Amsterdam, Netherlands Hotels and City Guide

Amsterdam - Attractions

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Amsterdam has much in the way of attractions, history and entertainment and has something of interest for all visitors. The heart of the old city consists of canals, punctuated with narrow, picturesque streets. The canals are an integral part of the city and the whole Amsterdam experience. The Netherlands also has an abundance of historical attractions that share street space with contemporary art galleries and street markets.-

Sightseeing Overview

Amsterdam is perfect for sightseeing as it is flat and compact, making it easy to walk around. The best way for visitors to get a real feel for the city is to head straight out on a canal tour, something that many locals have never done, or enjoy a cycle, though beware cycling here can be a frightening experience if you are not used to city cycling. Most of the main attractions are located within the historical core, usually within walking distance of each other, although the efficient tram and bus networks are close at hand for attractions further afield.

The most visited sites in the city are the many excellent museums, such as the Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank Museum, Amsterdams Historisch Museum, Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art, Van Gogh Museum, the NEMO Museum and the Scheepvaartmuseum. Less cerebral pursuits are on offer among the grand facades and elegant museums, with brown cafés and prostitutes adorning windows all day and night in the red light districts. Away from these busy places, the city is also blessed with quiet canals and leafy parks, which provide an escape all year round, especially Vondelpark, with its open-air, free concerts during summer.

Breaking away from the main tourist throng is the best way for one to discover the ‘real’ Amsterdam of grand old canal-side merchants’ houses where modern Amsterdammers still live, in an almost bucolic setting. As well as being the transport hub for the city, Amsterdam’s grand Centraal Station is also the gateway to myriad half- and full-day trips, with regular and inexpensive train services all over the Netherlands.
 

Main Attractions

Amsterdam Rijksmuseum
Jan Luijkenstraat 1, 1071 ZD Amsterdam
Tel: +31 20 674 7000 | Fax: +31 20 674 7001

Amsterdam's awesome museum of art is the permanent home of around seven million works, including 5000 paintings in over 250 rooms. As well as featuring a number of high-profile masterpieces from international artists, the museum boasts a fantastic display of paintings from many Dutch artists, including several outstanding contributions from Rembrandt.

Anne Frank's House
Prinsengracht 267, 1016 GV Amsterdam
Tel: +31 20 556 7100 | Fax: +31 20 620 7999

This is the house in which Anne Frank wrote her famous diary, recording her experiences as a member of a Jewish family during the Nazi occupation of Amsterdam in World War II. This fascinating and historic address is now open daily to the public.

Bloemenmarkt
Singel Canal, 1017 AZ Amsterdam

Located on the Singel Canal, Amsterdam's impressive, world-famous floating flower market is a unique shopping experience not to be missed. A Mecca for anyone in search of trees, plants, shrubs, herbs or flowers, the market is open for business six days a week (every day except Sundays).
Editor's Tip: Don't forget to take into consideration any customs restrictions on taking bulbs and seeds back into your home country before buying plants.

Van Gogh
Paulus Potterstraat 7, 1071 CX Amsterdam
Tel: +31 20 570 5200 | Fax: +31 20 570 5222

The life and work of Amsterdam's most famous artist is celebrated in this incredible space. The museum has an unrivalled collection of Van Gogh's paintings and plays host to a variety of exhibitions throughout the year.

Rembrandt House
Jodenbreestraat 4, 1011 NK Amsterdam
Tel: +31 20 520 0400 | Fax: +31 20 520 0401

The house was lived in by Rembrandt for over 20 years and now contains engravings made by this famous artist. Another must-see cultural attraction when in Amsterdam.

Hotels in Amsterdam, Netherlands