Amsterdam is one of the few cities in the world where the streets, the atmosphere and the people are an attraction in themselves. It is famous all over the world for its liberal attitude towards sex and drugs but, of course, there is far much more to Amsterdam than drugs and prostitutes.

Built on a cobweb of canals, a trip around the city on a canal boat is one of the best ways to see the city that is so widely known as the ‘Venice of the North’. On them you don’t only get to see most of the city but you also get to appreciate its unique architecture.

Amsterdam is heaving with culture also. The Netherlands has the most museums per square foot than any other country in the world, and the best of these are in Amsterdam. In particular, the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank Museum should not be missed.

Main Attractions in Amsterdam

Amsterdam canal ring

The city old centre is formed from canal rings, which give you the feeling of space, freedom and peace. Walk through these canal streets or better – take a trip with a boat by boarding one of the tourist cruises or by renting the boat yourself. Anther way to explore the Venice of the North is to take a ride on a bicycle. Any way you decide for – enjoy this city, one of the most beautiful in the world.

Anne Frank House

A visit to the house where Anne Frank hid from the Nazis for over two years is an extremely emotional experience, yet also a very enjoyable one. The museum tells the history of the eight people in who hid there between 1942 and 1944 and those who helped them during their hiding.

Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum is regarded as one of the ten principal museums in the world and is acclaimed for its collection of Netherlandish paintings from the 15th to the late 19th century. Its most famous painting is Rembrandt’s Nightwatch.

If you only have a limited amount of time, head for the Dutch Masters section on the first floor. Here’s where you’ll find more of Rembrandt’s best known work, including The Kitchen Maid and The Young Woman Reading a Letter by Johannes Vermeer, each capturing a moment in the lives of two women.

Van Gogh Museum

With over 1.3 million visitors in 2004, the Van Gogh Museum is the Dutch capital’s most popular museum. It houses a permanent collection of over 200 paintings and 500 drawings by Van Gogh and tells the story of the eccentric Dutch artist.

The Royal Palace

Built in 1648 when Amsterdam was the one of the wealthiest cities in the world, its original purpose was as City Hall. By 1808 it was turned into a palace when King Louis Napoleon arrived in town. It is from this period that the impressive decor dates from.

Stedelijk Museum

The Stedelijk Museum has the best collection of modern art in Amsterdam and presents over 1,000 modern art exhibits, from 1850 to the present day. Its features include paintings by Cézanne, Chagall, Picasso, and Monet among others. The museum also has a prized collection of paintings and drawings by the Russian artist Kasimir Malevich.

Vondelpark

Close to the Leidseplein and Amsterdam’s premier museums this is the city’s largest park of the city, and by far the most popular with visitors and locals alike. The park is especially busy in the summer and on sunny winter days. As you would expect, the park is always alive with skaters, joggers and all sorts of street performers.

Magere Brug

Of Amsterdam’s 1280 or so bridges, the Magere Brug, or “ Skinny Bridge” is the most famous. It is a traditional double-leaf, Dutch draw-bridge connecting the banks of the river Amstel. Approximately every twenty minutes, the bridge opens to let boats through. The original bridge was built in 1670, but as the traffic on Amstel increased, a wider bridge was built to replace the narrow one.

Begijnhof

A narrow, vaulted passageway leads to this charming garden surrounded by old houses. The houses in the courtyard were once occupied by devout celibate Béguine nuns and are still home to single women today. In the centre of the lawns is a medieval church and at No.34 stands the oldest house in Amsterdam.

Red Light District

Beer and party atmosphere, sex for sale, and limitless people-watching. The stores are full of hardcore videos, magazines and sex toys. The Red Light District is somewhat of a sexual amusement park and often not taken too seriously by the hordes of tourist who frequent it. The famous red window lights are striking against the quaint, old canal houses and even the fairy lights that line the bridges at night are coloured red. Although it is generally considered to be a very safe area, care should still be taken when walking through the quieter streets of the area. There is a strict “no photography” policy.

Best Time to Visit : April to mid October