Best things to do in Amsterdam
Amsterdam stands out as one of the most vibrant cities in Europe. It's stunning, trendy, relaxed, and offers a plethora of activities and sights to explore, along with numerous pubs, diverse cuisine from around the globe, and incredibly welcoming locals. Strolling through this gorgeous city can feel like stepping back into the 17th century, especially in the heart of Amsterdam, where you'll find delightful architecture from that era. It's a fantastic place to discover on foot or by bike. While the city is rich in 17th-century buildings, that's where the old-fashioned charm ends, as Amsterdam is anything but outdated.Vondelpark
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Westerkerk Amsterdam
The Westerkerk, located just a few steps from the Anne Frank House, is renowned for being the largest and most popular Protestant church in the Netherlands, having hosted royal weddings in the past. Built in Renaissance style with Gothic elements between 1619 and 1631, it features the tallest bell tower of any church in Amsterdam, standing at 87 meters. This tower is considered one of the city’s symbols, adorned with a crown that was gifted to the city by Emperor Maximilian. Many visitors come to see the grave of Rembrandt, who is said to be buried in the church.
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Opening Hours:
Close on Sunday
PHONE:
+31 020 624 7766
Museumplein
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Royal Palace Amsterdam
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PHONE:
+31 020 522 6161
Dam Square
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Leidseplein
The square is very close to many tourist attractions, including the Museumplein, which houses a variety of famous museums, the city theater, Holland Casino, Vondelpark, canal cruise departure points, shopping areas, and brand-name streets.
Leidseplein was established in the 17th century, specifically in 1660, during the time when the canal network surrounding the city was built. Its name comes from the Leidsepoort gate that stood there until 1862, which served as the exit point towards the city of Leiden. The square was originally created to provide parking for the horse-drawn carriages of farmers and other visitors before they entered the city center.
Many tourists who are not very familiar with Amsterdam tend to stay around Dam Square, but those who know the city well often prefer Leidseplein for its vibrant nightlife and proximity to numerous attractions.
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Flowers Market
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Opening Hours:
Sunday from 11:00-17:30
Hortus Botanicus
The Hortus Botanicus, the botanical garden in Amsterdam, spans an area of 1.2 hectares. It is regarded as one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, having been established in 1638. The garden is home to around 6,000 plants and over 4,000 species. In addition to the outdoor garden, the Hortus Botanicus features several greenhouses that provide shelter for plants from desert regions and tropical areas. There is also a butterfly house and a monumental palm house on the premises.
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+31 020 625 9021
De Oude Kerk Amsterdam
The Old Church in Amsterdam is recognized as the oldest building and church in the city. It is situated in the Red Light District and dates back to around 1213. This church played a significant role for sailors and fishermen who lived in the area. While it still functions as a church, it officially became a museum in 2016, allowing contemporary artists to showcase their work. For 800 years, the church has been an integral part of Amsterdam’s community, housing approximately 2,500 graves, with an additional 10,000 buried beneath. Rembrandt van Rijn’s wife is interred here. The name “Old Church” has been used since the 15th century, when the larger “New Church” was built in Dam Square.
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Opening Hours:
Sunday from 11:00-17:30
PHONE:
+31 020 625 8284
De Nieuwe Kerk Amsterdam
The new church is renowned worldwide for its stunning architecture, ever-changing exhibitions, and its special relationship with the Dutch royal family. Dating back over six hundred years to the 15th century, it is situated in the heart of the city on Dam Square. Throughout the year, the church hosts major international exhibitions covering topics related to religions, cultures, and treasures from various countries. It is also the most visited church in the Netherlands, With an average of 250,000 visitors per year.
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PHONE:
+31 020 638 6909
Canal District of Amsterdam
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Begijnhof
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Begijnhof 30, Amsterdam
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PHONE:
+31 06 221 918
Johan Cruijff ArenA (Ajax)
Over four years in construction at a cost of over 202 million Dutch Guilders, the Amsterdam Arena is more than just a football stadium; it is a tourist destination in itself! Featuring a roof that can open fully in 20 minutes, seating for over 51,000 fans and 1700 VIP’s and over 2,000 lux of lighting, the arena is a wonderful focus for any sports fan.
Feel the beating heart of AFC Ajax while enjoying the Johan Cruijff Arena for a stadium tour in Amsterdam. See exclusive hotspots and see where only the players walk on match days with a classic tour.
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FGS He Hua Tempel
In the Chinatown area of Amsterdam, right next to the famous Red-Light District, you can discover the largest Buddhist Chinese temple in Europe. This temple is designed in the style of a traditional Chinese palace, featuring a variety of symbolic elements. The entrance gate represents the gateway to mountain monasteries, while the stairs guide you step by step according to Buddhist principles, leading you to the highest point you can reach. The dragons adorning the roof serve as protectors against evil spirits. Visitors are welcome to enter the temple freely, and guided tours are also available for those interested. If you find yourself in the area and have a taste for Asian cuisine, you’ll be pleased to know there are plenty of restaurants to enjoy nearby.
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Opening Hours:
Sunday from 10:00-17:00
Close on Monday
PHONE:
+31 020 420 2357
De Waag
From the Anatomical Theater to a Restaurant, the renowned painter Rembrandt van Rijn immortalized one of these public dissections in his famous painting ‘The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp.’ In the 19th century, the Waag took on various additional roles, serving as a city screen hall, a furniture workshop, an oil lighting workshop, a fire station, and a city archive. By the 20th century, the building housed two museums: the Amsterdam Museum from 1926 to 1932 and the Jewish Historical Museum until 1987. Today, on the ground floor, you can enjoy a delightful dinner at the café-restaurant In de Waag, set in an attractive room illuminated by three hundred candles.
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Holland Casino
To enter, you must be at least 18 years old and present a valid passport. The dress code is casual, allowing for jeans, a shirt, and closed-toe shoes. There is an entrance fee, but if you hold an Iamsterdam card or an Amsterdam nightlife pass, you can enjoy free entry.
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La Guardiaweg 61, Amsterdam
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Holland Casino West Sloterdijk is open 24/7
PHONE:
+31 020 521 1111
