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The Best Museums in Amsterdam: A Journey Through Art, History & the Completely Unexpected

The Best Museums in Amsterdam: A Journey Through Art, History & the Completely Unexpected

Amsterdam might be better known for bikes, canals, or that questionable coffee shop experience your cousin won't stop referencing. But guess what? The Dutch capital is one of Europe’s richest cities when it comes to museums. Whether you're a Rembrandt romantic, a World War II history buff, or simply someone chasing beautiful things, the best museums in Amsterdam serve up a buffet of artistic genius and cultural grit. And yes, you can still get a stroopwafel after.

From timeless paintings to contemporary installations (and even cats—we’ll get to that), here’s your definitive, delightfully witty guide to the best museums Amsterdam has to offer.

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Rijksmuseum: Where Dutch Masterpieces Pose for You

Let’s start grand.

Beyond the canvas, the Rijksmuseum also flaunts furniture, weaponry, and centuries of design. Basically, it’s your crash course in Dutch culture without the jet lag. Plan for a few hours and a post-visit coffee at the gorgeous museum café. It feels like sipping cappuccino inside a Rembrandt.

📍 Museumstraat 1 | Tickets: €22.50 (Adults)

The Rijksmuseum isn’t just a museum—it’s a temple devoted to the Dutch Golden Age, and painters who had a thing for lighting and lace (we’re looking at you, Vermeer). Inside this neo-Gothic palace, you’ll find Rembrandt’s The Night Watch, several stunning pieces by Frans Hals and Judith Leyster, and yes—more tulip-adjacent paintings than your Instagram can handle.

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Van Gogh Museum: Sunflowers, Ear Drama & the Psyche of a Genius

Yes, the Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear draws crowds. But don’t miss The Bedroom, or Wheatfield with Crows—his visual anxiety is practically audible. And the museum’s curation doesn’t just display paintings, it narrates them. Painfully honest, poignantly human, and wonderfully well-lit.

Round the corner and plunge into the whirring mind of Vincent van Gogh. With over 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and plenty of emotionally volatile letters, the Van Gogh Museum allows you to trace Vincent's journey from obscurity to icon.

📍 Museumplein 6 | Tickets: €20 (Online reservations essential)

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Stedelijk Museum: Modern & Contemporary Artists Gone Wild

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This white bathtub of a building houses Amsterdam’s top destination for modern and contemporary art—and it’s where bold meets bonkers.

From Kazimir Malevich to Yayoi Kusama’s polka-dotted infinity, the Stedelijk is as much about ideas as artwork. It’s colorful, provocative, and unapologetically weird. Expect installations that may confuse, shock, or convert you. Either way, dress in black—it just goes better with the décor.

📍 Museumplein 10 | Tickets: €20

Anne Frank House: The Diary That Moved the World

Sobering, necessary, and unforgettable.

Anne Frank’s hiding place along the Prinsengracht canal is less “museum,” more “moral pilgrimage.” Walk through the narrow staircases and behind the swinging bookcase to glimpse the Secret Annex that sheltered Anne, her family, and others during Nazi occupation. Her original diary, encased in protective glass, remains heartbreakingly real.

Tickets often sell out weeks in advance—book early, brace emotionally, and be respectful. This is where memory matters most.

📍 Prinsengracht 263-267 | Tickets: €16 (Online booking only)

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Hermitage Amsterdam (Now H'ART Museum): Russian Art with Dutch Views

This impressive offshoot of the Hermitage in St. Petersburg merged classic Russian opulence with naturally understated Dutch staging. Now renovated as H’ART Museum, it curates masterworks from partner museums like The British Museum, Centre Pompidou, and Smithsonian. The result? A rotating international blockbuster just beside the Amstel River.

It’s the Louvre without the chaos, and the gift shop is a knockout.

📍 Amstel 51 | Tickets: €20

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NEMO Science Museum: For the Pint-Size Einstein (and Adults Who Never Grew Up)

It’s ideal for kids, yes—but don’t be fooled. Adults can also enjoy the giant soap bubbles and electricity demonstrations with total dignity (okay, maybe half dignified).

📍 Oosterdok 2 | Tickets: €17.50 (Free under 4)

If “interactive experiments” and “rooftop views” get your serotonin bouncing, then add NEMO to your cultural rundown. A ship-shaped building of green copper rising over the harbor, NEMO is Amsterdam’s playground of science and innovation.

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Museum of the Canals: Where Boats and Bricks Tell Stories

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Amsterdam and canals go together like stroopwafels and coffee. But the Museum of the Canals (Het Grachtenhuis) goes deeper, showing you how 17th-century urban masterminds transformed swampland into real estate gold.

