It’s amazing to discover that one the most famous and prestigious addresses in Europe was once just a soggy swamp. Amsterdam’s Museum Quarter (museumkwarter) is synonymous with culture, art, haute-couture and superlative dining; and if that’s not enough, it also boasts the city’s largest park and, of course, some of the world’s most prestigious museums. Spending a day (or several) exploring the Museum Quarter is by far the number one activity whilst holidaying in Amsterdam. Renting an Amsterdam vacation apartment in the Museum Quarter will also ensure you experience Amsterdam in all its authentic glory. For just a taste of what this fabulous quarter has to offer, follow our guide to a ‘day out in the Museum Quarter’ and take home some unforgettable memories! After a hearty breakfast, head to the Van Gogh Museum and spend your morning overdosing on the works of the world’s most tortured artist. Showcasing the largest Van Gogh collection in the world, this wonderful complex is also home to many other works by Vincent’s contemporaries, friends, muses and various artists who claim to have been inspired by Van Gogh. Should you be travelling with children (and over a week-end) don’t forget to book them a spot ...

When the winter is too warm for skating on the canals, Amsterdam has a number of outside ice rinks including the delightful Museumplein rink which is adjacent to the magnificent Rijksmuseum. Museumplein, or Museum Square, is home to a total of four museums and the other three are the Stedelijk Museum, the Diamond Museum and the Van Gogh Museum. Also located in the square is the United States Consulate. The Museumplein was reconstructed ten years ago to a design by a Swedish architect. There is now parking and a supermarket underground and, above, is an artificial lake which is converted into an ice skating rink for the four months of winter. In the old days, before bicycles, children couldn’t wait for the cold weather to freeze the canals so that they could strap on wooden ice skates and get to school much faster than walking. At the weekends, families would skate to friends and relatives and enjoy biscuits and hot drinks served from barrows. Pea soup was also a popular way to get nutrition and warmth when out skating. From December until March, the ice skating rink at the Museumplein is open everyday between ten o’clock in the morning until eight at ...