
Plantage Walking Tour (Self Guided), Amsterdam
Amsterdam's Plantage neighborhood has been throughout the centuries a place of rest and entertainment. Beside its impressive 19th-century architecture, there is the historic Royal Zoo, and close-by is the verdantly exotic Hortus Botanicus. Follow this self-guided walk to explore one of the greenest neighborhoods in Amsterdam – a lovely place to stroll and laze.
How it works: Download the app "ϳԹ: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store to your mobile phone or tablet. The app turns your mobile device into a personal tour guide and its built-in GPS navigation functions guide you from one tour stop to next. The app works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Plantage Walking Tour Map
Guide Name: Plantage Walking Tour
Guide Location: Netherlands » Amsterdam (See other walking tours in Amsterdam)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 6
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Author: DanaOffice
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
Guide Location: Netherlands » Amsterdam (See other walking tours in Amsterdam)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 6
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Author: DanaOffice
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
- Hermitage Amsterdam
- Hortus Botanicus (Botanical Gardens)
- De Plantage (cafe-restaurant)
- ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo
- Verzetsmuseum (Dutch Resistance Museum)
- Het Scheepvaartmuseum (National Maritime Museum)
1) Hermitage Amsterdam
The historical ties between Amsterdam and Saint Petersburg, Russia, can be traced back to the late 1600s when Tsar Peter the Great sought assistance from the Dutch in constructing his new city, strategically positioned at the gateway to the Baltic Sea and Europe. A more recent illustration of this connection is the establishment of the Hermitage Museum's satellite branch on the banks of Amsterdam's Amstel River, offering a taste of Russia to those unable to travel there.
Inaugurated in 2009 with the presence of Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands and Dmitry Medvedev, the President of Russia, this museum boasts an expansive exhibition space spanning over 20,000 square feet. With a vast collection of over three million artifacts affiliated with its parent institution, Hermitage Amsterdam enjoys a wealth of options for its rotating exhibitions. During your visit, you might have the opportunity to view masterpieces by renowned artists like Rembrandt or da Vinci.
The "Treasures" exhibition, available in Dutch and English audio guides, typically takes approximately 60 minutes to explore and presents Hermitage masterpieces in a chronological sequence. Additionally, other ongoing exhibitions include the Portrait Gallery of the Dutch Golden Age, showcasing over 30 large-scale portrait works, and a current Outsider Art exhibition featuring sculptures displayed in the building's courtyard.
For those interested, Hermitage Amsterdam offers a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs and a tranquil café to relax in, much like other museums.
Inaugurated in 2009 with the presence of Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands and Dmitry Medvedev, the President of Russia, this museum boasts an expansive exhibition space spanning over 20,000 square feet. With a vast collection of over three million artifacts affiliated with its parent institution, Hermitage Amsterdam enjoys a wealth of options for its rotating exhibitions. During your visit, you might have the opportunity to view masterpieces by renowned artists like Rembrandt or da Vinci.
The "Treasures" exhibition, available in Dutch and English audio guides, typically takes approximately 60 minutes to explore and presents Hermitage masterpieces in a chronological sequence. Additionally, other ongoing exhibitions include the Portrait Gallery of the Dutch Golden Age, showcasing over 30 large-scale portrait works, and a current Outsider Art exhibition featuring sculptures displayed in the building's courtyard.
For those interested, Hermitage Amsterdam offers a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs and a tranquil café to relax in, much like other museums.
2) Hortus Botanicus (Botanical Gardens)
Hortus Botanicus, one of the world's oldest botanical gardens and a prominent tourist attraction in Amsterdam, is renowned for its extensive collection of over six thousand tropical and native trees and plants, some of which are listed on the Red List (such as the handkerchief tree and the Florida torreya). Its origins trace back to 1682 when it was established as medicinal gardens for the city's physicians and apothecaries in response to a severe plague outbreak. Subsequently, many merchants in the city began bringing back exotic plant species from the East.
The botanical complex encompasses three distinct climate-controlled greenhouses housing a wide array of plant varieties, all conveniently marked on a map available at the entrance. The outdoor areas predominantly feature plants, trees, and shrubs from temperate and Arctic regions, with several well-established trees dating back to a significant replanting effort in 1895. The largest among the greenhouses is the Three-Climate Greenhouse, divided into separate zones for subtropical, tropical, and desert plants. The gardens also house a grand Palm House, celebrated for its extensive collection of cycads and its elevated walkway offering panoramic views of the treetops. Additionally, there's a "tasting greenhouse" where visitors can sample different herbs and vegetables, and an unexpected delight is the butterfly house, where visitors are surrounded by various species of butterflies.
All in all, a splendid, visually pleasing, intellectually stimulating, and informative experience, making it an excellent value for your visit.
