Top things to do in Amsterdam: all secrets of bright leisure

By Valentina BaturinetsAug 19, 2023 09:56 AMAmsterdam
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Top things to do in Amsterdam: all secrets of bright leisure
Every traveler finds a different highlight in Amsterdam. Source: Image Pexels

Amsterdam is the vibrant capital of the Netherlands with many amazing places for pleasant promenades and busy leisure time. There are many lush parks and beautiful museums, chic boutiques and lively entertainment centers.

You can come here with your family or alone to enjoy thebest things to do in Amsterdam. Don't hesitate, as it's always fun and colorful.

What to do in Amsterdam? Every traveler finds his or her zest here. Fans of painting are sure to visit the Van Gogh Museum, penetrating the unique atmosphere of creative work. Flower lovers can visit Bloemenmarkt floating market and the chic Keukenhof Park.

Passionate jewelry fans appreciate a visit to the Gassan Diamonds factory and the Diamond Museum. Here, tourists are introduced to the nuances of making luxury jewelry. Travelers who are eager for discoveries and impressions are invited to the Museum Quarter.

The capital of the Netherlands is a real oasis of happiness for tourists and is worth a visit. Let's start getting to know this hospitable city as soon as possible. Thetop things to do in Amsterdam are already waiting for you.

Van Gogh Museum

If you're wondering what to see in Amsterdam, check out the Van Gogh Museum. It is located on Museuplein Square, not far from the National Museum. The institution displays a huge number of works by the famous painter, including about 200 canvases and more than 500 drawings, as well as letters addressed to the artist's brother Theo.

Top things to do in Amsterdam: all secrets of bright leisure
The Van Gogh Museum is a colourful attraction in Amsterdam. Source: Image Pexels

The structure is in the list of cool things in Amsterdam for areason. It was designed in a modern style by the talented architect Gerrit Rietveld. Van Gogh's work is famous for its use of rich colors and bold and dynamic strokes. It evokes emotions in modern lovers of painting just as vividly as it did in the 19th century.

State Museum

Museum Square is home to the famous State Museum, one ofAmsterdam's highlights. Here you'll find colorful works by artists from the Dutch Golden Age and a huge collection of Oriental art.

In addition, you can see ancient artifacts from Australia and the famous British ship that was captured during the Raid on Medway. The works are distributed chronologically in 80 rooms of the four-story structure.

A visit to the museum is one of thetop 10 things to do in Amsterdam. The institution was founded by Louis Bonaparte, brother of the famous commander Napoleon. It was located in The Hague until 1808. It was then moved to the capital of the Netherlands. Here the Museum also "roamed" for a long time in different houses until a specially designed facility was built.

Its project in the classical Dutch style was developed by architect Petrus Josefus Hubertus Kuipers. The structure is equipped with original elements of neo-Gothic style, which is directly related to the religion of its creator.

If you are thinking aboutthings to see and do in Amsterdam, be sure to visit the National Museum. The architecture and contents of the institution are constantly being updated and the collection being enriched with new items.

Here you will find Rembrandt's legendary work The Night Watch, dated 1642. It occupies a place of honor in the building, The Museum underwent a global remodeling in 1906 for the sake of this painting.

The list of the best things to see in Amsterdam includes the works of famous Dutch painters like Pauls Potter, Van Dyck, Frans Hals and many others.

Among the colorful works of the artists a prominent place is occupied by seascapes and portraits, works on religious themes and allegories, with the help of which the actual thought in a particular image is emphasized.

Important! Tickets are best booked online at the venue's official website. Here you can also buy tickets for a guided tour or an atmospheric smartphone media tour.

What to do in Amsterdam besides visiting interesting locations? Check out the food scene, of course. When you are a little tired of walking around the museum, you can enjoy the aesthetics of serving and taste of great food in a cozy restaurant or cafe, which are located on its territory.

You can also come here with children, they will love the doll houses of the 17th century with original furniture and figures of people in linen clothes.

