In this article, I present Amsterdam Sex Museumthe world's oldest sex museum!

Here you'll find

• A presentation of the Museum of Sex
• What you can see on your visit
• Practical information: prices, opening hours, reservations
• Things to see and do in the area
• And much more!

If you're looking for information on this Amsterdam sex museum, you'll love this article.

Follow the guide!

Musee du sexe Amsterdam : article summary

Amsterdam sex museum: welcome to the temple of Venus!  

There are many unusual activities you can take part in during your visit Amsterdam. Among them, this sex museumdedicated to sexuality in all its forms.

Named Temple of Venus (because she is the goddess of love, seduction and feminine beauty! as astonishing as it is original and I recommend that you take a look!

Introducing the Amsterdam Sex Museum

There are many museums in Amsterdam but this Temple of Venus is undoubtedly one of the most original. It is dedicated to sexand sexual art in all its forms.

Don't expect a history of sexualityInstead, we'll be discovering turn-of-the-century erotic paintings, sexy photos and drawings, sculptures, unusual costumes, models in suggestive poses, surprising objects and even...mechanical robots!

A fascinating, highly entertaining (and perhaps shocking for the more prudish!) dive into the world of a world as kitschy as it is sensual. The Netherlands has always been quite open about sexuality, and this Sex Museum is a perfect illustration of this.

But you'll also see that France is not to be outdone, with plenty of material from the Hexagone!

Facts and figures about the sex museum

• Founded in 1985It is considered the world's oldest sex museum.
• We find a museum of eroticism (Erotic Museum) not to be confused with this one!
• It attracts around 700,000 naughty visitors every year
• You must have over 16 to visit it!

What can you see in this sex museum?  

You can tour this museum in 30 - 40 minutesThere's plenty of detail to observe, plenty to pause for a moment and enough surprises to surprise you more than once. There's plenty of detail to observe, plenty to pause for, and enough surprises to amaze more than once.

The Amsterdam Sex Museum is a fun place to visit, but it's pornography all the same, so some visitors may not like it: you've been warned!

Dozens of phallic accessories and objects

You'll see penises in the form of paintings, sculptures, drawings and photos, in all shapes and sizes. It's fun, you can take unusual photos and lots of laughs!

A reproduction of the Red Light District of the 1950s

Visit Amsterdam's Red Light District remains one of the capital's most popular areas, but it has changed a lot over the years. As you'll see, the reproduction of the Red light District as it was some 60 years ago!

Note that the life-size dolls are...a bit scary!

A SM Zone

For those unfamiliar with practices and accessories sadomasochists should be astonished to discover some of the outfits in the SM area. The mannequins are placed in explicit positions that leave little to the imagination...!

Naughty Japanese prints

A small collection of Japanese erotic prints is well worth a visit, especially for manga fans who will discover the beginnings of this art form through these sexy plates!

A silent X movie

You can take a break, sitting on a bench to watch a period film. Of course, we're keeping with the theme, since it's a turn-of-the-century porn filmwithout sound.

How do I get to the Amsterdam Sex Museum?

The Amsterdam Sex Museum is located at the following address: Damrak 18, 1012 LH Amsterdam

It's right in the middle Amsterdam city centerjust a few minutes' walk from the Central Station !

Amsterdam Sex Museum: prices, opening hours and practical information

Here's what you need to know before visiting Amsterdam's sex museum, so you can enjoy it!

Rates and booking

• Ticket price: 9 euros

You can book your ticket online, via the official website. But this is rarely necessary. You should be able to get in easily, except in very rainy or very cold weather. tourists are flocking to it!

Opening hours

The museum is open every day, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m..

Practical information

A identity card may be required on entry!

What to see and do in the area?

Amsterdam's Sex Museum is surrounded by attractions and activities Things to do in Amsterdamduring your stay. Here are a few suggestions to keep things fun and frivolous!

• Visit coffeeshopsnumerous in the De Wallen district
• Drink a beer in one of the pretty Amsterdam barswith the urban Cafe Hill Street Blues not far away
• Go and eat good PancakesIf this museum has whetted your appetite...! Just a few minutes away, you'll find PANCAKES, one of the capital's most famous chains.

In this article, I present Amsterdam Torture MuseumFor an unusual visit during your stay in the capital.

