Welcome to the city where canals, bicycles and coziness go hand in hand! Amsterdam is a contemporary, vibrant city where culture, history and people from all over the world come together. The city will celebrate its 750th anniversary in 2025. There is a lot to do in the city that exudes a very unique atmosphere. We give tips about the best museums, super fun experiences and more…
1. On the Amsterdam canals (song Wim Sonneveld)
When you think of Amsterdam, you probably immediately think of the canals. The city is famous for its waterways that crisscross the historic districts. The canal belt is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The most famous canals are the Herengracht, the Prinsengracht, the Keizersgracht and the Singel. They are located in spacious semi-circles around the center. The city is also known as the Venice of the North.
Along the canels you can see trees. These are called the green lungs of the city. Housing shortages have been around for centuries. Due to a lack of houses, houseboats have appeared in the Amsterdam canals. There are about 2,500 of them and they are truly part of the city. A popular outing is to take a tour boat to view the canals, the stately mansions, the Anne Frank House and a famous bridge called De Magere Brug from the water. You can also take a tour in the evening and enjoy the atmospheric lighting.
2. Van Gogh Museum – a must for art lovers
This museum houses the largest collection of works by the painter, and you can learn more about Van Gogh’s tumultuous life here. View works by him such as De Zonnebloemen (the sunflowers), De aardappeleters (The potato eaters), and his self-portraits. Van Gogh is one of the greatest painters of the 19th century. It was only after his death that the general public became aware of Vincent’s great talent and his paintings became world famous.
Vincent was born in Zundert in Brabant in 1853. His father was a minister. He only started painting at the age of 27, against the wishes of his parents. Vincent had a romantic character. Nature inspired him and he liked to paint outdoors. He could wander through the countryside for hours.
A large part of his oeuvre can be seen in the museum in Amsterdam. The museum’s collection consists of paintings, drawings and letters. In our time, his work is so popular, think of De Amandelbloesem (the Almond Blossom), the Sunflowers and the Starry Night. You come across it on all kinds of objects, on wallpaper and even on bed linen. It is therefore cool to see a lot of Vincent’s work together like this.
Children can find out more about Vincent by doing a treasure hunt in the museum. Young people aged 12 to 17 can pick up a checklist at the information desk, with which you can collect information by doing specific questions and assignments. On various Saturdays from 10:30 to 12:30, children aged 6 to 12 can learn to paint themselves under the guidance of a workshop teacher in a real studio. Of course, they will first go into the museum with the teacher to gain inspiration.
3. Rijksmuseum – A dive into Dutch history
The Rijksmuseum on Dam Square is known for its collection of Dutch masters from the Golden Age, such as Rembrandt, Johannes Vermeer, Jan Steen and Frans Hals. In the museum, national history from 1200 to the present day is presented to you. We provide tips for a magnificent visit. Children up to and including 18 years of age can enter for free!
The iconic museum building was designed by architect Pierre Cuypers. The impressive building is itself a work of art. Dutch people see the Rijks as their national pride. The collection is so extensive. Meet the famous couple Marten and Oopjen, view the Jewish Bride, paintings by Rembrandt and The Threatened Swan by Jan Asselijn. Don’t try to see everything in this museum in one day. That’s impossible. The museum has no fewer than 80 rooms. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the map.
Guided tours:
You can choose a tour yourself using the museum app. You can also use the audio tour according to a route, or by determining a route yourself and pressing the corresponding numbers for the various items in the collection.
Tickets:
Youth up to 18 years: free entrance
The entrance fee for adults is €23.50 and you must make a reservation.
This also applies to holders of the Museum card and other access passes.
4. Take a Museum Photo
This experience is a must during your visit to Amsterdam. Less than 10 meters from Dam Square behind the Nieuwe Kerk you will find a unique photo studio. You can have your portrait taken here in handmade costumes such as Rembrandt, or as The Milkmaid or The Girl with the Pearl Earring. You will definitely enjoy yourself here! Peter professionally photographs his visitors in a fun way. A unique experience that takes you back to the Golden Age.
It is important to make a reservation in advance. An evening appointment can also be made for 4 people or more. Payment can only be made by debit or credit card.
https://www.museumfoto.amsterdam/
5. The Anne Frank House
The house where Anne Frank and her family hid during the war is now a museum that brings her diaries and personal stories to life. It is an impressive, emotional place that shows Anne’s life, which took such a dramatic turn, and the history of her time. Allow approximately 1 ½ hours for this visit. It is definitely an experience you will not soon forget. You must be able to walk well to visit this museum, because there are steep stairs. There is a free audio tour available in 9 languages and a special version for young people: Anne’s story.
Every Tuesday at 10:00 tickets become available for a visit 6 weeks later. Reservations can only be made online on the Anne Frank House’s own website. You can choose between a regular ticket or a ticket with a 30-minute introduction. The introduction is very good.
Other tickets that you can book online do not give access to the house, but only to the surroundings.
Address: Anne Frank House, Prinsengracht 263-267, Amsterdam (The entrance is around the corner, Westermarkt 20) It is a 10-minute walk from Dam Square and 20 minutes from Central Station.
Anne’s famous diary has also been published in comic strip form. It is a quick read and really gives an idea of how Anne experienced her time in the Anne Frank House , het Achterhuis.
