The Netherlands brims with beauty and adventure, from its picturesque windmills and wondrous fields of tulips to its hip, art-centric capital city of Amsterdam. The most populated region of the Netherlands, historic Amsterdam is renowned for its quaint streets and scenic canals. Take in Amsterdam’s rich tradition of art by touring iconic museums such as the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum; tours offer skip-the-line access to these popular sights. The Anne Frank House is another must-see, attracting visitors from around the globe. A walking tour—or if you want to be like the Dutch, a bike tour—is a great way to get into the culture. For a little romance, enjoy a candlelit cruise at night with Dutch wine and cheese, and watch the city sparkle. Make time to tour the happening Red Light District’s bars and coffeeshops, and sample bitterballen (fried meatballs) and classic pickled herring, along with some of the country’s famed beers. Take a day trip or two to the Dutch countryside to admire Zaanse Schans, with its iconic windmills and clogs; or traditional villages such as Volendam and Marken. Keukenhof Gardens offers the pièce de résistance: a burst of colors from its vast array of flowers and millions of tulips. All in all, Amsterdam’s uniqueness makes it an unparalleled destination in Europe.
Christian was born in the Netherlands and lived there for over 25 years before moving to the United States. Every time he visits, he makes time to eat a “Bitterbal” and sit by one of his favorite canals on the “Herengracht.”
buy an OV Chipcard that lets you travel on all public transport. When the weather allows for it though, rent a bike—most places in Amsterdam can be reached quickly by bike.
starts with brunch at Bakers & Roasters. After that, head to VondelPark, rent a boat and have a picnic on the Amsterdam canals. For dinner, order “bitter garnituur” (fried appetizers) at one of Amsterdam’s famous brown cafés.
the Anne Frank House, situated in the heart of Amsterdam. Walking through the historic house while hearing and reading about the history will give you a new perspective on WWII.
walk through the non-touristy areas. You’ll be surprised by the small boutiques, restaurants, and bars. And try to make small talk with locals—they love to speak English.
go on the canals. The houses look even more majestic from the water and, if you rent a boat, definitely dock at Hanneke’s Boom, a bar and restaurant where you can grab a drink.
thinking Amsterdam is just a party city when you can admire art at the Van Gogh museum or explore the “negen straatjes,” a neighborhood with boutique stores and cafés along the best canals of Amsterdam.
One of Europe’s most-visited cities, Amsterdam encompasses attractions both high-brow and risqué. Travelers are drawn here for the city’s rich history and culture as much as its infamous coffee shops and the Red Light District. It’s also the city of canals, which gives it the nickname of the “Venice of the North.”
...MoreAmsterdam is home to some of the most-treasured artworks in Europe, many of them in the Rijksmuseum alone. Don’t miss Rembrandt’s The Night Watch at the Rijksmuseum; Van Gogh’s Sunflowers at the Van Gogh Museum, and Vermeer’s Girl With a Pearl Earring in the Mauritshuis Museum.
...MoreTwo days in Amsterdam is enough time to take a boat tour through the canals; explore the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Musuem, visit the Anne Frank House, wander around the bohemian Jordaan neighborhood, and relax in charming Vondelpark. In the evening you can take a peek at the Red Light District (De Wallen) on a guided tour.
...MoreWith three days to spare in Amsterdam you can thoroughly explore the city’s canals by boat, admire some of the world’s great masterpieces in the Rijksmuseum, visit historic attractions such as the Anne Frank House, and even travel just outside the city to the riverside windmills of Zaanse Schans or tulip fields of Keukenhof.
...MoreYes, like most major western European cities, Amsterdam can be an expensive destination. Hotels are expensive and admission fees for museums and other attractions are typically on the higher side. However you can easily save money by walking or taking public transport rather than using taxis and dining away from the touristy areas.
...MoreNo. Amsterdam is no more dangerous than other major European cities. Pickpocketing is the most common crime against tourists so it pays to keep your wits about you. As for Amsterdam’s notorious side, don’t smoke outside of coffeeshops and book a guided tour if you want to explore the Red Light District after dark.
...MoreNumber of Attractions | 98 |
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Number of Tours | 1,269 |
Number of Reviews | 111,601 |
Currency | EUR |
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