If you’re planning a trip to Amsterdam, there are plenty of things to see and do. We’ve rounded up the best highlights to make your stay in this charming city even more special!
A must-see is the Rijksmuseum, home to Dutch Masters like Rembrandt. You can also go on a canal tour and explore the city on foot!
1. Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum is one of the world's most famous museums and a must-see when visiting Amsterdam. It's also the largest museum in the Netherlands, displaying over 8,000 objects that tell the story of 800 years of Dutch art and history.
It's impossible to see everything in just a few hours, so we recommend taking your time and exploring all the highlights of the museum. Here are 11 works of art you can't miss while at the Rijksmuseum:
In the Gallery of Honour, check out Rembrandt’s stunning Night Watch. You can also walk through the Great Hall to admire Johannes Vermeer’s Milkmaid and Delft Blue porcelain.
2. Van Gogh Museum
One of Amsterdam’s most popular museums, the Van Gogh Museum is a must-see for art lovers. It houses the largest collection of Vincent van Gogh’s paintings and drawings in the world.
It also has a variety of exhibitions, including those on Van Gogh’s contemporaries such as Monet, Picasso and Gauguin. It’s also home to a library, art studio and research facilities that will give you a better understanding of the artist’s work.
Some of his most famous pieces are on display at the Van Gogh Museum, such as Sunflowers and Almond Blossom. You can also find the Dutch artist’s self-portraits, as well as rural landscapes and other motifs he explored in his career.
3. Anne Frank House
One of Amsterdam’s most famous museums, the Anne Frank House is a must-see for anyone visiting the city. This is where the famous writer hid from the Nazis during the Second World War and wrote her iconic diary.
The secret annex of the building, where Anne and seven other Jewish people hid, has been restored to its original appearance. Entering these sombre, airless rooms and viewing the diary Anne wrote is an incredibly powerful experience.
Since the museum opened in 1960, thousands of people have visited. The diary has been translated into more than eight languages and the house itself is a popular tourist attraction.
4. Heineken Experience
The Heineken Experience is one of Amsterdam's most popular attractions and it's easy to see why. It's a fun and interactive journey through the history of Heineken, its four natural ingredients and the brewing process.
It also offers a chance to taste the world-famous Heineken beer. The self-guided tour will last around 90 minutes and is available in English, Dutch, Spanish and Russian.
If you want to save time and avoid the long queues at the Heineken Experience, it's best to buy your tickets online. Then you can scan your ticket at the entrance and begin your adventure.
You can also combine a visit to the Heineken Experience with other famous attractions in the city. For example, there's a combo package offered by Stromma NL that includes skip-the-line entry to the Heineken Experience as well as a canal cruise.
5. Red Light District
The Red Light District is one of Amsterdam's oldest neighborhoods and a popular attraction for tourists. It has a long history of being a place where women can offer their sexual services to sailors and soldiers since the middle ages.
While it's legal for sex workers to work, they do have to register with the government and take regular health checks. It's also illegal to drink alcohol in the area - if you're caught, you'll get a 95 euro fine that you must pay immediately.
The neighborhood is home to an erotic museum, many strip clubs and peep shows, and a number of sex shops. It's a great way to see a side of Amsterdam that most visitors don't have the chance to experience.
