More Amsterdam Neighborhoods
Explore Amsterdam
Find the Best Things to Do in Museum Quarter / Vondelpark
By Jessica Lipowski
Amsterdam Local Expert
About Museum Quarter / Vondelpark
Photo courtesy of Jessica Lipowski
The Museum Quarter and Vondelpark neighborhood is internationally renowned for its melting pot of art, history and culture. The area is mainly residential, but still quite a popular destination. Once a swamp, the neighborhood is now home to some of the world's most famous museums, high-end shopping and fancy restaurants.
See & Do
Museumplein certainly has no shortage of attractions, especially for art and history lovers. The area is home to the Van Gogh Museum, the world’s largest collection of Van Gogh’s artwork; the Rijksmuseum, famous for Rembrandt’s piece, “The Nightwatch;” and the Stedelijk, a modern art museum. Coster Diamonds and House of Bols are also popular places. After a long day of sightseeing, the Vondelpark is a peaceful area to wind down and relax.
Eat
Choose from a wide variety of exquisite restaurants. Rejuvenate yourself at Le Garage or indulge in fresh delicious seafood at Brasserie Bark or Brasserie Keyzer. Looking for more of an international flare? Try Sama Sebo, known for its Indonesian cuisine. t’Blauwe Theehuis is perfect for lunch or a cup a tea, while Café Loetje is said to serve the best steaks in Amsterdam. One of the many options is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Party
First get your fill of art, history and culture; then stick around the area to enjoy the low-key nightlife. Attend a magical performance at the Concertgebouw and appreciate the amazing acoustics – it is one of the best in the world. After, swing by Café Wildschut, a casual café to grab a beer and chat with friends, rain or shine.
Stay
Whether you need R&R, a home base for sightseeing or a place to crash after a crazy night, the neighborhood offers a variety of accommodation to grab some zzz’s. The safe and quiet area has something for everyone: luxury hotels such as the Conservatorium; environmentally-conscious ones like Hotel Museum Square; Flying Pig Uptown, a hostel known for its fun and relaxed party atmosphere; and boutique hotels such as Bilderberg Jan Luyken and Park Hotel.
Shop
Strap on your most stylish shoes and brace yourself for a full, fun-filled day of upscale shopping. The streets in this neighborhood – Pieter Cornelisz Hooftstraat, Van Baerlestraat, Jacob Obrechtstraat and Cornelis Schuytstraat – are home to some of the most famous, chic and top-end brands in fashion and accessories. Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Chanel, Hugo Boss, Armani and Louis Vuitton are among the internationally known names. If you love to shop, you’re definitely in for a treat.