Tip:
Don't miss the De Hortus cafe-restaurant, offering a selection of light fare and hot and cold beverages, whether you prefer indoor or outdoor seating. If you make a purchase at the gift shop, hand in your guide leaflet for "recycling", and in return, you'll receive a 10% discount on most items.
The botanical complex encompasses three distinct climate-controlled greenhouses housing a wide array of plant varieties, all conveniently marked on a map available at the entrance. The outdoor areas predominantly feature plants, trees, and shrubs from temperate and Arctic regions, with several well-established trees dating back to a significant replanting effort in 1895. The largest among the greenhouses is the Three-Climate Greenhouse, divided into separate zones for subtropical, tropical, and desert plants. The gardens also house a grand Palm House, celebrated for its extensive collection of cycads and its elevated walkway offering panoramic views of the treetops. Additionally, there's a "tasting greenhouse" where visitors can sample different herbs and vegetables, and an unexpected delight is the butterfly house, where visitors are surrounded by various species of butterflies.
All in all, a splendid, visually pleasing, intellectually stimulating, and informative experience, making it an excellent value for your visit.
Tip:
Don't miss the De Hortus cafe-restaurant, offering a selection of light fare and hot and cold beverages, whether you prefer indoor or outdoor seating. If you make a purchase at the gift shop, hand in your guide leaflet for "recycling", and in return, you'll receive a 10% discount on most items.
3) De Plantage (cafe-restaurant)
Nestled within the historical heart of Amsterdam's 19th-century pleasure gardens, just beside the ARTIS Royal Zoo, you'll discover a remarkable venue – a former greenhouse oozing the charm of a bygone colonial era. It's an ideal spot to unwind with a leisurely afternoon drink in a relaxed and well-lit setting. When the weather is favorable, you can also enjoy outdoor seating with a view of spoonbills, storks, and flamingos in the nearby zoo.
As you step inside, you'll find a spacious bar area offering a fine selection of Dutch and Belgian draft beers. The restaurant area is equally roomy, and thanks to its high ceilings, it remains pleasantly quiet even when bustling with a mostly sophisticated local crowd.
The menu caters to all mealtime preferences. Don't miss the opportunity to savor the delectable fennel sausage ravioli served with a zesty lemon and herb sauce. There's a diverse range of options, from fresh oysters to shareable platters of succulent leg of lamb, ample seafood choices, and a variety of dishes to satisfy vegetarians and vegans. And when it comes to dessert, indulging in churros with rich chocolate is an absolute must!
As you step inside, you'll find a spacious bar area offering a fine selection of Dutch and Belgian draft beers. The restaurant area is equally roomy, and thanks to its high ceilings, it remains pleasantly quiet even when bustling with a mostly sophisticated local crowd.
The menu caters to all mealtime preferences. Don't miss the opportunity to savor the delectable fennel sausage ravioli served with a zesty lemon and herb sauce. There's a diverse range of options, from fresh oysters to shareable platters of succulent leg of lamb, ample seafood choices, and a variety of dishes to satisfy vegetarians and vegans. And when it comes to dessert, indulging in churros with rich chocolate is an absolute must!
4) ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo
ARTIS, derived from Natura Artis Magistra (Latin for "Nature is the teacher of Art and Science"), stands as the Netherlands' oldest zoo and one of the most ancient on the European mainland. This institution is more than just a traditional zoo; it encompasses an aquarium and a planetarium, complemented by an arboretum and a sizeable art collection primarily showcased within the aquarium building. In total, ARTIS boasts 27 significant structures, many of which serve as animal enclosures, collectively representing a remarkable cultural heritage from the 19th century.
The facility is impeccably maintained, featuring lush vegetation surrounding the animal enclosures. Fences and cages are kept to a minimum, facilitating close observation of the animals. Within its grounds, you'll find attractions like the reptile house, bird house, butterfly house, and an aquarium, along with numerous enclosures housing more traditional zoo inhabitants, providing an extensive array of animals to admire, meeting the expectations of a typical zoo visit. Additionally, there are plenty of benches and special activities designed for children, as well as food and beverages available for purchase.
Tip:
Consider investing in a combined ticket to explore the adjacent Micropia, a unique microbe zoo that offers a highly informative experience.
The facility is impeccably maintained, featuring lush vegetation surrounding the animal enclosures. Fences and cages are kept to a minimum, facilitating close observation of the animals. Within its grounds, you'll find attractions like the reptile house, bird house, butterfly house, and an aquarium, along with numerous enclosures housing more traditional zoo inhabitants, providing an extensive array of animals to admire, meeting the expectations of a typical zoo visit. Additionally, there are plenty of benches and special activities designed for children, as well as food and beverages available for purchase.
