During times like these, when the whole world is unsettled and our usual routines restricted, it’s easy to focus too much on the negative. You might have had a trip planned to Amsterdam, which you now have to postpone for the time being. But don’t despair! We have decided that for this month’s Concierge’s Choice, we will recommend virtual destinations and must-sees in Amsterdam for you to enjoy at home. Let your mind and soul travel with our selection of cultural tips below – and be sure to connect with The Dylan online, where we continue to be available for you!
Rijksmuseum Masterpieces Up Close
Visit the website
Dazzling, masterful and slightly eerie, enter the virtual Rijksmuseum for an up-close-and-personal tour of the paintings displayed in the museum’s popular Gallery of Honour. Rendered in the highest quality and complete with audio and informational details, enjoy a rare frontrow and tranquil viewing of masterpieces such as Rembrandt’s The Nightwatch and Asselijn’s The Threatened Swan. While away the hours moving from painting to painting, and fully enjoy one of Amsterdam’s most revered cultural offerings.
Virtual Van Gogh Museum
Visit the website
Pay a visit to one of Amsterdam’s most brilliant artists at his virtual home: Go online to the Van Gogh Museum and discover the fantastic selection of digital collections, fun quizzes and lesson plans for children. Print and colour in Van Gogh’s famous sunflowers, unravel the hidden layers in his paintings on the Van Gogh app and take a ‘private’ virtual tour through the entire museum. To further pass the time, look up one of the many films that were inspired by his enduring art.
Take a 360 Tour through Amsterdam
Google Street View and 360 Stories
Spring is the time to take leisurely strolls through Amsterdam’s quaint streets and over the quintessential canals. Luckily you can still do so during the lockdown: Visit famous Amsterdam attractions like the Anne Frank House through Google Street View. Continue your virtual walk with 360 Stories, where you can transport yourself to Museumplein, Dam Square, Vondelpark and many more of Amsterdam’s best places.
Keukenhof Virtually Open
Visit the website
Closed to visitors until the 2021 season, the Keukenhof flower garden still wants to share the full glory of its blooming flower arrangements and displays with you online. Under the title Keukenhof Virtually Open (#keukenhofvirtuallyopen on social media), you can watch videos of gardeners showcasing the best parts of Keukenhof and introducing rare flower varieties. A little colour is exactly what’s needed right now.
King’s Day
Arguably the most anticipated event on the Dutch calendar, King Willem-Alexander’s birthday on April 27 is the biggest celebration in Amsterdam and all of the Netherlands. Usually, revellers take to the streets or float down the canals on boats, a bright sea of orange shirts and red, white and blue flags waving happily in the air. Although this year we will be celebrating indoors, it doesn’t mean we can’t eat, drink and be merry until the wee hours of the morning.