If you’ve been to Amsterdam or even done a little bit of research, you will have heard about the Museumplein or the famous Museum Square in Amsterdam. This area of the city houses loads of museums, parks, cafes, restaurants and more.
We’ve been to Amsterdam numerous times but somehow it was only recently that I truly explored this area. When I say explored, I mean that we stayed and spent five whole days combing through the iconic things to do in the Museum Square, Amsterdam.
From the numerous museums to the luxury spots to stay and numerous places where you can indulge our taste buds, we did not run out of things to do in the Museum Square in Amsterdam. That’s why I highly recommend spending time in this part of the city.
So if you are headed to this part of the city, I will recommend saving this page because the in depth guide will give you all the information that you need.
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Where To Stay In The Museumplein, Amsterdam
Loads of people keep asking me about the best places to stay in Amsterdam and some of the best places are in Museumplein. You will find that there are loads of options when it comes to places to stay in the Museum Quarter and if you follow the link you will see the comparisons I’ve made between each of them. For the purpose of this article however, will give you a few recommendations.
- Luxury: Amsterdam Marriott Hotel
- Mid-Range: Park Centraal Amsterdam
- Budget: Stayokay Hostel Vondelpark
Things To Do In The Museum Square, Amsterdam
You will hear a number of synonyms for this area of Amsterdam. Some people will refer to it as the museum quarter, others as Museumplien or Museum Square. The one thing that is constant however is that one of the most popular things to do in the Museum Square, Amsterdam is to visit all the museums because that is what the square was named after.
There is however some other pretty cool stuff that you can do too and I’ll let you know about it in just a bit so make sure that you stick around.
1. Learn About Art And History At The Rijksmuseum
⭐️ Rating: 4.7/5 (16,799 Reviews) Price: $26 per person Duration: Valid for 1 day 📍Meeting Point: Rijksmuseum Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
When it comes to the museums in Amsterdam, none of them can quite compare to the Rijksmuseum. The museum is huge and highly popular. In fact, it is so popular that during the peak season you will find that the tickets are sold out weeks in advance. This is why I always recommend booking you tickets to the Rijksmuseum in advance.
In fact, I have the museumkaart which gives me free access to many of the museums in the Netherlands. I pre booked our slots during the low tourist season so you know just how popular the place is. The Rijksmuseum is also one of the most photographed buildings in Amsterdam because it has a super cool facade and even the interiors are impressive.
“The museum is very nice and clean. Everything flows and the displays are phenomenal. I would recommend this museum to anyone.”
Kyle (read more reviews now!)
It houses works from many of the well known masters that includes Rembrant, Van Gogh and Vermeer among others. You can get an audio guide for an additional fee but I recommend downloading the app which is free. Just make sure to carry your earphones along with you.
Oh and inside the museum is the Cuypers library which is the largest and oldest library in the country. It is also one of the most Instagrammable spots in the city so keep your camera at hand. Oh and don’t forget to pair it with one of the cool Amsterdam quotes and captions that we’ve talked about before. Its bound to give your Insta a boost!
The best part about the Rijksmuseum is that it has a route for kids so there is something to do depending on which season you visit. We had arts and crafts, learning charcoal sketching and more during our visit. Plus it is very accessible for everyone.
The downside is that lifts are slow and people who don’t need them also use them which makes the process of getting from floor to floor difficult at times. It is still worth the weight. It is definitely one of the top things to do in the Museum Quarter in Amsterdam.
2. Visit The Van Gogh Museum
⭐️ Rating: 4.7/5 (26,793 Reviews) Price: $24 per person Duration: 1.5 hours 📍Meeting Point: Van Gogh Museum Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
If you think the Rijksmuseum is popular then the Van Gogh museum is ten times as much. I thought that since it was the low season, I could book my museum slot a few days in advance.
I thought wrong. You need to book your slot a few weeks in advance for this one. This was why we had to put off visiting the museum for the next trip.
The Van Gogh museum tickets can be booked in advance online. Don’t make the mistake that I did!
“Absolutely loved the experience . I learnt so much about Van Gogh life and art work in this amazing museum. I got there at 9.00 by the time it was 12 noon it was packed . My advice is to get there earlier so it’s not too overcrowded .”
Sau (read more reviews now!)
As the name suggests, the Van Gogh museum houses the works of the famed Dutch master. I was lucky enough to see one of his paintings in the Rijksmuseum while we were there. His works are really amazing. It is one of the museums that I will definitely head for and one of the most recommended things to do in the Museum Square in Amsterdam.
3. Enjoy Contemporary Art At Stedelijk Museum
⭐️ Rating: 4.4/5 (1,192 Reviews) Price: $25 per person Duration: Valid for 1 day 📍Meeting Point: Stedelijk Museum Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
The Stedelijk museum doesn’t get enough appreciation according to me. This bathtub shaped museum is dedicated to contemporary art. Now I don’t always get contemporary art so it comes as a surprise that I loved this museum.
Why? Well if you pick up the free audio guide and spend time with each of the different installations, you will get a brief snippet explaining the exhibit.
It helps you visualize the art better and to understand what thought went into the creative process.
“A wide range of modern art showing the progression of styles in relation to political developments and cultural movements over the 20th. Some very beautiful graphics and objects. Fantastic bath tub building on the outside and good white space on the inside. Lovely old staircase containing marine fossils in the marble.”
Sarah (read more reviews now!)
