Amsterdam, the main city of the Netherlands, is like a beautiful jewel among all the favourite places to visit in Europe. This lively city is not only home to famous universities and research centres, but it also has over 40 wonderful museums, lots of theatres, and fun places to go. This makes it the centre of culture in the country.
One of the most impressive things about Amsterdam is its well-kept old houses. These amazing buildings are arranged in a fan-like pattern, each built on strong posts that go deep into the hard sand, passing through a layer of mud that can be as deep as 60 feet. There are a huge total of 6,750 buildings from the 16th to 18th centuries, taking up a small space of 2,000 acres, crisscrossed by 160 canals. These canals are home to a lovely group of houseboats. It’s no surprise that Amsterdam is a joy to explore by walking, with pretty bridges connecting its 90 islands. One of these, the Magere Brug (Mager Bridge), a charming wooden bridge that can be lifted, is one of the city’s most famous landmarks.
Dive into the amazing things this energetic city has to offer as we share the best sights and fun things to do in Amsterdam. Get ready for an amazing trip through the best that this city has to show you.
Table of Contents
Most and Must Visit Places in Amsterdam
Here are my picks for the most and must visit places in Amsterdam, my opinion is based on Google reviews and personal experience.
1. Rijksmuseum
Amsterdam is home to one of its most famous places, the wonderful Rijksmuseum. This museum doesn’t just win over visitors’ hearts, but it’s also the country’s main spot for art. It was started in 1798 to keep safe the country’s big collection of valuable art and old objects. Inside its large rooms, there’s a treasure chest of culture waiting, from the 13th century up to now. With over a million amazing pieces to see, including more than 8,000 important paintings in 250 rooms, the Rijksmuseum leaves a lasting memory on everyone who visits.
Besides its great collection of paintings, the Rijksmuseum also has an amazing library with over 35,000 books and old writings. As you explore more, you’ll find interesting exhibits that show the rich story of Dutch art and culture over time. Some of the best parts are the exciting displays of old handmade crafts, medieval sculptures, and modern art that make you think. These invite you on a journey to learn more about art.
To make your visit better, the Rijksmuseum offers interesting guided tours in English, each one focused on a different topic. For a fun and unique adventure, think about taking the enjoyable art history boat tour on the canal. This lets you see many of the famous places shown in the museum’s wonderful collections. Or, for a really special meal, book a table at the museum’s fancy restaurant that has a Michelin star. Here, the art of cooking meets a classy setting.
To get the most from your visit and avoid long lines (because nearly 2.5 million people visit the museum each year), it’s a good idea to get your tour tickets ahead of time by booking online. By planning ahead, you’ll have a smooth and unforgettable visit to the amazing wonders of the Rijksmuseum.
2. Van Gogh Museum
Located in the middle of Amsterdam, the Van Gogh Museum is a special place dedicated to the art and life story of the famous Vincent van Gogh.
The museum first welcomed people in 1973, and its architecture is as interesting as the art it displays. Gerrit Rietveld, a well-known Dutch architect and key member of the innovative art group ‘De Stijl’, designed the main building. Then in 1999, a new Exhibition Wing was added, designed by the famous Japanese architect, Kurokawa Kisho. Both buildings are amazing in their own way, with an open design that focuses on shapes and lets in lots of natural light to improve the experience of looking at the art.
One of the museum’s main attractions is Vincent van Gogh’s “Wheatfield with Crows”, a painting as fascinating as the artist himself.
The main part of the museum’s collection was given by Theo van Gogh, Vincent’s younger brother. This important collection stayed in the family until 1962. In that year, Vincent’s nephew, Vincent Willem van Gogh, decided to give the collection to the Vincent van Gogh Foundation with help from the Dutch government. This was the start of a new chapter for these masterpieces as they were loaned forever to the Van Gogh Museum by the foundation.
Over time, the museum’s collection has grown, not just from buying pieces but also from generous gifts. It now proudly displays works not just by Van Gogh, but also by artists from his time like Paul Gauguin, Mary Cassatt, and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. Adding to the collection are pieces by older artists who had a big influence on Van Gogh, like Léon Lhermitte and Jean-François Millet.
