The capital and the largest city in The Netherlands is a fun, culture rich, and considered the Venice of the north.
Famous for its picturesque water canals and small arched bridges lined with trees and magnificent 17th – 18th century buildings, enjoy the cultural scene, great art galleries and museums, and the coffee shops selling Cannabis.
Amsterdam is a vibrant city, with bustling public squares, street and flower markets, numerous green parks, a great nightlife scene, fine cuisine restaurants, and great shopping opportunities.
Cycling is highly popular, and together with great public transportation while being relatively small, touring the city is quite easy.
Start your visit of Amsterdam in the vibrant and highly popular Dam square where you will find the Royal Palace of Amsterdam, the World War II National Monument, and the 15th century Nieuwe Kerk (church). In the Museum Square (Museumplein) visit the best museums of Amsterdam, the Rijksmuseum home to a vast collection of Dutch Golden Age art, the glorious Van Gogh Museum, and the modern art Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam.
Other interesting museums in the city are the Anne Frank House dedicated to the WW2 Jewish diarist, The Rembrandt House Museum, the former house of the famous 17th century Dutch painter, and many others.
Families with children will love the interactive NEMO Science Museum in the harbor, and the popular wax museum Madame Tussauds Amsterdam on Dam Square. Also with children, enjoy a time off in one of the city’s great parks such as the beautiful Vondelpark, take a family bike ride or a canal cruise, or visit the ARTIS Zoo.
Canals Tour is a must do, and it’s one of the things that makes Amsterdam so unique and interesting. While sailing explore the iconic architecture especially in the evening when the small bridges and streets are lighted, and food and drinks are offered on board. You can also rent a boat and take a tour by yourself.
There are quite a few Great hangout places and neighborhoods to visit and enjoy while in Amsterdam such as the Bloemenmarkt floating flower market, the Red Light District (De Wallen) one of the most famous neighborhood in Amsterdam, Chinatown vibrant and colorful small district, Leidseplein lively square with cafes and street entertainment, Jordaan, the trendy and charming neighborhood offering great nightlife opportunities, and many others.
Amsterdam offers great shopping opportunities either in small local shops, vibrant markets, or international high brands outlets. Stroll Kalverstraat, one of the city’s major shopping venues, Damrak Avenue home to both small local shops and international chains, Haarlemmestratt with its small local shops, Albert Cuyp Markt, 9 streets area in Jordaan, IJ-Hallen flea market, Batavia Stad great outlet out of the city, and much more.
At night, enjoy the vibrant nightlife scene in places such as the Red Light District (De Wallen), Jordaan offering great nightlife opportunities, NDSM Wharf, De Pijp with its lively pubs and bars, the night clubs in Amsterdam Noord, and many more.
Chinatown
Royal Palace
Van Gogh Museum
If you have made Amsterdam your base for visiting the Netherlands, Thetjoy.com recommends few 1-2 day trips opportunities out of Amsterdam to explore the Netherlands beautiful and interesting cultural attractions, charming towns and villages, and some highly recommended families and Children’s Attractions.
To visit this wonderful destinations, you can take organized tours or drive by yourself.
Recommended destinations and attractions to visit are for example;
- Zaanse Schans Village open-air museum
- Giethoorn Village, the “Venice of the Netherlands”
- The Harderwijk Dolphinarium
- Keukenhof Flower Park
- Madurodam miniature park
- Kinderdijk Windmills
- Hoge Veluwe National Park
- The Netherlands Open Air Museum, and many more.
The best time to visit Amsterdam either for a weekend or a longer stay is in April, May, September, or October.
While visiting the Netherlands and considering that Amsterdam is situated in the center of the country you can make Amsterdam your home base for your country visit, either staying in Amsterdam or in a nearby town or village.
Spend at least 3 days in Amsterdam and spend few more days taking day tours north and south to the Netherlands’ Cultural Attractions, to the major Children’s Attractions, and to the country’s Beautiful Towns.
Note that you can combine your visit to Amsterdam with traveling Germany or France.
