Amsterdam is one of Europe’s most visited cities. It is charming, compact, and vibrant, making it a great place to explore. The capital of the Netherlands is known as the “Venice of the North” because of its over 100 canals. It offers easy sight-seeing opportunities by foot, bicycle, and boat.
Amsterdam’s attractive 17th-century architecture is a charming backdrop to a city known for its progressive, modern attitudes. Amsterdam has many attractions, including its fine art museums and vibrant flower markets. There’s also a red-light district with cannabis-selling “coffeeshops” that offer unique experiences. To get a glimpse of what Amsterdam can offer, here are some of the best attractions to visit:
Canals of Amsterdam
Famous canals were constructed in 17th-century in Amsterdam to manage the flow of the Amstel River and add acres of land to the city. The canals proved to be a great place for wealthy merchants to show off their mansions.
Boat rides along the 100 canals of the city offer a tranquil way to see traditional Dutch architecture. The canals are lined with lime and elm trees, and cross over by a thousand bridges. They are home to approximately 2,000 houseboats and hotels. There are many cruise options available, from short excursions of an hour to longer cruises by candlelight.
Artis Zoo
Although it may be small, its power is immense. One of Europe’s oldest Zoos, the Artis Zoo is a beautiful one. The Artis Zoo is located on the canal-side of Oost in the neighborhood. It also houses an aquarium, a planetarium, and the only Micropia (microbe museums) on Earth.
Children will enjoy the wild animals, such as elephants, big cats, giraffes, and apes. You can even have a picnic or a barbecue within the boundaries of the zoo. In the summer, Artis Zoo offers a variety of musical performances and special tours.
Begijnhof
Begijnhof (or Beguines Courtyard) is located in the middle circle of Amsterdam’s circular canals system. The area was an enclosed courtyard which served as a residence for Catholic Beguines in the 14th century.
Because the Begijnhof was not a convent, the women could leave the order at any time if they wanted to marry. The sisterhood’s chapel was taken during the reformation, and they started worshipping secretly at the Begijnhof Kapel. This charming structure has marble columns and stained-glass windows.
Verzetsmuseum
The Dutch Resistance Museum, Verzetsmuseum, is located near the Artis Zoo. It tells the story about those who lived in the Netherlands under Nazi occupation. This museum long considered a hidden gem is now gaining popularity with tourists who can enjoy informative and sometimes inspiring reflections on this period.
An audio guide can be purchased by visitors to help them navigate the museum and provide more information about the exhibits. The Dutch Resistance Museum has historical artifacts, sound fragments, and film that give a firsthand account of how resistance began in the Netherlands.
Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum occupies the Museum Square’s northeast section. It is the most important national museum of arts and history. The collection includes more than 1 million artifacts, dating back to the 13th century.
The collection was kept in various buildings throughout the country for decades until Pierre Cuypers won an architectural contest that led to the construction of the Rijksmuseum.
Moco Museum
The Moco Museum is a relative newcomer to this scene. It quickly gained a reputation for being a must-see gallery. Moco Museum is a private museum offering guests a Banksy permanent display featuring over 50 of the most famous Banksy works.
There are also many Banksy Murals that have been recreated, including the famous Girl with Balloon. You can also see rotating exhibits by top pop-art artists.
A’dam Lookout
A’dam Lookout is a great place to capture amazing photos of Amsterdam’s downtown or just to enjoy a stunning view. The lookout was opened on the 20th floor in 2016. It offers 360-degree views over canals and historic buildings.
The Over the Edge attraction will take things to the next level. This thrilling attraction, Europe’s highest swing, departs from the rooftop deck. On the 20th and 19th floors, you can dine at Madam and Moon, which are both renowned restaurants.
Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam
A significant gallery of contemporary art is located in the Museum District, Amsterdam, alongside the Van Gogh Museum. A series of 700 permanent exhibits is housed in the Stedelijk Museum, including pieces by Van Gogh, Piet Mondrian, and Roy Lichtenstein.
The museum’s prestige is so high that temporary exhibits are also memorable. This gives locals and returning travelers plenty of reasons to return.