Destination guides > Europe > Netherlands > North Holland (Noord-Holland) > Amsterdam > Sights, museums & tourist attractions

Amsterdam

Sightseeing, museums & tourist attractions

Amsterdams Historisch Museum

The Amsterdam Historical Museum is a much underrated museum which has interesting displays detailing the city's history. The adjoining Schuttersgallerij (Civic Guards Gallery) is one of the surprises in the Amsterdams Historisch Museum. In a passage-way between the Kalverstraat and the Begijnhof it is possible to admire fifteen enormous paintings - portraits of the Amsterdam Civic Guards from the 17th Century. This is probably the only place in the world where paintings are simply hanging on display in the street. (They are of course protected by a glass roof.) The most famous painting of the Civic Guard is of course the Nightwatch by Rembrandt which can be admired in the Rijksmuseum. The Schuttersgallerij from the Amsterdams Historisch Museum can be reached via the beautiful gateway on the Kalverstraat.

Kalverstraat 92, Amsterdam

Tram 1, 2, 5 (stop: Spui-Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal); 4, 9, 14, 16, 24, 25 (stop: Spui-Rokin)

Tel (020) 5231822

Website www.ahm.nl

Admission €10

Open Mon-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat-Sun 11am-5pm

Anne Frankhuis

This 17th-century canal house is where Anne Frank wrote her famous diary while in hiding during Amsterdam's Nazi occupation. The Anne Frankhuis contains the diary and hosts regular exhibitions.

Prinsengracht 267, Amsterdam

Tram 13, 14, 17 (stop: Westermarkt)

Tel (020) 5567105

Website www.annefrank.org

Admission €8.50

Open 2 Jan-24 Mar 9am-7pm daily; 25 Mar-31 Aug 9am-9pm daily; 1 Sep-30 Dec 9am-7pm daily

Artis Royal Zoo

The Netherlands' oldest zoo is home to over 6000 animals and also boasts an aquarium, planetarium and a zoological museum.

Plantage Kerklaan 38-40, Amsterdam

Tram 9, 14 (stop: Plantage Kerklaan)

Tel (020) 523 3400

Website www.artis.nl

Admission €18.95

Open Jan-Mar 9am-5pm daily; Apr-Oct 9am-6pm daily; Nov-Dec 9am-5pm daily (open till sunset on Saturdays in Jun, Jul & Aug)

Begijnhof

This peaceful medieval haven in the centre of a cosmopolitan city can be reasonably difficult to find. Well kept lawns with tall trees surrounded by cottages which are hundreds of years old, an abundance of flowers and a small medieval church, situated in the middle make up this beautiful courtyard. The Begijnhof was built in the 14th Century as a place where devote women, who did not want to enter a convent, were able to live. The oldest house in Amsterdam can also be found here - it has a wooden frontage dating from about 1475.

Begijnhof, Amsterdam (enter from Spui)

Tram 1, 2, 5 (stop: Spui-Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal)
Website www.begijnhofamsterdam.nl

Admission free

Open 9am-11pm daily

Dam Square

The original site where the first dam was built across the Amstel River in 1270. Dam Square lies at the heart of Amsterdam and contains a number of important attractions including the Koninklijk Paleis (Royal Palace) and Nieuwe Kerk.

Dam Square, Amsterdam
Tram 4, 9, 16, 24, 25 (stop: Dam)

Floating Flower Market

The flower market on the Singel between the Munt tower and the Koningsplein is one of the most colourful, sweet-smelling sightseeing attractions in Amsterdam. The Singel is one of the oldest canals in Amsterdam. Of special mention are the goods which are set out on floating stalls. A tradition stemming from the time when all flowers and plants were daily transported by boat, fresh from the horticultural regions around Amsterdam. The flowers are still delivered daily but trucks have now replaced the water transport.

 

Since 1862 this market has developed into one of the most famous flower markets in Holland. Everything that grows or blooms can de found here - from Dutch tulips and geraniums to indoor cypresses and 'mano' bulbs from the Easter Islands. In December of course an overwhelming collection of Christmas trees in all shapes and sizes are also on sale.

