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Amsterdam
- Overview
- Attractions
- Events
- Kids Attractions
- City Tours
- Flights to Amsterdam
- Excursions
- Restaurants
- Nightlife
- Shopping
- Transport
- Airports
- Climate
What to see in Amsterdam
Amsterdam Attractions
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 foot or bicycle, and most of the city's attractions lie within easy distance.
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. These museums, along with the Diamond Museum and the Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art are located around Museum Square (referred to as the Museumplein), former site of the World's Fair in 1883. Museum Square is also home to the US Consulate, and the famous Concertgebouw symphonic hall, and is the site of the famous I Amsterdam sign, which is a favourite photo spot for many tourists.
There are plenty of other interesting musums in Amsterdam as well; 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. Other popular sites include the Hermitage Amsterdam, Jewish Historical Museum, Resistance Museum, and the Museum of the Tropics.
Amsterdam's reputation as a liberal party city attracts many tourists as well. Popular among visitors is Amsterdam's Red Light District (De Wallen), where legalised prostitution and the sale of marijuana draw revellers perhaps not used to such activities back home. The Amsterdam Sex Museum, located near the central train station, gives a Kinsey-esque picture of sex through the ages, but is not for the easily offended or squeamish!
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.
Amsterdam Canal Tour
Amsterdam's famous canal tours are an essential experience for visitors to the city, and continue to delight and amaze…
Amsterdam Coffeeshops
Amsterdam's coffeeshops are an iconic part of the city, and for many tourists they constitute a unique and essential…
Amsterdam Historisch Museum
Housed in a former orphanage, the Historical Museum explores Amsterdam's development from a small medieval settlement…
Concertgebouw
The Concertgebouw (literally, 'concert building') is one of Amsterdam's top-rated tourist attractions, and is widely…
Heineken Experience
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Amsterdam, the Heineken Experience is not to be missed. After opening…
National Maritime Museum
Covering four centuries of Dutch naval history, the National Maritime Museum allows visitors to glimpse into the adventurous…
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…
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…
Rembrandt House
This museum provides an insight into the life and times of the famous Dutch master. Rembrandt lived here between 1639…
Sex Museum Amsterdam
Amsterdam's fame as the home of legalised prostitution is well-known to visitors, so it is only fitting that the world's…
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 Dutch Resistance Museum (Verzetsmuseum)
A trip to this museum provides a fascinating insight into the activities of the Dutch Resistance Movement during World…
The Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum was opened in 1885 and is best known for its collection of 17th century Dutch Masters such as Rembrandt,…
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…
Van Gogh Museum
The Van Gogh Museum is a definitive tourist attraction in Amsterdam. Situated in a modern building, the simple architecture…
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Vondelpark
Sometimes when you're on holiday in a foreign city, it's nice to take a break from sightseeing and experience the city…
Waterland Neeltje Jans
Enjoy a whole day with marine animals, experience fantastic attractions and see and learn about the world famous Delta…
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