The capital of the Netherlands is famed for its 17th-century canal network, gabled houses, museums and coffee shop culture.
Known as the Venice of the North, Amsterdam is a city based on a network of semi-circular canals, with hundreds of bridges. Amsterdam’s famous museums and trademark coffee shops are popular daytime haunts, while the crowds flock to the bars and clubs around the squares at night. Amsterdammers love speaking English and are known for their liberalism. This multicultural capital welcomes everyone!
Narrow, cobbled streets, limited parking and crisscrossing trams make sightseeing by car too complex. Instead, explore the compact city center by foot, rent a bike or take public transport. Book a canal cruise to see the old city center in just an hour. You’ll learn about Amsterdam’s remarkable history and see fine examples of its iconic gabled houses.
Amsterdam has its roots in the 13th century, but its famous canal district was developed in the 17th century. The Canal Ring is now a world heritage site. One of the many monuments here is the Anne Frank House.
On central Dam Square, tour the old Royal Palace and admire the wax statues in Madame Tussauds. Nearby is the Red Light District. Its narrow streets full of adult entertainment venues lead to the more family-friendly Nieuwmarkt, a square surrounded by eateries.
Just outside the Canal Ring is the Museum Quarter. Don’t miss the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum; both have collections of paintings by world-famous Dutch masters. Relax on the grass of nearby Vondelpark. From here, it’s an easy stroll to the Leidseplein, a hub for music and nightlife.
Since the 1970s, coffee shops have allowed visitors to enjoy the city in a more relaxed state of mind. If you’d rather drink than smoke, visit a pub to order the local beer. A typical Dutch lager tastes even better after visiting the old brewery for the Heineken Experience.
Young travelers are drawn to Amsterdam for its promise of revelry. Those after a more refined cultural experience are also easily entertained in this beautifully preserved city with typical Dutch hospitality.