In this part of our Amsterdam Guide, we will show you Amsterdam’s top attractions. We will show you what to do and what to see in this city. So, if you want to learn more, please stay with us.
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Introduction to the Amsterdam Top Attractions
With its beautiful canal network, rich history, and lively cultural scene, Amsterdam is one of the world’s most vibrant cities. There are countless things to do in Amsterdam year-round, and many of the most rewarding experiences are outside the city center’s main tourist areas. To help you navigate the options, we have compiled an essential guide to Amsterdam’s best attractions.
Suppose you are planning to visit multiple museums and sights in Amsterdam. In that case, the I Amsterdam City Card is a great option. This visitor pass provides free entry to many of Amsterdam’s most popular attractions and accessible public transportation during your stay.
Get lost in the arty Jordaan
The Jordaan is often regarded as Amsterdam’s most charming neighborhood, and visiting it feels like taking a step back in time. Initially a working-class area, the Jordaan now comprises some of Amsterdam’s most desirable quarters, featuring winding narrow streets, quaint buildings, independent art galleries, antique shops, atmospheric bars and restaurants, and courtyard gardens. If you’re up for some shopping, ditch the map and explore the labyrinth of narrow lanes that sprawl eastwards from the Prinsengracht canal, where you will find the 9 Streets, one of Amsterdam’s most rewarding shopping experiences.
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Live like Dutch royalty.
Numerous castles, palaces, and fortresses in the Amsterdam Area showcase the region’s royal heritage and make you feel like the protagonist of a fairytale. Firstly, the Royal Palace Amsterdam is King Willem-Alexander’s official reception palace, where he hosts world leaders and heads of state. However, it is also open to visitors for most of the year. Another palace, Muiderslot, is just 15 kilometers southeast of the city. It is a 13th-century castle that looks like it’s been taken straight out of a Disney movie, complete with five towers, a moat, and a drawbridge. De Haar Castle in Utrecht dates back to the 14th century. Still, in the 19th century, it was updated with impressive turrets and towers by Pierre Cuypers, the famous architect of the Rijksmuseum.
See how Anne Frank lived.
Take a moment to reflect on the horrific acts committed against the Jewish people during World War II while visiting the Prinsengracht house. This is the place where diarist Anne Frank and her family sought refuge for two years after escaping persecution in Germany. Today, the front of the Anne Frank House serves as a thought-provoking museum. At the same time, the back annex has been maintained to provide insight into the living conditions of Anne and the families she lived with. Due to high demand, waiting times can be long, so it is best to visit early in the morning or book online to avoid queues.
See windmills, countryside, and beaches.
Suppose you plan to stay in Amsterdam for a few days. In that case, it’s highly recommended to take a day trip and explore the beautiful attractions of the surrounding area. The area around Amsterdam has a variety of attractions, including stunning countryside, beaches, windmills, and historic towns that are easily accessible from the city center. Haarlem, a charming city, is just a 20-minute train ride from Amsterdam Central. It has many shops, cafes, and restaurants with historical and cultural landmarks. If you’re a beach lover, you can visit the beautiful golden stretches of Bloemendaal aan Zee and Zandvoort aan Zee, with golden sands, dunes, and plenty of water sports. For those who love picturesque views of windmills, rolling grasslands, and winding canals, the Zaanse Schans is a pastoral paradise that’s so photogenic that Instagram was invented.
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Check out the museums and glorious buildings in Museumplein.
Museumplein, located in the Oud-Zuid district of Amsterdam, is a vibrant cultural hub which houses some of the world-renowned museums such as the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, the Stedelijk Museum, and The Royal Concertgebouw. The district boasts of its 19th-century architecture and has been recently renovated to make it a world-class destination for art lovers. The open square between the buildings is always buzzing with activity, with open-air exhibitions, markets, and a large paddling pool to cool off on hot days. In winter, the square transforms into a vast outdoor ice rink, offering a unique experience to visitors. The I Amsterdam City Card gives you free entry to over 70 museums.
Indulge in worldwide cuisine.