The museum is more than just a place to see art. It also has a research library that anyone can use to learn more about Van Gogh’s world. The auditorium is used for public talks and film screenings to help people understand more about the mysterious life and work of this unique artist.
3. The Anne Frank House
The Anne Frank House in Amsterdam is a powerful reminder of a brave young girl and her family during one of the worst times in history. The Frank family, along with the Van Pels family and Fritz Pfeffer, hid in this building at Prinsengracht 263, where Anne’s father, Otto Frank, also ran his business.
The hidden part of this normal-looking building was their safe place for over two years. Cleverly hidden behind a special bookcase that could move, this secret hiding place was only known to a few trustworthy workers. These brave people risked their own lives to give the hidden families food and news from the outside world. However, on August 4, 1944, someone who we still don’t know told the authorities about their hiding place. The people hiding were then taken to different concentration camps. Otto Frank was the only one who survived the war.
Nowadays, the Anne Frank House is a museum. Its bare, empty rooms are a reminder of the people who once lived there. Even though the original furniture is gone, the feeling of that time is still very much there. Stories from those terrible times are told through chosen quotes from Anne’s diary, old documents, photos, film clips, and real things that once belonged to the hidden families and the people who helped them.
The museum’s most touching display is Anne’s original diary and other notebooks. These items show her bravery, intelligence, and hope as a young girl. A part of the museum that uses multimedia lets visitors virtually explore the Anne Frank House, giving more information about the hidden families and the wider context of World War II. Plus, a modern exhibition hall shows a changing selection of modern exhibits, giving even more background to the historical importance of the site.
4. Vondelpark – The Garden of the Amsterdamers
Nestled in the busy city of Amsterdam is Vondelpark, a wonderful wide-open green space that offers a peaceful break for both city folk and tourists. The park truly comes alive during the summer and is filled with a unique and pleasant energy. Here, we’ll show you how to get to this quiet spot and share some of our favorite places within the park.
The park is full of people looking for a peaceful moment under the warm sun, whether they’re deep into a good book or chatting with friends over a cold drink. This green escape, spread over 116 acres, provides a nice break from the city’s energetic hustle and bustle. As Amsterdam’s most loved park, Vondelpark is a protected area. Step inside, and you’ll feel like you’re in a completely different world than the city streets, with quiet corners with park benches, singing birds, big ponds, wide lawns, and a beautiful rose garden, inviting you to relax.
A Tip from a Local – Enjoy your visit to the fullest!
- Why not live like a local? Take a picnic blanket, some drinks, and a few snacks, then find a comfortable spot next to one of the many ponds. It’s the perfect place to relax and take a break from the city’s constant buzz.
- If you’re not one for just sitting around, don’t worry; there’s plenty to do in Vondelpark.
- There’s Always Something Going On
- The park is often the place for unplanned evening get-togethers. From May through August, the open-air stage in Vondelpark becomes a stage for new artists and up-and-coming bands, adding a lively touch to the park’s relaxed vibe.
5. Dam Square – The Pulsating Core of Amsterdam
Nestled in the city’s heart, Dam Square is often considered the pulse of Amsterdam. This expansive city plaza, stretching approximately 100 by 200 metres, derives its name from its original construction on a dam.
The history of the dam dates back to 1275, when Amsterdam was a thriving port city. This was a time when boats anchored near the square, and a bustling fish market took place there. As the city evolved, Dam Square solidified its role as the official city centre, and the city hall was built on this site. After a devastating fire consumed the original city hall in 1652, it was replaced by what is now known as The Royal Palace.
Surrounding the square are several distinguished landmarks including the De Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) established in 1408, the bustling Bijenkorf department store, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, the esteemed Hotel Krasnapolsky, and a myriad of other shops and eateries. Facing the Royal Palace stands the National Monument, a site of historic importance.
- Dam Square also serves as a junction for many pivotal streets in Amsterdam:
- De Damrak: This is the principal route extending northwards between Dam Square and Amsterdam Central Station.
- The shopping streets De Nieuwendijk and Kalverstraat branch out north and south respectively.
- Rokin Street heads south towards Rembrandt Square, another vibrant city centre.
- Damstraat takes an eastward turn towards the renowned Red Light District.
- Finally, Paleisstraat and Mozes en Aäronstraat meander towards Magna Plaza and Wester Church.
