Top 8 Must-Visit Places on Your Trip to Amsterdam

The charm of the capital of Netherlands Amsterdam is a city that perfectly combines the past, innovation, and modernity. It has one of the most interesting destinations in Europe with its network of picturesque canals, ancient houses, adorable bridges and artsy essence. Like an art lover, a history lover and even just a person who prefers a charming and adventurous city, Amsterdam is sure to get your heart.

With its serene beat of water and the swarm of bicycles that fill the city streets, the city has the most unusual blend of old and new – a blend of architecture long since the XVII century and a mix of avant-garde design, classical museums and the hippies of cafes and bohemian boutiques. It is a city that makes you take your time, sightsee and fall in love with its perennial beauty.

Here is a list of the 8 best places to visit in Amsterdam that are the most essential places that cannot be overlooked to get the essences of Amsterdam –

1. Anne Frank House

It will not be possible to visit Amsterdam and not to enter the Anne Frank House which is a tragic museum devoted to one of the most tragic stories of World War II. It is a historic building on the Prinsengracht Canal where Anne Frank and her family went to hide against Nazi persecution for more than two years.

It is also a moving experience as one walks into the tight corridors and black rooms of the Secret Annex and makes the diary of Anne come to life. Every single piece of preserved art, every photographed image, every handwritten sheet of paper has a story of bravery, hope, and mankind in one of the darkest periods in history.

The museum has exhibits that are very detailed regarding the holocaust, human rights and the strength of the human spirit – not just a place of remembrance, but also a place of reflection. You should also reserve your tickets early enough because this is a potent experience that draws tourists across the globe.

2. Van Gogh Museum

The Van Gogh Museum is a goldmine of color, emotion and genius to the lovers of art. It is located in the Museumplein (Museum Square) of Amsterdam, where the largest collection of works by Vincent van Gogh, one of the most popular and influential artists in history, is located.

There are more than 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and 700 letters that trace the progress of Van Gogh – his gloomy initial sketches and his radiant, communicative artworks such as Sunflowers, The Bedroom, and Almond Blossom.

It is also possible to see his personal hardships, friendship and his undying love for art in the museum. The interactive exhibits and narration of the stories are involved in the process to ensure every visitor is interested in seeing the place. It is an emotional ride in the mind and heart of a creative genius whose work is still touching millions.

3. Rijksmuseum

Go back in time to the Rijksmuseum which is the national museum of the Netherlands and a national pride of the Dutch heritage. This large structure is also in the same Museum Quarter and is an architectural masterpiece on its own with more than 8,000 pieces of art and artifacts that trace the rich history of the country from the middle ages until the modern times.

The showcases consist of the works of the Dutch Golden Age, featuring the works of Rembrandt van Rijn, Johannes Vermeer, and Frans Hals. Don’t lose The Night Watch by Rembrandt, a monumental and iconic painting that is one of the most glorified pieces in the Western art.

The museum also exhibits sculptures, antiques, and historical objects in addition to paintings; thus, as a whole, it becomes a complete experience to the art as well as the culture and history enthusiasts. The superb landscaped gardens on the outside are the ideal place to take a serene walk after your visit.

4. Jordaan

Jordaan used to be a working-class area but has now been turned into one of the most attractive and fashionable districts of Amsterdam, a labyrinth of small streets, charming canals, and bridges with flowers. It is the type of place where one can aimlessly spend hours and hours and always find something wonderful.

The place is loaded with shops of independent boutiques, art galleries, vintage shops and small brown cafes that will lend you a flavor of local life. Street markets such as the Lindengracht Market and Noordermarkt (where you can find handmade jewelry, organic food, etc) are also available.

Although the area is popular, the neighborhood of Jordaan is still village-like and warm. Have a cup of coffee by the canal or walk slowly with it, through its historical lanes and the canal -that is Amsterdam, as it is.

5. Vondelpark

Vondelpark is the green core of the city that covers almost 120 acres and is a green refuge of both the locals and tourists. It is situated close to the city center and it is where Amsterdam takes its time. Joggers, bikers and picnickers are enjoying the open lawns as well as shaded paths, street musicians and performers add some magic touch to the scene.

The park is the best place to go when you want to have a relaxing afternoon walk,chew up some morning air or simply have a picnic under the shade. The Open Air Theatre within the park hosts such events as concerts, comedy performances, and cultural shows during summer, without any charges.

Whether you need to relax after spending a day of sightseeing or you just want to sit down and watch people enjoying the sun, Vondelpark is the best place to have tranquility in the midst of the city hustle.

6. Dam Square 

The heart of Amsterdam, Dam Square is the place where one can find the meeting point between the past and the present. This square is surrounded by great historical buildings including the Royal Palace, the National Monument and the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church), and centuries of Dutch history have been lived in this place.

It is also a very busy place full of life, street performers, festivals, and the hum of life. Take a spot on the steps of the monument and see the city go around you. You are only minutes away here, to the major shopping streets of Amsterdam, the luxury hotels and the traditional cafes.

Dam Square is never a dead place, day or night: that spot that unquestionably represents the dynamic soul of Amsterdam and its cultural melting pot.

7. Canal Cruise

One thing that you cannot do without in Amsterdam is a canal cruise which will be the most magical experience of looking at the city in a totally new way. When you slide down the UNESCO-protected canal belt, you will also cross under stone shaped bridges, 17 th -century gabled houses, and cafes by the waterside which were painted over a century ago.

There are many different types of cruises available to you, romantic candlelit evening rides, hop-on-hop-off sightseeing boats, and even intimate small rentals should you want to take it at your own speed. The effect of the lights of the city reflected in the water during the sunset is beyond magical.

The mild wave of the water and the ancient beauty of the canals make it one of the most memorable ways to see the beauty of Amsterdam.

8. Albert Cuyp Market

Finally, after exploring Amsterdam, the large Albert Cuyp Market, the biggest outdoor market in the Netherlands is worth a visit. This vibrant marketplace is situated in the neighborhood of De Pijp and it has provided goods to locals and tourists for more than a hundred years.

In this case, the streets are lined with more than 300 stalls that sell all kinds of goods, including fresh produce, flowers, clothes, as well as souvenirs and traditional Dutch delicacies. Make sure you taste stroopwafels (warm sweet syrup-filled waffles), pickled herring, and poffertjes (minuscule fluffy pancakes) the tastes of Amsterdam at their best.

The market itself reflects the local spirit of the city in its perfect form: energetic, multicultural and cheerful. Once your shopping is over, you can go to the local cafes and restaurants which turn De Pijp into one of the trendiest Amsterdam food districts.

Final Thoughts

Amsterdam is not a mere city but a living portrait that is painted with art, history and the contemporary vibrancy. Each canal, each cobblestone and each museum has a story to tell, which lets the visitors fall even more in love with its beauty.

Whether it is the emotional impact of the Anne Frank House or the artistic brilliance of Van Gogh Museum or the free and easy vibe of the Jordaan Amsterdam can offer the experiences that are long-lasting after you have gone.

Whether you happen to visit it on foot, bike, or a boat riding through its famous canals, Amsterdam is always willing to make you slow down, take a closer look and showcase all the beauty at a time, one delightful moment at a time.