The capital of Netherland and is often referred to as Venice of North due to the historic canal system in the city. It is one of most visited tourist destinations in all of Europe. From Universities to plethora of Museums, from historic theatres to remarkable architecture, from canals to popular coffee shops, this city is built of all things touristy. With an amazing nightlife, the city is quite an attraction for young travellers. Some of the best exploration of city by travellers is done on popular bike tours. Riding along the canal, and over the bridges including wooden ones, is a pure bliss and near to exclusive experience of only Amsterdam. Here are top things to do in Amsterdam.
Rijksmuseum – Built in early 19th century in Gothic n Renaissance style, it houses 7 million pieces of art in over 250 rooms. It is believed to have more than 35,000 books and manuscripts. The museum boasts of having works of Rembrandt and Vermeer. Language guided tours are available here.
Vondelpark – Apparently Lungs of the city, this 100 plus acres park is most visited spots of city. It houses skate rental shop, many restaurants n cafes, an open air theatre where you might encounter a play or music show, rose garden with more than 70 species, statues, sculptures, and ponds.
Anne Frank Museum – It is a 17th century canal house where young Anne Frank, her family hid for two years during WWII before being sent to concentration camp. It exhibits the journal of Anne Frank that she wrote while hiding which later became a bestseller, and objects from that time.
Van Gogh Museum – It is dedicated to works of Van Gogh and his contemporaries. It exhibits more than 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and 700 letters from Van Gogh. Paintings include popular ones like ‘Sunflowers’, ‘Potato eaters’ and ‘Almond Blossom’. It is advisable to book tickets before visit.
Red Light District – Stereotyped with red lit shop windows, and coffee shops, this place is more than that. It is popular for bars, beers that are present in its every nook and corner. It is also city’s oldest neighbourhood. It is home to great architecture, churches, and quaint European styled squares.
Canal Tour – Biking along being the best mode of enjoying the 17th century canal system, one must go on a canal cruise or a boat tour when in Amsterdam. The city is home to 165 waterways that are part of UNESCO’s World Heritage list. Some tours also include cocktails, rest leave to cameras.
Heineken Brewery – This is must visit for beer buffs. The museum takes you through the history of Heineken family to brewing n bottling process with stops at copper beer tanks. VIP tour also includes beer tasting of five different drinks. On display are also Heineken commercials from all across world.
Royal Palace of Amsterdam – Built in 17thcentury, it was formerly a town hall, later used by Royal Dutch family as residence and stately functions. It’s open for visitors and they love Citizen’s hall. Interiors are intricate with marble sculptures, gilded clocks, rich paintings, and fine furniture.
Jordaan – It is must visit to experience the fine dining and shopping in Amsterdam. It has plethora of pubs, cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops. It encloses residential area with courtyard houses, and offers one of the most local cuisines to travellers. Being at junction of canals, it is picture worthy too.
Rembrandt House – This is where the famous painter spent most of life. It has been decorated as 17th century style house, with his etchings, personal objects and even roman busts. On exhibition are his studio, living room and bedroom. It is interesting to see once largest painting studio of the city.
EYE Film Institute – With spaceship looking architecture on banks of river IJ, it’s an institute that screens movies from its archives of 40,000 titles sometimes with live music. It exhibits costumes, digital art, vintage posters, and movie artefacts. It is also used for screening of popular Dutch films.
Begijnhof – It is one of most serene spots in Central Amsterdam. It was built as convent for Beguines, an order of unmarried or widowed Catholic women. It has a well maintained garden, Houten Huis the country’s oldest wooden house, medieval houses, two chapels, and English church.
Dam Square – Obviously it is centre point of the city, and home to attractions like New Church, Madame Tussauds wax museum, National Memorial Statue and Royal Palace. This public square is lined with cafes, shops selling food and souvenirs. There also is a Ferris wheel nearby for some fun.
A’damToren – Formerly the HQ of Royal Dutch shell oil co. it is now home to music, advertising, event co, a hotel, nightclub on top and bottom floors, and a revolving restaurant. It also has an interactive exhibition displaying city’s history. It also boasts of having Europe’s highest swing.
Old Church (Oude Kerk) – Built in early 14th century it is the city’s oldest surviving building. It boasts of having city’s oldest bell. Inside are VaterMüller organ, intricate carvings on the choir stalls, stained-glass windows, brocaded pillars and gilded ceiling. It hosts regular exhibitions, and concerts.
Travel doesn’t become adventure until you leave yourself behind!
