Half-naked women in red illuminated shop windows in the alleys of Amsterdam aka Amsterdams red light district. Amsterdam Sightseeing (Our Top 10 Tips) HollandDreams For a special experience, try the fun art history canal cruise taking in many of the sites represented in the Rijksmuseum's collections, or book a table at the museum's Michelin-starred restaurant. Reflect on the atrocities committed against the Jewish people during World War II at the Prinsengracht house where diarist Anne Frank and her family hid from the Nazis for two years after fleeing persecution in Germany. 1 km. If youre in town for more than a few days, then plan a day tripto explore the diverse attractions of the surrounding area. Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. In addition to the popular daylight tours, you can see Amsterdam by night or just rent out your own boat to explore the canals at your own pace). While Boom Chicago has been tickling the ribs of audiences for over 25 years with comedy, sketch and improv, all performed in English. Take the ferry from the harbour behind Central Station to the NDSM-yard and from there it's just a 5-minute walk to the market. THE TOP 10 Amsterdam City Tours (w/Prices) - Viator Self-adhesive lamps to stick on the wall. Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. Book Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Amsterdam! - City Sightseeing Amsterdam Many of the museums and sights included are covered by the I amsterdam City Card- a handy visitor pass which gets you free entry to Amsterdams most popular attractions, plus free public transport for the duration of your stay. Nothing says "I'm in Amsterdam" more than sipping a tall, frothy beer under the sails of a windmill. The devout celibate Bguine nuns have been replaced by old ladies. Address: Jodenbreestraat 4, 1011 NK Amsterdam. Select a setting for your online experience, you can read more about each individual feature by clicking "More information". Situated at the head of the Herengracht, this superb restaurants canal-side tables are perfect for canal-watching (summer only). Embedded in the obelisk are urns containing earth from the 11 provinces, and a 12th urn contains earth from the cemetery of honor in Indonesia. 4.5 /5. Now transformed into a colourful cultural hub, Westergasis home to a variety of tempting bars, restaurants, coffee roasters, a microbrewery, art-house cinema, and a whole host of creative businesses. Official site: http://begijnhofkapelamsterdam.nl/english-information/. (888) 651-9785 Chat now Amsterdam Tours Cruises & Sailing Day Trips City Tours Canal Cruises Day Cruises Half-day Tours Full-day Tours Water Tours Cultural Tours Private Sightseeing Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Arts & Design Unique Experiences Art Tours A word of caution: tickets do sell out up to two or more months in advance, so be sure to plan ahead and purchase your tickets ahead of time online. 17 Best Places to Visit in the Netherlands. Equipped with numerous walking paths, bridges, lakes and well-kept gardens, the Vondelpark is appreciated by Amsterdamers and visitors alike. The Anne Frank House is the most visited museum in the Netherlands andtherefore, is rightly at the top of the list ofwhat to seein Amsterdam. Amsterdam has some wonderfully atmospheric tasting houses to try smooth jonge (young) and pungent oude (old) varieties, such as 17th-century Wynand Fockink. Cycling in Amsterdam is a way of life, made easier by the citys unbeatable network of cycle routes and flat landscape. Dam Square is also home to top tourist attractions such as the New Church (Nieuwe Kerk); Madame Tussauds wax museum; and the National Memorial Statue, which is dedicated to Dutch soldiers who lost their lives in World War II. Founded in 1638, this much-visited attraction began life as a humble herb garden for doctors and apothecaries. Great City Getaways: The massive port city of Rotterdam offers plenty of great things to do, from exploring the superb collection of historic vessels in the Maritime Museum and Harbor Museum, to wandering its streets and enjoying its mix of both old and new architecture. The Royal Palace Amsterdamis King Willem-Alexanders official reception palace where world leaders and heads of state are hosted and entertained, but it is also open to visitors much of the year. All told, some 6,750 buildings dating from the 16th to 18th centuries are crowded into an area of 2,000 acres that's dissected by 160 canals (grachten), themselves home to numerous houseboats. With more than 800 years of history to discover, Amsterdam is rich with fascinating attractions and sights. Ditch the map and lose yourself in the labyrinth of narrow lanes that sprawl eastwards from Prinsengracht canal known as the 9 Streets, one of Amsterdam's most rewarding shopping experiences. Start time. Created in the 17th century to keep the sea at bay, Amsterdams UNESCO protected canal belt is the quintessential postcard-perfect vision of Amsterdam. The perfect souvenir! If you haven't packed a picnic, don't worry: the park is also full of cafs where you can enjoy a snack or a full meal. This world-class attraction was established in 1838 and is one of the oldest zoos in Europe. The monument was dedicated by Queen Juliana on 4 May, 1956, the national day of remembrance. Canal cruise: Make your way to Prins Hendrikkade 25, Amsterdam. Amsterdam Open Boat Canal Cruise with Live Guide and Onboard Bar. Located in the hip Oud-Westneighbourhood, De Hallenis a hotspot for arts, crafts, fashion and food in a recently refurbished industrial building dating from 1902. Netherlands Vacation Ideas: The bustling city of Arnhem will forever be remembered for its roll in WWII, when it featured as the "bridge too far" for Allied troops, whose bravery is remembered in. On the Prinsengracht stands Anne Frank House (Anne Frank Huis). 