Tip:
Consider investing in a combined ticket to explore the adjacent Micropia, a unique microbe zoo that offers a highly informative experience.
5) Verzetsmuseum (Dutch Resistance Museum)
Just a stone's throw away from the Amsterdam Royal Zoo, the Dutch Resistance Museum transports its visitors to a pivotal juncture in Dutch history - the era of the Dutch Resistance. This establishment serves as a living chronicle, documenting the ascent of Hitler in Germany, the subsequent invasion of the Netherlands, and the valiant struggle of the Dutch people.
It delves deep into the societal transformations and prevailing beliefs during and after the tumultuous period of the Second World War. Undoubtedly, the museum sets the stage against the backdrop of the harrowing history of the Jewish community, elucidating the gradual isolation imposed upon them by the Germans, severing their ties with the wider Dutch populace before the ultimate tragedy unfolded.
Although comparatively modest in size, confined to a single floor when measured against other museums, the Dutch Resistance Museum effectively arranges its thematic exhibits in a contemporary manner, meticulously adhering to chronological order. It distinguishes itself by prioritizing personal narratives, conveyed through video and audio presentations, rather than static displays.
While most exhibits are furnished with English translations, the complimentary audio guide offers an opportunity for more in-depth exploration and proves to be a valuable resource (it also proves to be more user-friendly than the conventional push-button guides found in many galleries and museums).
For those seeking a departure from the conventional art-focused museum scene, a visit to the Dutch Resistance Museum comes highly recommended, particularly for history enthusiasts and individuals intrigued by the multifaceted facets of the Second World War—be it political, ideological, social, or personal.
Tip:
There are two distinct routes available, catering to both adults and children. The latter is very well done, featuring one of the finest museum installations; however, it's important to note that children must be accompanied.
It delves deep into the societal transformations and prevailing beliefs during and after the tumultuous period of the Second World War. Undoubtedly, the museum sets the stage against the backdrop of the harrowing history of the Jewish community, elucidating the gradual isolation imposed upon them by the Germans, severing their ties with the wider Dutch populace before the ultimate tragedy unfolded.
Although comparatively modest in size, confined to a single floor when measured against other museums, the Dutch Resistance Museum effectively arranges its thematic exhibits in a contemporary manner, meticulously adhering to chronological order. It distinguishes itself by prioritizing personal narratives, conveyed through video and audio presentations, rather than static displays.
While most exhibits are furnished with English translations, the complimentary audio guide offers an opportunity for more in-depth exploration and proves to be a valuable resource (it also proves to be more user-friendly than the conventional push-button guides found in many galleries and museums).
For those seeking a departure from the conventional art-focused museum scene, a visit to the Dutch Resistance Museum comes highly recommended, particularly for history enthusiasts and individuals intrigued by the multifaceted facets of the Second World War—be it political, ideological, social, or personal.
Tip:
There are two distinct routes available, catering to both adults and children. The latter is very well done, featuring one of the finest museum installations; however, it's important to note that children must be accompanied.
6) Het Scheepvaartmuseum (National Maritime Museum) (must see)
Holding the largest collection of model ships in the world, and crammed with fascinating objects, the former naval storehouse became a museum in 1973 when the Dutch Navy vacated the building. Where sails, ropes and guns were once stored is now an Aladdin’s Cave of nautical treasures. All ages are catered for, with virtual adventures at sea and interactive shows for kids and adults alike.
The courtyard, enclosed with a roof made of glass and an intricate naval compass, is stunning in itself but once inside, the collection offers rich displays of art, scale models, interactive activities and interesting artifacts. The space is nicely broken into three easily accessible sections, each with something to interest everyone.
The replica ship "The Amsterdam" is well worth a visit, especially the interactive activity where visitors put on 3D-glasses and are guided back in time to see what the harbor would have been like in the 1700s.
The restaurant and courtyard are open to everyone, not just those visiting the museum. There is a well-stocked gift shop as well.
Tip:
Be sure not to overlook the free virtual reality show about the East India ship, but remember to pre-book tickets for it online.
The courtyard, enclosed with a roof made of glass and an intricate naval compass, is stunning in itself but once inside, the collection offers rich displays of art, scale models, interactive activities and interesting artifacts. The space is nicely broken into three easily accessible sections, each with something to interest everyone.
The replica ship "The Amsterdam" is well worth a visit, especially the interactive activity where visitors put on 3D-glasses and are guided back in time to see what the harbor would have been like in the 1700s.
The restaurant and courtyard are open to everyone, not just those visiting the museum. There is a well-stocked gift shop as well.
Tip:
Be sure not to overlook the free virtual reality show about the East India ship, but remember to pre-book tickets for it online.
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