If you want to enjoy the spirit of freedom, see the floating market of fragrant flowers, plunge into the atmosphere of the city that inspired the great Rembrandt and Van Gogh, it is worth visiting the sights of Amsterdam. The unique architectural appearance of the Dutch capital is created by water channels dividing the city into 90 islands. Choosing what to see in Amsterdam, every tourist will find entertainment to their liking. Some will admire the paintings of brilliant artists, others will want to see the exhibits of the shipping museum, and others will enjoy visiting a nightclub where you can buy marijuana absolutely freely.
What to see in Amsterdam first of all
The main metropolis of the Netherlands is a special city in every sense, so excursions in Amsterdam will definitely be memorable. There are so many places worth exploring here that it would be wiser to determine which of them deserve attention the most before the trip – and our list of the best attractions will give you the opportunity to do so.
1. The Rijksmuseum
Rijksmuseum (Rijksmuseum) in Amsterdam Mark Ahsmann
It is impossible to pass by such a landmark in Amsterdam, since this huge red brick building with peaked roofs stretches for the entire block along the canal embankment. This is the Rijksmuseum, which is one of the twenty most famous museums on the planet.
Its numerous halls contain the history of the Northern Netherlands, dating back to the XV century. Here you can see paintings by such brilliant artists as Rembrandt, Vermeer, Frans Hals, Jan van Goyen, Cornelis Trost and many others. They depict scenes from the lives of saints, aristocratic nobility, as well as the everyday life of ordinary people.
The central place in the museum is occupied by Rembrandt’s painting “Night Watch”, for which the entire building was reconstructed in 2006.
The Rijksmuseum exhibits samples of works by famous Dutch jewelers, stone and wooden statues that previously served as decorations for altars in temples, clothes of clergy embroidered with gold and precious stones, numerous engravings, photographs and artifacts.
The museum has halls presenting works by Italian, Spanish and Flemish masters of painting, which are equally interesting for art connoisseurs.
Official website: https://www.rijksmuseum.nl
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2. Vincent Van Gogh Museum
Vincent Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam [ Wladyslaw [Disk.]](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Van
Gogh_Museum_Amsterdam.jpg)_Choosing what to visit in Amsterdam in the guidebook, it is worth paying attention to the famous Vincent Van Gogh Museum, where there is a collection of 200 paintings by the author, 500 sketches, archival documents, correspondence between the artist and his older brother, friends and colleagues.
Art lovers will also be able to enjoy paintings by Picasso, Gauguin, Monet and other contemporaries of the artist.
Tours of the museum are conducted in 10 languages, and on Thursdays at 15.30 you can visit it for free in the company of an English-speaking guide. Coming to the gallery with a child will not be a problem, as he will be offered a two-hour exciting Treasure Hunt game. But taking pictures in the halls is strictly prohibited.
The building was erected and opened to the public in 1973. Vincent Van Gogh’s nephew provided him with an invaluable collection of paintings. The exposition wing was added at the end of the 20th century, and since then the appearance of the gallery has not changed.
Moving from hall to hall, one can trace the development of the artist’s talent and the reflection of his mood. In the early works, the predominance of dark shades is clearly expressed, reflecting the hopelessness and depressive state of both Van Gogh himself and the heroes of his paintings. But later canvases are filled with landscapes in an insanely saturated palette, which speaks to the author’s mental disorder.
Official website: https://www.vangoghmuseum.nl
3. Vondela Park
Winding pond at the Vondelpark in Amsterdam Ken Eckert
When visiting the various attractions of Amsterdam, you cannot pass by Vondela Park. In it you can admire the beauty of landscapes that have preserved their natural primevalness and skillfully complemented by people. Amazingly beautiful catalpa trees, red chestnuts, graceful birches, shrubs and grasses grow in abundance here. A huge winding pond stretching across the entire territory of the park has become a habitat for swans, ducks and rare blue herons.
The park has many walking and cycling paths, shady alleys and lawns where you can relax, bask in the sun or have picnics. But the main pride of the organizers is a luxurious rose garden, which contains more than 70 varieties of roses.
