For your convenience (don’t say I never do anything for you), I’ve compiled the ultimate list of things to do in Amsterdam. Several of these I’ve been to, some are still on my list. This list doesn’t include neighbourhoods or districts (e.g. the Jordaan, the Red Light District) because I don’t class them as “attractions”; they are just places you can walk around if you choose to.
Scroll down to the bottom for a map showing where each of these attractions is.
Rijksmuseum – The Rijksmuseum is a national museum dedicated to Dutch art and history and includes 8000 pieces on display. Also features a small Asian art pavillion.
Anne Frank House – The house that was the hiding place of Anne Frank during the Nazi occupation of Amsterdam in WWII. Here you can see where her and her family hid for over two years, see photographs and read excerpts from her diary. If you enjoy this, you may consider going to see Anne at Theater Amsterdam as well.
Van Gogh Museum – An art museum dedicated to the works of Vincent Van Gogh and some of his contemporaries.
Begijnhof – A picturesque courtyard surrounded by historic buildings, the Begijnhof used to be inhabited by Christian religious women (Beguines) fleeing persecution. Today it is the site of the English Reformed Church (a small, attractive church) and a statue depicting Saint Ursula, the patron saint of the Amsterdam beguines. It’s a nice little retreat behind an unassuming wooden door in the heart of the city.
http://www.iamsterdam.com/en/visiting/what-to-do/attractions-and-sights/places-of-interest/begijnhof
Amsterdam Dungeons – Not exactly a historic attraction, but still a bit of fun nonetheless. if you’ve never been to a Dungeon before, I’d recommend a visit. But be prepared to be made fun of!
Vondelpark – Amsterdam’s most popular urban park, the Vondelpark is the Central Park of the city. It has an open-air theater, playgrounds, ponds and a handful of small bars and eateries.
Rembrandt House Museum – The Rembrandt House is, as the name suggests, a house where Rembrandt lived and painted for several years. The 17th Century building has been restored and decorated with furniture. art and objects that date back to that period.
Artis Zoo – The oldest zoo in the Netherlands, Artis Royal Zoo features an aquarium, planetarium and more than 900 species of animals. A good one for families and animal lovers (like moi).
Oude Kerk – The oldest building in Amsterdam, the Oude Kerk (Old Church) is a large and unusual church, which is currently undergoing renovations to bring the ornate interior organ back to its former splendid glory.
Royal Palace – Used for royal receptions since 1808, the Royal Palace is open to the public and regularly used for exhibitions. Worth a trip if you enjoy interesting architecture and exploring historic houses.
Heineken Experience – Visitors to this historic brewery can see how Heineken beer is made and of course sample some at the tasting bar at the end. Which, if we’re all being honest, is why we go to these experiences in the first place. That, and the gift shop.
Museum of Bags and Purses – If you didn’t think you were interested in bags and purses then you may be converted after you’ve seen this collection of over 4000 pieces spanning the Middle Ages up to modern day. Perhaps not one for bedraggled, shop-hating boyfriends.
www.tassenmuseum.nl
Science Center NEMO – A hands-on museum exploring science and technology, NEMO is perfect for families or big kids. Even if you’re not into science, at least visit the unusually-shaped building for a coffee on the scenic roof terrace.
Westerkerk – You can’t really miss the Westerkerk’s beautiful spire as you wander around the center of town, particularly the Jordaan district. Situated on Prinsengracht, the church holds regular concerts and church services.
Maritime Museum – With its relationship with the water, it was only natural that Amsterdam would have a maritime museum. Het Scheep Vaart Museum (its Dutch name) delves into the city’s history with the Dutch East India Trading Company and holds regular historical and educational exhibitions.
EYE Film Institute – Housed in a strikingly unusual building, EYE features a cinematography museum and holds many cinema concerts and exhibitions. You even sometimes get to wear ugly 3D glasses, which is always a bonus.
Sexmuseum – This one doesn’t really need an explanation (or does it?!) The Sexmuseum takes a look at everything erotic and sexual and the history of erotica.
De Gooyer Windmill – I have talked about this windmill before because it is the one that sits next to Brouwerij ‘t IJ. Unless you want to go and enjoy a drink at the brewery, you can’t do much else but take pictures of this windmill – the tallest wooden mill in the Netherlands.
Our Lord in the Attic – A church hidden within a 17th Century home, Our Lord in the Attic was built during the Reformation, when Catholics were forbidden to hold public religious services.
House of Bols – This self-guided experience is dedicated to Dutch gin, also known as Genever (or Jenever) and includes a tasting room and cocktail bar.
Amsterdam Attractions Map
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