Famous for its incredible canal system, art collections, and gabled homes, Amsterdam is a beautiful destination – and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe! Whether you’re planning to spend most of your time there, or are keen on adding Amsterdam to your Eurotrip itinerary, you can’t go wrong with planning a visit to this historic city.
With countless museums, galleries, and entertainment sites, it can be hard to decide where to go first. Which cultural hotspots should you make time for during your Amsterdam stay? Read on to find out our list of 10 must-visit tourist spots in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam is part of my recent Dream Euro Birthday Trip: 26 Days in Europe + Turkey !
Rijksmuseum
No visit to Amsterdam is complete without stopping by its national museum the Rijksmuseum – one of the must-visit tourist spots in Amsterdam. Housing exhibits and items that tell the story of over 800 years of Dutch history, it’s home to many of the most famous artworks in the world. Marvel at the masterpieces of Van Gogh, Rembrandt, and Vermeer! Don’t forget to check which pieces will be on display – though it has over a million artworks, it can only exhibit up to 8,000 at a time. Buy an entrance ticket online
Van Gogh Museum
This museum has the largest collection of Vincent Van Gogh’s artworks in the world. Immerse yourself in his creations through the Meet Vincent Van Gogh Experience, a 3D experience that tells his story through technology and images. It also has notable sculptures and artworks by his contemporaries, such as Rodin, Monet, and Seurat. Buy entrance ticket
Anne Frank House
For an educational and moving experience, go to the Anne Frank House for a guided tour into the Secret Annex. Get an inside look into the story of this brave young woman and her diary-writing years, before her life was tragically cut short by the horrors of World War II.
Royal Palace of Amsterdam
One of the largest, most magnificent buildings in the city, the Royal Palace of Amsterdam is open to visitors for most of the year. Visit to view works by some of the most distinguished artists of the Dutch Golden Age, a collection of Napoleonic Empire furniture and clockworks, and historic artworks featuring the House of Orange-Nassau.
Red Light District
Found in the oldest part of Amsterdam, the infamous Red Light District is home to Casa Rosso, one of the world’s oldest erotic theatres providing 18+ entertainment. Visit one of the many quaint coffee shops in the area and take a sneak peek into this hidden world by visiting the Red Light Secrets Museum of Prostitution.
Rembrandt House Museum
The famous painter Rembrandt lived in this historic home from 1639 and 1656, and it’s since been turned into a museum that contains works from the master and his contemporaries. Peer through faithful recreations of his rooms and workspace. There are also paint-making and etching demonstrations scheduled regularly!
Dam Square
An ideal spot to end or begin your Amsterdam visit, Dam Square is near many famous local attractions such as the National Monument, an obelisk commemorating World War II soldiers. Take a cruise of the canals, view art at the New Church, buy souvenirs at De Bijenkorf, and gaze at wax replicas at Madame Tussaud’s!
Canals of Amsterdam
The unique and beautiful canals in Amsterdam are of great historical and cultural value. Every canal in the city has its own charm so you’ll have fun exploring them. The best way to see them is from the water. You can either rent a paddle boat and explore on your own or take a canal cruise with a tour guide.
Vondelpark
One of the most popular parks in the Netherlands, Vondelpark is the biggest city park in Amsterdam. It is situated close to other must-visit tourist spots in Amsterdam like Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk Museum, and Van Gogh Museum. The park attracts millions of visitors every year.
National Monument
Standing an imposing 22-meters high in the center of Amsterdam’s Dam Square, the National Monument is the Netherlands’ most important memorial to World War II. It was designed by Dutch architect J.J.P. Oud and unveiled by Queen Juliana of the Netherlands on 4 May 1956.
