What is there to do in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is a wonderful city with many unique neighborhoods, sights, and monumental buildings. There is also plenty to do and see!

What shouldn’t you miss when visiting Amsterdam? We’ve listed the most popular ones. Of course, that’s far from everything Amsterdam has to offer, but we had to start somewhere, of course.

Enjoy all the beauty that can be found in this wonderful city.

Anne Frank House

The Anne Frank House is a museum located at Westermarkt 20 in Amsterdam, commemorating Anne Frank and her Jewish family who went into hiding during the Second World War. The Anne Frank House is a museum with a story.

As a visitor, you experience this story through quotes, photos, videos, and original objects. The atmosphere in the museum is authentic and subdued, definitely worth a visit when you’re in Amsterdam.

Keep in mind that reservation is a must, and do this well in advance.

Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam is one of the sixteen national museums in the Netherlands. Discover the art and history of the Netherlands at the Rijksmuseum.

The collection provides an overview of Dutch art and history, including works by 17th-century Dutch masters such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh.

There are various guided tours you can book for both young and old, so it’s also enjoyable for families with children.

Royal Palace on Dam Square

Right in the heart of the capital stands the Royal Palace Amsterdam, the official reception palace of King Willem-Alexander. The Palace plays a significant role during state visits, as well as other royal receptions, such as the annual New Year’s reception, dinners, and award ceremonies.

It serves as the backdrop for the most significant events of the monarchy: royal weddings, abdications, and the inauguration of the head of state of the Netherlands.

Originally, the palace was built as the city hall of Amsterdam. It is one of the most important monuments from the seventeenth century. In 1808, it was taken into use as a palace by King Louis Napoleon, and it has remained a palace ever since.

A visit to the Palace takes about an hour, and you can buy tickets online or at the ticket counter on-site.

The main rooms are open for visit during your tour. On the important first floor, you can visit the impressive Citizens’ Hall, Throne Room, Balcony Room, and Moses Hall, for example.

Albert Cuyp Market

In the De Pijp neighborhood, you’ll find the famous Albert Cuyp Market. This market, full of treats like stroopwafels and of course beautiful flowers, is well worth a visit. But there’s more to see than just this market.

As you walk around, you’ll see the well-preserved architecture of the Amsterdam School everywhere. This style can be recognized by its many decorations, rounded brickwork, and wrought iron windows of many housing projects, government buildings, and schools.

The Red Light District

In this unique area, you’ll find everything related to adult entertainment, such as sex shows, sex shops, and brothels in the form of window displays. Additionally, you’ll find many nice restaurants, cozy bars, and hotels there. Furthermore, the Red Light District also has a rich history.

The Red Light District is the medieval city center intersected by canals and narrow alleys filled with traditional bars. The Old Church, surrounded by the neon-lit red-light district, is an ancient former church where cultural events are organized.

Nowadays, exhibitions and concerts are held in the old brick-built Beurs van Berlage. You can visit the Red Light District on your own by taking a stroll around, or you can book a fun and informative tour!

Vondelpark

Vondelpark is a long stretch of city park in Amsterdam, dating back to 1865. The park is located in the Amsterdam-Zuid district, on the border with the Amsterdam-West district and to the southwest of the Amsterdam canal belt.

It stretches from Stadhouderskade to Amstelveenseweg. Here you can relax, people-watch, have a picnic, and enjoy the coziness that the park has to offer.

Amsterdam Central Station

Amsterdam Central Station is the central station of Amsterdam and one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. It was built between 1881 and 1889 by architect P.J.H. Cuypers and engineer/architect A.L. van Gendt.

Amsterdam Central Station sees about 250,000 passengers entering and exiting daily, making it one of the busiest stations in the Netherlands. Passengers can use buses, trams, trains, ferries, and metros, but of course, simply taking a look around in this beautiful building is also an option.

Artis Zoo

Artis is a beautiful zoo in Amsterdam and the oldest zoo in the Netherlands. Artis is located in the Plantage neighborhood with the entrance on Plantage Kerklaan.

At Artis, nature, culture, and heritage come together. Every tree, every animal, every building, every microbe, and every planet tells its own story.

The stories of Artis have been around since 1838. And are reborn every day. A visit to this beautiful zoo is definitely worth it. You can purchase a ticket online or at the ticket counter that is valid for the entire day.

Munttoren

The Munttoren, also known as De Munt, is officially called the Regulierstoren and used to be part of the Regulierspoort. This city gate was one of the three main gates of the medieval fortifications of Amsterdam.

The gate was named after the Reguliersklooster and can be found at Muntplein in the heart of the city.

The Amsterdam Canals and Canal Cruises

Finally, we mention the Amsterdam Canal Belt, as it is more than well-known to everyone around the world.

The beautiful old canal houses captivate everyone’s imagination. In the streets of the canal belt, you’ll find various buildings used for residential purposes, office spaces, or restaurants. You’ll also find plenty of beautiful shops and several art galleries there.

The best way to see the city center and the canals is to take a seat, give your legs a rest, and view everything from the water on one of the many canal cruises you can book in Amsterdam.

You see the city from a completely different perspective and can enjoy all the beauty that Amsterdam has to offer while enjoying a snack and a drink. Sail past the most impressive sights, take beautiful photos, and delve into amazing historical facts. Or simply, enjoy!

Last but not least

Lastly, you can also pay a visit to the best mortgage advisor in Amsterdam and its surroundings! Feel free to stop by at Jacob van Lennepkade 296 in Oud West for a delightful cup of coffee and a good conversation. You’re always welcome.