Things to Do in Amsterdam

You may have heard of this famous Dutch painter at least once – but Vincent Van Gogh has a much larger and more important legacy as one of the most influential people in European art. The Van Gogh Museum, high on the list of things to do in Amsterdam. It not only houses many of his paintings, but also, some of his rough drawings and letters, giving you an insight into both, the work and the mind of this master artist.

Art is a large part of the Netherlands’ cultural history, with the seventeenth century often being touted as the golden age for Dutch painting. The Rijksmuseum, one of the top things to do in Amsterdam, houses the largest collection of Dutch art in the world, including pieces by the infamous Rembrandt – his painting The Night Watch may well be the most famous collection here – and Vermeer. An afternoon at Rijksmuseum will give you deep insight into the key pieces and artists from the Dutch art movement, and it’s evolution and varied influences over the years.

Amsterdam sightseeing is incomplete without a visit to the Anne Franke House, a monument with deep historical significance. Indeed, this is the house where Anne Franke hid with her family for over two years during the second World War. Today, the museum offers deep insight into the treatment of the Jewish community during the wartime, as well as important documents from the time that Anne Franke hid in the house, including original pages from The Diary of Anne Franke, which was later published and detailed her time in hiding.

Many European cities have a major square or plaza in their centre, and Dam Square is that for Amsterdam. In the summertime, it is a meeting place for many tourists and locals, making it a must-do when it comes to Amsterdam sightseeing. You will also find numerous street artists and painters who sit at Dam Square and practice their craft, inspired by the beautiful architecture on the buildings that surround the area.

The world famous beer brand, Heineken, hails from the Netherlands. Whether you like beer or not, the brand’s interactive brewery is one the most fun things to do in Amsterdam. You can not only dive deep into the history and growth of the Heineken brand, but also, learn more about the process of brewing beer through an interactive tour. You might even learn a bit about beer tasting as well. Make sure to take home a personalised beer bottle with you as a souvenir – it’s something that you will not be able to find anywhere else!

One of the best ways to experience any new city is through its culinary scene, and Foodhallen in Amsterdam is the best way to do that. This indoor food market is a major part of Amsterdam sightseeing, featuring loads of food stalls serving up local and international dishes. It’s popular during the weekends with the locals as well, as it is one of the best places to find good quality and affordable food in Amsterdam.

One of the most distinctive characteristics of the capital city is its extensive network of canals. One of the most important and relaxing things to do in Amsterdam is to take a cruise through these canals – it will not only show you the sheer size of the canal network, but also, give you fresh perspective on the city and its architecture as you view it from the water. Taking a canal cruise is also one of the best ways to relax after a busy day of sightseeing – just sit back and soak in the views. You can buy your cruise tickets online or on the spot – it’s really up to you!

It is clear that Amsterdam has so much to offer everyone who visits – whether you are an artistic person or a major foodie, you are bound to find activities and experiences for you. To make the most of your trip and your time in the capital city, visit your neighbourhood SOTC branch and we can help you in planning out the ultimate itinerary for your Amsterdam trip , ensuring that you have nothing less than the trip of a lifetime! Let’s get started.