Best Art Galleries in Amsterdam

By Robert Heaney
Self portrait of Vincent Van Gogh on a banner for Van Gogh Museum

Famous the world over for its rich cultural heritage, the Netherlands has produced its fair share of renowned artists. Having played a huge role in immortalizing Renaissance and Golden Age art as some of the most impressive works in history, these artists are now celebrated internationally, and Amsterdam makes sure to put their pieces front and center among its popular cultural hubs.

Whether you’re a fan of the Old Masters or have more of a heart for modern media, the Dutch capital is overflowing with spaces to get your art fix. No matter your preferences, the best art galleries in Amsterdam cater to just about every medium, and are a fantastic means of seeing some of the most impressive works from national artists both old and new.

Rijksmuseum

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One of the most important museums in both the Netherlands and indeed Europe as a whole, the Rijksmuseum stands as the largest museum in Amsterdam. Dominating the popular Museumplein, the museum is easily one of the most recognizable monuments in the city, most notably for its striking Renaissance- and Gothic-inspired architecture.

The grand halls of the Rijksmuseum are home to a vast collection of art pieces and historical artifacts, illustrating the art and history of the Netherlands from the Dutch Golden Age to present day. Among its more than 8,000-strong collection are priceless pieces from such renowned Dutch artists as Rembrandt and Vermeer, including the former’s famous Night Watch painting.

Van Gogh Museum

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Having lived and worked in the Netherlands throughout his life, it’s only fitting that Amsterdam’s most significant art gallery be dedicated to the world’s most famous painter, Vincent Van Gogh. Just a brief walk from the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum stands as the most complete permanent collection of the Dutch painter’s works.

Among the gallery’s vast collection of permanent exhibits are over 200 original paintings and 500 drawings from the Post-Impressionist artist, alongside exhibitions showcasing the works of his contemporaries. The museum is separated chronologically into five periods, each exploring a different key period in his life and work.

MOCO Museum

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With Amsterdam’s vast wealth of impressive artworks dating back throughout the centuries, it’s easy to overlook the works of more modern visionaries. That’s exactly what the MOCO Museum aims to remedy. Short for Modern Contemporary Museum, this modern art hub sits just next door to the Van Gogh Museum, showcasing more modern media to parallel Amsterdam’s established masterpieces.

The MOCO Museum showcases a wide range of contemporary media and artworks, allowing visitors to explore both modern master works and the talented pieces of upcoming artists. Popular among the museum’s collection are various interactive installations, an ever-changing sculpture garden and a number of iconic pieces from the likes of Banksy, Damien Hirst and Jeff Koons.

Stedelijk Museum

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Striking both inside and out, thanks to its bathtub-shaped extension, the Stedelijk Museum is Amsterdam’s principal institution for modern and contemporary art. Overlooking the Museumplein and Van Gogh Museum, it’s the largest museum in the Netherlands dedicated to contemporary art and design, comparable in both size and collection to the likes of New York’s Museum of Modern Art.

Throughout its vast collection, the Stedelijk Museum showcases the works of modern artists from the early twentieth century to the present day. A variety of immersive exhibition rooms complement the permanent collections of renowned modern masters, from Picasso and Monet to Warhol and Lichtenstein.

Amsterdam Museum

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Combining both historical artifacts and striking artworks, the Amsterdam Museum stands as the Netherlands’ most complete public chronology of the Dutch capital’s history. The museum sits within the canal band, just a short walk from the Royal Palace of Amsterdam.

The museum documents the city’s growth from a thirteenth-century settlement on the banks of the River Amstel to the thriving cultural center we know today. Everything from archeological finds and historical artifacts to the works of such Dutch masters as Rembrandt help to paint a picture of life in Amsterdam and the Low Countries as a whole throughout various periods in history.

EYE Film Institute

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While not an art gallery in the most traditional sense, the EYE Film Institute is the Netherlands’ most important center dedicated to the medium of film and the moving image. Instantly striking from its beautiful modern architecture and open waterfront location, the museum stands directly across the river from Amsterdam’s Central Station.

Visitors to EYE Amsterdam can enjoy a selection of classic screenings across its four main cinemas and explore the many facets of the film industry through its expansive exhibition area. The museum explores current, historical and artistic developments in film, while its interactive basement offers visitors the opportunity to explore its vast digitized collection. EYE also hosts an impressive program of immersive, educational events and activities for families and individuals alike to learn about the industry.

