4 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Amsterdam
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Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. With its universities, academies, and research institutes, along with more than 40 museums, numerous theaters, and entertainment venues, Amsterdam is also the country's leading cultural center.
In addition, the city is famous for its many well-preserved historic homes. 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.
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. Little wonder then that Amsterdam is an awesome city to explore on foot, with many picturesque bridges linking the city's 90 islands. Eight of these are in fact old wooden bascule bridges, including the Magere Brug (Mager Bridge), one of the city's most frequently photographed.
Discover the best places to visit in this dynamic city with our list of the top attractions and fun things to do in Amsterdam.
1. See the Art Collections at the Rijksmuseum
One of Amsterdam's most popular attractions — and certainly its most important art repository — the Rijksmuseum (National Museum) was founded in 1798 to house the country's huge collection of rare art and antiquities. The museum's impressive collection includes a million cultural artifacts dating from the 13th century to the modern day, among them more than 8,000 important paintings spread across 250 rooms of this sprawling building.
In addition to its paintings, the Rijksmuseum boasts a well-stocked library of more than 35,000 books and manuscripts, as well as numerous fascinating displays dealing with the development of art and culture in the Netherlands. Of special note are its collections of traditional handicrafts, medieval sculpture, and modern art styles.
A variety of themed English language guided tours are available. 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.
English language guided tours are available. To avoid line-ups (nearly 2.5 million people visit each year), book tour tickets in advance online.
2. Visit Anne Frank House
Exterior of the Anne Frank House
On the Prinsengracht stands Anne Frank House (Anne Frank Huis). Dedicated to the all-too-short life of one of the world's best-known Holocaust victims, this is the actual home in which Anne's family hid for much of WWII.
The Frank's were Jewish refugees from the German city of Frankfurt, and it was here that Anne wrote the diary that became an international bestseller after the war. It was published just a few years after her death at age 15, just two months before the war ended.
Much of the home has been kept as it was during Anne's time, and it serves as a poignant monument to a tragic period of history. 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.
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. 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.
Boasting an impressive 200 paintings, 500 etchings and drawings, as well as 700 letters written to (and by) friends and family, the collection is split into key periods of the artist's life: his realistic works (1880 to 1887), including the famous The Potato Eaters, and his Impressionist period from 1887 to 1890, which saw the creation of perhaps his best-known work, Vase with Sunflowers.
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.
Also of interest are works by Van Gogh's contemporaries, including such leading artists as Paul Gauguin and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. If time allows, be sure to check the availability of the museum's educational workshops in such disciplines as painting and photography. A café, shop, and library are also located on-site.
Address: Museumplein 6, 1071 DJ, Amsterdam
4. Explore the Jordaan Neighborhood
Houseboats and old buildings in Jordaan
Jordaan is the most popular of Amsterdam's neighborhoods and is well-known for its mix of residential areas with garden courtyards, lively markets, and upscale boutiques and eateries. The area is also home to plenty of fun things to do, from taking a pleasant stroll along the many picturesque streets to spending time visiting the many top-rated tourist attractions located here.
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!) Amsterdam Cheese Museum.
On Saturday mornings, Lindengracht turns into a huge open-air market, where you can find local crafts, produce, flowers, and goodies perfect for filling a picnic basket. Monday mornings, it is Westerstraat that fills with 200 vendors' stalls, this time selling a wide range of goods in a flea-market-style bazaar. Jordaan's restaurants and cafés have become the trendy place to sit and people-watch while enjoying traditional Dutch folk music.
5. Family Fun and Flowers at Vondelpark
Vondelpark
The largest and most visited park in Amsterdam, Vondelpark occupies 120 acres and contains no end of fun things to do. In addition to expanses of green space dotted by peaceful ponds and traversed by ample paths, the park is home to a lovely rose garden featuring more than 70 different types of the flower.
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.
If you haven't packed a picnic, don't worry: the park is also full of cafés where you can enjoy a snack or a full meal.
6. People Watch at Dam Square
Dam Square
Dam Square is one of the most tourist-packed areas of Amsterdam, and for good reason. Its most prominent feature is the 17th-century Royal Palace (Koninklijk Palace), former home of the Dutch royal family and present-day venue for royal functions.
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.
This huge public square is, naturally, lined with numerous cafés, restaurants, and shops, and is usually full of vendors selling food and souvenirs. Tourists will also find a Ferris wheel, perfect for getting a different perspective, as well as plenty of entertainment, ranging from street performers and buskers to first-rate music festivals.
7. Tour the Royal Palace of Amsterdam
Royal Palace of Amsterdam
Formerly the Town Hall, the Royal Palace of Amsterdam (Koninklijk Paleis van Amsterdam) serves as the King's residence when he's in the city. Its construction was a monumental task when started in 1648 and required the sinking of 13,659 piles to support the mammoth structure.
