10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Amsterdam
Famous for its canals, beautiful houses, and ‘coffee shops,’ Amsterdam has so much to offer. The first time I went to Amsterdam, I fell in love. The city, the people, everything about it is a dream. You feel like you’re walking through a fairy-tale town.
Time is never enough when it comes to Amsterdam – this city never sleeps, and neither will you, especially if you want to fully immerse in the city’s atmosphere! But let’s cover the basics before we dive in into the nightlife: Perhaps the most popular reasons people visit Amsterdam is the public use of marijuana and the Red Light District, but the city offers so much more.
Here are 13 things you can’t miss when visiting Amsterdam
A greater part was damaged due to an earthquake in the 14th century. But to this day 25% of it has been remains destroyed and now has a structural characteristic look. Many efforts was carried out to protect it. Visited by millions a year, crowned an UNESCO world heritage site.
10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Amsterdam
The Culture & Architecture
The first thing I heard about the Dutch people when I came here was the ‘Dutch honesty’. I heard that the Dutch are blunt and direct. And in my few months here, I have come to learn that this is the truth. There have been so many instances where people have not been afraid of calling someone out or expressing what they think, even if it makes someone else uncomfortable. At first, I was a little afraid about fitting in with this part of the culture, but over time I have grown to like and appreciate it. But despite this un-afraid-ness to confront, I get the feeling the people here live and let live. I have not heard anyone snicker, or comment about someone else, they go about their days minding their own business. And I have grown to love this part of the culture which is open-minded and non-judgmental. Another thing I have noticed is that the Dutch are very helpful. The first time I went grocery shopping in Amsterdam, I had no idea what I was doing, everything was in Dutch and my Wi-Fi wasn’t working so I couldn’t translate. That is when a random person also shopping there came up to a very lost-looking me and helped me buy what I needed. This small incident opened me up to the place and made me feel welcomed and accepted into this city.
Finding unique or innovative design products in Amsterdam is rarely difficult thanks to the large number of excellent, specialised stores and studios inside the city. Droog, for example, is easily among the most famous design initiatives in the world, and Amsterdam is home to many other similar, product-orientated enterprises.
Amsterdam has a balance of sustaining its heritage, by engaging tourists, yet still remain its residence. It attracts around 14 million visitors a year. Explore the city centre to the quirky neighbourhoods and cultural attractions. Widen your cultural experience here.
The History & Museums
Amsterdam has many famous museums in the city. Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, choose one at interest. Anne Frank’s house is a must in Amsterdam. located near the Prinsengracht canal. The building is known for a hiding place of Anne Frank, and several others during World War 2. Til this day it remains as a memorial structure since 1947, converted into a museum.
Last but not least, there are at least two if not three days of museums to see and explore in Amsterdam! For my time in the city I purchased a City Pass to gain access to all of the museums as well as an additional pass to the Anne Frank House as this is not included in any of the discount passes. There are endless museums and art galleries on offer in the city (as well as Amsterdam being a living museum itself), however here are the highlights not to be missed:
Anne Frank House
Anne Frank House – Inside the secret house where Anne Frank spent her journalling years during the Nazi Germany takeover of much of Europe and indeed, Amsterdam. This is not to be missed and if you choose just one museum, let it be this one.
You really can’t go to Amsterdam and not visit the Anne Frank house. It’s such a chilling and humbling experience. Inside you can see documents, photos, and belongings of the people hidden here. Anne Frank’s original diary and notebooks are also displayed here.
I had read the book in high school and thought I knew what I was walking into, but just standing in those rooms.. being exactly where Anne and her family lived and hid for years, it’s just… wow. Bring tissues.
Price: 10 Euro per Adult
Address: Prinsengracht 263-267, 1016 GV
Rijksmuseum – The National Dutch museum dedicated to the art and history of the country.
Are you an art lover? If you’ve enjoyed the Van Gogh Museum, you must include the Rijksmuseum in your list with best things to do in Amsterdam in 3 days in September!
I know it looks super hard to pronounce, which was the reason I kept calling it “The R museum” or something like that before we visited. BUT if you keep the “museum” part out of the word, the first “Rijks” is pronounced “Raiks”. See, simple
The museum holds numerous world-famous works of art, and the famous “The Night Watch” by Rembrandt! The famous painter’s use of light and shade creates an incredible depth of this painting. Moreover, seeing the huge canvas of “The Night Watch” is a very powerful experience which will leave you breathless.
P.S. Nope, Rembrandt did not paint John Snow here, nor the wights and white walkers
This experience is completely different from all the other top things to see in Amsterdam. While the majority of the previous things I showed you were fun and cheerful (well, I guess apart from the Van Gogh museum), this is quite the opposite. For those of you that don’t know much about Anne Frank – she was a Jewish girl who was hiding from the Nazis during World War II. She, together with 7 other people, was hiding in that house for 2 years, until they were found and sent to Auschwitz.
Her diary is kept in the house (currently a facsimile as they are renovating the museum). The “Secret Annexe”as she called it became world-famous and it was published by the only survivor of the 8 people who were hiding in the house. Anne wanted to be a writer or a journalist and her writing style suggests that she could have been very successful at either.
While the Anne Frank House doesn’t offer guided tours included in the ticket, you can pick up an audio guide. However, bear in mind that visiting this museum can have an emotional impact on you and other people. This is why no photos are allowed inside the museum.
If you want to fully experience the museum, you can book a 2-hour private tour of the house (entrance included!) and the neighborhood when you follow this link.