Hermitage Amsterdam

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Located on the banks of the River Amstel, the Hermitage Amsterdam is the world’s largest branch of the famous Hermitage museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Once a historical nursing home for the elderly, the building now houses a vast, rotating collection of artworks and engaging exhibitions with a central focus on Russian history and culture.

FOAM Photography Museum

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Housed within a beautiful former canal warehouse, the FOAM Museum (Dutch: Fotografiemuseum Amsterdam) is an internationally renowned museum dedicated to all genres of photography. The venue’s cozy modern interior exhibits works from both world-famous visionaries and rising international talent.

Spread across four floors, FOAM typically hosts up to four simultaneous exhibitions to provide some variety to visitors, often featuring contrasting styles such as street and landscape photography. The venue also serves as a forum for photographers and enthusiasts alike to discuss their shared interest and attend various workshops and events.

Cobra Museum of Modern Art

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Showcasing contemporary art with a unique twist, the Cobra Museum is home to a collection of important works by central artists of the avant-garde CoBrA art movement. Considered the most important post-war art movement in the Netherlands, CoBrA was formed in 1948 during an international artists’ congress in Paris. The movement strived to oppose stuffy academia and revive a more spontaneous, innocent and childlike approach to artistic expression.

The museum features key works from master artists and engineers of the movement, Appel, Corneille and Constant, alongside various pieces from their contemporaries. An additional wing also houses modern works from the Rijksmuseum and the Museum Beelden aan Zee in Scheveningen.

Robert Heaney
Go City Travel Expert

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Getting Around Amsterdam

Often dubbed one of the greatest of the world’s small cities, Amsterdam is not a particularly monstrous city. Indeed, with a footprint of just a little over three square miles, the city center could quite easily be covered in a day on foot alone. And yet, the city is often recognized for having some of the best transport infrastructure in Europe. From the emblematic canals delightfully splitting up the Dutch capital’s neighborhoods to its famous tram system covering just about all of the city, there’s a capable range of options for getting around Amsterdam to help you explore the city on your own terms. Public Transport Bus Amsterdam boasts an extensive network of buses servicing both the city center and the surrounding neighborhoods. Operated by three companies – GVB, Connexxion and EBS – Amsterdam’s buses offer a reliable means of getting across the city fast, with many routes servicing stops close to key social hubs and attractions. The city also operates twelve night bus routes to help you get around while exploring the city’s famous nightlife scene. Each of these routes helps to connect the city center with the surrounding suburbs, and buses typically depart every 30 minutes between midnight and 7AM. Tram Second only to bicycles, trams are perhaps the most recognizable mode of transport in Amsterdam. Connecting Amsterdam Central Station to the city’s many key areas and further neighborhoods, Lines 1, 2, 5, 9, 13 and 17 are typically your best bet for getting around the city. Depending on the day and time, the frequency of trams will vary, typically arriving every 5 – 10 minutes. Metro The Amsterdam Metro system offers an alternative means of traversing the central spine of the city and accessing the outer suburbs. Operating across five lines and servicing a total of 39 stops, the Metro offers the fastest and most efficient means of crossing through the city, passing through all major business and office districts alongside many train stations. Operating Times The three modes of public transport that make up the transport infrastructure of