Summer school Amsterdam highlights

Things to see and do on and around campus

• On campus

  VU Sports Centre

  VU Sports Centre has two locations: Uilenstede and VU Campus - ground floor OZW Building. They also use of the beachvolleyball courts on the campus square s and the facilities of tennis park Buitenveldert, skating rink Jaap Edenbaan and the faciliteis on the Amsterdam Science Park.

  Rialto Cinema

  Rialto VU has been located in the New University Building at de De Boelelaan 1111 since November 2021. With four state-of-the-art cinemas, Rialto VU makes a special contribution to cultural life on the VU Campus and for local residents in Buitenveldert, the Zuidas and Amstelveen.

  Food and drink

  A welcoming, vibrant campus where people spend more and more time should boast a wide variety of coffee corners and restaurants, i.e. Bar Boele,  Doppio Espresso, Science Café (O|2 Lab building) and Grand Café LIVING. The VU restaurants offer a broad variety of lunch items, see VU catering. The restaurant in the Main Building serves warm meals.

  VU Griffioen

  In our theatre you will find everything from cabaret to theatre, music and dance, from big names to new talents. In terms of courses, we offer everything from dance to music, mindfulness, theatre, writing, photography, painting and much more.

  Art Science Gallery

  Visit the Art Science Gallery website for more information.

• The Amsterdam Forest (het Amsterdamse Bos)

  Escape the city bustle in this forest ideal for hiking, biking, and enjoying nature. The Amsterdamse Bos is just a short walk from the VU campus. You can find a full guide to Amsterdamse Bos on the municipality website.

• Transport links

  The campus is situated near tram lines 5, 21, 16 and 24, which head to different parts of the city centre. Amsterdam Zuid is the nearest metro station, just 15 minutes walk away. Buses connect the main road outside campus (De Boelelaan) to most other areas.

  You can plan a journey using the NS journey planner.

Things to see and do in and around Amsterdam

• Museums and art galleries

  • Rijksmuseum: Immerse yourself in Dutch art and history, from Rembrandt's "The Night Watch" to Delftware. 
  • Van Gogh Museum: Explore the life and works of the iconic artist, including masterpieces like "Sunflowers" and "Starry Night." 
  • Anne Frank House: A poignant and moving experience, visit the hidden annex where Anne Frank and her family hid during World War II.
  • Stedelijk Museum: Discover modern and contemporary art, with works by Picasso, Warhol, and many more. 
  • Moco Museum: Contemporary art meets street art in this stylish museum, featuring Banksy, Andy Warhol, and contemporary masters.

• Cafes and restaurants

  • Café de Jaren: Enjoy classic Dutch cuisine in a charming canal-side setting. 
  • Foodhallen: A vibrant food market with diverse options, from Indonesian satay to Argentinean empanadas. 
  • CT Coffee & Coconuts: A trendy spot with delicious coffee, healthy brunch options, and a lively atmosphere. 
  • De Bakkerswinkel: Indulge in fresh pastries, breads, and Dutch specialties like "stroopwafels" at this beloved bakery. 
  • Indische Rijsttafel: Experience a traditional Indonesian rijsttafel (rice table) with a vast array of dishes.

  These are just a small selection. There are countless other cafes and restaurants across the city. We encourage you to explore and discover them at your own pace!

• Outdoor activities

  Canal Cruise: Glide through the picturesque canals, admiring the charming houses and bridges. 

  Vondelpark: Relax in this expansive green oasis, perfect for picnics, cycling, and people-watching.

  Rent a Bike: Explore the city like a local by renting a bike and cycling along the canals and through charming neighborhoods.

  Visit a Beach: Take a day trip to the nearby beaches of Zandvoort or Bloemendaal for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying the seaside.

  Visit another city: Haarlem, Utrecht, Leiden are all short rain rides away. Rotterdam and The Hague can be reached in around an hour.

  We will offer some extra activities as part of our summer school social calendar.

• Travel into Europe from Centraal Station

  Amsterdam Centraal Station is a major transportation hub, offering seamless connections to numerous European destinations. High-speed trains whisk you away to Paris, Berlin, and Brussels in a matter of hours. Enjoy scenic journeys through charming countryside on comfortable intercity trains to destinations like Cologne, Hamburg, and Zurich. Centraal Station connects you to the heart of Europe, making it the perfect starting point for your next adventure.

  Visit the NS International website for more information about travelling by train.

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