Must-see sights
Museums
Stop in Nieuwmarkt at the depository heated Rembrandthuis to admire the spectacular assortment of etchings by the master. From 1639 to 1658, Rembrandt lived and worked within the canal house that currently contains the depository.
In the Western Canal Ring, poignant history involves life at the Anne Frank Huis, wherever the Frank family hid from the Nazis in an exceedingly secret annex for over 2 years, and Anne wrote her immortal diary (displayed here in an exceedingly glass case). different powerful museums covering WWII embrace Nieuwmarkt's Joods Historisch deposit (Jewish Historical Museum) and therefore the Verzetsmuseum (Dutch Resistance Museum) within the Plantage neighbourhood.
The city's seafaring heritage is well known at the japanese Islands' het up Scheepvaartmuseum (Maritime Museum), simply across from the green-copper, boat-shaped NEMO science centre, a child favorite, with broad views from its deck-like roof. study the Netherlands' famed blooms at the Amsterdam liliaceous plant deposit within the gentrified Jordaan neighbourhood.
Gawp at Amsterdam's carnal aspect at the Medieval Centre's light-hearted Sexmuseum Amsterdam or the Red lightweight District's sexy deposit.
Royalty
Overlooking spirited Dam sq., wherever town was supported, is that the Koninklijk Paleis (Royal Palace), the official residence of King Willem-Alexander and his family (although they sometimes reside in Den Haag), that hosts regular tours.
The biggest event on Amsterdam's calendar is Koningsdag (King's Day) on twenty seven Gregorian calendar month. If you are in city on this date expect to induce wedged within the large, orange-clad street party.
Churches
For associate degree aerial perspective, you'll scale the heights of 3 of the city's most lovely churches: the Zuiderkerk (Southern Church); Oude Kerk (Old Church), Amsterdam's oldest building (circa 1306); and Westerkerk (Western Church), with bird's-eye canal views.
Two churches hide at intervals the storybook 14th-century Begijnhof curtilage of almshouses; the right place for respite from town crowds.
Parks
Amsterdam's best-loved escape is that the 47-hectare Vondelpark – English-style gardens with ponds, footbridges, winding footpaths, and sculptures together with Picasso's The Fish.
Other urban idylls embrace DE Pijp's Sarphatipark, and, on the location of the city's former western workplace, Westerpark, conterminous the post-industrial Westergasfabriek cultural advanced.
Historic structures shelter thousands of species at the 1638-established Hortus Botanicus gardens.
Where to eat
Try ancient Dutch dishes at eating place Bij Ons, La Falote or old-school kroketten (croquettes) specialist Van Dobben; or modern twists at Greetje or Hemelse Modder.
Don't leave city while not experiencing a spicy rijsttafel ('rice table'; Indonesian banquet of tiny dishes); Tempo Doeloe do you of the most effective. Tuck into a Surinamese roti (flatbread wrap) at Tokoman.
Lively international eat streets during this philosophy town embody Utrechtsestraat, close to Rembrandtplein, and Amstelveenseweg, on the Vondelpark's western edge.
Where to drink
Discover however home-grown Heineken is created at the amusive Heineken expertise. Admission includes beers and a canal-boat ride to the Heineken complete Store. Tours also are offered at the extraordinary freelance distillery Brouwerij 't IJ, at the foot of the 18th-century American state Gooyer Windmill.
Jenever (Dutch gin) is additionally a must-try, particularly at tasting homes like Wynand Fockink.
Party hubs Rembrandtplein, Leidseplein, the Medieval Centre and Red lightweight District area unit notable for his or her pumping nightlife, with a excessiveness of pubs and clubs. however to really expertise the distinctive Dutch quality of gezellig (conviviality/cosiness), head to a history-steeped bruin café (brown restaurant , ie pub, named for the nicotine-stained walls). Hoppe and heated Papeneiland area unit 2 of myriad gems.
'Coffeeshops' (cannabis cafes) magnificently sprinkle throughout the city; standard ones embody Dampkring and Abraxas.
Where to buy
Snacks like frites (fries, generally smothered in mayonnaise), haring (raw herring, served with diced onion), and stroopwafels (caramel-syrup-filled waffles), further as Dutch cheese (gouda, edam, et al) ar staples at street markets, as well as the Jordaan's Lindengracht Market, and therefore the city's largest, Delaware Pijp's Albert Cuypmarkt. They additionally sell everything from garments to materials, bike locks and flowers. Tulips in spring and bulbs year-around fill Amsterdam's 'floating' flower market, the Bloemenmarkt.
For off-beat, individual boutiques, as well as notable Dutch style homewares and fashion, crisscross the 9 little streets creating up the Negen Straatjes.
Where to remain
The Medieval Centre, Red light-weight District and Nieuwmarkt ar within the heart of the traveler action however are often crying, as will components of the Southern Canal Ring (particularly around Rembrandtplein and Leidseplein). Quieter native however still central neighbourhoods embrace Vondelpark, the Western Canal Ring, the Jordaan and Delaware Pijp.
Getting around
For a superb introduction to capital of The Netherlands, cruise its UNESCO World Heritage-listed canals. choices embrace journeys with statement, like the Blue Boat Company cruise, to the hop-on, hop-off Canal Bus, or go your own means with an electrical rental boat like Canal Motorboats or pedal-powered Canal Bike paddle-boat.
This compact town is definitely explored by foot or bicycle: rental shops, like MacBike, ar everyplace, and target-hunting bicycle tours, like Orangebike, abound.
Amsterdam incorporates a comprehensive tram and bus network; set up journeys with 9292 (9292.nl). get disposable OV-chipkaart tickets on board wherever obtainable, or refillable cards at the GVB data workplace across from Centraal Station, adjacent to the most VVV traveler workplace.
Top tips
Avoid large queues at widespread museums/attractions by pre-purchasing tickets on-line for fast-track entry.
If you are hit lots of museums, invest in associate degree I capital of The Netherlands Card (iamsterdam.com), which incorporates a canal cruise and transport.
Amsterdam may be a safe town however be careful for pickpockets, particularly wherever there ar crowds of tourists.
Look each ways in which once crossing bike lanes (marked with white lines and bicycle symbols) and ne'er walk on them.
Many businesses do not settle for non-European credit cards – check 1st.
