Amsterdam has so many assets that it has long been one of the favourite getaway destinations for the French. Its network of 17th century canals is delicately designed in the heart of one of Europe's most beautiful heritages, its human scale and the tranquillity of its green spaces, cycling or pedestrian areas are seductive, the exceptional wealth of its museums and the multitude of its small vintage or deco shops attract.
The Rijksmuseum, the legendary museum presents the exhibition "Remember me
The Van Gogh and the Rijksmuseum offer a different way to immerse yourself in the cultural richness of the Netherlands. The Museumplein, the square connecting the two museums, is always a subject of discussion and controversy for its inhabitants who often want to change it, modify it, add shops, fountains, grass that really grows, even if the new and very successful entrance of the Van Gogh museum seems to have calmed down somewhat. The square is not breathtakingly beautiful, but it is still very pleasant and you can enjoy a good coffee at the Kiosk Rembrandt Van Gogh. In the winter, there is an ice rink on the premises for young and old alike, and in the summer, the fountain is the place to be
The Rijksmuseum (pronounced Raiksmuseum), a national museum with an international reputation, is worth a visit in itself. The illustrious red brick building designed by Cuypers (also the author of Centraal Station) is worth at least a day's visit and allows you to immerse yourself in the history of the Golden Age: Frans Hals, Jan Steen, Johannes Vermeer... But the Rijksmuseum is really a journey through the (artistic) history of the Netherlands, from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. This history unfolds in an international context and on 4 floors... Some people say that this is the real history museum of the Netherlands and they are certainly not wrong... With more than 8,000 paintings, drawings, prints, photographs, silverware, Delft porcelain, furniture and other objects, the visitor to the Rijksmuseum has a total experience of beauty in a historical context. Although the works on display are often renewed, one painting is certainly not missing: Rembrandt's famous Night Watch , that incredibly rich chiaroscuro. This painting is presented together with other famous paintings from the Golden Age in the "Gallery of Honour", a real highlight of the visit.
From October1, 2021 to January 16, 2022, the exhibition "Remember me" is devoted to portraits from the Renaissance (around 1500). This is the first time that so many European Renaissance portraits have been brought together in the Netherlands. From powerful emperors to wealthy citizens, more than a hundred masterpieces will be on display. Paintings by the greatest artists, such as Holbein, Dürer, Memling and Veronese
A capital in motion
This exhibition is a perfect opportunity to (re)discover the great Dutch city. In just a few decades, Amsterdam seems to have changed its face. From a hesitant city, slightly asleep on its beauty treasures and mythical museums, it has reinvented itself as a cutting-edge city, combining the old and the new in the midst of an intense trendiness. All this without ever denying its roots inherited from the Golden Age. Amsterdam has understood the immense seduction it exerts on citizens from all over the world. The city is best revealed off the beaten track, particularly from the sulphurous smells of the Red Light District. It is best to take your time, to go and meet its inhabitants outside the city centre, to lose yourself in order to find the city. While all the city's museums have been renovated, the new metro line has been inaugurated, and there are plenty of designer restaurants and bars, the city seems to enjoy a prosperity that contrasts with the sometimes more difficult daily life of some of its inhabitants. Some fear that "their" Amsterdam is becoming a museum city, full of beauty but devoid of soul. Many regret the persistent clichés that attract mass tourism. The city has therefore decided to counter this trend and has taken a number of measures: removal of the "Nutella" shops, the beer bikes and the giant letters IAMSTERDAM. The mayor also wants to relocate the "brothels" in the red light district to the outskirts and limit access to coffee shops to local people. All of this is part of a plan to enhance the value of the outlying districts and towns in order to relieve congestion in the centre. This is to counter a fast-moving Disneyisation... The period ahead seems to favour a more ethical and qualitative tourism
A change of scenery at the gates of France
And always a change of scenery! Because we must admit that Amsterdam, the romantic capital par excellence, enchants the traveller with the beauty of its canals with their changing reflections. Amsterdam is considered to be one of the most colourful cities in Europe, and you won't be able to resist the charms of a patchwork of colourful facades, glittering signs and colourful markets with fragrant flowers. Along the great canals, centuries of history still ooze from the stone of the palaces. Another source of uprootedness is the incredible ability to unite the old and the new. Thus, in the city of a thousand bridges, monuments of Golden Age architecture, heterogeneous masterpieces born of the genius of Dutch avant-gardists and squatters' exhibitions are intermingled. A clash of civilizations that you can appreciate to the fullest by sitting at the counter of an ultramodern bar while sipping a glass of jenever, the national alcohol distilled according to a know-how inherited from the 17th century.
Amsterdam, an easy destination to visit
Amsterdam will certainly give you a change of scenery, but you'll never really be lost. The infrastructure is really good, the city is very compact and easy to access for French tourists. The tourist offices are easy to access too, especially near the train station. Then, it is enough to get lost to discover the city at your own pace. We advise you to prepare your stay well (having a hotel before you leave is compulsory, booking the exhibitions that make the event, reserving certain starred or prominent restaurants for the weekend as well), then let yourself be carried away by the city and its attractions
The Dutch capital can be experienced at several speeds and on several levels. For young people, Amsterdam is full of youth hostels and trendy cafés. Their young students and creative people help to spark new ideas and make the capital very lively. Visitors looking for comfort and tranquillity will easily find hotels to their liking, there is no shortage of choice! Amsterdam's cultural life is rich, with museums, galleries, theatre and opera houses offering high quality, varied and state-of-the-art programmes. Adam Toren, the city's newest attraction, is symbolic: you can enjoy an extraordinary view of the whole city with your family, while the youngest and most daring will first try the extreme swing before going out to the Shelter, the club of the moment! In short, a visit to Amsterdam will allow you to plunge into the heart of a rich and fascinating historical heritage.
Useful information
When to visit? Amsterdam is a great place to visit in any season. In autumn and winter, the weather can be cool and wet, but the photogenic and atmospheric cityscapes are unique and unbelievable. Spring is probably the best time to visit the city, but as everyone seems to agree, the city is crowded and attractions are in high demand. Make sure you book your transport, accommodation and tours in advance. The 'Remember me' exhibition at the Rijksmuseum runs from1 October 2021 to 16 January 2022
How to get there. By plane, train or bus, everything is possible.
Find your flight at the best price - Compare
Rent a car at the best price - Compare
Useful. To prepare your trip as well as possible.
AMSTERDAM TOURIST OFFICE (VVV) - More information on the website
Book your accommodation at the best conditions - Compare
Find a cultural or sporting activity - Find
Get a tailor-made trip with a local agency - Request a free quote
