A Guide to Attractions Near Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a stunningly beautiful city that is beloved by tourists and locals alike. It’s one of the most vibrant cities in Europe and is known for its canals, its historical architecture, and its colorful nightlife. Amsterdam has long been a popular tourist destination and is a great place to visit for anyone looking to explore the best of what Europe has to offer.

The city has been around since the 12th century, although it wasn’t until the 17th century that Amsterdam really started to flourish due to its strategic location. The city was a major trading hub, thanks to its proximity to the North Sea, and the canals that criss-cross through the city were built to make it easier for merchants to bring their goods in and out of the city. Today, Amsterdam is still a major trading hub, but it is also known for its vibrant culture and its world-class museums.

Amsterdam is home to over 880,000 people, making it the largest city in the Netherlands. It’s a truly international city, with over 180 different nationalities living there. Amsterdam is also home to some of the best restaurants and bars in Europe, making it a popular destination for foodies.

But there’s much more to Amsterdam than just the city itself. The surrounding area is home to some of the most beautiful natural scenery in Europe and there are plenty of attractions that are just a short drive away. In this guide, we’ll look at some of the best attractions near Amsterdam that are worth visiting on any trip to the city.

Anne Frank House

One of the most popular attractions near Amsterdam is the Anne Frank House, located in the city center. The house was where Anne Frank and her family hid during World War II and it’s now a museum dedicated to her life and legacy. Visitors can explore the annex where the Frank family stayed, as well as an exhibit about Anne’s life before she went into hiding. The museum also offers guided tours and is a great place to learn about one of the most important figures of the 20th century.

Keukenhof Gardens

The Keukenhof Gardens are located about 45 minutes south of Amsterdam and are one of the most beautiful spots near the city. The gardens cover an area of 32 hectares and feature over 7 million tulips, as well as other flowers like daffodils and hyacinths. It’s a great place to take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the stunning natural beauty of Holland.

Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum is one of the most famous museums in Amsterdam. It’s located in the heart of the city and it houses an impressive collection of Dutch art from the 17th century onwards. The museum also offers tours and workshops for visitors who want to learn more about Dutch art and culture.

Vondelpark

Vondelpark is one of the largest parks in Amsterdam and it’s a great place to spend an afternoon. The park has plenty of walking trails, as well as a lake where visitors can rent boats or take a leisurely stroll. There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants around the park, so it’s a great place to relax and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Zaanse Schans

The Zaanse Schans is a village located just outside Amsterdam that’s a great day trip from the city. The village is home to traditional Dutch architecture, as well as windmills, wooden houses, and small shops where visitors can buy locally-made products. There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants in the village where visitors can take a break from exploring.

Canal Tour

One of the best ways to experience Amsterdam is by taking a canal tour. The tour takes visitors on a journey through Amsterdam’s beautiful canals and gives them a chance to see some of the city’s most iconic sights from the water. There are plenty of companies offering canal tours in Amsterdam, so it’s easy to find one that fits your schedule and budget.

Van Gogh Museum

The Van Gogh Museum is located in Amsterdam and it’s one of the best places to learn about the famous artist’s life and work. The museum houses an impressive collection of Van Gogh’s paintings and drawings, as well as other works by other famous Dutch artists like Rembrandt and Vermeer.

Aalsmeer Flower Auction

The Aalsmeer Flower Auction is located about 20 minutes outside of Amsterdam and it’s one of the largest flower auctions in the world. Visitors can get an up close look at how flowers are bought and sold at the auction, as well as explore the beautiful flower fields around Aalsmeer.

Amsterdam Light Festival

The Amsterdam Light Festival takes place every winter in Amsterdam and it’s one of the most spectacular events in Europe. During the festival, visitors can explore light installations throughout the city that are created by some of the world’s leading light artists. The festival is a great way to experience Amsterdam in a new way and it’s definitely worth checking out if you’re visiting during the winter months.

Tours Near Amsterdam

Amsterdam has so much to offer visitors, but there are also plenty of great tours nearby that are worth exploring if you have some extra time on your hands. Below we’ve highlighted two popular tours near Amsterdam that are worth checking out:

Windmill Tour

Zaanse Schans is home to one of Holland’s most iconic attractions – its windmills! A windmill tour allows visitors to learn about how these iconic structures were built, their history, and how they have been used over time. Tour guides will give visitors an inside look at how these windmills have been used for centuries to grind grain into flour or pump water into canals. Tours usually last between 1-2 hours, with both morning and afternoon trips available. Book a Windmill Tour here.

Cheese Tasting Tour

Holland is known for its delicious cheeses, so why not take a tour to learn more about them? A cheese tasting tour allows visitors to sample some of Holland’s finest cheeses while learning about their history and production process from an expert guide. Tours usually last around 2 hours and include visits to cheese farms, cheese shops, and cheese markets in nearby villages where you can sample all kinds of delicious Dutch cheeses! Book a Cheese Tasting Tour here.

Amsterdam has something for everyone – from art lovers to foodies – so no matter what your interests are there’s sure to be something for you in this beautiful city. With so many attractions near Amsterdam, you won’t have any trouble finding something to do on your next trip to the city!