In the center of the park there is a monument to the Dutch playwright Joost van den Vondel. Also on the territory you can see a huge Picasso “Fish” and a symbol of the fight against racism — the statue of Nelson Carillo “Mama Baranka”.
As an entertainment program, you can visit the open-air theater for free. For those who are hungry, cafes and restaurants open their doors. And outdoor enthusiasts will be happy to rollerblade, play tennis and golf, and have fun with children on playgrounds.
Official website: https://www.hetvondelpark.net
4. Beguinage in Amsterdam
Beguinage in Amsterdam Dennis Jarvis
For those who are tired of the hustle and bustle of the city, it is worth visiting the beguinage, which is included in the sights of Amsterdam. It consists of 47 detached houses forming an enclosed courtyard.
In the XIV century, widows and unmarried women settled here, who decided to devote their lives to caring for the poor and sick residents of the city. Striving for a righteous lifestyle and professing Catholicism, they still had the right to leave the community at any time and even get married.
Visitors enter the territory of the beguinage through a massive ancient gate, which depicts the patroness of beguines — Saint Ursula. A professional guide will guide visitors through a well-kept courtyard with green lawns, trees and statues of saints. He will tell you that it is worth visiting the beguinage in Amsterdam, if only to see the oldest wooden house in Holland.
In the library you can find biblical writings and drawings illustrating scenes from the lives of saints. There is also a Presbyterian Scottish church, which is more often called the English church.
Feel the atmosphere of Amsterdam in this beautiful video!
5. Flower Market
Bloemenmarkt Flower Market in Amsterdam zak mc
When going to Holland, many people already decide in advance that it is necessary to visit the Bloemenmarket floating flower market in Amsterdam. After all, you probably won’t see such a large number of flowers, seeds, bulbs and seedlings in any other city in the world.
Until the middle of the XVII century, farmers brought their fragrant goods here, selling them to the townspeople directly from boats. And in 1862, it was decided to install small flower shops on moored barges.
At the market, you can not only admire the beauty of blooming flowers, but also buy bulbs of famous Dutch tulips, seeds of local and exotic plants. However, if you are going to take them home with you, you must take a certificate from the sellers giving you the right to export.
Among the colorful bags, you can see already packaged marijuana seeds on sale. You should not try to take them out of the country illegally, because instead of remembering the sights of Amsterdam with a smile at home, you can get into trouble with the law.
6. Amsterdam Botanical Garden or Hortus Botanicus
Guilhem Vellut Amsterdam Botanical Garden
Residents of the Dutch capital believe that every tourist should see the famous botanical garden in Amsterdam. Back in 1638, he appeared to save the city from the plague, and now he is a wonderful corner with a collection of more than 6 thousand plants.
The thirties of the XVII century were marked for Holland by the plague epidemic, which claimed thousands of human lives for several years. At this time, doctors began to grow medicinal herbs near the walls of Amsterdam, infusions and decoctions of which brought relief to patients. So Hortus Botanicus was founded, which then continued to expand, and in the 19th century became the property of the university, where famous biologists of that time conducted their research.
Travelers and navigators constantly replenished the collection of this Amsterdam landmark, bringing plants from other countries and continents.
An interesting fact is that the homeland of coffee is Holland. It was in the botanical garden that the grains were grown, which Louis XIV sent to Brazil, where they became widespread.
The famous Victoria Amazonica lily blooms two nights a year in Hortus Botanicus. Moreover, on the first night its petals are white, and a day later they turn pink. In order for visitors to see this spectacle, the garden specifically remains open at this time.
Official website: https://www.dehortus.nl
7. Dam Square
Dam Square in Amsterdam Sietske
It is quite fair to say that every tourist will want to see the central Dam square of 20 thousand square meters in Amsterdam. It is here that the most significant events of the city take place, including ceremonies, festivals, concerts, demonstrations, and sometimes large-scale protests.
Amsterdam’s attractions, located on the square, include several buildings and an amusement park that is open even at night.
The Royal Palace, which currently houses King Willem-Alexander, is open to visitors during his absence.
You can visit an exhibition of contemporary artists or listen to organ music by visiting the New Church, which lost its original theological function at the end of the 20th century.
