Amsterdam’s Top Ten Attractions
The Travel Pages lists Amsterdam’s Top Ten Attractions, and which to see if you have half a day, one day, on a city break of 2-3 days, or longer.
Amsterdam’s Top Ten Attractions
Amsterdam Museum
Lively exploration of the fascinating history of this unique city, and previously called the Amsterdam Historical Museum.
Anne Frankhuis (Anne Frank’s House)
An essential stop for any first-time visitor is this moving museum and visit to Anne Frank’s House.
Begijnhof
Amazing historical old square that survives in the heart of the city.
Dam Square
This huge square at the heart of Amsterdam is not especially picturesque, but its historical interest can’t be questioned.
Jordaan District
One of the prettiest quarters of the city, relaxing but fun and great for photography.
Museum Amstelkring
A fascinating historical museum with a once-secret Catholic church at the top.
Oude Kerk (The Old Church)
The oldest building in Amsterdam and the finest of the city’s several old churches.
Rembrandthuis (Rembrandt’s House)
The home and studio of the city’s artistic genius, both ordinary and extraordinary at the same time.
Rijksmuseum
The grandest of Amsterdam’s two finest art museums, with an unrivalled collection.
Van Gogh Museum
People travel round the world to see this, the finest collection of Van Gogh’s work in one place… and much else besides.
Your at-a-glance guide to seeing the best that Amsterdam has to offer, depending on how much time you have.
HALF-DAY: AMSTERDAM IN A HURRY
If a few hours are all you have, forget the big museums as you’ll never do them justice. As tacky as it sounds, walk through the Red Light District and visit the Oude Kerk and the Zuider Kerk, and continue on to the Rembrandthuis, which can be visited more quickly. From here make your way to the Herengracht canal, and stroll till you find a canalside café or restaurant that catches your eye.
1 DAY: TIME TO SEE A LITTLE MORE
With a full day at your disposal, choose either the Rijksmuseum or Van Gogh Museum to start it (they’re both a little less crowded if you get in at opening time). You can then visit the Rembrandthuis and the Red Light District in reverse order, take in Dam Square in the city centre, and head west across four canals to reach the Jordaan district. There are plenty of shopping opportunities here, as well as bars and cafés to pause in, and a terrific choice of eating places for an atmospheric evening meal.
2-3 DAYS: SHORT CITY-BREAK
The most popular length of time for a city visit would allow you to take in both of the major museums, not just one of them, and more of the Top 10 Attractions. It will also give you a bit of time to relax by visiting the Vondelpark to the southwest of the centre, and/or the Plantage to the east, with its museums, planetarium and zoo.
LONGER: ENJOYING AMSTERDAM TO THE FULL
On short visits you naturally want to focus on the city itself, but with more time to spare you can use the easy train network and spend a day in Rotterdam or Den Haag. You can see more of the ‘real’ Amsterdam too, outside of the centre, including the fascinating multi-cultural district of De Pijp, south of the central area.
A good idea is to start each day with one of the major sights (Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House) where queues build up as the day goes on. Get there 15 minutes before opening time to keep waiting time to a minimum.
