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Art is a crucial part of Amsterdam’s history and modern culture, and no trip to the city is complete without visiting some of its key art galleries and museums. The Van Gogh museum, which houses some of the most iconic works of the infamous Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh, along with his rough sketches, notes and letters, is a must-do, as is the Rijksmuseum, which houses the world’s largest collection of Dutch art and artefacts.
Whether you have a deep interest in European art or not, these Amsterdam tourist places will give you a strong understanding of the importance and evolution of art in the Netherlands.
Though considered controversial by many, the area of De Wallen is a unique neighbourhood to experience and one-of-a-king amongst Amsterdam tourist places. But you may not want to visit if you are travelling with children. Having said that, Amsterdam’s red-light area is a testament to the liberalism, openness and tolerance that is a part of Dutch culture till this very date. It is also one of the oldest parts of the city, featuring many narrow lanes and small alleys with local bars that are favoured by the locals.
You will observe that most European cities have a major square, plaza or open-air area at their very centre, and Amsterdam is no different. Dam Square is one of the most famous places to visit in Amsterdam, for the unique architecture of its buildings. Here, there are many important Amsterdam tourist places to behold, including the Centraal Station, The Royal Palace, Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum and The National Monument.
Though Amsterdam is the dictionary definition of a buzzing city, it is not without its natural beauty. The city has a lot of greenery, evidenced from the large trees that line the network of canals. When you have had a busy day of sightseeing and are looking to rest your feet, take a break at one of the city’s lush green parks. Vondelpark is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Amsterdam. It is the city’s largest park, full of huge patches of greenery and interesting art sculptures. It also features an open-air theatre, which runs shows during the summertime from June until August – if you’re holidaying in Amsterdam during the season, make it a point to witness one of the shows. They range from theatre to dance to music, so take your pick and a have a wonderful, unique experience!
While Amsterdam has still maintained much of its old, historical buildings and areas, there are certain up-and-coming neighbourhoods that have become very popular in recent years. Jordaan is one of them. A trendy neighbourhood that might even be considered ‘hipster’ by some, Jordaan is a great place to enjoy a coffee while doing some people-watching, shop for unique items at the neighbourhood’s many standalone boutiques, or grab a drink at one of the trendy cocktail bars in the evening. Whether you are in Amsterdam for one night or one week, Jordaan is definitely one of the key places to visit in Amsterdam.
When it comes to places to visit in Amsterdam, the list can be endless. Crafting the perfect itinerary depends on many factors, including your travel budget, the season and the weather, and your personal preferences. At SOTC, we have been helping people make their travel dreams a reality for many years, and offer a host of packages for all budgets and durations that include Amsterdam. If you’d like to know more about the Amsterdam packages that we offer, or would like help in creating a unique itinerary of your own, give us a call or visit us at your local SOTC branch – we would love to help you out!
Like many European cities, some of the most important Amsterdam tourist places are centred around food. The food markets in Amsterdam delight all of your senses, with rich flavours and scents from exotic local and international dishes. The Albert Cuypmarkt is a must-see, and is favoured by locals and tourists alike. Here, you can sample fresh local dishes cooked my neighbourhood chefs – make sure you sample the freshly cooked stroopwafels as well as raw Dutch herring.
You can also pick up a host of knick-knacks and fresh produce. Foodhallen is another great food market. It is covered and indoors, with a more upscale atmosphere than a typical outdoors food market. Along with multiple bars and modern music, there are a host of food stalls to choose from. Visit on a Friday or Saturday evening to see Foodhallen at its buzzing, vibrant best.
