THINGS TO DO

27 hot spots recommended for you

Amsterdam Diamond Centre, All Areas In the very heart of old Amsterdam, opposite the Royal Palace on Dam Square, you will find the address for individual visitor; Amsterdam Diamond Center. An extensive collection of loose polished diamonds is offered at Amsterdam Diamond Center, as well as exclusive jewellery and a large collection of watches of more 65 top brands. Amsterdam Diamond Center offers you an extensive collection of jewellery, classic and modern for every style. In the very heart of old Amsterdam, opposite the Royal Palace on Dam Square, you will find the address for individual visitor; Amsterdam Diamond Center. ... [ + more ]

Amsterdam's Canals, All Areas Since the early 14th century is part of the city's landscape through Amsterdam's golden age, the 17th century until nowadays. A municipal canal-bus system travels three different routes throughout the city Herengracht, Prinsengracht, and Keizersgracht. Besides walking alongside the canals you should try take a canal cruise through Amsterdam. The principal stops are: Central Station West Anne Frank House Rijksmuseum/Van Gogh Museum Leidseplein Rembrandtplein Heritage museums City Hall Rembrandthuis Gassan Diamonds Central Station Oost Since the early 14th century is part of the city's landscape through Amsterdam's golden age, the 17th century until nowadays. A municipal canal-bus system ... [ + more ]

Ann Frank House, All Areas For more than two years Anne Frank and her family lived in the annex of the building at Prinsengracht 263 where Anne’s father, Otto Frank, also had his business. The Van Pels family and Fritz Pfeffer hid there with them. The doorway to the annex was concealed behind a moveable bookcase constructed especially for this purpose. The office personnel knew of the hiding place and helped the eight people by supplying them with food and news of the outside world. On August 4, 1944, the hiding place was betrayed. The people in hiding were deported to various concentration camps. Only Otto Frank survived the war. Nowadays, the rooms at the Anne Frank House, though empty, still breathe the atmosphere of that period of time. Quotations from the diary, historical documents, photographs, film images, and original objects that belonged to those in hiding and the helpers illustrate the events that took place here. Anne’s original diary and other notebooks are on display in the museum. In the multimedia space, visitors can go on a “virtual journey” through the Anne Frank House, accessing background information about the people in hiding and World War Two. A contemporary exhibition is presented in the exhibition hall. For more than two years Anne Frank and her family lived in the annex of the building at Prinsengracht 263 where Anne’s father, Otto Frank, ... [ + more ]

Artis Zoo, All Areas Founded in 1838, the Artis Zoo is still as enchanting as it was nearly two centuries ago. Not only is Artis an oasis of peace right at the heart of a fast-paced city, but it is also a haven for some 700 animal species and 200 tree varieties, many on the verge of extinction. Artis is also one of the fewest zoos in Europe to have so many listed buildings within its grounds, namely the Large Museum (1855), the unique Library building (1867) and the Aquarium (1882). Founded in 1838, the Artis Zoo is still as enchanting as it was nearly two centuries ago. Not only is Artis an oasis of peace ... [ + more ]

Beurs van Berlage, All Areas The Beurs van Berlage is a building on the Damrak, in the center of Amsterdam. It was designed as a commodity exchange by architect Hendrik Petrus Berlage and constructed between 1896 and 1903. It influenced many modernist architects, in particular functionalists and the Amsterdam School. It is now used as a conference venue. The building is constructed of red brick, with an iron and glass roof and stone piers, lintels and corbels. Its entrance is under a large clock tower, while inside lie three large multi-story halls formerly used as trading floors, with offices and communal facilities grouped around them. The Beurs van Berlage is a building on the Damrak, in the center of Amsterdam. It was designed as a commodity exchange by architect Hendrik ... [ + more ]

Coffeeshops, All Areas Coffeeshops, not to be confused with caf�s, have been a part of Amsterdam since the 1970s, when the Dutch government made a clear distinction in the law between 'hard' and 'soft' drugs. Unlike Amsterdam's fully legal smart shops, coffeeshops have always existed in a legal grey area. Today, Amsterdam's City Council, through agreement with the coffeeshop union Bond van Cannabis Detaillisten (BCD), allows coffeeshops to operate with the provision of set, non-transferable licences shown by the display of an official, green and white sticker in the window. Coffeeshops, not to be confused with caf�s, have been a part of Amsterdam since the 1970s, when the Dutch government made a clear distinction in ... [ + more ]

Dam Square, All Areas created in the 13th century when a dam was built around the river Amstel to prevent the Zuiderzee Sea from flooding the city, causing damage and endangering the citizens of Amsterdam. There are food stalls, restaurants and shops galores, including the trendy Bijenkorf, Magna Plaza, Bonneterie and the Amsterdam Diamond centre. Such is the popularity of Dam Square that you might even have to wait for a seat at one of the many cafés and bars. created in the 13th century when a dam was built around the river Amstel to prevent the Zuiderzee Sea from flooding the city, causing damage ... [ + more ]

