The area of the UvA called Binnengasthuis is usually remarkably quiet. Although you will always be aware of the presence of the students through their bikes that are parked in front of the buildings and alongside the canal-fence, it is also a residential area that is somewhat closed off from the traffic on the busy Rokin street nearby.

Even in some of the buildings connected to those of the university you will see the laundry hanging in front of the windows. I don’t know who they are housing, but they provide colorful backdrops against an environment that is otherwise dominated by the university and its students.

Binnengasthuis translates, a bit awkwardly perhaps, to Inner Guesthouse, which refers to the inner-city hospital for the elderly that used to be located in the university buildings.

The old entrances are located at the south ends of the Oudezijds Voorburgwal and Oudezijds Achterburgwal, and they will lead you to a gateway that gives shelters to a small book market. Sometimes the sound of jazz music from a salesman’s radio will float from one end to the other. At the whole hour it will be briefly disrupted by the students rushing in and out, but the peace is quickly restored after the next classes have started.

Another gate in the middle opens onto the courtyard of the faculty of Law. This beautiful little garden-like square is completely closed off from the city, quiet during classes and otherwise filled with students, smoking cigarettes or drinking coffee.

If you turn back, cross the gateway and keep on walking straight, you will end up at the faculty of Philosophy. The buildings surrounding the small yard aren’t very special, but in the twilight, with the twining branches of the few trees cutting through the yellow lights behind the windows, the arrangement looks a little bit like the set of a Tim Burton movie. It is a peaceful place, sparked by the knowledge that in the minds and books inside the brick buildings.

By crossing through the university complex you will become aware of the contrast that exists in Amsterdam between the crowdedness of the shopping streets and the noise of the traffic, and the serenity that is always near.

The quietness of the Binnengasthuis can be found right in the middle of the city’s hustle and bustle, a bit like the eye of a storm. It is strategically located, a perfect start or end of a day of city-strolling, or, if it suits you, a relaxing break in the middle of it.

Details about this spot
Binnengasthuis | Art & culture | Free
Binnengasthuis | Old center (area map)
Mon - Sat 09:00 - 18:00 (mostly)

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De Bazel is the city archive of Amsterdam, and an impressive art deco building with a rich and royal history. The building, named after its architect K.P.C. de Bazel (1869-1923), was built between 1919 en 1926 for the ‘Nederlandsche Handel Maatschappij‘ (Dutch Trading Company), a trading company and bank.

Karel de Bazel intended his architectural designs to be in harmony with their environment. His intention was to communicate a divine message through his creations. The rooms in the building were built in many styles. The more important you were, the darker the wood in the room was and the darker the colour green on the walls were. The hierarchical idea of the building was important too.

Currently De Bazel is the city archive of Amsterdam, but also a conference centre. The large “King’s chamber”, as well as the six smaller adjacent rooms, have been restored to their original state. The banquet rooms with the lovely floors, ceilings with chandeliers, paintings, unique stained glass windows and chairs and tables designed by the architect himself, you feel as if you are back in the rich seventeenth century of the old Dutch traders. What is interesting is that De Bazel did not only designed the furniture, but also ash trays, pencils and a crockery set.

The large treasury room from the time it was a bank, is still there, and really something interesting.

Maybe for tourists this is not the most interesting “museum” to see, but for the architecture you definitely have to go there. I was really surprised and stunned about all the details.

Details about this spot
De Bazel | Art & culture | Free
Vijzelstraat 32 | Canals (area map) | +31202511800
Tue - Sat 10:00 -17:00, Sun 11:00 - 17:00

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This is a Catholic Church in the centre of Amsterdam, on the Spui, made for the Catholic church service.

The church is officially known as the Roman Catholic Church of Sint Franciscus Xaverius. Since 1654 the members of the “church” then prayed and preached in a house named “The Crijtberg”. In 1881, they officially start building a church. The Neo-Gothic style was introduced by Alfred Tepe and the church was consecrated in 1883. The job for the architect was to build the church between the existing houses. That is why it has such high windows and the more you go to the back of the church, the broader it is.

Between 1979 and 2001 the renovation was accomplished. The foundation, the roof and the stained glass windows were renovated, after that the altar and the pulpit. At the end of the 20th century the paintings, the statues and the plaster were restored.