22. Although best known as the location of Anne Frank House, the area is also home to lesser-known treasures like the Woonboots Museum, a floating museum dedicated to houseboats, and the interesting (honestly!) Over in Utrecht, the 14th-century De Haar Castlewas updated with impressive turrets and towers in the 19th century courtesy of Pierre Cuypers, the famous Rijksmuseum architect. Rising high above the water like the hull of a mighty warship, this ultra-modern structure has housed the NEMO Science Museum since 1997, and more than 20 years later is no less impressive than the day it opened. The best known and usually the busiest is the Kalverstraat with its many smart boutiques, galleries, perfumeries, cafs, and restaurants. Popular things to do Day Cruises Private and Luxury Specialty Museums Bus Tours Cultural Tours Architectural Buildings Romantic Tours City Tours Historic Sites Half-day Tours Another ultra-modern building worth taking a look at, even if it's just from the outside, is the EYE Film Institute Netherlands. Opened in 2012, the EYE houses the country's national film collection, along with copies of pretty much every foreign movie ever shown in the Netherlands, and it looks quite different from every angle. 47,680 reviews #3 of 1,011 things to do in Amsterdam Art Museums Closed now 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Visit website Call Email Write a review About The Rijksmuseum is the museum of the Netherlands. Other important works include examples from Van Doesburg, Mondrian, and Rietveld; Pop Art, with works by Rosenquist and Warhol; and painters such as Chagall, Dubuffet, De Kooning, and Matisse. 17 Best Places to Visit in the Netherlands | PlanetWare 24 TOP Amsterdam Sights & Tourist Attractions (+Map & Tips) Since 2008, the old brewery has been rebranded as the Heineken Experience, where visitors receive insight into the history of the beer and the brewing process. To lead you through the wealth of wonders, weve whittled down the selection to this essential guide. Amsterdam is a city shaped by water. A must-visit for art fans and historians, the spectacular Van Gogh Museum has been one of Amsterdam's top attractions since it opened in 1972. Highlights range from prehistoric finds and the town's original charter to items from the present day, as well as displays describing how the land was reclaimed from the sea. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you which amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms. This article was first published December 2014 and updated July 2023. Amsterdam offers countless sights and attractions for all types of travelers. The Jordaan (Amsterdam) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go - Tripadvisor The capital of the Netherlands appeals to visitors of all interests, which is why people keep flocking there in record numbers. 1. Dam Square is one of the most tourist-packed areas of Amsterdam, and for good reason. Located in the city's old eastern docks, this world-class science center is spread across five floors, each chock-a-block full of fun (and informative) interactive exhibits that appeal to families with kids of any age. A short (free) ferry tripwill take you to several drop off points, including cultural hotspot NDSM, where you can enjoy a host of hip waterside hangouts, frequent festivals and events. Opposite the Royal Palace you can see the National Monument, built in 1956, which commemorates the victims of the German occupation in World War II. Dam Square attracts countless visitors and street artists over day. Dam Square is more than just a tourist attraction it is a place full of history and culture. THE TOP 10 Amsterdam Tours & Excursions in 2023 - Viator Less than a five-minute stroll away from the botanical gardens is Artis, Amsterdam's excellent "royal zoo." A shop and restaurant are also located on-site. The great artist was originally buried outside the church, but was later reinterred inside. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. These cookies enable the website to provide enhanced functionality and personalisation. Recently renovated to a world-class standard, the leafy and architecturally astounding 19th-century district of Oud-Zuid is an art lovers utopia. Best of them all is the Rijksmuseum. The GPS audio guide on board is available in 18 languages and free Wi-Fi is included on all buses and boats. The Palm House is also notable, in particular for its architectural style (it was designed in the Amsterdam School style). Youll explore the Jewish cultural quarter with a professional guide (in English, Spanish, French, German and Italian). The No.34 is the oldest house in Amsterdam. The historic brewery from 1867 was the original Heineken brewery and has been used for over 100 years. Experience the best of Amsterdam with this guide to the top things to do lechatnoir / Getty Images. The museum also hosts regular concerts of Eastern and Asian music using traditional instruments. If youre staying for a longer period or returning to the city, make sure to check out our recommendations for things to do in Amsterdam (mainly outdoor activities). Today, the square and the church are used for public functions such as antique fairs and art exhibitions. Address: Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam. English language guided tours are available. Despite the city pulling out . You'll be rewarded with views of well-kept green lawns the courtyards surrounded by some of the oldest houses in Amsterdam, including its only remaining wooden house from the 14th century. 