Get lost in Amsterdam. Soak up some culture. Catch the ferry to Amsterdam North. Hop on your bike. Take a canal cruise. Visit Anne Frank House. Go beer tasting. Immerse yourself in food, drink, and culture at Westergasfabriek here are the top 12 things to do in Amsterdam
Wandering in Amsterdam
Wandering in Amsterdam means? Keep looking three times before you cross the street the bikers are everywhere.
We lived close to the city Amsterdam so we often go in the weekend to the city for some shopping or just walk true the Streets and look around. I never get enough of the 9 Streets, This neighborhood is full to bursting with vintage and designer shopping, specialty stores and cozy cafés.
There’s a never-ending selection of things to do in Amsterdam in any weather.
Hop on your bike, get lost by the canals, visit Rijksmuseum or van Gogh museum, catch the ferry to Amsterdam North and visit the NDSM wharf, take a canal cruise, buy some tulips at the Bloemenmarkt, discover park life at the Vondelpark, go for some street food at the Food Hallen, take a beer at the many terraces of the Leidsche plein
1.Wandering at De Negen Straatjes or The 9 Streets
An area near the Jordaan with lots of cute fashionable shops and yummy cafes, de Negen Straatjes or “Nine Streets” area is a great place to wander. Do some window shopping and maybe grab a bite to eat or a coffee.The Nine Streets area is framed by three streets stretching from Prinsengracht to the Singel. It is called the Nine Streets because it is made up of three parallel avenues which are broken up by the Keizersgracht and Herengracht canals, making nine little sections.
2.Visit Museumplein
Home to the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum , Museumplein is the cultural beating heart of Amsterdam, the open square between the buildings pulses with activity all day; with open-air exhibitions, markets and a large paddling pool to dip your toes into on warmer days. In the winter months, the square transforms with a vast outdoor ice rink.
3.Catch the ferry to Amsterdam North
Many visitors to Amsterdam never manage to venture north of Amsterdam Central Station- which is a shame, considering the vibrant food, drink and cultural scene that’s burgeoned across the water, along with the banks of the IJ. A short (free) ferry trip will take you to a number of drop off points including cultural hotspot NDSM, where you can enjoy a host of hip waterside hangouts, frequent festivals, and events.
4.Take a canal cruise
Created in the 17th century to keep the sea at bay, Amsterdam’s UNESCO protected canal belt is the quintessential picture-postcard vision of Amsterdam, and an unbelievably pretty sight by both day and night - when the bridges are lit up by fairy lights and the whole area takes on a magical feel. Floating along the canals by guided boat tour is a great way to get under the fabric of the city, and you’ll learn lots of fascinating facts along the way
5. Hang out at Vondelpark
Vondelpark is the largest park in Amsterdam and the most popular and well-known park all throughout the Netherlands. With over 10 million visitors each year it surely is one of Amsterdam’s most visited ‘attractions’. Especially during the spring and summer many are relaxing and enjoying the sun while having a picnic, drinking a beer or smoking a joint. There are people jogging, rollerblading, a free open-air theater (June, July, and August), several cafes, monuments and more. Best thing to do here? Have a picnic in the park and go people-watching
6.Anne Frank house
The Anne Frank House is where Anne Frank and her family hide during the German occupation in World War II. Its a historical museum showcasing Anne’s life, the secret annex and an exhibition on discrimination and persecution. A museum with a collection and story that’s sure to impress
7.Leidseplein
considered as Amsterdam’s nightlife hub as you’ll find many of the most popular cafes, bars, clubs and restaurants around the square or the surrounding streets. Fun both during the day as a great starting point in the evening to explore the nightlife
8.Royal Palace of Amsterdam Dam Square
The Paleis op de Dam, or the Royal Palace of Amsterdam, is located in the very heart of the city on Dam Square. It is one of three palaces that are at the monarch’s disposal thanks to an Act of Parliament. It is often used for Royal Events and official receptions and open to the public most of the year.
9. Chinatown
Amsterdam’s Chinatown is located next to the Red Light District and the Nieuwmarkt. And as the name suggests you’ll find Asian shops, restaurants and markets in this neighborhood, a better name should be Asiantown as it’s not mainly focused on China. Highlight is the Chinese Budhist Zeedijk Temple which is an impressive building with cool bright colors and typical Chinese roofing.
10. De Bloemenmarkt or The Flower market
Be sure to check out the Flower Market floating on the Singel canal! Although the flowers are not delivered by boat anymore, the ethics and the culture still remains strong and it’s sure fun to walk by
11. The Red Light District
One of the first things, besides coffee shops maybe, that tourists think of when thinking of Amsterdam, The Red Light District really has it’s own charm and whether or not you approve of the pragmatic approach of sex trade in the Netherlands this is an area to be included in your list of area’s to visit. Tip: don’t make photo’s of the ladies as it might get you in trouble.
12. Artis Zoo
Officially named Naturis Artis Magistra, this zoo dates back to 1838 which makes it the oldest Zoo in Holland. Among others it features an aquarium, planetarium and an insectarium and butterfly pavilion
