Morgan Donaho | Travel Expert & Founder of Prose Travel
In turbulent political times, the idea of resistance feels more relevant than ever. Travel itself can be an act of resistance—an opportunity to seek understanding, challenge perspectives, and honor the past. Few places embody this spirit quite like Amsterdam. Beneath its charming canals and gabled houses lies a history of defiance, resilience, and quiet acts of courage.
This itinerary will take you through a day in Amsterdam, exploring hidden stories of resistance woven into the fabric of the city.
A Thoughtful Start
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at one of two charming cafés near our first stop:
- Dignita Hoftuin: A sophisticated yet cozy spot set in a tranquil green space, serving fresh, modern takes on breakfast classics.
- Petit Lou: A Parisian-inspired café offering simple, delicious fare just off the canal on a bustling thoroughfare.
After fueling up, take a quiet moment of reflection at the National Holocaust Names Monument. This moving tribute honors the 102,000 Dutch Jewish victims of the Holocaust, along with 220 Sinti and Roma who were murdered by the Nazis. Designed by renowned architect Daniel Libeskind, the monument features four Hebrew letters—זִּכָרוֹן (Zikaron), meaning “remembrance.” Each name is inscribed on an individual brick, ensuring their stories are never forgotten.
Art, Identity, and Outsider Voices
From there, walk to the H’ART Museum, formerly the Hermitage Amsterdam. This museum underwent a major transformation in 2022, severing ties with the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg and forging new partnerships with institutions like the Centre Pompidou, the British Museum, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum. The result? A fascinating space with thought-provoking exhibitions exploring global culture, identity, and resistance.
Within the same complex, you’ll find the Museum of the Mind (Museum van de Geest), dedicated to Outsider Art—works created by self-taught artists working outside the mainstream. These deeply personal, often unconventional pieces challenge traditional artistic norms, offering a unique lens into creativity, mental health, and the human experience.
A Hidden Gems and Quiet Defiance
For lunch, step off the beaten path to a secret culinary spot. On the top floor of an Asian grocery store, you’ll find Toko Dun Yong, a hidden ramen shop serving up rich, flavorful bowls at an affordable price. Open only for a few hours each day, this tucked-away eatery is worth seeking out.
Next, visit one of Amsterdam’s most fascinating historic sites: Museum Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder (Our Lord in the Attic Museum). This 17th-century canal house conceals a clandestine Catholic church built in the attic between 1661 and 1663—a time when public Catholic worship was prohibited. The museum offers a glimpse into how faith endured under oppression, demonstrating a quiet yet powerful form of resistance.
From here, prepare for a slightly longer walk (about 24 minutes), or hop on public transport to our final stop. Amsterdam’s transportation system is easy to use—simply tap on and off with any contactless payment method. (Note: Each person must use their own form of payment; you can’t tap for multiple people with one card.)
The Dutch Resistance Museum
No exploration of Amsterdam’s defiant spirit is complete without a visit to the Dutch Resistance Museum (Verzetsmuseum Amsterdam). This compelling museum details how ordinary citizens resisted the Nazi regime during World War II—through small acts of defiance, underground movements, and everyday bravery. The exhibits showcase how people fought back, from forging documents to aiding refugees, proving that resistance is not always loud—it can be as simple as choosing to act in the face of oppression.
A Beautiful End to the Day
Conclude your day at De Plantage, a light-filled Mediterranean restaurant near the ARTIS Zoo. With an elegant ambiance and spacious outdoor seating, it’s the perfect place to reflect on the day’s experiences over a delicious meal.
As you unwind, consider the lessons learned from Amsterdam’s history of resistance. Whether through thinking outside the box, keeping secrets to protect others, or standing up in everyday ways, these stories remind us that courage takes many forms—and that history continues to shape the present.
Amsterdam’s beauty lies not just in its canals and architecture but in its unbreakable spirit. If this journey has inspired you, there’s so much more to discover. Stay connected for more itineraries, insights, and stories that bring Europe’s hidden histories to life.
Sign up for updates and let’s keep exploring together.
Comments are closed