10 Things to See/Do in Amsterdam
The capital of the Netherlands is one of the most popular tourist destinations for tourists from all over the world. The unique atmosphere of its canals, the lively nightlife and the liberal lifestyle that distinguishes the country, makes Amsterdam an essential holiday destination at any time of the year. Here are my tips on what to do and see in this fantastic city.
1) Take a canal tour
Over 165 canals over 100 km of length make up the urban fabric of this unique city. The “Venice of the North” winds between islands torn from the Amstel River and Lake Ij where human engineering has allowed a unique city to be built and kept standing for centuries. So what better way to start discovering the city than with a tour of the canals? There are many options, from private boats to indoor boats (ideal for the cold winter season). The best time? At sunset, perhaps on a tour with a free drink included to enjoy the experience to the fullest.
2) Dam Square and Royal Palace
The center of the city is Dam Square, where one of the first dams in the city was built in 1270, allowing the expansion of the residential area and laying the foundations for the development of the future capital of the Kingdom of Holland. A few steps from this chaotic square we find the Royal Palace, the old town hall transformed by Louis Bonaparte into a royal palace. Although it no longer hosts the Dutch royal family except for special events, this majestic palace offers rooms of great pomp and value that are worth a visit. In the square, in addition to many restaurants and shops, the Madame Tussaud wax museum and the Museum of Eroticism.
3) Visiting museums
Amsterdam is home to some of the largest and most prestigious museums in the world. Most of these are located in the so-called Museum Esplanade. Art lovers cannot miss a visit to the Van Gogh Museum, dedicated to the most famous Dutch painter, to whom a modern museum inaugurated in 1973 is dedicated, which collects some of the artist’s most emblematic works as well as letters and drawings by the same. A few steps away is the largest museum in the Netherlands, the Rijksmuseum, which houses the best collections of Flemish painting, such as works by Rembrandt and Vermeer. An essential stop for enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts. For those who prefer contemporary art, the Stedelijk Museum is the place for you. Picasso, Chagall, Mondrian, are some of the famous names you will come across in this museum.
4) Visiting Anne Frank's house
One of the most visited places in Amsterdam is the Anne Frank House. This is where the Jewish girl lived between 1942 and 1944, before her capture and deportation to the concentration camp and where she wrote her famous Diary. This house museum collects historical documents and bears witness to the tragic moments of that historical period. An unmissable visit to remember and reflect.
5) Walking in the neighborhood Jordaan
One of the coolest neighborhoods in the city is the central Jordaan neighborhood. This characteristic neighborhood, once inhabited by the working class, is today a favorite among the residents for its picturesque streets and canals, the bars and shops and the characteristic houses. Getting lost in its streets is an unmissable experience!
6) Strolling through the red light district
Amsterdam is also known for its tolerant and transgressive nature. The red light districts (Singel, Pijp and De Wallen) are named after the color of the lights in the windows where prostitutes are displayed. Historically neighborhoods with a bad reputation, today they are among the most famous and frequented places by tourists. Full of coffee shops where you can try soft drugs, a tour in these areas is a must to savor the unique character of this city.
7) Take a break at Vondelpark
The largest and most beautiful park in Amsterdam is Vondelpark, a few steps from the Museum Esplanade. After a long day of sightseeing, walking in this green area with ponds, picnic areas and paths will regenerate you.
8) Buy bulbs and flowers at Bloemenmarkt
One of the symbols of the Netherlands, as we know, is the tulip and the magnificent flowers that grow in this land. A must-see is a trip to the floating flower market in the Singel canal, where you can come across flowers from all over the world and buy bulbs to plant your tulips at home!
9) Take a day trip out of town
Amsterdam is well connected by train to many cities and places of interest in the Netherlands. In less than an hour you will reach the second city of the country, Rotterdam. Completely destroyed by bombing during the Second World War, this modern city was rebuilt with design buildings with the commitment of famous architects. A trip to the Markthal, the famous indoor market and a visit to the cubic houses of Piet Blom are a must. Another unmissable place just a few minutes from Amsterdam is the picturesque Zaandam with its typical colorful houses and a few kilometers away the famous windmills of Zaanse Schans to delve into a typical Dutch village.
10) Tasting Dutch gastronomy
Amsterdam has been greatly influenced by foreign cuisine. In the city it is not easy to find typical restaurants but more like stumbling upon Italian, Argentinian or Asian restaurants. However, some specialties are absolutely worth trying! Bitterballen, for example, or the delicious stroopwafel and excellent cheese such as Gouda. An address where to eat Dutch cuisine? The Pub Scheltema! Obviously all accompanied by an excellent Dutch beer!