Dam Square is home to perhaps the world’s most famous Madame Tussauds Museum, whose building itself is an architectural decoration of the capital.
In the center of the square there is a national monument in memory of the Dutch soldiers who died in World War II. Hundreds of flowers are brought to him every year in gratitude for the liberation of the people from fascism.
Official website: https://www.amsterdam.nl
8. Shipping Museum or Maritime Museum
The Netherlands Maritime Museum in Amsterdam Ricardo Liberato
Knowing about the rich maritime history of Holland, it is safe to decide that it is worth seeing the shipping museum in Amsterdam.
Its building was erected back in 1656 as an admiralty warehouse. It was converted into a museum by order of Princess Beatrix in 1973. From 2007 to 2011, it underwent a grandiose reconstruction, as a result of which an elegant glass structure appeared above the courtyard, and the museum’s exhibits were distributed across 11 exhibition halls, according to the theme.
Visitors have the opportunity to see a huge collection of nautical charts, portraits of seafarers, books about traveling across the oceans, textbooks on navigation, as well as ancient globes, measuring and navigation devices.
The museum has the largest collection of various vessels, from ancient rowing boats to modern high-speed liners.
Official website: https://www.hetscheepvaartmuseum.com
9. Albert Cape Market
Albert Cape Market in Amsterdam Franklin Heijnen
The sights of Amsterdam are amazing in their diversity. The silence of museum halls and temples is quickly replaced by the bustle of squares and street markets, the most colorful of which is the Albert Jacobs Cape Market.
More than a century ago, merchants from different countries exhibited their goods here. Now it has become the most famous and largest market in Holland.
In addition to shopping tents and shops, craft workshops, small cafes and even a museum are located on the territory of this attraction. The exhibits of the museum are cheese heads, which you can try here and learn the history of their preparation.
The majority of traders are emigrants from different countries, which is reflected in the rich assortment of goods. Many of them are a reflection of the national culture of a particular people, and are often unique. But here such products can be purchased at fairly low prices, which attracts many buyers here.
Official website: https://albertcuyp-markt.amsterdam
10. Amsterdam City Museum, Stedelijk Museum
Amsterdam City Museum (Stedelijk Museum) FaceMePLS
Many of Amsterdam’s attractions attract tourists not only for their content, but also for their appearance. It’s hard to walk past a huge bathtub hanging over your head and not wonder what’s underneath.
This is what the new wing of the Netherlands’ largest museum of modern art looks like, with an area of 8000 m2. It contains unique canvases by modern painters, whose works are admired by some, bewildered by others, and protested by others against such “abuse of art”. But at the same time, no one remains indifferent and disappointed, receiving a huge amount of diverse and contradictory emotions.
The museum contains works by masters of classical modernism, expressionism, minimalism, pop art, neoplasticism and other trends.
Thematic exhibitions are often organized here, giving this institution dynamics and connection with the reality of life.
Official website: https://www.stedelijk.nl
Amsterdam Attractions: what else to visit while in Amsterdam
A visit to the attractions listed below will allow you to feel the local flavor even more. Guides in Amsterdam will help you not get lost in a bright and dynamic city, ready to reveal the secrets of the night capital and fully demonstrate the beauty of the metropolis in the light of day.
11. The Royal Palace
Royal Palace on Dam Square in Amsterdam Robert Scarth
The main attraction of Amsterdam is considered to be the Royal Palace (one of the top best attractions in the Netherlands), located on the main square of the capital. The royal family rarely lives here, so the building is often open to visitors. Coronation ceremonies, weddings of monarchs, receptions of foreign delegations and other similar events are also held here.
Inside, the palace impresses with its grandeur, abundance of marble and gilding. In the huge Civic Hall, symbolizing space, you can admire the sculpture of the legendary titan Atlanta, holding the globe on his mighty shoulders. A map of the Earth and celestial spheres is depicted on the floor of the hall. The giant dome of the building is crowned by a weather vane in the form of an ancient ship, which is a symbol of Amsterdam.
The palace houses a museum that displays many historical documents, household items and clothing of the Dutch in various epochs of their development. Visitors can also touch the beautiful by visiting the hall of paintings by Rembrandt, Bol and other famous artists.
