Places of interest in Amsterdam | The Dutch capital offers even more than romantic canal cruises, coffee shops, bicycles, cheese, and tulips. There are also many other fantastic sights that you should see on your city trip to the Venice of the North.
Here is an overview of my top 15 attractions
1. Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum is the best-known museum in the city. Translated, it is simply the State Museum. It has already undergone several transformations, most recently being renovated in 2013. Now it looks more modern than ever before. A large number of international masterpieces can be seen in the Rijksmuseum. For example, as are Van Dyck’s and Vermeer’s paintings, Rembrandt’s famous Night Watch is on display.
The 800-year history of the city is also the subject of the renowned museum. Many historical artefacts, sculptures, and drawings are on display. Bring enough time to explore the museum’s various halls.
📍 Address: Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam
✅ All information: Rijksmuseum
🎟️ Buy Online-Tickets: Rijksmuseum Entrance
2. Anne Frank Haus
The Anne Frank House tells the story of a well-known Jewish girl who had to hide from the National Socialists and whose diaries, written there, have been preserved by chance. Anne Frank lived in this very house at Prinsengracht 263. The design of the rooms and the objects, videos, and photos on display bring her life to life for visitors.
The Anne Frank House also takes a closer look at the city itself during the Second World War. The Anne Frank House was founded by Anne Frank’s father, who survived the war. It is financed solely by donations and grants. Tickets are challenging to obtain. Find out more in Anne Frank House admission prices.
📍 Address: Prinsengracht 263-267, 1016 GV Amsterdam
3. Van Gogh Museum
As the name suggests, the Van Gogh Museum offers its visitors a collection of works of art by the painter Vincent van Gogh, the largest in the world. More than 200 of his paintings and around 400 drawings can be seen there. The museum is one of the most visited art museums in the world.
In addition to the permanent exhibition, the museum organises various workshops and special events. The program brings Visitors as close as possible to the famous Dutch artist. This includes the story of his life and his extraordinary impact on other artists. French and Japanese prints can also be found in the museum.
📍 Address: Museumplein 6, 1071 DJ Amsterdam
✅ All information: Van Gogh Museum
🎟️ Online-Tickets: Entrance Van Gogh Museum
4. Heineken Experience
The Heineken Experience is the right place if you are interested in beer. The Heineken Brewery has existed since 1864 and is still one of the world’s leading beer producers. The history of the company and the brand can now be traced to the Heineken Experience, an old brewery building. The original interior is still there, and photos of the Heineken family bring the history to life.
The building is not only a museum for beer lovers but is also of general interest thanks to its attractions. In addition to historical beer advertising and exciting details about the brewing process, there are also interactive tours with tastings. People under 18 are not allowed to visit the Heineken Experience alone.
📍 Address: Stadhouderskade 78 ,1072 AE Amsterdam
✅ All information: Heineken Experience
🎟️ Online-Tickets: Entrance Heineken Experience
5. The canal belt
The capital’s canal belt is over 80 kilometres long and runs through the city centre. This makes it easy to experience the city’s scenery and many sights from the outside on a canal cruise. Excursion boats depart from many points in the city centre for a round trip. A canal cruise is lovely when dark and the more than 1,000 bridges are romantically illuminated.
The canals were once artificially created in the 17th century to create important trade waterways to the sea. The belt has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2010, making it one of the city’s most famous sights.
📍 Address: Amsterdam Centrum
✅ All information: Canal Cruises Information
🎟️ Online-Tickets: Tickets for Canal Cruises
6. Red light district
The red light district in the centre of the Dutch capital is called De Wallen or De Walletjes. It is located in one of Amsterdam’s most historic districts. Prostitutes were able to pursue their activities here early on in history legally. The Wallen stretches from Damrak to the Chinatown neighbourhood.
It is particularly striking that many ladies worldwide offer their services in the red-decorated windows of the Red Light District. There are also plenty of sex shops, restaurants, and museums in the Red Light District. It is busy 24 hours a day, and visitors are not just punters but also many tourists who want to experience this attraction.
📍 Address: Amsterdam-centre
✅ All information: Red Light District
🎟️ Online-Tickets: Walking Tour
7. Prinsengracht
The Prinsengracht is often called the most beautiful canal in the city. It is also one of the longest canals. It can be reached from the central station in just a few minutes, so you can’t miss it and often cross it by chance. The Prinsengracht is located in the historic city centre with its unique flair.
The surprising contrasts of Amsterdam can be easily recognized here. Magnificent buildings can be found near tourists and tempting souvenir shops. The canal was once laid out in honour of the Princes of Orange. The view over the old city centre from there is well worth seeing – at any time of day or year.
📍 Address: Prinsengracht, 1013 Amsterdam
✅ All information: Canal Cruises
8. Vondelpark
The Vondelpark is very popular with both locals and international visitors. It is spacious, relaxing, and versatile. There are concerts, restaurants and cafés, an outdoor theatre, and opportunities to hire inline skates and cycling and running paths. Rose lovers can linger in the rose garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where more than 70 varieties of fragrant flowers grow. Of course, the lawns are popular in summer, when picnics are often organised. The Vondelpark is the perfect place for holidaymakers to find some peace and quiet after visiting other top sights. Free admission. On site: Amsterdam Bike Rental
📍 Address: Vondelpark, 1071 Amsterdam, near the Rijksmuseum
9. Jordaan Viertel
The Jordaan neighbourhood is a well-known residential area near the central station. There are lovely squares and lots of shops. Not only is the cheese worth buying, but also other local souvenirs. The local pubs and restaurants are open throughout the day and late into the evening.
