While Amsterdam has long topped the travel bucket lists of twenty-somethings looking for a good time, there’s more to Amsterdam than its cannabis cafes or infamous red light district. The Dutch capital offers both culture and history, ranging from the paintings by the Dutch Masters at Rijksmuseum to the attic where Anne Frank penned her now-famous diary. Here are six sites you shouldn’t miss on your next visit.
Amsterdam Canals
Amsterdam overflows with canals – 65 miles worth, in fact. The 17th-century inner canal ring surrounding the city made the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2011, and you can even make your way across the city aboard a canal bus or water taxi. One of the best ways to enjoy the 165 canals, though, is through a cruise. Local canal cruises range from sightseeing excursions (for which the bridges, houseboats and monumental homes lining the canals don’t disappoint) to romantic dinners on the water.
The recently renovated Rijksmuseum is home to more than 8,000 pieces of art and remains a testament to the artistic creations during the Dutch Golden Age. Four floors of exhibits span from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance to the 20th century. At Rijksmuseum, expect to see masterpieces like Rembrandt’s “The Night Watch” and Johannes Vermeer’s “The Milkmaid.”
The largest outdoor market in the Netherlands has been serving up eclectic bargains for more than 100 years. Located in the hip De Pijp district, you’ll find stalls selling everything from waffles and cheeses to scarves and wooden shoes. While you’re soaking up the energy of Albert Cuypmarkt, be sure to try raw herring, a local delicacy.
The Van Gogh Museum boasts the largest collection by one of the Netherland’s most famous painters, Vincent Van Gogh. Year round, the museum is home to more than 200 of his paintings, including several self-portraits. More than 700 of the artist’s letters are also housed here. In addition to Van Gogh’s works, the museum also showcases works by Rodin, Monet and Gauguin.
Sint Nicolaaskerk
This Neo-Baroque and Neo-Renaissance church is a prominent point of Amsterdam’s skyline, and luckily for tourists, it’s free to visit. After enjoying the monumental architecture, step inside to view the painted walls, sculptures and detailed altars of this basilica.
The house where Anne Frank and her family hid from the Nazis for two years sits on one of Amsterdam’s famed canals. Visitors can tour the house (now a museum) for a new perspective on how the Frank family lived in fear during World War II. The young girl’s original diary is also on display. As one of the most popular sites in Amsterdam, Anne Frank House draws a large crowd each day – arrive early in the morning or buy your tickets online to ensure your entry.
(Main image: PhotoBobil)
