wikipedia) Don’t miss the beautiful architecture and interior of each exhibition room especially the main atrium. Spend at least 3-4 hours if you’re really into paintings.
The museum opens from 9 am to 5 pm (please visit their website for any updates and changes on visiting hours) and it costs 19 EUR for the entrance fee.
4. Stedelijk Museum
Just across Rijksmuseum is Stedelijk Museum, another museum not to be missed. Different than Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk focuses on contemporary/modern art. It was first established on 1874 by a group of private citizen in Amsterdam. Stedelijk has collection over 90,000 items that includes painting, sculptures, moving image and sounds, poster, photography, as well as graphic design. To me personally, I found this museum much more interesting to discover and explored than Rijksmuseum.
The entrance fee cost 18,5 EUR and it opens daily from 10 am to 6 pm. You may want to check its official website for more updated information for visitors.
5. Stadsarchief Amsterdam (Amsterdam City Archive)
Though it was just one throw away from Stedelijk Museum, I decided not to go to Van Gogh Museum. I went to Stadsarchief Amsterdam instead. I passed the building on my way to Golden Bend, and it was pretty unique exterior. Amsterdam City Archive is the largest municipal archive in the world and stores all information about Amsterdam.
As you may have guessed, I picked this place for its unique Treasure Room. This is the exhibitions room opens for public and has images, publications and printing about Amsterdam. The entrance fee is free, and it opens from Tuesday to Friday from 10 am to 5 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 to 17:00. For more updated information, you can visit its official website.
6. Museum Van Loon
Museum Van Loon is the former residence of Van Loon Family in Amsterdam that was built on 1672. The wealthy family bought the house on 1884. I picked this museum because I was curious about the interior of house in Amsterdam during 19th century.
Not only the house is beautiful, each room has its own decoration and colour pallet. All rooms were nicely decorated and furnished, all with its Van Loon art collections hung on its wall. There were lots of display of photographs, paintings, and historical goods. All of the displays are Van Loon private collections for over five centuries. Watch out for the garden in the back of the house, it’s too beautiful! If you are a fan of 19th centuries cultures and details, this museum is definitely for you.
7. Eye Film Museum
My visit to this museum was an impulsive decision. The original plan was to visit Amsterdam Maritime History museum, however after seeing this unique building from afar for two days, I couldn’t help myself but visiting this museum.
Eye film museum is the home of EYE Film Institute Netherland which preserve national and foreign films screened in Netherland. The collections includes 37,000 film titles. Eye Film Museum’s unique building was designed by Delugan Meissi Architects that specialize in buildings that appear to be in motion (source: Wikipedia).
The Museum opens from Sunday to Thursday from 9.30 to 22.00, and Friday to Saturday from 9.30 to 23.00. For the film ticket, the standard fee is 11 EUR, however for movie screenings, additional fees apply for certain hours duration. The detail information can be seen in its official website.