Singel (between the Koningsplein and the Muntplein), Amsterdam

Admission free

Open Mon-Fri 9 am-6 pm, Sat 9am-5pm

Hash, Marijuana & Hemp Museum

This unique museum is very popular with backpackers and features a variety of exhibits dedicated to the various uses of the cannabis plant.

Oudezijds Achterburgwal 148, Amsterdam

Tram 4, 9, 14, 16, 24, 25 (stop: Dam) Metro Nieuwmarkt

Tel (020) 623 5961

Website www.hashmuseum.com

Admission €9

Open 11am-11pm daily

Heineken Experience

Among backpackers, this is one of the most popular attractions in Amsterdam. This former brewery has been transformed into a museum about Heineken beer featuring the historic brew room, several bars and the opportunity to bottle your own beer.

Stadhouderskade 78, Amsterdam

Tram 16, 24 (stop: Stadhouderskade-Ferdinand Bolstraat)

Tel (020) 52 39 222

Website www.heinekenexperience.com

Admission €15, price includes two drinks
Open 11am-7pm daily

Hollandsche Manège (Dutch Stables)

Yet another surprise: a small nondescript door in the Vondelstraat 140 leads into one of the last and most beautiful city riding schools in Europe. The Royal Riding School, better known as the 'Hollandsche Manège' (Dutch Stables) first opened its doors in 1882. The architect, A.L. van Gendt (who was also responsible for the famous Concertgebouw) took his inspiration from the 'Spanish Riding School' in Vienna. The stylish 19th Century interior including the orchestra balcony and the attractive foyer have hardly changed.

 

Although the art of horse-riding in the Amsterdam stables is not of the same high standard as in Vienna, the building is still very much worth a visit for enthusiasts.

Vondelstraat 140, 1054 GT Amsterdam
Tram 1 (stop: Eerste Constantijn Huygensstraat); 3, 12 (stop: Overtoom)
Website www.dehollandschemanege.nl
Admission free

Leidseplein

This touristy square is the hub of Amsterdam's nightlife with a high concentration of cinemas, restaurants and night clubs.
Leidseplein, Amsterdam

Tram 1, 2, 5, 7, 10 (stop: Leidseplein)

Magere Bridge

The so-called Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge) is probably the most famous bridge in Amsterdam. This picturesque white-painted drawbridge has spanned the River Amstel since 1672.

 

According to some Amsterdammers the bridge is named after two ladies called Mager: two wealthy sisters who lived on opposite sides of the Amstel. They supposedly had this bridge built in order to make it easier to visit each other. The real reason for the name, however, is much more simple - the bridge used to be so narrow that two people could barely cross at the same time. As time passed the bridge was replaced by a wider example and the name 'Skinny' was not quite so appropriate as it was.

 

The Magere Brug is still one of the most beautiful bridges in Amsterdam. The bridge is illuminated every evening with thousands of lights and is a popular location for both lovers and photographers.

Magere Brug, Amstel between Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht
Tram 4 (Keizersgracht-Utrechtsestraat)

Maritime Museum (Scheepvaartmuseum)

This excellent maritime museum is housed in a 300-year-old naval depot and has a large collection relating to the Netherlands' maritime history. Although the main museum building is closed for renovation until 2010, you can visit a replica of the Dutch East Indiaman Amsterdam, which sunk off the coast of England on its maiden voyage.

Kattenburgerplein 1, 1018 KK Amsterdam

Bus 22, 43 (stop: Kattenburgerplein) Metro Centraal Station

Tel (020) 52 32 222

Website www.scheepvaartmuseum.nl

Admission €5

Open Tue-Sun 10am-5pm

Nieuwe Kerk

This church which is used for state occasions, including Queen Beatrix's coronation, has undergone numerous reconstruction during its 600-year history yet it remains an impressive architectural work.

Dam, Amsterdam

Tram 4, 9, 14, 16, 24, 25 (stop: Dam)

Tel (020) 638 6909

Website www.nieuwekerk.nl

Admission €4

Open Mon-Wed 10am-6pm, Thu 10am-10pm, Fri-Sun 10am-6pm

Oude Kerk

Amsterdam's oldest church was originally built in 1306 with numerous extensions completed up to 1571. This interesting structure features a wooden roof along with stained glass windows dating from the sixteenth century.

