No doubt Amsterdam has often been painted as the modern day Babylon with its drug and prostitution culture but the city has another, more redeeming side. That side offers an amazingly rich texture of fine arts and craftsmanship that is woven through the city. This Amsterdam is the one we loved; the one with its many world-class museums, lovely neighborhoods, and fine restaurants.
1. Anne Frank House. Pinsengracht 267. It is a 17th century canal house where Anne and her family hid for 2 years before the Nazis hauled them off to the concentration camps. It is impossible not to feel moved while climbing upstairs on the narrow staircase to the rooms where Anne spent her last couple of years hiding. In the new wing, there is an interesting exhibition where visitors can respond to a variety of controversial questions regarding discrimination, freedom of speech, religion, and the press. After each question the answers of the audience are tallied up and shown in comparison with responses given by all visitors.
The “house” is nestled among the charming canal houses, bohemian cafes, and shady trees in the Jordaan district. I highly recommend a walk around this area.
2. Rijksmuseum. Although only a small part of the museum is open at the moment due to its renovation, what can be seen is still truly amazing. There are over 20 Rembrandts and a few Vermeers as well as other Dutch masters’ works are on display. Seeing these masterpieces, such as Rembrandt’s Night Watch and Vermeer’s Woman Reading a Letter is truly impressive.
3. Van Gogh Museum. It is around the corner from the Rijskmuseum. An amazing collection of this hugely productive but sadly tortured soul. Ever since I saw a temporary collection of Van Gogh in Los Angeles I have been in love with the works of Van Gogh and have been utterly fascinated with this artist’s passionate but painful life. Anybody who feels the same must pay a visit to his museum in Amsterdam.
4. Rembrandthuis. Rembrandt bought this house for f13,000 in 1639 which was a huge sum of money at the time. Naturally, the free-spending artist couldn’t keep up with the mortgage payments and he eventually went bankrupt, dying destitute. Because of the inventory that the clerks kept after the master went bankrupt, renovators were able to restore the house to what it looked like thereby creating a “mock-up” of the original.
5. Restaurant Segugio. I believe one of the guidebooks described this as the place that serves the “Best. Risotto. Ever.” And it is true. Their white truffle risotto was out of this world. My husband liked it so much he ordered it as his dessert. The rest of the items were outstanding as well and the owner/manager is the nicest, friendliest man … I love the Italians.
6. Brasseri Harkema. This former tobacco factory has been evidently enchanting many diners since it opened. The design is modern, not fussy but urban, cool and clean. The dishes are excellent and reasonably priced. Stays open late.
7. Restaurant Vermeer. This Michelin starred eatery offers not only the obligatory fine dining but also the charming décor that is part of the Hotel Barbizon. No doubt Vermeer would have felt at home in this restaurant. “A diversity of ornaments dating from the 17th century, like a fire place and the black and white marble tiles, give the present guests the ambiance of the gracious life of the Golden Century.”
USEFUL TIP: It is worth purchasing an
"I AMSTERDAM CARD" upon arriving at the airport from the Tourist Office (or from online and then you can pick up the card in person). The card grants access to a list of museums for free (Anne Frank's house is not included), free transportation, as well as a free one hour canal boat tour. Available for 1, 2, or 3 days.
No doubt Amsterdam has often been painted as the modern day Babylon with its drug and prostitution culture but the city has another, more redeeming side. That side offers an amazingly rich texture of fine arts and craftsmanship that is woven through the city. This Amsterdam is the one we loved; the one with its many world-class museums, lovely neighborhoods, and fine restaurants.
1. Anne Frank House. Pinsengracht 267. It is a 17th century canal house where Anne and her family hid for 2 years before the Nazis hauled them off to the concentration camps. It is impossible not to feel moved while climbing upstairs on the narrow staircase to the rooms where Anne spent her last couple of years hiding. In the new wing, there is an interesting exhibition where visitors can respond to a variety of controversial questions regarding discrimination, freedom of speech, religion, and the press. After each question the answers of the audience are tallied up and shown in comparison with responses given by all visitors.
The “house” is nestled among the charming canal houses, bohemian cafes, and shady trees in the Jordaan district. I highly recommend a walk around this area.
2. Rijksmuseum. Although only a small part of the museum is open at the moment due to its renovation, what can be seen is still truly amazing. There are over 20 Rembrandts and a few Vermeers as well as other Dutch masters’ works are on display. Seeing these masterpieces, such as Rembrandt’s Night Watch and Vermeer’s Woman Reading a Letter is truly impressive.
3. Van Gogh Museum. It is around the corner from the Rijskmuseum. An amazing collection of this hugely productive but sadly tortured soul. Ever since I saw a temporary collection of Van Gogh in Los Angeles I have been in love with the works of Van Gogh and have been utterly fascinated with this artist’s passionate but painful life. Anybody who feels the same must pay a visit to his museum in Amsterdam.
4. Rembrandthuis. Rembrandt bought this house for f13,000 in 1639 which was a huge sum of money at the time. Naturally, the free-spending artist couldn’t keep up with the mortgage payments and he eventually went bankrupt, dying destitute. Because of the inventory that the clerks kept after the master went bankrupt, renovators were able to restore the house to what it looked like thereby creating a “mock-up” of the original.
5. Restaurant Segugio. I believe one of the guidebooks described this as the place that serves the “Best. Risotto. Ever.” And it is true. Their white truffle risotto was out of this world. My husband liked it so much he ordered it as his dessert. The rest of the items were outstanding as well and the owner/manager is the nicest, friendliest man … I love the Italians.
6. Brasseri Harkema. This former tobacco factory has been evidently enchanting many diners since it opened. The design is modern, not fussy but urban, cool and clean. The dishes are excellent and reasonably priced. Stays open late.
7. Restaurant Vermeer. This Michelin starred eatery offers not only the obligatory fine dining but also the charming décor that is part of the Hotel Barbizon. No doubt Vermeer would have felt at home in this restaurant. “A diversity of ornaments dating from the 17th century, like a fire place and the black and white marble tiles, give the present guests the ambiance of the gracious life of the Golden Century.”
USEFUL TIP: It is worth purchasing an "I AMSTERDAM CARD" upon arriving at the airport from the Tourist Office (or from online and then you can pick up the card in person). The card grants access to a list of museums for free (Anne Frank's house is not included), free transportation, as well as a free one hour canal boat tour. Available for 1, 2, or 3 days.