Another aspect that I loved about the Stedelijk museum is that the rooms were large and spacious. This meant that the art was not crammed all together and you could take your time with each exhibit. There’s also a child friendly audio guide which can use so that the children can take it all in.
4. Admire Banksy And Other Artists At The MOCO Museum
⭐️ Rating: 4.4/5 (4,047 Reviews) Price: $24 per person Duration: 1 hour 📍Meeting Point: MOCO Museum Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
Visiting the MOCO museum is also one of the things to do in the Museum Square in Amsterdam. This museum houses the works of both contemporary and modern artists. It even has some newer rising star exhibits which are so worth catching a glimpse off. You will also see some pop graffiti here which is quite different from the exhibits in the museums like the Rijks.
MOCO has another similar branch in Madrid. I haven’t been to that one unfortunately but I do plan to if I go back.
5. Take Part In A Diamond Heist At Diamant Museum
Are you a fan of diamonds? If you answered yes then the Diamant museum is definitely one of the things to do in the Museum Square in Amsterdam that should be on your list. This is the only diamond museum in Europe. Here you will get to journey below the Earth’s crust and see how diamonds were formed.
There are some permanent exhibits here. A diamond studded gorilla skull and the royal crown collection are favorites of everyone who visits. There is also a scavenger hunt for kids which is pretty cool.
The one thing that I really want to experience however is the Diamond Heist. Here you get to be the thieves in a heist. You have to jump over lasers and all sorts of cool stuff to get the loot in the end. Sounds pretty interesting right?
6. Concoct A Cocktail At The House of Bols
⭐️ Rating: 4.8/5 (162 Reviews) Price: $35.60 per person Duration: Valid for 1 day 📍Meeting Point: House of Bols Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
Looking for things to do in the Museum Square In Amsterdam that do not involve art? I would recommend heading to the House of Bols. This is a pretty unique cocktail and Genever experience so it isn’t something you can take the kids to. They have various interesting activities.
Bartending courses here are all the rage. So if you want to learn something new or just polish up your rusty skills then this is the place.
But if you aren’t looking for something so structured, you can also just go to the House of Bols museum. Here you can check out the history and process by which cocktails are made.
There’s a free interactive guide that is available in multiple languages that will help you understand the experience better.
“This was amazing value for money, one cocktail included in the tour and then another 2 with the cocktail workshop! All very tasty cocktails.
We stayed for another cocktail for €8 each and asked the bartender to surprise us and he delivered based on our preferences! I would 100% recommend to anyone visiting Amsterdam.
You also get 10% in the shop with the cocktail workshop experience and the shop is great value! Our bartender teacher was also amazing!”
Rosy (read more reviews now!)
Did I mention that the tour ends at the mirror bar where you can wet your appetite by tasting some of the interesting cocktail concoctions? There’s even a do it yourself section where you can try to whip up some cocktails under the supervision of a bartender. Sounds like one of the cool things to do in the Museum Square in Amsterdam, doesn’t it?
7. Indulge At The Conservatorium
⭐️ Rating: 8.9/10 (330 Reviews) Price: $889 per night 📍Location: Paulus Potterstraat 50, City Centre , Oud Zuid, Amsterdam Details: Read more on booking.com now!
The Conservatorium is a truly magnificent building. I actually stopped to take photographs of the building before I realized that it was a hotel. The insides of the building are tastefully done and the rooms are designed to give luxury a new meaning.
Oh and the views are unparalleled. So if you are looking for a great place to stay that is close to the things to do in the Museum Square in Amsterdam and also provides a great deal of luxury, book a room in the Conservatorium.
8. Chill At The Museumplein
The Museumplein is another place that should be on your list of things to do in the Museum Square in Amsterdam. This open air park is a lovely green spot to sit down and take a break from all the museums. It is, however, a good option only when the weather is good.
Another great thing to do is to get food from one of the stalls and sit here for a bit. This way you don’t have to book your seat in a restaurant in advance (yes you have to book that too!) and you can enjoy a bit of unplanned time to yourself.
Where To Eat At The Museum Square, Amsterdam
When it comes to things to do in the Museum Square in Amsterdam, it would be remiss of me not to mention all the great places to catch a bite. There are places for all budgets but note that most places need a reservation especially during the evening hours and in peak season.
Chimney Cake And Bakery
This was my absolute favorite place to eat during the whole trip not just because the food was amazing but because the staff are super nice.
I was hassled managing a double stroller and two tired kids but they helped me find a place to sit and park the stroller and ensured that a nice hot meal was laid out in front of me. A totally different experience compared to many brusque servers (I can hardly blame them with the rush!) in so many places.
If you are here try out their cakes, sandwiches and their strawberry banana smoothie. We had the fresh orange juice too which was nice but the strawberry smoothie won hands down.
As the name suggests it is famous for the chimney cake. It takes about 10 minutes for them to get yours ready because you get it freshly made. We had the pistachio one and it was almost as good as the ones we had in Prague.
Okay so there you have all the things to do in the Museum Square in Amsterdam in a nut shell. This is absolutely one of the coolest places in the city and I loved staying it here. It is also a great place to hang out with kids.
What are your favorite things to do in the Museum Square in Amsterdam? Let us know in the comments below.
Oh and if you are looking for cool squares in Amsterdam, check out all the things to do in Dam square. Its quite the hub of activity and is popular with tourists and locals alike.
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