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Amsterdam Attractions

Anne Frank

Anne Frank House

This museum is dedicated to the memory of Anne Frank whose famous diary, recorded over a two-year period, describes the experiences of a Jewish teenager during World War II. Part of the house was used as a hiding place by the Franks and others to escape Nazi persecution. The families were later discovered and sent to their deaths in the concentration camps. Otto Frank was the only survivor. The original diary is on display as part of the permanent exhibition. The museum also hosts temporary exhibits that focus on related issues.

Address: Prinsengracht 267 (Westerkerk); Website: www.annefrank.nl; Telephone: (020) 556 7105; Transport: Tram 13 or 17; or bus 21, 170, 171 or 172 from Central Station to Westermarkt; Opening time: Daily 9am to 7pm (September 15 to March 14) and 9am to 9pm (15 March to 14 September). Note that the queues can be long; Admission: €7.50 (adults), €3.50 (children aged 10 to 17)

Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam © Amsterdam Tourist Board

Van Gogh Museum

The Van Gogh Museum is a definitive attraction in Amsterdam. Situated in a modern building, the simple architecture subtly underscores the artists' colourful and extraordinary work. The museum houses a permanent display of several hundred of Van Gogh's paintings and drawings, many of which will be familiar even to the untrained eye. The collection is organised according to three criteria. The first of these is the work of the artist, which is divided into five notable periods. Then there is the display of work of other artists including those of his friends and contemporaries. The third section is the showcase of the museum's history recording its progress with a feature on the development of the new wing designed by Japanese architect, Kisho Kurokawa, built to house the temporary exhibitions.

Address: Paulus Potterstraat 7; E-mail: info@vangoghmuseum.nl; Website: www.vangoghmuseum.nl; Telephone: (020) 570 5200; Transport: Tram 2 or 5 from Central Station to the Van Baerlestraat stop; Opening time: Daily 10am to 6pm, Fridays 10am to 10pm; Admission: €10 (adults), €2.50 (children aged 13 to 17)

Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam © Amsterdam Tourist Board

The Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum was opened in 1885 and is best known for its collection of 17th century Dutch Masters such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, Frans Hals and Jan Steen. The most notable of these is Rembrandt's masterpiece, the Night Watch. The museum contains thousands of other paintings and artefacts in its Asiatic collection, Print Room, Dutch History and Applied Arts sections. A visit to the museum should include a trip into its delightful garden adorned with bright flowers, fountains, sculptures and summerhouses. Nestled within the garden is a collection depicting five centuries of Dutch architecture. It is advisable to consult a map or purchase a CD audio tour for an orientation to the extensive collection.

Address: Jan Luijkenstraat 1; Website: www.rijksmuseum.nl; Telephone: (020) 674 7000; Transport: Tram 2 or 5 from Central Station to Hobbemastraat; Opening time: Daily 9am to 6pm (closing at 10pm on Fridays). Closed 1 January; Admission: €10 (adults), under 18s are free and concessions are available

Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art

Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art

The museum closely traces the development in art of the second half of the 20th century, showcasing the most impressive collections of modern art in Amsterdam. The permanent exhibition focuses on De Stijl, Cobra, Nouveau Realisme, Pop Art, Colorfield Painting, Zero and Minimalist Art while temporary exhibitions on design and applied art are housed in the new wing. The museum at Paulus Potterstraat is currently closed until 2008 but works can still be viewed at the temporary location on the 2nd and 3rd floor of the Post CS building.

Address: Post CS building, Oosterdokskade 5 (temporary location until end of 2008); E-mail: info@stedelijk.nl; Website: www.stedelijk.nl; Telephone: (020) 573 2911; Transport: A few minutes walk from Central Station following the signs 'Route Oosterdok' or tramline 25 and 26 from Central Station, stopping at PTA or Muziekgebouw; Opening time: Daily 10am to 6pm. Closed 1 January; Admission: €9 (adults), €4.50 (children 7 to16), family pass €22.50. Other concessions available

Rembrandt House Museum

Rembrandt House

This museum provides an insight into the life and times of the famous painter. Rembrandt lived here between 1639 and 1658 at the height of his career. The museum presents a permanent collection of Rembrandt’s work, a reconstructed 17th century studio together with temporary exhibitions and a collection of paintings done by his teacher, Pieter Latman, and those of Rembrandt’s pupils.

Address: Jodenbreestraat 4; E-mail: museum@rembrandthuis.nl; Website: www.rembrandthuis.nl; Telephone: (020) 5200 400; Transport: Five-minute walk from Central Station; Opening time: Daily 10am to 5pm. Closed 1 January; Admission: €8 (adults), €1.50 (children 6-15). Other concessions available

Amsterdam Historisch Museum

Housed in a former orphanage, The Historical Museum explores Amsterdam's development from a small medieval settlement along the river into a thriving modern city. The museum's galleries showcase the progress of each century, with particular emphasis given to Holland's Golden Age. The museum provides a showpiece of Dutch Master paintings, archaeological discoveries, gold, silver, glass and earthenware and other artefacts. The museum fee covers entry to the Civic Guards Gallery. This is a glass-roofed gallery stretching between Kalverstraat and the Begijnhof, lined with portraits of Amsterdam's Civic Guards dating back to the 17th century.