Here you'll find

• A presentation of the Amsterdam Torture Museum
• What you can see on this tour
• Practical information: prices, opening hours, reservations
• Things to see and do in the area
• And much more!

If you're looking for information on the Amsterdam Torture Museum, you'll love this article.

Follow the guide!

Musee de la Torture : article summary

Amsterdam Torture Museum, a journey into torture through the ages

There are many Things to do in Amsterdam and this Torture Museumwhich features torture instruments and techniques from centuries gone by, is not a must-see.

However, it's sure to keep you busy Approx. 30/45 minutes. Fast and interesting, I recommend you stop by if you're passing by. Here it is!

Presentation of the Torture Museum

This Museum of Torture is one of museums in Amsterdam. Its aim is to introduce you to various instruments of torture, used in Europe until not so long ago.

We pass from dark room to dark roomto discover installations that bring human cruelty to the fore. There's nothing too shocking, as the whole thing is treated in a light-hearted tone, but all the same, I'm not sure it's a good idea to take young children along.

But unlike the Amsterdam Sex Museumforbidden to children under 16, there is no no age restrictions here.

It's a chance for everyone to travel back in time and learn about the Middle Ages, the Inquisition and other periods. the cruelest of our history!

What can you see in the Museum of Torture?  

Here are the elements that will punctuate your visit to the Museum of Torture, to be discovered through a series of obscure rooms that lessen the impact of certain elements. That's just as well!

Instruments of torture

There are over 40 torture instruments in this small museum. Rare pieces, terrifying mechanisms and tools whose usefulness is sometimes hard to imagine.

Fortunately, explanations and dramatizations help to make things clearer...! You can also touch some of the instruments on display, if you're curious.

Among the most striking items, I'd like to mention the famous guillotine which we French have made good use of (!), les poucettes or grésillons similar to finger crushers, the spike chairstar of the Inquisition or simple saws the use of which there can be little doubt.

Facts and anecdotes about the history of torture

Humans have been torturing their fellow man since the dawn of time, and this museum aims to give you a brief overview of the history and key practices of centuries gone by.

Posters help illustrate the use of the various accessories and machines on display, photos from old books The characters in the story learn more about each other's purpose, and we find ourselves raising our eyebrows in astonishment more than once.

Most information is available in Frenchfor a fun and instructive visit.

Exhibitions to stimulate debate

Exhibitions are organized from time to time to highlight a particular theme: witch trialsday against the death penalty, etc. They are accompanied by well-crafted brochures to help you delve deeper into the subjects covered.

It's a great way to familiarize yourself with important dates and understand the current issues at stake in certain debates, especially for school classes or during guided tours.

How to get to the Amsterdam Torture Museum easily?

The Torture Museum is located at the following address: Singel 449, 1012 WP Amsterdam

Just a stone's throw from the Singel river and the famous Amsterdam flower marketwhich you can discover at the same time.

To reach the area, you can use the following means of transport:

• On foot or a vélohalfway between the area of the most famous museums and the central station
• Visit tramwaylines 4, 9, 16 or 25, stop Muntplein

Museum of Torture: prices, opening hours and practical information

Here's what you need to know before visiting the Museum of Torture in Amsterdam.

Rates and booking

• Adult: 9.50 euros
• Student: 7.50 euros
• Children under 11: 5 euros

You can book your ticket on the official websiteBut if you go straight to the entrance, you shouldn't have any trouble buying a ticket.

Opening hours

The Museum of Torture is open daily, from 10am to 11pm!

Practical information

Be careful not to confuse it with the Museum of Medieval Torture Instruments, dedicated solely to medieval techniques. It is located right next to the exhibition Body Worlds.

What to see and do in the area?

Before or after your this atypical museumYou'll find plenty of attractions in the area. Here are a few suggestions for continuing your discovery of Amsterdam:

• To the north, you can explore the famous Amsterdam's red light districtto discover its showcases, the its coffeeshops and its pretty canals
• To the south, it's just a 13-minute walk to the unmissable Rijksmuseum and its immense art collection. Nearby, the Van Gogh museum and the Stedelijk Museum are also worth a visit!
• Nearby, you can visit the Canal Museum, dedicated to the history and development of the city's crucial canals, a cruise is a must!

In this article, I present Amsterdam's famous Red Light Districtthe capital's hottest district.