It’s immersive, fun, and refreshingly compact. Bonus: the museum itself is inside a historic canal house, so you’re essentially walking through the exhibit.

📍 Herengracht 386 | Tickets: €15


For the Offbeat: Museum Van Loon, FOAM & the KattenKabinet (Yes, a Cat Museum)

Museum Van Loon offers a peek into aristocratic life among chandeliers, oil portraits, and a tidy secret garden.

FOAM is your stop for cutting-edge photography and soul-piercing portraits.

And then—there’s the KattenKabinet: a full-blown art museum…about cats. Felines in portraits, cats in sculptures, and (on occasion) actual cats roaming the rooms. Not weird at all.

Local Tip: Get the I Amsterdam City Card

Planning to museum hop like a pro? Grab the I Amsterdam City Card for free access to most museums and public transport. It pays for itself by your third museum selfie.

Amsterdam City Website: https://www.iamsterdam.com

Conclusion: Not Just Canals and Cannabis

Yes, Amsterdam has its vices and its Instagrammable canals. But the true magic lies behind museum walls—where Dutch painters steal your breath, Holocaust stories stop your heart, and cats become high art. Whether you're here for two days or ten, make room in your itinerary, mind, and possibly your soul, for Amsterdam’s remarkable museums.

Because as you’ll quickly discover: this isn’t just a city to see. It’s a city to feel, frame, and remember.

Museum-hopping never looked this good.

Ready to plan your Amsterdam itinerary? Start with the official tourism site: https://www.iamsterdam.com

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Are Amsterdam museums kid-friendly?

A: Absolutely! NEMO Science Museum and the Amsterdam Museum are fantastic for younger explorers. The Rijksmuseum also has family-friendly tours and art activities.

Q: When is the best time to visit museums in Amsterdam?

A: Weekday mornings are your best bet to dodge crowds. Try visiting in spring or autumn when weather is mild and the selfie-stick brigade thins out.

Q: Can I take photos inside Amsterdam’s museums?

A: It varies. The Rijksmuseum allows non-flash photography; Van Gogh Museum—no photos. Always check museum rules (and don’t be that person with the iPad camera).


Q: What are the best art museums in Amsterdam?

A: The top art museums in Amsterdam include the Rijksmuseum (Dutch masters), Van Gogh Museum (post-Impressionist works), and the Stedelijk Museum (modern and contemporary art). Each offers a unique lens into both Dutch and global artistry.

Q: Is the I Amsterdam City Card worth it for museum lovers?

A: Yes. If you plan on visiting multiple museums, use public transportation, and maybe squeeze in a canal tour, this card is a smart investment that includes free admission to most top museums.

Istanbul’s Nightlife: A Dazzling Dance Between Tradition and Trend

Istanbul’s Nightlife: A Dazzling Dance Between Tradition and Trend

istanbul cruise

Istanbul is a city that never truly sleeps. From the labyrinthine streets of Beyoğlu alive with laughter and live music to the mesmerizing Bosphorus cruises where the city lights twinkle like diamonds on the water, the nightlife in Istanbul is a heady blend of old-world charm and modern revelry. Whether you're sipping rakı by the Golden Horn or losing yourself in the beats of a world-class DJ at a rooftop club, this city knows how to put on a show when the sun goes down.

Where the Night Comes Alive

**Beyoğlu & Istiklal Street – The Beating Heart**  

If Istanbul's nightlife had a capital, it would be Beyoğlu. Istiklal Street, the city's famous pedestrian boulevard, is lined with everything from century-old meyhanes (Turkish taverns) to cutting-edge speakeasies. Start your night at **Nevizade Street**, where raucous conversations float through the air along with the scent of grilled fish and anise-scented rakı. Then, move on to one of the district’s pulsating clubs, like **Babylon** or **Nardis Jazz Club**, where live music ranges from jazz to Turkish rock.  

**Karaköy – Chic, Stylish, and Oh-So-Trendy**  

What was once an unassuming dockside district has transformed into a hipster paradise. Karaköy is the place for craft cocktails, stylish café-bars, and late-night art exhibitions. Hit up **Mitte Karaköy** for sleek cocktails and an effortlessly cool crowd, or check out **Finn Karaköy**, known for inventive drinks and an intimate atmosphere.

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**Ortaköy & The Bosphorus – Where the View Stuns**  

If you’re looking for a more upscale evening with unbeatable views, the Bosphorus waterfront is the place to be. **Sortie**, an extravagant open-air club, combines stellar DJs, spectacular views, and a chic crowd in one glamorous package. Another must-visit is **Reina**—a legendary venue where global celebrities once partied under the Istanbul skyline.  

