Amsterdam, one of Europe’s most visited cities, is a small, beautiful, and cosmopolitan metropolis that begs to be explored. The capital of the Netherlands is sometimes referred to as the “Venice of the North” because of the city’s abundance of canals, and exploring them is a breeze by foot, bike, or boat.
Amsterdam, a city known for its contemporary, progressive ideas, is set against a charming but incongruous background of well-preserved and attractive architecture from the 17th century. The city of Amsterdam is full of intriguing and unusual things to see and do, from world-class art museums to vibrant flower markets, from “coffeeshops” selling cannabis to the infamous red-light district.
22. Moco Museum
Despite being a recent addition to the museum landscape, the Moco Museum has already earned a stellar reputation. Moco is a private museum that has an extensive permanent Banksy exhibition of more than 50 well-known pieces, despite being located away from the typical tourist routes.
There are also several replicas of famous Banksy murals, such as the Girl with a Balloon. You can see works by the famous graffiti artist as well as those by other top pop artists from across the globe in a series of rotating exhibits.
21. NEMO Science Museum
The NEMO Science Museum is a top attraction in Amsterdam for families with kids. Inside the massive green structure, which resembles a mastless ship from the outside, visitors of all ages can participate in hands-on exhibits and learn about the development of science across time.
Enthusiastic thinkers will like the opportunity to devise a battery of chemical experiments or explore the engineering that goes into creating structures. You can take a breather and enjoy the sights of Amsterdam from the rooftop patio. You can stop for refreshments and a bite to eat at the café before continuing the good times.
20. Albert Cuyp Market
In the early 20th century, vendors on the bustling Albert Cuypstraat came together to create this market. However, it is now among Europe’s busiest marketplaces thanks to its explosive expansion. The market, which bears the name of a well-known artist, Albert Cuyp, is open every day of the week except Sunday.
Over the course of the previous century, the market has expanded, and it has changed and evolved in response to consumer demand. Since this is the case, you can expect to discover international foods and ingredients. There is no better place in Amsterdam for ambiance, inexpensive food, and low-priced shopping.
19. Dam Square
In the 15th century, Dam Square was constructed in the middle of Amsterdam, and it has served as the city’s focal point ever since. The Royal Palace is located in this square and is a sight to see.
The Dutch royal family continues to welcome visitors at the Royal Palace to this day. The good news is that the palace is accessible to both residents and visitors.
The National Monument, which commemorates the lives lost in battle, Madame Tussauds, and the Nieuwe Kerk Church, which often features art exhibits, are among the must-sees.
18. A’dam Lookout
Visit A’dam Lookout while in Amsterdam, whether you’re a photographer or just someone who appreciates a breathtaking panorama. The overlook, which opened in 2016, sits atop a 20th-floor observation deck with a sweeping panorama of the city’s canals and historic landmarks.
Try the Over the Edge ride to take things to the next level. From the rooftop observation platform, visitors can take a thrilling ride on Europe’s highest swing. On the twentieth and nineteenth floors, you’ll find the famous Madam and Moon restaurants.
17. Verzetsmuseum
The Verzetsmuseum, located next to the Artis Zoo, is dedicated to documenting the experiences of Dutch citizens who resisted Nazi rule. This museum has been a well-kept secret for quite some time, but it is now starting to attract the attention of travelers who are interested in learning more about this period and its impact on the world.
When guests arrive, they can pick up an audio guide that will lead them on a tour of the museum and provide further context for the displays they see. Historical relics, video and sound clips, and audio recordings all come standard at the Dutch Resistance Museum, giving visitors a firsthand look at the origins of the resistance movement in the Netherlands.
16. Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam
An important modern art museum can be found in Amsterdam’s Museum District, next to the Van Gogh Museum. Around 700 works by painters including Van Gogh, Mondrian, and Lichtenstein are permanently on display at the Stedelijk Museum.
However, the museum’s reputation is such that even the temporary displays stand out, giving residents and frequent visitors alike plenty of incentive to return again and again.
The Stedelijk Museum also has an interesting year-round display about the history of pinball machines.
15. Heineken Experience
Heineken is one beverage that is available everywhere in the world. The Heineken Experience in Amsterdam is dedicated to the city’s reputation for its beer, which was founded there.