The organ is a huge one. It is called the organ of Adema and was used since 1905. After 1905, many registers were added to the organ and it was replaced twice in the meantime.

Personally I think this is one of the most beautiful churches in Amsterdam, because of the many colors used and the detailed paintings on the ceiling and walls. It is an impressive church, which gives me a warm feeling when entering it. There is also so much light coming in, it is not a sober church, but really a pretty and pleasant one. I hope my photo will impress you and that you will visit this wonderful church.

The church is opened half an hour before the mass starts.

Details about this spot
De Krijtberg | Art & culture | Free
Singel 448 | Canals (area map) | +31206231923
Tue - Thu & Sun open for visitors from 13:30- 17:00

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Photography Museum Amsterdam is located in a stately looking building on the Keizersgracht, close to the Vijzelstraat. The interior is quite modern, and it has the airiness and bland look that you need to facilitate different exhibitions. There are always people inside, but it rarely feels crowded. You will not feel pressured to rush through the three or four varying exhibitions.

Photography is a matter of taste, but I have found something I liked every time I went there. There is usually a good mix between the works of upcoming talents and established names such as Henri Cartier-Bresson or James Nachtwey, and the content of the photos ranges from celebrations of life, to testimonies of human decay and suffering. Sometimes you will find it all in one exhibition, or even in one picture.

I have been touched by what I have seen in Foam many times, in different ways. I find that Foam has a skillful pick, offering different esthetics and different stories, thereby appealing to different visitors or moods.

If you need to gather your thoughts after you have seen a intense exhibition, you can visit the small coffee bar, which has a pleasant atmosphere and sells excellent coffee and homemade cakes.

Details about this spot
Foam | Art & culture | Entrance € 7.00
Keizersgracht 609 | Canals (area map) | +31205516500
10:00 - 18:00 daily

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This is a cultural and learning environment for both adults and children. It is a really nice museum with lots of theoretical and practical information.

You can read a lot about the history of the jews, you can see movies, pictures and original items of their belief. Furthermore is the museum located in a synagoge, which makes it even more special.

In the movies you visit families who are celebrating all jewish traditions and explaning the backgrounds. After one day at the museum you know why they are celebrating and what is important to the jewish community.

At this moment until the 30th of November 2008, they have a special exhibition celebrating the sixtieth anniversary of the establishment of Israel. The “Art of State” presents photographs and video works by sixteen artists from Israel. Through their works they reflect upon their country: the community in which they live, the numerous cultural and religious differences among Israel’s population and the current political situation. I think it really gives an image and a certain feeling of this country. The sadness, but also the beautifulness and sometimes even combined in one photo or video.

Details about this spot
Jewish Historical Museum | Art & culture | Adults € 7.50
Nieuwe Amstelstraat 1 | Plantage/Oost (area map) | +31205310310
11:00 - 17:00 daily

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The Tropenmuseum is a famous ethnographic museum. There is excellent information about and nice artifacts from almost every corner of the world. This is not the typical “pots and pans” museum.

The best exhibitions are about former Dutch colonies (mainly Indonesia and Suriname). The irony is that the beautiful building this museum is housed in was paid for by money earned by exploiting the colonies and its people.A temporarily exhibition is that of the “Bisjpalen”. These poles are made in New-Guinea for honoring their grandparents. There are at least 30 poles standing in the middle of the museum from 3 to 15 meters high.

If you get a chance, visit a concert in the Tropen-theater. It is housed in the Tropen-instituut building. If there is a concert, it is usually someone unknown from a very faraway place. Always surprising! If there is no concert, at least try to see the inside hall, usually only open during concerts. It’s almost 100% marble. Too much, definitely, but still nice!

Details about this spot
KIT | Art & culture, Music | Admission € 7.50
Linnaeusstraat 2 | Plantage/Oost (area map) | +31205688200
10:00 - 17:00 daily

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At the beginning of the twentieth century the city of Amsterdam was, like many major European cities, under the spell of progress. Unlike in for instance Paris or Budapest however, the city’s reforms did not take the shape of the massive tearing down and rebuilding of the centre.

Like a lot of things in Amsterdam the plans were quite ambitious in one sense but modest in another. As a result, the 17th century city centre is, to this very day, in almost the same condition as it has been since it was built.

