Untitled Document

Amsterdam > Top Tourist Attractions and Sights

Amsterdam has a broad spectrum of recreational and cultural sights that range from fascinating old buildings, like the Oude Kerk , to oddities such as the Hash Marihuana Museum. Museums are the main tourist attraction in Amsterdam, with over fifty museums which attract many millions of visitors every year.

Oude Kerk

This old church with little houses clinging to its sides, remains a calm heaven at the heart of the frenetic Red Light District. Its buildings, especially the Gothic-renaissance style octagonal bell tower, was used by sailors to get their bearings.

Dam Square

The Dam is the very center and heart of Amsterdam, although there are arguably prettier sights in the city. As an historical site however, it is fascinating and worth taking the time to appreciate. The Dam has seen many historical dramas unfold over the years, and was for example, the reception area for Napoleon and his troops during the 1808 take-over of the city. The Royal Palace (Koninklijk Paleis) which dominates the square, was originally used as the town hall and its classical facade and fine sculptures
were intended to glorify the city of Amsterdam and its government. In contrast to its turbulent history, the square is now a peaceful place and is home to hundreds of pigeons and tourists resting their tired feet.

Windmills

The Netherlands is synonymous for its windmills, clogs, tulips, canals, cheese markets… practically everything that you would expect to find in a charming and utterly picturesque country. But, whatever image you associate with the lowlands, the first thing likely to come to mind is the windmill (molen).

For centuries, windmills have helped the Dutch fight water shortages so it is little wonder that they were the first to develop ‘windmill technology.' In the glory days, the Netherlands boasted more than 10,000 mills but the molen population today stands at a mere 1,000.

Contrary to popular belief, you don't even have to leave Amsterdam to see a little piece of Dutch heritage up close. There are in fact 8 windmills at the heart of Amsterdam – this may even come as surprise to the locals – but you can only visit two.

For 17th century molens, head for De 1200 Roe on Haarlemmerweg 465, De 1100 Roe on Herman Bonpad 6 or the Riekermolen located along the Amstel River. For a later example of molen artistry, try D'Admiraal on Noordhollandschkanaaldijk 21 or De Bloem on Haarlemmerweg 701, which in fact has been moved form its original location. If you are into architectural makeovers, visit de Gooyer or Fuenmolen located on Fuenenkade 7. East of Amsterdam, this windmill houses Bierbrouwerij ‘t Ij, a brewery that still sells the traditional Dutch Y-lake (Ijmeer) beer. Of all of the 8 mills, this is probably the easiest to get as it is within walking distance of the Maritime museum . The two remaining windmills are Molen van Sloten, highly popular with tourists, and de Otter , which is quite possibly Amsterdam's best-kept secret.

Begijnhof

A narrow, vaulted passageway leads to this charming garden surrounded by old houses. The houses in the courtyard were once occupied by devout celibate Béguine nuns and are still home to single women today. In the center of the lawns is a medieval church and at No.34 stands the oldest house in Amsterdam. The entrance is on the Spui and is indicated by a carved sign. Entry is free.

Magere Brug

Artis Zoo

		Right in the center of Amsterdam, you can also find the oldest Zoo of Holland. It consists of four main areas: Zoo, Planetarium, Botanical Gardens and Geological and Zoological museum. In the zoo itself you will find animals from all over the world. In addition, a unique canal aquarium shows you which animals roam the canals of Amsterdam. The planetarium offers children a trip trough the universe. In the peaceful gardens, you can find many old trees and statues of contemporary artists and as well as an
impressive, tropical rainforest greenhouse. The Geological museum shows you how the planet has evolved over the past 4 billion years.

Red Light District

Party atmosphere, sex for sale, and limitless people-watching. The stores are full of hardcore videos, magazines and sex toys. The Red Light District is somewhat of a sexual amusement park and often not
taken too seriously by the hordes of tourist who frequent it. Perhaps the most surprising aspect of the Red Light District, is that it's actually quite pretty. The famous red window lights are striking against the quaint, old canal houses and even the fairy lights that line the bridges at night are colored red. Although it is generally considered to be a very safe area, care should still be taken when walking through the quieter streets of the area. There is a strict “No Photography” policy.

Condom Shop Het Gulden Vlies

This shop is a kingdom of condoms. It has all colors, shapes, sizes and flavors. Some are even hand painted and are for decoration only. You can find a surprising amount of information and books about our rubber friend, and there is even has a small condom museum.

Amsterdam's Canals

Many visitors to Amsterdam are surprised by the sheer amount of water in the city. The enormous number of canals have led Amsterdam to become known as “The Venice of the North”. And thus, a trip to Amsterdam is not complete without a boat-ride. A canal-tour can be both fascinating and relaxing by day and enchanting and romantic at night when many of the houses and bridges are illuminated.The four main city center canals are Prinsengracht, Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Singel. There are also numerous smaller canals, of which the Brouwersgracht, the Bloemgracht and the Leliegracht are especially pleasant.

Jordaan

Once a working class area, Amsterdam's Jordaan has become greatly sought after. The converted warehouses are especially popular, and the Jordaan is now inhabited by a colorful mixture of students, well-to-do businessmen and creative professionals. The Jordaan oozes atmosphere with its narrow streets, picturesque canals, brown cafes , art galleries and unique shops . You can easily lose yourself in a pleasant stroll in through the enchanting streets that connect the 3 main canals.

Leidseplein

The Leidseplein or Leidse-square is one of Amsterdam's most popular centers for nightlife. With many restaurants, clubs, coffee shops, cinemas and theatres in the area, the Leidseplein is vibrant and colorful. On warm summer evenings, tourists and locals alike take advantage of the pubs' outdoor seating for a long, lazy drinks with friends. Street musicians, jugglers, fire-eaters and other performers liven up the square, often till the early hours.

Rembrandtplein

Rembrandtplein is lined with pubs, restaurants, cafes and hotels and is thus a tourist magnet. A popular center for nightlife, it also includes traditional Dutch pubs which play real Dutch music. In summer, the terraces are packed with people enjoying a drink and watching the world go by. In the center of the square is a small but pleasant park where you can relax or pay homage at the statue of the Great Master. Around the area you'll also find quality night clubs, gay venues, respectable diamond dealers and the inevitable tacky souvenir shops.

Vondelpark

The Vondelpark is located in the south of Amsterdam, just five minutes walk from the Leidseplein and in walking distance from the Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk Museum and Van Gogh Museum. With 10 million visitors a year, the Vondelpark is the most famous park in the Netherlands.

Albert Cuyp Market

The Albert Cuypmarkt is arguably the best-known and busiest outdoor market in Europe. It attracts thousands of visitors every day, and is especially popular on Saturdays. There are over 300 stalls and goods range from fresh produce, to clothes, to odds and ends, with prices among the cheapest in Amsterdam. The market is located in the Pijp district, surrounded by many pleasant cafes and small shops.