Amsterdam all operate on roughly the same schedule and ticketing service. The majority of services begin operations at 6AM and will typically continue until 12:30AM the following morning. Tickets & Passes Tickets and passes are wholly dependent on how long you intend to stay in Amsterdam and how often you plan to use public transport. For casual use, single and return tickets are available on all services on demand. You can also purchase passes which allow for unlimited travel for periods of 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours, offering slightly discounted rates as long as you get plenty of use from them. If you plan on staying in the Netherlands for more than three days, then your best bet would be to purchase and top-up an OV-chipkaart from any major transport hub. This pass is heavily used by locals and can simply be scanned whenever you hop on your transport of choice. On the Water Amsterdam’s canals are more than just an iconic photo op. Originally serving as means of water management, defense and facilitating trade, the labyrinth of canals accounts for 25% of the city’s surface area. Most of the traffic on the canals now consists of pleasure sailing, both private and commercial. If you’re looking for a unique means of getting around the city, there’s a plethora of boat tours available at your convenience to get you from A to B with a little local insight thrown into the mix. Alternatively, it’s also fairly simple to rent a boat for yourself, whether it be a manual pedal-boat, a small capacity electric boat or a full-sized barge for you and your friends. Cycling You may have heard it said that Amsterdam is home to more bicycles than people, and that’s no simple exaggeration. With roughly 1.1 bikes to each resident, it’s plain to see that the locals readily uphold the age-old image of the Dutch cycling nation. With over half of Amsterdam’s 800,000 residents relying on their bicycles as their daily mode of transport, it should come as no surprise that the city caters heavily to their preferences. In fact, with over 470 miles of cycle lanes making up the Amsterdam Bicycle Network, cycling can often be the easiest means of getting around. To capitalize on this trend, there is now a huge selection of bike rental stores dotted throughout the city. You should expect to pay somewhere in the range of €10/day for rentals. If you intend to stay in the Netherlands for more than a month, then purchasing a second-hand bike is a much more cost-effective option, with many going for between €50 and €200. Avoid buying bicycles on the street from unverified vendors, as these are likely to have been stolen and can land you in a lot of trouble. Cycling Safety Be sure to exercise some basic cycling safety and etiquette if you choose to ride in Amsterdam. Stick to roads and dedicated cycle lanes. Keep to the right-hand side and leave space for other cyclists. Make sure you have working front and rear lights when riding at night. Observe other cyclists’ body language to anticipate their actions and signal your own. If you intend to use your phone for directions, make sure to use a legal handlebar mount. Cyclists should overtake each other on the left, but can overtake other vehicles on the right. Only ring your bell when necessary. Always stow your bike in dedicated spaces and ensure you use a reliable lock. Taxi While road traffic is fairly minimal in Amsterdam, that can be quite the boon for those who need to get themselves across the city fast. Whether you’re looking for airport transfers or need to make it to an event quickly, taxis can be your best friend. Most taxis are regulated by the municipality to charge pre-set rates, so you should never have to face a surprise fee for your journey. Like in most cities, you'll find taxi ranks at the airport and most major transport hubs. Taxis can also be ordered at your convenience by calling up your chosen taxi firm, or you can make a booking via the TCA app. Alternatively, the likes of Uber and Bolt also operate in Amsterdam.
Robert Heaney
Amsterdam's Munttoren behind a canal
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Amsterdam in July

