17 Best Tourist Attractions Destination in Amsterdam
01. The Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum was founded in 1809 to house the
vast collection of rare art and antiquities in the country, one of Amsterdam's
most popular attractions-and certainly its most important art repository. The
impressive collection of the museum includes some seven million artworks,
including over 5,000 important paintings spread over 250 rooms in this
sprawling building. The Rijksmuseum boasts, in addition to its paintings, a
well-stocked library of over 35,000 books and manuscripts, as well as numerous
fascinating displays dealing with the development of art and culture in the
Netherlands. His collections of traditional crafts, medieval sculpture and
modern art styles are particularly noteworthy. A variety of guided tours in the
thematic English language are available. Try the fun art history canal cruise
to take in many of the sites represented in the collections of the Rijksmuseum
for a special experience.
02. The Anne Frank
Museum
The Anne Frank Museum on the Prinsengracht is dedicated
to the all-too-short life of one of the best-known victims of the Holocaust in
the world. In the actual home where Anne's family hid for much of the Second
World War — they were Jewish refugees from Frankfurt's German city — Anne wrote
the diary that became an international bestseller after the war, just a few
years after her death at the age of 15 (she died just two months before the end
of the war). Much of the home has been kept as it was during the time of Anne,
and it serves as a poignant monument to a tragic historical period.
Next door to the Anne Frank Museum, Amsterdam's West
Church (Westerkerk) is one of the most popular churches in the city. Completed
in 1630, because of its many internal and external Gothic features, this
Renaissance church is unusual. Its 85-meter tower, popularly known as
"Langer Jan" (tall John), is the highest in the city, and a large replica
of the emperor's crown, placed there in memory of Emperor Maximilian of
Austria, is on the tip of its spire. The hours are proclaimed by a carillon
inside the tower. Other highlights include a fine organ dating back to 1622,
along with an interesting marble column placed there in memory of Rembrandt in
1906, who was buried outside the church (he was later reinterred inside the
church).
03. The Van Gogh
Museum
The spectacular Van Gogh Museum has been a
must-visit for art fans and historians since it opened in 1972. This modern
Gerrit Rietveld-designed structure, dedicated to the often troubled life and
extraordinary art of one of the most revered painters in the country, is home
to the world's largest collection of Van Gogh paintings and artifacts, much of
which was donated by his brother, Theo, and other family members. The
collection boasts an impressive 200 paintings, 500 etchings and drawings, as
well as 700 letters written to (and by) friends and family, and is divided into
key periods of the artist's life: his realistic works (1880 to 1887), including
the famous The Potato Eaters, and his Impressionist period from 1887 to 1890,
which saw the creation of Vase with Sunflowers, perhaps his most famous work.
Works by contemporaries of Van Gogh, including leading artists such as Paul
Gauguin and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, are also of interest. In such
disciplines as painting and photography, be sure to check the availability of
the museum's educational workshops.
04. The Jordaan
(neighborhood)
The Jordaan is the most popular neighborhood in
Amsterdam, known for its mix of residential areas with patios, lively markets,
and upscale boutiques and restaurants. Tourists could easily spend a day
wandering the picturesque streets, but there are many things to do in the area
as well. The area is also home to lesser-known treasures such as the Woonboat
Museum, a floating museum dedicated to houseboats, mostly known as the Anne
Frank Museum's home. Lindengracht turns into a huge open-air market on Saturday
mornings where you can find perfect local crafts, produce, flowers, and goodies
to fill a picnic basket. It is Westerstraat on Monday mornings that fills the
stalls of 200 vendors, this time selling a wide range of goods in a bazaar in
the flea market style. The restaurants and cafes of the Jordaan have become the
trendy place to sit and watch people while enjoying traditional folk music from
the Netherlands.
05. Vondelpark
Vondelpark, Amsterdam's largest and most visited
park, occupies 116 acres, containing a lot of things to see and do. In addition
to green spaces dotted with peaceful ponds and traversed by wide paths, the
park is home to a rose garden with over 70 flower types. It also has a variety
of sculptures and statues, playgrounds and other recreational facilities,
including rollerblade rental and the Vondelpark Open Air Theatre, which from
May to September serves as a venue for musical and stage productions. Do not
worry-the park is also full of cafes where you can enjoy a snack or a full
meal. As in any large city, after-dark visits to the park are not recommended.
06. Dam Square
Dam Square is, for good reason, one of Amsterdam's
most tourist-packed areas. Its most prominent feature is the Royal Palace
(Koninklijk Palace) from the 17th century, the former home of the royal family
of the Netherlands and the present royal functions venue. Dam Square also
houses top tourist attractions such as the New Church (Nieuwe Kerk); Madame
Tussauds wax museum; and the National Memorial Statue dedicated to Dutch
soldiers who lost their lives in the Second World War. This huge public square
is, of course, lined with cafes and shops, and full of vendors selling food and
souvenirs. Tourists will also find a Ferris wheel, perfect for getting a
different perspective, as well as plenty of entertainment, which ranges from
street performers to annual music festivals.
