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If you want to enjoy the spirit of freedom, see the floating market of fragrant flowers, plunge into the atmosphere of the city that inspired the great Rembrandt and Van Gogh, you should visit the sights of Amsterdam. The unique architectural appearance of the Dutch capital is created by water channels that divide the city into 90 islands. Choosing what to see in Amsterdam, every tourist will find entertainment to their liking. Some will stand in admiration in front of the canvases of brilliant artists, others will want to see the exhibits of the shipping museum, and still others will enjoy visiting a nightclub where you can absolutely freely buy marijuana.
What to see in Amsterdam in the first place
The main metropolis of the Netherlands is a special city in every sense, so excursions in Amsterdam will definitely be memorable. There are so many places worth seeing here that it would be wiser to determine which of them deserve the most attention before the trip – and our list of the best attractions will make it possible.
1. Rijksmuseum
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Rijksmuseum (Rijksmuseum) in Amsterdam Mark Ahsmann
It is impossible to pass by such a landmark of Amsterdam, as this huge red brick building with peaked roofs stretches for the entire block along the canal embankment. This is the Rijksmuseum, which is one of the twenty most famous museums on the planet.
In its numerous halls, the history of the Northern Netherlands is collected, starting from the 15th century. Here you can see the paintings of such brilliant artists as Rembrandt, Vermeer, Frans Hals, Jan van Goyen, Cornelis Trost and many others. They depict scenes from the life of saints, the aristocratic nobility, as well as the life of ordinary people.
The central place in the museum is occupied by Rembrandt's painting “Night Watch”, for which the entire building was reconstructed in 2006.
The Rijksmuseum exhibits samples of works by famous Dutch jewelers, stone and wooden statues that previously served as decorations for altars in temples, clergy clothes embroidered with gold and precious stones, numerous engravings, photographs and artifacts.
The museum has halls displaying works by Italian, Spanish and Flemish masters of art, equally interesting for connoisseurs of art.
Official website: https://www.rijksmuseum.nl
2. Vincent Van Gogh Museum
Vincent Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam [ Wladyslaw [Disk.]](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Van
Gogh_Museum_Amsterdam.jpg) Museum of Vincent van Gogh, which contains a collection of 200 paintings by the author, 500 sketches, archival documents, the artist's correspondence with his older brother, friends and colleagues.
Art lovers will also be able to enjoy the paintings of Picasso, Gauguin, Monet and others contemporaries of the artist.
Guided tours of the museum are available in 10 languages, and on Thursdays at 15.30 you can visit it for free with an English-speaking guide. Coming to the gallery with a child will not be a problem, as they will be offered a two-hour exciting Treasure Hunt game. But photography in the halls is strictly prohibited.
The building was erected and opened to visitors in 1973. Vincent van Gogh's nephew provided him with a priceless collection of paintings. The exposition wing was added at the end of the 20th century, and since then the appearance of the gallery has not changed.
Moving from room to room, one can trace the development of the artist's talent and the reflection of his mood. In the early works, the predominance of dark shades is clearly expressed, reflecting the hopelessness and depressive state of both Van Gogh himself and the heroes of his paintings. But later canvases are filled with landscapes in an insanely rich palette, speaking and mental disorder of the author.
Official website: https://www.vangoghmuseum
3. Vondelpark
Winding Pond at the Vondelpark in Amsterdam Ken Eckert
Visiting the various sights of Amsterdam, you can not pass by the Vondelpark. In it you can admire the beauty of landscapes that have preserved the natural originality and skillfully supplemented by people. Surprisingly beautiful trees grow here in abundance – catalpas, red chestnuts, graceful birches, shrubs and grasses. A huge winding pond stretching across the entire territory of the park has become a habitat for swans, ducks and rare blue herons.
The park has many walking and cycling paths, shady alleys and lawns where you can relax, bask in the sun or have picnics. But the main pride of the organizers is the luxurious rose garden, which contains more than 70 varieties of roses.
In the center of the park is a monument to the Dutch playwright Jost van den Vondel. Also on site you can see the huge “Fish” by Picasso and the symbol of the fight against racism – the statue of Nelson Carillo “Mama Bagel”.
