The Dutch capital is on the western side of the country and is also a coastal city with an interesting canal system, so much so that it has one of the most important cruise ports in Europe and it is estimated that every year more than 300,000 people pass through there and more than 150 ships dock at its pier. From there you can easily reach the UK by boat.
Known also for its artistic heritage, narrow houses with 17th century gilded roofs, the city attracts many tourists who want to experience its beauty and the attractions of Dutch culture. Stay with us and check out what to do in Amsterdam!
What to do in Amsterdam? What to put in your travel itinerary?
Founded in the 12th century as a fishing village, the city got its name thanks to the Amstel River, the city's main river. So the village was named Amstellodamus, which centuries later would evolve into Amsterdam.
There are many attractions available for those who plan to travel to this wonderful northern European city. And the best thing is that you can see it all by bicycle, since cycling is a very popular mode of transportation in the city, which has a large number of bike paths.
But now, let's get down to business, check out the attractions that you should put on your itinerary when visiting Amsterdam!
1. Discover the Van Gogh and Stedelijk Museums
Both museums are in the Museumplein district, the so-called "museum district", since it is home to the two most important and, in the opinion of many, the most relevant and indispensable art museums in all of Europe.
As the name implies, the Van Gogh Museum is one of the most important museums that houses works by the artist of the same name. Due to a considerable increase in visitors to the museum, a modernization of the building was necessary. For this reason, the new building has a 12-meter glass façade, where the glass structures (beams and uprights) function as the building's main elements.
The museum has the largest collection of Van Gogh's original works, with 200 paintings, 500 drawings, more than 700 letters, and a collection of Van Gogh's Japanese prints. For those who appreciate the artist's work, a visit to the museum is a must on your trip to Amsterdam. The museum also offers a multimedia tour with audio for visitors, it's amazing!
The Stedelijk museum, which should also be part of the itinerary, is focused on modern and contemporary arts, and has a rich collection with works by Piet Mondrian, Marc Chagall, and Karel Appel, among others.
In the museum, you can see important paintings from various branches of the artistic world, such as the Enlightenment, Cubism, and Expressionism. There you will also see a collection of paintings by Casimir Malevich, some important works by Pablo Picasso, and a collection of photographs, furniture, and typical objects from the country. It's worth the visit!
To read later: Museums in Europe - A special guide for art lovers!
2. Don't leave without taking a picture at the "I Amsterdam" sign
Take advantage that you will already be in the Museumplein neighborhood and look for the famous giant "I Amsterdam" sign, where tourists from all over the world will take at least one souvenir photo of their passage through the city.
It is like a mandatory stop during the tour, because it is a record that you will want to have as a souvenir of the city. In addition, the area that concentrates the best museums in Amsterdam is also a very beautiful and pleasant place to walk around.
There is also a huge artificial lake in the middle and several shops around it. If you have time, go to this location more than once during your stay on the trip.
3. Meet "the narrowest house in the world
Another curiosity of Amsterdam is that the city is home to the narrowest house in the world and that it is located in the middle of the classic buildings of the city, at Oude Hoogstraat 22. For those who are walking distractedly on the street, it is possible that they have passed by it and have not seen it.
The Singel 166, as it is known, is only a tiny 2 meters wide and is the narrowest building in the Dutch capital Amsterdam. But it has now lost its position as the narrowest house in the world, as the Keret House, located in Poland, is only 1.52 cm wide, yet it was built for exactly that purpose.
Today Singel functions as a tea house, where you can sit down to a delicious cup of tea of your choice. However, you must make a reservation in advance, since the place is quite famous and as you can imagine, has very little space for its guests.
4. Visit Natura Artis Magistra
This is a very nice trip to do with children, after all, the Natura Artis Magistra, or simply Artis, is a zoo located in the center of Amsterdam that houses several species of animals, such as gorillas, monkeys, giraffes, elephants, lions, tigers, leopards, camels, and many others.
This is one of the oldest zoos in Europe and there, the animals are free and very well cared for by the management. You can also visit an aquarium with several marine species. You can't miss the Butterfly Pavilion, a butterfly sanctuary, and several hundred-year-old trees.
In addition, you can also visit the planetarium, where you will have fun viewing several miniatures of the planets and stars from outer space.
5. Tip for grown-ups: Check out Amsterdam's Coffee Shops!
There is no denying that Amsterdam is also known as the marijuana capital, but contrary to what most people think, weed is not liberated, it is only decriminalized and consumption is tolerated in some specific locations.
The truth is that there is a tolerance for marijuana there, and it is possible to buy and consume it in registered establishments, known as Coffee Shops.
You are not allowed to buy or consume marijuana outside these establishments, nor are you allowed to carry an amount larger than 5 grams on the streets. In addition, it is strictly forbidden to leave the country with marijuana. This is considered a crime, and trying to buy marijuana to take away is certainly not a good idea.
But you can try a special cake or brownie in the cafes and have a different experience when you are in Amsterdam!
Also read: Know the main rules about luggage on international flights!
6. Another adults-only tip: Red Litgh Street and the Museum of Sex
Another tip that is strictly for adults is to visit the Red Light Street and the Sex Museum. The Dutch capital is very famous for having sex as a common subject, so much so that it has always been part of the country's history.
In the Red Light District, you can see many nightclubs with "adult attractions", where you can go just for curiosity or even to enjoy and experience something new.
For those who are really interested in the history of sexuality, the SEXMUSEUM is an excellent choice, since you can check out several exhibits, with characters, drawings, paintings, sculptures, videos, and photographs from the history of sex. You need to be prepared, because some of these works can really impact you.
But for those who are comfortable with it, it is an attraction that should definitely be part of your Amsterdam travel itinerary!
If you need to rent a car in Amsterdam, visit our website and see all the available models to book and enjoy your trip with even more comfort. We will be happy to assist you!
