Amsterdam was once a small fishing village, founded in the 12th Century. Today, apart from being the capital city of The Netherlands, Amsterdam is also one of Europe’s top holiday destinations. Not only is it picturesque and quaint perched on the banks of an intricate canal system, it has plenty of cultural aspects to entice tourists- from museums to live entertainment to an array of trendy coffee shops, bars and a vibrant night life. Here are some suggestions of the best to see and do in Amsterdam…
The Canals
Amsterdam is a low lying city, built on swampy marsh lands. Built during the Golden Age of the 17th Century, a series of half circle shaped canals were designed and built to stabilise the land, manage the natural excess of water in the area and to aid the transportation of goods. Today they provide an unusual and picturesque touch to the city, and make for a unique way of getting around town.
There are plenty of companies that offer a canal tour service, but Canal Bus offers a hop-on, hop-off boat service that operates on several separate routes which stop at most major museums and attractions around the city. The two day special pass, for 49 euros includes two days of unlimited travel on the boats, plus entry into the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum- excellent value for money.
Bike around Town
Being quite small in span and mostly flat, Amsterdam is the ideal city to enjoy by bike and consequently is one of the world’s most famous bike friendly cities. There are actually more bicycles in Amsterdam than there are people to ride them! Hire a bike and take a tour around town, explore suburban streets or ride alongside the canals. Its the best way to experience the city the same way the locals do.
Anne Frank House
Anne Frank was a thirteen year old Jewish girl who hid from the Nazis with her family in a secret annex inside the family home in Amsterdam for two years during World War II. During her time in hiding, she kept a diary, documenting her life of secrecy. Two years after going into hiding, the family were betrayed, arrested and sent away to a concentration camp where Anne eventually died from Typhus. Her diary was kept and later published by her father, the only member of the family to survive the war. The book, The Diary of Anne Frank is regarded by many as one of the most important accounts of the effects of the Jewish Holocaust on it’s victims, and the strength and sense of survival an ordinary girl found in incredible circumstances.
The Anne Frank Museum tells the story of Anne and the seven others who hid in the secret annex during those two years in hiding, along with the people that helped them by bringing food, entertainment and news of the war during their ordeal.
Anne’s original diary and the secret annex is on display along with documents and information about the war and its effects in Holland. Open from 9am. Closing times are seasonal. Adults 7.50 euros, children 3.50 euros and those under 9 are free. You can also purchase tickets online through the museum’s official website.
Artis Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Founded in 1839, its the oldest zoo in the Netherlands and is right in the centre of town. Home to more than 700 different species of animals, it makes for a great day out for the family and a relaxing haven away from the city. As well as the animals on display, the complex has a Botanical Garden, Geological Museum and Planetarium, Butterfly Garden as well as an Aquarium, including an interesting display of life in Amsterdam’s city canals!
Free guided tours are offered daily. Open from 9am-5pm. Entry for adults is 17.50 euros, children under 9 are 14 euros.
Van Gogh Museum
Vincent Van Gogh (1853-1890) was one of Holland’s most famous painters. A post-impressionist genius with a troubled life with a constant battle against depression and mental illness, which eventually led to his suicide in 1890.
The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam is the World’s largest collection of his work, including 200 paintings, 437 drawings and 31 prints of his work, as well as large collection of art history material and art from the 19th Century. There are a variety of temporary exhibitions which can also be enjoyed by visitors.
Entry is 10 euros for adults and 2.50 for children between 13-17 years of age. Open 10am-6pm Monday to Friday. Open until 10pm on Friday evenings.
National Museum, Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum is one of the finest art history museums in Europe. It was founded in 1800 and houses an excellent collection of beautiful artwork by Dutch painters from the Dutch Golden Age, including Hals, Steen and van Rijn. As well as paintings there is a permanent collection of Dutch furniture and silverware plus temporary seasonal exhibitions.
Open every day from 9am- 6pm and until 10pm on Fridays. Children up to the age of 18 are free, and adults are 10 euros each.
Heineken Brewery
Beers fans will love the experience that is the Heineken Brewery, located in the original brewery of this world famous beer. The building was built in 1867 and served as a working brewery until 1988. Today visitors can enjoy the story of the brand, its founders, the secrets of the brand’s recipe and their history in advertising.
Admission is 10 euros per person and includes a free glass of Heineken beer and a gift. People under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Open from Tuesday- Saturday between 10am and 6pm. Closed on Mondays, Christmas Day and January 1.
Royal Palace
Sometimes called the Dutch Royal House, the Palace can be found in Dam Square in the centre of the city. Originally, it was the city hall, constructed in white stone (which has since weathered to grey) and lavishly decorated by famous artists including Rembrandt and Bol.
Today it is used for official state events including public addresses by Queen Beatrix, receptions and award ceremonies. When not in use, members of the public can view the palace in summer from 11am- 7pm and other seasons from 12:30pm- 7pm. Entry is 4.50 euros and includes a free guided tour in either Dutch or English from 2pm on Wednesday and Sunday. Audio guides are available at an extra cost for other times.
