Are you planning on visiting Amsterdam soon? To get you started, here are some films, novels, series and movies set in the Dutch capital that will give you plenty of Amsterdam travel inspiration by featuring its history, atmosphere and landmarks at the center of their stories, whether you’re in the city center for a day or just a few hours. From the dark history of Anne Frank House to the Keukenhof tulip fields, and from the Red Light District’s nuances to the Jewish Quarter’s legends, there’s truly something for everyone to add a few stops to their itinerary and mingle with locals.
Enjoy!
The Diary of Anne Frank
In the heart of World War II, as the shadow of the Nazi occupation spread across Europe, a young Jewish girl named Anne Frank found refuge with her family in an old house in Amsterdam. During the two long years of their exile, before their capture by Nazi soldiers, the teenager wrote in her diary, sharing her daily life, her thoughts, her fears, and her innermost hopes. Her poignant testimony is today one of the most widely read in the world.
The house that sheltered the family, located at 263 Prinsengracht in the Jordaan district of central Amsterdam, is now the Anne Frank House museum. Our best tip? It’s well worth a visit, especially on a first trip to Amsterdam, but try to book your tickets weeks in advance to beat the crowds and long lines.
At Eternity’s Gate
Although not set in Amsterdam, this biographical drama about Vincent van Gogh interests tourists seeking Amsterdam travel inspiration. Willem Dafoe delivers a riveting performance as the famous Dutch painter. The film follows van Gogh’s final years in France, where he created iconic paintings. It offers fascinating insights into his artistic vision and intense relationship with nature. For visitors planning a trip to the Van Gogh Museum, the film provides valuable context. It deepens appreciation for the creative genius behind the works displayed at the museum.
The Hitman’s Bodyguard
A bodyguard has to escort a hitman around Amsterdam. With boat chases on the canals and shoot-outs, this action film features locations such as the Rijksmuseum, the Nieuwe Achtergracht, the Lijnbaansgracht and the Plantage Kerklaan. This offers a good selection of cinematic places in Amsterdam!
Ocean’s Twelve
The famous gang of thieves led by Danny Ocean stops off in Europe for new heists, including a stop in Amsterdam. Amongst the city’s narrow streets and elegant architecture, we see well-known locations such as the KattenKabinet, the Pulitzer Hotel, Haarlem train station and The Hague City Hall.
Rick Steves in the Netherlands for the top things to see and do in Amsterdam
Curious to see more of the Netherlands? Expert Rick Steves has the answers! In this video, he explores the charming city of Haarlem, just a short trip from Amsterdam. Discover its rich history, art scene, and vibrant culture, offering a delightful alternative to the capital’s bustle for your itinerary.
Sense8
A group of people from all over the world connect through their memories and strange sensations. Several iconic scenes take place in Amsterdam, including a spectacular sequence during the Pride festival, featuring a boat parading through the canals, reflecting the diversity and energy of the city.
The Girl with a Pearl Earring
When her father goes blind, Griet must work as a maid for the painter Johannes Vermeer. While cleaning the house, she strikes up an unlikely friendship with Vermeer, a relationship they both agree to keep secret for fear of provoking the jealousy of Catharina, the artist’s wife.
The Fault in Our Stars
A sick teenage couple travel to Amsterdam to meet an eccentric writer. This film is a real postcard of the city, with boat trips, intense moments in the Rijksmuseum and romantic scenes in the Jordaan, offering beautiful Amsterdam travel inspiration for visitors.
The Black Book (Zwartboek)
A World War II thriller in which a Jewish singer is part of the Dutch resistance. She returns to Amsterdam to infiltrate the Gestapo and avenge her family.
James Bond in Amsterdam: Diamonds Are Forever
In this adventure, Bond infiltrates an international diamond smuggling ring to stop a global threat: a giant laser weapon. Of the seven James Bond films starring Sean Connery, Diamonds Are Forever is the only one that the filmmakers partly shot in Amsterdam. It also marked the last time the Scottish actor officially played Agent 007.
Where should first-time visitors go in Amsterdam? Eat at Anthony Bourdain’s must see’s in The Layover!
Unlike Antony Bourdain’s other programmes, The Layover focuses on quick and authentic local experiences, perfect for a short stay. In the episode dedicated to Amsterdam, he moves away from the tourist stereotypes to explore the city. He explores his favourite restaurants and bars and tries Dutch specialities like herring and chips in a variety of neighborhoods, including lesser-known local gems like De Pijp and Westerpark. This is a great starting point to a gourmet itinerary in Amsterdam!
Atlas of an Occupied City
Steve McQueen’s powerful and ambitious four-hour documentary, “Occupied City,” offers a unique cinematic experience by superimposing contemporary images of Amsterdam onto accounts of the Nazi occupation (1940-1945). Based on Bianca Stigter’s book, it explores the memory of places and is an important thing for understanding the city’s history. For travelers whose motivations include history and collective memory, this documentary offers a profound and moving perspective on Amsterdam.
The New Rijksmuseum
This documentary retraces the ambitious 10-year renovation of Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum. It offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at this complex project, revealing the technical challenges, political debates, and conflicts between the various stakeholders. From demolition to restoration of iconic artwork or famous artists (such as Rembrandt’s Night Watch)and the redesign of the galleries, the film captures the efforts, joys, and difficulties encountered in bringing this iconic museum back to life.
All Things Travel: Tourist Spots in Amsterdam
In this episode of their podcast, Ryan and Julie share their impressions and advice following their visit to Amsterdam. They revisit their favorite moments, best addresses, and must-do experiences in the Dutch capital, offering valuable tips for your itinerary. Travelers from around the world will find a practical and inspiring guide here!
Why The Netherlands Is The Tulip Capital Of The World – And Why You Should Add Keukenhof to Your Netherlands Itinerary
Witness the explosion of color that transforms the Netherlands each spring! This video showcases the country’s deep love affair with tulips, from Amsterdam’s vibrant National Tulip Day to the breathtaking Keukenhof gardens and the endless fields stretching between Harlem and Leiden and Noordoostpolder. Experience the magic of tulip season in the Netherlands!
How the Dutch Beat the Ocean—And Why Amsterdam Has Canals
This video explores the Dutch battle against the ocean and their land reclamation efforts using hydrological engineering. It highlights the impact of this struggle on Dutch culture, including cheese production, canal systems, and the popularity of biking.
In fact, did you know that Amsterdam’s canal ring is a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
