Travel Diary: A UK Film Lover’s Guide to Amsterdam

When I visited Amsterdam for the first time, I never expected it to be such a cinephile's dream. Besides your standard tourist attractions, we spent 72 hours exploring everything Amsterdam had to offer and found some truly magical spots that set my cinema-loving heart aflame. 

Amsterdam isn’t just a picturesque backdrop it seems. Despite it not being my most loved city to have visited - though not for any particular reason - I realised during my time there that it has a lot to offer film lovers. With a rich cinema culture far beyond its on-screen appearances, Amsterdam is home to several historic arthouse theatres, cutting-edge film festivals, and museums that make it ideal for film fans. Here are my must-see places to visit in Amsterdam if you love film and cinema...

The Koninklijk Theater Tuschinski (Royal Theatre Tuschinski) 

Also known as the Pathé Tuchinski, the Tuchinski Theatre is an art deco cinema that has stood proudly in the heart of Amsterdam for more than 100 years. Coined the most beautiful cinema in the world, it is understandably a desirable spot for film premieres and events and is a real must-see for film fans visiting the city. The theatre has 6 film screens in total, including it's stunning main auditorium which has 740 seats; including love seats and private boxes. 

Cinephiles can visit here 7 days a week to see a film as you would any normal cinema by purchasing a movie ticket at the box office, unless there is have a private function being held. Alternatively, if you're limited on time and just want to take a look around, you can take the audio tour for just €11. These take place every day between 09:30 and 11:30 (unless there is an event on). It lasts for 45 minutes, taking you through the history and features of the unique and luxury architecture. For international visitors, it's worth mentioning that the audio tour is only available in English or Dutch. 

Having been on my list of cinemas to visit for many years, I can confirm it was worth the wait and truly extraordinary. 

Location: Reguliersbreestraat 26-34, Amsterdam, Netherlands

The Eye Filmmuseum and Cinema 

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Another must-see in Amsterdam for film lovers is the EyeMuseum. Situated on the northern bank of the River IJ (accessible by a free ferry), the museum and cinema celebrates the history of the moving image. Much like that of the London Southbank BFI or Central Picturehouse, the Eye Filmmuseum has screens where visitors can enjoy the latest art house films and restored classics; and plays host regularly to film events, lectures and performances. 

Downstairs though, its permanent exhibition space, though small, features several interactive displays and a collection of original film equipment; including historic projectors, early cameras, and devices demonstrating the milestones the moving images first came to be. 

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You can put yourself in the movies with a fun green screen booth, check out the individual or shared “micro-cinemas” where you watch hundreds of film selections on demand. A personal favourite of mine was the option to print your own flipbook, in which you take photos (much like a photobooth) and turn it in to our own physical flipbook for a unique and personal souvenir from Amsterdam.

Location: Eye Filmmuseum, IJpromenade 1, 1031 KT Amsterdam

Getting there: The ferry service to the Eye Filmmuseum on the River IJ is FREE and runs every 5-10 minutes, 24 hours a day. Expect it to be particularly packed during rush hour. After 21:00, it's more like 12-15 minutes. 

A Space Oddity Amsterdam TV en Filmspeelgoed Winkel (A Space Oddity Film & TV Toy Collectables) 

Top of Stevie's list for our trip was A Space Oddity - a family-run small business that has been trading vintage TV and film toys and collectables for 35 years. We first came across this shop on ToyOverdose's Youtube channel when Lewis did a shop tour, and immediately knew we had to stop by. A Space Oddity is absolutely filled with unique, genuine film and TV treasures from the '80s, '90s and beyond that are guaranteed to spark nostalgic joy.

Whether or not you consider yourself a collector, I'd recommend visiting simply to explore and see this wonderful hand-picked collection of memorabilia sourced from all over the world. That said, I had to stop myself from spending too much and managed to leave with my bank balance relatively still intact - picking up some Gremlins pieces to add to my ever-growing collection. Stevie was excited to get himself some Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles puffy stickers which showed excellent self-restraint given they had an entire section of Godzilla figures. 

We loved visiting here and really enjoyed chatting with the friendly owners. Make sure you stop in here to check out their incredible store and take home a treat.

Location: A Space Oddity, Prinsengracht 204 1016 HD Amsterdam

FilmHallen

Another beautiful cinema I wholeheartedly recommend when in Amsterdam is De FilmHallen. Known for its diverse range of films and movie festivals, including the latest blockbusters and award-winning arthouse films, the cinema has 9 screens and a trendy little café with plenty of food and drinks offerings. They regularly host various events throughout the year so it's worth checking their schedule if you're planning to visit. 

A trip to FilmHallen makes for the perfect date night when paired with a visit to its next door neighbour, FoodHallen - Amsterdam's answer to a foodie paradise and indoor food market with over 21 culinary stands. We stopped in for a beer and quick bite and the choice and quality of food are fantastic. 

Location: Hannie Dankbaarpassage 12, 1053 RT Amsterdam

Filming Locations of Amsterdam

The picturesque canals of Amsterdam have played backdrop to many-a-film or television show over the years. Most notably, Ocean’s Twelve (2004), The Fault in Our Stars (2014) and Diamonds Are Forever (1971). 

If you're a film fan who enjoys visiting spots seen on the big screen, you can take yourself on a self-guided movie locations walk. I'd recommend starting at Rijksmuseum (you may recognise this from the heist sequence in Ocean's Twelve), moving on to Vondelpark, then Leidsegracht and the Jordaan canals to cover multiple film spots all in one route. You're sure to find other local treasures and stop offs along the way.

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Well, that's it for another travel diary. We did have a lovely time in Amsterdam, but I'm not sure I feel the need to return. As I stated previously, it's not for any particular reason as such, but it just wasn't one a standout for me. I'm so glad, however, that we got to visit these gems and hope this guide serves you well on your adventures there. 

I don't often get a chance to update this site as much as I would like these days. For my latest adventures and video content, be sure to follow what I've been up to on my Instagram profile, @popcornandglitter.

Until next time film and travel lovers,