8 of the Top Things to See and Do in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is easily one of the most beautiful cities in the world, not just Europe.

There are numerous things to see and do, with these eight being a good start while visiting there.

1. See a performance

Ballet and opera lovers will enjoy a visit to the Muziektheater venue while jazz and classical music fans may want to head to the famous Concertgebouw to see a show. If you visit these wonderful theaters at lunchtime, you’ll be able to check out a free 30-minute rehearsal concert.

The free performances are on Wednesdays at 12.30 pm at the Concertgebouw and on Tuesdays at the Muziektheater between October and June.

2. Check out the colorful flower market

The famous flower market can be found at canal Singel. You’ll find barges floating down the canal selling sweet-smelling flowers.

The tradition started many years ago when plants and flowers were transported into Amsterdam on barges. The colorful market opens between from 9 am to 5 pm each day.

3. Enjoy the unique Cafes

Amsterdam coffee shops were famous years ago as being places where visitors could purchase and smoke marijuana. Those days are gone, but the city’s cafes are still popular meeting spots. You can watch the world go by while sipping a coffee or beer and some of the bigger venues feature live music.

4. Explore the Heineken Brewery

Taking a tour of the Heineken Brewery is an interactive wonder. You’ll learn about the history of the famous Dutch beer and see how it’s made. You can also see the shire horses in the nearby stable. These horses are used to deliver the beer by wagon in some parts of Holland. Don’t worry, you’ll also get to taste some samples of the fine beer and will be given a personalized Heineken bottle.

5. Take a canal ride

Amsterdam is often referred to as Venice of the North due to the numerous beautiful canals there.

You can travel them by tour boat, water taxi, or water bike. You’ll go under some wonderful bridges and get a great view of this marvelous city.

One of the most scenic trips is from Leidsestraat over to Vijzelstraat where you can see some amazing canal houses.

If you head over to the corner of Herengracht and Reguliersgracht, you’ll be able to witness 15 different bridges. Once the night falls, take a trip to Magere Brug, which is one of the city’s most gorgeous and romantic spots.

6. The Van Gogh Museum

The Van Gogh museum is one of Amsterdam’s most famous and is definitely worth a visit. There are several other museums that are just as interesting, such as the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam, which features works by 17th century artists like Rembrandt and Vermeer.

Another great museum is the Hermitage Amsterdam, which features Russian history, culture, and art. Some of the exhibits come from St. Petersburg’s State Hermitage Museum.

7. The Anne Frank House

The Anne Frank House is easily one of the most popular attractions in the city. It’s dedicated to the brave young girl who sadly lost her life in the Holocaust. You’ll be able to see her original diary as well as various other notebooks. Information on the persecution of Jews during the Second World War can also be found here.

8. Dam Square

In Amsterdam, the square is usually just called the Dam. It’s one of the city’s squares and is located near the Central Train Station. It’s in one of the city’s busiest spots. The Square hosts numerous types of fairs and events at different times of the year such as Christmas and Queen’s Day. It’s also near the Royal Palace and is an ideal location to get the feel of this magnificent European city.

(photo by riggott)