De Gooyer Windmill, All Areas Built in 1725, this former windmill was once a flour mill. It was moved several times, and placed on its current location in 1814. Built in 1725, this former windmill was once a flour mill. It was moved several times, and placed on its current location in ... [ + more ]

Efteling Theme Park, All Areas Efteling is the oldest theme park in Europe. It was officially opened in 1953 by the Dutch government and today it is one of the major tourist attraction in the Netherlands with many attractions, not to mention restaurants, souvenir shops and theatres. The park is divided into four themed areas, Fairy Realm, Travel Realm, Adventure Realm and Alternative Realm, which will all take you to a fantasy land of adventure. Efteling is the oldest theme park in Europe. It was officially opened in 1953 by the Dutch government and today it is one of the ... [ + more ]

Flower Market, All Areas [ + more ]

Heineken Experience, Pijp This is one of the most popular attractions of Amsterdam. The Heineken Experience is of course all about Heineken, from the history of the Heineken family, to the full process of beer making and of course trying out some samples!! It takes about one and a half hours to get around the whole Experience and includes lots of interactive activities including being brewed like a beer. With the ticket two drinks are included, plus an extra Heineken at an out tasting bar. This is one of the most popular attractions of Amsterdam. The Heineken Experience is of course all about Heineken, from the history of the Heineken ... [ + more ]

Hollandse Schouwburg, All Areas for free Once a grand theatre, the Hollandsche Schouwburg played a dark role in Amsterdam's history as it became the main deportation centre for Jews during the holocaust. These days the Hollandsche Schouwburg is a monument to honour the Dutch Jews who were killed in the Second World War. Once a grand theatre, the Hollandsche Schouwburg played a dark role in Amsterdam's history as it became the main deportation centre for Jews during the ... [ + more ]

Homomonument, Downtown You won't find this monument in most of the tour guides... Like gay people in society, the monument is easy to miss but it is there, so make sure you stop by on your way to the Anne Frank House. Designed by Karin Daan, the monument consists of three triangles of pinkish granite that together compose one giant triangle. In the picture on the left you see the first triangle close to a canal. This triangle points to the National War Memorial on the Dam in the centre of Amsterdam. The three triangles are linked by a stripe of pink bricks that are connected across a road and into a church's backyard. You won't find this monument in most of the tour guides... Like gay people in society, the monument is easy to miss but it ... [ + more ]

Hortus Botanicus, Plantage Hortus Botanicus is a botanical garden in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. One of the oldest in the world, is one of Amsterdam tourists attractions as well. Hortus Botanicus was founded in 1638 by the city to serve as herb garden for doctors and apothecaries. It contains more than six thousand tropical and indigenous trees and plants. The monumental Palm House dates from 1912 and is renowned for its collection of cycads. The garden was almost bankrupt in 1987 when the University of Amsterdam stoped to pay its expences but a community of friends (individual supporters) rescued that. Now Hortus Botanicus is supported by the Amsterdam City Council as well. Hortus Botanicus is a botanical garden in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. One of the oldest in the world, is one of Amsterdam tourists attractions as well. [ + more ]

Huis Marseille, All Areas Huis Marseille, museum for photography, organises exhibitions for photography with both contemporary and historical works. Huis Marseille is located in a 17th-century canal house in Amsterdam. With the opening of its doors in September 1999, Huis Marseille became the first platform in Amsterdam to present photographic exhibitions on a permanent basis. Huis Marseille, museum for photography, organises exhibitions for photography with both contemporary and historical works. Huis Marseille is located in a 17th-century canal house in ... [ + more ]

Jordann, All Areas The Jordaan is a district of the city of Amsterdam, now know for beeing one of best places to shop in Europe, specially in Nine streets. This place is also attended by students, artists and youg professionals. The Jordaan is a district of the city of Amsterdam, now know for beeing one of best places to shop in Europe, specially in Nine ... [ + more ]

Koninklijk Paleis (Royal Palace), All Areas The Palace was originally built as the city hall of Amsterdam, but now in use by the Royal House. It is famous for its paintings, sculptures and furniture.It is generally open to the public, if not used for official occasions. The Palace was originally built as the city hall of Amsterdam, but now in use by the Royal House. It is famous for its paintings, ... [ + more ]

Leidse Square, All Areas Known as the Leidseplein, the Leidse Square has a shops, restaurants, cafes, cinemas, a casino, theaters, live music venues, and nightclubs. In the weekend It's the meeting point for young people take a drink. It's one of the centres for nightlife in the city. Known as the Leidseplein, the Leidse Square has a shops, restaurants, cafes, cinemas, a casino, theaters, live music venues, and nightclubs. [ + more ]

Madame Tussaud's Scenerama, All Areas Madame Tussaud Scenerama is housed in a very large building in the center of Amsterdam. It is spread over four floors. An entire section is devoted to Dutch history, and more specifically, the history of Amsterdam. Many European celebrities, sports figures, artists and royalty are present to greet guests (in wax at least). There is a section with contemporary Hollywood stars and another devoted to famous historical figures such as Gandhi and Einstein. Madame Tussaud Scenerama is housed in a very large building in the center of Amsterdam. It is spread over four floors. An entire section is ... [ + more ]

