The best of Amsterdam
When you think of the Netherlands, do you think of cheese, clogs and windmills? While that’s about it, there’s so much more to Dutch culture – Amsterdam in particular has so much to explore that you won’t want to leave. Here are our top 10 experiences to try in Amsterdam:
1. Rijks Museum
The Rijksmuseum is by far the largest art museum in the Netherlands. Immerse yourself in the special atmosphere of the historic building and marvel at the prints, drawings, photographs and objects on display here. Especially the world-famous classics by the Dutch painter Rembrandt are worth a visit. As always when out and about in Amsterdam: keep an eye out for cyclists speeding through the building.
2. Heineken Experience
The famous Dutch brewery, Heineken, has opened an interactive museum with lots of cool exhibits and activities. The simulation where you “turn” into a bottled beer is particularly good. The visit is especially a great group activity as you get some free beers along the way and at the end you can drink more Heineken beers at the hotel bar with a great view of Amsterdam.
3. Cruise through the canals
There are many canal cruises you can take to enjoy Amsterdam and learn more about the history of the city. The walk is especially beautiful when the sun is already setting, which can be quite romantic. It’s even better if you visit Amsterdam in December or January, when the city hosts the magical Festival of Light with light installations by various artists. But you can also rent small boats in the summer and explore the city from the water yourself.
4. King’s Day
Originally, it started as Princess Day and then changed to Queen’s Day and celebrated Wilhemina’s birthday (August 31), then Juliana (April 30) and Beatrice (kept on the same day). As of 2014, it is now “King’s Day” and is celebrated on April 27, the birthday of King Willem Alexander. The day is celebrated with music, street parties, flea markets and fun fairs and the dress code is “wear orange” as it is the national color of the Netherlands.
5. Pride (late July to early August)
Amsterdam Pride is one of the most popular LGBT events in the world, attracting thousands of visitors to the city. Experience an atmosphere like no other, with a week of parties and events ending with a parade along the canals and partying until dawn. The city is rarely more colorful and glitter is in the air.
6. Vondel Park
There are so many beautiful parks in Amsterdam; like the Westerpark, the Rembrandtpark, the Sarphatipark and above all the beautiful Vondelpark. The largest park in Amsterdam is the best place to relax, breathe fresh air and people watch. It gets very crowded there in the summer!
7. Red Light District
For centuries, Amsterdam was known as a major trading port; but it also owes its fame to the Red Light District and to the ladies who practice the “oldest profession in the world” here. With its cafes, quirky bars, and even beer halls, the Red Light District remains an interesting place to visit. There are over 200 red light windows still in use, hence the name “Red Light District”.
8. Nightlife
If music is your thing, check out the calendar of events at Paradiso and Melkweg, two of Amsterdam’s best-known music venues. There are plenty of concerts by world-famous musicians who like to perform in Amsterdam, for well-known reasons, but legendary club nights are also held here.
9. Anne Frank House
During World War II, Anne Frank hid with her family and others in a secret outbuilding in a house on the Prinsengracht in Amsterdam. The house is now a museum and Anne’s unique story is told vividly here, with original furnishings and exhibits.
10. Amsterdam-Noord
Visit one of the most fashionable places in the city: Amsterdam-Noord. Take the free ferry across the Ijsselmeer (Ij for short, pronounced “egg”) bay to NDSM and hang out with the skaters and hipsters near the pier. Expect cool skate parks, chill, chill vibes, and great coffee. Europe’s largest open-air flea market takes place here every first weekend of the month.
