Exploring the Amazing City of Amsterdam: Visits and Must-See Attractions

I’ve been fortunate to visit Amsterdam multiple times, and there’s always more to see each time. This fascinating city inspires this week’s article…

Exploring the Amazing City of Amsterdam: Visits and Must-See Attractions

Amsterdam has cultural richness and historical significance, all wrapped up in a package that waits for travelers worldwide to unwrap. Whether you’re visiting for a land tour or before or after a cruise, the city is a gateway to a new life experience.

Not only does Amsterdam boast unforgettable attractions that mark it at the top of travelers list (something that those who have visited Amsterdam often attest to), but it also has incredible activities that won’t disappoint.

Unraveling the layers to reveal Amsterdam’s true charm, this exploration ventures into must-see attractions, canal cruises offering a sea-level perspective, and the iconic windmills that define the countryside.

Must-See Attractions in Amsterdam

Let’s begin our exploration of Amsterdam’s most iconic sights. While there are countless at hand, and more than one of them are ‘hidden’ gems, we’re going to use this chance to overview the top-most well-known attractions. After all, there’s a reason they’ve become so popular…

Anne Frank House

The Anne Frank House stands as a poignant starting point, serving as a solemn reminder of the atrocities of World War II and the profound impact of widespread prejudice.

Visitors who seek to relive the emotions that make this house one of the most poignant representations of truth can explore the secret annex where Anne wrote her diary or visit the rest of the house to understand her experience depicted in her entries.

The house is on the Prinsengracht canal, close to Central Amsterdam. Because it’s such a small space, access is limited and tickets sell out quickly after release – check out this article I wrote about getting advance tickets.

Van Gogh Museum

Another key sight worth exploring is the Van Gogh Museum, renowned for housing the world’s most extensive collection of Van Gogh’s works, making it an unquestionable destination for both artists and art enthusiasts.

As one of the most influential painters in history, Van Gogh’s works have changed the world, and his genius reverberates in the halls of this museum.

You may happen upon it at the Museum Square in the borough of Amsterdam South, not far from…

Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum, meanwhile, showcases numerous masterpieces and artworks that are sure to leave you speechless, with many tracing their origins back to the Dutch Golden Age.

Some of the masterpieces featured in the Rijksmuseum include Rembrandt’s “The Night Watch,” Vermeer’s “The Milkmaid,” and Van Gogh’s self-portrait.

This Amsterdam attraction includes everything from exquisite paintings to delicate porcelain and shows the rich artistic legacy of the Netherlands. You can find it at the Museum Square in the borough of Amsterdam South.

Dam Square

Next is Dam Square, a bustling activity hub in the center of the city. It hosts the National Monument, which is a 1956 cenotaph and is the site of the national Remembrance of the Dead ceremony, which honors those who died in the Second World War and the battles that followed.

Besides the monument, the Dam Square is an oft-visited site purely because of the grandeur and the options for exploration that it affords any tourist since it’s the best place to hang out, go shopping, or enjoy the bustling environment amongst an intersection of history and modernity.

Royal Palace

Three palaces are open to the monarch in the Netherlands, and one of the greatest is in Amsterdam. The Royal Palace in Amsterdam is on the west side of Dam Square and opposite the Memorial, bringing an entirely different expression to the area: one of beauty, splendor, and riches. This is one of the most visited tourist destinations – because, let’s face it, who doesn’t want a shot at feeling like royalty?

Vondelpark

On the other hand, if the attractions are getting a little too much, Vondelpark is a perfect place to unwind and relax from the city. With nature and tranquility as the tagline, this urban park is a wonderful choice for visitors who want to take a break and don’t want to leave the city yet.

Attractions Beyond the Typical

Explore places that aren’t on everyone’s radar and find hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. From cozy cafes in quiet corners to charming parks off the tourist maps, there’s a world of attractions beyond the usual sights. Take a chance, step off the main path, and uncover the unique charm of lesser-known destinations.

City of Canals and Waterways

In the Dutch Golden Age, Amsterdam became a hub of activity, and it has retained that consideration ever since, especially since it built a network of over 165 canals to facilitate trade and transport – canals still being used today!

Owing to the majesty of a city-wide attraction, Amsterdam has become famous for its canal cruises, and the reason this is beyond the ‘typical’ must-see attractions is that it’s something that changes the very nature of the city – Amsterdam would not be Amsterdam without its canals and canal cruises

The Canals have since been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site for their history and majesty, and they web around the city, offering a border that defines it. Additionally, there are more than 1200 bridges, over 1500 monumental buildings, 2000+ boats, and more, all within the limits of the border posed by the Canals, making it one of the greatest attractions ever.

Windmills of Dutch Amsterdam

Even when you imagine an image of Amsterdam or the Dutch legacy, there is a great chance that you’ll find a windmill in the picture. The windmill is, after all, an esteemed Dutch tradition that even led to a holiday named after it – May 11th.

It’s not even surprising to note that, once upon a time, there used to be more than 10,000 fully operational windmills all around the Netherlands, and some of the most iconic ones remain standing, a few of which are in Amsterdam.

For example, the Molen Van Sloten (Sloten Windmill) is a reconstruction on the base of a structure from 1847. Another destination, Zaanse Schans, is a free outdoor park open year-round for people of all ages. It also has a collection of windmills inside.

Final Say

In Amsterdam, the true magic is not just the iconic attractions or the city-spanning must-sees like windmills and canals. The true magic is you visiting those spaces and embracing the wonder of being in places of history and advancement and learning to take a piece of it home with you in your heart.

Whether you’re going on a canal cruise in Amsterdam, visiting an iconic windmill, or even just walking around Vondelpark or Dam Square, know that every corner of Amsterdam holds a story waiting to be discovered.