Amsterdam Travel: Museumplein, Amsterdam on a Sunny Day
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When we moved house a few months ago we moved quite a bit closer to Museumplein, or Museum Square. It's not an area you naturally choose to go to when you live in Amsterdam (because TOURISTS!) but we've ended up visiting Museumplein a lot more than I expected because of its proximity and the open green space it offers for Baby Bird to run around in. There's also a lot to see and do (for free!) and it's a great place to meet up with friends.
Why I love Museumplein in Amsterdam
I've also found myself going there even without Baby Bird. I've long loved the calm and prettiness of the Rijksmuseum garden, and it was always hilarious/heart-stopping to watch tourists climb up the Iamsterdam sign letters, though this sadly stopped becoming one of my favourite things to do in late 2018 when they removed the letters. And then there's cycling through the Rijksmuseum, something I'll never not think is awesome. Funnily enough Museum Square is also home to some very good museums - I know, who would have thought it?. Although I haven't been to all of them (which is possibly a crime when you've lived in Amsterdam for four years!) I highly recommend the Rijksmuseum and the Stedelijk, and I'll add the Van Gogh and the recent addition, Moco, to my To Do list.
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I took these photos during a hot and sunny afternoon when I was on my way to collect Baby Bird from daycare. Unusually, I had my camera with me and as I saw tourists dipping their feet in the pool of water in front of the Rijks, and a man blowing bubbles for children, the people-watching got the better of me and I got snap happy.
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Come visit Museumplein when you're in Amsterdam
It struck me that if you're visiting Amsterdam you can do a lot worse than taking a break in Museum Square before or after a few hours in a museum, or even if you don't do a museum there are much worse things that you can do then just watch the world and hundreds of tourists go by as you sit and relax on the grass or have a little picnic.
And just because these photos are taken of Museumplein on a sunny, sunny day in the rising heat of early summer it doesn't mean you should avoid the are of Museumkwartier (Museum Quarter) completely on a winter's day - or just a summer's day when it's not as hot or sunny. Even in the middle of winter there is plenty to see and do here. Brave people will still be wrapped up warm and take a seat outside one of the cafes here or in the Rijks Garden to watch the world go by. And for much of the coldest part of winter you'll find an ice skating rink installed in front of Rijksmuseum that's always a lovely sight even if you don't partake in any of the actually skating (or ice-shuffling as it's more often like should I put a pair of skates on). And in spring you'll see the flower beds full of tulips and hardy Dutch children playing on the swings or kicking a ball around on the grass...
Anyway, back to Museumplein in summer, because, yes, it's still the best time to come visit Museum Square!
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You can find out more tips and advice for travel to Amsterdam in these posts:
100+ Free Things to do in Amsterdam
Where to Stay in Amsterdam - A Neighbourhood Guide
Tips for Staying in Self-Catered Accommodation in Amsterdam
The Best Photography Spots in Amsterdam
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Frances M. Thompson
Londoner turned wanderer, Frankie is an author, freelance writer and blogger. Currently based in Amsterdam, Frankie was nomadic for two years before starting a family with her Australian partner. Frankie is the author of three short story collections, and is a freelance writer for travel and creative brands. In 2017, she launched WriteNOW Cards, affirmation cards for writers that help build a productive and positive writing practice. When not writing contemporary fiction, Frankie shops for vintage clothes, dances to 70s disco music and chases her two young sons around Amsterdam.
Find Frankie on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Google+.
Find Frankie on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Google+.