Official website: https://www.paleisamsterdam.nl
12. Nemo Museum
Renzo Piano Nemo Science Museum in Amsterdam Velvet
There are attractions in Amsterdam that attract not only adult visitors, but also representatives of the younger generation. Such institutions include the Nemo Museum, which looks like a huge green ship, where exhibits are collected telling about the achievements of mankind in the field of technology, medicine, art and other fields.
There are numerous interactive expositions that allow you to learn a lot about the human body, the origin and possibilities of various energies, sound and light. Visitors are given the opportunity to take part in scientific experiments themselves.
The building has several levels, each with a specific theme. The upper floor is designed in the form of a real ship’s deck, from which you can admire the magnificent view of Amsterdam and its surroundings.
Official website: https://www.nemosciencemuseum.nl
13. Micropia
Micropia Museum in Amsterdam Nadine Ranger
There are sights of Amsterdam, which contains giant exhibits, but in the Micropia museum everything is the opposite. Here are the smallest creatures inhabiting the planet. These are viruses, bacteria, protozoa, microscopic fungi and other microbes that people come into contact with every day without noticing them or even guessing about their presence.
There are halls in this museum where you can see numerous microorganisms under a microscope, as well as learn the features of their structure and vital activity.
In other halls there are household items used by people on a daily basis, products, prints from various surfaces, photo and video materials that give an idea of the invisible life that constantly boils around people.
Official website: https://www.micropia.nl
14. Westerkerk
Westerkerk Church Dennis Jarvis
The spire of this Amsterdam landmark, crowned with a crown, is visible from afar. This is a Westerkerk church, distinguished by the elegance of architecture and having a rich history. It is here that the great Rembrandt is buried, whose paintings have continued to delight connoisseurs of painting for many centuries.
Next to this church lived a Jewish girl, Anne Frank, whose diary about the horrors of the Nazi occupation is known all over the world. A monument to this courageous child is located on the church square.
Climbing up the 186 steps of the stairs, visitors to the church get to the observation deck, which offers an amazing view of the beautiful capital of Holland.
Now the building is also used for practical purposes — it serves as a fire tower, as it is the highest point in the city.
Official website: https://www.westerkerk.nl
15. Maderslot Castle
Medieval 13th century Meiderslot Castle at the mouth of the Vecht River surrounded by a moat with water
To get to know Amsterdam thoroughly, it is definitely worth visiting places that allow you to get acquainted with its centuries-old history. You can plunge into the atmosphere of the Middle Ages in the castles of Amsterdam — the best preserved of them is the 13th-century Meiderslot, located 15 kilometers from Amsterdam in the town of Maiden. Outwardly, it seems to have descended from the pages of a fairy tale about brave knights — round turrets rush into the sky, impregnable walls are surrounded by a moat with water, and a single bridge leads inside. This building has a long and complicated history, and the fortress on this site stood a thousand years ago. All this is due to its valuable location at the mouth of the Vecht River, which was an important transport, trade artery and a kind of customs office where fees were collected from ships. Today, the renovated halls with recreated authentic interiors house a branch of the Rijksmuseum.
Official website: https://www.muiderslot.nl
16. Rembrandt House Museum
Entrance to the Rembrandt House Museum in Amsterdam WarXboT
Lovers of fine art will undoubtedly enjoy visiting the Rembrandt House Museum. The great master painter not only lived here, but also created masterpieces, and the workshops of his students were located on the upper floor. The main focus in the museum is on the everyday environment in which the artist lived — recreated household items of the 17th century, kitchen utensils and unusual furniture. And Rembrandt’s main creations are collected in another institution — the Rijksmuseum, but still there was a place in the walls of the former house for a rich collection of engravings by a talented master, as well as works by his students. The engravings are collected here in the amount of 260 pieces out of 290 created by the artist, as well as several samples of his paintings. The collection also contains works by painters who lived much later than Rembrandt, but used his artistic techniques.
