Get Cultured On A Student’s Getaway To Amsterdam

For students looking for a cultural excursion, there’s no place better than Amsterdam. Whether you’re just passing through for a few days or lucky enough to spend a week or two in the Dutch capital, you’re guaranteed to have a great trip.

Museums Galore

Amsterdam is a haven for museum-lovers and especially perfect for art fanatics. Vincent van Gogh is one of the Netherlands’ most famous artists, and a museum dedicated to the legendary painter is located near the centre of town. There’s also the national Rijksmuseum, which has an amazing collection of works from Dutch artists including Rembrandt and Vermeer. For those with more modern tastes, the Stedelijk Museum is home to some great pieces by Henri Matisse and Andy Warhol.

Another popular attraction, albeit a much more sombre one, is the house where Anne Frank and her family hid from the Nazis during World War II. The house is very popular with tourists, so book ahead or else you may have to wait in a long queue.

Explore the Canals

Amsterdam is a city of canals, so there’s no better way to explore it than by wandering through these famous waterways. The city’s architecture is best appreciated from the water and you’ll also have a chance to visit the colourful (and fragrant) floating flower markets.

You can rent a small boat for your own group, or alternatively find a larger one built for city tours. These tours are great if you’re keen to find out more about each landmark, as experts will be on board to provide more information as you pass by.

The Oldest Zoo in Europe

Wildlife may not be the first thing that people associate with a Dutch canal city, but the Artis Royal Zoo is the oldest of its kind in mainland Europe, boasting nearly 200 years of operation.

The zoo is much more than just a home for several hundred different specials of animals – there’s an aquarium, an arboretum and the country’s largest planetarium, too. Artis Royal Zoo even has an impressive art collection on display (well, it wouldn’t be Amsterdam if there weren’t also a museum on offer!).

How to Get There  

Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport is one of the busiest in Europe, and travellers from all over will be able to find non-stop flights leaving at all times of day or night. Students will be especially glad to hear that the city is served by multiple low-cost airlines. Visitors are advised to book travel through one of the companies offering an airport taxi. Schiphol Airport is about 20 minutes from downtown.

Many visitors to Amsterdam love to get around via bicycle, just like the locals. Rentals can be found for just a few euros per day. When you’re first getting into town, though, it’s best to book an airport taxi. Schipholairport is likely too far outside the city to ride a bike, no matter how strong of a cyclist you are.

Students looking for a cultural experience can’t go wrong with Amsterdam. The Netherlands has a proud tradition of artistic mastery, beautiful architecture and stunning history, which is all on display in its capital city.

Author Plate

Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct, the number one provider of shared and private airport transfers all over Europe and northern Africa. If you’re looking for an affordable airport taxi, Schiphol drivers are ready and waiting to ensure that you and your luggage get to and from the airport in Amsterdam swiftly and safely.