If you have never been to Amsterdam, then you should add it into one of your bucket list! Why did we mention Amsterdam? One of the reasons to come here is because of the beautiful canals, stunning tulip gardens and also rich history. Most parts of Amsterdam city is filled with hundreds of kilometres of canal system which dates back to the 17th century. The canals was and still is the best way to get around Amsterdam.
When you are at Amsterdam, one of the first things that you will notice is that there is almost no traffic jams here. However, you can expect to have a lot of bike traffic, so do keep a lookout whenever you are walking on the street as cyclist have the right of way over pedestrians. Getting around Amsterdam is quite easy as most of the attractions are close by. If you want to see the flowers blooming in Amsterdam, the best time to come here is during spring (March-May).
When travelling in Amsterdam, we do recommend you to get any of the visitor passes such as City SightSeeing Amsterdam or I amsterdam City Card. These visitor passes will enable you to save money and time when getting to each of the attractions.
City SightSeeing Hop On-Hop Off Bus and Boat
I amsterdam city card
So getting that out of the way what are the 10 Reasons Why You Need To Visit Amsterdam?
1. Explore Museumplein
One of the most popular areas in Amsterdam is the public square, Museumplein which translates to Museum-square in English. The square is frequently used as a place to hold demonstrations and public events. As the square is quite huge, it does feel like a park when you are at Museumplein. You can even go ice-skating during the winter at the square. Once you are done checking out Museumplein, you can go shopping or have a nice meal at the rows of shops along the square.
Go ice-skating during winter
The public square
Museumplein feels like a huge park
Museumplein garden
A nice picnic spot too
2. Admire the masterpieces of Vincent Van Gogh
Since the Van Gogh Museum is located at Museumplein, you should check it out as well. If you don’t know who Vincent Van Gogh is, here is a brief introduction to his life. He was a Dutch painter and considered one of the best post-impressionist artists. His painting tell the story of his life; the suffering, anxiety, love and hope. Even though Van Gogh was not as successful and only sold 1 artwork during his life, today his artworks are among the most recognised and highly sought after in the world. His most expensive painting (The Portrait of Doctor Gachetsold) was sold in 3 minutes, for sum of USD 82.5 million in 1990.
Van Gogh Museum
Vincent van Gogh’s famous Sunflowers painting (Image credit: Getty Images)
This museum also boasts the world’s largest artwork collection by Vincent Van Gogh (1853-1890), which includes more than 200 paintings, 500 sketches and 750 letters. If you have the I amsterdam City Card then the entrance fee is free for you.
Van Gogh – The Portrait of Doctor Gachetsold
Self-portrait (Van Gogh)
3. Explore the impressive collection of Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum is also located in Museumplein and is among the top 3 most popular museums here. It showcases the Dutch history, arts and culture in Amsterdam. This museum has an impressive collection of over 1 million objects from the years 1200 – 2000. However, only 8,000 of the objects are able to be displayed at a time. This includes popular artworks such as the likes of Frans Hals, Rembrandt and Johannes Vermeer.
Rijksmuseum (Image credit: european-umbreallas)
“The Night Watch,” by Rembrandt van Rijn (1642) (Image credit: Rijksmuseum)
Inside the exhibits (Image credit: CNN)
Stained glass windows in the entrance hall celebrate famous icons (Image credit: CNN)
4. Visit the traditional Dutch village and windmills
Zaanse Schans is easily one of the most popular places in Amsterdam. This traditional Dutch village is located in Zaandam, which is around 15km north of the city. Most of the windmills and wooden houses were relocated by land and river to recreate the century old village look. Click here to plan your trip.
Beautiful isn’t it
Take a relaxing stroll here
Scenic view
There is no entrance fee when visiting Zaanse Schans. However, some of the attractions such as museums and workshops may require you to pay an entry fee. While you are here, do not miss the windmill museum, pewter foundry (clog workshop) and the cheese factory.
Visit the windmill museum
One of the traditional windmills still operating
You may notice the huge yellow shoe when you come here. That shoe is the world famous Dutch clog which is usually worn by gardeners or farmers in swampy areas.
Dutch clog
The workshop
Bring back some souvenirs
You can also find the world famous cheese, Gouda here. The Gouda is made using Netherlands yellow, sweet and creamy cow’s milk. You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to Gouda as there as so many different flavours sold here. If you can’t make up your mind, we suggest you to just go for the Gouda set and try them all.
The cheese factory demonstration
Spoilt for choice!
Buy the Gouda in bulk if you can’t decide
5. Visit the world’s most beautiful spring garden!
Keukenhof is the best place in the world to see Holland’s most popular flower, the Dutch tulips. You will definitely be overwhelmed with the colour palette and scents from the flowers here such as tulips, orchids, roses, daffodils, hyacinths, carnations, daisies and irises. It is the the largest flower park in the world (32 hectares) and located around 40km from Amsterdam. Click here to plan your journey.