Official website: https://www.rembrandthuis.nl
17. Madame Tussauds Museum
Madame Tussauds Museum on Dam Square in downtown Amsterdam
November in Amsterdam is not the best time for nature walks: the dim sun rarely peeks out from behind the clouds, the temperature stays at just above zero. But if you had a chance to relax in Amsterdam during this period, you should think about what to see in Amsterdam in November. The autumn weather is the best time to visit museums. One of the most famous and popular in Amsterdam is Madame Tussauds Museum on Dam Square — once it became the first branch of the world-famous wax museum in London. A visit to Madame Tussauds takes you into the world of celebrities who have become symbols of their era. Here you can “meet” with the stars of cinema, music, sports, politics — they all look so realistic that sometimes it seems as if they have just stepped off the TV screen. The unforgettable experience is complemented by the original design of the halls, as well as interactive, musical and lighting special effects.
Official website: https://www.madametussauds.com
18. Diamond Factory and Diamond Museum
The headquarters of the Dutch jewelry company Coster Diamonds in Amsterdam Andere Andre
An exhibit at the Diamond Museum of the Coster Diamonds jewelry company in Amsterdam MissCookie1994
Since the fine diamond cutting technique was developed in Amsterdam in the 16th century, this Dutch city has become a center of the diamond trade. For 4 centuries in a row, talented craftsmen have improved their abilities by processing diamonds brought from different parts of the world. This fine craft has long been an art, and it is not surprising that diamond factories, jewelry stores, and a diamond museum can be found in Amsterdam. By the way, the diamond museum appeared thanks to the Coster Diamonds company, which owned a diamond factory in the 19th century. Among the products of this company, its true pride was the faceted blue and white diamond for the British Crown. One museum building combined a factory, exhibition halls, and a diamond vault. Therefore, when visiting the museum, you can at the same time observe the finest work on an inconspicuous pebble, which in the process of cutting transforms into a beautiful sparkling diamond.
Official website: https://diamonds-amsterdam.com
19. Anne Frank House Museum
The queue at the Anne Frank Museum on the Prinsengracht embankment in Amsterdam © 1971markus
There is also a museum in Amsterdam, the main exhibit of which keeps its own special history. This is the Anne Frank house, where the original diary is presented, in which a Jewish girl described the horror of genocide using the example of her life story during the Second World War. The museum’s collection also includes temporary exhibitions dedicated to the persecution of Jews, racism, fascism and anti-Semitism. As an 11-year-old girl, Anna and her family were forced to hide from the Nazis in a secret shelter in the building where her father worked as a company manager. The family was forced to hide for two years, live in captivity and in constant fear. The diary became an outlet for the girl, reflecting all the little things of everyday life in those terrible days. But two years later, the secret was revealed, and all family members were sent to concentration camps. Only the girl’s father, Otto Frank, managed to survive there, who decided to publish a book with her notes in memory of his daughter.
Official website: https://www.annefrank.org
20. Amsterdam Dungeon Museum
An exhibition with special effects during the Middle Ages at the Steve Terrell Amsterdam Dungeon Museum
The Amsterdam Dungeon Museum recreates the darkest features of the Medieval era — this is an ideal option for those who like to tickle their nerves in Amsterdam and the surrounding area. The scariest moments in the life of the city are reflected in the exhibits and attractions of this museum. The journey into the world of the Middle Ages begins with a descent on a creepy elevator 5 floors underground. Here you can see a huge room with bones and skulls, shackles, a torture chamber, where the actors realistically play out the most terrible tortures. Witches, the ferocity of the plague, the moans of restless souls, death with a scythe — it seems that this is where the real hell begins. The attraction “Secrets of Rembrandt”, which takes visitors to a medieval clinic for the mentally ill, is also in demand. Getting out of the depths of the dungeon back into the white light, visitors feel euphoria from the fact that all this horror was just a staged scene.
Official website: https://www.thedungeons.com
21. The Cannabis Museum
Stands dedicated to cannabis at the Marijuana and Cannabis Museum in Amsterdam Didier le Ger
In Russia, it is even difficult to imagine some things that have long become the norm in Holland — for example, the cannabis museum in Amsterdam. Light drugs are legal here, so they have already become an integral part of the local culture. Initially, the hashish museum appeared in the early 1990s as a personal exhibition of breeder and botanist Ben Dronkers, but over time it gained unprecedented popularity. Externally, the museum looks more like a coffee shop, but inside everything is transformed — a cozy entourage has been created here, where showcases and stands with flickering lights are located in the semi-darkness, there is even a greenhouse where real hemp is grown. But still, the main exposition of the museum focuses more on accessories used for the use of marijuana — for example, here you can see a large selection of smoking pipes, hookahs, there are woven hemp products and a variety of products from this plant.
