Amsterdam, Netherlands
Having survived conservative make over attempts, Amsterdam is back to its usual self, welcoming visitors in for a drink, a puff, and a good time with no judgments passed. Amsterdam’s liberal laws on cannabis and prostitution give this city a reputation for promising to make dreams come true. Have a drink in a historic open-air market while people nearby smoke reefers, entertained by a man walking down the street half naked singing Eric Clapton—in Amsterdam it’s all good.
The canal lining architecture and cycling culture make this friendly city an inviting place for exploration by day and exciting adventures by night. Home to countless festivals, the city resonates with live music and is crammed with cafes, perfect for spending lazy afternoons drinking wine and listening to jazz… or orchestral, techno, or rock music. The red-light district is well worth the perusal of the daring, or for a more conventional day of sight seeing, the Rijksmuseum houses an impressive collection of classical Dutch art. The audacious backpacker, stag party attendee, wine aficionado, or art collector will all feel at home in this culturally rich, but cutting edge city.
Top Amsterdam attractions
We know a total of 40 attractions in Amsterdam. See all Amsterdam attractions.
- The Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum, in its handsome neo-Renaissance brick building, is best known for paintings from the Golden Age of Dutch art. … - The Night Watch (Rembrandt)
'Night Watch or The Night Watch (Dutch: De Nachtwacht), is the common name of one of the most famous works by Dutch painter Rem… - Anne Frank House & Museum
The house beside the Westerkirk where young Anne Frank hid with her family from the Nazi occupiers in WW2. Now a moving museum.… - Van Gogh Museum
This museum features a comprehensive and authoritative collection of works by Van Gogh. There are also a sprinkling of painting… - Queen's Day / Koninginnedag Festival
The 30th of April is one of the most important dates on the Dutch calendar. Marking the birth of former Queen Juliana, this is … - Naarden
Naarden, some 20 km East of Amsterdam, is one of the best preserved fortified towns in Europe. The old centre is surrounded by … - Orchard with Blossoming Plum Trees
'Orchard with Blossoming Plum Trees is a landscape filled with a green hue, with everything from the grass to the buds and leav… - Commodities Exchange
The world"s oldest commodities exchange, and, in fact, its origin. Now exhibition and concert halls, the design brought Amsterd… - Muiderslot Castle
The Muiderslot Castle was originally built by one Count Floris V in 1280. When the Count was murdered by rebellious noblemen, t… - Artis Zoo
It may be small, there may be other things on your mind when visiting Amsterdam and it might not pack the same punch as other z… - Defence Line of Amsterdam
Extending 135 km around the city of Amsterdam, this defence line (built between 1883 and 1920) is the only example of a fortifi… - Amsterdam Historic Museum
Amsterdam's Historical Museum is houses in what was once a 15th century city orphanage and focuses on the city's 17th century g…
Holiday ideas featuring Amsterdam
Barging and Biking in Holland
This flat, windmill dotted land is best explored by barge on the canals, with your bike on top, ready for any interesting inland exploration.
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Related links
- the Netherlands travel guide
- Europe travel guide
- the Netherlands tour operators and travel specialists
- Weather in Amsterdam
- Best hotels in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a boiling pot of European culture mixed with their own twist on laws. The red light district is not for the faint of heart but is an attraction a visitor must see. They also have many places to drink beer and smoke cannabis, where you can do both at the same time if you wish.