Based upon the architecture of ancient Rome, the exterior is strictly classical, while the interior is magnificently furnished, its apartments decorated with a wealth of reliefs, ornamentation, marble sculptures, and friezes. Check out the spectacular ceiling paintings by Ferdinand Bol and Govert Flinck, pupils of Rembrandt.
Other highlights include one of the finest furniture collections in the world, and the City Treasurer's room with its marble fireplace and ceiling paintings by Cornelis Holsteyn. You'll also see the Hall of the Aldermen, also containing paintings by Bol and Flinck.
The largest and most important room is the Council Hall, sumptuously decorated and one of the most beautiful staterooms in Europe. English language guided tours are available, and useful audioguides are included with admission.
Located next door to the Anne Frank Museum, Amsterdam's West Church (Westerkerk) is one of the most popular churches to visit in the city. It's certainly one of the most picturesque.
Completed in 1630, this attractive Renaissance church is unusual due to its many internal and external Gothic features. Its 85-meter tower, popularly known as "Langer Jan" (tall John), is the highest in the city. On the tip of its spire is a large replica of the emperor's crown, placed there in memory of Emperor Maximilian of Austria. Inside the tower, a carillon proclaims the hours.
Other highlights include a fine organ dating from 1622, along with an interesting marble column placed here in 1906 in memory of Rembrandt. The great artist was originally buried outside the church, but was later reinterred inside. A gift shop is located on-site.
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). It was here, in the Jewish Quarter, that he found models for his Biblical themes, and where he painted the sights from his many outings along the canals.
Rembrandt lived here for 20 years, and the house has been furnished in 17th-century style with numerous etchings and personal objects. English language guided tours are available.
Just a two-minute walk away is Zuiderkerk (South Church), where three of Rembrandt's children are buried, as well as one of his pupils. Constructed between 1603 and 1611, it was the first Protestant church to be built in Amsterdam after the Reformation and was designed by architect Hendrick de Keyser, who is also buried here.
After extensive restoration, it is now a center for local cultural activities and events. Another Rembrandt-related destination in the city is Rembrandt Square, home to numerous cafés and restaurants, along with a statue of the famous painter.
10. Visit One of the World's Oldest Botanical Gardens
Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam
Amsterdam offers a surprising dose of nature in the very heart of the city. Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam, the city's botanical garden, is one of the world's oldest and should definitely be included in your sightseeing itinerary.
Founded in 1638, this much-visited attraction began life as a humble herb garden for doctors and apothecaries. Today, it features rare plants and trees, exotic flowers, and a large hothouse encompassing different tropical zones.
Highlights of a visit include exploring the lovely old pavilion, a hexagonal structure that dates back to the late 17th century, plus the 1870s Orangery. The Palm House is also notable, in particular for its architectural style (it was designed in the Amsterdam School style).
Plant enthusiasts are also in for a treat, as the gardens are home to a wide variety of rare plant and tree species. Worth mentioning are examples of the Persian Ironwood tree, plus numerous tropical species in the historic hothouse. For those wanting to linger longer, there's an on-site café.
Red ruffed lemur at the Artis, Amsterdam Royal Zoo
Less than a five-minute stroll away from the botanical gardens is Artis, Amsterdam's excellent "royal zoo." This world-class attraction was established in 1838 and is one of the oldest zoos in Europe.
It spotlights a variety of creatures from around the globe in a shady garden setting dotted with numerous historical buildings. The aquarium, for example, was constructed in 1882 and features exhibits including a coral reef system and a fascinating peek under an Amsterdam canal.
Other highlights include the nocturnal animal house, zoological museum, Insectarium, Butterfly Pavilion, and Planetarium. There's also a library that features an extensive collection of historic books, prints, and artworks.
Also of interest near this fun nature-based attractions is a replica of the Normaal Amsterdams Peil, the NAP, which shows the average water level of the North Sea.
The Oude Kerk (Old Church) — built in 1306 and the city's oldest structure — remains unchanged since Rembrandt's time. The first hall church in North Holland, this splendid piece of architecture became the model for many other churches in the region.
Numerous additions were added over the centuries, such as the large side chapels from the early 1500s. Also dating from this period is a portal leading to the Iron Chapel, where documents showing the city's privileges, including the freedom from tolls granted in 1275, were kept locked behind an iron door. The tower was added in the 16th century and has a carillon from 1658 that's considered one of the finest in the country. It also offers great views over the city.
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. These days, the building is well-known as a venue for contemporary art exhibits.
After exploring this beautiful historical building, take a two-minute stroll across the bridge to Zeedijk, one of Amsterdam's oldest streets. Many houses along here lean at an angle from the vertical, and the 15th-century house at No. 1 is thought to be the oldest surviving building in the city.
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