Best Places To Visit Near Amsterdam

Amsterdam is one of the most exciting cities in Europe, and it’s no wonder why it is a popular destination for tourists. Located in the Netherlands, it is known for its distinct Dutch architecture, its vibrant culture, and its lively nightlife. Amsterdam is also home to a number of world-famous attractions, such as the Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh Museum. Though it is easy to spend days at a time exploring the city itself, Amsterdam is also a great base for exploring the surrounding area. There are many places near Amsterdam that are worth visiting, and in this blog post we will discuss the best places to visit near the city.

History of Amsterdam

The city of Amsterdam has a long and interesting history. Founded in the late 12th century, it served as a fishing village before blossoming into an important trading city in the 16th Century. During this time, Amsterdam became a major centre for the Dutch East India Company, which helped to make it a wealthy and powerful city. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Amsterdam was also an important hub for international trade and immigration, and it was home to many wealthy merchants and traders. Today, Amsterdam is known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, its vibrant arts scene, and its friendly people.

Famous Attractions in Amsterdam

One of the most popular attractions in Amsterdam is the Anne Frank House. This museum is dedicated to the Jewish diarist Anne Frank, who wrote her famous diary while she and her family were hiding from Nazi persecution during World War II. The museum offers visitors a harrowing glimpse into the horrors of the Holocaust, as well as a reminder of the suffering of millions of people during that period.

The Van Gogh Museum is another popular attraction in Amsterdam. Located in the city’s museum district, the museum is dedicated to the works of Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh. It houses a vast collection of Van Gogh’s works, as well as works by other artists such as Paul Gauguin and Claude Monet. The museum also offers visitors a fascinating look into Van Gogh’s life and works.

The Rijksmuseum is another must-see attraction in Amsterdam. Located near the city centre, this museum houses a vast collection of Dutch art and artifacts from the Middle Ages through to the present day. The museum also features a number of special exhibitions, which showcase art from across Europe and beyond.

Other popular attractions in Amsterdam include the Canal Ring – a network of canals that encircle the city – and the Red Light District – a notorious area known for its legalised prostitution.

Best Places to Visit Near Amsterdam

Amsterdam is an ideal base for exploring some of the Netherlands’ most beautiful cities and towns. Here are some of the best places to visit near Amsterdam:

Utrecht

Utrecht is one of the Netherlands’ oldest cities and is located just 40 minutes away from Amsterdam by train. It is known for its beautiful canals and cobbled streets, as well as its lively bars and restaurants. Utrecht’s centre is home to many historic buildings, including its iconic 14th century Dom Tower, which dominates the skyline. The city also boasts an impressive selection of museums, including the Centraal Museum – which houses works by Dutch masters such as Rembrandt and Vermeer – and the Dutch Railway Museum.

Haarlem

Haarlem is one of the most charming cities in the Netherlands and is located just 20 minutes away from Amsterdam by train. The city centre is home to historic buildings such as its iconic 13th century Grote Kerk (Big Church) and its magnificent Town Hall. Haarlem is also known for its thriving arts scene, with galleries such as Teylers Museum – which features works by Dutch masters such as Frans Hals – and Frans Hals Museum – which showcases works from Haarlem’s famous 17th century Golden Age painters.

Rotterdam

Rotterdam is one of the Netherlands’ largest cities and is located less than an hour away from Amsterdam by train. It is known for its modern architecture, with highlights including the Erasmus Bridge – one of Europe’s longest suspension bridges – and the iconic Cube Houses – a series of futuristic-looking buildings designed by Dutch architect Piet Blom. Rotterdam also boasts an impressive selection of museums, including the Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum – which houses works by Dutch masters such as Rembrandt – and the Maritime Museum – which offers a fascinating look into Rotterdam’s maritime history.

The Hague

The Hague is one of the Netherlands’ most important cities and is located just over an hour away from Amsterdam by train. The city centre is home to a number of historic buildings, including its iconic Peace Palace – an impressive building which houses the International Court of Justice – and Binnenhof (Inner Court) – a complex of buildings which has been home to Dutch government since medieval times. The Hague also boasts a number of impressive museums, including Mauritshuis – which houses works by Dutch masters such as Rembrandt – and Escher in het Paleis (Escher in the Palace) – a museum dedicated to Dutch graphic artist M.C. Escher.

Most Popular Activities in Amsterdam

Amsterdam offers visitors a wide range of activities to enjoy. Here are some of the most popular activities in Amsterdam:

Tulip Tours

The Netherlands is famous for its tulips, so what better way to explore Amsterdam than on a tulip tour? On this tour you will visit some of Amsterdam’s most beautiful parks and gardens, where you can admire a variety of colourful tulips in bloom. You will also learn about the history of tulips in Holland, from their arrival in Europe during the 16th century to their cultivation during the 17th century “Tulip Mania’ period. You can book a Tulip Tour here.

Canal Tours

Amsterdam is home to hundreds of canals that wind through the city’s historic neighbourhoods. A canal tour is a great way to explore Amsterdam’s waterways while learning about its history, culture, and architecture. On this tour you will visit some of Amsterdam’s most iconic canals and bridges, as well as its beautiful houseboats and boat-filled harbours. You can book a Canal Tour here.

Food Tours

Amsterdam is home to a vibrant culinary scene with dishes from all over the world. On this tour you will explore some of Amsterdam’s most delicious dishes while learning about local food culture and history. You will visit some of Amsterdam’s best eateries, sample traditional Dutch dishes such as Frikandel (a fried sausage) and Poffertjes (mini pancakes), and learn about how these dishes have evolved over time. You can book a Food Tour here.

Brewery Tours

Amsterdam has long been renowned for its beer-making tradition, so why not explore it on a brewery tour? On this tour you will visit some of Amsterdam’s most famous breweries, sample their beers, and learn about their unique brewing processes. You will also have the chance to meet some of Amsterdam’s top brewers and learn about their craft beer-making techniques. You can book a Brewery Tour here.

Conclusion

Amsterdam is one of Europe’s most vibrant cities and there are plenty of places near it that are worth visiting. From Utrecht to Rotterdam and The Hague, there are plenty of beautiful cities and towns to explore while taking in some of Holland’s finest attractions along the way. There are also plenty of activities to enjoy in Amsterdam itself, from tulip tours to brewery tours, food tours to canal tours – there is something for everyone! So if you’re looking for an exciting city break destination then look no further than Amsterdam!