Inside, you’ll find an action-packed adventure that’ll have you coming back for more than just another brewery tour. You may see the brewing process and sample the pure alcohol, on the one hand. On the other side, you’ll get to see some cool historical stuff and experience a 3D ride! Every stage of the process is explained on the trip, and you get to try the final product—complete with your own custom label—at the conclusion.
14. Museum Ons’ Lieve Heer Op Solder
The Museum Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder provides one of the greatest glimpses of Amsterdam’s early culture. This structure, also known as the Museum of Our Lord in the Attic, was once a residence and now serves as a place of worship. The Alteration of 1578 outlawed open displays of Catholicism in the early modern period.
Instead, the upper three floors of this old canal house were repurposed as a place of worship. The church has been kept amazingly well and now provides an interesting window into the religious life of early modern Amsterdam. It’s still possible to be married at a museum, and it has some incredible artwork.
13. Artis Zoo
It’s on the small side, but it packs a punch. The Artis Zoo is an attractive example of an ancient European tradition. The Artis Zoo, located in the Oost neighborhood along the canal, also has an aquarium, a planetarium, and the world’s only Micropia (microbe museum).
Big cats, monkeys, giraffes, and elephants are just a few of the wild animals that kids will enjoy seeing. Picnics and barbecues are welcome within the zoo’s gates, making it a great destination for families. During the summer, Artis Zoo hosts a number of concerts and themed tours.
12. Rembrandthuis
Formerly the artist’s private residence, now available to the public, the Rembrandt House Museum is a must-see while in Amsterdam. Inside, you’ll find the largest collection of his etchings ever assembled, in addition to objects that inspired him.
The entry fee includes an audio guide that will lead you on a tour of the house and provide insight into the artist’s life. Attending one of the three daily etching sessions is a highlight of a visit to the Rembrandthuis. Rembrandt’s creative process is revealed, allowing for fascinating analysis.
11. De Negen Straatjes
There are nine streets ready to be explored between the Prinsengracht and Singel Canals. Most of the contemporary structures in the region date from a century after the original construction in the 17th century. The native way of life and customs are on display in the streets. The streets of the De Negen Straatjes are lined with unique shops selling antiques and apparel as well as quaint cafes and restaurants.
You could spend the whole day here just shopping. The best souvenirs and gifts in Amsterdam can be found here. Libertine Cafe and Screaming Beans Coffee are great places to get a bite and relax when you need a break.
10. Koninklijk Paleis Amsterdam
The western side of Dam Square in the heart of Amsterdam is home to the Koninklijk Paleis, one of three royal palaces in the Netherlands. Built in the 17th century, this structure served as the city hall until the Napoleonic Wars, when Napoleon’s brother Louis was anointed King Louis I of Holland and the building was turned into a palace.
Jacob van Campen used sandstone for the façade to make it seem like a Roman public structure, but the ornate Empire-style interior he created is a showcase for the early 1800s. The palace is open to the public for most of the year, although it is nonetheless sometimes used by the Dutch Royal Family for official functions.
9. De Wallen
The notorious red-light district of Amsterdam is called “De Wallen,” and it is the only place in the city where prostitution is permitted. South of Grand Central, the area extends over a network of canals and smaller streets. There are over a hundred studio apartments leased by sex workers who use red lights in their windows to attract customers.
The area is safe because of the police presence. The public is invited to visit, but they must refrain from taking photographs. Several ancient structures, notably the city’s first church, the Gothic-style Oude Kerk, can be found in this area; it is the oldest in Amsterdam.
8. Scheepvaartmuseum
The Scheepvaartmuseum, often known as the National Maritime Museum, is home to artifacts from Amsterdam’s extensive maritime heritage. The museum, which is housed in a building that was formerly a naval warehouse built in 1656, has 18 different display halls.
This multi-story museum shows how the Dutch commanded the seas, from reconstructions of historical maritime battles to beautifully drawn maps and 17th-century armaments, all of which contributed to Amsterdam being the richest city in the world in the 1600s thanks to sea commerce.
Visitors can get an up-close look at the hobbies and pastimes of sailors via the museum’s collection of carvings. An exact copy of the Amsterdam, a ship that carried Dutch traders to the East Indies in the 18th century, is docked in front of the museum.
