Amsterdam is a city of unique "gingerbread" architecture and free morals, and to see the main sights 1, 2 or 3 days will be enough, but to really enjoy it, it is better to allocate 4-5 days. It is important to draw up a vacation plan in advance, otherwise there is a risk of missing something.
Red light district
The red light district is the first thing that comes to mind when a tourist decides what to see in Amsterdam on their first visit. And it really is a place that cannot be ignored. Each window here is a showcase illuminated by red light, and behind the glass is dancing a beautiful, half-naked girl who is ready to welcome the guest and draw the curtains for a while. In the red light district, you can go to a prostitution museum, a bar or a club where erotic shows are held and sex shops.
National Museum of Amsterdam
The National Museum is the largest and most popular in the city. The spacious halls contain masterpieces of Dutch and world painting, antique sculptures and classical photographs. It is a way to quickly and enjoyably immerse yourself in the history and culture of Amsterdam. Also nearby are the Van Gogh Museum, where you can learn everything about the life and work of the artist, and the Rijksmuseum art museum.
Dam Square
Dam Square is the main square in Amsterdam. Initially, it was created as a territory for a market; during the Second World War, executions were carried out here, and later thousands of students came here to protest against the Vietnam War. But today Dam Square is a peaceful place where locals and tourists rest. In the evenings, street performers gather here to find their audience and earn a little extra money.
A’DAM Lookout observation deck
When answering the question of what to see in Amsterdam, I would like to recommend the panoramic observation deck A’DAM Lookout. There is a fantastic view of the entire city from there, and it is equally beautiful both during the day and at sunset or at night. On the playground, you can ride a swing, have a delicious meal in a restaurant or have a drink in a bar. It is better to buy tickets in advance on the official website in order to save money and avoid queues.
Begeinhof courtyard
Entering the Begeinhof Courtyard is like taking a trip to the Middle Ages. In the past, Catholic nuns lived here in secret, as Catholicism was banned for a long time. And now the Begeinhof is a place for a comfortable stay, leisurely walks, atmospheric photo sessions. There you can have a coffee, a snack, swing and enjoy the silence before continuing your journey through Amsterdam.
Leidseplein
Leidseplein is known as an entertainment location. During the day, the square is more or less calm, travelers are interested in the boutiques that are located here, but at night it comes to life and takes on bright colors. Creative personalities gather here, mainly musicians, dancers and magicians who are happy to demonstrate their skills for symbolic gratitude. Also around the square are the best clubs, cinemas, pubs and coffee shops in Amsterdam.
Swap meet
Amsterdam's flea market is the largest in Europe and offers everything from luxury clothing and shoes to antiques. You can wander around the market for hours, but it is impossible to leave empty-handed, everyone will find something special here. This is a great place for those who prefer to give unusual gifts or bring custom souvenirs home. Bargaining is appropriate and encouraged, payment only in cash.
Vondel park
When deciding what to see in Amsterdam, it is worth considering that it is a large, densely built up and noisy city, from which you want to take a break from time to time. Vondel Park is a location created for peace, quiet and simple pleasures. Huge and green, it invites you to take a walk, ride a bike, sit on a bench, lie on the lawn, or even have a picnic. On the territory of a quiet park, there are children's and sports grounds, as well as small restaurants and cafes.
Germ museum
The Interactive Museum of Microbes was created in order to lucidly tell adults and children about the world of microorganisms, which cannot be seen or known with the naked eye. What bacteria live on the human body? Which ones can be dangerous and which ones are useful? And do you need to do something with them? In a word, this museum is for those who strive for knowledge and easily assimilate information in a semi-game form.
Anne Frank Museum
The Anne Frank House Museum is the very place where a little Jewish girl and her family tried to hide from the German occupation. Here she wrote the world-famous diary and here is the original of this poignant story about the Second World War. To get to the Anne Frank Museum without a queue, it is better to purchase tickets in advance on the official website. The recommended time to visit is evening. In no case should you ignore the audio guide.
Oude Kerk Church
The Oude Kerk Church is the oldest church in the city, which deserves to be on the list of "what to see in Amsterdam". It is still in operation and willingly admits guests, so that every traveler has the opportunity to see the interior decoration and stroll through the Gothic cemetery, where many famous Dutch rest, including Rembrandt's wife. And if you walk along Oude Kerk with a guide, you can climb the tower to enjoy the view of the city from above.
However, the church is also strongly associated with contemporary art. On the territory of Oude Kerk, artists and photographers often gather and implement their projects.
Rembrandt House
The Rembrandt House is a museum that allows you to see how the great artist lived and worked. Walls, floors, ceilings, furniture, decorations - everything is recreated according to historical data, and the audio guide helps you plunge into the past, learn more about the life, character and work of Rembrandt. It is noteworthy that the walls of the museum are decorated not only with the works of the "owner" of the house. There are exhibited paintings by the masters with whom he was inspired, as well as followers, students and contemporaries.
Jordan region
The old Jordan area is centrally located, but there is no crowding of tourists. To feel the authentic atmosphere of Amsterdam, you should take a leisurely walk through the streets and secret courtyards, explore the peculiarities of architecture, or wander into a small restaurant or coffee shop. Every Monday, a flea market opens in the Jordan area, where you can buy quality clothing, shoes, accessories, books and household goods for a song.
Magere-Bruges bridge
The Magere-Bruges drawbridge was built back in 1691 on the Amstel River, and in 1871 it was reconstructed. It is truly beautiful in the evenings, when it is illuminated by hundreds of small lights, and romantic natures, couples and photographers strive there. And if you're lucky, you can see how the bridge is raised in order to allow large ships to pass.
Amsterdam canal cruise
Amsterdam is a city lined with canals along and across, like the northern Russian capital of St. Petersburg. A standard cruise on the canals of Amsterdam lasts sixty minutes, the tourist can choose the route himself, what areas and buildings he wants to see from the water. It is recommended to take an audio guide in Russian to get acquainted with the history and culture of the city. For young children who are bored of listening to an adult audio guide, there is a special program with fairy tales about pirates.
Now you are prepared and know what to see in Amsterdam. Helpful hint: try cycling around the city, as the locals do, and then you will truly feel Amsterdam as your city and will never want to part with it.
