Amsterdam Things to Do

For one weekend only, on April 14-15 2012, more than 500 museums around The Netherlands will waive their often-high entrance prices and allow free or discounted entry. Many of them will charge a symbolic ticket price of €1. This is the annual National Museums Weekend. It includes such important galleries as the Rijksmuseum which houses Rembrandt’s famous Night Watch painting; the Van Gogh Museum which also has a rich program of events including a creativity studio for children; and Anne Frank’s House which is one of the city’s most popular visitor attractions.

The Netherlands is all about the sea. Firstly because it exists in constant danger of being flooded by the North Sea and therefore spends a fortune on defensive dikes and floodgates, and also on reclaiming land. Secondly because the Dutch Golden Age in the 17th century ­­– during which all those glorious buildings and artworks that we flock to see in Amsterdam originated – was built on an incredibly successful seafaring trade in spices, silk, porcelain, etc.