At the height of summer, Amsterdam in July positively oozes life and culture. Some of the largest crowds flock to the capital over the summer period to bask in the Dutch sun and explore the city’s cultural hubs, hedonistic pleasures and world-famous nightlife scene. So long as you’re prepared to put up with larger queues and busier streets, a trip in summer is sure to be a thrilling one. Visiting Amsterdam in July Average Temperature: 54 - 70°F • Average Rainfall: 12 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 6 hours/day It likely comes as little surprise that visiting Amsterdam in July – and just about anywhere else in Europe around this time – will land you amid one of the city’s most bustling periods. The Dutch capital positively brims with life throughout summer, as the waves of families and vacationers flock to see just what the country’s cultural center has to offer. Naturally, this comes at the cost of sharing the city with many more tourists than during the low season. Lines for attractions are likely to be longer, and accommodation rates will be at their highest. However, that also allows the nightlife scene to really come into its own, and the city as a whole will have a much more electric atmosphere. Your trip to Amsterdam in July will likely be complemented by overall mild to warm temperatures. While you aren’t guaranteed the same summertime heatwaves of more southern European destinations, July’s climate is prime weather for exploring the iconic streets and squares of the Dutch capital. That being said, it also wouldn’t be a terrible idea to pack an umbrella just in case. Things to Do in July No matter the time of year, any trip to Amsterdam would be incomplete without discovering at least some of its famous cultural hubs. Taking precedence is the emblematic Rijksmuseum towering over the Museumplein, housing a vast collection of renowned artworks and historical artifacts. Where historical insight is concerned, the Anne Frank House stands as the most potent recounting of life in the Netherlands during the Second World War. As a city with more bicycles than people, there are few better ways to explore Amsterdam than on your very own pair of wheels. Over 470 miles of cycle paths make up the Amsterdam Bicycle Network, making for a fantastic excuse to take a more physically active approach to exploring the capital. Many bike rental stores offer daily rates somewhere in the region of €10. There’s no better time than summer to make the most of Amsterdam’s many sprawling green spaces. The weather in July offers a perfect opportunity to take a stroll among Vondelpark’s ancient trees and stunning lakes, and grab a seat at one of its many charming park cafés. Equally, why not have a picnic in Westerpark, make the most of its live summertime events and shows, or even catch a viewing at its very own arthouse cinema? Second only to cycling, Amsterdam’s emblematic waterways offer a uniquely alternative means of seeing the city. You can choose from a large variety of tour operators offering their own canal boat excursions, often including tours of the capital’s key landmarks accompanied by local insights into their cultural and historical significance. Amsterdam’s nightlife scene is never better than in summer, when you can expect most bars and clubs to be brimming with life. Popular venues can be found throughout the city, but as a general rule of thumb, the old area of Jordaan is typically very popular with young people for its trendy bars. Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein are particularly popular for their club offerings, while the street of Nes often attracts more of an intellectual theater crowd. Events in July Over Het IJ Festival Held on the waterfront of the River IJ in Amsterdam, the 10-day Over Het IJ Festival stands as a combined celebration of theater, art and culture. With the backdrop of Amsterdam’s iconic wharves, piers and shipping containers, the festival offers a variety of theatrical performances, visual arts and interactive installations for visitors to enjoy. The waterfront location allows for visitors to enjoy the festival’s jam-packed program of location-specific shows and activities while enjoying the best of the Dutch summertime weather. The event is publicly accessible for visitors to explore at their leisure, with a variety of delicious food stands and chill spaces scattered around the venue. Amsterdam Pride As the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage, nobody knows how to celebrate Pride more than the Netherlands. Now a multi-day festival, Amsterdam’s Pride Festival typically attracts around half a million visitors each year in late July in celebration of equality, diversity and personal identity. Should you happen to visit around this time, you’ll find local bars and clubs veritably thriving with festivity. Various street parties and events bring together thousands of revelers dressed in the full color spectrum to enjoy live music performances and Amsterdam’s famous Canal Parade, during which over 80 official vessels celebrate the past, present and future of the LGBT community. Milkshake Festival Organized as a collaboration between two of Amsterdam’s most prominent clubs, Air and Paradiso, the Milkshake Festival is a multi-genre music event built around central themes of inclusion and freedom of expression. The event promotes diversity in every sense of the word, as thousands of music fans flock to enjoy the festival’s many different stages and performances in a safe, open environment. North Sea Jazz Festival The North Sea Jazz Festival is the world’s largest indoor music festival. Hosted in Rotterdam, just over an hour away from Amsterdam by train, the event takes place over three days and features performances from various music genres. Although primarily considered the world’s most important jazz festival, the festival also offers blues, funk, hip hop and world music performances from local and international names both big and small. As many as 70,000 visitors flock to Rotterdam each year to enjoy live music from over 1,000 musicians performing across 15 stages.
Robert Heaney
adventure amsterdam
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Adventurous Things to do in Amsterdam