Here you'll find

• A presentation of the Red Light District
• Facts and anecdotes about the neighborhood
• What you can do during a visit
• Practical information: prices, opening hours, reservations
• Things to see and do in the area
• And much more!

If you're looking for information about this Red Light District, you'll love this article.

Follow the guide!

Red Light District: article summary

Red light district, Amsterdam's pleasure district

There are many ways to visit Amsterdam !

Via its museums to discover the local culture, via its historical monuments (such as its royal palace) or opt for a pleasant stroll through the its parks or a cruise on its canals.

But many visitors go there with the aim of having fun and enjoying the pleasures that are freely available in the capital. For this, head for the Red Light District !

Introducing the Red Light District

The Red Light District is the nickname given to the neighbourhood De Wallenlocated in the heart of Amsterdam city center. When it comes to Quartier RougeThis is the one we're referring to, even if there are 2 smaller ones (at Oude Nieuwstraatfurther west, on the banks of the Singel, and at Ruysdaelkadein the south of the city).

This is Amsterdam's oldest district, and its facades will remind you of it. Typical of the area the pretty canals of the neighborhood and give this Red Light District its charm during the day. For a daytime stroll, it's very pleasant.

But this district owes its fame to vices and pleasures which has been found here for several centuries. Indeed, since the 16th century, brothels and street prostitutes have made their home here, and the very flexible legislation - it's 100 % legal in Amsterdam - for visitors to enjoy.

The rules have evolved over time and now.., sex workers are presented behind shop windows, illuminated by red lights. At night, the atmosphere is warm and the Red Light District is very busy.

This central zone is part of the Amsterdam must-sees and I invite you to visit it without fail, as its attractions are many. As I'll explain later, there's more to De Wallen than prostitution!

Facts and figures about this district

• Around 1920 that street prostitution was outlawed, giving way to the famous shop windows
• The color code is simple: colors red lights for female / male prostitutes blue lights for transsexuals
• It is forbidden to film or take photos
• Visit alcohol consumption in the street is also prohibited

What can you do in Amsterdam's Red Light District?  

Contrary to popular belief, the Red Light District isn't all vice and pleasure. Of course it is, after 10 p.m.When the sun goes down, the atmosphere becomes hot, and family outings should be avoided, but on the whole, there's nothing to fear from visiting the red light district.

Here are a few suggestions for activities and features you won't want to miss!

The Museum of Prostitution

No matter what you think of the Red Light District in Amsterdam, you won't want to miss out. For the more curious, who would like to learn more about the history of this ancestral practiceA visit to this museum can be a rewarding experience.

It can be found at Oudezijds Achterburgwal 60H, 1012 DP Amsterdam12.5 entrance fee. Well done, this museum and its exhibits attempt to cover all the elements - both positive and negative - of prostitution in Amsterdam.

Bars and brasseries

Like any self-respecting nightlife district, the Red Light District very numerous bars. You'll come across tourists who've come to enjoy themselves, students accustomed to the warm atmosphere and locals delighted to spend some time in the district for which their city is famous.

To enjoy an excellent beer in AmsterdamI recommend De Prael microbrewery. Not only does it make quality beers, it also employs people in need. So you can make a gesture of solidarity while enjoying a good froth!

A wide choice of coffeeshops

Amsterdam is generally associated with several images: its naughty shop windows, its canals that have earned it the nickname of Venice of the North... and its coffeeshops ! The Red Light District is home to a wide choice of coffees to buy and consume cannabis freely, in a smoky setting that will delight enthusiasts.

To continue your exploration of this product, you should know that a Cannabis Museum, located in Damstraat 6, 1012 JM AmsterdamThis is the perfect way to expand your weed and hash culture. It's fun to do with friends, and you'll enjoy discovering the portraits of famous and unsuspected firecracker smokers!

A casino with free admission

Night owls will be delighted to know that they can go to the Casino city in the RedLight District, provided to be 21. Those who like to end the evening with a game of slot machines should appreciate it.

Some surprising cultural visits

If you're passing through this pleasure district during the day, there's plenty to do too. Starting with Amstelkring Museum and its underground church, a real hidden treasure of the area!

The church Oude Kerk is one of Amsterdam's must-see buildings, both for its structure and because it's the city's oldest building.

La ruelle de la Trompette

Looking for an unusual way to visit Amsterdam? Why not walk through the city's narrowest alleyway? This Trompettersteeg (or Ruelle de la trompette) is barely a metre wide. It's always fun to pass by and meet someone coming from the other direction...!