In any case, a lot is happening in this district, which is not only popular with young people. Saturday is market day at the Noorderkerk, where you can buy fresh food. But it’s also worth taking a stroll to view the colourful little houses. These buildings, typical of the city, are particularly noticeable in this neighbourhood.
📍 Address: Jordaan neighbourhood, Amsterdam, west of the Prinsengracht canal
✅ All information: Jordaan Viertel
10. Amsterdam Museum
In the Amsterdam Museum, visitors worldwide can learn much about the cosmopolitan city, its history, and its present and modern times. The permanent exhibition Amsterdam DNA offers a varied overview, and there are also changing exhibitions and special events. Today, the museum is housed in a former orphanage.
The building is steeped in history. In the Middle Ages, there was once a monastery there. There is a separate exhibition (The Little Orphanage) about the life of the orphans of the time, which is even suitable for children.
📍 Address: Amsterdam Museum, Kalverstraat 92, 1012 PH Amsterdam
🎟️ Online-Tickets: Amsterdam Museum
11. Leidseplein
Leidseplein is a great place to have fun in the evening, which is why so many people head there. The discotheques, theatres, cinemas, and much more are located here. Of course, you can also sit in the cafés during the day and watch the people passing by. Live musicians or pantomimes often perform on the large square. Famous coffee shops and restaurants serving international food can also be found on Leidseplein. So everyone can find a pastime of their choice here.
The square is also bustling, and not just during the day—several trams run here, cars, and many bicycles, typical of Amsterdam. Tourists should, therefore, exercise caution even when taking a stroll.
📍 Address: Leidseplein, 1012 PH Amsterdam
🎟️ Online-Tickets: Amsterdam nightlife
12. Keukenhof
The Keukenhof is one of the best sights for an eventful day out for young and old. Over 7 million bulbs and 800 varieties of tulips can be admired in all their colourful glory during spring and summer. There are also a variety of shows and events to see and lots of interesting facts to learn about tulips in general.
The impressive sculpture garden also attracts visitors. Families with children won’t be bored either, as Keukenhof has a petting zoo, a playground, and a labyrinth. Remember to take a camera when you visit Keukenhof.
📍 Address: Keukenhof, Stationsweg 166A, 2161 AM Lisse
✅ All information: Keukenhof
🎟️ Online-Tickets: Keukenhof
❌ Attention: Ticket purchase only possible online
13. Madame Tussauds
Madame Tussauds has wax figures of famous personalities from various themes. Like the other branches worldwide, the branch in the Dutch capital has its flair and distinctive wax figures.
The attraction is conveniently located in the city centre, close to Central Station. While adults enjoy the images of their idols, such as George Clooney or Angelina Jolie, children love Princess Fiona or the Marvel Avengers. Remember to take a photo with your idol.
📍 Address: Madame Tussauds, Dam 20, 1012 NP Amsterdam
✅ All information: Madame Tussauds
🎟️ Online-Tickets: Madame Tussauds
14. Museum Het Rembrandthuis
The artist purchased the Rembrandt House in 1639, where he lived for under 20 years. The building then fell into disrepair and was suddenly rediscovered. At the beginning of the 20th century, it was rebuilt by the city and handed over to a foundation in memory of the artist. The foundation has renovated it so that it is now well-visited and shows the life and work of Rembrandt.
The Rembrandthuis mainly displays etchings by the painter, but also prints. Visitors can also see artworks by Rembrandt’s pupils. The furniture and utensils in the house date back to Rembrandt’s time, which makes a visit even more enjoyable.
📍 Address: Museum Het Rembrandthuis, Jodenbreestraat 4, 1011 NK Amsterdam
✅ All information: Rijksmuseum Entrance Prices
🎟️ Online-Tickets: Museum Het Rembrandthuis
15. Begijnhof
Like many top sights, the Begijnhof is located in the centre of the capital, albeit entirely hidden. It is a well-preserved beguinage dating back to the Middle Ages. The courtyard was probably donated to Catholic nuns in the 14th century, who lived there from then on. The beguines traditionally had somewhat more freedom than the Catholic nuns.
The so-called hiding church and the chapel can still be visited today. A beguine lived in the Begijnhof until 1971. The surviving buildings are still old wooden houses, later banned due to the fire risk.
📍 Address: Begijnhof, 1012 AB Amsterdam
📝 Note: Many of these sights are traditional but essential to any visit to Amsterdam. The two top exhibitions, Amaze and Fabrique de Lumières are modern, audiovisual, and digital. All further information and tickets can be found here: Amaze and Fabrique des Lumières.
Further information about the sights
My top 15 sights are centrally located in Amsterdam and can be easily reached on foot, by bike, from the train station, or by public transport. The same applies to holders of tickets for a city tour with the Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour.
🌷 Only the Keukenhof is out of the way. If you are visiting Amsterdam without a car, you can book your bus ticket and direct access to Keukenhof here during the tulip season. There is also the Keukenhof Tour with a guided tour or the Keukenhof Entrance & Spring Boat Tour as a fully organised tour. All scheduled tours start in Amsterdam and, of course, only take place during Keukenhof’s opening hours. The details can always be found on the provider’s website—further sightseeing options at Keukenhof and much more in the Keukenhof section of this blog.
🚗 If you’re travelling to Amsterdam by car, you’ll find everything you need to know in my article Parking in Amsterdam.