Official website: https://hashmuseum.com
22. St. Nicholas Church
St. Nicholas Church in Amsterdam Gouwenaar
If the sights of Rotterdam impress with the most innovative architectural solutions and creative execution, then the monuments of Amsterdam are a tribute to tradition, authentic architecture, where every stone of the paved streets preserves a centuries—old history. The true decoration of Amsterdam is the Church of St. Nicholas, who is revered here as the patron saint of the Netherlands. It is the largest 17th-century Catholic church in Amsterdam, located near the central station. It is often called the “temple in the walls” because of its location right in the center of the ancient fortress walls. The elegant appearance captures the features of Neo—Baroque and Neo-Renaissance, the facade is crowned by two tall towers, in the central part there is a large rose window, a magnificent mosaic depicts images of Christ and the evangelists, a sculpture of St. Nicholas is located in a special niche, an organ is installed inside, on which concerts are held.
23. Oudekerk Church
The Oudekerk Church of the early 14th century in the De Wallen district in the center of Amsterdam
The ancient Dutch Oudekerk church of the 13th century is a real piece of the Middle Ages, admiring with its grandeur and originality. This is the oldest building in Amsterdam, located on Oudekerksplein Square, and its honorable age is far from its only advantage. The church was built in honor of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, especially revered in the Netherlands, and for three hundred years it was completed and restored, overcoming numerous natural disasters. The impressive area of 3.5 thousand square meters houses 10 chapels, a bell tower and a baptistery. The temple has the largest vaulted roof in Europe, which dates back to the 14th century, and under its floor there are tombs that over the centuries have become a burial place for many famous artists, poets, heroes of battles and ordinary residents of Amsterdam, totaling about 10 thousand people.
Official website: https://oudekerk.nl
24. Nieuwekerk Church
View of the 15th century Nieuwekerk Church from Dam Square in Amsterdam Pemolo
Amsterdam’s Nieuwekerk Temple is an eclectic building, and its name literally translates as “New Church”, which is very conditional. The fact is that in contrast to this structure, there is the Oudekerk church, that is, the “Old Church”, although it was built only a few years earlier. Today, Nieuwekerk adorns the city with its Gothic facade, the 109-meter spire of which can be seen from the farthest corners of the city. I must say, this spire has been the cause of disasters more than once — lightning struck it twice, causing a large-scale fire. The interior is a contrasting combination of the whiteness of marble and the noble colors of dark wood, elaborate carvings and colorful stained glass windows, the organ of the 17th century takes pride of place. It is within the walls of this temple that the solemn coronation of royals takes place, and many famous poets, military and political figures rest here.
Official website: https://www.nieuwekerk.nl
25. Weight Chamber
The building of the Weighing Chamber of the XV century on the Niumarkt Square in Amsterdam
When deciding where to go in the center of Amsterdam, in addition to various museums and religious shrines, you can visit the ancient building of the Weighing Chamber, located on one of the central city squares — Nieuwmarkt. Until the 17th century, this building was the tower of St. Anthony, located right in the city walls. Later, these walls were demolished, and a Weighing chamber was located in the tower, where various goods were weighed — during these years Amsterdam was a major trade center. At that time, it was already the second Weighing Chamber, because the old one, which was located on Dam Square, could no longer cope with the volumes. At that time, the upper floors housed the workers’ guilds of masons, blacksmiths and doctors. After the closure of the weighing station in the 19th century, workshops, a fire station, an archive, museums worked in the building, and today there are several atmospheric cafes here.
