Museum
In the neighbourhood
Discover the oldest part of Amsterdam
Whilst Amsterdam is world-renowned for museums such as the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, there is just as much to discover in the historic centre.
Our Lord in the Attic Museum is situated right in the heart of Amsterdam’s oldest district. Surrounding the museum, you’ll find centuries-old churches, monuments, hidden alleyways, unique shops and popular eateries. From the Wallen to the Zeedijk, the Warmoesstraat and the Nieuwmarkt: in this neighbourhood, you can discover Amsterdam as it was and as it is today, all within walking distance of one another.
Historical attractions
Oude Kerk
The Oude Kerk is Amsterdam’s oldest building and has been the heart of the neighbourhood for centuries. From a medieval trading town to a modern cultural hub: Amsterdam’s history comes together here under one roof. It’s just a few minutes’ walk from the museum.
Rembrandt House Museum
In Rembrandt’s former home, you can discover how the famous painter lived and worked during the 17th century. A lovely addition to a visit to the Museum Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder for lovers of Amsterdam’s history.
Taste the neighbourhood
Het Elfde Gebod
Just a stone’s throw from the museum lies Het Elfde Gebod, one of the most characterful cafés in the old town. Behind the historic façade lies a traditional pub with an impressive selection of speciality beers, including many Belgian classics. The wooden interior, religious decorations and collection of curiosities make a visit here almost a mini-adventure in itself. If you fancy soaking up the atmosphere of the old town for a while after a visit to the museum, this is the place to be.
Kam Yin
Kam Yin has been a fixture on the Zeedijk since 1980. This Chinese-Surinamese restaurant is one of the neighbourhood’s best-known eateries and attracts both locals and visitors from across the city. As well as serving hot meals, Kam Yin is also popular for a quick and tasty lunch, making it an ideal stop during a stroll through the historic centre.
Slagerij Vet
For many Amsterdammers, Slagerij Vet is synonymous with a well-filled sandwich. This traditional butcher’s has been renowned for years for its freshly baked rolls and homemade cold cuts. It is a particularly popular spot at lunchtime for visitors who want to take a break and experience the daily life of the neighbourhood.
De Prael
At De Prael, you can sample beer brewed right in the heart of Amsterdam. The brewery and tasting room are a popular meeting place for visitors keen to discover local craftsmanship in a historic setting.
De Bakkerswinkel
De Bakkerswinkel is a lovely spot for breakfast, coffee or a hearty lunch. In this historic building, you can enjoy freshly baked bread, homemade treats and other classics that are the perfect accompaniment to a relaxing day in the city. Our top tip: the quiche lorraine here is particularly good.
In ’t Aepjen is one of the oldest surviving wooden buildings in Amsterdam, built in the mid-16th century. This listed building on the Zeedijk is a rare example of the medieval townscape, when many houses were still built entirely of wood.
Today, there is a café of the same name on the ground floor, whilst the upper floors are used as hotel rooms for the NH Collection Amsterdam Barbizon Palace. The building is renowned for its historic architecture and unique character, making it a striking remnant of the oldest part of the city, within walking distance of the museum.
Amsterdam-local entrepreneurs
Bonne Suits
Amidst the historic monuments of the old town, you’ll also find modern creators. Bonne Suits has built up an international reputation with its contemporary take on the classic suit and demonstrates how creativity and entrepreneurship are still very much part of the neighbourhood. The same building is also home to Galerie De Schans, a space where art, culture and community come together.
The gallery serves as a platform for exhibitions, performances and cultural events by both emerging and established artists. The programme changes regularly and provides a space for various forms of artistic expression, with the artists themselves retaining control over their work.
Paleis van de Weemoed
Paleis van de Weemoed is a theatre restaurant in the Red Light District where dinner and live entertainment come together. In an intimate setting, you can enjoy a night out with food, music and burlesque performances. Since 2025, the venue has been run by four local residents who are committed to preserving this hidden gem and developing it further, with a greater focus on the neighbourhood and a warm, welcoming atmosphere for both Amsterdammers and visitors.
JEMI Flower Shop
On Warmoesstraat, right in the heart of the Warmoesstraat neighbourhood, you’ll find JEMI – considered by many to be the most beautiful flower shop in the area. The shop has been around for over 42 years and really stands out amongst the many other businesses on the street. The flower shop is more than just a place to buy something. People come here for a cup of coffee or a chat. It’s just like going to the hairdresser’s: you share stories.
Staying overnight in the old town
NH Collection Amsterdam Barbizon Palace
NH Collection Amsterdam Barbizon Palace is a 5-star hotel in the centre of Amsterdam, housed in 17th-century townhouses (including the rooms above ’t Aepjen) and a 15th-century chapel. The hotel combines historic architecture with modern luxury and is within walking distance of both Central Station and the Old Town.
With comfortable rooms, a restaurant and wine bar, wellness facilities and its own jetty on the canal, it is a luxurious base for a stay in the historic heart of the city.
Hotel Internationaal
Even if you’re not staying the night, Hotel Internationaal is well worth a visit. Hotel Internationaal is a charming hotel and traditional pub in the centre of Amsterdam, with a rich history dating back to the days of sailors and travellers. It was once a meeting place for sailors, who would gather here to share stories, have a final drink and prepare for new voyages.
That maritime atmosphere can still be felt in the café, which is characterised by an authentic and lively ambience. Today, it is a favourite spot for both Amsterdammers and visitors from all over the world, where the history of the old harbour life still resonates in the atmosphere of the building.
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