How do I get to the Red Light District?

To get to Amsterdam's Red Light District (De Wallen), you can :

• Walk from Amsterdam's main tourist areas (CF My interactive map)
• Use the tramway(line 4 or 14) to stop Dam / lines 2, 12, 17 and 26 to stop Centraal Station or line 13 to Nieuwmarkt
• Take the Metro(Orange, Yellow or Blue lines) to Nieuwmarkt

Good to know : The I Amsterdam City Card is a complete pass that includes free entry to many of the capital's places of interest, discounts and unlimited use of public transport. It's a great way to save money.

Red Light District: opening hours, tips and practical information

Here's some practical information you should know before visiting Amsterdam's Red Light District.

Opening hours

This district is open to day and night.

Stores, cafés and restaurants follow conventional schedules. The prostitutes work as they please, and the windows usually close in the early hours of the morning, around 4 or 5 o'clock.

Practical tips and information

It gets very crowded in the evenings, after 10pm. Be aware of this and opt for an earlier visit if you wish to avoid the crowds.

It is important to stay alert in the eveningbecause of the pickpockets who operate here. And don't buy anything on the street! You risk a hefty fine - and the police patrol constantly - or unnecessary trouble.

What to see and do in the area?

There's a lot to do from the Red Light District. Here are a few suggestions to keep you busy in the area.

• Continue your evening by heading to one of the Amsterdam nightclubs
• Aire une halte at the local FEBO to taste with meat croquettes of the capital and regain a little strength
• Walk to the Museum of Sex a 6-minute walk away, to keep with the theme
• Go to Dam Square (8-minute walk), to take advantage of the many attractions on offer, such as the Madame Tussauds

In this article, I present Amsterdam busesHere you'll find the main routes and useful information on how to get around easily using this means of transport.

Here you'll find

• Amsterdam's main bus routes
• The most convenient routes
• Useful information: fares, timetables, frequencies, Passes
• What you can see and do in Amsterdam by bus
• My tips for getting around the city
• And much more!

If you're looking for information about buses in Amsterdam, you'll love this article.

Follow the guide!

For those of you in a hurry:the I Amsterdam City Card allows unlimited use of public transport. Reservations are mandatory!
-> Click here to discover the advantages of the I Amsterdam city Card.

Amsterdam bus: article summary

Amsterdam bus: a practical way to get around the capital?

Getting around Amsterdam by public transportation is possible, although the bike is still the preferred method for locals. What about the bus in Amsterdam? Is it practical? Does it serve downtown ? is that we'll see together!

Amsterdam bus presentation

Visit visiting AmsterdamYou'll soon realize that the city has a rather atypical layout, especially in the center with its canals. In fact, buses are mainly used on the outskirts, with a fairly extensive network.

There are some thirty daytime bus routes in Amsterdam, 11 night routes and a convenient inter-city network for exploring the surrounding area.

More than 200 vehicles criss-cross the city day and night, making it a very practical means of transport to complement the solutions presented below.

Other practical means of transport

To get around Amsterdam, you can also borrow :

• StreetcarsThis is certainly the most convenient way to reach the main monuments, museums and Amsterdam Park
• Visit Amsterdam metrowhich serves the main districts
• The ferry is free of charge from Central Stationto make the crossing to the North district
• Visit cab / Uber, practical but very expensive in the city
• The two-wheeler, through a bike rental to get around like a native!

Good to know : this Interactive map will help you find your way around the capital.

What are the most useful bus routes in Amsterdam?

Here's a list of Amsterdam's different bus routes, and some that you might find particularly useful during your stay.

Classic buses

They run during the day and you can reach the city's most attractive spots on lines such as the 21, 43 or 48, which cross the city and pass near iconic monuments such as the Royal Palace.

You can consult all the lines and routes at the official GVB website which manages public transport.

Night buses

11 routes cover the city at night, including the N82, N85 and N93 from Amsterdam Central Station. Convenient for those who don't want to have to take a cab after a night out on the town. red-light district or in one of the nightclubs of the capital.

The tourist bus

Visit tourist bus - or Hop On Hop Off bus - passes through 10 stops and offers an ideal route to the most important monuments and attractions.

It will take you past the Rijksmuseumnear the Rembrandt House Museum or the Science Museum. NEMO.