Official website: https://waag.org
26. Berlage Exchange
One of the cultural centers of Amsterdam is the Berlage Exchange on Damrak Street User:Mtcv
The world-famous building of the Berlage Stock Exchange, named after its architect, is located on the Exchange Square. Today it is the most valuable monument of Dutch Art Deco architecture of the early 20th century, although it is often said that the structure has a medieval character. Ascetic red brick facades with elements of asymmetry and cubist features are crowned by a high corner tower decorated in Art Deco. For many decades, the building housed commodity, currency, stock, grain and cargo exchanges, nowadays entertainment venues, a museum are located here, and concerts are regularly held in spacious halls with excellent acoustics. The museum’s exposition tells about the history of the former stock exchange, about the architect of the building, as well as access to some interior rooms and tower chimes is organized as part of the excursion program.
Official website: https://beursvanberlage.com
27. Coin Tower
The tower on Amsterdam’s bustling Coin Square P.H. Louw
The main decoration of the Coin Square in Amsterdam is the tower of the same name, whose history began in the Middle Ages. At that time, it was a component of the city walls, which served to protect the city from enemy attacks. The walls, erected in the 15th century, were destroyed in the 16th century as a result of a fire, only the tower, where the guards were originally located, remained. In the 17th century, these walls were occupied by the state mint, where money was minted. The reconstruction of the early 17th century gave the building Renaissance features, it acquired an octagonal upper part, an elegant spire, a clock and a unique carillon — a mechanical instrument that sets the bell row in motion and creates a melodious chime. Inside the tower today there is a china shop offering porcelain products — exquisite vases, plates with traditional paintings, as well as figurines, souvenirs and other works of art.
28. Amsterdam Arena Stadium
Inside the Amsterdam Arena football Stadium in Amsterdam David Jones
Fans of football, sports and in general any modern achievements should definitely plan a route to the Amsterdam Beilmer Arena metro station, from where the Amsterdam Arena Stadium is located just a 20-minute walk away — an example of advanced innovations of our time. This is the home arena of the famous Ajax FC, to whose achievements an entire museum is dedicated here. Back in 1996, when this stadium was built, it became one of the progressive arenas in Europe — a closing roof and a lot of other functional elements were built here. And concerts of world—famous stars such as Celine Dion, AC/DC, The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Rihanna and other celebrities have also been held here. Starting in 2015, a 5-year program to renovate the arena by 2021 came into effect, and today thousands of solar panels storing solar energy are located on the roof.
Official website: https://www.johancruijffarena.nl
29. Keukenhof
Flower season at the Royal Keukenhof Park near Amsterdam Luu
Traveling to Amsterdam in winter, you can notice how this city is transformed and changing in winter. At this time, it’s worth taking advantage of the “low season” and choosing what to see in Amsterdam in December. One of the great options is to visit the Keukenhof Fair, one of the most grandiose Christmas markets in the country, which is held in the first decade of December. At this time, the park lights up with festive illumination, creating an indescribable spirit of the upcoming winter holiday. Here, like nowhere else, you can recharge with the festive atmosphere, taste warming mulled wine and local delicacies, buy unique souvenirs, gifts and even see live musical performances by local performers. At the same time, do not forget that in the warm season Keukenhof Park is a fabulous flowering space with thousands of tulips, freesias, orchids, hyacinths, sakura and other beautiful plants.
Official website: https://keukenhof.nl
30. Blaubrug
Blaubrug or the Blue Bridge over the Amstel River among the old mansions in Amsterdam
When choosing what to see in Holland, you should definitely pay attention to the magnificent bridges of Amsterdam. After all, this city is one of the few European cities that boasts such a variety of canals and bridges. If you look from above, the canals encircle Amsterdam in concentric rings, and more than one and a half thousand bridges are thrown over them! One of the most beautiful bridge structures is the ancient Blaubrug, connecting two city squares — Rembrandtplein and Waterlooplein. Blaubrug, which means blue bridge, got its name at the beginning of the 17th century, when its predecessor, a wooden bridge painted blue, was located at this place. There is no trace of the former creation, except for the name itself. The modern bridge appeared at the end of the 19th century, its design style was almost completely copied from the buildings of Paris, its architecture has a maritime theme. It has 3 adjustable parts and is richly decorated with floral ornaments.
