Places to visit in Amsterdam: Top 10

Amsterdam, the tolerant 17th-century capital of the Netherlands. TUI employee Wolf-Rüdiger introduces you to the TOP 10 sights in Amsterdam. / Places to visit in Amsterdam

Are you planning a city trip to Amsterdam? Excellent choice! The world-famous city is known for its romantic canals and nostalgic townhouses. The “mini metropolis” of the Netherlands offers you a wide range of culture and art. You can discover Amsterdam on foot, by bike, by public transport or by boat. I went on a search to put together a TOP 10 of the most important Amsterdam sights for you.

Places to visit in Amsterdam: 1. Canals and canal cruises

If you are in Amsterdam for the first time, then you should not miss either strolling along the canals or taking a canal cruise by boat. The more than 80 km long ring of canals that surrounds the city center of Amsterdam has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2010. During a boat trip on one of the four beautiful canals: Prinsengracht, Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Singel, you will discover an infinite number of bridges, branched waterways or crooked canal houses from the water. From the train station you can reach the beautiful Prinsengracht in just a few minutes on foot.

My hotel tip: The hotel nhow RAI Amsterdam is a design dream in the south of Amsterdam. The city center with its museums, canals and cafés is easy to reach from here.

2. Red Light District (De Wallen)

The Red Light District (De Wallen) is located in one of the oldest parts of Amsterdam. The “sinful mile” between the canals is not far from Central Station. In the midst of sex shops, prostitutes and coffee shops you will also find Amsterdam’s oldest church, the Oude Kerk (Old Church). Oude Kerk was built in the 13th century and cannot be missed. The old church is so big that it dominates the red light district.

My tip: do it like most other tourists do. Stroll through the district and let the extraordinary atmosphere sink in.

3. Jordaan Quarter

Discover the Jordaan district of Amsterdam. The popular residential area and one of the most beautiful areas on the Prinsengracht can be reached in a few minutes on foot from Amsterdam Central Station. In the Jordaan district you will find many small, chic shops, galleries, cozy cafés and restaurants – but also the classic Dutch pubs. You want more culture? Then you should not miss the houseboat museum and cheese museum.

My tip: the Noordermarkt takes place every Saturday. Here you can buy good and tasty organic products, among other things.

4. Anne Frank House

The Anne Frank House can be easily reached on foot from the center. It is located right next to the Westerkerk on the Prinsengracht. The house is now a museum dedicated to the Jewish Holocaust victim Anne Frank. In a tiny apartment, hidden behind a bookshelf, Anne Frank wrote her world-famous diary as a little girl during the Nazi era.

My tip: Buy an online ticket with a time slot in good time to see this important sight.

Places to visit in Amsterdam:5. Van Gogh Museum

The Van Gogh Museum, consisting of two buildings, is already a feast for the eyes from an architectural point of view and is located directly on the Museumplein in the Oud-Zuid district of Amsterdam. Here you will find the largest art collection of original works by Vincent van Gogh. The art museum’s collection includes about 200 colorful paintings and many wonderful drawings from all periods of his work.

My tip: It is best to book your admission ticket online in advance, as the queue in front of the museum is often very long.

6. Stedelijk Museum

Another well-known Amsterdam attraction is undoubtedly the Stedelijk Museum. Right next to the Van Gogh Museum and very close to the Rijksmuseum, you will find the important art museum. This has over 90,000 exhibits and shows you modern and contemporary art with top works by world-famous artists such as Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Piet Mondriaan or Andy Warhol.

7. Rijksmuseum

Another gem is the stunning Rijksmuseum. Like the Van Gogh Museum, the museum is located on the Museumplein in the Oud-Zuid district of Amsterdam. You will find more than 8000 exhibits on 4 floors with around 80 halls. For art fans, the famous Rijksmuseum Amsterdam (German Reichsmuseum) is one of the most beautiful art museums in the world. Rembrandt’s “Night Watch” and Johannes Vermeer’s “Milk jug” are just two of many wonderful art treasures that will inspire every art lover.

8. Heineken Experience

The Heineken Experience Museum is located south of Amsterdam on the Singelgracht. The brewery of the Netherlands was founded in 1864 and is today one of the largest breweries in the world. During a tour of the old brewery building, you will find out how much love and dedication there is behind this beer. A highlight of this sight is the great view from the roof terrace of the museum.

9. Vondelpark Amsterdam

The Vondelpark in the district of Amsterdam Oud-Zuid is the largest and most popular park in the capital of the Netherlands with its approximately 45 hectares. The green, spacious oasis is the ideal change and relaxation if you want to relax from the hustle and bustle of the big city. But regular cultural events such as theatre, dance or music also take place in the Vondelpark. Sit by one of the many ponds with a picnic blanket and enjoy the quiet side of town with a drink and some snacks.

My hotel tip: At the end of the day, return to the charming city hotel Hotel van de Vijsel. Enjoy the evening in the former rooms of a wood factory.

10. A’DAM Lookout

You can enjoy one of the most spectacular views of Amsterdam from the A’DAM Lookout. This tower with a viewing platform in the Noord district offers you a breathtaking 360° panoramic view of the center and its surroundings. The absolute highlight are two swings “Over the Edge” at a height of 100 meters. Here you swing over the edge of the tower. Pure Adrenaline!

My tip: Relax in the restaurant or in the bar on the 20th floor and enjoy the sunset when the weather is nice.

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