Buses long-distance

If you're spending several days in Amsterdam, it might be a good idea to explore the city's beautiful surroundings. Buses leave from the bus station (at the Central Station) and serve superb spots such as :

• Volendam and Markenfor a combined visit and a fascinating dive into local folklore
• The Haguewith its impressive buildings and miniature park: the Madurodam
• The country's 4th largest city Utrecht !

How much does a bus ticket cost in Amsterdam?

Single ticket price in 2023 is 3.20 euros. That's expensive, especially if you're planning to take a lot of public transport during your stay.

There are several ways to save money:

• Visit daily tickets available in 7 versions: 1 day for 8 euros / 2 days for 13.5 euros / 3 days for 21 euros / 4 days for 26.50 euros / 5 days for 33 euros / 6 days for 37.50 euros / 7 days for 41 euros
• A Children's card 24h : 4 euros
• 1h30 unlimited ticket for 6.50 euros

Good to know These tickets can be used for all means of transport - streetcar, bus or ferries - managed by GVB.

The OV-Chipkaart card

A rechargeable card charged 7.50 eurosvalid for 5 years. You load it with the desired amount and then pay for your journeys according to mileage.

It quickly becomes much more profitable than buying a single ticket.

The Complete Pass for transport and activities

With a pass like I Amsterdam City CardYou'll have unlimited use of all the capital's public transport systems. What's more, you'll enjoy free visits to the main monuments, discounts on various attractions and even a canal cruise !

It's the simple choice, and comes at a very attractive price.

Where can I buy bus tickets in Amsterdam?

You can buy bus tickets easily at the following locations:

• With the vending machines available at some bus/tram stations and all subway stations
• At GVB sales outlets ; if you need information on schedules or routes, our staff will be able to help you.
• À Amsterdam airportas soon as you arrive
• Online, via the official GVB application

Amsterdam bus: useful information, timetables and frequencies

Here's what you need to know about the Amsterdam bus before using this means of transport.

Schedules and frequencies

By day, they circulate from 6 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. and run regularly. From 00:30 onwards, the night buses take over, running every 30 minutes / 1 hour, depending on the day. They are more frequent at weekends, when the entertainment is in full swing.

Useful information

If you opt for a day pass, you will need to validate your tickets on boarding and disembarking.

Is it possible to reach the city center by bus from Amsterdam airport?

Yes, several bus routes leave from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to reach the city center. You'll find

• the line 397 Connexxion, which makes the trip in 30 minutes. Round-trip tickets cost 11.75 euros and depart every 10 to 15 minutes. Tickets can be purchased online or directly from the driver.
• the lines 197 and 370Interliner (5.20 euros/ticket) makes the trip during the day; buses 97 and 358 of the Niteliner company do it at night, for 6.50 euros

Other possible solutions include :

• a trip in shuttle private(most comfortable option)
• the express train which takes just 16 minutes to reach the station (the most convenient option)
• a cab or Uber (for around 40/50 euros)

 

In this article, I present good addresses for good pancakes in Amsterdam!

Here you'll find

• A selection of 7 pancake restaurants in Amsterdam
• Practical information: prices, opening hours, addresses
• And much more!

If you're looking for information on Amsterdam pancakes, you'll love this article.

Follow the guide!

Pancakes Amsterdam: article summary

PANCAKES Amsterdam

• Address: 6 locations in the Amsterdam city center. The most convenient location for visitors is at Central Station, at the following address Prins Hendrikkade 48
• 1012 AC Amsterdam
• Opening hours: daily, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Price: between 8 and 22 euros

Introducing PANCAKES

PANCAKES is a pancake institution in Amsterdam. This is a chain of 6 establishments offering both sweet and savory preparations, with Dutch-style pancakes (thin) or American pancakes (thick).

It's a very popular place with locals and foreigners alike, so there's sometimes a wait, but you often have a great time. The products are fresh and well presented, and the mint tea is particularly tasty!

For breakfast or lunch a quick brunchit's a good choice. Plus, with the I Amsterdam City Cardyou'll get a 25 % discount on your bill!

MOAK Pancakes

• Address: MOAK has 3 locations in the capital; the easiest for tourists is at Jodenbreestraat 144, 1011 NS Amsterdam.
• Opening hours: daily, 8.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.
• Prices: from 7 to 20 euros

Introducing Moak Pancakes

MOAK Pancakes focuses on lighter preparations than traditional pancakesto offer a healthier cuisine. Organic, healthy, savoury and sweet products that allow you to eat and fill up without eating too much sugar.

