Amsterdam attractions not to be missed

Everyone's looking for a a good idea when visiting Amsterdam.

Today, I'd like to take you on a journey of discovery to some unusual, historic and unmissable places!

Amsterdam tip: article summary

Amsterdam tip: take a canal cruise

The canal belt sparkles at night and the view is even more dreamy from the water. Take a boat trip through the golden arches of the illuminated bridges and take a look at the city's largest 17th-century canal houses.

In December and January, the Festival of Lights offers added pleasure, with cruise lines such as Blue Boat organizing guided tours of the illuminated art installations in and around the canals and harbor.

Discover the city's artistic venues

The Museumplein, a huge square lined with four art museums, is the place to be for culture lovers. Modern art galleries occupy the northwest side, with :

• The museum Stedelijk
• Visit Van Gogh museum
• Visit Moco

Above the northern entrance to the square is the sumptuous Rijksmuseum with 80 galleries of objects spanning 800 years.

On the second floor, giant model ships and dolls' houses will delight children. You can also discover the hushed atmosphere surrounding masterpieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer. in the splendid Galerie Principale.

Amsterdam tip: lunch at De Pijp

The lively neighborhood De PijpFerdinand Bolstraat, in the canal's student southern suburbs, is a paradise for hungry visitors. Stroll from north to south along Ferdinand Bolstraat to discover everything from vegan restaurants to Taiwanese bubble teas.

Crossing the main street is Albert Cuypstraat marketEurope's largest market and the ideal place to enjoy freshly prepared Dutch snacks such as poffertjes and stroopwafels.

Venture into the red-light district

Visitors will be amazed at just how much the red-light district Amsterdam's much-maligned district offers a certain security, especially during the day. Red-lit shop windows, sex shops and strip bars rub shoulders with art galleries, barbershops and cafés.

For a glimpse of the capital's open attitude to sex, explore the oldest part of the city. should be on every Amsterdam travel list.

Amsterdam tip: visit NEMO and its science exhibitions

In the shape of a copper-green ship rising from the docks in the east of the capital, NEMOthe science museum, offers six floors of interactive exhibits, from giant bubble-making on the second floor to weather-powered installations on the huge pitched roof.

Featuring giant kissing tongues and a Kama sutra of positions performed by tiny wooden dolls, the fourth-floor sex exhibit may seem surprising for a family museum. However, it's a place to not to be missed on your visit to the city!

Visit the Royal Palace

The austere 17th-century architecture of this former town hall, where interrogations and hangings brought swift justice, gives the Palais de Versailles a rather warm feel.

Later, the building was transformed into a sumptuous palace when Louis Napoleon, briefly King of Holland, to his own extravagant tastes.

Visit palace was transferred to the Dutch House of Orange in 1813, but many magnificent Empire pieces remain, including a gold clock featuring Louis Napoleon dressed as Julius Caesar, embodying the vanity and decadence of the period.

Amsterdam tip: swing from a skyscraper

To see Amsterdam from a different angle, climb the A'DAM tower and discover Europe's highest swing.

Visit Over the Edge swing offers an incredible experience 100 m above the ground. A must-try when you're in town!

Go shopping in the nine streets

The Negen Straatjes link the city's four main canals. Just south of the Anne Frank House are nine small streets full of :

• Elegant boutiques
• Vintage clothing stores
• Coffee shops

Here you can :

• Discover local brands such as Denham and Scotch & Soda
• Create your own jewelry at Beadies
• Browse vinyl at Waxwell Records.

Expect to spend a perfect day shopping in the heart of the city!

Amsterdam tip: dine in a Chinese palace

On the eastern flank of the red light district is Amsterdam's Chinatown. A stroll through along the Zeedijk will take you past :

• A Buddhist temple
• Asian supermarkets
• Snack bars
• Restaurants

To round off your visit in style, head northeast to the harbor and climb aboard the Sea Palace, a three-story floating pagoda known for its tasty dimsum.

Design your own chocolate bar

Amsterdam, Europe's largest cocoa port, is now home to one of the country's leading chocolate brands: Tony Chocolonely. Founded in 2005 to combat the use of child labor in the industry, the site offers you a unique experience.

Free samples galore and a machine to design your own chocolate bar at the Super Store near the main station. A perfect family activity if you've got half an hour to spare.

There are plenty of good deals to be had in Amsterdam. During your visit, you can enjoy unique experiences on your own or with your family.

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

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