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MuseumpleinCulture & history

Our most recommended Museumplein Culture & history

Amsterdam: Rijksmuseum Entrance Ticket

1. Amsterdam: Rijksmuseum Entrance Ticket

Treat yourself to a wonderful day in one of Amsterdam’s grandest museums, the Rijksmuseum, located in the heart of the city. The Rijksmuseum's internationally revered collection features some of the nation’s most famous works, including historic art by Rembrandt, Frans Hals, Van Gogh, and others. Visitors can admire Rembrandt’s ‘The Night Watch’, which takes pride of place in a beautifully lit hall allowing visitors to enjoy every tiny detail. Gaze also upon 'The Jewish Bride'. This last painting reduced Vincent van Gogh to tears who, upon visiting the Rijksmuseum shortly after it opened, wrote in a letter that he would gladly give up ten years of his life to sit in front of the painting for two weeks, eating only a stale crust of bread. Visitors can expect much more than just paintings by Dutch Masters from the Golden Age. The Rijksmuseum’s expansive, evocative collection also includes Delftware, sculptures, archaeological artifacts, clothing, Asian art, prints, items from Dutch maritime history, and many other culturally significant objects, all combining to vividly retell 800 years of Dutch history within a global context. And naturally, the collection isn't frozen in time – new items such as a Mondrian-inspired dress by Yves Saint Laurent dating from 1965 can also be seen. The largest research and restoration project ever for 'The Night Watch' has started. This is happening live in the museum and you can be part of it and support the project with a donation.

Amsterdam: House of Bols Admission Ticket

2. Amsterdam: House of Bols Admission Ticket

At the House of Bols you’ll learn about the history of Lucas Bols, the world’s oldest distilled spirit brand, which has been making liqueurs in Amsterdam since 1575! You’ll also discover Bols Genever, Holland’s rediscovered cocktail spirit, which dates back to 1820. On this 90-minute visit, the House of Bols will take you on a spectacular journey that incorporates flavors, aromas, images, sound, and film. The self-guided tour includes the Hall of Taste, where you’ll find all 38 Bols liqueurs, the Delft Blue Room, the World of Cocktails Club, and the Bols Genever Room. Your self-guided tour ends in the revolutionary Mirror Bar, where bartenders will mix your preferred Bols Genever and liqueur cocktail before your very eyes. If you’d like to learn the art of flair bartending you can do so in the magical Flair Booth with the specially designed Bols flair bottles. Cocktail enthusiasts can also shop till they drop in the Bols Shop or enjoy a second Bols cocktail for just EUR 6.00. As the winner of the Dutch Design Award for Best Exhibition and Experience, the House of Bols is proving that heritage and history mix perfectly with innovation and contemporary design. The House of Bols is located in Amsterdam’s famous Museum Quarter, across from the Van Gogh Museum and next to the Rijksmuseum.

Amsterdam: Guided Bike Tour of Central Amsterdam

3. Amsterdam: Guided Bike Tour of Central Amsterdam

Discover the sights of central Amsterdam with an expert guide riding by your side. You’ll learn about the city’s culture, see important historical sites, and famous hotspots as well as lesser-known local favorites.  Start your journey near the central station, pass the impressive A’DAM Tower, and ride over to the Western Islands, which are filled with charming drawbridges, old warehouses, and chic artists' studios.  Continue along the Brouwersgracht Canal and visit the trendy Jordaan and 9 Street districts flanked by indie boutiques, cozy cafes, and hip eateries. As you ride deeper into the city center, you will enter the Grachtengordel neighborhood and zoom past the Westerkerk (Western Church) and the historic Anne Frank House.  Feel the buzz of music and street performers around Leidseplein Square, a busy theater district with a buzzing nightlife.  After so much excitement, enjoy a pleasant break in the Vondelpark, the largest park in Amsterdam and the most famous park in the Netherlands. Feeling recharged, circle the Museum Quarter and ride through the narrow streets of the Bohemian-influenced De Pijp neighborhood.  Cross the iconic Magere Brug (skinny bridge), a wooden drawbridge over the River Amstel, and arrive at the famed Artis Zoo leading into the Maritime Quarter.  Admire the impressive replica of a 17th-century Dutch East Indian Company ship at the Salt Harbour, before returning to back where your bike journey began.

