Set two meters below the sea level, with its picturesque Canal Belt – which belongs to the UNESCO world heritage list since 2010 – and thousands of bikes, Amsterdam is a lively, vibrant and full-of-life city! The relatively small center packed with places of historical, architectural, artistic and scientific interest, can be easily visited by bike. Ready for your next trip?
When to go to Amsterdam
I visited Amsterdam twice, once in August and once in October. Very beautiful no matter the season. Probably better in October since the weather is still “warm”, but the tourist season has just gone.
10 things to do in Amsterdam
#0 Rent a bike
The city centre is not very big as compared to other European capitals cities. It takes about 30 min on foot to go from Central Station to the Van Gogh Museum for example. But if you have not much time like us and want to go from one site to another quite fast, then rent a bike! Check out the dedicated post here! And then, you will also feel more like the Amsterdam people, as bikes are the first mean of transportation for so many of them.
#1 Visit the city centre: Damrak and Rokin
This is the heart of the city. These two subsequent roads pass through the centre of the city, where many popular attractions can be found:
- Begijnhof
- Dam Square – one of the post popular squares
- Royal Palace of Amsterdam
- Nieuwe Kerk
- de Bijenkorf – mall
- Beurs van Berlage – the old building of stock exchange
- Oude Kerk
#2 Anne Frank House
One of The Netherlands’ most iconic historical figures, Anne Frank lived hidden together with her family in a 17th-century house, till they were discovered by the Nazis. Today, Anne Frank’s house hosts a museum dedicated to the world-famous diary that Anne wrote during her stay here.
It’s a silent walk, full of memories and history. A touching experience, a very emotional visit, but it is necessary so as to keep the memory alive. Take your time to read all the descriptions and to try to understand how those families lived for years…
For when and how to get tickets, check here!
#3 Begijnhof
The Begijnhof is a super quiet medieval courtyard, built many centuries ago for the Beguines, women belonging to a Catholic confraternity of sisters. Today, it is no longer inhabited by beguines, but still, only women live here.
#4 Museumplein
The Museum Quarter is a popular residential area, very attractive because of its museums, parks and art galleries. Museumplein is a paradise for art-lovers. It includes: the Rijksmuseum’s historic collection dedicated to arts and history of The Netherlands; the Stedelijk Museum’s contemporary art and design; and the Van Gogh Museum’s largest collection of artworks by master Vincent Van Gogh.
The latter is set on 3 levels, and follows the different stages of the painter’s life, from the early countryside paintings to the late stages of depression… Going from one section to the other you’ll see how his style evolved over time, reflecting his inner state of mind and soul. Don’t forget the audio-guide, super useful and easy to use!
In order to avoid the crowds, buy the tickets online in advance, and start your tour early in the morning, you will better enjoy the magnificent artworks.
#5 Bloemenmarkt
This area of the city, set along the Singel canal, offers an all-year-long flower market, where the most passionate ones will find blossoms of all kinds, presents and flower bulbs to plant at home.
I would have loved to visit the famous tulip fields as well, but they are open (for obvious reasons) only during springtime. So flower-speaking, Bloemenmarkt is a good alternative. The walk across the market is relatively fast unless you want to stop and buy something.
#6 Heineken Experience
The next stop is the Heineken Experience! Born in 2013 in the old brewing building, Heineken Experience will show you the history and the heritage of the company, and also walk you through the old rooms were beer was made, with employees all around to give explanations about ingredients, machines, etc. etc.
At the end of the tour, they will offer you the first free beer to enjoy with the group of your tour; then you will reach the pub where you will get two additional beers. I really liked this tour even if I don’t like beer… It’s still very interesting!
#7 Vondelpark
It is the biggest park in the city and, in the summertime, hundreds of people hang out for picnics and to enjoy sun & nature. However, in October it was a bit cold, so we went around by bike, and saw most of the park quite fast. It’s the ideal spot for relaxing a bit and enjoy nature.
#8 Rembrandthuis
The Netherlands’ greatest artist Rembrandt lived and worked in this house for almost 20 years. The visit consists of a walk through the different rooms of the house to see the real environment in which the artist lived.
#9 Red Lights District – De Wallen
Yes, you read that right! The infamous Red Lights District is a “compulsory” visit when traveling to Amsterdam. It’s the area of the city where prostitutes rent a window and a small room to conduct their activity which is legal in The Netherlands
Maybe in the past, it would have raised some criticism; however, today it’s just another attraction of Amsterdam. At night you will find hundreds of people just having a walk, with children too! Some people are truly interested in the activity, others just want to see the popular area.
#10 A’DAM Lookout
Last, but absolutely not least, is the A’DAM Lookout. Set in Amsterdam – Noord neighborhood, you can reach it also having your bike with you. Right behind the Central Station is a dock where free and very fast ferries go back and forth from this dock to Buiksloterweg.
But what is the A’DAM Lookout? It’s an observation deck with a panoramic view of Amsterdam. The panorama itself is not extremely good, as Amsterdam’s aerial view is not very recognizable. However, on the sky deck is the “Over The Edge”, Europe’s highest swing. You will have the chance to swing 100 meters high, back and forth over the edge of the tower, with Amsterdam below your feet. I was a bit scared during the swing, but in the end, I really liked it a lot! Highly suggested!
The entrance ticket for the Lookout is €12,50, plus an additional €5 for the swing ride. Be sure you get the tickets in advance, the queue is usually very long.
And this is it. But before giving back our bikes, we went for one last ride from Central Station to NEMO Science Museum, riding through Oosterdokskade full of people enjoying the sun. Very nice if the weather is sunny and you want to bike for a while!
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