Oudekerksplein 23, Amsterdam

Tram 4, 9, 14, 16, 24, 25 (stop: Dam)

Tel (020) 625 8284

Website www.oudekerk.nl

Admission €5

Open Mon-Sat 11am-5pm, Sun 1pm-5pm

Red Light District

This place is a real eye-opener! After Hamburg's Reeperbahn, Amsterdam's Red Light District is Europe's highest concentration of brothels, sex shops and various other businesses involved in the sex industry. Most travellers are curious enough to want to visit this place where the window displays are unlike anything you could imagine. The Red Light District has quite a few smoking coffee shops as well as the Erotic Museum. The area is safe enough, however the prostitutes get really angry if you try to take a photo of them.

Metro Nieuwmarkt

Rijksmuseum

With over seven million works of art, the Rijksmuseum ranks among Europe's most prestigious museums. This museum houses many of the more famous works by Rembrandt and Vermeer.

Jan Luijkenstraat 1, Amsterdam

Tram 2, 5 (stop: Hobbemastraat)

Tel (020) 6747000

Website www.rijksmuseum.nl

Admission €12.50

Open Mon-Thu 9am-6pm, Fri 9am-8.30pm, Sat-Sun 9am-6pm

Schreierstoren

This structure is an important historical monument. In 1609, Henry Hudson departed from this point to found New Amsterdam which would be later renamed New York. The building is currently home to a cafe.

Prins Hendrikkade 94, 1012 Amsterdam
Tram 25, 51 (stop: Centraal Station) Metro Centraal Station
Tel (020) 42 88 291
Website www.schreierstoren.nl

Tropic Museum (Tropenmuseum)

This excellent museum features exhibits relating to the developing world with an emphasis on tropical regions, particularly former Dutch colonies like Indonesia and Surinam.

Linnaeusstraat 2, Amsterdam
Tram 9, 10, 14 (stop: Alexanderplein)

Tel (020) 568 8215

Website www.tropenmuseum.nl

Admission €7.50

Open 10am-5pm daily

Van Gogh Museum

Van Gogh fans will love this museum which features hundreds of paintings, letters and drawings by Vincent Van Gogh. The museum also houses a number of paintings by Toulouse-Lautrec and Gauguin.

Paulus Potterstraat 7, Amsterdam
Tram 2, 3, 5, 12 (stop: van Baerlestraat)

Tel (020) 570 5200

Website www.vangoghmuseum.com

Admission €14

Open Mon-Thu 10am-6pm, Fri 10am-10pm, Sat-Sun 10am-6pm

Westerkerk

Amsterdam's skyline is dominated by this church which dated from the 17th century. There's a good view of the city from the 85m tower and Rembrandt is buried in the adjoining graveyard, although the exact location of his grave is unknown.

Westermarkt, Amsterdam

Tram 13, 14, 17 (stop: Westermarkt)

Tel (020) 6247766

Website www.westerkerk.nl

Admission free; tower €3

Open Jun-Sep Mon-Sat 10am-5pm

World's Narrowest House

The narrowest house in the world is in Amsterdam, at Singel 7. Only one metre in breadth, it is barely wider than the front door. Naturally the people who live there have to be slim! However to be honest it is only the front of the house that is so narrow. Behind this facade the house broadens out to more normal dimensions. Yet the narrowest house in Europe is still to be found in Amsterdam on Oude Hoogstraat 22, between the Dam and the Nieuwmarkt. This tiny house, complete with a typical Amsterdam bell-gable is 2.02m wide and 6.0 meters deep. Another example is situated nearby on the Kloveniersburgwal 26: a charming cornice gable, 2.44m wide, known as 'The Small Trippenhouse' ('Kleine Trippenhuis') or 'Mr Trip's Coachman's House'. This is situated directly opposite the impressive Trippenhouse, no.29 which at about 22m wide is the widest house in Amsterdam. This enormous house was built in 1660 for the very wealthy Trip brothers, Lodewijk and Hendrik, who made their fortune in trading iron, copper, artillery and ammunition. The story goes that the Trip brothers' coachman exclaimed one day, "Oh, if only I could be so lucky as to have a house as wide as my master's door." His master over heard this and the coachman's wish was granted!

Follow us:

the backpackers' ultimate guide