**Kadıköy – The Asian Side’s Bohemian Hideout**  

Nightlife isn't limited to the European side. Jump on a ferry to Kadıköy, where you’ll find a younger, more indie vibe. Bar-lined **Moda** and **Kadife Street** (aka Bar Street) buzz with energy, offering everything from small punk bars to stylish rooftops with local DJs. If you love craft beer, **Arkaoda** is the place to go, known for its laid-back vibe and underground music scene.

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Must-Try Istanbul Nightlife Experiences

💃 **Oriental Nights (Belly Dance Shows & Turkish Entertainment)**: If you want dinner and a show, spots like **Sultana’s 1001 Nights** offer dazzling performances of traditional Turkish dance and music.  

🎶 **Live Music & Jazz**: **Salon IKSV** and **Nardis Jazz Club** are havens for live performances, featuring both Turkish legends and international artists.

🔥 **Meyhane Night (Turkish Tavern Tradition)**: Enjoy endless rounds of mezze, fresh seafood, and live fasıl music in a traditional meyhane. Try **Yakup 2** or **Asmali Cavit** for an authentic experience.  

**Bosphorus Night Cruise**: Watching the glittering skyline from a boat under the moonlight is pure Istanbul magic. Companies like TURYOL offer excellent night cruises.

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Istanbul After Dark: Food & Late-Night Eats
Istanbulites don’t just drink—the food game is just as strong after dark. If it’s 3 AM and you need something to soak up the rakı, don’t miss out on:  

🍽 **İskender Kebab** – Hot, buttery, and perfect for post-club cravings. Try **Kızılkayalar** in Taksim.  

🧀 **Simit & Tea by the Bosphorus** – A simple yet soul-warming midnight snack.  

🌮 **Kokoreç (Grilled Lamb Intestines)** – Sounds intimidating, but it’s a local legend. Get yours at **Şampiyon Kokoreç**

Final Thoughts: Why Istanbul at Night Is Unforgettable

Istanbul’s nightlife isn’t just about bars and clubs—it’s an experience. Whether you're sipping tea in a historic café, swaying to a Turkish folk band, or living it up in a high-energy rooftop lounge, this city delivers a tapestry of unforgettable moments. So, grab a glass of rakı, embrace the music, and let Istanbul enchant you—one midnight at a time.

FAQs (People Also Ask) 

**3. What is the legal drinking age in Istanbul?**  

The legal drinking age in Turkey is 18.  

**4. What are Istanbul’s best rooftop bars?**  

Some must-visit rooftop bars include **Mikla**, **16 Roof at Swissôtel**, and **Spago at St. Regis Istanbul**—each offering stunning views of the city.  

**5. What time do clubs close in Istanbul?**  

Most clubs in Istanbul stay open until 4-5 AM, especially on weekends.

**1. Is Istanbul safe for nightlife?** 

Yes! Istanbul’s nightlife is generally safe, especially in popular areas like Beyoğlu, Kadıköy, and Karaköy. Just like in any big city, stay aware of your surroundings and avoid unlicensed taxis.  

**2. Can you drink alcohol in Istanbul?**  

Absolutely! While Turkey is a Muslim-majority country, alcohol is widely available in bars, clubs, and meyhanes throughout the city.

For more information, check out the official Istanbul tourism website

Istanbul at night is a world of its own—ready to dive in? 🚀

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Top Three Reason Why the Greek Islands is the Ultimate Summer Destination

Top Three Reason Why the Greek Islands is the Ultimate Summer Destination

It's hard to imagine a more picturesque destination for your European Summer adventures than the Greek Islands. Laced with wondrous ocean landscapes, delectable food, unique architecture, and myths any history buff would want to discover. You can never contest how it has become the continent's most popular destination. Enjoy the island breeze and sip wine in one of the many local restaurants while enjoying one of the most stunning sunsets in the world. So what are you waiting for? Download the Greek Islands Travel Guide and Offline Map now and let the adventure begin!

1. Santorini

Although there are plenty of islands to choose from, Santorini is considered to be the most spectacular. Its cliff-side homes with their iconic white and blue color combination are very symbolic of Greece. Catch the sunset in Oia, visit the many historical sites, and go for a winery tour--Santorini offers so much more than just great sceneries. It may be touristy but the prices are surprising low which makes it possible for you to soak up the sun on this beautiful island even longer.

