About Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a cosmopolitan city with a huge canal network, just like Venice. This reason stands alone in making Amsterdam the Venice of the North. Apart from canals, Amsterdam is the centre of attraction among tourists worldwide because of its charm, history, and several other things that tourists can try out on their visit. Visitors can explore over 40 museums, educational institutions, theatres, and entertainment venues here. Amsterdam originated in the 13th century AD from a small fishing village. Being the capital city of the Netherlands, it is the greatest planned city in Western Europe. During the 17th century, Amsterdam was the centre of the world economy. Some of Amsterdam's most important historical buildings were built in the 17th century, like the town hall in Dam Square, the Westerkerk and Zuiderkerk, and many canal houses.
Places to visit in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a destination that never lets down its visitors. Visitors will find lots to explore in this city, from numerous renowned museums to artistic culture, mouthwatering cuisine, and vibrant marketplaces. The list of Amsterdam's top attractions is provided below.
- Rijksmuseum: All the art fanatics and history lovers will appreciate this place. Rijksmuseum was built in 1809 to be an impressive collection of all the art and antiques of the country. In its 250 rooms, around 8,000 paintings can be explored. There is also a huge library storing thousands of manuscripts and ancient books. It is best to hire a tour guide for a better experience.
- Royal Palace of Amsterdam: Previously known as the Town Hall, this palace was the King's residence. The construction of this enormous structure started in 1648. The building's façade is purely classical in design and is based on the ancient Roman construction style. Marble statues and friezes are masterfully used to embellish the building's interior. Go ahead and admire Cornelis Holsteyn's ceiling paintings while visiting here.
- Vondelpark: This park houses around 70 types of roses, which will be a true delight for your eyes. There is also an open theatre where visitors can enjoy music and stage performances from May to September. Vondelpark has amazing cafes and restaurants like Cafe Vertigo, Blauwe Theehuis, and Vondelpark3, where people can sit, eat, and relax.
- Van Gogh Museum: One of Amsterdam's top attractions since 1972, the exquisite Van Gogh Museum is a must-visit place for everyone. The collection is divided into significant periods of the artist's life, which include his realistic works, The Potato Eaters, and his Impressionist period, along with his best-known work, Vase with Sunflowers. This museum has an impressive 200 paintings, 500 sketchings, and drawings, as well as 700 letters written to (and by) friends and family.
- Rembrandt House Museum: The House of Rembrandt and his wife Saskia was converted into the Rembrandt House Museum (Museum Het Rembrandthuis), where both spent merry years of their lives. This place is furnished in 17th-century style with multiple etchings and personal objects where Rembrandt spent 20 years of his life. After significant restoration, it is now a hub for neighbourhood cultural events and activities. Nearby, there is Rembrandt Square, where the statue of this renowned painter can be seen, along with several cafes.
- Amsterdam Royal Zoo: One of the top zoos in Europe, which opened its doors in 1838, is indeed Amsterdam Royal Zoo. With multiple historical buildings, many animals from across the globe can be spotted here. The aquarium of this zoo was constructed in 1882 and even has a coral reef system. Additional attractions include the nocturnal animal house, zoological exhibit, Insectarium, Butterfly Pavilion, and Planetarium.
- Shopping in Kalverstraat and Vlooienmarkt: Every trip has a point where visitors cannot control themselves to do shopping. Here, high-end luxury items, traditional souvenirs, and regional crafts can be found. The Kalverstraat has boutiques, galleries, perfumeries, cafes, and eateries, everything for everyone. Go to Vlooienmarkt, Amsterdam’s famous flea market, for cheaper items.
- Museum of the Tropics: Established in 1864, the Museum of the Tropics can be fascinating for those interested in the Netherlands' history. This museum contains several displays of art and everyday items from tropical and subtropical areas. Tourists can also experience regularly hosted concerts of Eastern and Asian Music.
- National Maritime Museum: The National Maritime Museum (Het Scheepvaart Museum) is a must-see for anyone interested in exploring the fascinating past of the Dutch Military and merchant fleets. It has an impressive collection of maritime-related artefacts like historical ships and boats. Along with ships, this museum has weapons on display, maps, and artwork related to the battles involving the Netherlands.
- West Church: West Church is one of the most famous churches in Amsterdam, located near the Anne Frank Museum. This church opened its door in 1630 and has an 85 m tall tower, known as ‘Langer Jan’, certainly the tallest in the city.
Amsterdam Airport (AMS)
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) is the Netherlands' main International Airport, located southwest of Amsterdam. It takes 20 minutes to reach the airport from the central city of Amsterdam. It has only one terminal, and for passengers' convenience, the terminal is divided into several halls: Departure Hall 1, Departure Hall 2, and Departure Hall 3, all of them under the same roof. Trains are readily available outside the airport.
