Sights to See
The following is a curated list of sights that all travellers should have the chance to visit while in Amsterdam…
Museumplein
Visit the world class museums located in the Museum Quarter, situated around the vibrant and beautiful Museum Square; the cultural hub of Amsterdam. The Museumplein is home to three outstanding museums: Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum. While you don’t need to visit all of these fascinating museums on your visit to Amsterdam, read on below to tempt your artistic senses – perhaps a range of Dutch masterpieces will take your fancy; or maybe you’d prefer to immerse yourself in Van Gogh; or you may be after some Warhol to liven up your day.
The Rijksmuseum is the State Museum of Art and History in the Netherlands. Designed in the neo-Renaissance style by Dutch architect Petrus J.H. Cuypers and opened in 1885, the Rijksmuseum displays artworks and artefacts chronicling over 800 years of Dutch history. Home to many Dutch masterpieces including artworks by Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and Vermeer and set in beautiful surroundings, the Rijksmuseum is a must-see destination during your time in Amsterdam.
The Van Gogh Museum was opened in 1973 and was specifically designed to showcase the works of Vincent Van Gogh. The collection contains more than 200 paintings, 500 drawings and hundreds of letters by Van Gogh, as well as works of his contemporaries, all displayed in a modern exhibition space.
The Stedelijk Museum is the Dutch National Museum for Modern and Contemporary Art and Design. Home to works by artists such as Cezanne, Chagall, Kandinsky, Matisse, Picasso, Pollock and Warhol, the Stedelijk showcases major artistic movements from 1870 to today. After extensive renovations, the Stedelijk Museum displays its unique collection in a dynamic and exciting manner, making it a worthy stop on your Amsterdam trip.
Tickets can be purchased at each museum or online (often for a cheaper rate). We recommend booking online in order to avoid queueing when you arrive.
Rijksmuseum: €19 (online), €20 (at ticket counter)
Van Gogh Museum: €19
Stedelijk Museum: €18.50
The Red Light District
De Wallen, Rossebuurt, or simply the Red Light District; no matter what you call it, almost all visitors to Amsterdam will know of this infamous area before they arrive. So, what is the Red Light District and why should you go there? The Red Light District is one of the most historic and beautiful areas in the city, home to cobbled streets, picturesque tree-lined canals, preserved 14th century architecture, as well as many interesting shops, restaurants, pubs and hotels. It is also home to some of the more unique Amsterdam attractions, including: sex shops, peep shows, sex workers in red neon-lit windows, cannabis cafes and hordes of tourists. Amsterdam prides itself on being a liberal city where the aforementioned activities are legal and purportedly safe. Spend some time wandering up the streets in this area and explore the unique atmosphere. However, avoid taking photographs of women or performers in this area as this is strictly prohibited and enforced. Once you have checked out the seedier side of this district, make sure to explore Nieumarkt Square, where there is a daily street market and plenty of cafes and restaurants. Locals and tourists alike, fill the terraces and sit in the sun with a drink, watching the world go by. This is a great place to stop and experience the city like a local. Finally, visit the Oude Kerk (Old Church), the oldest building and parish in Amsterdam. Dating back to the 13th century, today Oude Kerk is still a place of worship as well as a museum. Wander around the outside to enjoy this majestic structure, or venture inside to explore the various cultural and artistic collections on offer throughout the year (Entry is €12, or €14 with an added donation).
Dam Square
Originally created in the 13th century with the damming of a section of the River Amstel, Dam Square is the most important square in Amsterdam. Surrounding the square are three important sights to see including the Royal Palace, Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) and National Monument.
The Royal Palace Amsterdam was originally designed in the 17th century by architect Jan van Campen for the purpose of being the Town Hall. In 1808, King Louis Bonaparte converted the building into the Royal Palace, a title it continues to hold to this day. While the Royal Palace is no longer the primary residence of the Dutch Royal Family, it is still used frequently during state visits, for New Year’s receptions and other royal occasions. The Palace is the largest and most impressive building from the Dutch Golden Age. It features sculptures and paintings from renowned artists, elaborate marble flooring, impressive chandeliers and beautiful furniture, set in the ornate and grand surroundings of the halls and galleries. The palace is open for visitors most of the year (except during Royal functions and public holidays) and tickets cost €10.
Located next to the Royal Palace is the Nieuwe Kerk, or New Church, which despite its name, was built in the 15th century. The most important church in The Netherlands, Nieuwe Kerk is where Dutch monarchs marry and coronations are held. The church also functions as a major exhibition space known for its exhibitions on art, photography, people and cultures. Exhibitions and concerts are held frequently and are a great opportunity to check out the magnificent interior of the church.
The National Monument was unveiled on May 4, 1956. Built as a memorial to commemorate the loss of life in World War II, the National Monument stands proudly in Dam Square. Standing at 22 metres high and built of white travertine stone, the Monument features in the Remembrance of the Dead ceremony held each year on May 4.
Anne Frank House
Westermarkt 20, 1016 GV Amsterdam
For two years during the Second World War, the Secret Annex, concealed behind a movable bookcase, at Prinsengracht 263 was used as a hiding place for Anne Frank, her family and several others. On August 4, 1944 Anne and her family were betrayed and subsequently sent to various concentration camps under the control of the German Third Reich. Only her father Otto survived. While in hiding, Anne wrote a diary documenting her experience. Published in 1947, the diary has become a bestselling phenomenon and millions of people visit the Anne Frank House each year. Established by her father Otto in 1957, the Anne Frank House is run as a museum, with the intention of enabling visitors to think about the sorrow of the Holocaust, as well as to inspire people to take action against prejudice and discrimination around the world today. It is possible to climb the hidden stairs and explore the rooms in which the 8 people hid, all while contemplating the horrors inflicted upon the world by the Nazi regime… and the destruction brought about by the Holocaust. Throughout the museum there are documents, photographs, and personal objects belonging to those who hid in the Annex, as well as Anne’s original red-checked diary on display.
Tickets for the Anne Frank House can only be purchased online and must be booked for a specific time slot. Tickets sell out very quickly and it is highly recommended to book at least two months in advance to avoid disappointment. Tickets are €10.50.
Please note: There are many steep steps in the Anne Frank House (especially into the Annex) and accessibility may be difficult for some.
Bloemenmarkt
Tulips have been synonymous with Holland, and particularly Amsterdam, since the Dutch Golden Age, 400 years ago. The Bloemenmarkt (Flower Market) celebrates this history, and since 1862 flowers of varying colours and fragrances have been sold from floating barges (now fixed) along the Singel canal in central Amsterdam. Today, many of the stalls sell bulbs (which you can take home with you), along with a range of souvenirs, but there are still plenty of fresh flowers and plants to buy. You are bound to find a range of tulips (even out of season, due to the use of greenhouses) and if you are visiting in December, look out for the Christmas trees.