07. The Royal
Palace
Formerly the Town Hall, when he's in town, the Royal
Palace serves as the residence of the King. Its construction was a monumental
task when it began in 1648 and in support of the mammoth structure it required
the sinking of 13,659 piles. The exterior is strictly classic based on the
architecture of ancient Rome, while the interior is magnificently furnished,
its apartments are decorated with a wealth of reliefs, ornamentation, marble
sculptures and friezes, as well as ceiling paintings by Rembrandt's pupils
Ferdinand Bol and Govert FlinckOther highlights include one of the world's
finest collections of furniture; the City Treasurer's room with Cornelis
Holsteyn's marble fireplace and ceiling paintings; and the Aldermen Hall, also
featuring Bol and Flinck paintings. The Council Hall, sumptuously decorated and
one of Europe's most beautiful staterooms, is the largest and most important
room. Guided tours in English are available.
08. Rembrandt House
Museum
Other highlights include one of the finest furniture
collections in the world; the City Treasurer's room with Cornelis Holsteyn's
marble fireplace and ceiling paintings; and the Aldermen Hall, also featuring
paintings by Bol and Flinck. The Council Hall is the largest and most important
room, sumptuously decorated and one of the most beautiful staterooms in Europe.
Guided tours are available in English.
A two-minute walk from the Rembrandt House Museum is
Zuiderkerk (South Church), where three children from Rembrandt and one of his
pupils are buried. Built between 1603 and 1611, it was the first Protestant
church after the Reformation to be built in Amsterdam and designed by architect
Hendrick de Keyser, who is buried here as well. It is now a center for local
cultural activities and events after extensive restoration. Rembrandt Square,
home to numerous cafés and restaurants, along with a statue of the famous
painter, is another Rembrandt-related destination in the city.
09. The Botanical
Gardens & the Zoo
Amsterdam offers in the heart of the city a double
dose of nature. One of the oldest in the world is Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam,
the botanical garden of the city. It began as a humble herb garden for
physicians and apothecaries, founded in 1638. It now features rare plants and
trees, exotic flowers, and a large hothouse that includes various tropical
areas. Less than a five-minute walk away, in a shady garden setting dotted with
historic buildings, Natura Artis Magistra ("Artis"), Amsterdam's
excellent zoo, spotlights creatures from around the world. You can learn about
coral reef systems in the aquarium and take a look beneath a canal in
Amsterdam. Other highlights include the nocturnal animal house, zoological
museum, Insectarium, Butterfly Pavilion, and Planetarium. Also of interest near
these fun nature-based attractions is a replica of the Normaal Amsterdams Peil,
the NAP, which shows the average water level of the North Sea.
10. The Old Church
(Oude Kerk)
Built in 1306, the Old Church (Oude Kerk) and North
Holland's first hall church became the model for many other local churches.
Over the centuries, numerous additions have been built, like the large side
chapels of the early 1500s. A portal leading to the Iron Chapel, where
documents showing the privileges of the city, including the freedom from tolls
granted in 1275, were kept locked behind an iron door, is also dating from this
period. The tower was added in the 16th century and has a 1658 carillon that is
considered one of the country's finest (it also offers great city views). The
church's interior has pre-Reformation features, including three magnificent
Dutch High Renaissance windows from 1555 and finely carved wooden choir stalls.
Take a two-minute walk across the bridge to Zeedijk, one of Amsterdam's oldest
streets, after exploring this beautiful historic building. Many houses along
here lean from the vertical angle, and the house at No. 1 in the 15th century
is believed to be the city's oldest surviving building.
11. The Stedelijk:
Amsterdam's Municipal Museum
The Stedelijk Museum-Municipal Museum Amsterdam-was
founded in 1895 and is one of the most impressive collections of modern art in
Europe. The museum focuses on Dutch and French painting in the 19th and 20th centuries
and features works by several renowned art movements, including De Stijl, with
examples from Van Doesburg, Mondrian, and Rietveld; Pop Art, with works by
Rosenquist and Warhol; and painters such as Chagall, Dubuffet, De Kooning, and
Matisse. There are also examples from Rodin, Moore, Renoir, and Visser in the
sculpture garden. Guided tours in English are available, as are fun workshops
in the family.
12. The Begijnhof
The Begijnhof is one of those rare quiet downtown
spots that are simply not noticed by many tourists as they hustle from
attraction to attraction. And that's a shame, because this amazing old
Amsterdam corner just begins to stroll. While most of the old homes are
occupied, the tiny lanes and paths around them provide access to the public, so
don't be shy to explore. Views of well-kept green lawns-the
courtyards-surrounded by some of Amsterdam's oldest houses, including its only
remaining 14th century wooden house, will be rewarded. Originally occupied by a
commune of pious Catholic women (begijnen), the area's small chapel (still open
for services) saw the last of these women buried here in 1971.
