History School Trip to Amsterdam

A WST tour to Amsterdam can support the study of elements of the following exam board specifications:

Anne Frank Museum

Visitors are given the opportunity to see exactly how the Frank family lived. The rooms of the Secret Annex have been maintained in their authentic state thanks to conscientious preservation activities and the place where the helpers worked and Otto Frank's former office has been returned to the style and atmosphere of the hiding period.

Guided walking tour of the Jewish District

A tour around the Jewish District gives a fascinating insight into the Jewish community past and present. 

Jewish Historical Museum

The Jewish Historical Museum is the only museum in the Netherlands to focus on Jewish history, religion and culture. The museum is located in a group of four historical Ashkenazi  Synagogues at the heart of the former Jewish quarter in the centre of Amsterdam. Visitors can view works of art, ceremonial items and historical objects which bring to life the Jewish faith.

Portuguese Synagogue

The beautiful Portuguese Synagogue, is one of the most important legacies of the vibrant Jewish community in Amsterdam.  The architecture shows the self-confidence and wealth of the Jewish community in Amsterdam at the time it was built. It was the largest synagogue of its time and one of the biggest buildings of Amsterdam.

The Dutch Resistance Museum

The Dutch Resistance Museum, chosen as the best historical museum of the Netherlands, tells the story of the Dutch people in World War II. How did Dutch people respond to the Nazi occupation? Who resisted? Why, and how? You’ll see, hear and read fascinating stories about the exceptional, as well as about everyday life.

Kamp Vught

Kamp Vught was the only official SS Concentration Camp in occupied North West Europe. It was re-opened as a National Memorial in 2002 after extensive renovations.  Although the museum is only a fraction of the former concentration camp, it still is an impressive place to visit. A prisoner's barrack, three watch towers and the original fencing, as well as the cell 115 - where the bunker tragedy took place - have been reconstructed.

Corrie Ten Boom Museum

The Ten Boom family were devout Christians who opened their home to those hunted by the Nazis. The exhibition will take you back in time and delivers a poignant story of hope and resistance. Visitors can see first hand the ‘hiding place’ behind a false wall, where 4 Jews and 2 Dutch resistance fighters hid from the Gestapo. 

Amsterdam is well known for its art galleries ranging from the famous Dutch Masters to contemporary galleries. The best thing about Amsterdam is that all the main galleries are located close to each other on the Museumplein.

Rembrandthuis Museum

This is the house where Rembrandt lived for 19 years and is a reconstruction of how he lived and painted. A fascinating exhibition of his etchings can be seen there. 

Rijksmuseum

The highlight of the Rijksmuseum is the Masterpiece exhibition focusing on ‘The Golden Age’ of the 17^th Century. Works from Frans Hals, Rembrandt and Vermeer can be viewed.

Van Gogh Museum

The largest collection of Van Gogh in the world.

Stedelijk Museum

View a huge collection of modern and contemporary art.

Canal Cruise

Take a canal cruise around Amsterdam’s extensive waterways that pass all the major sites of the city, including Anne Frank House and the Rijksmuseum.

Ajax Football Stadium

Home to Ajax, visitors can take a guided tour behind the scenes including the players tunnel, changing rooms, the pitch and the museum.

Amsterdam Dungeons

The Amsterdam Dungeon brings to life 500 years of dark history in 11 shows with 7 actors in 1 terrifying experience. Can you survive the horrific Plague during the 80 minute tour, or will you be discovering the dark secrets of the famous painter Rembrandt? Make sure you don’t get tortured by the executioner Peter Titelmann from the Spanish Inquisition or get lost in the mirror labyrinth.  

Knijn Bowling

Ideal if you want to keep your students entertained in the evening, this bowling centre also has a restaurant. 

Mirandabad Waterpark

Large indoor pool, with slides, wave pools and also a snack bar. It’s open on weekdays until 9.00 pm.

Dam Square

At the centre of the city, the place where all the best shops, cafés and restaurants can be found.

Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat

These are the two main shopping streets in Amsterdam. Kalverstraat tends to be home to more high street brands you would expect to find in a European city, such as Zara, H&M, Mexx, Espirit.

Magna Plaza

This shopping centre located just behind Dam Square has designer and high street brands, along with a choice of cafes.

De Bijenkorf Department Store

The biggest department store in Amsterdam and located on Dam Square.

RESTAURANTS

Why not make a night of it and book your evening meal in a restaurant? Our most popular choices are Hard Rock Café, located near the Rijkmuseum or traditional Dutch pancake restaurants. Alternatively, you can always pick up traditional ‘frites and mayo’ when you are out and about.