Their chocolate-covered banana/red berry pancake will melt your heart, while the bacon and onion pancake will delight savoury fans. To make matters worse, a wide selection of fresh fruit juices completes the menu, for a pleasant moment in a modern, colorful setting.

A little extra for photo enthusiastsFor those who want to add to their Insta account, the presentation on the plate is particularly successful!

The Pancake Bakery

• Address: Prinsengracht 191, 1015 DS, Amsterdam
• Opening hours: daily, 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m./9 p.m. Friday and Saturday
• Prices: from 6 to 20 euros

Introducing The Pancake Bakery

Since 1973, The Pancakes Bakery has been delighting Amsterdam foodies, who flock there to enjoy giant, tasty pancakes. Not only are these pancakes bigger than you'll find anywhere else, they're also very tasty.

The menu is gigantic, with unsuspected combinations of ingredients, and young and old alike should find something to their liking on this giant menu.

Several sets are available, including Pancake Breakfast with a pancake covered in maple syrup and bacon, fresh fruit juice and tea/coffee, for 14.95 euros. Perfect for building up your strength before your visit Amsterdam !

Good to know As at PANCAKES, the I Amsterdam city card entitles you to a 25 % discount on your bill.

 

The Pancake Boat

• Address: Ms. van Riemsdijkweg, Amsterdam-North
• Hours: between noon and 7:45 p.m. depending on availability
• Price: 22.50 euros/adult - 17.50 euros for 3-11 year-olds (online, otherwise + 2 euros on board)

Introducing The Pancake Boat

The Pancakes Boat Amsterdam offers its customers a rather unusual experience: a cruise on the canals, enjoying all-you-can-eat pancakes.

You'll pass several of the city's most famous landmarks, including the Centraal Station or the A'Dam lookoutand fill up on pancakes with the toppings of your choice.

For the record, the record is 15 pancakes eaten during the 1h45-minute ride on the water. Can you do better?

Upstairs Pannenkoekenhuis

• Address: Grimburgwal 2, 1012 GA Amsterdam
• Opening hours: daily from noon to 6pm, closed on Tuesdays
• Prices: from 6 to 14 euros

Introducing Upstairs Pannenkoekenhuis

Popular with locals and visitors alike for its excellent value for money, the Upstairs Pannenkoekenhuis is the place to go for a good night's sleep. smallest facility in Europe. Established in 1961, it still has only 18 seats!

It's a busy place, but well worth the wait, not only for the good food, but also for the unique atmosphere. You'll be eating in a 1539 building, with architecture typical of 16th-century town houses.

The Happy Pig

• Address: Rosmarijnsteeg 12 1012 RP Amsterdam
• Opening hours: daily from 10am to 6pm, closed on Tuesdays
• Price: from 6 to 12 euros

Introducing The Happy Pig

Located near the Amsterdam Flower Market and Royal PalaceThe Happy Pig is the inventor of the pancake roll that is a hit with fans.

You choose type of pancake (classic or Vegan) and TrimChoose from pineapple, apple mix, gouda or bacon. Add whatever you like (caramel, honey, chocolate, maple syrup, etc.) and enjoy.

Special mention to the savoury chilli pancake, fabulous!

Carousel Pancake House

• Address: H.M. van Randwijkplantsoen 1, 1017 ZW Amsterdam
• Opening hours: daily, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Price: from 7.50 to 14 euros

Carousel Pancake House presentation

We come to the Carousel Pancake House for the succulent preparations, as much as for the unusual décor. As the name suggests, you can enjoy your pancakes on a genuine vintage carousel!

The atmosphere is cosy, the staff smiling and the clientele pleasant, so all the elements are in place for a great time between two visits.

What's more, you'll be within walking distance of the main museums of the city!

In this article, I present Giethoorna town known for representing the very essence of the Dutch countryside!

Here you'll find

• A presentation of the village of Giethoorn
• What you can see and do on site
• Practical information: access, timetables, routes
• My opinion of a visit to Giethoorn during a stay in Amsterdam
• And much more!

If you're looking for information about the village of Giethoorn, you'll love this article.

Follow the guide!