As an entertainment program, you can visit the open-air theater for free. For those who are hungry, cafes and restaurants open their doors. And fans of outdoor activities will be happy to ride roller skates, play tennis and golf, and also have fun with children on the playgrounds.
Official website: https://www.hetvondelpark
4. Beguinage in Amsterdam
Beguinage in Amsterdam Dennis Jarvis
For those who are tired of the hustle and bustle of the city, it is worth visiting the beguinage, which is included in the sights of Amsterdam. It consists of 47 detached houses forming a closed courtyard.
In the XIV century, widows and unmarried women settled here, who decided to devote their lives to caring for the poor and sick residents of the city. Striving for a righteous way of life and professing Catholicism, they still had the right to leave the community at any time and even get married.
Visitors enter the territory of the beguinage through a massive ancient gate, which depicts the patroness of the beguinage – Saint Ursula. A professional guide will lead visitors through a well-groomed courtyard with green lawns, trees and statues of saints. He will tell you that it is worth visiting the beguinage in Amsterdam if only to see the oldest wooden house in Holland.
In the library you can get acquainted with biblical scriptures and drawings illustrating scenes from the life of saints. There is also a Presbyterian Scottish temple, which is often called an English church.
Feel the atmosphere of Amsterdam in this beautiful video!
5. Flower Market
Bloemenmarkt flower market in Amsterdam zak mc
When going to Holland, many people already decide in advance that visiting the Bloemenmarket floating flower market in Amsterdam is a must. After all, you will probably not see such a quantity of flowers, seeds, bulbs and seedlings in any other city in the world.
Until the middle of the 17th century, farmers brought their fragrant goods here, selling it to the townspeople directly from the boats. And in 1862, it was decided to install small flower shops on moored barges.
In the market, you can not only admire the beauty of blooming flowers, but also buy bulbs of the famous Dutch tulips, seeds of local and exotic plants. However, if you are going to take them home with you, you need to get a certificate from the sellers that gives you the right to export.
Among the multi-colored bags, you can see already packaged marijuana seeds on free sale. You should not try to take them out of the country illegally, because instead of remembering the sights of Amsterdam at home with a smile, you can get into trouble with the law.
6. Amsterdam Botanical Garden or Hortus Botanicus
Amsterdam Botanical Garden Guilhem Vellut
Residents of the Dutch capital believe that every tourist should see the famous botanical garden in Amsterdam. Back in 1638, it appeared to save the city from the plague, and now it is a beautiful corner with a collection of more than 6 thousand plants.
The thirties of the 17th century were marked for Holland by an epidemic of plague, which claimed thousands of human lives for several years. At this time, doctors began to grow medicinal herbs near the walls of Amsterdam, infusions and decoctions of which brought relief to the sick. This is how Hortus Botanicus was founded, which then continued to expand, and in the 19th century became the property of the university, where famous biologists of that time conducted their research.
Travelers and sailors constantly replenished the collection of this Amsterdam attraction, bringing plants from other countries and continents.
An interesting fact is that Holland is the birthplace of coffee. It was in the botanical garden that the grains were grown, which Louis XIV sent to Brazil, where they became widespread.
In Hortus Botanicus, the famous Victoria Amazonica lily blooms two nights a year. Moreover, on the first night, its petals are white, and after a day they become pink. In order for visitors to see this spectacle, the garden is specially kept open at this time.
Official website: https://www.dehortus
7. Dam Square
Dam Square in Amsterdam Sietske
It would be quite fair to say that every tourist wants to see the central Dam Square in Amsterdam with a size of 20 thousand square meters. It is here that the most significant events of the city take place, including ceremonies, festivals, concerts, demonstrations, and, sometimes, large-scale protests.
Amsterdam attractions located on the square include several buildings and an amusement park operating even at night.
The Royal Palace, which is currently home to King Willem-Alexander, is open to visitors during his absence.
You can visit an exhibition of contemporary artists or listen to organ music by going to the New Church, which at the end of the 20th century lost its original theological function.
