Summary
Amsterdam is the vibrant capital of the Netherlands and the most populous city in the country, with approximately 842,000 residents in the central municipality.
Historically, Amsterdam gained significant prominence early on, benefiting from trade with the Hanseatic League and subsequently emerging as a center for free press during the 16th century following the Dutch revolt and the eighty years’ war.
Following a period of decline during the 18th and 19th centuries, Amsterdam has evolved into a modern, diverse metropolis that is renowned globally.
With its rich historical architecture, public parks, prestigious museums, and varied attractions, the city offers limitless opportunities and ranks among the premier tourist destinations in Europe.
1. Anne Frank House
A visit to Amsterdam is incomplete without experiencing this significant historical site.
Anne Frank was a young girl who sought refuge from the Nazis during WWII, leaving behind a comprehensive diary that has been published worldwide, offering insights into the Jewish experience during this turbulent era.
The actual building where Anne and her family sought sanctuary houses a museum dedicated to her memory; within, visitors can explore reconstructed rooms, numerous artifacts from that time, and the original house, including a reconstructed bookcase that concealed the entrance to the secret annex.
This museum is undoubtedly captivating and poignant. However, be prepared for long queues, as waiting times can be extensive.
2. Heineken Brewery Tour
As the birthplace of the famous beer, Amsterdam features the Heineken Experience, an engaging attraction that allows visitors to learn about the brewing process while enjoying a couple of refreshing drinks.
This tour takes guests through the brewery, showcasing the production process—watching the large hop tanks, sampling pure alcohol, and observing the bottling phase of the beer.
Additionally, visitors can view numerous historical artifacts from Heineken’s past, including various beer mats.
A 3D ride illustrates the brewing journey and is both entertaining and surprising.
Moreover, there is a lounge area adorned with beer bottles and cans, as well as a space where visitors can customize their own Heineken bottle with a personalized label.
3. Canal Boat Tour
While some may consider it a tourist cliché, experiencing a boat tour on Amsterdam’s canal system is essential.
The canals serve as a key aspect of Amsterdam’s fame, providing a unique opportunity to appreciate the scenic waterways on a guided tour. The impressive waterways in the city’s center stretch for miles, revealing stunning sights such as the Emperor’s Canal and its remarkable architecture.
There are numerous boat tour options, with Grayline being one of the most notable, offering collection points and ticket stands located at the Damrak canal near the train station.
4. Emperor’s Canal
This prominent canal in Amsterdam is named after Emperor Maximilian of Austria. The Emperor’s Canal is the central of three primary waterways that create a semi-circular ring around the city’s Centrum and old town.
Spanning 31 meters in width, the canal often freezes over in winter, allowing visitors to skate across its icy surface.
This stretch of water is considered one of the most picturesque in Amsterdam. It is lined with trees, exquisite bridges, and an abundance of bicycles, while the buildings adjacent to the canal boast traditional Dutch architecture, characterized by gabled roofs and a variety of colors.
Notable attractions along the canal include the House with the Heads, the Homo Monument, the Syrian Orthodox Church, and the Greenland Warehouses.
5. Van Gogh Museum
Vincent Van Gogh stands as one of the most celebrated and fascinating artists in history, and the museum named after him provides an excellent opportunity to explore his life and art.
Situated near Vondelpark on Paulus Potterstraat and in close proximity to the Rijksmuseum, this extensive art museum houses a significant collection of Van Gogh’s paintings and select works from other renowned artists such as Monet and Matisse.
In addition to the stunning artworks, visitors can peruse a collection of letters and drawings as well as learn about the reasons behind Van Gogh’s revered status as an iconic figure.
6. Rijksmuseum
Another cultural gem in Amsterdam, the Rijksmuseum boasts a magnificent building that resembles the design of the Centraal station, combined with an extensive collection of crafts, art, and history dating back to the 1200s, alongside the famed I Amsterdam sign located outside the art square.
With over one million objects in its collection, only 8000 are on display, which is still a significant number. Exhibits include paintings from the Dutch Golden Age, artifacts from the HMS Royal Charles, and a dedicated Asian pavilion.
Visitors can easily spend hours exploring this enchanting and eternally intriguing institution.
7. Vondelpark
This beautiful park is an absolute joy to stroll through during the summer and serves as an oasis in the heart of Amsterdam.
Located at the edge of the canal rings and in proximity to the Rijksmuseum and the Heineken Experience, the park features well-maintained grounds with several small lakes surrounded by trees and sculptures, providing a serene setting for both locals and visitors to relax.