The Rijksmuseum is pretty large, so you would certainly need a couple of hours to see everything. We mainly stuck to the paintings and the model ships, which were incredibly intricate and beautiful! This gorgeous building is not all about its outside looks, it definitely has a lot to offer inside, so don’t miss it when visiting the to best things to see in Amsterdam. Get your skip-the-line ticket here!
Van Gogh museum – A museum dedicated to the works of Vincent Van Gogh and his contemporaries.
I am honestly having a hard time deciding whether this is my favorite thing to do in Amsterdam or not, as I am a huge fan of Van Gogh (but all the other sights and experiences in Amsterdam were just fantastic!).
For me, it was a dream coming true visiting the Van Gogh Museum! I haven’t majored in art history and in fact, don’t know much about art, but Van Gogh’s work has a very special place in my heart. I have first seen some of his work in person in the National Gallery in London, but I couldn’t even imagine a whole museum with his art.
Countless Bicycles
The absolute best way to get around this city is by bike. Don’t be alarmed! There are lots and lots of bikers… EVERYWHERE. But this bike friendly city means it’s easy to rent (we have used both Black Bikes and Yellow Bike) and return your bike. The fastest and prettiest way to see the sights by far. Truly, it’s the best way to live like a local.
In order to fully experience Amsterdam, you have to travel the city like a local! Rent a bike and start exploring! It might be a little intimidating because the city is so full, and I was nervous about falling into a canal, but it is the absolute best way to get around. Just make sure to lock them up, more than 50,000 bikes a year are stolen in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam is populated with bike users. Allows the locals to navigate around the city quickly.
Canals
Of course, one of the most impressive features of Amsterdam is the lovely canals that dip around every corner. It makes for such a peaceful addition to this busy city. I love seeing the house boats bop atop the canals. The best time is to watch the bright orange light pop at sunset over the glittering canals. A famous spot is the “7 Bridges” where you can see 7 arcs light up at night. Be aware: they aren’t as grand as you might imagine (just simple brick bridges). But the canals themselves are the real show.
A canal cruise is an absolute must and it should be on in your list of best things to do in Amsterdam! If you’ve been there and you missed this experience, you should go back and fix this terrible error It is so much fun! A canal cruise is a great way to explore Amsterdam. A guide will tell you all about the major landmarks and important sights around the city canals, and if you’re very lucky, you’ll have a very funny guide as we did
There is also a great option for an evening Amsterdam canal cruise.
Before bicycles ran rampant throughout the Netherlands, canals were the main mode of transport in many Dutch cities. These impressive waterways allowed merchants to quickly move goods around urban centres and played a pivotal economic role throughout earlier modern Dutch history. Many of these canal systems are still intact, including Amsterdam’s iconic canal belt which is now recognised as an UNESCO heritage site.
Visit The House Of Bols
The unique and interactive experience of cocktails, bartending, liqueurs and Dutch Genever.
Learn everything about Lucas Bols and the distilled brand, which has been producing liqueurs in since 1575!
Take the House of Bols tour and taste your way through the ‘Hall of Taste’ and discover 38 different liqueurs and the process of making. Ending the tour at the ‘Mirror Bar’, where you can choose your prefered mix of Bols Genever or a custom cocktail!
Coffee Shops & Weed
Type of Food: Cannabis, Coffee, & Pastrie Of course, these aren’t your regular coffee shops. Here you can enjoy a delicious cup of coffee and have someone next to you smoking a joint. I actually don’t smoke, but I still tried a ‘brownie’ and had a great experience. These coffee shops are all over the city but the one I went to was the popular Easy Times. The atmosphere is great, cozy and intimate. I found the staff and patrons both to be very friendly and welcoming, I mean, it’s hard not to be in a great mood when here.
The Red Light District
Whether you go at day or night, this is a unique experience. You would think it would be uncomfortable or creepy, but it really wasn’t at all, at least for me. Everything is very clean and taken care of.
If you take a walking tour, you will learn a lot about the history. The government has tried to make it a safe place for the woman, free from pimps and abuse. It is regulated, follows rules, and pays taxes. The woman are working for their livelihood so leave your judgements at the door and just experience it for what it is, regardless of whether or not you agree.
Language – They speak Dutch and are truly excellent at English. The Dutch language is difficult and they don’t expect you to know it. I find the people of Amsterdam extremely friendly and welcoming.
Museum Central – There are over 60 museums, the world’s highest concentration, so make sure to find one that suits your fancy. I’ve listed some of the top ones below, but really, you’re sure to find one in a subject you’re interested in. If you plan to go to a lot of museums I suggest getting the I Amsterdam Card.
What to eat – Dutch food is great, but not as wide spread in the city as Indonesian. Make sure to try the waffles, stroopwaffel, croquettes, fries with mayonnaise, cheese, and pancakes. As Indonesian is very popular here, make sure to try the spicy rijsttafel, or ‘rice table’ which is an Indonesian banquet of small dishes that you share.
What to drink – Heineken, of course! But gin is also very popular here and you can find many bars offering a wide selection of Dutch gin. There is lots of nightlife around the city in pubs and clubs in places like The Medieval center, Leidsplein, the Red Light District, and Rembrandtplein. Remember that a coffeeshop isn’t selling coffee. These are cannabis cafes and are sprinkled throughout the city.
When to visit – Tourist season is in Summer and that means it’s the most crowded from about June to August. The mild temperatures tend to draw more people to the city, as it can get very chilly in winter. From about March through early June is tulip season and many flock to the fields then as well. Make sure to bring a light jacket as it can get chilly.