Magna Plaza, All Areas for free The former Amsterdam Main Post Office is known as the Magna Plaza and it's located on Dam Square. The building is of unique beauty, mainly for for the mixture of neo-styles. In this shopping centre, you can ear the live music on the weekends or holidays, shop at the major brand shops or take a coffe at the Italian coffee bar. The former Amsterdam Main Post Office is known as the Magna Plaza and it's located on Dam Square. The building is of unique ... [ + more ]

Montelbaans Tower, All Areas for free The Montelbaans Tower is a tower on bank of the canal Oudeschans. This tower today it's the home of the City Water Office, maintaining the water levels in the canals and opened and closed the gates to the canals. The Montelbaans Tower is a tower on bank of the canal Oudeschans. This tower today it's the home of the City Water Office, maintaining ... [ + more ]

Oude Kerk, All Areas Located alongside a canal in the Red Light District, the Oude Kerk (Old Church) is the oldest monument in Amsterdam. Its large interior is quite interesting to explore, with painted ceilings, a huge organ, and amusingly carved choir stalls. Located alongside a canal in the Red Light District, the Oude Kerk (Old Church) is the oldest monument in Amsterdam. Its large interior is quite ... [ + more ]

Portuguese Synagogue, All Areas The Talmud Tora community was founded in 1639 by Jews who had fled from Spain and Portugal to the Netherlands. This is an orthodox Sefardic community and are attached to their customs and traditions and modern outlook on life. The Amsterdam Sephardic community was one of the largest and richest in Europe during the Dutch Golden Age, and their very large synagogue reflected this. On December 12, 1670, the Sephardic Jewish community of Amsterdam acquired the site to build a synagogue and construction work began on April 17, 1671, under the architect Elias Bouwman. On August 2, 1675, the Esnoga was finished. The inscription above the entrance is from Psalm 5:8: "In the abundance of Thy lovingkindness will I come into Thy house". The sign also contains "1672", the year the building was supposed to have been ready, and "Aboab", the name of the chief rabbi whose initiative it was to build the synagogue. The Talmud Tora community was founded in 1639 by Jews who had fled from Spain and Portugal to the Netherlands. This is an orthodox Sefardic ... [ + more ]

Rembrandt Square, All Areas Close to Rembrandt's house, the Rembrandt Square is very popular between the young people. Besides the statue of Rembrandt, the square is full of shops and restaurants, bars and nightclubs. Know for its bars and clubs, don't miss the Xtracold Amsterdam Ice Bar, the Mulligans for a drink and Club Rain and Escape for dancing. Close to Rembrandt's house, the Rembrandt Square is very popular between the young people. Besides the statue of Rembrandt, the square is full ... [ + more ]

Skinny Bridge, All Areas for free The Magere Brug or the Skinny Bridge crosses the river Amstel. This bridge story tells us that it's name is related to the sisters Mager, who were supposed to live on opposite sides of the river. Is very popular for beautiful photographs taken at night. The Magere Brug or the Skinny Bridge crosses the river Amstel. This bridge story tells us that it's name is related to the sisters ... [ + more ]

Vondelpark, All Areas The Vondelpark was established in1864 and is one of 30 parks of Amsterdam. The largest city park is opened to the public. Has a fantastic location close Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk Museum and Van Gogh Museum. Here you can see a free concert in the summer or just catch some sun and enjoy a picnic. The Vondelpark was established in1864 and is one of 30 parks of Amsterdam. The largest city park is opened to the public. Has ... [ + more ]

Westerkerk, All Areas for free Hendrick de Keyser (1565-1621) was the architect of Westerkerk. Commissioned by the Amsterdam City Council, the church was built between 1620 and 1631. It was not the first Protestant church built in Amsterdam, but it was the first biggest in the world for sure. Noorderkerk and Zuiderkerk preceded Westerkerk. Nieuwe Kerk and Oude Kerk were first built for Roman Catholic mass. Westerkerk was built in the Dutch Renaissance style and in the form of a patriarchal cross. The monument has a rectangular shape, is 48 metres long, 28 metres wide and 27.5 metres high to the wooden barrel vaulting in the nave. Eye-catching is the bright, undimmed sunlight pouring in from every angle via the 36 large windows (the light is not obstructed by any adjacent buildings). This 'light effect' is further enforced by the whitewashed inner walls. Apart from the large windows, the church is also characterised by grey-white painted ornaments made of natural stone between the white plasterings. Pillars, arcs, joists, pilasters and the main frame of the lower floor are made of Bentheim sandstone painted dark grey. Since the Westerkerk was commissioned by the Amsterdam City Council at the time, the city arms are a recurring theme in the church. Both the nave and the two high side aisle bays are covered with wooden barrel vaults, forming groined vaults at their crossbeams. The remaining low side aisle bays have stone cross-ribbed vaults. Hendrick de Keyser (1565-1621) was the architect of Westerkerk. Commissioned by the Amsterdam City Council, the church was built between 1620 and 1631. It ... [ + more ]