2. Archaeological Museum of Heraklion

People flock to Crete for many reasons, but one thing is never missed while spending time here--visiting Greece's second largest and most important museum. The two-story revamped 1930’s Bauhaus building makes a gleaming backdrop for artifacts spanning 5,500 years from Neolithic to Roman times, including a Minoan collection of unparalleled richness. The rooms are color-coded and displays are arranged both chronologically and thematically and presented with descriptions in English. A visit here will greatly enhance your understanding of Crete’s rich history. Don’t skip it.

3. Temple of Olympian Zeus

While you are walking about Athens, this is an incredible archaeological site to stop at. This temple is massive and took over 700 years to construct (dating back to the sixth century). A can't-miss on two counts: it's a marvelous temple, the largest in Greece, and it's smack in the center of Athens. The temple is impressive for the sheer size of its 104 Corinthian columns, of which 15 remain – the fallen column was blown down in a gale in 1852.

Learn more about other destinations that offer unique experiences by checking out eTips.

Top Three Spots to Visit in Nice, the Epitome of the French Riviera

Top Three Spots to Visit in Nice, the Epitome of the French Riviera

Do you have a trip planned to France during the European Winter, but can't take much cold weather? Then Nice is the place for you where the sun shines all year round. This 19th-century picturesque coastal city has everything you could ask for. It is filled with great markets, a bewitching old town, and of course, beautiful architecture. There's no better way to enjoy what the French Riviera has to offer than in Nice. So what are you waiting for? Download the Nice Travel Guide and Offline Map and head over to Nice!

1.     Vieux Nice

Nice' Old Town is such a treat for any explorer. With its well-preserved buildings from the 1700's, you won't mind getting lost in its narrow, winding alleyways. For all its delis, restaurants, and bars, there is one place that will instantly draw you in--the Saleya. A huge market square that's divided into sections. The most famous being the food market filled with fresh produce and foodie souvenirs and the flower market for all your fresh blooms and fragrances need.

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2.      Promenade des Anglais

In 2015 this famous 4-kilometer stretch of the Baie des Anges was submitted as a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage status. And rightly so, the sweeping promenade is filled with historic landmarks including the Hôtel Negresco, the art-deco Palais de la Méditerranée (1929) and Niçoise sculptor Sabine Géraudie’s giant iron sculpture La Chaise de SAB (2014), which pays homage to the city’s famous blue-and-white beach chairs.

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3.     Musée Matisse

The brightly colored museum in the heart of the Cimiez quarter is home to a multitude of works by Henri Matisse. The fascinating art pieces range from oil paintings, drawings, sculptures, tapestries, and his most famous paper cut-outs. They are displayed as a permanent collection in a red-ochre 17th-century Genoese villa surrounded by an olive grove. Matisse himself is buried in the Monastère Notre Dame de Cimiez cemetery, across the park from the museum.

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There's More to Sardinia than its Picturesque Coastlines

There's More to Sardinia than its Picturesque Coastlines

Sardinian is the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and has nearly 2,000 kilometers of coastline. But beyond its famous sandy beaches and rugged landscapes, Sardinia also offers a mountainous interior crossed with hiking trails. Its landscape is dotted with thousands of mysterious Bronze Age stone ruins called Nuraghi. These ruins are shaped like beehives and one of the oldest and largest Nuraghi is said to date back to 1500 B.C. What are you waiting for? Take that trip to beautiful Sardinia with the Sardinia Travel Guide and Offline Map.

1.      Nuraghe Su Nuraxi

What's a trip to Sardinia without visiting its sole UNESCO World Heritage Site and the island's most famous Nuraghi. The Su Nuraxi is a 1500 B.C. tower. It once stood on its own but was later incorporated into a fortified compound. Many of the neighboring buildings were erected in the Iron Age and this makes the beehive of circular interlocking buildings that tumble down the hillside. The Nuraxi tower, the oldest part of the complex, originally rose to a height of 18.6m and had three floors.

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2.      Alghero

Like the rest of Italy, Sardinia is home to many medieval cities, but Alghero is probably one of the best on the island. Its picturesque historic center is one of the best preserved in Sardinia and is a great place to wind down and relax with an abundance of restaurants and bars to choose from. It is enclosed by robust, honey-colored sea walls; it's a tightly knit enclave of cobbled lanes, Gothic palazzi and cafe-lined piazzas. Alghero makes an ideal place to stay between exploring the beaches and the nearby Riviera del Corallo.

3.      Costa Smeralda

Famous for its brilliant green-blue waters, Costa Smeralda or the Emerald Coast's beauty has drawn millionaires, royals, and business moguls to its coastline. Starting at the Golfo di Cugnana, the Costa stretches 55 kilometers northwards to the Golfo di Arzachena. The most famous spot among the yachties is the Porto Cervo, although Porto Rotondo comes to a close second with its attractive seafront promenade.

