Home to renowned museums, legendary canals, and colorful tulips, Amsterdam is one of the most popular cities for travelers in Europe. While touring around Amsterdam, you can visit breathtaking historical and architectural sites, dine on delicious Dutch delicacies, and take in the city's vibrant culture. Here are eight must-visit sites when planning your trip to Amsterdam.
Anne Frank House: This historic house is where Anne Frank hid from the Nazi's during WWII. With an audio tour, you can venture through the Secret Annex of the house where Anne wrote her famous diary while in hiding. Located on Prinsengracht, the Anne Frank House is open daily from 9am until 7pm with an entrance fee of €9.50. Insider tip: The lines can be quite long so we recommend arriving early in the morning.
Rijksmuseum: This renowned museum is one of the greatest attractions in the city and holds the famous works of Rembrandt, Vermeer, and other Dutch masters. Take the time to stroll through the many collections and galleries containing more than 8,000 items. Rijksmuseum is located at Museumstraat 1 and is open from 9am until 5pm daily with an entrance fee of €19. Insider tip: Buy your tickets online beforehand to skip the queues.
Vondelpark: This beautiful park is one of Amsterdam's largest open spaces and a perfect spot to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. You can take a leisurely stroll or explore the park's extensive lawns, ponds, and flower gardens. Admission to Vondelpark is free and it's open from 6am until 12am daily. Insider tip: Enjoy a picnic on the grass or listen to performances at the open-air theatre.
Van Gogh Museum: Named after the famous Dutch painter, this modern museum offers an in-depth look at the life and work of Vincent van Gogh. Marvel at the 400 paintings, 500 drawings, and 700 letters, as well as other works of the Post-Impressionist artist. The Van Gogh Museum is located at Museumplein and is open daily from 9am until 7pm with an entrance fee of €17. Insider tip: Buy your tickets online ahead of time to avoid long queues.
Amsterdam Canal Cruise: Take a scenic boat tour along the Amsterdam canals and experience Amsterdam from a unique perspective. On the cruise, you can admire the city's historic architecture, beautiful canals, and vibrant culture. No visit to Amsterdam is complete without a canal cruise! Cruises start from Central Station and typically cost €25. Insider tip: Buy your tickets online beforehand to avoid long queues.
Cheese Museum: Sample some of Holland's best cheeses at this museum dedicated to Dutch cheesemaking. Tour the onsite factory and learn about the history and craft of Dutch cheese. The Cheese Museum is open daily from 10am until 5pm and admission is €5. Insider tip: Buy a selection of Dutch cheeses to take home!
Dutch Cuisine: From traditional Dutch pancakes to delicious stamppot dishes, Amsterdam has no shortage of delicious food to try. Be sure to sample some of the city's local favorites like bitterballen, hutspot, and poffertjes. Insider tip: Visit the iconic Pancake Bakery for some of the best pancakes in the city.
From the historical Anne Frank House to the world-renowned Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam is home to stunning architectural sites and impressive museums. There is something for everyone in this vibrant city – from beautiful canals to delicious Dutch cuisine. There's no better way to explore Amsterdam than to make your own journey and explore its remarkable sights and attractions!