Amsterdam

What to do and see in Amsterdam

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  1. Anne Frank House

  Whether you’ve read the diary or not, the Anne Frank House is a must-visit. If you want to avoid the tourist traffic, book a ticket in advance and hop to the front of the line.

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  2. Amsterdam Canal Ring

  By boat or by land, you won’t be able to avoid Amsterdam’s famous canal ring. Go for a stroll, hop on a ferry tour, or people-watch in a canal-side bar.

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  3. Van Gogh Museum

  The Van Gogh Museum is home to the world’s largest Van Gogh collection, and one of the most popular museums in the world. Even the artistically uninterested love the modern architecture (and free wifi).

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  4. Museumplein

  Find your way to Museumplein, the "Museum Quarter" at the heart of the city. Three museums, lunchtime concerts in the Concertgebouw, plenty of shopping, and grassy green space.

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  5. Rijksmuseum

  The national museum of Holland boasts works by Rembrandt and Vermeer. Plan to arrive first thing or in the late afternoon - or book a Rijksmuseum ticket in advance in order to skip the queue.

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  6. Red Light District

  Whether you’re looking for a museum, a “souvenir," or some risque nightlife: the Red Light District is sure to delight and entertain.

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  7. Heineken Experience

  Established in 1864, Heineken is now one of the world’s biggest beer producers. The lighthearted, fun, historical tour takes a quick 90 minutes. The Heineken Experience ticket includes two beers.

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  8. New Church

  A part-time wedding chapel for Dutch monarchs, New Church is Holland’s most important church and a historical cornerstone in Amsterdam. Between coronations, check out their rotating exhibits.

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  9. Amsterdam Museum

  For city history, visit the aptly-named Amsterdam Museum. Educate yourself on everything from famous Amsterdamians to fashion and architecture. Some exhibits are interactive!

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  10. De Pijp

  Amsterdam’s go-to bohemian neighborhood is brimming with coffee shops, bars, and restaurants. Go before dinner and spend the late afternoon wandering through the Albert Cuypmarket.

Frequently asked questions about Amsterdam

Planning Your Visit

• How many days should you spend in Amsterdam?

  There’s no right answer, but you can get a real feel for the city if you allocate three full days. That will give you enough time to hit the big sights, see the canals, and explore your way through some neighborhoods.

• Getting around town

  Amsterdam is an easy city to navigate. While the public transport is first class, most visitors find that the city is compact enough to be 100% walkable, save for the train to-and-from Schiphol Airport. Plus, you can easily rent a bicycle when the weather's nice.

• How expensive is Amsterdam?

  While there are a couple big activities you will have to pay for (like the Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh Museum), Amsterdam is full of street markets and small independent galleries. And the city is so walkable that you won’t need to spend a lot on public transportation.