Embark on a one-day journey to the charming town of Zaandam, where culture and history come alive. Begin your adventure at the renowned Van Gogh Museum, dedicating two hours to marvel at the masterpieces of this legendary artist. As you wander through the art gallery, let the vibrant colors and emotional depth of Van Gogh's work inspire you. Next, delve into the rich Dutch heritage with a two-hour visit to the Rijksmuseum, an architectural wonder housing a vast collection of historical artifacts and artworks. Conclude your day with a leisurely hour exploring the Canals of Amsterdam, a testament to the city's ingenuity and beauty. These waterways offer a serene escape and a different perspective of Zaandam's picturesque landscapes. This succinct itinerary ensures a fulfilling day in Zaandam, filled with art, history, and the tranquil charm of the canals.
Day 1: Artistic Amsterdam - Masterpieces and Canals
Van Gogh Museum
Kickstart your Amsterdam adventure with a visit to the iconic Van Gogh Museum, nestled in the heart of Museumplein. As the first stop in your day, spend a couple of hours immersing yourself in the world of Vincent Van Gogh, one of history's most celebrated artists. The museum boasts the largest collection of Van Gogh's paintings and drawings, providing an unparalleled look at his evolving style and the emotions conveyed through his vibrant colors and dynamic brushstrokes. It's an art lover's paradise, where each room unfolds a new chapter of Van Gogh's tumultuous life story.
Attraction Info
- Museumplein 6 1071 DJ Amsterdam
- Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
- Open from 01/02-01/07,9:00am-6:00pm;Open 11:00am-6:00pm on 01/01;Open from 01/08-01/21,9:00am-5:00pm;Closed all day on 01/22;Open from 01/23-01/31,9:00am-5:00pm;Open from 02/01-02/16,9:00am-5:00pm;Open from 02/17-02/25,9:00am-6:00pm;Open from 02/26-02/29,9:00am-5:00pm;Open from 03/01-03/21,9:00am-6:00pm;Open from 03/22-09/30,Mon-Thu, Sat-Sun,9:00am-6:00pm;Open from 03/22-09/30,Fri,9:00am-9:00pm;Open from 10/01-10/06,Mon-Thu, Sat-Sun,9:00am-6:00pm;Open from 10/01-10/06,Fri,9:00am-9:00pm
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Rijksmuseum
Continuing the cultural journey, a short stroll away lies the Rijksmuseum, the grand dame of Amsterdam's art scene. Allocate another two hours to explore the rich tapestry of Dutch history through its vast collection of masterpieces. From Rembrandt's 'Night Watch' to Vermeer's 'The Milkmaid', the museum showcases an impressive array of works that capture the essence of the Dutch Golden Age. The Rijksmuseum isn't just a museum; it's a journey through time, encapsulating centuries of artistic achievements under one magnificent roof.
Attraction Info
- Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam
- Suggested tour duration: 2-5 hour
- Open from 9:00am-5:00pm
Canals of Amsterdam
Conclude your day by meandering through the Canals of Amsterdam, a testament to the city's historical water conservancy projects. Spend an hour or so cruising or walking along these famous waterways, which have been the lifeblood of the city since the 17th century. The canals are not just picturesque; they're a UNESCO World Heritage site, lined with elegant houses and crossed by charming bridges. As the sun sets, the reflections on the water create a magical atmosphere, offering a serene end to a day filled with the beauty of art and history.
Attraction Info
- Canals of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
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Top Things to Do in Zaandam-2024
Based on 8,690 review
Based on 65,143 review• Home to over 200 classic oil paintings, 580 sketches, 7 sketches, 750 letters produced by Van Gogh
• Experience the arduous journey of this artistic master’s lifelong pursuit of painting skills and his passion for art and literature
• The old and new buildings have their own characteristics, but they are integrated into one
△ The old building was opened to the public in 1973. It was designed by Dutch De Stijl designer; the new building was built in 1999, and mainly used for temporary exhibitions.
△ The exhibition hall on the first floor is titled "Heart-to-Heart Communication with the Great Artist Van Gogh". Through a series of works and materials, visitors are led to relive the arduous journey of this art master's lifelong pursuit of painting skills. The second floor exhibition hall collects Van Gogh's works created from 1883 to 1889. The third floor of the exhibition hall displays the letters between Van Gogh and his brother Theo. The fourth floor of the exhibition hall can see Van Gogh's works from 1889 to 1890, created during periods of lucidity during multiple relapses into psychosis.
Based on 47,863 review• A large collection of well-known art treasures, including masterpieces by many well-known masters
• Retaining the architectural style of the 19th century, the brick-red walls are all decorated with images of Dutch history and art
• The vaulted roof of the renovated museum atrium hall is made of glass, and the floor is paved with Portuguese stone floor tiles. Natural light penetrates the entire hall, which is spacious and bright.
△ The building where the museum is located was planned and designed by the designer of Amsterdam Railway Station. It was opened to the public in 1885 and is one of the oldest museums in Europe.
△ Go up the escalator and enter the viewing corridor. The corridor is composed of arched brick walls and large floor-to-ceiling windows. You can enjoy the panoramic view of the atrium hall. The library on the same floor as the corridor is not to be missed. The history of the library can be traced back to the 19th century. The spiral staircase is very unique and is also known as one of the ten libraries with beautiful scenery in the world.
* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.
* The information above is subject to change at any time. For the latest information, please check the websites of hotels and attractions.
