What do museums, bicycles, canals, and tulips have in common? They all work together to create the picturesque landscape of Amsterdam!
Famous for its quintessentially European style, Amsterdam is the perfect city to get lost in. Its diverse culture offers something for students of all ages! Here are some of Explorica’s ‘must-see-and-do’ activities while in the Netherlands’ dynamic capital.
Things to do:
Rijksmuseum
Amsterdam’s largest and most popular art museum opened in 1885 to house William V’s personal art collection. Now, it holds an unbelievable assortment of pieces from Rembrandt, Vermeer, and other Dutch masters along with an extensive collection of Asian and decorative arts. Make sure to head upstairs where you’ll find a collection of 17th and 18th-century dollhouses, furnished just as real houses of the time would have been!
Canal cruise
Enjoy a cruise down Amsterdam’s flower-lined canals in a glass-topped boat for amazing views of the narrow houses whose façades actually lean forward so that furniture can be easily hoisted into upstairs windows. You’ll also enjoy a look at of some of the city’s nearly 1,200 bridges!
Anne Frank House
Take a step back in history with an impactful visit to the Anne Frank house, where three different Jewish families eluded capture by the Nazis for more than two years during World War II. Anne’s famous diaries come to life as you experience the small space where she and her family lived before being betrayed and deported to concentration camps.
Things to eat:
Traditional Dutch Pannenkoeken Dinner
Be sure to enjoy a traditional Dutch dinner of pannenkoeken! These large, thin pancake treats fall somewhere between a an American pancake and a French crêpe. Much like their French cousins, pannenkoeken can be sweet or savory and they are topped with anything from bacon to apples or raisins and finished with a drizzle of stroop (a dark, thick molasses syrup).
Cheese
The Netherlands is known for its variety of tasty cheeses. Of course, the most well-known Dutch cheese is Gouda, but if you want to be adventurous, there are plenty of delicious alternatives in cheese shops around the city.
Fries
Did you know that the original French fries are actually from Belgium? Amsterdam natives are huge fans of Belgian style fries, so it’s no surprise that Amsterdam is home to Holland’s number one fry shop! Check out Manneken Pis fry shop near the central train station. There’s a ton of different sauces to pick from, so choose carefully!
Staff tip:
“Rent yourself a bike for an afternoon and explore. A short ride away from the main tourist sites you’ll find small markets and outdoor cafes the locals frequent!”
Sarah hegarty, Program Consultant, Boston office
Wanna go?
Let Explorica help! Check out our Amsterdam & Paris itinerary, and contact us to get started with your own personal program consultant.