Dam Square is perhaps the most famous Madame Tussauds museum in the world, whose building itself is an architectural gem of the capital.
In the center of the square is a national monument to the memory of Dutch soldiers who died in World War II. Every year, hundreds of flowers are brought to him in gratitude for the deliverance of the people from fascism.
Official website: https://www.amsterdam
8. Museum of Shipping or Maritime Museum
Dutch Maritime Museum in Amsterdam Ricardo Liberato
Knowing about the rich maritime history of Holland, you can definitely decide that visiting the Maritime Museum in Amsterdam is a must.< /p>
Its building was erected back in 1656 as an admiralty warehouse. It was converted into a museum by order of Princess Beatrix in 1973. From 2007 to 2011, it underwent a grandiose reconstruction, as a result of which an elegant glass structure appeared above the courtyard, and the museum exhibits were distributed in 11 exhibition halls, according to the theme.
Visitors have the opportunity to see a huge collection of nautical charts, portraits of seafarers, books about traveling across the expanses of the oceans, navigation textbooks, as well as ancient globes, measuring and navigational instruments.
The museum has the largest collection of various ships, ranging from from vintage rowboats to modern fast liners.
Official website: https://www.hetscheepvaartmuseum
9. Albert Cuyp Market
Albert Cuyp Market in Amsterdam Franklin Heijnen
The sights of Amsterdam amaze with their diversity. The silence of museum halls and temples is quickly replaced by the bustle of squares and street markets, the most colorful of which is the market of Albert Jacobs Cuyp.
More than a century ago, merchants from different countries exhibited their goods here. Now it has become the most famous and largest market in Holland.
On the territory of this attraction, in addition to stalls and shops, there are craft workshops, small cafes and even a museum. The exhibits of the museum are cheese heads, which you can try here and learn the history of their preparation.
Most of the merchants are emigrants from different countries, which is reflected in the rich assortment of goods. Many of them are a reflection of the national culture of a particular people, and are often unique. But here such products can be purchased at fairly low prices, which attracts many buyers here.
Official website: http://albertcuyp-markt
10. Amsterdam Stedelijk Museum, Stedelijk Museum
Amsterdam Stedelijk Museum FaceMePLS
Many attractions in Amsterdam attract tourists not only for their content, but also for their appearance. It's hard to walk past a huge bathtub hanging over your head, and not wonder what lies underneath.
This is what the new wing of the largest contemporary art museum in the Netherlands looks like, with an area of 8,000 m². It contains unique canvases by contemporary painters, whose works cause admiration in some, bewilderment in others, and a protest against such a “desecration of art” in still others. But at the same time, no one remains indifferent and disappointed, receiving a huge amount of diverse and conflicting emotions.
The museum contains works by masters of classical modernism, expressionism, minimalism, pop art, neoplasticism and other trends.
Thematic exhibitions are often organized here, giving this institution dynamics and connection with the reality of life.
Official website: https://www.stedelijk.nl/en
Sightseeing in Amsterdam: what else to visit while in Amsterdam
Even more to feel the local flavor will visit the attractions that are presented in the list below. Guides in Amsterdam will help you not to get lost in the vibrant and dynamic city, ready to uncover the secrets of the night capital and fully demonstrate the beauty of the metropolis in the daylight.
11. Royal Palace
Royal Palace on Dam Square in Amsterdam Robert Scarth
The main attraction of Amsterdam is considered to be the Royal Palace (one of the top attractions in the Netherlands), located on the main square of the capital. The royal family rarely lives here, so the building is often open to visitors. It also hosts coronation ceremonies, weddings of monarchs, receptions of foreign delegations and other similar events.
Inside the palace impresses with its grandeur, an abundance of marble and gilding. In the huge Civic Hall, which symbolizes the cosmos, you can admire the sculpture of the legendary titan Atlas holding the globe on his mighty shoulders. On the floor of the hall there is a map of the Earth and celestial spheres. The giant dome of the building is crowned with a weather vane in the form of an old ship, which is a symbol of Amsterdam.
The palace houses a museum that displays many historical documents, household items and clothes of the Dutch in different eras of their development. Visitors can also experience beauty by visiting the hall of paintings by Rembrandt, Bol and other famous artists.