The first changes that did take place were legislative: in 1901 the government passed Housing-Law. Especially the quality of the housing for low-income families had to be increased drastically. About twenty years after the finishing of the terribly poorly constructed neighborhood “De Pijp”, a number of new blocks for the “working man” were built by graduates from the Amsterdam School of architecture (”Amsterdamse School”), most notoriously Michel de Klerk.

Ambitious in its goals, sturdy housing for family of all incomes, but modest in its implementation, it is tucked away at the border of the city. In the Spaarndammer neighborhood (”Spaarndammerbuurt”), above the Westerpark, you will find three big complexes that can be rightly described as palaces for the working man. They are worth visiting.

The neighborhood is a residential area, and apart from a big museum, the old buildings are still housing families or small shops. There is hardly anything that will remind you that you are still in one of the most touristic cities of the world, yet the brick buildings you find there are reminiscent of Gaudi, created with unbridled imagination.

The entire city blocks flow into a whole that is even more organic than you will find in the “Art Nouveau” cityscapes of Budapest, Paris or Brussels. Especially the block in which “Museum ‘t Schip” (a museum for the architecture of the Amsterdamse School) is located seems to have grown, or cast out of stone, rather than constructed by piling brick after brick on top of each other.

Go there if you want to be surprised by stunning architecture, or if you are in the neighborhood of the Westerpark or the Westergasfabriek (see this article). If you do, bear in mind that the buildings were foremost meant to provide residence to people with little money, and that they are still doing so. This is applied art at its finest.

Details about this spot
Museum ‘t Ship | Art & culture | Museum € 2.50
Spaarndammerplantsoen 140 | Westerpark (area map) | +31204182885
18:00 - 01:00 daily

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The Museum is a 17th century House at the canal. It has several style rooms like: the Blue room, the Red room, the Chinese room and the Library.

The house has a beautiful garden and behind the garden there is the old “Koetshuis”. Here lived the staff and were the coaches stalled. The house can be hired for private diners, parties or even weddings.

Details about this spot
Museum Geelvinck Hinlopen Huis | Art & culture | Adult € 6.00
Keizersgracht 633 | Canals (area map) | +31206390747
Fri - Mon 11:00 - 17:00

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This house is a double one. It was built in 1685 and took 2 years before if was finished. The style rooms give you a look of how people lived in the 18th and 19th century.

The hall, stairs, dining room, ball room and the garden give an impression of the family Willet-Holthuysen. You can also see the sleeping room and the blue salon on the first floor. This canal house also has a great garden with an old “Koetshuis”.

Details about this spot
Museum Willet-Holthuysen | Art & culture | Adult € 4.00
Herengracht 605 | Canals (area map) | +31205231822
Mon - Fri 10:00 - 17:00, Sat - Sun 11:00 - 17:00

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The Museumplein is literally in the centre of Amsterdam. From here, anything is nearby. Great meeting point, perfect place to chill out, great view, and the 3 most famous museums just located on the quarter; The Stedelijk museum, the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh museum (of which only the Van Gogh Museum is open now, due to renovation).

For a reason, the Museumplein is one of my favorite places in Amsterdam. In summer you can lie down on the field, watching people play football or tennis, walk your dog, or just enjoy the lunch you just bought from the Albert Heijn supermarket with the sun on your face (if you’re lucky..).
The skateboard park and basketball field are very popular among students and tourists.

In winter, the magical vibe appears: morning fogs covering the field, the I ‘Amsterdam sign’ , the ice skating rink filled with children and young people, with the majestic Rijksmuseum on the background.

You can also go for a cup of hot chocolate and try the typically Dutch ´poffertjes´ at the Old Dutch Poffertjeskraam at the side! Or go for a drink at the Cobra Cafe, inspired by famous artists from the 1940’s.

By night, a blue ray of light on the ground illuminates the field, going all the way from the wading pool to the Concertgebouw (orchestra concerts). The Monument dedicated to the woman of Ravensbrück (WW2, concentration camp) on the left side, plays a particular odd sound, making it breathtaking to watch and listen to.

During the whole year, mostly in summer, concerts / events are held on the Museumplein; for example on Queensday, Soccer trophies, the famous Uitmarkt (annual cultural program) and charity events.

