It might seem a little weird to include a public library in a travel guide but Amsterdam’s Central Library (Dutch: Openbare Bibliotheek Amsterdam) is anything but average.

At 28,000 square metres, this is Europe’s largest public library. The building, full of modern architecture and located on Oosterdokseilnad, opened in July 2007 and around 2.5 million users and visitors visit yearly.

Over the seven floors there is a theatre, radio station, conference rooms, exhibition space, music department, study pods, readers’ cafe, restaurant with an outdoor terrace, and of course, plenty of books.

To visit the library is free. And while you won’t be able to check any books out, you are free to browse and enjoy on site. There is plenty to keep children entertained. And who know’s everyone might learn a few new Dutch words during your visit.

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  Photo by RNW.org