Giethoorn: article summary

Giethoorn: discover the Dutch countryside  

Visit Amsterdam might be the main part of your stay, but some travellers spend several days in the Netherlands, to discover the charms of this beautiful country.

Among the many possible excursions, the one leading to the village of Giethoorn is one of the most popular. And why is that? Quite simply, because this little village is exactly what you'd expect from the Dutch countryside!

Introduction to the village of Giethoorn

Giethoorn takes its name from the word geitenhoornswhich refers to goat horns. It seems that a massive flood in 1170 was responsible for the discovery of countless horns in the area, earning the village its name.

For a long time, this small village was a Mecca for peat harvesting - Peat is an organic material used for construction, fuel and agriculture - and Giethoorn thrives on it.

From the 17th century onwards, houses and wooden bridges were built, the village took shape and this agricultural land seems to have remained unchanged ever since. That's what's so breathtaking about a visit to Giethoorn. You pass through a landscape from another era, for an unforgettable day.

Between its legendary calm and the country setting Giethoorn's charm is hard to resist!

Facts and figures

• In 2020, there will be 2785 residents
• Giethoorn is sometimes nicknamed Venice of the Northlike Amsterdam, for its small canals
• The roofs of dwellings are essentially thatched.
• It's a city 100 % pedestrian!

What can you see and do in Giethoorn?  

If you're passing through Giethoorn, here are the highlights of this village, which can be discovered in just a few hours, without hurrying!

Traditional farms

On foot, by bike or by boat, you'll discover the many farms and houses with their thatched roofs and unusual facades. Discover traditional buildings and the famous wooden bridges for which the village is famous.

To complete your discovery, I recommend a visit to the museum Olde Maat UusThis old farmhouse has been converted into a museum, housing a collection of antique objects left in their traditional setting. Discover life in the past in just a few moments!

• Opening hours: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Prices: adults -6.50 euros / children (under 13) - 2 euros

Cruise the canals

As in Amsterdam, it is possible to a cruise on the canals to gently survey the city. It's the area's main means of transport, thanks to its geographical position, and makes for a very pleasant stroll.

De Oude Aarde Museum

Consecrated minerals and fossilsThis little shop/museum is great fun, especially with children. There's plenty for them to do, and you can also buy beautiful jewelry made from local stones at very affordable prices.

• Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Its double Michelin-starred De Lindenhof restaurant

Restaurant De Lindenhof is a two Michelin starsMany visitors come to the village especially to sample the refined cuisine on offer.

Held by Chef KruithofIt will delight the palates of gourmets who can afford the adventure! If not, remember that you can also find very good restaurants in Amsterdam!

• Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, lunch service (12:00/13:30) and dinner service (18:00/20:30), reservations required
• Prices: from 150 euros for the 4-course tasting menu

Wieden Park and Nature Reserve

Europe's largest peat bog, this national park is a treasure trove of flora and fauna, with a superb lake and hiking trails to delight visitors.

It is located in less than 5 km from Giethoorn and you can easily reach it by bike to spend a few hours there!

In the surrounding area, charming towns and villages such as Dwarsgracht, Ossenzijl and Kampen are well worth a visit if you have time to spare.

How do I get to Giethoorn from Amsterdam?

Giethoorn is about 120 km north-east of Amsterdam. To reach the village, you have the following options:

• Visit car from the capital, via the A6 and the N333, for a journey of around 1h30
• Visit train since Amsterdam Central Station to Meppel, then by bus to destination (line 679)

No cars on site! You can walk or cycle in complete peace of mind!

Should you visit Giethoorn during your stay in Amsterdam?

Giethoorn and the charming villages that make up the the province of Overijssel are well worth the detour. However, if you're only staying 2 or 3 days in Amsterdamtime will be short and you should concentrate on the must-haves of the capital.

For those who spend more time in the Netherlands, don't hesitate! You'll discover a different facet of the countryfar from the hustle and bustle of the cities, with this countryside frozen in time.

If you're planning excursions from Amsterdam, Giethoorn isn't the only option. Among the most attractive places, I suggest :

• The Hagueespecially for the theme park visit Madurodam
• Utrechtfor its medieval center and monuments
• Combined tours of Marken and Volendamcloser to Amsterdam than Giethoorn, which are still great options for discovering local folklore.

Whichever you choose, you're guaranteed to discover some very pretty spots as you travel around the country!