13. The Jewish
Historical Museum
The Jewish Historical Museum is housed in four
redundant synagogues, one of which dates back to 1670, the Grote Synagogue.
Highlights include a large collection of religious objects such as silver Torah
containers, Torah robes and decorated Torah headdresses, as well as hangings
and ceremonial canopies (the white marble Holy Shrine is of particular
interest). There is also a large library in the museum, while there is a kosher
restaurant in the Upper Synagogue, the Obbene Sjoel. The Docker Monument, built
in 1941 to commemorate a strike when workers refused to cooperate with the
deportation of their Jewish fellow citizens, is noteworthy outside the museum.
The Portuguese Synagogue, a temple of the late 17th century housing the Ets
Haim Library, the oldest of its kind, is also of interest. Join one of the
Jewish Historical Museum's special English language tours that include the
historic Jewish Quarter for a more in-depth look at this fascinating history.
14. The New Church
& the National Monument
The New Church (Nieuwe Kerk), the official Dutch
monarch coronation church since 1814, is located near the Royal Palace in Dam Square
("The Dam") in the heart of Amsterdam. Built around 1270 to separate
the Amstel from the IJ, this historic square gave the city its name. Today, for
public functions such as antique fairs and art exhibitions, the square and
church are used. This church of the 15th century also hosts regular organ
concerts. A striking feature is its magnificent 1649 pulpit, a Baroque wood
carving marvel decorated with the four evangelists and figures that symbolize
Faith, Hope, Charity, Justice and Prudence. Also the church has a 1670 organ,
an exceptionally beautiful bronze choral screen cast, and fine choral stalls.
The tombs of famous Dutchmen, including PC Hooft and Nicolaes Tulp, and Admiral
Michiel de Ruyter's Baroque tomb, which died in 1679, are also of interest. The
stained glass windows are beautiful; one of them dates back to 1650 and depicts
William IV's granting of the city's coat of arms, while Queen's 1898 Window
commemorates Queen Wilhelmina's coronation.
The National Monument, a 22-meter-high obelisk, was
built here on the opposite side of The Dam after World War II as a memorial to
its victims and a symbol of liberation. It's been designed by J. J. P. Oud and
J. sculpture decoration. Among other things, W. Rädeler symbolizes war (four
male figures), peace (woman and child), and resistance (two men with hurling
dogs). The urns containing earth from the 11 provinces are embedded in the
obelisk, and a 12th urn contains earth from Indonesia's cemetery of honor.
Queen Juliana dedicated the monument to the National Day of Remembrance on May
4, 1956. Every year on this date, wreaths are laid here and a two-minute
silence is observed throughout the Netherlands. During other times, the
monument is a place where young people from all over the world meet.
15. Kalverstraat
and Vlooienmarkt: Shop 'til you Drop
When a little shopping therapy is needed, there
comes a point in every holiday. Amsterdam has plenty of great shopping spots,
whether for luxury high-end goods, local crafts or fun souvenirs. Kalverstraat
with many smart boutiques, galleries, perfumeries, cafés, and restaurants is
the best known-and usually the busiest. While humanity's crush may be somewhat
intimidating (especially on a Saturday), it's an experience you won't forget
soon. Head over to the Vlooienmarkt, the famous flea market in Amsterdam, held
here since 1886 for a completely different shopping experience. It's a true
smorgasbord of commodities, with everything from antiques and food to new and
used clothing. Another unique shopping experience awaits at Amsterdam's Flower
Market, an amazing spectacle that includes every imaginable type of plant. Most
of the best shopping streets fan the Muntplein, a town square once home to a
15th-century sheep market. The Munttoren (Mint Tower), which dates back to 1672
when Amsterdam was the mint's site for two years while the French occupied
Utrecht, rises above the square.
16. The Amsterdam
Museum
Housed in the former municipal orphanage built in
1414, the Amsterdam Museum has a number of spacious courtyards where visitors
can learn about Amsterdam's ever-changing role in the country and the world.
Highlights range from prehistoric finds and the original charter of the town to
contemporary items, as well as shows how the land was reclaimed from the sea.
Other highlights like the old shooting gallery are also fun to explore and
house in the inner courtyards. There's also a café on site. The library has a
rich collection of literature on the city's history, and prior arrangement can
be used to view graphics and drawings.
17. The Museum of
the Tropics
Founded in 1864, the Tropic Museum (Tropenmuseum) is
a fascinating excursion for those interested in the history of the former
colonies of the Netherlands. The museum houses numerous displays of art and
everyday objects from tropical and subtropical areas in a cavernous hall built
especially for it. Exploring the authentic bazaar is fun as you walk around and
peek inside the Far East houses as well as the fully stocked oriental shop. The
museum also hosts regular Eastern and Asian music concerts using traditional
instruments (Guided tours are available in the English language).
Comments