11 things to see and do in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is known as the business and financial capital of the Netherlands, but it’s also an incredibly popular city break destination. Whether you fly or travel by ferry, there are plenty of cultural places to visit in Amsterdam and here are just a few favourite popular attractions:

#1 Anne Frank House

Situated in the centre of Amsterdam at Prinsengracht 263-267, the Anne Frank House is a writer’s house and biographical museum dedicated to Jewish wartime diarist Anne Frank. It takes around 20 minutes to walk from the Central Station to the museum

#2 Rijksmuseum

Located at the Museum Square in the borough Amsterdam South, close to the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum exhibits Dutch art and history from the Middle Ages to the present day. An Adult ticket will cost you around € 17.50

#3 Vondelpark

Welcoming 10 million visitors every year and located near the Rijksmuseum, the Vondelpark is a 19th-century urban park with a playground, ponds, an open-air theatre, cafes and much more!  You can visit in the typical Dutch way, by bike! With a guided bicycle tour costing roughly £25 to which you cycle alongside a guide who will inform you about its history and show you every corner.

#4 Amsterdam Canal Ring

Since its development in the 17th century, Amsterdam’s Canal Ring has grown to be one of the world’s most unique urban landscapes. The best way to experience this historic and beautiful water network through the city is by Canal Tour!

For anyone visiting for the first time,  a canal tour is an excellent introduction to the city’s many sights. There are a number of departure points throughout the city, available in a multitude of languages costing roughly €24. Whether it’s a one-hour tour, a hop on, hop off all-day experience, or a romantic candlelight dinner cruise, there are options for every occasion.

#5 Jordaan District

The Jordaan is a district in the city centre of Amsterdam, known for its beautiful houses, restaurants and original shops. When in Amsterdam, it is a must to stroll through the little streets and canals, taking a walk over the many bridges over the canals. A popular tourist favourite, here you can take beautiful pictures and see for yourself why Amsterdam is called the “Venice of the North”.

#6 Heineken Experience

For all you beer lovers out there this Interactive tour takes you through Heineken’s history in the former brewery, complete with a tasting room to finish the tour. Situated in the centre of Amsterdam, take a walk through the impressive old building with its gigantic copper tanks, originally used that to brew the original Heineken beer.

#7 Flower Market

The Amsterdam Flower Market is the only floating flower market in the world, and one of the most fragrant places of interest of Amsterdam – in all seasons.

Located on the Singel canal between the Koningsplein and the Muntplein The Amsterdam Flower Market is home to tulips, narcissus, geraniums and many other types of flowers. Here you can buy bouquets, single flowers or bulbs what’s more. the bulbs are ready for export, so you can enjoy them at home too!

#8 Royal Palace

The Royal Palace in Amsterdam is one of three palaces in the Netherlands which are at the disposal of the monarch. Costing only €10 to visit, you can discover the rich history and interior of this magnificent building in the heart of Amsterdam.Why not make a day of it by visiting one of the nearby restaurants or cafes.

#9 Dam Square

With its notable buildings and frequent events, Dam Square is one of the most well-known and important locations in the city. There are food stalls, restaurants and shops galore making Dam Square well worth a visit!

#10 De Wallen

De Wallen is the oldest and largest area of Amsterdam containing the infamous Red Light District. De Wallen translates to (the walls) named accordingly as some of the canals located in the area and next to the old harbour used to be walled.

#11 Begijnhof Courtyard

The Begijnhof is a quiet hidden Inner Courtyard Garden in the centre of Amsterdam. A sanctified atmosphere, the Begijnhof was originally built as a sanctuary for the Begijntjes, a Catholic sisterhood who lived like nuns, although they took no monastic vows.The beautiful houses overlook its well-kept green garden, including the Amsterdam’s oldest surviving house Het Houten Huis dating from around 1420.

 

Hopefully, the above list will help you to plan the points of interest to visit for your next trip to Amsterdam.

For more information on Amsterdam, or to organise your next dream holiday contact Destina today:

T: 01562 883795

E: enquiry@destinatravel.co.uk