What is there to do in Amsterdam?

There's always something Things to do in Amsterdam.

This city is nicknamed the "Venice of the North".

It takes its name from its vast network of canals.

There are over 100 km of canals, most of them navigable by boat.

But the canals aren't the only attraction.

Today, I'd like to take you on a quick tour of Amsterdam.

Things to do in Amsterdam: article summary

Things to do in Amsterdam: stroll along the canals

Strolling along the canals is one of the best things to do in Amsterdam.

Singel is the first of these canals and was originally the moat surrounding the main town center. Three other canals form the core of the canal ring: Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht. Like the spokes of a wheel, these canals are crossed by streets, bridges and smaller canals.

The western section of the canal ring is the most picturesque. This is the location of De 9 Straatjes. These nine little streets are a haven of boutiques, cafés, art galleries and restaurants. You can easily spend an afternoon here, hopping from store to store. Even if shopping isn't your thing, this neighborhood, with its jumble of canal houses and cobblestone streets, is a great place to spend an afternoon, is a pleasure to explore.

Visit the Anne Frank House

Visit Anne Frank House is one of Amsterdam's most visited museums.

During the Second World War, Anne Frank and her family lived in a secret annex in Amsterdam, safe from the Nazis. Anne, her mother, father and sister, along with four other Jews, shared a tiny space measuring just 42 square meters.

It was at this time that Anne kept a diary that would become one of the most famous historical documents of the Second World War.

Anne and her family were eventually discovered, arrested and sent to concentration camps. Only her father, Otto Frank, survived.

The museum complex now comprises several houses.

When you visit Anne Frank's house, you can see the hidden rooms and the mobile library that hid the entrance to these rooms.

Things to do in Amsterdam: visit the Rijksmuseum

Visit Rijksmuseum is a huge museum displaying 8,000 works of art. In this museum, you'll see masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer and Frans Hals.

The building, a masterpiece in its own right, opened in 1885. It has recently undergone and reopened in 2013.

A visit here can take as little as an hour, if you only want to see the main works. If you're interested in Dutch art, plan to spend at least half a day here.

Together with the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum is located on Museumplein, an open green space that is a popular picnic and meeting place in warm weather.

The Van Gogh Museum

Visit Van Gogh museum is more compact than the huge Rijksmuseum. This modern building contains the world's largest collection of works by Van Gogh. In recent years, the most visited museum in the Netherlands.

You can only buy tickets online. Do so before you travel, as you may not find a seat if you book on the same day.

Things to do in Amsterdam: a picnic in Vondelpark

Vondelpark is Amsterdam's largest green space. It's right next to the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum on Museumplein, so it's a great place to stroll if you want a break between museums.

If you travel to cycling in AmsterdamThis park, with its wide paths, is great fun to explore.

Explore Amsterdam by bike or boat

Amsterdam is a compact city, with its main tourist attractions clustered in and around the city center, so getting around on foot is child's play. However, there are a few exploring the city by bike is great fun.

In Amsterdam, there are more bicycles than inhabitants. Near Central Station and around the city, parking lots are packed with bikes. And along the city streets, there are separate cycle lanes and lampposts for cyclists.

Another great way to see the city is to take a tour. canal cruise. There are many options, from closed boats for large groups to boat trips with private tours.

There's plenty to do in Amsterdam. During your stay, you'll be able to discover all these things and more. enjoy this magnificent city with friends or family.

What to do in Amsterdam in 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, a week?

Whatever the length of your stay, I invite you to download my special Amsterdam guide.

It's free and in PDF format.

All you have to do is tell me below which e-mail address you'd like to receive it at.

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Take the quiz at the top of this article and you'll be able to register your email address to receive the special Amsterdam guide!