Official website: https://www.paleisamsterdam
12 Nemo Museum
Renzo Piano Nemo Science Museum in Amsterdam Velvet
There are attractions in Amsterdam that attract not only adult visitors, but also the younger generation. These institutions include the Nemo Museum, which looks like a huge green ship, which contains exhibits that tell about the achievements of mankind in the field of technology, medicine, art and other fields.
Numerous interactive exhibitions are presented here, allowing you to learn a lot about the human body, the origin and possibilities of various energies, sound and light. Visitors are given the opportunity to take part in scientific experiments themselves.
The building has several levels, each of which presents a specific theme. The top floor is made in the form of a real ship deck, from which you can admire a magnificent view of Amsterdam and its surroundings.
Official website: https://www.nemosciencemuseum
13. Micropia
The Micropia Museum in Amsterdam Nadine Ranger
There are places of interest in Amsterdam that contain gigantic exhibits, but the opposite is true at the Micropia Museum. Here are the smallest creatures that inhabit the planet. These are viruses, bacteria, protozoa, microscopic fungi and other microbes that people come into contact with every day without noticing them or not even knowing about their presence.
This museum has rooms where you can see numerous microorganisms under a microscope, as well as learn about the features of their structure and life.
In other rooms, household items used by a person on a daily basis, products, prints from various surfaces, photos – and videos that give an idea of the invisible life that constantly boils around people.
Official website: https://www.micropia.nl/en/
< h3> 14. Westerkerk
Westerkerk Church Dennis Jarvis
The spire of this landmark of Amsterdam, topped with a crown, is visible from afar. This is the Westerkerk, a church distinguished by the elegance of architecture and rich history. It is here that the great Rembrandt is buried, whose paintings have continued to delight connoisseurs of art for many centuries.
Next to this church lived the Jewish girl Anne Frank, whose diary about the horrors of the Nazi occupation is known throughout the world. A monument to this courageous child is located on the church square.
Climbing up the 186 steps of the stairs, visitors to the church get to the observation deck, which offers an amazing view of the beautiful capital of Holland.
Now the building is used and for a practical purpose – it serves as a fire tower, as it is the highest point in the city.
Official website: http://www.westerkerk.nl/russisch
15. Muidersloot Castle
surrounded by a moat
To get to know Amsterdam thoroughly, you should definitely visit places that allow you to get acquainted with its centuries-old history. You can plunge into the atmosphere of the Middle Ages in the castles of Amsterdam – of which the 13th century Muiderslot, located 15 kilometers from Amsterdam in the town of Muiden, is the best preserved. Outwardly, he seemed to have descended from the pages of a fairy tale about brave knights – round turrets rush into the sky, impregnable walls are surrounded by a moat with water, and a single bridge leads inside. This building has a long and complicated history, and a fortress stood on this site a thousand years ago. All this is due to the valuable location at the mouth of the Vecht River, which was an important transport, trade artery and a kind of customs where ships were charged. Today, the restored rooms with recreated authentic interiors house a branch of the Rijksmuseum.
Official website: https://www.muiderslot
16. Rembrandt House Museum< /h3>
Entrance to the Rembrandt House Museum in Amsterdam WarXboT
Lovers of fine arts, no doubt, will like a visit to the Rembrandt House Museum. The great master painter not only lived here, but also created masterpieces, and the workshops of his students were located on the top floor. The main emphasis in the museum is on the everyday environment in which the artist lived – household items of the 17th century, kitchen utensils and unusual furniture are recreated. And the main creations of Rembrandt are collected in another institution – the Rijksmuseum, but still, within the walls of the former house, there was a place for a rich collection of engravings by a talented master, as well as works by his students. The engravings here are collected in the amount of 260 pieces out of 290 created by the artist, as well as several samples of his painting. The collection also contains works by painters who lived much later than Rembrandt, but used his artistic techniques.