More than 800 variety of tulips here
Keukenhof preparation for 2022 (Image credit: tulipfestivalamsterdam)
The most beautiful garden in the world
The Keukenhof showcases over 7 million flower bulbs every year and has more than 800 different types of tulips. The best time to come here is during April to May, when the tulips are in full bloom. At the tulip garden, you will be able to enjoy the beautiful ponds, flower shows, pavilions and admire the statues here. This park also has a different theme every year, which makes it one of the most unique gardens in the world. The tickets to the Keukenhof are available online, so make sure you don’t miss it. Click here to download the free map of Keukenhof.
Keukenhof Map
Keukenhof has every colour of flowers
Stunning isn’t it
6. Discover Anne Frank House
Anne Frank was a Jewish diarist during the dark days of the Holocaust in World War II. She and her family fled from their hometown in Germany during the Nazi ruling to avoid persecution. The Anne Frank House in Amsterdam is where they hid behind the bookcase also known as the ‘Secret Annex’ for 2 years before being caught by the Nazis. It was during those 2 years, where Anne Frank describes her hopes, fears and experiences in her diary.
Anne Frank House
Her diary
Her diary maybe the only one exposure most people have to the Holocaust. Today, the stories in her diary are included in essays, articles and story books. Do take note that the museum do not permit visitors to take pictures inside, so you will have to see it for yourself. The Anne Frank House is located at the Prinsengracht canal, which is at the centre of Amsterdam. Click here to book your tickets online.
Anne Frank hiding place “The Secret Annex”(Image credit: annefrank.org)
The room which Anne Frank and her family hid
7. Explore the heart of Amsterdam
Located at the heart of Amsterdam is Dam Square. Dam Square is the most important square here and home to various attractions such as the Royal Palace, National Monument, Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) and Madame Tussauds. Dam Square got its name from its original function as a dam on Amstel River. Over time, the area around the dam was developed until it was big enough for a town square.
The National Monument is a tribute to the World War II victims
Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) is more than 600 years old
Check out Madame Tussauds wax figurines
Join the canal tours here
8. Visit the Royal Palace
Come and visit the largest and most important monument in Netherlands, the Royal Palace. The Royal Palace is also located at Dam Square and originally built as a town hall and then converted into a royal palace in 1808 by King Louis Bonaparte. It is 1 of the 3 palaces still used by the royal family to welcome important guests, hold gala dinners and celebrate New Year receptions. Inside the royal palace, you will be able to see the reminiscent of the Golden Age with the marble galleries, sculptures and paintings by famous artists.
The Royal Palace
Citizen’s hall (Image credit: Wim Ruigrok)
The Orphans Chamber
9. Drop by the Infamous Red Light District
Not far from Dam Square is the infamous Red Light District also known as ‘De Wallen’or ‘De Rosse Buurt’. It is an area devoted mainly to adult entertainment and perhaps not suitable for everyone. The Red Light District comes alive at night and is usually packed with a huge crowd on the narrow street. Be careful as they are a lot of pickpockets in the area.
Red Light District comes alive at night
Erotic Outlet
Museum of prostitution
It is definitely a unique experience for those exploring the Red Light District for the first time, so do come prepared with an open mind. Another reminder we have for you is that pictures and videos of the women behind their windows are not permitted. However, if you still insist on doing it, be aware that some of the women can get aggressive and could get you kicked out from the clubs or live shows.
Live show
Tourists checking out the live shows
10. Try the local beer
Amsterdam is home to one of the most popular beer in the world, Heineken. The brewery was first established here in 1864. Today, the brewery is no longer in operation and has been converted into a museum. The Heineken Experience offers visitors a glimpse of Heineken’s heritage, their brewing operations and also innovations along the way.
Entrance to the Heineken Experience
The self guided tour
Learn how to brew Heineken beer (Image credit: amsterdam.info)
Inside the 4 storey building, you will be able to visit the exhibits, watch old beer commercials, try out their 4D adventure ride (Brew Your Ride) and go beer tasting. If you have the I amsterdam City Card, you will be enabled to get a discount on the entrance fee. The Heineken Experience is located around 2km from the city centre and just 500m from Rijksmuseum.
Brouwerij’t IJ (Image credits: brouwerijhetij)
The variation of IJ beers
Go beer tasting
If you want try something different, head over to Brouwerij’t IJ brewery which is popular among the locals. The Brouwerij’t IJ brewery is located next to a windmill in De Gooyer which is around 3km from the city centre. They brew more than 30 types of beer here some of which are seasonal.
We hope you enjoy your time in Amsterdam!
Have any experience or tips on travelling in Amsterdam? Or are you planning a trip soon? Let us know and share your thoughts and questions in the comments section. We’d love to hear from you!
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