In conclusion, Dam Square is not just a destination but a key hub connecting various facets of this vibrant city.
6. De Wallen
Amsterdam’s Red Light District, known locally as “De Wallen,” is one of the city’s most provocative and talked-about neighbourhoods, due in part to its frank display of the world’s oldest profession – prostitution. Here, unlike many other places where this trade is hidden away, it’s conducted in broad daylight. The Red Light District’s defining feature is sex workers advertising their services from behind glass windows.
Beyond its association with sex work, the district is also renowned for live sex shows, sex shops, brothels, and strip clubs. Despite its colourful past and somewhat notorious reputation, the Red Light District has seen substantial transformation over recent decades and is relatively safe to visit, especially during daylight hours, though visitors should remain alert to occasional pickpocketing.
Among its long-standing institutions is Casa Rosso, the district’s oldest erotic theatre, which continues to provide adult entertainment. While there are no age restrictions for merely passing through the area, minors are not allowed in adult shops and entertainment venues.
The history of the Red Light District reaches back to the 16th century, when a Protestant-led revolt overthrew the Catholic government. This triggered a metamorphosis of the district into a vibrant nightlife and entertainment hub for the multitude of sailors and travellers passing through Amsterdam. At that time, Amsterdam’s harbour was one of the most important trade centres in Europe.
Interestingly, Amsterdam remained a coastal city until the construction of the “Afsluitdijk,” a massive dam, in 1932, which effectively cut off the former “Zuiderzee” from the North Sea. This monumental change in the city’s geographic position significantly influenced the evolution of Amsterdam as we know it today.
The Royal Palace in Amsterdam holds a prestigious position among the three palaces in the Netherlands that are used by the royal family. Predominantly, it acts as the setting for state visits, awards ceremonies, and various official functions.
A tour of the Royal Palace provides a fascinating insight into its storied past. Over many years, this structure has transitioned from being the Amsterdam City Hall for a century and a half, to a Royal and Imperial Palace for a brief period of five years, and finally, for almost two centuries now, it has been a reception palace for the House of Orange.
The palace’s exceptional history is brought to life through an annual summer exhibition. This display chronicles the building’s rich past, including its establishment as a 17th-century monument. Enhancing the cultural significance of the Palace, every autumn, it becomes the platform for showcasing the creations of promising painters as part of the esteemed Royal Prize for Painting.
8. Moco Museum
Nestled within a grand mansion on Museum Square, the Moco Museum, an acronym for Modern Contemporary, offers a dynamic and engaging platform for modern and contemporary art in Amsterdam. The museum is especially renowned for showcasing the works of the so-called ‘Rock Stars’ of the art world, which lends an electrifying allure to its halls.
If you encounter masterpieces from the hands of Salvador Dali, Roy Lichtenstein, Keith Haring, Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst, Jeff Koons, and Picasso do not be surprized. The exhibitions at the Moco Museum are ever-evolving, ensuring that new and captivating artworks consistently adorn its walls.
A distinguishing feature of the Moco Museum is its focus on notable figures in the global art landscape. It particularly shines a spotlight on the street art icon, Banksy. The museum proudly displays many of his widely recognized pieces, including ‘Laugh Now’ and ‘Girl with the Balloon’, amongst others.
9. De 9 Straatjes or “The 9 Streets”.
Tucked away between Singel, Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht is the charming neighbourhood of De 9 Straatjes or “The 9 Streets”. This quaint shopping district is known for its unique boutiques, trendy cafes, and eclectic art galleries, all nestled within a picturesque network of streets connecting the canals.
Hidden just behind the Royal Palace on Dam Square, The Nine Streets has been described by The New York Times as a delightful mix of designer boutiques, art galleries, vintage clothing stores, unique gift shops, and a range of eateries – and it’s not hard to see why. This pocket of the city centre is a particular favourite among those seeking unusual items and one-off gifts.
The pedestrian-friendly streets provide peaceful views of the city’s 17th-century architecture and the Canal Belt, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it a perfect place for a relaxed stroll.
Though The Nine Streets functions as a micro-neighbourhood within the city, the actual street names – Reestraat, Hartenstraat, Gast-Huismolensteeg, Berenstraat, Wolvenstraat, Oude Spiegelstraat, Runstraat, Huidenstraat, and Wijde Heisteeg – are not as well-known. Instead, locals usually refer to their favourite places as being ‘somewhere in the Nine Streets’.
