Viv's Travel Tips: Amsterdam
Posted on 04/28/2021Amsterdam: Venice of the North
20 things to do in this beautiful city full of canals
There are so many things to do in Amsterdam that you may miss out on some things you really want to do if you do not plan ahead accordingly. Likewise, there may be so many things that you would like to do that it is hard to choose which things you would like to add to your itinerary. Hopefully this list of things to do can help narrow down and plan which places to visit, activities to do, and sights to see in Amsterdam.
While borders are slowly starting to open up, now is the time to start daydreaming and planning your dream trip! Contact us on travelsbydonna@knology.net to book the trip.
1. An Amsterdam City Walk
Guided tours are a definite go-to for those visiting Amsterdam, but make sure you check the reviews of the guide beforehand to maximize your experience. You will be able to learn more about the rich history of the city, and get inside information from a local about the best places to visit, as well as the nightlife and best restaurants. (check the reviews of the guide beforehand) are a must for everyone visiting Amsterdam. Because of the valuable information you will get from a city tour, it might be best to put this at the beginning of your trip in case you want to add or change things on your itinerary.
2. Canal Cruise
Vinícius Henrique Photography on Unsplash
Amsterdam is famous for its many canals. A great way to fully experience Amsterdam, then, is to take a cruise on one of those beautiful waterways. There are day cruises, night cruises, sightseeing cruises, cocktail cruises, and many more. If you are traveling with your significant other, try out a romantic candlelit dinner cruise.
3. Albert Cuypmarkt
Named after the Dutch artist Albert Cuyp, this diverse street market is the largest in the Netherlands. It is located in the ‘De Pijp’ neighborhood, which is the place to go if you want to experience true multicultural Amsterdam. Since 1904, the large market has grown to over 300 stalls. Just remember to make sure to do your research to make sure the stalls are open when you visit!
4. The Rijksmuseum
Will van Wingerden on Unsplash
The Rijksmuseum is a Dutch national art and history museum that features over 8,000 exhibitions, highlighting the rich culture, art, and history of the Dutch. It is the most popular museum of the Netherlands and for good reasons! It showcases various historical artifacts and famed artworks, including those by Vermeer, Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and Frans Hals.
5. The Anne Frank House
Courtesy of the Anne Frank House
The Anne Frank House is where Anne Frank and her family hid during the German occupation in World War II. It is a historical museum exhibiting Anne’s life, the secret annex and the discrimination and persecution faced by the Jews of her time It is surely a museum with a story and collection that will impact and impress anyone who visits.
6. Van Gogh Museum
This museum, unsurprisingly, houses the largest collection of works from Vincent Van Gogh in the entire world. With Van Gogh being one of the most famous painters in the world, it surely seems attractive to go see why. The museum comprises 200 paintings, 400 drawings, and 700 letters by Vincent Van Gogh.
7. Leidseplein
Leidseplein is perhaps the most popular square in the whole city. It is often considered as Amsterdam’s nightlife hub as you’ll find many of the most popular bars, clubs, cafes, and restaurants in the square or in surrounding streets.
8. The Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes)
Aquiles CarattinoThe Nine Streets is the ultimate authentic shopping experience in Amsterdam and is named after the nine side streets connecting the main canals. Full of shops and places to eat or have a drink it boasts a great and unique atmosphere that is described in many guides as a must visit area of the city.
9. The Red Light District
One of the first things, besides coffee shops maybe, that tourists think of when thinking of Amsterdam, The Red Light District really has its own charm and whether or not you approve of the pragmatic approach of sex trade in the Netherlands this is an area to be included in your list of areas to visit. Tip: don’t take photos of the ladies as it might get you in trouble.
10. Rembrandt House
Courtesy of Travel + Leisure
The Rembrandt House Museum, known as Rembrandthuis in Dutch, is a unique museum that allows visitors to catch a glimpse of what Rembrandt van Rijn’s life would have been like during the 17th century. The museum is housed in the very same home that Rembrandt lived in for two decades.
11. Flower Market
Be sure to check out the Flower Market floating on the Singel canal! Although the flowers are not delivered by boat anymore, the ethics and the culture still remains strong and it’s sure fun to walk by.
12. Royal Palace of Amsterdam
The Paleis op de Dam, or the Royal Palace of Amsterdam, is located in the very heart of the city on Dam Square. It is one of three palaces that are at the monarch’s disposal thanks to an Act of Parliament. It is often used for Royal Events and official receptions and open to the public most of the year.
13. Old Church
Courtesy of Flickr
Old Church, or Oude Kerk, is the oldest building in the city and the church of the Red Light District. The building is used for both religious and cultural activities and is open to the public.
14. Heineken Experience
Heineken is one of the most popular beers in the world, and now they’ve made an attraction about! Get a first-hand look at the brewing process and journey through the history of Heineken beer and the Heineken family. Be aware that you’ll have to be at least 18 years old or accompanied by an adult (of course you also won’t get to taste any alcohol under the age of 18).
15. Dam Square
Wynand van Poortvliet on Unsplash
Dam Square is a square created in the 13th century and was renowned for its Dam Square hippies in the sixties. This vibe still lives on today. Around the square you’ll find highlights like the Bijenkorf, Magna Plaza, The Diamond Center, the Royal Palace, Madame Tussauds and more. Great starting point for a day of fun.
16. Electric Ladyland
Courtesy of Electric Ladyland
This is a museum of which no other exists in the entire world. It’s the first museum of fluorescent art and amazes many with its beautiful art and colors. Low-priced and considered by many to be a great and impressive visit.
17. Amsterdam Cheese Museum
Courtesy of TrekEarth
Interesting museum on which Holland is famous for: Cheese! It’s located across the canal from the Anne Frank House so it might be a fun idea to combine the both… and entrance is only one euro.
18. Basilica of St. Nicholas
Courtesy of flickr
The Basilica of St. Nicholas was built over 125 years ago and owes most of its beauty to Adrianus Bleijs. Known as Sint-Nicolaasbasiliek in Dutch, the church sits in the Old Center in Amsterdam. Both Baroque and Renaissance styles can be seen in the construction.
19. Amsterdam Museum
A complete museum about the city itself-- what better location to learn about the city, its history, culture and traditions. It is located in Kalverstraat, which is one of the most famous shopping streets in the country!
20. Singel – The Narrowest House
Well most of you will know that you’ll find some narrow houses along the canals of Amsterdam, but this one is narrowest and barely wider than its own front door! Located at Singel 7 its really fun to see and you're going to want to take a picture of this one.
Cover Photo by Jace & Afsoon on Unsplash