Begijnhof and other Amsterdam, Netherlands Things to Do Tips

Houses in Begijnhof

The tranquil Begijnhof, near Spui, was one of my favourite parts of the city. It contrasts greatly with the busy Kalvertoren and other nearby areas where everything just goes much faster.

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Van Gogh Museum: Van Gogh Museum

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Written by barryg23

on Apr 12, 2003

It's strange to think that an artist who sold only one painting in his lifetime and received very few favourable could have an entire national museum devoted to him. Van Gogh struggled financially all through his life yet nowadays his legacy generates millions of euros every year.
We tried to visit the Van Gogh museum on our second day in Amsterdam but the queues were way too long. An American girl on the street outside who was trying to sell us something about Chicago Boom comedy club told us the queues were never this bad and that perhaps the artist himself was there today. (No offence to Americans, but I often have difficulty telling if they are being sarcastic or not). We eventually got to the museum on the Tuesday and it was well worth the nine euros.

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Directions: Museumplein

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Rijksmuseum: Rijksmuseum

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Updated by barryg23

on Feb 2, 2005

Ruth at the Rijksmuseum

We didn't have time to explore the Rijksmuseum but it's even worth visiting to appreciate the architecture. Centraal Station was designed by the same architect, P.J.H. Cuypers.

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Directions: Museumplein

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Coffee Shops: Coffee-shops

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Updated by barryg23

on Feb 2, 2005

Coffee-shop Smokey!

Coffee-shops are everywhere and cater for all: for the serious smoker there is a menu with big choice of smokes, while for the curious (like us) they provide the pre-rolled stuff. I did notice that the quality varies depending on where you go. We smoked in a different place each night and the best place was a quiet, dark place in the red-light district (where even the fumes would get you going), while the stuff we smoked at the big touristy place on Rembrandtplein had little effect.

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Red Light District / De Wallen XXX: Red-light district

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Updated by barryg23

on May 20, 2003

Red-light district

Has to be seen! Taking photos here is not encouraged, so try to be discreet. It's a lot of fun wandering the streets here - most of the main streets are fine, but some of the dark alleys looked rather shady.

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Westerkerk/Westertoren: Westerkerk

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Updated by barryg23

on May 20, 2003

Westerkerk

This is the church whose bells were described by Anne Frank in her diary. The Westerkerk is very close to the Anne Frank House on Prinsengracht and from it's tower there are nice views over the city. It costs 3 euros for a visit, and guided tours leave on the hour and take approximately 45 minutes.

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Phone: +31-20-6247766
Address: Prinsengracht 28
Website: http://www.westerkerk.nl

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Canals, Bridges and Houseboats: Reguliersgracht

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Updated by barryg23

on May 20, 2003

Amsterdam Canals, Bridges and Houseboats

Reguliersgracht

Reguliersgracht is one of the prettiest canals in the city. The stretch from Herrengracht northwards is very picturesque, with elegant streets and houses on either side.

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Anne Frank House: Anne Frank Huis

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Updated by barryg23

on May 20, 2003

Famous bookcase in Anne Frank Huis

Everybody knows the story of Anne Frank, the Jewish girl who, along with her family, hid in a house in Amsterdam for two years before being betrayed and captured by the Nazis.

Her diary has helped people identify with the sufferring of the millions who were persecuted in WW2, and this house, the same place where she hid, tells her story. It's truly a moving experience to visit this museum, though I felt that reading her diary and the other books written about her was a sadder and more emotive experience.

The queues here can be rather long so it's advisable to get here early. We went on a Sunday morning at 9 am and by the time we had left the crowds were arriving. I think it costs 8 Euros for an adult.

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Phone: +31-20-5567100
Address: Prinsengracht 267
Website: http://www.annefrank.nl

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Dam Square - Royal Palace: Royal Palace

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Updated by barryg23

on Jun 25, 2003

Royal Palace

Though it dominates much of Dam Square, the Royal Palace looked a little bit old and shrivelled. I think it is the Queen's official residence though she spends most of her time in Den Haag.

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Phone: +31-20- 6204060
Address: Dam 1
Website: http://www.koninklijkhuis.nl

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Westerkerk/Westertoren: Views from the Westertoren

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Written by barryg23

on May 20, 2003

Prinsengracht