Official website: https://www.rembrandthuis
17. Madame Tussauds
Madame Tussauds at Dam Square in Amsterdam city center
November in Amsterdam is not the best time for nature walks: the dim sun rarely peeks out from behind the clouds, the temperature stays at a mark just above zero. But if you had a chance to relax in Amsterdam during this period, you should think about what to see in Amsterdam in November. Autumn weather is the time to visit museums. One of the most famous and popular in Amsterdam is Madame Tussauds Museum on Dam Square – it once became the first branch of the world-famous wax museum in London. A visit to Madame Tussauds takes you to the world of celebrities who have become symbols of their era. Here you can “meet” the stars of cinema, music, sports, politics – they all look so realistic that sometimes it seems as if they have just left the TV screen. An unforgettable experience is complemented by the original design of the halls, as well as interactive, musical and lighting special effects.
Official website: https://www.madametussauds
18. Diamond Diamond Factory and Museum
Andere Andre
An exhibit at the Coster Diamonds Diamond Museum in Amsterdam MissCookie1994
Ever since the fine-cutting of diamonds was developed in Amsterdam in the 16th century, this Dutch city has become a hub for the diamond trade. For 4 centuries in a row, talented craftsmen improved their skills by processing diamonds brought from different parts of the world. This delicate craft has long been an art, and it is not surprising that diamond factories, jewelry stores, and a diamond museum can be found in Amsterdam. By the way, the diamond museum appeared thanks to the Coster Diamonds company, which owned a diamond factory in the 19th century. Among the products of this company, its true pride was a cut blue and white diamond for the British crown. One museum building combined a factory, exhibition halls, and a diamond storage. Therefore, visiting the museum, you can at the same time watch the finest work on an inconspicuous pebble, which in the process of cutting transforms into a beautiful sparkling diamond.
Official website: https://diamonds-amsterdam< /p>
19. Anne Frank House
The queue for the Anne Frank Museum on the Prinsengracht in Amsterdam © 1971markus
There is also a museum in Amsterdam, the main exhibit of which keeps its own special history. This is the house of Anne Frank, where the original diary is presented, in which a Jewish girl described the horror of the genocide using the example of her life during the Second World War. The museum collection also includes temporary exhibitions dedicated to the theme of the persecution of Jews, racism, fascism and anti-Semitism. As an 11-year-old girl, Anna, along with her family, was forced to hide from the Nazis in a secret shelter in the building where her father worked as a company manager. The family was forced to hide for two years, live in captivity and in constant fear. An outlet for the girl was a diary, reflecting in those terrible days all the little things of everyday life. But two years later, the secret was revealed, all family members were sent to concentration camps. Only the girl's father, Otto Frank, managed to survive there, who decided to publish a book with her notes in memory of his daughter.
Official website: https://www.annefrank
20. Amsterdam Dungeon Museum
Special effects exhibition from the Middle Ages at the Amsterdam Dungeon Museum Steve Terrell
The Amsterdam Dungeon Museum recreates the darkest features of the Middle Ages and is the perfect place to see in and around Amsterdam for those who like to tickle their nerves. The most terrible moments in the life of the city are reflected in the exhibits and attractions of this museum. A journey into the world of the Middle Ages begins with a descent on a creepy elevator 5 floors underground. Here you can see a huge room with bones and skulls, shackles, a torture chamber, where the most terrible tortures are realistically played out by the actors. Witches, the ferocity of the plague, the groans of restless souls, death with a scythe – it seems that this is where the real hell begins. The attraction “Secrets of Rembrandt” is also in demand, taking visitors to a medieval clinic for the mentally ill. Getting out of the depths of the dungeon back into the world, visitors feel euphoria from the fact that all this horror was just a scene.
Official website: https://www.thedungeons
21. Cannabis Museum
Cannabis stands at the Museum of Marijuana and Cannabis in Amsterdam Didier le Ger
In Russia, it is even difficult to imagine some things that have long become the norm in Holland – for example, the cannabis museum in Amsterdam. Soft drugs are legal here, so they have already become an integral part of the local culture. Initially, the hashish museum began in the early 1990s as a personal exhibition of breeder and botanist Ben Dronkers, but over time it has gained unprecedented popularity. Outwardly, the museum looks more like a coffee shop, but inside everything is changing – a cozy entourage has been created here, where shop windows and stands with flickering illumination are located in the semi-darkness, there is even a greenhouse where real hemp is grown. But still, the main exposition of the museum focuses more on accessories used for the use of marijuana – for example, here you can see a large selection of smoking pipes, hookahs, there are hemp woven products and various products from this plant.
