Winter Escape: Discover the Netherlands' Hidden Charms

Must-See Sights

• Old TownHistoric Landmarks
  The basis of the old joke that 'God created Earth, but the Dutch created the Netherlands' can best be seen in the horseshoe-shaped old center of Old Town Amsterdam. Early Amsterdamers reclaimed much of their city from the sea, building the perfectly straight canals to keep the new land dry. As you explore the old town, you see most of the picture-perfect gabled houses still retain their winch beams and hooks for hauling goods to the attic. You can easily spend a day wandering the cobbled streets and canals, taking pictures, inspecting the houseboats that line the channels, and stopping off at cafes and bars.
• Museum QuarterMuseums & Galleries
  The Museum Quarter forms the cultural hub of Amsterdam and is a mecca for art and culture lovers. Arranged in a tight knot on the aptly named Museumplein, this area is home to a trio of museums that showcase the best of Dutch art from throughout the ages. The venerable Rijksmuseum boasts a much-admired collection of paintings by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Frans Hals, stars of the 17th century Dutch Baroque style. Across the way at the Van Gogh Museum, sunflowers wither and irises bloom in the world’s largest collection of paintings by the Post-Impressionist master. Meanwhile, modern art, a specialty of the forward-looking Dutch, can be found at the Stedelijk Museum.
• JordaanNightlife & Local Scene
  A hop-skip away from the commotion of inner-city Amsterdam is the cultured, happening neighborhood of Jordaan. What started out as a poor and working-class area is now a trendy hotspot filled with farmer’s markets, art galleries, local boutiques, and cute cafes. Jordaan fans out behind Westerkerk, the 17th-century church that Amsterdam has adopted as its city icon. In the web of streets behind the church, you’ll find a plethora of street markets, selling everything from brand name items and textiles, to fresh produce and handmade souvenirs. As you wander Jordaan, you can browse the stalls and sample a taste of the local lifestyle.
• Old Jewish QuarterJewish Heritage
  Jewish heritage is enshrined in this district of Amsterdam, known as Jodenbuurt. Jewish people have lived in this part of Amsterdam for centuries. The area’s main synagogue, the Portuguese Synagogue, illustrates what life would have been like in the 17th century. Also known as Esnoga’s, the synagogue interior has never been adapted to modern times. It has no heating or electric lighting and is illuminated with almost 1,000 candles. For both Jewish and non-Jewish people alike, visiting this temple is a reverent experience and something special to behold. This area is not without its tragic past. Before the Holocaust and WWII, approximately 75-80,000 Jewish people lived in Amsterdam. After the war, not many returned. The Jewish Historical Museum, Holocaust Museum, and Holocaust Memorial pay respect to the fates of those who never came back.
• Eastern DistrictsMuseums & Galleries
  The Eastern Districts of Amsterdam include the Eastern Docklands, Weesperbuurt, and Plantage. This part of town makes for a great family-friendly day out, with a wide array of museums and activities suitable for all ages. Have a blast at ARTIS Royal Zoo or experiment at the NEMO Science Museum. Both boast plenty of hands-on exhibits. Culture aficionados will appreciate the National Opera & Ballet and the Hermitage Museum, Amsterdam’s chapter of the famed museum in Saint Petersburg. A leisurely stroll through Amsterdam Hortus Botanicus, one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, is sure to appeal to any nature fans.
• Anne Frank House Historic Landmarks
  The Anne Frank House is an essential pilgrimage for anyone familiar with Anne Franks’s diary. During the Nazi occupation of Amsterdam, teenage Anne and her Jewish family spent two years and one month hiding from the authorities, surviving in an annex built behind a warehouse. They were tragically discovered and sent away to concentration camps. Only Anne’s father, Otto Frank, survived. Anne kept a diary of her time in the annex, which was published shortly after the war. This diary has become an international symbol of hope and youth in times of conflict and persecution. Today you can tour the rooms where the family hid. More than just a place to see, the Anne Frank House is somewhere you can feel as you imagine the lives of the people who hid there.
• Cycling in AmsterdamHiking, Biking & Kayaking
  Biking is one of the top forms of transportation in the Netherlands, and for a good reason. The country is relatively flat and compact, making it easy to cycle from place to place. Amsterdam is known to be one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world. You’ll find everyone navigates the city by bike, from children and the elderly to locals and tourists alike. Thanks to the many cycling lanes throughout the city, and well-directed traffic, cycling is often easier than taking Amsterdam’s public transport system. Even tourists find the city simple to navigate. As well as being cheap to rent, a bicycle offers the freedom to explore the city as you please, making stops wherever takes your fancy.