Our Lord in the Attic Museum

Our Lord in the Attic Museum is lurking in the centre of the city. It is a must-see place in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. It is a mysterious museum in the form of an old 17th century house that is located ob a picturesque canal. Once inside, one is struck by the narrow corridors and the tasteful interiors of the rooms, including a boudoir bedroom and a kitchen area with practical furniture.

The centerpiece of the museum, which is considered one of the most famous things in Amsterdam, is a real church in the attic. It was created with the help of wealthy businessman Jan Hartman in the second half of the 17th century. It was the family "nest" of the Hartman family. Protestants ruled the city at that time, and this was an island of the Catholic faith, where services were held in secret.

Such gatherings of believers were not dispersed by the Dutch authorities, as the principle of conscience was in force in the state. Thanks to this, the Church became a place of tolerance, where Catholics were happy to socialize.

Royal Palace

If you're planning a trip toAmsterdam, it's a good idea to plan your vacation activities in advance. Visit the Royal Palace and you will be amazed by its grandeur and luxurious charm.

The structure was built in the 17th century as a town hall. Later, King Louis Bonaparte lived and ruled the country here. For convenience, audio guide services are available at the palace. Young children take part in exciting quests here, after which they are given cute souvenirs.

De Negen Straatjes (Nine Streets)

Nine Streets is a lively neighborhood with winding streets that are surrounded by picturesque canals. It's considered one of the coolest things to see in Amsterdam for a good reason. There are plenty of trendy boutiques and cozy cafes, stores with antiques and cute souvenirs. The Nine Streets district is ideal for quiet strolls for tourists and colorful photoshoots against the backdrop of chic shop windows.

Top things to do in Amsterdam: all secrets of bright leisure
Nine Streets is a vibrant neighbourhood in Amsterdam that is fringed by picturesque canals. Source: Image Pexels

What to do in Amsterdam besides sightseeing? Ree7, Het Koekemannetje and Screaming Beans restaurants invite you to eat and experience the festive atmosphere of Holland. You will be pleasantly surprised by the rich assortment of fine national dishes and delicacies from other countries.

Nine Streets is usually ranked among the top things to see in Amsterdam by natives and visitors alike. Here you can see the old Amsterdam with its pretty architecture and spectacular places for fun activities.

Anne Frank Museum

The10 best things to do in Amsterdam are sure to include a visit to the Anne Frank Museum. Anne Frank lived in this 17th century house with her family and loved ones, where she hid from the Nazis for two years.

Nowadays it is a museum and education center, where exhibitions with information about Anne's life are regularly held. Visitors to the facility can visit the "secret annex" where these people were kept.

The museumvividly reflects the peculiarities of life of the citizens in the 17th century and reveals fascinating facts about the Second World War. The exhibitions are open all the time, so you can visit them at any time of the year. They help you get a sense of how brave and optimistic people were back then.

Albert Cape Markt

Holland is a country with a reputation as a developed trading country, so its inhabitants always pay special attention to the sale of goods for different purposes.

The famous Albert Cuyp Markt is located in the central part of De Pijp, where you can witness a special action in the best traditions of Amsterdam, with its characteristic jokes and bargaining manners. If you haven't yet made a list of things to do in Amsterdam, be sure to include the Albert Cuyp Markt.

The street market offers a huge selection of natural products, prepared foods, clothing and fun souvenirs. This is where you can buy fresh fish and meat, as well as juicy fruits and vegetables from the best vendors. The market is a great place to experience the daily festive atmosphere provided by the city's friendly vendors.

Natural History Museum of Denmark and Canal

Interesting things to do in Amsterdaminclude the Natural History Museum of Denmark and Canal, where you can learn about the curious facts of its creation. It will be interesting to learn about it for people of different ages. A visit to the museum ranks high among the things to do in Amsterdam.

The institution features curious exhibits with spectacular lighting. You can organize a walk along the city's picturesque canals after that.

Canal Tour

The top 5 things to do in amsterdam include taking part in an exciting canal tour of the city. Many would say that the best alternative to such an activity is cycling through the streets of the Dutch capital. However, we do not agree.

Top things to do in Amsterdam: all secrets of bright leisure
Travelling along the canals gives guests a sense of happiness. Source: Image Pexels

What to do in Amsterdam, Netherlands? Take a trip on the water, which always has its own charm. Here tourists are immersed in a unique atmosphere of romance surrounded by mesmerizing cityscapes.