Details about this spot
Museumplein | Art & culture | Free
Van Baerlestraat | Oud-Zuid (area map)
daily 24 hours

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It is really remarkable to see what is behind the characteristics façade of the house at the canal. You could never imagine that in fact it is a hidden church build in the 17th century. This hidden church in the attic was built because Catholics were not allowed to hold public services.

They had to find a way to come together. It is a great historic building with many hidden secrets. Not only the church and the chapel are hidden, but also the altar and the paintings behind.

At this time, the chapel is still in use. You can even arrange your marriage here.

Details about this spot
Ons’ lieve heer op Solder | Art & culture | Adult € 7.00
Oudezijds Voorburgwal 40 | Old center (area map) | +31206246604
Mon - Sat 10:00 - 17:00, Sun 13:00 - 17:00

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The old film academy halfway on the Overtoom is now one of the underground cultural hotspots of Amsterdam.

With hardly any investments made in the interior, graffiti art on the wall, and not too much lighting, the place gives an industrial feel. It has quite a lot of empty spaces that can be used for festivals, regular movie nights, live music or clubbing.

OT301 used to be run by squatters, but it turned at least somewhat professional a while ago. You can find information about irregular events, the Tuesday movie night: Cinema Derive, the Friday and Saturday club night and the Tuesday Ping Pong Bar.

The crowd on a club night is a mixture between the alternative and the hip, but they have a love for partying in common. People are easygoing, so there is a pleasant atmosphere. Check out the website to see if there is anything planned that tickles your fancy.

Details about this spot
OT301 | Art & culture, Music | Beer € 2.00
Overtoom 301 | Oud-West (area map)
Fri 22:00 - 04:00, Sar 23:00 - 05:00

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The big branch of the public library near the river IJ is still brand spanking new. It hasn’t been open for a year, yet it is breathing a pleasantly tranquil and homely atmosphere. If you are near Central Station or Stedelijk Museum CS, and you feel like taking a break from all the impulses that the city is constantly shooting off at you, take some time to explore this building. Apart from the literary riches it has to offer, it inhibits some perfect spots to relax in, and enjoy Amsterdam in absolute peace.

The front of the building is turned towards the city-centre, the opposite side faces the passing trains, and the whole of it is surrounded by water. The architect has created a lot of intimate spaces in its interior, filled with designer chairs that will sooth your aching back and legs; nevertheless it feels spacious everywhere, and as there is a lot of light coming through the big windows, you are constantly aware of the surroundings.

At a little distance from it, you will be able to observe the city in all its glory, without being absorbed by all its tumultuousness. For the best view of Amsterdam you need to make your way to the balcony of the restaurant on the top floor.

There are plenty of computers with an Internet connection that you can use, you can read a newspaper or a magazine, and you can have a very tasty lunch in the restaurant, but visit the library especially if you feel the need to dip yourself into total tranquility. The building contains so many little corners and hidden spaces that it would take you hours to explore them all. I myself find something new, every time I go there.

If your feet happen to lead you to the library, you will surely have to leave eventually. When you do make your way back to the centre, and when it is late in the afternoon or early in the evening, be sure to notice how Central Station is radiating in the sunset. I find that the light is absolutely stunning in this area. Made up of elements of the old city and the groundwork of the new buildings arising on the construction site, the area has an almost utopian glow in the golden sunlight, and I find it one of the most magical places in Amsterdam.

Details about this spot
Public library | Art & culture | Free
Oosterdokskade 143 | Waterfront/North (area map) | +31205230900
10:00 - 22:00 daily

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Every time I am impressed by the building, the different rooms and paintings. After five years, it still takes my breath away.

Let me first tell you that the Rijksmuseum is under construction until the end of 2009. They adapted very well on this large project, and most of the masterpieces are still to be seen, but not in their originally place. They are all in the newly furnished Philips Wing.

Since the opening in 1885, architect Pierre Cuypers’ monumental building has been adapted and extended many times, making the renovation necessary.

The national art collection, which first came into being in 1795, originally consisted of works confiscated from the House of Orange, but was significantly extended by King Louis Napoleon. Over the years, a superb, representative selection has been assembled of Dutch art from the 15th century to around 1900, reflecting the development of art in the Netherlands in this period and is emphasized on particular schools, themes and individual artists. This is accompanied by a collection of paintings by foreign masters. The paintings collections are divided in the Dutch Republic, than World Power and Frans Hals. After that Rembrandt and his pupils, The later Rembrandt and Johannes Vermeer.