Address: Kalverstraat 92; E-mail: info@ahm.amsterdam.nl; Website: www.ahm.nl; Telephone: (020) 523 1822; Transport: 10-minute walk from Central Station; tram 1, 2, 5 to Spui, or tram 4, 9, 14, 16, 24 and 25 to Rokin; Opening time: Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm; Saturday and Sunday 11am to 5pm. Closed 1 January, 30 April and 25 December; Admission: €7 (adults), €3.50 (children aged 6 to 16)

Red Light District

Red Light District (De Wallen)

A visit to Amsterdam would not be complete without a stroll around the notorious Red Light District. The atmosphere can be chaotic with throngs of tourists jostling for space alongside city slickers, pimps and drug dealers. The prostitutes of De Wallen are part of a legal and regulated industry that includes compulsory health checks and taxable income. Prostitution is by no means the only attraction of the area. The district's architecture comprises a scenic mix that dates back to the Middle Ages. Areas to explore include Waterlooplein, Zeedijk and Nieuwmarkt Square. Waterlooplein is the location of the modern City Hall and Muziek Theatre. The square was created in 1880 from two canals that were filled and then allocated to Jewish traders who used to ply their wares on its pavements. Nieuwmarkt Square was also once home to a thriving Jewish community, mainly Portuguese Jews who had fled from persecution during the Spanish Inquisition. The cultural diversity of this area extends to Zeedijk Street, which is often referred to as Chinatown. The street runs from the Saint Olof Chapel to De Waag.

Museum Amstelkring

Our Dear Lord in the Attic (Museum Amstelkring)

This concealed Catholic church (the combined top floors of a 17th century canal house) is a reminder of the Alteration period in Holland. Protestantism was declared the official religion and churches like this one relied on clandestine activity for their survival. The building's lower floors became a museum in 1888 housing a collection of church artefacts and paintings. It is located to the edge of the Red Light District.

Address: Oudezijds Voorburgwal 40; E-mail: info@opsolder.nl; Website: www.museumamstelkring.nl; Telephone: (0)20 624 6604; Transport: A seven-minute walk from Central Station; Opening time: Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm (open from 1pm on Sundays and public holidays). Closed 1 January and 30 April; Admission: €7 (adults), €1 (children 5-18), other concessions available

Dutch Resistance Museum

The Dutch Resistance Museum (Verzetsmuseum)

A trip to this museum provides a fascinating insight into the activities of the Dutch Resistance Movement during World War II. Displays of false documents, weaponry and other equipment provide testimony to the bravery and innovation of its members.

Address: Plantage Kerklaan 61; E-mail: info@verzetsmuseum.org; Website: www.verzetsmuseum.org; Telephone: 020 620 2535; Transport: Tram 9 and 14 from Central Station. Stop at Plantage Kerklaan, Plantage Middenlaan or Artis Zoo; Opening time: Tuesday to Friday 10am to 5pm; Saturday, Sunday, Monday and public holidays 12pm to 5pm; Admission: €5.50 (adults), €3 (children 7-15). Other concessions available

The Royal Palace (Koninklijk Paleis)

Although the Royal Palace is the official Royal residence it is mainly used for functions as the family reside in The Hague. The building dates back to 1648 and was originally designed for use as Amsterdam's city hall. King Louis Napoleon however had other plans. In 1808 he turned the city hall into a palace. A large collection of furniture from this period adorns its interiors. Guided tours are offered to visitors (these need to be booked two weeks in advance). The Royal Palace will be closed for renovations from 8 September 2005 until early 2009.

Address: Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 147, Dam Square; Website: www.koninklijkhuis.nl; Telephone: (0)20 620 4060; Transport: 10-minute walk from Central Station, or any tram leaving from Central Station; Opening time: 12.30pm to 5pm; closed Mondays and Fridays (November, January and February). Guided tours can be booked on (020) 624 8698; Admission: €4.50/€6.50 with audio tour (adults), €3.60 (children)

Amsterdam, The Dutch East Indiaman Ship © Nederlands Scheepvaartmuseum Amsterdam

National Maritime Museum

Covering four centuries of Dutch naval history, the National Maritime Museum allows visitors to glimpse into the adventurous seafaring past of Dutch explorers and merchants through exhibits of antiquarian maps, navigation instruments, paintings and ship models, creating one of the most extensive collections of maritime memorabilia in the world. A major attraction is the life-size reconstruction of a Dutch East India Company ship called the Amsterdam, which is docked behind the museum. Learn about dated maritime trade, naval combat, fishing and whaling and the intrepid journeys that took the Dutch fleet and her crew to remote destinations as far away as modern day Indonesia, India and South Africa. Please Note: The National Maritime Museum Amsterdam will be closed until 2010 for major renovations. The Dutch East Indiaman Amsterdam is currently moored at the NEMO Science Centre where it is open to the public.

Address: Kattenburgerplein 1; Website: www.scheepvaartmuseum.nl; Telephone: +31 (0)20 5232 222; Transport: Within walking distance of Centraal Station; Opening time: Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Open on Mondays from mid-June to mid-September. Closed on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Queen’s day (30 April); Admission: €7 (adults) and €4 (children)