Amsterdam is one of the jewels of Europe and, although it may have lost some of its lustre over the years, it is still bright enough to draw visitors from all over the world. The variety of sights and activities is staggering and this is what accounts for the diverse cross section of visitors that stream into the city each year.
The main attraction for me is the architecture of the Old Centre, where it is possible to see and even feel the passage of time which has moulded the city around you. Thankfully the city escaped the worst of the damage caused by Europe’s many conflagrations of the last five hundred years and so, like a fossil record, presents visible evidence of the evolution of the city, with most of the best examples now preserved. In addition to the buildings the canals and bridges which give Amsterdam so much of its unique charm make it a great place to take a relaxing walk, soak up the atmosphere and lose yourself in another time.
Perhaps one of the most famous and tragic former residents of Amsterdam was Anne Frank, and her house is now a museum dedicated to not only demonstrating the terrible conditions of the Frank family when they lived in the attic here but also the bravery of those who protected and fed them. The museum has some interesting exhibits on the persecution and discrimination that is still going on today which is a powerful addendum to the history of the holocaust.
The Rijksmuseum is one of the great traditional museums in the world and anyone who loves Dutch painting should make it their first port of call. Even casual visitors will greatly appreciate a visit as there are so many originals seen almost every day in reproduction along with interesting background on the genre and artist of each. The museum also has collections of art from the former Dutch colonies in South East Asia which give the museum a fresh feel and contrast well with the old masters.
Visitors may want to save the Van Gogh Museum for a different day than the Rijksmuseum so that you don’t feel ‘arted out’ but it is worth a visit when you are in the city. The museum is well presented and informative and it sometimes feels that the only thing not on display is the famous ear, to the disappointment of hordes of visiting youngsters.
Finally, any list of the sights of Amsterdam is incomplete without a mention of the famous, or infamous, Red Light District. It is tacky, tawdry, coarse and crude and is fascinating and repellent in equal measures. The easily offended should probably stay away but anyone with a sense of adventure or passing interest in human nature should stroll through one evening and see what’s happening in there.
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13 responses to “Top 5 Attractions in Amsterdam”
Report an inappropriate commentAugust 16th, 2010 at 8:21 pm
Muy bella ciudad ..! con sus canales.. sus edificios , flores , museos .. y su gente con muy buena onda !
August 17th, 2010 at 5:09 pm
REALMENTE ,LO QUE PRESENTAN ES REALMENTE MARAVILLOSO
August 21st, 2010 at 12:45 pm
I like your description of the red light district but I can’t decide if I have enough of a sense of adventure to try it. Amsterdam is definitely on my list for my grand tour of Europe next summer though, I can’t wait!
August 22nd, 2010 at 10:27 pm
the red light district is sick man!!!!
best bit of the hole place!!!
August 31st, 2010 at 11:02 am
Thanks, there is so much written about Amsterdam its good to have a short guide of the best things to see, it works well for people going on short or long stays
October 8th, 2010 at 5:52 pm
I always tell my friend who are visiting Amsterdam to visit the Albert Cuyp Market. It gives you a authentic and true feeling of the day-to-day activity of getting your groceries and shopping done. Stalls sell fruit, vegetables, flowers, cheese, fish and spices to underwear, cosmetics and bedding. Don’t forget to taste the fresh “Stroopwafels”
October 8th, 2010 at 5:54 pm
old paintings and shit are to be found on this planet on various locations! the unique featute of the red light is of a rather scarse scale….. Holland is falling asleep and getting to grey,in wanting to close down THE MAIN ATTRACTION of the NETHERLANDS: RED-LIGHT. all excuses of people going to Amsterdam for the musea,is just a load of excuses for friends and familys!!!
October 8th, 2010 at 6:49 pm
After spending more than 400 days (not continuously – but in intervals) in Amsterdam, I totally agree with this classification , but if you visit Ams. yourself for the first time may end up to other conclusions.
October 8th, 2010 at 9:25 pm
I love Amsterdam and all of the sights mentioned…I especially like sitting at the outdoor cafes and watching the world go by! The Van Gogh museum is a must as well as walking the streets in early mornings after a rainfall!
October 9th, 2010 at 2:48 am
The 5 top attractions in Amsterdam? I agree with everyone’s observations, but the Leidesplein has got to up there. One of the geratest fun districts in the world! And the Rembrandtsplein too! Tremendous fun. I know that people rave about the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gohn, but please, don’t miss the Stedelijk Museum for one of the best collections of modern art east of the Tate Modern. Amsterdam ArenA for a date with Ajax and top it off with dinner at Rum Runners. Now that’s a perfect day.
October 14th, 2010 at 9:33 pm
Adoro Amsterdam, sus edificios, los paseos en barco por sus canales y la maravilla de sus puentes. El Van Gogh museum, todo en Amsterdam es maravilloso!!!!. Saludos!!!
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