Amsterdam Attractions

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Not only is Amsterdam the capital of the Netherlands but it is also the largest and one of the most historic cities in the country. Flat with a clear, crisp atmosphere, Amsterdam is perfectly navigable by bicycle, the transportation of choice for many Amsterdammers, or on foot. Bicycles are easily available for rent and the city's historic canals are well worth a sightseeing ride.

A culture of art appreciation pervades Amsterdam. Two of the city's museums are each dedicated to a world famous Dutch painter, the Van Gogh Museum and Rembrandt House. The Rijksmuseum hosts a collection of 17th century Dutch artists including Rembrandt, Vermeer and Frans Hals. Keeping with the rich history of the city, the very home in which Anne Frank and her family hid from the Nazi's during the 1942 occupation is open to visitors. The girl's famous diary is preserved and on display. Popular among tourists is Amsterdam's Red Light District, where legalised prostitution and the sale of marijuana draw revellers perhaps not used to such activities back home.

Travellers wanting to make the most of their Amsterdam experience might want to invest in an I Amsterdam card, which allows for free use of public transport as well as discounts on restaurants, museums and attractions.

Anne Frank House

This museum is dedicated to the memory of Anne Frank whose famous diary, recorded over a two-year period, describes the experiences of a Jewish teenager during World War II. Part of the house was used as a hiding place by the Franks and... see full details

Van Gogh Museum

The Van Gogh Museum is a definitive attraction in Amsterdam. Situated in a modern building, the simple architecture subtly underscores the artists' colourful and extraordinary work. The museum houses a permanent display of several hundred of Van Gogh's paintings and drawings, many of which... see full details

The Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum was opened in 1885 and is best known for its collection of 17th century Dutch Masters such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, Frans Hals and Jan Steen. The most notable of these is Rembrandt's masterpiece, the Night Watch. The museum contains thousands of other... see full details

Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art

The museum closely traces the development in art of the second half of the 20th century, showcasing the most impressive collections of modern art in Amsterdam. The permanent exhibition focuses on De Stijl, Cobra, Nouveau Realisme, Pop Art, Colorfield Painting, Zero and Minimalist Art... see full details

Rembrandt House

This museum provides an insight into the life and times of the famous painter. Rembrandt lived here between 1639 and 1658 at the height of his career. The museum presents a permanent collection of Rembrandt’s work, a reconstructed 17th century studio together with temporary... see full details

Amsterdam Historisch Museum

Housed in a former orphanage, the Historical Museum explores Amsterdam's development from a small medieval settlement along the river into a thriving modern city. The museum's galleries showcase the progress of each century, with particular emphasis given to Holland's Golden Age. The museum provides... see full details

Red Light District (De Wallen)

A visit to Amsterdam would not be complete without a stroll around the notorious Red Light District. The atmosphere can be chaotic with throngs of tourists jostling for space alongside city slickers, pimps and drug dealers. The prostitutes of De Wallen are part of... see full details

Our Dear Lord in the Attic (Museum Amstelkring)

This concealed Catholic church (the combined top floors of a 17th century canal house) is a reminder of the Alteration period in Holland. Protestantism was declared the official religion and churches like this one relied on clandestine activity for their survival. The building's lower... see full details

The Dutch Resistance Museum (Verzetsmuseum)

A trip to this museum provides a fascinating insight into the activities of the Dutch Resistance Movement during World War II. Displays of false documents, weaponry and other equipment provide testimony to the bravery and innovation of its members. ... see full details

The Royal Palace (Koninklijk Paleis)

Although the Royal Palace is the official Royal residence it is mainly used for functions as the family reside in The Hague. The building dates back to 1648 and was originally designed for use as Amsterdam's city hall. King Louis Napoleon however had... see full details

National Maritime Museum

Covering four centuries of Dutch naval history, the National Maritime Museum allows visitors to glimpse into the adventurous seafaring past of Dutch explorers and merchants through exhibits of antiquarian maps, navigation instruments, paintings and ship models, creating one of the most extensive collections of... see full details

Amsterdam Coffee Shops

Amsterdam's coffee shops are an iconic part of the city and for many tourists they constitute a unique and essential part of any visit to the Netherlands. In Amsterdam, 'coffee shop' means a place where cannabis is openly sold and smoked, while 'café' refers... see full details

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