Pal, they're packed because tourists gather there. Those areas don't have a good name among people not themselves tourists or involved in businesses that profit from tourists.

There's a huge debate going on, weekly articles in most major newspapers, about how Amsterdam now is such a hellhole for the people who live in it. What happened to Venice is now happening to Amsterdam, many people feel. People were OK with the whole tourist thing, when that was contained inside the city centre, and mostly concentrated in the RLD. But now, neighbourhoods where ordinary people live, are being wrested from their hands and handed to tourists and those who profit by them. That's the general feeling. And I must say, Amsterdam used to be a much more exciting place ten years ago, let alone twenty.

Kay2, you won't be disappointed by the K-M. Beautiful Van Goghs. A wonderful collection of paintings by Charley Toorop. The building itself, the setting, its history. It's such understated abundance. And do go and see St Hubertus too. I so love Berlage's buildings. If you go to The Hague, maybe visit both Panorama Mesdag (it's a surreal experience, really awe inspiring) and Gemeentemuseum, Berlage's masterpiece. And a museum with a great collection, the largest, of Mondrian's, also his early, mystical work.

https://theculturetrip.com/europe/th...-architecture/