7 Activities in Amsterdam beyond the Museums. You can always change the settings later on using the "Privacy Settings" link in the footer. Here you will find miles of routes for cycling, jogging and walking. Day Trip to Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam and Marken from Amsterdam. De Hallen houses a cinema, independent stores and a boutique hotel, as well as the impressive Food Hallenwhere visitors can munch their way through a selection of upmarket street fare from one of many vendors located around a central bar. It is located in Amsterdam Oud-Zuid, where you will find everything your heart desires. For a completely different shopping experience, head over to the Vlooienmarkt, Amsterdam's famous flea market, held here since 1886. To see the beautiful Dutch countryside, including the famous windmills and small fishing villages, take a. Thats more bikes than people! The Amsterdamse Bos is also ideal for those who are looking for a place to go inline skating or cycling. At bars, classic snacks include deep-fried kroketten (croquettes), including ball-shaped, meat-filled bitterballen. Travel The 14 Best Amsterdam Tours Dive into this famously liberal city and its beautiful countryside with the help of a guided tour. Just 20 minutes from Amsterdam Central by train, the picturesque city of Haarlemoverflows with history and culture, plus a great selection of shops, cafes and restaurants. Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam, the city's botanical garden, is one of the world's oldest and should definitely be included in your sightseeing itinerary. Centraal Station (Amsterdam) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go Top 20 things to do in Amsterdam | I amsterdam Ideal for beer lovers! A highlight of your visit will be exploring the impressive Amsterdam, an accurate replica of one of the country's most famous vessels. C$60.17. Little wonder then that Amsterdam is an awesome city to explore on foot, with many picturesque bridges linking the city's 90 islands. 24,583. 30 Fun & Best Things to Do in Amsterdam (From a Local) - ViaTravelers A highlight of a visit is the amazing "Meet Vincent Van Gogh Experience," a fascinating multimedia presentation of the painter's life and times through vivid digital reproductions of his work. Laid out in a pattern of concentric segments in the shape of a fan, these well-preserved heritage buildings are built on piles driven through an upper layer of mud into the firm, sandy bottom up to 18 meters below. The interior of the church has features dating from before the Reformation, including three magnificent windows from 1555 from the Dutch High Renaissance, and finely-carved wooden choir stalls. Enjoy 24- or 48-hours of unlimited cruising through the historic canals of Amsterdam. Choose between a 24- or a 48 hour ticket and see all the best highlights in Amsterdam. Looking for a special kind of market? Explore below the 10 most famous sights in Amsterdam. numerous museums and monuments here. Numerous houseboats and historic, tasteful canal houses decorate the banks of the Prinsengracht and pay adage to the Golden Age of the Netherlands. Guided tours of the ship and the museum are available, as are English-language audio guides. Rembrandt, along with his wife Saskia, spent the happiest (and most successful) years of his life in the house on the Jodenbreestraat, now home to the Rembrandt House Museum (Museum Het Rembrandthuis). Another great museum collection can be enjoyed at Hermitage Amsterdam, an outpost of the famous location in Saint Petersburg. Inside the tower, a carillon proclaims the hours. Dominating the view from the southern banks of the IJ behind Central Station, the striking white EYE building has rapidly become one of Amsterdams most iconic landmarks since it opened in Spring 2012. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Amsterdam - Tripadvisor Visit the Floating Flower Market ( Bloemenmarkt) The Amsterdam Flower Market is unlike any other in the world because it's the world's only floating flower market. All rights reserved. The Oude Kerk (Old Church) built in 1306 and the city's oldest structure remains unchanged since Rembrandt's time. 35 BEST Places to Visit in Amsterdam (2023 Guide) - The Broke Backpacker The 14 Best Amsterdam Tours - U.S. News Travel Whether you like listening to live musicin a majestic concert hall or an intimate dive bar, Amsterdam has you covered in high style. In a palatial 1885 building designed by Pierre Cuypers to hold national and royal collections, it showcases paintings by Dutch masters, including Rembrandt and Vermeer, blue-and-white Delftware porcelain and intricate dollhouses. Raw herring may sound a little scary to the uninitiated, but every visitor to Amsterdam should give it a go. Download the free app and get a live view of what the routes of the buses and boats are, so you can reduce waiting times to a minimum. A restaurant and a shop are situated on-site, too. This Amsterdam sightseeing map includes everything you need. These days, the building is well-known as a venue for contemporary art exhibits. There are many castles, palaces and fortressesin the Amsterdam Area that provide a window into the regions regal past and will make you feel like the star of your own fairytale. Fresh fruit and vegetables, fish, Dutch delicacies, souvenirs, sweets, flowers, fabrics, clothes and much more! 24 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Amsterdam | PlanetWare Address: Kalverstraat 92, 1012 PH Amsterdam. Unique Amsterdam Sightseeing experience | City Sightseeing Amsterdam See Related: Things to Do in Volendam, Netherlands. Plant enthusiasts are also in for a treat, as the gardens are home to a wide variety of rare plant and tree species. At the top of A'DAM Tower, a 1970s high-rise ex-office block, a six-seater swing sends you out over the building's edge, 100m (328ft) in the air, as your feet dangle below. Dedicated to the often troubled life and extraordinary artistry of one of the country's most-revered painters, this modern Gerrit Rietveld-designed structure is home to the world's largest collection of Van Gogh paintings and artifacts, much of it donated by his brother, Theo, and other family members. It also has a variety of sculptures and statues, playgrounds, and other recreational facilities, including rollerblade rental and the Vondelpark Open Air Theater, which serves as a venue for musical and stage productions from May through September.