Renovation of the Rijksmuseum and other Amsterdam, Netherlands Things to Do Tips

From December 2003 to 2008 the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam will undergo the biggest rebuilding, renovation and modernisation programme in its history. During this period the finest works from the 17th century in the Rijksmuseum will continue to be on view under the title The Masterpieces. The redesigned Philips Wing will provide an opportunity to see the highlights of the Golden Age together in surprising combinations. The more than 400 masterpieces will be on display in the Philips Wing from 20 December.

The famous dolls' houses, the finest Delftware, a wealth of silver, icons of Dutch history and of course the paintings by the great masters of the 17th century, Frans Hals, Jan Steen, Vermeer and Rembrandt will have a provisional new home in the Philips Wing. For many of these works this will be the first time that they have left their place in the Rijksmuseum. Rembrandt's Night Watch, for example, has rarely left the main building designed by Pierre Cuypers since it opened in 1885.

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Phone: +31-20-6747047
Address: Stadhouderskade 42
Website: http://www.rijksmuseum.nl

Did you know that Amsterdam has 165 canals, 1281 bridges, 70 canal cruise boats, 8 wooden drawbridges, 2500 houseboats and 120 water bikes? A canal cruise is a must to explore and discover Amsterdam.

I feel the day tours are more interesting than the night ones, as there is more to see in the daytime. At least when i went on the night tour, the monuments, buildings were not highlighted, so couldn't see much. Turned out to be like a boat ride anywhere in the world. Day ones are special!

This is what the tour operators have to say (though i was not lucky enough to experience the night sights):
The canals are one of the major attractions of Amsterdam, also called 'Venice of the North.’ By daytime the canals are charming, by night they become even more enchanting because many canal houses and bridges are beautifully illuminated. The four main canals in the canal belt are Prinsengracht (Princes’ Canal), Herengracht (Gentlemen’s Canal), Keizersgracht (Emperor’s Canal) and Singel. For a refreshingly different view of Amsterdam, try a canal boat tour. You'll notice numerous tour operators near Central Station and along the Damrak and Rokin downtown.

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Directions: Most of the canal cruise companies can be found near Central Station and Damrak as well on the Rokin near Muntsquare. The hotel concierges of the hotels are able to book cruises for you, but I recommend just to check rates at the boats as rates may vary.