7. Vondelpark
Vondelpark, originally called Nieuwe Park when it opened in 1865, is a public park in Amsterdam’s Oud-Zuid (Old South) district to the west of Museum Square. A statue of Joost van den Vondel was installed in the park in 1867, at which time it was given its present name.
Sculpted by Louis Royer, the monument of the well-known 17th-century Dutch poet and dramatist quickly became a local icon, leading locals to start referring to the park by his name: Vondelpark. Both residents and visitors go to the park on a regular basis.
Enjoy a herring sandwich or a Dutch beer at one of the park’s hors d’oeuvre stands while watching the kids play on the grass or ride bikes along the paths.
6. Bloemenmarkt
The Bloemenmarkt, situated on the south bank of the Singel canal between Muntplein and Koningsplein, is the only floating flower market in the world. Seven days a week, flower vendors stock the stalls and the floating barges with all the bulbs and blooms for which the Netherlands is known.
The Bloemenmarkt was established in 1862 and has several flower and garden stores, in addition to souvenir shops. Some residents do buy at this market, but it was created especially with visitors in mind.
Tourists visiting Amsterdam can take home a piece of the city with them by purchasing bulbs such as tulips, daffodils, narcissus, and more that have been certified as export-suitable.
5. Anne Frank House
The Anne Frank House, one of Amsterdam’s most popular tourist destinations, can be found on the Prinsengracht. Since 1947, when Anne’s father released the diary that Anne penned while living concealed from the Nazi authorities during World War II, the building where Anne Frank, her family, and four other Jewish individuals hid has been recognized as a memorial to the Holocaust.
In 1955, when developers were going to destroy the building, a scheme to save it from destruction was conceived. In 1960, the building began functioning as a museum. There are displays detailing Anne’s tragically brief life and tours of the apartments where she formerly resided.
4. Begijnhof
Begijnhof, also known as Beguines Courtyard, is located in the geographic center of Amsterdam’s ring of canals. Catholic Beguines, who lived in the walled courtyard there beginning in the 14th century.
Due to the women’s freedom to quit the order and marry outside of the Begijnhof, it cannot be considered a convent in the conventional sense. After the confiscation of their chapel by the Reformation authorities, the sisters started meeting in secret in the Begijnhof Kapel, a beautiful church with marble columns and stained-glass windows.
The English Reformed Church, constructed on the same spot in 1392, is also located in Begijnhof. Within the confines of the Begijnhof can also be found the city’s oldest wooden building, a structure that dates back to 1465.
3. Van Gogh Museum
The Van Gogh Museum, located on the northwest corner of Museum Square (or Museumplein), has the biggest collection of the artist’s paintings and letters in the world. The museum, which is located in a four-story structure built by Gerrit Rietveld in the 1970s, is a popular Amsterdam destination.
The museum’s second floor has two hundred works by Dutch Post-Impressionists. The works, arranged in order of creation, provide an in-depth exploration of Van Gogh’s stylistic development. The third account details the artist’s difficult existence and the subsequent attempts to rehabilitate his artwork. The second level features artwork by Van Gogh’s contemporaries such as Millet, Gaugin, and Daubigny.
2. Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum, located in the northeast corner of Museum Square, is often considered to be the best art and historical museum in the Netherlands. There are over a million artifacts in the collection, the earliest of which date back to the 13th century.
Before the architect Pierre Cuypers won a design contest in 1876 and work started on the Rijksmuseum, the collection was spread out over the Netherlands in a variety of structures.
The museum first opened its doors in 1885 and now houses over 8,000 works of art, including masterpieces by Rembrandt, Frans Hals, and Johannes Vemeer. Night Watch, a masterwork by Rembrandt, is well worth the price of admission.
1. Canals of Amsterdam
In the 17th century, the city’s famed canals were constructed to redirect the flow of the Amstel River and provide new, dry land for its expanding population. It didn’t take long for Amsterdam’s affluent merchant class to figure out that the city’s canals made for fantastic front yards for their mansions.
One of the best ways to take in the city’s classic Dutch architecture is on a peaceful boat trip down one of the hundred canals. Some 2,000 houseboats, including houseboat hotels, call the canals, which are lined with elm and lime trees and bridged by more than a thousand bridges, home. Cruises may last anything from an hour to a whole evening, and tour companies offer them all.