10. Amsterdam Heineken Experience
Founded in Amsterdam in 1864, Heineken is one of the world’s leading beer producers. Its rich and triumphant history is celebrated in the city at its former brewery, now transformed into the interactive Heineken Experience.
The Heineken brewery, once perfuming the popular De Pijp district with its distinctive scent, closed in 1988. It quickly re-emerged as a must-visit attraction for beer lovers. For a small entrance fee, visitors can immerse themselves in the history of the renowned lager and enjoy unlimited tastings.
In the museum section of the Heineken Experience, the allure of the past remains intact. Visitors are treated to the 19th-century architectural grandeur of the original brewery buildings, authentic interiors, historic photographs, and state awards bestowed upon the Heineken family. Highlights include the gold medal from the 1889 Universal Exhibition in Paris, an esteemed honour replicated on each Heineken can, along with the impressive brass beer tanks and peaceful horse stables.
The Heineken Experience also offers a variety of entertainment to suit different preferences. From screenings of retro beer commercials to a whimsical film featuring an actor swimming in a pool of beer, there’s no shortage of light-hearted fun.
In summary, the Heineken Experience in Amsterdam is a unique institution. It provides an entertaining and informative blend of activities for beer connoisseurs and fun-seekers alike.
Recommended Read: Visit Europe
Other attractions you must visit in Amsterdam
| Number | Attractions | Brief Information |
| 11 | Amsterdam Museum | The Amsterdam Museum offers an exhaustive and compelling narrative about the city’s past. Housed in a former orphanage, it tells the tale of Amsterdam’s evolution from a small medieval settlement to a thriving modern city. Its extensive collection of works of art, artefacts, and interactive exhibits bring to life centuries of Amsterdam’s history. |
| 12 | Westerpark | Westerpark, not only a park but also a bustling cultural venue. It was once the site of a gasworks factory, but it’s now a great place to relax, picnic, and enjoy the outdoors. The old factory buildings have been converted and now house a cinema, restaurants, galleries, and creative businesses. The park itself is a great place to walk, cycle, or just sit and watch the world go by. Regularly, the park hosts markets, exhibitions, and festivals. |
| 13 | Oude Kerk Amsterdam | The National Maritime Museum, known as Het Scheepvaartmuseum in Dutch, is dedicated to showcasing the Netherlands’ rich history of seafaring, trade, and exploration. The museum is housed in a grand 17th-century naval storehouse and is home to a vast collection of maritime memorabilia, maps, paintings, and artefacts. One of its main attractions is a full-size replica of the Amsterdam, an 18th-century ship that sailed between the Netherlands and the East Indies. |
| 14 | The National Maritime Museum | Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world. Founded in the 17th century, it was initially a medicinal herb garden. It’s now home to a collection of more than 4,000 plant species (including a 2000-year-old agave cactus and a palm tree from 1682), several greenhouses with different climates, and a beautiful butterfly house. It’s a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and a must-visit for nature and plant enthusiasts. |
| 15 | Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam | Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world. Founded in the 17th century, it was initially a medicinal herb garden. It’s now home to a collection of more than 4,000 plant species (including a 2000-year-old agave cactus and a palm tree from 1682), several greenhouses with different climates, and a beautiful butterfly house. It’s a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, and a must-visit for nature and plant enthusiasts. |
Average Weather in Amsterdam, Netherlands
| Month | Average High (°F) | Average Low (°F) | Average Rainfall (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 42°F | 34°F | 2.1″ |
| Feb | 43°F | 34°F | 1.6″ |
| Mar | 48°F | 37°F | 1.5″ |
| Apr | 55°F | 41°F | 1.2″ |
| May | 62°F | 48°F | 1.6″ |
| Jun | 66°F | 52°F | 1.8″ |
| Jul | 70°F | 56°F | 2.0″ |
| Aug | 70°F | 56°F | 2.1″ |
| Sep | 65°F | 52°F | 2.3″ |
| Oct | 57°F | 46°F | 2.3″ |
| Nov | 49°F | 40°F | 2.3″ |
| Dec | 43°F | 36°F | 2.4″ |
