The capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam is a cosmopolitan city well-known for its picturesque canals, world-famous museums, colorful flower markets, and luscious parks.

From well-preserved 17th century buildings and craft breweries to art galleries and the infamous Red Light District, there’s plenty to look forward to when visiting Amsterdam.

To help you decide where to go, we’ve put together a list of the best Amsterdam attractions.

Amsterdam Attractions

Top Amsterdam Attractions

#1 Vondelpark

Kick off your Amsterdam travel itinerary with a visit to the wonderful Vondelpark. With peaceful ponds, an abundance of recreational facilities, ample paths, and magnificent statues and sculptures, it’s easy to see why Vondelpark is one of the most popular green spaces in the country.

Whether you wish to have a picnic on the green meadows, bike along pathways, or order pickled herring and a refreshing drink at one of the cafes in the park, Vondelpark is an ideal destination for nature lovers and attracts both tourists and locals.

#2 The Van Gogh Museum

Opened in 1972, the Van Gogh Museum is one of the most visited attractions in the city and houses the world’s largest collection of paintings and artifacts from the famous artist, Vincent Van Gogh.

Expect to find around 200 paintings, 700 letters, and 500 drawings and etchings here at this fabulous museum. Some of his famous works here include Vase with Sunflowers and The Potato Eaters.

Besides Van Gogh’s paintings and letters, you’ll find works by his contemporaries including artists like Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Millet, Daubigny, and many others.

#3 De Wallen (Red Light District)

Amsterdam’s red light district, De Wallen is a neighborhood where travelers will find adult entertainment. However, there is more to this district than just windows illuminated with red lights.

Things to do in Amsterdam

Pay a visit to the Oude Kerk (Old Church) which was established in the 14th century, explore the Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder museum, or try some local cuisine at one of the district’s fine dining establishments.

As for adult entertainment, there is everything from live sex shows to the guided tour of De Wallen conducted by a former sex worker.  

#4 Bloemenmarkt

No visit to Amsterdam is complete without checking on the floating flower market also known as Bloemenmarkt. Open 7 days a week and situated right between Koningsplein and Muntplein, this lovely market was founded in 1882 and boasts a complex of stalls where local florists sell all the bulbs and flowers for which Amsterdam is famous for.

From tulips to daffodil and narcissus, there is plenty to choose from here at Bloemenmarkt. If you prefer a less touristy experience, pay a visit to the famous bulb flower park in Lisse called Keukenhof or head out to the Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam which offers dozens of spectacular plant and flower exhibits.

What to do in Amsterdam

#5 Canals Of Amsterdam

A canal tour in Amsterdam is definitely an experience unlike any other and offers visitors an opportunity to admire traditional Dutch architecture and see hundreds of picturesque townhouses which date back to the Renaissance period.

Amsterdam sightseeing
Places to visit in Amsterdam

A canal tour in Amsterdam is definitely an experience unlike any other and offers visitors an opportunity to admire traditional Dutch architecture and see hundreds of picturesque townhouses which date back to the Renaissance period.

Staying on the canals in Amsterdam is a unique and unforgettable experience. The charming architecture, the tranquil waterways, and the lively atmosphere make it one of the best places to stay in the city.

#6 The Rijksmuseum

With an impressive collection of more than 7 million of rare works of art and antiquities, the Rijksmuseum is a must-visit destination for every art lover visiting Amsterdam.

The museum is spread across 250 rooms and boasts collections of traditional handicrafts, paintings, and a library which houses over 30,000 manuscripts and books.

Here, you can see the famous Rembrandt’s masterpiece Night Watch, as well as works by famous artists such as Johannes Vemeer and Frans Hals. Guided tours of the museum are available in various languages.

#7 Dam Square

Amsterdam’s Dam Square serves as a gathering area for many tourists. This comes as no surprise since the square is home to a number of attractions including the Madame Tussauds wax museum, National Memorial Statue, and Nieuwe Kerk.

However, the most famous landmark here is the 17th-century Royal Palace where the Dutch Royal family used to live. The public square also offers plenty of entertainment including annual music festivals and street performances.

In case you get hungry or wish to buy a souvenir, the square is lined with many souvenir shops, cafes, and bars.

This guest post was written by David Van Brakel from Hello Amsterdam. As an Amsterdam Local, he has been traveling around Europe for the past 10 years and enjoyed every moment of it. He’s also planning to visit North America and Asia soon as he loves learning different cultures and histories all over the world.

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