31. Zaanse-Schans
Landscape with tulips, traditional Dutch windmills and houses in Zaanse Schans
Not far from Amsterdam there is a picturesque and original village, which is a real open-air museum. This is Zaanse Schans, an ancient settlement that stretches along the picturesque banks of the Zan River. Already passing the bridge over the river, you can see the first attraction — more than a dozen windmills, while all of them are still in working condition. Of course, today these are mostly priceless monuments, but at each of the mills you can buy one or another product. In short, Zaanse Schans is a real authentic Dutch village that has survived to the present day in the form it has had since the 17th century. Green lawns, elegant bridges, elegant houses — everything seemed to come from some fabulous picture. The village is located just 16 kilometers from Amsterdam — a tourist map will tell you how and by what to get to this place.
Official website: https://www.dezaanseschans.nl
32. Waterlooplein Flea Market
Waterlooplein Flea Market is the most popular tourist destination in Amsterdam David Stanley
When traveling, the most interesting purchases are often made not in shopping malls, but at flea markets, of which there are many in Amsterdam. Therefore, fans of shopping will find interesting places in the capital — one of them is the flea market Waterlooplein, located in the very center of the city. Plunging into the motley abundance of counters and showcases with unusual clothes, fancy souvenirs, bizarre handmade creations, you can even forget about time. By the way, many novice fashion designers put their work on display here, so for a small price on the market you can choose an exclusive fashionable wardrobe. There is no mess typical for many markets — the streets are clean, the sellers are friendly, and there are several cafes nearby with fragrant coffee and delicious local dishes. Perhaps most of all, collectors and fans of vintage items will enjoy visiting Waterlooplein.
Official website: https://waterlooplein.amsterdam
33. Amsterdam Coffee Shops
One of the many coffee shops in Amsterdam Bachrach44
If in summer the capital of the Netherlands pleases with the beauty of parks and the extravaganza of festivals, then in the cold season the question invariably arises — what to see in Amsterdam in winter? The winter season here, although it does not scare frosts, but still it’s time to take shelter from the dampness of cloudy streets and visit the “forbidden” sights — numerous coffee shops that have already become the hallmark of the Dutch capital. What is a coffee shop? This is a specialized cafe where you can not only order tea or coffee, but also buy “forbidden” plants — in fact, light drugs that are officially allowed in the Netherlands. Such establishments, for the most part, are small rooms, inside of which there is only a seller’s counter and a couple of tables. In the center, such establishments can be found almost at every turn, and few people refuse the temptation to try something new and unusual there.
34. Red Light District
The world’s most famous Red Light District in Amsterdam Bjarki Sigursveinsson
It is difficult to meet a more liberal city than Amsterdam, and it is even more difficult to meet a person who has not heard about the Red Light District at least once. Its appearance was historically formed — in the Middle Ages Amsterdam was a major trading port, and as in any port, entertainment establishments and brothels flourished here. In the 14th century, the pavements were almost not illuminated at night, so passers-by lit their way with special candles decorated in the form of lanterns. The townspeople, in order to protect the honor of their daughters and wives, obliged the “priestesses of love” to highlight their lantern in red for distinction — since then, this color has become a symbol of corrupt love. In the 16th century, an entire block was allocated to the possession of “moths”, and to this day prostitution flourishes in the quarter, flooded with reddish neon light. The main and characteristic feature of the Amsterdam Quarter is transparent storefronts with semi—naked workers of the bedding business.
35. Amsterdam Canals
A boat trip on a riverboat through the canals of Amsterdam
October in Amsterdam is a great time for walking: the sun still warms with gentle rays, but it no longer brings sweltering heat. Choosing what to see in Amsterdam in October, you can take a trip along the canals of the Dutch capital. In early autumn, the canals acquire a special charm, light up with the colors of leaf fall, colorful leaves smoothly circle and, falling, cover the water surface, so it becomes a pleasure to wander by boat between the blocks. Today, there is a large selection of canal cruises offering different types of routes, boats, departure and arrival points on shore. Thanks to the fairly compact size of Amsterdam, in just an hour or two you can cover the main part of the city’s attractions, see how beautiful and unique the views of this atmospheric city are, in all its
Read also about the sights of The Hague and be inspired to travel further in the Netherlands.
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