The capital city of the Netherlands is a unique city altogether. Amsterdam is a blend of old-world charm, manifested in the old houses, cobblestone streets, and many canals, and contemporary vibrancy, manifested in the lively city center and many activities to do in the city.
The aspects Amsterdam is most famous for are the canal systems, the historical architecture, world-class museums, and the liberal attitudes in the city. This also means that regardless of whether you are a historic enthusiast who wants to wander through the cobbled streets and its 17th-century buildings, or if you are driven by culture and want to discover modern art galleries and cafés, Amsterdam is the city for you to visit to explore the mix of the old and new.
What to do in Amsterdam
The city of Amsterdam has something to offer, whether you are an art enthusiast, history nerd, or just really appreciate beautiful scenery and unique architecture. Take inspiration for your travel itinerary from some of these sights.
The Van Gogh Museum
Just a short walk from the Rijksmuseum, you will find the Van Gogh Museum a cultural highlight. This museum holds the world’s largest collection of works by Vincent van Gogh. The museum perfectly depicts his journey to becoming one of the most influential figures in Western art.
The museum contains some of his early landscapes, but also his famous “Sunflowers” and self-portraits. This collection also means the museum is a popular location to visit. It is therefore recommended you check out last minute tickets to the museum, to ensure you do not miss the museum while visiting Amsterdam.
The canals
By boat is probably the best way to explore the city, as it gives you a unique perspective of the city. What you can experience from a canal cruise is the picturesque houseboats, colorful townhouses, and the tree-lined streets, which all come together in a fairytale-like ambiance. The options for exploring Amsterdam from the water are many, as you can either book a guided tour, hop on a private boat, or rent your own boat.
Rijksmuseum
No one can completely say they visited Amsterdam without setting foot inside the Rijksmuseum, which is the largest and most prestigious museum in the Netherlands. With over 8,000 pieces of art and historical artifacts, this museum is a place to get lost in for hours, soaking in all the beauty of art of history. The museum holds art by Rembrandt, Johannes Vermeer, and Frans Hals. The most famous piece of art is Rembrandt’s “The Night Watch” which is a massive and highly detailed painting.
Anne Frank House
If you are interested in history, and specifically World War II, then visiting Anne Frank House is a must-do. The museum is located in the building in which Anne Frank and her family hid from the Nazis during the war. Each room will take you deeper into the understanding of the challenges faced by Jewish families in hiding, as each room uncovers the preserved diary of Anne.
The Jordaan neighborhood
One of the most charming neighborhoods in Amsterdam, despite the great variety of neighborhoods in the city, is Jordaan. With narrow streets, quirky shops, and cozy cafés, strolling around this area is a perfect afternoon experience. Jordaan used to be a working-class neighborhood but has since been transformed into a desirable area of the city. In this area, you will find art galleries, boutiques, and traditional Dutch brown cafés, which in other words are local pubs.
Vondelpark
If you are in need of a quiet escape from the city, you can head to Vondelpark. This is Amsterdam’s largest and most famous green space, which is perfect for a picnic, a bike ride, or a walk. During the warmer months, the park is full of activities, including live music performances and theater shows.
A brief dive into the history of Amsterdam
When visiting Amsterdam, you are immersing yourself in a historical experience on its own by just being in the city. The history of the city stretches back to the 12th century, when it was a small fishing village om the Amstel River.
The name of the city is derived from “Amstelredamme”, referring to the origins when a dam was built over the Amstel River to protect residents from potential flooding. It was not until the 17th century, during the Dutch Golden Age, that Amsterdam became one of the world’s leading trading centers with its massive and powerful maritime fleet and involvement in global trade through the Dutch East India Company (VOC).
The Netherlands experienced an economic boom in the 1600s, which resulted in the construction of the canal network. These canals have earned the city the nickname “Venice of the North. The canals are now a UNESCO World Heritage site and are a unique feature of the city. In the modern era, Amsterdam has a crucial role during World War II. Today, the city is most known for its progressive social policies, but also the rich artistic heritage.
Visiting Amsterdam is like stepping into a mix of history and modern culture. The city is not bigger than being possible to stroll around and get the essence of the city, making it a visit-friendly place for anyone, regardless of age, interests, and expectations – there will be something to do for anyone in Amsterdam.