Amsterdam

Old Centre:for classic Amsterdam experiences

In the heart of Amsterdam, medieval buildings line crowded streets and historic sites such as the Royal Palace sit alongside tourist attractions like Madame Tussauds and the Sex Museum. It’s also home to the many bars and coffee shops of the red-light district (De Wallen).  

Museum Quarter:for Culture & Art

The clue to this area’s appeal lies in its name. It’s the base of the city’s three most famous cultural sites – the Rijksmuseum (art and history across eight centuries), the Stedelijk Museum (modern art) and the Van Gogh Museum. Unmissable! Stroll around to admire stately 19th-century buildings complemented by the gorgeous Vondelpark green space.  

Jordaan:for Aimless Wandering

This district is packed with galleries, design stores, antique shops and charming eateries. Spend an hour or two wandering its picturesque lanes to stumble across anything from jazz bars to tiny museums. Perfect for magical after-dark photos of lights reflecting off the canals. 

Rijksmuseum

A highlight of Amsterdam’s Museum Quarter, this majestic 19th-century building houses one of the finest collections of Old Masters anywhere in the world, including Rembrandt’s famous work The Night Watch.    

Though this masterpiece is just one of 8000 works of art on display.  

Stedelijk Museum

Sitting on the Museumplein public square, not far from the Rijksmuseum but offering a very different viewing experience, this museum’s airy galleries are dedicated to great works of 20th and 21st century art. 

Bloemenmarkt

In the flower capital of Europe, the colour, life and atmosphere of this world-renowned floating market make it an absolute must-see. Where else could you be but Amsterdam, surrounded by this many tulips! 

Anne Frank House

It looks like any other house from the outside, but this unassuming building on the Prinsengracht canal is where Anne Frank hid from Nazi persecution for over two years. Today it is a poignant museum documenting the lives of the Frank family.  

Street Food

From crispy bitterballen (meatballs) and kroketten (croquettes) to sweet, chewy stroopwafel (caramel waffles) and fluffy poffertjes (mini pancakes), the city’s markets do an excellent line in traditional snacks. The massive Albert Cuypmarkt is always a safe bet for any of the above, and a whole lot more.  Safe bet for any of the above, and a whole lot more.

Cafés

Amsterdam is full of irresistible cafés. In Jordaan you’ll be spoilt for choice – though look out for Winkel 43 on Noordermarkt to try its legendary apple pie. De Pijp is also known for its café culture. In hectic central areas like the red-light district, there are plenty of cafés, though quality definitely varies. 

Restaurants

Just as during the day, Jordaan and De Pijp top the list of evening eating districts, but venture further to the west to find more diverse choices such as the Foodhallen indoor market. It’s excellent for international street food favourites, from burgers and tacos to ramen and bao buns.  

Dec - JanAmsterdam Light Festival

Amsterdam in the colder seasons is breathtakingly picturesque, with deep snow commons and frozen canals providing natural skating rinks. This annual festival sees light installations illuminate the streets, adding to the winter wonderland atmosphere brought by the city’s famous Christmas markets. 

AprilKing’s Day (Konigsdag)

The King’s birthday is celebrated on 27th April with a huge city-wide street party featuring dancing locals, impromptu flea markets and canals jammed with brightly decorated boats. Get your dancing shoes on!  

OctoberBokbierfest

Beer is big in Amsterdam and never bigger than at this annual festival held each autumn. Join the thousands of visitors who flock to the Beurs van Berlage to celebrate the local bock beer style on the last weekend in October.