Official website: https://hashmuseum.
22. St. Nicholas Church
St. Nicholas Church in Amsterdam Gouwenaar
If the sights of Rotterdam impress with the most innovative architectural solutions and creative execution, then the monuments of Amsterdam are a tribute to traditions, authentic architecture, where every stone of the cobbled streets keeps a centuries-old history. The true decoration of Amsterdam is the church of St. Nicholas, who is revered here as the patron saint of the Netherlands. This is the largest 17th century Catholic church in Amsterdam, located near the central station. It is often called the “temple within the walls” due to its location right in the center of the ancient fortress walls. In an elegant appearance, features of neo-baroque and neo-renaissance are captured, the facade is crowned with two high towers, in the central part there is a large rose window, a magnificent mosaic depicts images of Christ and the evangelists, a sculpture of St. Nicholas is located in a special niche, an organ is installed inside, on which concerts are held.< /p>
23. Oudekerk
The early 14th century Oudekerk in the De Wallen district in the center of Amsterdam
The ancient Dutch Oudekerk church of the 13th century is a real piece of the Middle Ages, admiring with its grandeur and originality. This oldest building in Amsterdam is located on the Oudekerksplein, and its honorable age is far from its only advantage. The church was erected in honor of Nicholas the Wonderworker, especially revered in the Netherlands, and over the course of three hundred years it was completed and restored, overcoming numerous natural disasters. On an impressive area of 3.5 thousand sq.m. housed 10 chapels, a bell tower and a baptistery. The temple has the largest vaulted roof in Europe, which dates back to the 14th century, and under its floor are the tombs, which over the centuries have become the burial place for many famous artists, poets, battle heroes and ordinary people of Amsterdam, a total of about 10 thousand people.
Official website: https://oudekerk
24. Nieuwekerk Church
Side view of the 15th century Nieuwe Kerk church Dam Square in Amsterdam Pemolo
Amsterdam Nieuwekerk is an eclectic building, and its name literally translates as “New Church”, which is very arbitrary. The fact is that, in contrast to this building, there is the Oudekerk church, that is, the “Old Church”, although it was built only a few years earlier. Today, the Nieuwekerk adorns the city with its Gothic façade, whose 109-meter spire can be seen from the furthest corners of the city. I must say, this spire has been the cause of disasters more than once – twice it was hit by lightning, causing a large-scale fire. The interior decoration is a contrasting combination of white marble and noble colors of dark wood, skillful carvings and colorful stained-glass windows, an honorable place is occupied by an organ of the 17th century. It is within the walls of this temple that the solemn coronation of royal persons takes place, and many famous poets, military and political figures are buried here.
Official website: https://www.nieuwekerk
25. Weight Chamber
The 15th-century Weighing Chamber on Nieumarkt in Amsterdam
When deciding where to go in the center of Amsterdam, in addition to various museums and religious shrines, you can visit the ancient building of the Chamber of Weights, located on one of the central city squares – Nieuwmarkt. Until the 17th century, this building was the tower of St. Anthony, located right in the city walls. Later, these walls were demolished, and the Weighing Chamber was located in the tower, where various goods were weighed – in these years, Amsterdam was a major center of trade. At that time, it was already the second Weighing Chamber, because the old one, which was located on Dam Square, could no longer cope with the volumes. At that time, the working guilds of masons, blacksmiths and doctors were located on the upper floors. After the weighing point was closed in the 19th century, workshops, a fire department, an archive, museums worked in the building, and today there are several atmospheric cafes.
