Top Things To See In Amsterdam

Amsterdam, the capital city of the Netherlands, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. The city is renowned for its rich cultural history, vibrant nightlife, and charming canals. It is a city of contrasts; where old and new coexist in harmony. Amsterdam has a lot to offer to its visitors, with plenty of things to see and do. Whether you’re looking for museums, parks, markets, or just want to explore the city’s cobbled streets and canals, Amsterdam has something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best things to see and do in Amsterdam.

History of Amsterdam

Amsterdam was founded in the late 12th century as a small fishing village on the banks of the Amstel river. The city quickly grew in size and importance due to its strategic location at the Dutch crossroads of the Rhine and Meuse rivers. In the 15th century, the city was one of the most important ports in Europe. By the 17th century, it had become one of the most prosperous cities in the world and was known as “The Golden Age.” Amsterdam remained a major port until the 19th century when it shifted its focus to trade and industry.

Today, Amsterdam is a vibrant and modern city with a population of about 1.3 million people. Its unique cultural identity is evident in its architecture, which includes a mix of old and new buildings, as well as its laid-back atmosphere and welcoming attitude towards tourists. The city is known for its canals, which are a popular attraction for visitors from around the world.

The Best Things To See In Amsterdam

Amsterdam has many sights to offer its visitors. From historical monuments to modern attractions, there is something for everyone here. Here are some of the best things to see in Amsterdam.

Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum is one of the most famous museums in Amsterdam and is home to an impressive collection of Dutch and Flemish art from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. The museum also houses a large collection of historical artifacts, including furniture, paintings, and sculptures. The museum’s highlight is the exhibit “The Night Watch’, which is a painting by Rembrandt van Rijn. The Rijksmuseum also has an excellent collection of Delftware, which are blue and white porcelain pieces from the Dutch Golden Age.

Anne Frank House

The Anne Frank House is one of the most popular attractions in Amsterdam and a must-see for any visitor to the city. This museum commemorates Anne Frank’s life and chronicles her family’s two years in hiding during the Nazi occupation of Holland. The museum displays original documents, photographs, and other artifacts related to Anne Frank’s life. Visitors will also have the opportunity to view the secret annex where Anne Frank and her family hid for two years during World War II.

Van Gogh Museum

The Van Gogh Museum is home to the world’s largest collection of works by Vincent van Gogh. The museum displays more than 200 paintings, drawings, and sketches by van Gogh as well as works by other Impressionist painters such as Monet, Gauguin, Pissarro, and Cezanne. The museum also offers visitors a chance to learn more about van Gogh’s life and works through guided tours, interactive displays, and multimedia presentations.

Vondelpark

Vondelpark is Amsterdam’s largest public park and one of its most popular attractions. Vondelpark covers an area of over 45 hectares and features a variety of recreational activities such as boating, cycling, skating, swimming, and picnicking. The park also has an open-air theatre where concerts, plays, and films are regularly held during summer months. Vondelpark is an excellent place to relax and take in the sights and sounds of Amsterdam.

Dam Square

Dam Square is one of the city’s most famous landmarks and a must-see for any visitor to Amsterdam. Located at the heart of the city center, Dam Square is home to many important buildings such as the Royal Palace, Nieuwe Kerk (New Church), and Madame Tussauds wax museum. It is also a popular spot for shopping, dining, and entertainment with numerous cafes, restaurants, shops, and street performers lining the square.

Canal Cruise

No visit to Amsterdam is complete without taking a canal cruise on one of its many canals. Canal cruises provide visitors with an excellent way to explore the city from a unique perspective as they pass by some of Amsterdam’s most iconic landmarks such as the Skinny Bridge, Anne Frank House, and Rijksmuseum. There are many canal cruise operators in Amsterdam offering a variety of cruises such as dinner cruises or private cruises with a guide who will provide interesting facts about the city’s history and culture.

Popular Tours in Amsterdam

In addition to exploring the city’s many attractions on your own, there are several popular tours available in Amsterdam that will give you an even more immersive experience. Here are two of the most popular tours in Amsterdam:

Amsterdam Bike Tour

A great way to explore Amsterdam is by taking a bike tour through its charming streets and canals. This 3-hour tour takes you on a journey through some of Amsterdam’s most iconic sights as you cycle along its picturesque canals and cobblestone streets. You’ll get to experience some of Amsterdam’s best attractions such as Vondelpark, Dam Square, Rembrandtplein, Jordaan district and more while learning about its history from your knowledgeable tour guide. The tour includes a bike rental so you don’t have to worry about bringing your own bike. Book an Amsterdam bike tour here.

Amsterdam Sightseeing Cruise

If you’d like to experience Amsterdam from another perspective then why not take a sightseeing cruise? This 2-hour boat tour is one of the best ways to explore Amsterdam’s iconic canals from a unique perspective as you pass by many historic monuments such as Skinny Bridge, Westerkerk Church and Anne Frank House. You’ll get to learn about the city’s history from your knowledgeable tour guide while enjoying local snacks and drinks on board. Book an Amsterdam Sightseeing Cruise here.

At the end of your trip you’ll be sure to have lots of great memories from your time in Amsterdam! Whether you’re looking for historical monuments or modern attractions, there is something for everyone here in this charming city. With its fascinating history, vibrant culture, and beautiful canals, it’s easy to see why so many people come back time and time again to experience all that this lovely city has to offer!