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3 Towns you should visit in Cinque Terre

3 Towns you should visit in Cinque Terre

There are lots to see in Cinque Terre, after all, it is literally mean "five lands" for the five villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare along the Northern West coast of Italy on the Mediterranean Sea. Besides the Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre is one of the most popular stretches of the Italian Riviera. The five towns are full of colorful houses and vineyards that sit on steep terraces, harbors are filled with fishing boats, and trattorias turn out seafood specialties along with the Liguria region’s famous pesto sauce. Enjoy your visit to Cinque Terre by downloading the Cinque Terre Travel Guide and Offline Map.

1.      Riomaggiore

You've probably seen pictures of it all over social media, the colorful tower houses overlooking a quaint, sheltered beach. Yes, that's Riomaggiore and is the second largest town in Cinque Terre. Some of the places to visit are the Port of Riomaggiore, Church of San Giovanni, the Guardiola, and the Centre for Environmental Education and Naturalistic Observation. It's also known for its locally-produced wine and is the hometown of the Wine Cooperative of the Cinque Terre region. A notable feature is also the Riomaggiore castle, it was once used as a lookout for Saracen incursions, but now offers lodging and is open for events.

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2.      Manrola

Manrola might be one of the smallest towns, but it is rich in culture and is the oldest. This ancient Roman town is huddled atop a headland of dark rock. Asides from its picturesque beauty, it is known to attract visitors from all over Italy and the world for its Nativity scene with 300 life-sized statues made from recycled materials. The church that is dedicated to the Nativity was once used as a lookout tower.

3.      Monterosso

This town has one the of the more interesting architectures in the region. During the 11th century to protect the town from Saracen pirates and rival Pisans, fortifications were increased thus defending the people from attacks. Here' you'll find the Church of San Giovanni Battista and the Aurora Tower. The famous depiction of the Crucifixion by Van Dyck himself is housed in the monastery of Cappuccini, which is connected to the church of San Francesco.

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Best places to to put your feet on at the Amalfi Coast!

Best places to to put your feet on at the Amalfi Coast!

Italy has become one of Europe's most popular Summer destinations and with beauties like the Amalfi Coast, it's really no surprise as to why. With its steep, picturesque cliffs, and sparkling views that's been considered an outstanding example of a Mediterranean landscape by UNESCO, it has fast become one of Italy's most popular destinations. And you've probably seen it all over social media these days as there are picture perfect moments at every turn. Download the Amalfi Coast Travel Guide and Offline City Map and start planning your next Summer escapades.

1.      Positano

This famed Italian destination is every photographer and travel blogger's dream. The village is home to tiny, winding roads that run down to the sea and are lined with restaurants, shops, and a cascade of pastel-colored boutiques and hotels. It's the most photogenic town you'll ever see. Positano is a popular destination for couples looking for a romantic getaway as well as families and groups stopping through on day tours. Spend hours wandering the winding roads of the village and explore the beach path that hugs the mountainside and ends up at the watch tour castles. Every turn brings something new and exciting into view. As you meander through Positano, the charm of this otherworldly town is intoxicating.

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2.      Amalfi Cathedral

You might ask yourself why Amalfi, for such a small place, has its fair share of monuments, not least the spectacular cathedral. It was, of course, one of the four powerful Maritime Republics and established many commercial relationships not least with traders from the Orient. The Cathedral complex is formed of the 'Cloister of Paradise', the 'Basilica of the Crucifix', which houses the Museum, the 'Crypt of St. Andrew' and the Cathedral. Concealing the original Romanesque church, the Baroque interior we see today dates from the early 18th century as do a number of paintings celebrating St. Andrew. Look out for a canvas by Andrea D’Asta on the main altar showing St. Andrew on the Cross. Two superb antique granite columns from Paestum support the triumphal arch of the main apse.

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3.      Amalfi Paper Museum

Located in an ancient XIV century medieval paper-mill, along the road to the Ferriere Valley, Amalfi's Paper Museum is, no doubt, one of the most original museums on the Amalfi coast. It was founded in 1969 by Nicola Milano, owner of the paper-mill and member of one of the most famous families working in the paper production. It hosts machineries and instruments used in the ancient paper-mills. The ancient technologies, restored and active, reconstruct the entire production cycle of the paper. Among the century-old tools in the Museum it is possible to admire the ancient wooden mauls, operated by an hydraulic wheel, the press used to remove the water in excess from the paper, the continuous printing machine and the Dutch machine.

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