Most of the tours start in Sentral. We advise you to choose a longer tour to enjoy the charm of these places. If this is not enough for you, opt for cruises with gourmet dinner and cocktails. A wonderful addition to the tours is relaxing jazz music performed by talented musicians.

Brouwerij 't EJ

Prominent among the 10 things to do in Amsterdam is a visit to the Amsterdam Mini Brewery, which is located in a windmill. It is considered one of the top things to do in Amsterdam with a unique charm. Here, guests have been served beer in small glasses since 1985, and you don't have to go inside to get it.

However, you should be careful: some beers contain large amounts of alcohol. It is one of the best anc coziest places to visit in Amsterdam in warm season, as you can take comfortable seats on the terrace.

Here you can enjoy not only noble drinks with Dutch character but also the amazing scenery of the surrounding area. Stop by and have a good time.

Vondelpark

Top activities in Amsterdam are sure to include a stroll through Vondelpark. It is notable for the fact that it was allowed to have picnics with barbecuing, smoke marijuana and even have sex here in the past. Later, lovemaking was banned, but the park still retains a sense of freedom and liberation.

More than 70 varieties of luxurious roses are planted in the park, which beckon with a palette of pearlescent and matte shades and delicate fragrances. There are musical programs featuring live instrumental music during the summer months.

Exploding Galaxy

What to do near Amsterdam, Netherlands? One interesting option is to head to the retro gallery, which is located in the Amsterdam Nord warehouse. You can get here for free by taking the ferry behind Central Station.

After paying a small fee, any vending machines are available to guests. Here you can order appetizing food and drinks at good prices. The vending machines work both day and night, so you can drop in here at any time of the day, immersing yourself in a relaxed atmosphere with vivid emotions.

Rent a bike

Are you wondering what else to do in Amsterdam? We suggest renting a bike to get the thrill of a ride around the city. There are plenty of bike paths scattered in different directions, so there are plenty of options for exploring.

Westerpark

If you draw energy and inspiration from nature, you'll love Westerpark with its many green spaces and rich variety of flora. It is one of the top ten things to do in Amsterdam.

There are many interesting things to do here:

  • a large pond with clear water;
  • bicycle paths;
  • comfortable picnic and exercise areas.

The park has internet access and a café that welcomes guests with tempting offers for lunch or dinner. Fairs are often organized here with a huge range of natural products from local farms and mouth-watering delicacies.

Madame Tussauds Museum

What to do in Amsterdam to make the experience worthwhile? Go to the famous Madame Tussauds Museum. There are many exhibits here, including figures of famous people made of wax. They look very realistic and attractive.

It is better to buy tickets to this institution online to be sure to get here on the right day. Tickets for children aged 5 to 15 years are less expensive than for adults, while kids under 4 years old can get here for free.

Micropia Microbial Museum

Every traveler who came to Amsterdam must see the Micropia Museum. Here, the creatures invisible to the naked eye like bacteria and other microorganisms open up to research enthusiasts. Micropia offers not only to look at microbes, but also to conduct entertaining experiments and observations.

For example, with the help of a special scanner you can see what microbes are on your body at the moment. Visitors are given special cards with different microbes at the entrance to the museum, which can be examined with the help of a scanner.

NEMO Science Museum

A must-see place for every traveler is the NEMO Museum. There are many exhibits of natural and exact sciences on display here. The zest of the institution is that it is remarkable not only inside but also outside. All because the museum is presented in the form of a five-story green ship.

The museum is one of the famous local things to do in Amsterdam. Its exhibits can not only be viewed but also touched with your hands. This is especially appealing to little ones, so families with children often come here to relax.

There are crooked mirrors and a lot of entertainment on the first floors. Real laboratories for research are arranges on the upper tiers, where you can replenish the piggy bank of your knowledge.

Of course, the list of cool stuff to do in Amsterdam does not end here. There are many more interesting places to visit in this amazing city with colorful architecture and stunning art galleries. Amsterdam is like love at first sight!

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