Calling all adventurers! Are you a brave soul that faces the extreme with a smile? Do death-defying feats fill you with a lust for life like no other? Well then, you've come to the right place. Amsterdam might not seem like the city to cater to your needs at first, but look beneath the surface, and you'll find plenty of adventurous things to do in Amsterdam. Don't believe us? Shame on you. Here, we'll prove it to you. Here are our picks for the most adventurous things to do in Amsterdam! You are very welcome. Including: THIS IS HOLLAND A'DAM LOOKOUT Bungee jumping Cycle far and wide Kayak on the canal and more! Jump, go ahead and jump To adventurous types like yourself, heights probably aren't too much of an issue. After all, there are adventures to be had high above the pathetic sea level, right? Well, how do you feel about jumping off a crane? At Faralda Crane Hotel, you can do just that. This crane/hotel, something that was strange even to write, you don't just have to stay the night in one of the most stylish yet strange hotels in the city. You can also scale the building and bungee jump from the crane itself. Madness. And this isn't your usual head-first affair. Oh no, this is feet-first bungee, devoid of the usual blood rush to the head of your standard jump. So go on, prove how adventurous you really are, and jump from a crane! Definitely one of the craziest things to do in Amsterdam. 5D Thrills When reality doesn't quite cut it for your adventurous side, why not try another dimension? At THIS IS HOLLAND, you'll fly through the skies of Amsterdam, feeling the wind in your hair. Sea spray will patter your face as you glide across the city's rivers. All of that, and you won't even leave your seat. This thrill ride is composed of four shows, each giving you fantastic and unique views of the city. You'll learn about Amsterdam's past and present as you soar through the air. All the while, your seat mimics the show's motions, and you'll feel the wind, rain, and much more as advanced technology throws everything at you. Sublime. Wheely good Sometimes, the best adventures are the ones we make ourselves. After all, what we think is adventurous might not quite align with the offerings of a city. So, why not set out on your own and cycle out of town? The Netherlands is a gloriously pretty country, with rolling hills, flower-filled fields, and more windmills than you can shake a turbine at. And best of all, many of the country's freeways have dedicated cycle lanes safely slotted beside them. So, get on your bike, and go explore! The Flower Strip is around 25 miles south of the city, making it the perfect picturesque getaway for you adventurous creatures. Tread water Visitors to Amsterdam will soon discover the city's affinity to water. It's literally everywhere, with canals and river estuaries snaking their way through the city. You'll likely spend much of your vacation crossing these by bridge, or walking beside them as you get about. You can even take boat tours of the city. But where's the adventure in that? You know what you have to do. You have to conquer these waters yourself! So get out there, hire a kayak, and take to the waters like a modern-day, solo pirate. Just with less of the plundering and more of the water mastery. Easily one of the most adventurous things to do in Amsterdam, and one of the best ways to see the city in all its beautiful glory. Lick a shot Picture the scene - you're deep in enemy territory. Your opponents have you pinned down, and it's looking dicey. But then, as the fear begins to wash over you like a claustrophobic blanket of terror, you breathe out, shake it off, and bravely stand to face your foe. As you return fire, you're peppered with invisible bullets. Your battered suit lets out an exhausted set of beeps. You've been shot one too many times, and it's getting tired of keeping score. But you are unharmed. And better yet, you're ready to enact revenge on the scallywags. Now that's an adventure. That scene is just a microcosm of fun at Lasertag Amsterdam. Inside, between 2 and 24 people will, run, gun, and have ultimate fun during 30-minute battles. Do you have what it takes to top the scoreboard? You'll just have to find out for yourself, you adventurous wonder. Look out below! Heights mean nothing to adventurers like you. So why not test your mettle at A'DAM LOOKOUT? This innocuous-looking observation deck might not seem too daring at first. Sure, the view of the city is one-of-a-kind. But it's safe. Perhaps too safe. Well, look again, because A'DAM LOOKOUT has a terrifying secret. It's called 'Over the Edge', and its only for the most stern of heart. This giant swing careens over the edge of the observation deck 100 meters in the air. That makes it easily one of the most adventurous things to do in Amsterdam! But, if you wuss out, we won't judge you for it. There are still thrills to be had beyond the views. Safer thrills, but thrills nonetheless. Hop into the VR booth, and go on a virtual rollercoaster ride through the city's streets. Awesome. Monkey around Do you ever look up at trees and wish you could swing through them as our long-lost ancestors did? Yes, evolution is real, and yes, so do we! And now you can, thanks to Fun Forest Amsterdam! Forego the country's flatland and trade it in for a little tree climbing. Test your mettle on arduous rope courses, fly through the air on the ziplines, and clamber about on all the other tree-climbing paraphernalia. It's a one-way ticket to fun town. Population? You. Get wild at the beach Amsterdam might not be known for its water sports, but what do people know? Some people believe the Earth is flat, so it's not like they can be trusted. Prove them wrong, and partake in some exciting and, dare we say it, adventurous watersports in the city! At Amsterdam Watersports, you can take part in a myriad of exciting water-based activities, from wakeboarding, surfing, jet surfing, and even flyboarding. No, we didn't make that last one up. If you've ever seen videos of those people using water-powered jet boots to fly into the sky like Tony Stark, it's that. And it's fantastic. And that's our list of the most adventurous things to do in Amsterdam!
Dom Bewley

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