Free concerts are often held at the open-air theatre, and there are ample opportunities to rent bikes to traverse the many winding paths.
For families, the park offers six play areas, catering to visitors of all ages.
8. Dam Square
As the principal square in central Amsterdam, Dam Square is conveniently located just a ten-minute walk from Centraal Station.
Established in the 1400s, this square has long served as a focal point for the city.
On the square, visitors will encounter the impressive Royal Palace, a noteworthy landmark, as well as the National Monument, which pays homage to fallen soldiers, and the Nieuwe Kerk church frequently hosting art exhibitions. The square is also surrounded by architecturally significant hotels and shops, including a Madam Tussauds wax museum.
9. Red Light District
While the Red Light District may not appeal to everyone, it is an intrinsic part of Amsterdam’s reputation, and visiting this area provides insight into its uniqueness and the peculiar shops and displays present.
Known as De Wallen, this district is centrally situated around the Damrak canal.
Visitors can stroll through the streets and observe the diverse range of shows, shops, and the infamous cannabis cafes.
It is advisable to exercise caution and remain vigilant—despite a strong police presence, less reputable characters may be encountered. Therefore, it is essential to keep close watch over personal belongings.
10. Centraal Station
Centraal Station serves as the principal railway station in Amsterdam and stands as the largest in the Netherlands.
This station is primarily a transportation hub providing direct services to Schiphol Airport; however, it is also an architectural gem in its own right.
First opened in 1889, the station exhibits a Gothic/Renaissance style and features an immense cast-iron roof.
Its façade resembles more of a palace or cathedral rather than a station, adorned with towers and intricate stone reliefs.
With its central location adjacent to the IJ lake and Damrak canal, the station is a remarkable example of architecture in Amsterdam.
11. Body Worlds
The Body Worlds museum presents an entirely unique experience in comparison to most other museums.
Located in the heart of Amsterdam, this intriguing venue features an enlightening and revealing display dedicated to human anatomy and the intricacies that make it exceptional.
Visitors can discover what facilitates our bodily functions and understand their inherent fragility, juxtaposed with their resilience.
With over 200 anatomical displays, the exhibition offers a visual exploration of the human body.
For those seeking an extraordinary and informative experience about human existence, the Body Worlds exhibition is an ideal destination.
12. Artis Zoo
The Artis Zoo is Holland’s oldest zoo, and one of the oldest in mainland Europe.
In addition to various zoological exhibits, it houses an aquarium and a planetarium.
Visitors can view over 700 animal species, 200 tree varieties, the impressive Botanical Garden, and Micropia, which provides extensive information on microorganisms.
The planetarium offers a wealth of information about the solar system, various planets, and the universe.
All animals are provided with spacious habitats and receive excellent care; there is also a petting zoo for younger visitors, along with an abundance of information about each species and their habitats.
13. Sex Museum
The Sex Museum provides insight into human relationships, sexuality, and how societal perceptions have evolved over time.
The museum showcases a variety of displays, statues, and figures portraying iconic subjects such as Venus, Mata Hari, and Marilyn Monroe, along with two oversized phallic figures.
Different rooms within the museum are thematically structured around specific narratives or figures, providing audio commentary that enhances the experience.
This museum adopts a subtler approach compared to the candidness of the Red Light District, offering an engaging exploration of the subject of sexuality.
14. The Flower Market
The flower market presents a delightful sensory experience, showcasing a vibrant facet of Amsterdam.
This unique floating flower market, located on Singel Street between Vijzelstraat and Koningsplein, features numerous stalls selling flowers, seeds, spices, herbs, and plants, creating a captivating display of colors and fragrances.
The market operates from Monday to Saturday until 17:30. Even if purchases are not intended, a stroll through this enchanting place is highly recommended.
Visitors can expect to find a variety of tulips available for sale in a spectrum of colors.
15. The Royal Palace
The Royal Palace, situated in Dam Square, stands as an impressive edifice that imparts a sense of significance and cultural heritage to the square.
This grand structure was originally constructed as a town hall but later served as a palace for the Dutch royal family.
The palace’s striking façade and prominent central tower create an impressive sight, which is complemented by its equally magnificent interior.
The central hall measures over 100 feet in length, with a marble floor featuring an intricately detailed map of the world depicting the exploration activities of the Dutch East India Company.
The palace is accessible to the public, allowing guests to admire various galleries filled with historical artworks and the extravagant decorations of the palace’s rooms. Guided tours are available at specific times.
