12 places to visit in amsterdam that will blow your mind

Amsterdam is one of the leading tourist attractions in Europe boasting of the most beautiful canals, famous museums, diverse and delicious food, and vibrant nightlife. Having visited Amsterdam, one has a good number of attractions to enjoy having been that it is the capital of Netherlands. From historic sites to trendy neighborhoods, here are 12 amazing places to visit in Amsterdam that are sure to blow your mind: From historic sites to trendy neighborhoods, here are 12 amazing places to visit in Amsterdam that are sure to blow your mind:

1. Canals of Amsterdam

A boat ride along the canals of the city would be incomplete without a ride along the 17th-century canal system in Amsterdam. Cruise through picturesque houses, famous bridges, and people strolling as they enjoy the traffic, which is on the canals that UNESCO listed as World Heritage. Many small boat companies including Those Dam Boat Guys provide a small group tour that is perfect for taking photos of the skinny bridge and the Nine Streets shopping area.

2. Van Gogh Museum

Exhibiting sixty-five of the total 860 paintings produced by the post-Impressionist artist, Vincent Van Gogh, the Van Gogh Museum provides the visitors with a full preview of this prolific painter’s work. Breathe the atmosphere of Spain and Italy, contemplate the masterpieces such as Almond Blossom, and gain insight into the driving force and the suffering of the artist’s soul depicted in his self-portraits. It is advisable to grab some coffee and Dutch apple pie at the museum cafe to enjoy a snack in between the visits.

3. Royal Palace of Amsterdam

Although the official royal residence is located in the Hague, the lavish former city hall remains in use as the Royal Palace of Amsterdam. See palatial gilded ceilings, stunning mosaics, huge chandeliers, and paintings by Rembrandt and Ferdinand Bol when you are having an audio-guided tour of the 6000-room-strong National Monument. Visit the palace during the King’s Day on 27th April to see the palace exterior with orange strings draped around.

4. Anne Frank House

Learn about history and the Second World War at the 17th-century canal house where young Jewish girl Anne Frank and her family hid for over two years from the Nazis. The Secret Annex now houses a meticulously selected museum that invokes the actual photographs and select entries from Anne’s diary, which offer a glimpse into her cloistered life in the Annex. Visit the place by going through the hidden door that is in the building; the look at the Secret Annex is so spooky that you would want to see it personally; however, you should book tickets for the place in advance since there would be many people wanting to go there as well.

5. Rijksmuseum

Home to some of the best works of art of the Dutch Golden Age including Rembrandt van Rijn’s famous painting of The Night Watch, the Rijksmuseum is one of the most fascinating art galleries in the world. Full the audio guide of the towering galleries with the fine Delft pottery, scaled models of Dutch ships, and Vermeer’s masterpieces with natural sunlight. Take a break at the museum’s modern arts café amidst the sculpture garden or in the new Asian Pavilion with a fabulous view of the city.

6. Vondelpark

As the city park in an active Amsterdam setting, Vondelpark offers relief from the surrounding city life. The large park equipment is in the English style, and features include ponds with swans, open lawns for picnicking, and numerous pedestrian bridges; there are also hilly paths with sculptures. Spend hours at ’T Blauue Theehuis – an open-air cafe, watch free summer performances at the Vondelpark Openluchttheater, or visit the art market where local artists exhibit their works on Sundays.

7. The Jordaan District

Located in the heart of Amsterdam, Jordaan District offers delightful views of the canals, painted houses with flower boxes, and a variety of shops and cafes. Where the Jordaan was once an ordinary working-class district, creativity now bubbles, and visitors can experience the Houseboat Museum and Electric Ladyland, the first museum dedicated to fluorescent art The brown cafes are great places for bitterballen and the Noordermarkt is a must-visit for a vintage clothing shopping spree on Mondays.

8. De Pijp Neighborhood

This is about Amsterdam’s Latin Quarter, which is the center for modern Dutch life other than in the heavily visited city core. Indeed, De Pijp is filled with global cuisine restaurants, such as Syrian or Ethiopian ones, graffiti that paints building exteriors, unique shops offering designs you will not find in any other place, and energetic bars offering the best local beer. Do not leave without visiting the vibrant Albert Cuyp Street market, admiring the Heineken Experience museum, and relaxing in the lush Sarphatipark during the sunny weather.

9. Rembrandt House Museum

Form a more personal understanding of the man and the artist that is Dutch Golden Age master Rembrandt van Rijn at the house where he lived from 1639-1658. Using the audioguide one can see through the studio in which he painted well-known works, such as The Night Watch, and view painted scenes reproduced using props and lensed illumination. Wander around the meticulously copied backyard garden and the kitchen made from materials from the 17th century and wash it down with the selection of souvenirs in the shop.

10. Red Light District

However, none of the other districts can be compared to De Wallen or the Red Light District – a unique neighborhood in Amsterdam. Though sex work is traced back to antiquity in this place, you can now watch avant-garde theatre like the iconic Casa Rosso nestling alongside erotic arts such as museums, and live sex theaters. Further, than the provocative ostentatious windows, the area offers inviting British pubs, luxurious chocolate stores, the Old Church, and impressive canal-side murals & graffiti.

11. NEMO Science Museum

Rich and diverse, visitors enjoy engaging physics shows, Climate change exhibit to name a few, the green copper NEMO Science Museum is fun for learners of all ages. Climb the actual steep roof for the best view of the city skyline at night, go to a laser shooting range and compete with friends, get lost in a maze filled with mirrors, and experience a real-life virtual ICU Ward. While walking through NEMO, you always feel that the interactive collections end and new ones begin and this makes you look at science from a different perception.

12. Amsterdamse Bos Park

Swap urban free roaming for outdoorsy activities at Amsterdamse Bos, a mammoth 1,000-hectare green oasis on the outskirts of the city center offering cycling tracks, sandy dunes, horse riding, boating, several restaurants serving pancakes, and Climb in the Clouds – a high ropes course. Go standup paddleboarding on Bosbaan Lake; you can also hire kayaks to explore the narrow streams with dense tree coverage; or if you get hungry, you can hire bikes or trek through the beautiful natural area and then hire a picnic table with goals for one of several playground areas.

Amsterdam is filled with spectacular art museums, rich history sites, vibrant upbeat areas, and vast parklands to list just a few. Never very large and with a laid-back air, the Dutch capital and its surrounding areas have so much more to offer than its stock tourist district. Now that you know more about these amazing attractions in Amsterdam, which one makes you want to pack your bags and go on a travel? The only way to find out is to get a firsthand experience by booking a trip, and exploring this amazing city!

Read More:

Top 10 best places to visit in Tokyo

Amsterdam Tourist Attractions - Top 10 Sightseeing

Rome for free: 7 must-see attractions

Top 9 places to visit in New York city for first time visitors

10 most beautiful places to visit in Barcelona Spain

Top 15 perfect places to visit in London

Singapore 10 must place to visit now