Official website: https://waag. org
26. Berlage Stock Exchange
One of the cultural centers of Amsterdam is the Berlage Stock Exchange on Damrak Street User:Mtcv
The world-famous building of the Berlage stock exchange, named after its architect, is located on Birzhevaya Square. Today it is the most valuable monument of Dutch Art Deco architecture of the early 20th century, although it is often said that the building has a medieval character. Ascetic facades of red brick with elements of asymmetry and features of cubism are crowned by a high corner tower, decorated in Art Deco. For many decades, the building housed commodity, currency, stock, grain and cargo exchanges. Nowadays, there are entertainment venues, a museum, and concerts are regularly held in spacious halls with excellent acoustics. The exposition of the museum tells about the history of the former stock exchange, about the architect of the building, and as part of the excursion program, access to some of the interior and the tower chimes is organized.
Official website: https://beursvanberlage
27. Coin tower
Tower on the bustling Amsterdam Mint PH Low
The main decoration of the Mint Square in Amsterdam is the tower of the same name, the history of which dates back to the Middle Ages. At that time, it was part of the city walls, which served to protect the city from enemy attacks. The walls, erected in the 15th century, were already destroyed by fire in the 16th century, only the tower, where the guards were originally located, survived. In the 17th century, these walls began to occupy the state mint, where money was minted. The reconstruction of the beginning of the 17th century gave the building the features of a renaissance, it acquired an octagonal upper part, an elegant spire, a clock and a unique carillon – a mechanical instrument that sets the bell row in motion and creates a melodious chime. Inside the tower today there is a china shop selling porcelain products – exquisite vases, traditionally painted plates, as well as figurines, souvenirs and other works of art.
28. Amsterdam Arena
Inside the Amsterdam Arena football stadium in the city of Amsterdam David Jones
Fans of football, sports and, in general, any modern achievement should definitely plan a route to the Amsterdam Bijlmer Arena metro station, from where the Amsterdam Arena stadium, a sample of the cutting-edge innovations of our time, is just a 20-minute walk away. This is the home arena of the famous FC Ajax, to whose achievements a whole museum is dedicated here. Back in 1996, when this stadium was built, it became one of the progressive arenas in Europe – a closing roof and a host of other functional elements were built here. And here there were and are concerts of world-famous stars – such as Celine Dion, AC/DC, The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Rihanna and other celebrities. Starting in 2015, a 5-year program to renovate the arena by 2021 came into effect, and today thousands of solar panels have been placed on the roof that store solar energy.
Official website: https: //www.johancruijffarena
29. Keukenhof
Flower season in the royal Keukenhof park near Amsterdam Luu
Traveling to Amsterdam in winter, you can see how this city is changing and changing in winter. At this time, it is worth taking advantage of the “low season” and choosing what to see in Amsterdam in December. One of the great options is to visit the Keukenhof Fair, one of the biggest Christmas markets in the country, which takes place in the first decade of December. At this time, the park lights up with festive illumination, creating an indescribable spirit of the upcoming winter holiday. Here, like nowhere else, you can recharge with the atmosphere of a holiday, taste warming mulled wine and local delicacies, buy unique souvenirs, gifts, and even see live musical performances of local performers. At the same time, do not forget that in warm weather, Keukenhof Park is a fabulous flowering space with thousands of tulips, freesias, orchids, hyacinths, sakura and other beautiful plants.
Official site:https://keukenhof
30. Blaubrug
Blaubrug or the Blue Bridge over the Amstel river among old mansions in Amsterdam
When choosing what to see in Holland, you should definitely pay attention to the magnificent bridges of Amsterdam. After all, this city is one of the few European cities that can boast of such a variety of canals and bridges. Seen from above, the canals encircle Amsterdam in concentric rings, and over one and a half thousand bridges are thrown over them! One of the most beautiful bridge structures is the old Blaubrug, which connects two city squares – Rembrandtplein and Waterlooplein. Blaubrug, which means blue bridge, acquired its name at the beginning of the 17th century, when its predecessor, a blue-painted wooden bridge, was located on this site. There is no trace left of the previous creation, except for the name itself. The modern bridge appeared at the end of the 19th century, its design style was almost completely copied from the buildings of Paris, its architecture has a maritime theme. It has 3 adjustable parts and is richly decorated with floral ornaments.
