Frans Hals Museum
A short stroll south of Grote Markt, the Frans Hals Museum is a must for anyone interested in the Dutch Masters. Located in the poorhouse where Hals spent his final years, the collection focuses on the 17th-century Haarlem School; its pride and joy are eight group portraits of the
Amsterdam Museum
Amsterdams history museum is a spiffy place to learn about what makes the city tick. Start with the multimedia DNA exhibit, which breaks down Amsterdams 1000-year history into seven whiz-bang time periods. Afterward, plunge into the maze-like lower floors to see troves of religious
Westfries Museum
Housed in the former seat of the Staten-College (States Council), the body that once governed seven towns in Noord-Holland, this absorbing museum has a rich collection of historical paintings – so rich that it was the target of art theft in 2005, when paintings worth €10 million we
Verzetsmuseum
This museum shows, in no uncertain terms, how much courage it takes to actively resist an adversary so ruthless that you cant trust neighbours, friends, even family. Exhibits give an insight into the difficulties faced by those who fought the German occupation during WWII from with
Mauritshuis
For a comprehensive introduction to Dutch and Flemish Art, visit the Mauritshuis, a jewel-box of a museum in an old palace and brand-new wing. Almost every work is a masterpiece, among them Vermeers Girl with a Pearl Earring, Rembrandts including a wistful self-portrait from the ye
Muiderslot
Built in 1280 by Count Floris V, son of Willem II, the exceptionally preserved moated fortress Muiderslot is equipped with round towers, a French innovation. The count was a champion of the poor and a French sympathiser, two factors that were bound to spell trouble; Floris was impr
Museum Broeker Veiling
The centrepiece of this engaging attraction is a vast auction house where farmers arrived with boatloads of produce then waited – afloat – inside, until they could paddle through an auction room where wholesale grocery buyers would bid on the produce. Built in 1878, it sits on 1900
Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum is the Netherlands premier art trove, splashing Rembrandts, Vermeers and 7500 other masterpieces over 1.5km of galleries. To avoid the biggest crowds, come after 3pm. Or prebook tickets online, which provides fast-track entry.The Golden Age works are the highlight.
Groninger Museum
Those arriving by train cant help but notice the Groninger Museum. Occupying three islands in the ring canal in front of the station, the museum is, at the very least, a striking structure that will draw an opinion from any observer. Within is a scintillating mix of international a
Royal Palace
Opened as a town hall in 1655, this building became a palace in the 19th century. The interiors gleam, especially the marble work – at its best in a floor inlaid with maps of the world in the great burgerzaal (citizens’ hall), which occupies the heart of the building. Pick up a fre
Ecomare
Initially created as a refuge for sick seals retrieved from the Waddenzee, Ecomare has expanded into an impressive nature centre devoted to the preservation and understanding of Texels wildlife. It has displays on Texels development since the last ice age and the islanders interact
Texel Dunes National Park
The patchwork of dune-scape running along the western coast of the island is a prime reason for visiting Texel. Salt fens and heath alternate with velvety, grass-covered dunes; plants endemic to the habitat include the dainty marsh orchid and orange-berried sea buckthorn. Much of t
Amsterdam Tulip Museum
Dont be dissuaded – or distracted – by the gift shop overflowing with floral souvenirs at the front of this small museum. And yes, it is small, but the Amsterdam Tulip Museum offers a nifty overview of the history of the countrys favourite bloom, and is a fascinating way to spend h
Begijnhof
This enclosed former convent dates from the early 14th century. It’s a surreal oasis of peace, with tiny houses and postage-stamp gardens around a well-kept courtyard. The Beguines were a Catholic order of unmarried or widowed women who cared for the elderly and lived a religious l
Museum Boijmans van Beuningen
Among Europes finest museums, the Museum Boijmans van Beuningen has a permanent collection spanning all eras of Dutch and European art, including superb old masters. Among the highlights are The Marriage Feast at Cana by Hieronymus Bosch, the Three Maries at the Open Sepulchre by V
Zuiderzeemuseum
This captivating museum consists of two sections, 300m apart: open-air Buitenmuseum, with more than 130 rebuilt and relocated dwellings and workshops, and indoor Binnenmuseum, devoted to farming, fishing and shipping. Visitors are encouraged to leave their vehicles at a car park (€
Doing business & staying in touch while in Netherlands
Netherlands: Doing business & staying in touch
Netherlands Weather, Climate and Geography
Netherlands Weather, climate and geography
Netherlands History, Language and Culture
Netherlands History, Language and Culture
Netherlands Travel Guide and Travel Information
Netherlands Travel Guide
