We recommend that you get the IAmsterdam Card to enjoy the museums and various other attractions in the city. Save money on public transport, restaurants, even concerts and save time by skipping lines with this card. You can purchase it here or at the counter at the airport or from visitor centers spread around the city.
READ ON: Amsterdam on Shoe String Budget
1.CUYPERS LIBRARY, RIJKSMUSEUM
Voted as one of the most magnificent libraries of the world, the Cuypers Library inside Rijkmuseum stretches over 5.4 kilometers of floor to ceiling books. It is true heaven for all bookworms visiting Amsterdam.
Skip the line and book your tickets here
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/1Y2jeyyTLJ5E3A6z6
2.BIBLIOTHECA PHILOSOPHICA HERMETICA
Also known as the Ritman Library, it is located inside the Embassy of Free Mind. This library is a goldmine of early scriptures and manuscripts on religion, mysticism and philosophy. It also houses lots of written work on the philosophy of Hermeticism. Book your tickets here
Dan Brown drew inspiration from this library for The Da Vinci Code and some of his other works.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/dVT2VvkkJX1drQX37
3.ANNE FRANK HOUSE
Anne Frank House is definitely on the list of all bookworms visiting Amsterdam.If you have not read Anne Frank’s diary, we urge you to get a copy before you land in Amsterdam. This is the house where the Jewish girl hid for more than two years with her family, trying to escape persecution under the Nazi regime. Her original diary is displayed in this house turned museum. Buy your tickets here
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/ekj9HW4S98yNNpev7
4.VAN GOGH LIBRARY
Located inside the Van Gogh Museum, this library houses his biography, the famous Van Gogh quotes and the letters he sent to his brother. If you are as fascinated by his work as both of us, you definitely need to check out this library. Book your tickets here
Van Gogh fans should definitely watch Loving Vincent!
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/ciHvnpEzWmkaoR9C8
5.THE BOOK EXCHANGE
Want to buy second hand books or sell your books. Head to this hidden gem which trades second hand English books.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/bvwSiYoDR7Ywpdod8
6.PULITZER’S BAR
This ones for all those Agatha Christy fans! They have a cocktail menu dedicated to Agatha Christie’s popular mystery novel “Murder on the Orient Express”. The cocktail menu has 12 suspects and you will need to find a suspect most likely to quench your thirst!
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/8pSfCQ8YJmAffhtB8
7.SCHIPOL AIRPORT LIBRARY
Planning a layover in Schipol or are you looking for an excuse to get to the airport early? This library is open 24/7 and the best way to spend time at the airport.
8.BACK TO BLACK COFFEE SHOP
A cup of coffee and a good book is a timeless combination. What if the cup of coffee you are holding is one of the best coffee’s you have ever tasted? The ladies who own this joint ensures high-quality sustainable coffee. Grab a good seat and add people watching into this combo.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/pEDstEhJUZSkqtENA
9.SPUI BOOK MARKET
Head to the Spui Square every Friday- 10 AM -6 PM to find the most impressive collections of rare, old and out of print books. You will find not only Dutch, but English, French and German books here. The book market is a 15 minute walk from Central Station.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/ERGT6P8xkpQPq62YA
Photo: Pontus Berg
10.BANNED BOOKS AND LITERARY WALKING TOUR
This tour is must for all bookworms visiting Amsterdam for the first time. Take this tour to find the most obscure libraries around the city and literary cafe’s where famous authors have written their novel. Book your tour here
We really hope this article has helped in your planning process. Comment down below or click that ‘Contact Us’ button if you have any questions. We would be super happy to help!
Happy Travels!