Amsterdam: Stedelijk Museum Entry Ticket

4. Amsterdam: Stedelijk Museum Entry Ticket

Explore various artifacts and artworks with a entry ticket to Stedelijk Museum. Enjoy your priority access and learn about modern and contemporary art. Discover key art movements at the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam, also known as the most important museum of modern and contemporary art and design in the Netherlands. Situated on Museumplein, where it first opened in 1895, it is a neighbor to the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum. Having undergone extensive renovation, the historic Stedelijk building has been expanded with the addition of a futuristic new wing. The addition has been a huge hit with visitors since the facility’s reopening in 2012. Get priority access to a collection of 90,000 artifacts. Admire extraordinary works by world-renowned artists, including a great number of pieces by major 20th-century Dutch artists. The permanent collection is one of the most important collections of modern and contemporary art and design in the world. The most meaningful movements in both art and design are represented by (inter)national artists and designers who are helping to shape the changes of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. With well-known works together with lesser-known highlights by, amongst others, Vincent van Gogh, Marc Chagall, Piet Mondrian, Yayoi Kusama, Andy Warhol, Henri Matisse, Jackson Pollock, Nicolaas Warb, Gerrit Rietveld, El Anatsui, Marlene Dumas and Charley Toorop. The collection, organized thematically and in a loose chronology, emphasizes that art and design develop alongside social movements and bear multiple histories that encompass diverse perspectives.

Amsterdam: Private City Highlights Tour by Rickshaw

5. Amsterdam: Private City Highlights Tour by Rickshaw

Explore Amsterdam from the back of a bicycle taxi and see places you wouldn't be able to reach on a bus tour. Choose the 1-hour or 2-hour private guided tour and discover the city's most iconic attractions along the way, from the bustling Nieuwmarkt to the Skinny Bridge, and more. Begin your journey with a convenient pickup from your hotel and ride over to Dam Square, created in the 13th century when a dam was built around the Amstel to prevent the sea from flooding the city. Move on to the iconic Red-Light District, with its racy but friendly atmosphere before peddling past the restaurants and shops of Chinatown. Continue toward the lively Nieuwmarkt and the busy Rembrandtplein, famous for its nightlife. See the Magere Brug over the river Amstel and admire the 3 museum buildings surrounding the Museumplein. Finally, immerse yourself in the trendy shops of the 9 Small Streets area. If you booked the 2-hour tour, enjoy extra sightings of the Vondelpark, the impressive eight-sided De Gooyer Windmill, and the Rembrandt House, where the famous painter once lived. Finish your journey with a ride through the Jordaan district and marvel at the area's beautiful homes and trendy restaurants.

Amsterdam: Once Upon a Time Clock Exhibition Ticket

6. Amsterdam: Once Upon a Time Clock Exhibition Ticket

Step into Amsterdam's famous Museumplein to see the most time-efficient exhibition on the block. Explore the Once Upon a Time collection with an entry ticket and audio guide, and take your time walking through rooms full of beautifully-crafted clocks. Access the interesting Once Upon a Time exhibition. Become immersed in a fairytale as you discover the craftsmanship of French clockmakers from the 19th century. Explore several displays of breathtaking pieces that depict tales of antiquity, capture rare animals, and glow with universal beauty. Listen to the audio guide to learn more about each clock you see. When you've finished exploring the gallery, take the chance to sit at the cafe with a hot drink and admire great views over the main square.

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What people are saying about Museumplein

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 41 reviews

I was in Amsterdam in January. The Rijksmuseum entry was a little chaotic since you needed to buy tickets from a third party beforehand but once inside it was fantastic. I focused on the old masters. I love Vermeer and was able to get up close despite that being the most crowded part of the museum. The collection leading up to his paintings really gave an understanding of the art that created his work.

Amazing experience! We had the best morning! Rad, our tour guide, was great! We had a private tour as we were the only ones and it was fab! Very informative and lovely way to see Amsterdam!

We had Chris as our guide and he was excellent - brilliant knowledge about Amsterdam and we thoroughly enjoyed the bike tour - a must do activity!

Had a wonderful time at the museum. Easy access thanks to Get Your Guide app. Recommended

Amazing, great experience well worth it, one of the best things we did