Oud-Zuid in Amsterdam

What are the highlights of Oud-Zuid in Amsterdam?

Most visitors to Oud-Zuid are attracted by the array of impressively curated museums in the area. Fortunately, 4 of the most popular can be found in close proximity of one another in the Museum Quarter – home to Rijksmuseum, The Van Gough Museum, Stedelijk Museum and Moco Museum.

Rijksmuseum is the Netherlands' national museum, and arguably one of the world's very best cultural institutions. The recently modernized museum tells the story of the nation from the middle ages to the 20th-century and includes internationally renowned masterpieces from Dutch artists including Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Frans Hals among many others. The museum also features a beautifully landscaped garden area, as well as a new Asian Pavillion, and modern public facilities such as shops and a restaurant.

The Netherlands has gifted the world more than its fair share of master painters, and one of the nation's most famous is rightfully celebrated in a museum curated solely in his honor, Vincent Van Gogh. The post-impressionist master is considered one of the most influential figures in the history of modern art, and The Van Gogh Museum houses the largest collection of his works anywhere in the world – featuring masterpieces including Sunflowers, The Potato Eaters, Almond Blossom and The Bedroom.

The nearby Stedelijk Museum is an international institution showcasing the best in contemporary art and design from around the world. It houses the largest collection of its kind in the Netherlands. The sleek, modern building includes a dazzling collection of artworks and design pieces from the early 20th-century up to the 21st-century, featuring globally renowned artists including Henri Matisse, Jackson Pollock, Karel Appel, Andy Warhol, and Gilbert & George.

Completing the quartet, the wonderfully vibrant Moco Museum was founded specifically to make the world of art accessible to a broader and younger audience. As such, the layout was designed with Instagram in mind, presenting all manner of photo opportunities for visitors to snapshots inspired by some of the many iconic creators featuring in the gallery, including Banksy, Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Jeff Koons, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Yayoi Kusama and more.

What else is good to know about Oud-Zuid in Amsterdam?

After touring the museums, you can find some restful quiet time at Vondelpark. Located on the northern edge of Oud-Zuid, Vondelpark is the country's largest city park and a wonderful place to enjoy a stroll, picnic or cycle ride.

Opened in 1850, Vondelpark is popular with tourists and locals thanks to its beautifully landscaped design, gleaming lakes and fountains, and impressive open-air theater which is open from May to September.

Where to eat and drink in Oud-Zuid in Amsterdam?

When it comes to dining, Oud-Zuid is also blessed with a wide variety of bars, restaurants and cafes offering an array of international cuisines. De Wijnkaart wine bar is a popular choice known for its creative European menu and well-stocked cellar, while the relaxed ambience, talented chef, and craft beers of Bar Alt make it very well worth exploring.

If it's a little pick-me-up you're looking for, Nana Coffee House offers a tasty range of energy-giving coffees and treats, making it a well-loved choice for locals.