The most beautiful places to go in Amsterdam

If you're planning a trip to Amsterdam, you'll probably want to know where to go in town.

With its olive-green canals and beautiful gabled houses, waterside bars, bustling markets and exquisite art, Amsterdam never fails to charm.

Today, I'm talking about the main things to see in town.

Where to go in Amsterdam: article summary

Where to go in Amsterdam: the flower market

What a delight to stroll past the stalls of the city's magnificent floating flower market, the Bloemenmarkt. Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, some stalls close on Sundays.

The market is located along the south bank of the Singel. Popular with locals and tourists alike, it is one of the main flower suppliers in central Amsterdam, but its flowers and bulbs now share stall space with souvenir clogs, garden gnomes, earthenware from Delft and other similar objects.

Explore Zeeburg

At the northeastern end of downtown, Zeeburg has become one of the city's most promising neighborhoods. In fact, a series of artificial islands and peninsulas linked by bridges.

The quays here date back to the late 19th century. By the early 1990s, the area was virtually derelict, so the city council embarked on a massive renovation, which has been going on for some fifteen years.

As a result, it's the fastest-growing part of Amsterdam, with a mix of renovated port structures and iconic new buildings that give it a modern feel distinctly different from the city center.

Where to go in Amsterdam: discover the Begijnhof

A small footbridge on the north side of the Spui leads to the BegijnhofA group of impeccably maintained old houses. It's one of the most fascinating sights in the city center, and one of the free things to do in Amsterdam.

The place was founded in the 14th century as a home for beguines, members of a Catholic sorority living as nuns, but without vows and with the right to return to the secular world.

Take a stroll through the Albert Cuypmarkt

A stroll along the city's best market is a great way to pass the time. It's open every day except Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

It stretches for over a kilometer between Ferdinand Bolstraat and Van Woustraat and is the city's largest, with a wide range of stalls selling everything, from raw herring sandwiches to casseroles.

Enjoy a concert at the Concertgebouw

Going to a concert at the Concertgebouw, one of the city's most impressive concert halls, is a wonderful experience, especially when the Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra is performing.

The acoustics of the Grote Zaal (large hall) remain unsurpassed, while the smaller Kleine Zaal regularly hosts concerts by local bands.

One of the best free things to do in Amsterdam is to listen to the free 30-minute Wednesday lunchtime concerts held from September to May and in July and August. Perfect for a musical break during your trip.

Where to go in Amsterdam: stroll through the Vondelpark

Amsterdam lacks green spaces, which makes the green expanses of the Vondelparkone of the city's best attractions.

The park boasts a wide variety of local and imported plants, an excellent rose garden and a network of ponds and narrow waterways that are home to many species of wild birds.

Other animals include cows, sheep, hundreds of squirrels and a large colony of noisy parakeets.

During the summer, the park regularly hosts free concerts and theatrical performances, mainly in its own open-air theater. specially designed for events like these.

Discover Gassan diamonds

Before the Second World War, many local Jews worked as diamond cutters and polishers. However, there are no signs of this industry in the surrounding area.

Today, the Gassan Diamonds factory is the main exception. Free daily guided tours include a visit to the cutting and polishing areas, as well as a stroll through the Gassan's diamond jewelry showroom.

Garden of the Rijksmuseum

If you're a little tired of the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam, the Rijksmuseum Garden is a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city, with a diversity of trees, shrubs, flowers and statues.

The garden is divided into several sections, including a rosarium, a pond with fountains and a secluded area with benches for you to enjoy. sit back and relax as you contemplate the surroundings.

Where to go in Amsterdam: Dam Square

A walk around the Dam squareThe square, which gave Amsterdam its name, is the perfect place to spend some time in the heart of the city. What's more, a visit to the square is free of charge.

Today, it's an open, airy space, but somewhat disjointed. This lack of harmony is caused by the presence of the municipal war memorial. Nevertheless, for its historical value, Place du Dam is a place not to be missed.

During your trip to Amsterdam, you'll be able to discover many exceptional places. I recommend that you take a few days and visit the city in depth.

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