31. Zaanse Schans
Landscape with tulips, traditional Dutch windmills and houses in Zaanse Schans
Not far from Amsterdam is a colorful and original village, which is a real open-air museum. This is Zaanse Schans – an ancient settlement, which is located on the picturesque banks of the Zaan River. Already passing the bridge over the river, you can see the first attraction – more than a dozen windmills, while all of them are still in working condition. Of course, today these are mostly priceless monuments, but one or another product can be purchased at each of the mills. In a word, Zaanse Schans is a real authentic Dutch village that has come down to our days in the form it had from the 17th century. Green lawns, graceful bridges, elegant houses – everything seemed to have come from some kind of fairy-tale picture. The village is located just 16 kilometers from Amsterdam – a tourist map will tell you how and where to get to this place.
Official website: https://www.dezaanseschans
32. Waterlooplein Flea Market
Waterlooplein Flea Market is the most popular place for tourists in Amsterdam David Stanley
When traveling, the most interesting purchases are often made not in shopping centers, but in flea markets, of which there are many in Amsterdam. Therefore, shopping fans will find interesting places in the capital for themselves – one of them is the Waterlooplein flea market, located in the very center of the city. Having plunged into the colorful abundance of counters and showcases with unusual clothes, fantasy souvenirs, bizarre handmade creations, you can even forget about time. By the way, many novice fashion designers exhibit their work here, so for a small price on the market you can pick up an exclusive fashionable wardrobe. There is no clutter that is typical for many markets – the streets are clean, the sellers are friendly, and there are several cafes nearby with aromatic coffee and delicious local dishes. Perhaps most of all, collectors and fans of vintage items will like visiting Waterlooplein.
Official website: https://waterlooplein
33. Coffeeshops in Amsterdam
One of the many coffeeshops in Amsterdam Bachrach44
If in summer the capital of the Netherlands pleases with the beauty of parks and extravaganza of festivals, then in cold weather the question invariably arises – what to see in Amsterdam in winter? The winter season here, although it does not scare you with frost, is still the time to hide from the dampness of cloudy streets and visit the “forbidden” sights – numerous coffee shops that have already become the hallmark of the Dutch capital. What is a coffeeshop? This is a specialized cafe where you can not only order tea or coffee, but also buy “forbidden” plants – in fact, soft drugs that are officially allowed in Holland. Such establishments for the most part are small rooms, inside which there is only a seller’s counter and a couple of tables. In the city center, you can find such establishments almost at every step, and few people refuse the temptation to try something new and unusual there.
34. Red Light District
It is difficult to meet a more liberal city than Amsterdam, and even more difficult to meet a person who has not heard of the Red Light District at least once. Its appearance has developed historically – in the Middle Ages, Amsterdam was a major trading port, and, like in any port, entertainment establishments and brothels flourished here. In the 14th century, the pavements were hardly illuminated at night, so passers-by lit their way with special candles, designed in the form of lanterns. The townspeople, in order to protect the honor of their daughters and wives, obliged the “priestesses of love” to distinguish themselves by highlighting their lantern in red – since then it has gone that this color has become a symbol of corrupt love. In the 16th century, an entire block was given over to the “moths of the night”, and to this day, prostitution flourishes in the quarter, bathed in reddish neon light. The main and characteristic feature of the Amsterdam Quarter is transparent shop windows with half-naked bed workers.
35. Canals of Amsterdam
Boat trip along the canals of Amsterdam
October in Amsterdam is a great time for walking: the sun still warms with gentle rays, but no longer brings exhausting heat. Choosing what to see in Amsterdam in October, you can take a trip through the canals of the Dutch capital. In early autumn, the canals acquire a special charm, light up with the colors of leaf fall, variegated leaves circle smoothly and, falling, cover the water surface, so it becomes a pleasure to wander on a boat between quarters. Today there is a large selection of canal cruises offering different types of itineraries, boats, departure points and shore arrivals. Due to the rather compact size of Amsterdam, in just an hour or two, you can cover the main part of the city's attractions, see how beautiful and unique the views of this atmospheric city are in all of it
Read also about the sights of The Hague and be inspired to travel further around the Netherlands .