places to visit in Amsterdam.
Van Gogh Museum:
As the name suggests, this museum houses innumerable paintings, letters, and drawings of the world-renowned Dutch artist, Vincent Van Gogh. This is a paradise for art lovers across the world, especially people who are admirers of his work. There are over 200 paintings, 700 letters, and 500 drawings on display. Every Friday, artists from other fields are invited to come and share their work. There are art workshops for kids very often too.
Jordan:
This is one of the best places to experience the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam. Home to multiple antique stores, art galleries, swanky bars, restaurants, and classy boutiques, it is one of the liveliest areas in Amsterdam. The cobbled streets and old buildings provide an old-world charm to the entire neighborhood. It is a perfect place for tourists to spend their day by just strolling around the alleys. It also comes up with pop-up flea markets and open-air markets during the week and is ideal to shop some souvenirs to carry back home.
De Oude Kerk:
It is the oldest parish church in Amsterdam constructed around 1213 and consecrated in 1306. The church has a fascinating history that corresponds with many important events in the history of Amsterdam. Formerly a Roman Catholic Church, it was converted to a Calvinist Church in the 16th century. Today, it functions as a center to promote the region’s art and culture. Many renowned artists are called to perform site-specific work. Saskia van Uylenburgh, wife of the famous artist Rembrandt is also put to rest here. Visitors are often taken aback by the location of the church as this religious building stands right in the middle of the Red-Light district of Amsterdam, also known as De Wallen.
Vondelpark:
Flocked by tourists and locals alike, Vondelpark is hands down the most popular park in Amsterdam. It has a beautiful rose garden that displays more than 70 types of roses. It has an open-air theatre, which hosts musical, dance, and stage productions from May to September. There are several sculptures and statues on display here. There is a skate-rental shop, apart from plenty of cafes and restaurants to satisfy your hunger pangs.
Rijksmuseum:
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Amsterdam is Rijksmuseum, the astounding Dutch National Museum in Museumplein. Founded in 1809, this museum is home to a repertoire of more than 8000 unique art and antiquities, spread over 250 rooms. It displays paintings by some of the most prominent painters such as Vermeer, Rembrandt, and Frans Hals. It also houses a library with an extensive collection of more than 35000 books and manuscripts. There is also a vast collection of medieval sculptures, traditional handicrafts, and modern art styles.
De Wallen:
De Wallen or the infamous Red-Light district of Amsterdam is one of the most popular areas in Amsterdam. Located in the oldest part of the city, it attracts a swarm of visitors from all over the world. This area is dotted with sex shops consisting of all kinds of sex toys imaginable. The area is also famous for its brothels, strip clubs, and live sex shows. You can see a number of prostitutes offering their services from behind a window. Drug use is also very high in this area. You can also find a large number of hip bars and restaurants. It also houses the oldest erotic theatre called Casa Rosso, which can be visited for some 18+ shows. There are two statues that are dedicated to the sex workers in this area. Despite all these, it consists of some important attractions such as the oldest church in Amsterdam, Oude Kerk and an ethically conscious craft brewery.
Canal Belt:
One of the most picturesque places in Amsterdam, the Canal belt of Amsterdam is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. A trip to Amsterdam is incomplete without visiting the canals that run through the heart of the city. The canal system was set up in the 17th Century and is one of the perfect ways to tour the city. The neighborhood is dotted with beautiful houses and cozy cafes. There are multiple options to experience the canals such as a one-hour sightseeing tour, hop-on-hop-off sightseeing tours, and also a romantic candlelight dinner. This is one experience you will cherish for a lifetime.
Rembrandt House Museum:
This place is a must-visit for art lovers. Rembrandt lived and worked in this house for many years. The house’s graceful interiors reflect the 17th-century style and display some of the best works of the artist. There are also many contemporary pieces on view. Guided tours in the English language are available, which give you an insight into the life and history of the famous artist. The museum also holds presentations, exhibitions, events, and workshops from time to time.
Anne Frank Museum:
The museum contains the building where Anne Frank and her family hid during the Second World War. While hiding, she left a diary where she narrated the hardships that her community went through during the war. It is a heartbreaking reminder of the tragic period of history. Anne Frank is one of the most famous people in Dutch history. The house also displays several documents and possessions of the people who lived in hiding with Anne Frank and her family.
Dam Square:
Dam Square is home to some of the most popular tourist attractions in Amsterdam such as the Royal Palace, former residence of the Royal Dutch family and venue for royal functions. Other major attractions in this place include Madame Tussauds wax museum, New Church, and National Memorial Statue which is dedicated to the Dutch soldiers who lost their lives in World War 2. This large town square is dotted with restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars. Many vendors sell an array of food and souvenirs. Many street performances and annual music festivals take place here. There is also a Ferris wheel that gives you a birds-eye view of the entire town.
Portuguese Synagogue:
Before the Holocaust, Jews made up for more than 10% of the population in Amsterdam. The majestic Portuguese Synagogue stands proudly as the most important legacy of the dynamic Jewish community. Also known as Esnoga, it is one of the largest working synagogues in the world. It is also one of the oldest and dates back to the 17th century. Located at the heart of the Jewish Cultural Quarter, the main hall of the synagogue has no electric lighting and is still lit by thousands of candles at night. You can visit the different buildings in the complex such as the treasury, traditional bath, meeting rooms, women’s galleries, and the winter synagogue. There is an audio guide available along with the tickets that can be used by the visitors to get an insight into history, culture and various Jewish religious ceremonies.
Royal Palace of Amsterdam:
Located in Dam Square, this palace is also known as the Paleis op de Dam. Earlier it was the Town Hall, but now it is King Alexander’s official reception palace and is used for royal receptions, state visits, and award functions. The palace is open to visitors all year round. The palace is full of incredible architecture, impeccable sculptures, fabulous paintings, and elegant furniture. The most important room in the palace is the Council Hall, which is beautifully decorated and is one of the most exquisite staterooms in Europe.
Bloemenmarkt:
The only floating flower market in the world is located on the southern side of the Singel canal. There are beautiful flowers in vibrant hues and a myriad of colors. Tulips are synonymous with the Dutch culture, and here you will find every possible color of tulip that you can imagine. The shops also have different gardening essentials and seeds, local cheese, and many other souvenirs for you to take back home for friends and family.
Eye Film Institute:
The Eye Film Institute is one of the most eye-catching structures in Amsterdam. The building resembles a spaceship and is a must-visit for movie buffs. It is home to a cinema where new releases are screened every week. It also has a film museum that pays a tribute to the cinematic history of the country. They also hold many special screenings of international and Dutch films and have a restaurant and cafe which provides a great view, on the bank of the river IJ.
Keukenhof:
One of the largest flower gardens in the world, it attracts millions of visitors every year. Known as the ‘Garden of Europe’, the park opens every year during springtime. More than 7 billion colorful flowers such as orchids, hyacinths, daffodils, carnations, lilies, and roses are displayed every year. However, the highlight of the garden is the vast collection of more than 800 varieties of tulips that are in full bloom every year in April. You can also experience some fantastic art shows, flower shows, and many other events here. Visitors also get to buy freshly grown flower bulbs directly from the Flower Bulb market while also getting tips on how to grow them at home.
Conclusion:
Amsterdam offers its visitors diverse attractions and activities. The stunning architecture of the churches and museums are a visual treat. The capital of the Kingdom of Netherlands is a year-round destination and no matter when you visit, you will have plenty of things to do.