There is so much more to tell about the museum, the building, the architecture, the paintings and the painters, that I simply do not know where to start and where to end. So, I would strongly suggest you to visit this museum, because it contains a lot of history. Personally, I can not wait until the end of 2009 and see what the museum looks like in its original/old state.

Details about this spot
Rijksmuseum | Art & culture | Adult € 10.00
Jan Luykenstraat 1 | Oud-Zuid (area map) | +31206747000
Sat - Thu 09:00 - 18:00, Fri 09:00 - 21:30

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Between the canals bordering the Jordaan, you find an area with shops, restaurants, lunch bars and pubs called “Negen Straatjes”, which translates into Nine Streets. These nine streets are: Reestraat, Berenstraat, Runstraat, Hartenstraat, Wolvenstraat, Huidenstraat, Gasthuismolensteeg, Oude Spiegelstraat and Wijde Heisteeg. They are all located in between the Singel and the Prinsengracht, running in a ninety degrees angle to the canals.

This little neighborhood is well known, nevertheless it is never really crowded. You have to be on guard for delivery trucks in the narrow streets, but you can walk from store to store in peace.

The little shops are very specialized and they sell the weirdest stuff. If you take your time, you just might find something beautiful.

When I am walking around here, looking at the little businesses, I get the feeling that they are run by people that have quit a boring job to focus on their passion. There might be a big turnover in shops that are so particular, but these streets are so widely known that a lot of them seem to be able to survive.

If you are tired of all the shops you will be sure to find a nice café or lunch bar where you can gather strength.

Details about this spot
The 9 streets | Art & culture, Shopping | Free
9 straatjes | Canals (area map)
depends

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The Biblical Museum is housed in two historic buildings on the Herengracht and build in 1660-1662. The renowned architect Philips Vingboons built the houses for Amsterdam merchant Jacob Cromhout. Remarkable on this museum is that these are four completely different sized houses, but looking identical on the outside. The remarkable and atmospheric setting provides a home for the unique collection of one of the oldest museums in the Netherlands.

The Museum tells the story of the Bible. Displays centered on a model of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem explaining the significance of this sacred place in Judaism, Christianity and Islam and all very understandable for children. They Clay tablets, fragments of papyrus and archeological remains tell the fascinating story of how the Bible came into existence, and the influence it has had on Dutch society through the ages.

Furthermore, it houses a famous 19th-century model of the Tabernacle: a wonderful reconstruction of the sacred shrine housing the Ark of the Covenant, which the Israelites carried with them during their exile in the desert under the leadership of Moses. This to give visitors an impression of the religious life of the ancient Egyptians.

Details about this spot
The Biblical Museum | Art & culture | Entrance adults € 7.50
Herengracht 366-368 | Canals (area map) | +31206242436
Mon - Sat 10:00 -17:00, Sun (& holidays) 11:00 - 17:00

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Of course, this is a museum that can not be missed on a website about Amsterdam. Probably every tourist goes here, but that does not mean that I can not write about it!

I really do cherish this museum. They have a permanent collection of this great painter and every time several exhibitions around him. It is not only about the paintings of Van Gogh, but also about the story behind his paintings and of course his own life; how did he lived his life and where and what inspired him to make all of the paintings he made.

On Friday night the museum has a special evening act. Sometimes there is a DJ, another time a show from the conservatorium students or a symphonic orchestra or anything else you can think of. They really want to entertain the visitors.

What I also like about this museum is the building. The Van Gogh Museum consists of two buildings: the main structure designed by Gerrit Rietveld and opened in 1973, and the Exhibition Wing by Kisho Kurokawa

completed in 1999. Both of them are extraordinary buildings and you really must see them for yourselves.

Personally I go there about four times a year, just to see what has changed or has not changed. And every time I am impressed with his paintings!

Details about this spot
Van Gogh Museum | Art & culture | Adults € 12.50
Paulus Potterstraat 7 | Oud-Zuid (area map) | +31205705200
Sat - Thu 10:00 - 18:00, Fri 10:00 - 22:00

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