Amsterdam Attractions: A City Guide For Tourists

Amsterdam is an incredibly unique and vibrant city located in the Netherlands. It’s a cosmopolitan hub of culture, art, and history that has been capturing the hearts of visitors from all over the world for centuries. With its cobbled streets, beautiful canals, and distinct architecture, Amsterdam provides visitors with an unforgettable experience.

The city’s history dates back to the 13th century, when it was established as a small fishing village. Today, Amsterdam is the largest city in the Netherlands and home to over 2 million people. It’s a popular tourist destination that attracts millions of visitors each year with its stunning canals, world-renowned museums and galleries, lively nightlife, and iconic landmarks like Anne Frank House and the Rijksmuseum.

Amsterdam is known for its picturesque canals, which divide the city into around 90 islands. The capital of the Netherlands is said to have more than 100 kilometers (62 miles) of canals, as well as 1,500 bridges and a number of distinctive buildings. The canals are lined with ornate merchant’s houses which have been converted into shops, restaurants and museums.

The city is also home to many of the world’s most famous museums and galleries, including the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. These world-renowned institutions are home to some of the most spectacular art collections in the world.

Amsterdam is well-known for its lively nightlife which attracts a diverse crowd of locals and tourists alike. There are plenty of bars, clubs, and cafes located throughout the city, as well as live music venues, theatres, and cabarets. Amsterdam is also home to some of Europe’s best festivals, such as the Amsterdam Dance Event and the Amsterdam Light Festival.

The city is also renowned for its unique architecture, which includes the iconic Skinny Bridge and its many traditional windmills. Other notable landmarks include the Royal Palace, Begijnhof Chapel, and Rembrandt House Museum.

If you’re planning to visit Amsterdam for the first time, here are some of the top attractions you should check out:

Anne Frank House

The Anne Frank House is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Amsterdam. The museum is housed in the 17th-century canal house where Anne Frank and her family hid from the Nazis during World War II. It’s now a memorial to Anne Frank and her diary, which has been published in more than 60 languages across the world.

Visitors to the Anne Frank House can explore the Secret Annexe where Anne Frank and her family lived in hiding for two years before they were discovered by Nazi soldiers. They can also view original artifacts such as photographs, letters, and original diary pages. The museum also features a library with thousands of books about Anne Frank, a café, and a bookshop.

Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum is one of Amsterdam’s most famous attractions and a must-visit for any art enthusiast. The museum is home to an impressive collection of over 8,000 works of art from Dutch masters such as Rembrandt and Vermeer as well as a vast array of European paintings and sculptures from other countries. It’s also home to many other artifacts such as furniture and historical objects.

The museum’s impressive collection is arranged in 85 galleries that span two centuries of European art history. Visitors can explore the highlights of Dutch art, including masterpieces such as Rembrandt’s The Night Watch and Vermeer’s The Milkmaid.

Popular Tours

There are a variety of tours available in Amsterdam to help visitors get to know the city better. Here are two popular tours that are great for first-time visitors:

Amsterdam Canal Cruise

An Amsterdam Canal Cruise offers visitors an exciting way to explore the city’s iconic waterways. During the cruise, you’ll get to see some of Amsterdam’s most famous sights from a unique perspective. On board the boat, you’ll glide past beautiful canal houses, magnificent churches, and fascinating bridges as you listen to an informative audio guide about the city’s history and culture. You’ll also have the chance to take photos of some of Amsterdam’s most iconic buildings such as Anne Frank House and Skinny Bridge. To book an Amsterdam Canal Cruise, click here.

Amsterdam Walking Tour

A guided walking tour is one of the best ways to explore Amsterdam’s most iconic sights. On this two-hour tour, visitors will be guided through some of the city’s most famous landmarks such as Dam Square, Begijnhof Chapel, Rembrandt House Museum, Anne Frank House, Skinny Bridge, and more. You’ll learn all about the history and culture of Amsterdam while experiencing its unique atmosphere. To book an Amsterdam Walking Tour, click here.