Hungry? We are! There is plenty of variety when dining out in the Netherlands these days. In Amsterdam and a few larger cities, it is possible to dine in almost any language thanks to the proliferation of international restaurants, from Vietnamese to Ethiopian. You’ll also find innovative chefs combining East with West to create unique and delicious ‘fusion’ dishes. If you fancy a quick snack, there are several options, from the simple shop selling broodje (filled bread rolls) or the Vietnamese lumpia (spring roll) vendor to the Middle Eastern takeaway stand that sells shoarma (roast lamb) or falafel in a pitta. Take your pick; it’s all there!
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Foodhallen
The Foodhallen is a standout among other food halls due to its exceptional offerings, which include reimagined Dutch classics and Vietnamese and Mexican delicacies. The venue is housed inside a former tram depot and is bustling at all times of the day. If you are lucky enough to secure a table, guard it fiercely. The Gin & Tonic Bar serves a variety of gin and tonic combinations, including one made with jenever for a unique twist. The Beerbar, on the other hand, offers more than 60 local and international beers, including two exclusively brewed for Foodhallen. It is an ideal spot to refuel any time, especially during winter when you need to warm up after a long day of sightseeing.
Learn about beer
Do you enjoy beer? If yes, the Heineken Experience in Amsterdam is a must-visit tourist attraction. It is located a short walk away from the Rijksmuseum, along Singelgracht. This building was the brewery for the world-famous Heineken Lager until 1988. Visitors can take a 1.5-hour self-guided tour of the facility and then enjoy sampling some of their beer.
Cruise past canal houses and bridges.
The network of canals in Amsterdam, which dates back to the 17th century, is protected by UNESCO and is the epitome of the picturesque scenery of Amsterdam. It is a beautiful sight, particularly at night when the bridges are lit with fairy lights, and the entire area has a magical atmosphere. A guided boat tour down the canals is an excellent way to explore the city’s essence. Moreover, you’ll discover many intriguing facts during your journey, such as why the leaning houses along the canals are called ‘dancing houses.’ Numerous canal cruises are available, ranging from hop-on-hop-off sightseeing tours to romantic candlelit night cruises with food and wine. You can get a free canal cruise with the I Amsterdam City Card or reserve one online with the Canal Cruise Ticket.
Smell the tulips.
Although they may be considered clichéd like clogs, the tulips are an iconic symbol of Dutch culture. A trip to the Netherlands would not be complete without admiring these beautiful blooms. Suppose you happen to visit Amsterdam during spring. In that case, you can take a 20-minute trip to witness the world-renowned tulip fields (Bollenstreek) stretching out in colorful stripes across lowland fields between Haarlem and Leiden. Additionally, there are several opportunities to enjoy the tulips in the city’s center. You can find the bulbs in bouquets at the Bloemenmarkt, see them lining the windows of the Tulip Museum, and watch them burst forth from every possible planter during the Tulip Festival, which lasts throughout April.
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Explore the world of cinema.
Film buff? Yes? Well, you’re in luck! Visiting the Eye Filmmuseum is one of the most unique Amsterdam attractions. A futuristic film institute, cross the IJ to get to this well-loved spot. The space hosts temporary exhibitions and screenings in its four state-of-the-art cinemas. There are even specially designed pods in the basement to watch films in.
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Discover Amsterdam’s independent shopping streets.
Many tourists usually head to the popular chain stores located on Kalverstraat. Still, those who know better prefer to shop at the city’s locally-flavored shopping paradises. One of the best-known shopping streets is De Negen Straatjes, or ‘The Nine Streets,’ a charming maze of cobbled streets connecting Leidsegracht and Raadhuisstraat’s main canals. Here, you can find more than 200 shops, including a great variety of independent boutiques, vintage stores, and specialty shops that sell everything from designer clothes to handmade cosmetics. Suppose you want to buy some souvenirs to take home with you. In that case, it’s best to avoid the tourist traps and shop for authentic Dutch design and quality Amsterdam brands at either the Local Goods Store in De Hallen or the I Amsterdam Store in Central Station.
The Conclusion
All these are just a few of the hottest spots in one of Europe’s hottest cities. While the likes of the Vondelpark, Dam Square, the Rijksmuseum, and the Heineken Experience are always going to top any ‘Best things to do in Amsterdam’ list, make sure you leave room in your plans for all this on your next – or even first – visit to this vibrant, endlessly rewarding city.
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