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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 (and in Europe). 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 painters, 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 Nazis 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. The card is available at several Tourist Offices of Amsterdam, or online at www.iamsterdam.com.

Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam

Van Gogh Museum

The Van Gogh Museum is a definitive tourist 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...  see full details



Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

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 painting is Rembrandt's masterpiece The Night Watch. The museum contains thousands of...  see full details



Stedelijk Museum

Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art

The Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art 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,...  see full details



Rembrandt House

Rembrandt House

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



Amsterdam Historical Museum

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

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



Museum Amstelkring

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



Dutch Resistance Museum

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

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. A large collection of furniture...  see full details



NEMO at night

Waterland Neeltje Jans

Enjoy a whole day with marine animals, experience fantastic attractions and see and learn about the world famous Delta Works at this spectacular water park. Attractions include the storm surge barrier, Delta Expo, a waterslide and water playground, whale world exhibition and a hurricane...  see full details



Amsterdam, The Dutch East Indiaman Ship

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



Heineken

Heineken Experience

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Amsterdam, the Heineken Experience is not to be missed. After opening its doors in 2001, with Heineken Experience has been attracting international beer-lovers for almost a decade. Housed in the original brewery, visitors will learn about...  see full details



An Amsterdam coffee shop

Amsterdam Coffeeshops

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



Amsterdam Canal Tour

Amsterdam's famous canal tours are an essential experience for visitors to the city, and continue to delight and amaze visitors from all over the world. Amsterdam's canals - newly inscribed in UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites - were essential to the city's transport...  see full details



Concertgebouw

The Concertgebouw (literally, 'concert building') is one of Amsterdam's top-rated tourist attractions, and is widely regarded to be one of the finest concert halls in the world - easily comparable to the Vienna Musikverein and Moscow Conservatory. Not only is the Concertgebouw a building...  see full details



Vondelpark

Sometimes when you're on holiday in a foreign city, it's nice to take a break from sightseeing and experience the city as the locals do. Amsterdam's Vondelpark offers visitors the chance to do just this, in a relaxed and beautiful public space that...  see full details