6. The Canal Museum
The Canal Museum in Amsterdam is a real hidden gem! It is located in a beautiful canal house on the Herengracht, which itself breathes history. The museum tells the story of the famous Amsterdam canals and how the city developed into the trading center of the world in the Golden Age. You can learn more about the history of the city, daily life at that time, and the architecture of the canal belt.
What makes the museum extra fun is that it not only works with texts and objects, but also with interactive displays. For example, you can experience for yourself what it was like to live in one of the luxurious houses along the canals in the 17th century.
In addition, the Canal Museum is much quieter than the larger museums in Amsterdam, which makes it a perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. There is also a silent garden. Make sure you start early to do the audio tour because the museum closes its doors early.
7. Vondelpark – Relax and enjoy the fresh air
This city park is a favorite spot for both locals and tourists to walk, bike, picnic or just enjoy the nice weather. If you love nature, you can find a quiet moment in the gardens and the park also offers nice cafés where you can enjoy a cup of coffee or a local delicacy.
8. Fabrique des Lumières
At Fabrique des Lumières you see art in a different way. Artworks come to life through projections, sounds and interactive elements. You experience art in a completely different way than in traditional museums. Instead of just looking, it is more experiencing. You are carried away by the moving images and music. It is a very nice digital experience and also a hotspot for photo enthusiasts and Instagram users.
At La Fabrique des Lumières, works by famous artists such as Van Gogh, Klimt or Monet are projected onto the walls and floors of a huge, dark industrial building. The art is brought to life through movement, light effects and music. The artworks of this show are big, the experience is grand!
9. Flower Market – Singelgracht
One of the unique experiences in Amsterdam is the flower market along the Singelgracht. It is the only floating flower market in the world and offers a beautiful range of tulips, lilies and other flowers that make the city famous. The colorful stalls on the boats and the fragrant assortment make it an ideal place to buy souvenirs or just enjoy the lively atmosphere of the city.
The market is open daily from 9:00 to 17:30 but on Sundays from 11:00 to 17:30
10. Jordaan – The Charming District
The Jordaan is a typical Dutch neighborhood with narrow streets, trendy boutiques, cafes and art galleries. Take a look or sit on a terrace and enjoy the colorful crowds of people passing by. Amsterdam is known as a city where tolerance is highly valued. Don’t forget to stroll through the famous Nine Streets for great shopping and dining options!
11. Albert Cuypmarkt – The Best Market in Amsterdam
The Albert Cuypmarkt in the famous De Pijp district is the largest and most popular street market in Amsterdam. You can find everything here, from fresh flowers and vegetables to souvenirs and street food. It’s a great place to stroll, shop and soak up the local atmosphere.
Enjoy exploring Amsterdam!
Where to stay:
Hotelboat Angeline
A great experience to stay here! Maybe you can sit on the deck for a while if the weather permits. All rooms have a private bathroom and the breakfast is delicious
Volkshotel
A hotel with rooms in all price ranges. There is a lot to do and see. The nice decor and the cozy place make this place a real must! On the 7th floor is a restaurant with a 360° view of Amsterdam and not unimportant, the hotel has its own parking lot.
The Hendrick’s Hotel
All rooms have a sitting area, a flat screen TV with satellite channels and nice amenities. The hotel has a nice appearance and in the lounge you can relax by the fireplace. In the morning there is an English/Irish style breakfast. You are welcomed with a drink.
Van der Valk hotel
Assure yourself of quality and stay at this address. At Van der Valk it is always good to stay. The extensive breakfast is something to write home about.
Hotel Clemens
A hotel close to Dam Square, Anne Frank House and Westertoren. A hotel with authentic features, a friendly price and breakfast is included. A disadvantage is that there are steep stairs in the hotel and there is no elevator.
Tip Nice photo spots:
The Magere Brug (between Kerkstraat and Nieuw Kerkstraat)
The canal houses on the Damrak
The Spiegelgracht
The Zuiderkerk
Intersection of Reguliersgracht/ Prinsengracht
The Berensluis (a bridge over the Prinsengracht)
Tip: Amsterdam City Card
The I Amsterdam City Card is a popular pass for visitors to Amsterdam who want to explore the city. It offers access to more than 70 museums, attractions, boat tours and other cultural sights. In addition, the card allows you to use public transport in Amsterdam for free, such as trams, buses and the metro, which makes travelling around the city easier. The card is available for different periods: 24, 48, 72, 96 or 120 hours, depending on how long you are staying in the city. In addition to access to attractions and transport, you also get discounts on selected restaurants, shops and other services. This makes it a convenient choice for tourists who want to see a lot of Amsterdam and save money at the same time.
Some of the most popular attractions you can visit with the I Amsterdam City Card are the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Heineken Experience, and NEMO Science Museum. You can also take a boat trip through the city’s famous canals with the card.
More ideas:
Tip: Amsterdam Bike Rental
Amsterdam is the perfect city to explore by bike. Rent bikes and easily get around the capital.
There are several well-known neighborhoods in Amsterdam. Here is a small overview of where you can find tourist attractions: De Pijp (Albert Cuypmarkt), De Jordaan (Anne Frank Huis), Het Westerpark (Westergas), het Centrum (9 Straatjes), Oud Zuid (Vondelpark, Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum)
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