Why is Amsterdam so tolerant?

  A decade of Van Gogh Museum Acquisitions and their stories

  Amsterdam Coronavirus COVID-19 Travel FAQ

  August weather forecast: Variable weather with occasional, intermittent showers and sunny intervals.

  Where to swim in and around Amsterdam

  More updates:

Whether you want to splurge on a 3, 4, or 5 star hotel — or you prefer an ‘Amsterdam on a budget’ hostel — we’ve got this handy hotel guide for you

Founded in 1838, ARTIS is the oldest zoo in the Netherlands, and one of the oldest zoos of mainland Europe.

Guidebooks rightly refer to it one of the most pleasant city zoos around. The whole place breathes a 19th-century garden atmosphere with winding paths, majestic trees, fascinating sculptures and monumental historical buildings.

As much as possible the over 500 species of animals live in landscaping that resembles their natural habitat.

Updated Thursday, July 22: After last month’s relaxation of coronavirus measures, the Netherlands saw a sharp rise of new infections.

The current coronavirus (COVID-19) risk level in the Amsterdam-Amstelland safety region is ‘Severe.’

Criminals actively target the Amsterdam housing market. They use online advertising- and auction websites to defraud people looking for rooms, apartments or houses.

The apartments on offer either do not exist or are already occupied by legitimate renters or owners.

Here’s how you can avoid Amsterdam rental scams.

You don’t have to travel to Amsterdam in order to enjoy its sights and sounds. These photos and videos will take you there.

Quick: What is the official name of Rembrandt’s most famous painting, The Night Watch? And what does the painting depict?

The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam sees 2.2 million visitors a day — and most of them want to see The Night Watch.

Created in 1642, the painting is currently being restored. However, it remains on view — encased in a glass enclosure. Rijksmuseum visitors will be able to follow the entire study- and restoration in person as well as online via a livestream.

NOTE: The Rijksmuseum reopened on June 1, 2021 after having been closed during the height of the coronavirus crisis.

The Van Gogh Museum is open. It adheres to current COVID-19 guidelines, and can safely be visited. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

Current special exhibition: A decade of Van Gogh Museum Acquisitions and their stories.

Amsterdam’s Van Gogh Museum contains the largest collection of paintings by Vincent van Gogh in the world.

It is the second most-visited museum not just in Amsterdam — but in the entire country of the Netherlands.

Our extensive Van Gogh Museum guide includes details about the collection, along with information about the current temporary exhibition

NOTE: No ticket sales at the door. You can only visit the museum after buying timed-entry tickets online. We show you how and where.

Without a doubt, the Dutch street food most frowned upon by tourists, expats, and immigrants, is herring. Squeamish tourists often assume the fish is eaten raw, but that is not the case.

Herring is the Netherland’s national snack: If you’ve never tasted fresh herring you don’t know what you’re missing.

You’ll have plenty of opportunity to eat this Amsterdam street food delicacy. The 2021 Hollandse Nieuwe — ‘New Herring’ — season starts on June 16. Hollandse Nieuwe is sold until September 30. But herring is enjoyed all year long.

Hot weather this week (and the next)

Want to cool off in the water? There are plenty of places to swim in Amsterdam — from official swimming pools and nature areas to wild swimming holes.

Plus: a look at the legality (and dangers) of swimming in the canals, rivers and channels.

Note that while swimming pools are open again, some COVID-19 restrictions are still in force.

For the second year in a row Keukenhof remains closed due to the COVID-19 coronavirus.

However, you can visit the park online…