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Amsterdam
Netherlands
Visit Amsterdam
Amsterdam, the capital city of the Netherlands, is renowned for its artistic heritage, elaborate canal system, and narrow houses with gabled facades, legacies of the city’s 17th-century Golden Age. Its Museum District houses the Van Gogh Museum, works by Rembrandt and Vermeer at the Rijksmuseum, and modern art at the Stedelijk. Cycling is key to the city's character, and there are numerous bike paths.
In addition to its museums, Amsterdam has other cultural sights that are worth visiting. The Anne Frank House, where the Jewish diarist hid during WWII, is one of the most moving experiences a visitor can have, offering a stark reminder of the atrocities of war. The historic Jordaan district is known for its narrow streets, quaint buildings, and the atmospheric canals that line them. The area is also home to many small shops, galleries, and restaurants, as well as the famous Amsterdam Tulip Museum.
For those looking to enjoy the outdoors, the Vondelpark is Amsterdam’s largest and most popular park, welcoming about 10 million visitors each year. Located in the heart of the city, it is a great place for picnics, walking, cycling, and watching performances at the open-air theater during the summer months. For a taste of Amsterdam’s vibrant nightlife, the Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein are bustling squares filled with restaurants, clubs, and bars. Meanwhile, the city’s Red Light District offers a controversial but iconic glimpse into Amsterdam’s liberal attitudes towards sex work.
Amsterdam is a city of tolerance and diversity. It has all the advantages of a big city: rich culture, lively Amsterdam nightlife, international restaurants, good transport - but is quiet, and largely thanks to its extensive canals, has little road traffic. In this city your destination is never far away, but get a bike for an authentic local experience.
Amsterdam Monthly Weather Conditions
LOW
TEMP
HIGH
TEMP
DAYS OF PRECIP.
January
34°F
41°F
11
February
34°F
42°F
8
March
37°F
46°F
14
April
43°F
57°F
8
May
48°F
63°F
8
June
57°F
68°F
11
July
57°F
72°F
11
August
57°F
68°F
8
September
54°F
63°F
14
October
50°F
57°F
11
November
41°F
50°F
11
December
34°F
41°F
13
Need to Know Before You Go To Amsterdam
Nickname:
Mokum
Primary Language:
Dutch
Time Zone:
Europe/Amsterdam
Current Time:
Electric Plug Type:
Type C and Type F
Annual Visitors:
Approximately 19 million
Primary Export:
Flowers
Busiest Travel Months:
April, May, August
Quietest Travel Months:
January, February, November
Find your Next Adventure in Amsterdam
Explore Amsterdam
Iconic Landmarks
Rijksmuseum
This national museum is dedicated to arts and history in Amsterdam. It houses an extensive collection of paintings from the Dutch Golden Age including works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and many others. The building itself, with its impressive Gothic and Renaissance architecture, is also a sight to behold.
Anne Frank House
This historical site is where Anne Frank wrote her famous diary during World War II. Located on the Prinsengracht canal, the museum dedicated to her life is a poignant tribute to the horrors of war and the enduring spirit of hope.
Van Gogh Museum
Dedicated to the works of Vincent van Gogh, this museum contains the largest collection of his paintings and drawings in the world. It provides deep insights into his life and developments as an artist.
Canal Belt
The iconic canals of Amsterdam, known as Grachtengordel, are lined with 17th-century buildings and are a UNESCO World Heritage site. A boat tour or a simple walk along these canals offers a picturesque view of Amsterdam’s historic architecture and the laid-back lifestyle of its residents.
Dam Square
Located in the historical center of Amsterdam, this square is surrounded by notable buildings such as the Royal Palace and the National Monument. It's a popular gathering place for tourists and locals alike, and it hosts various public events and celebrations.
Stedelijk Museum
This museum is Amsterdam’s destination for modern and contemporary art and design. The collection includes works from the early 20th century up to the 21st century, featuring artists like Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol, and many Dutch artists.
Cultural Experiences
Rijksmuseum
This is the Dutch national museum dedicated to arts and history in Amsterdam. It offers an extensive collection that showcases 800 years of Dutch and global history, including masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and many other great artists. The museum's highlight is Rembrandt’s "The Night Watch."
Anne Frank House
This museum is one of the most poignant cultural experiences in Amsterdam. It's dedicated to the Jewish wartime diarist Anne Frank, who hid from Nazi persecution with her family and others in the secret annex of the building. Walking through the hidden rooms and learning about the history of the occupants is a moving experience.
Van Gogh Museum
Dedicated to the works of Vincent van Gogh, one of the most famous and influential figures in the history of Western art, this museum houses the largest collection of his paintings and drawings in the world including "The Sunflowers" and "The Bedroom."
Canal Cruise
Amsterdam’s canal ring, a UNESCO World Heritage site, can be explored by taking a canal cruise.
Jordaan District
Originally a working-class neighborhood, the Jordaan has evolved into one of Amsterdam’s most desirable quarters, characterized by narrow streets, quaint buildings, and the atmospheric canals. Walking through the Jordaan, with its independent art galleries, antique shops, courtyard gardens, and atmospheric bars and restaurants, is a delightful experience.
Stedelijk Museum
This museum is Amsterdam’s go-to institution for modern and contemporary art and design. The collection contains extraordinary art pieces from major artists like Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol, and many Dutch artists. The museum’s strikingly modern building is a work of art in itself, making it a must-visit for art enthusiasts.
Outdoor Adventures
Canal Kayaking or Paddleboarding
Exploring Amsterdam's extensive canal system by kayak or paddleboard offers a unique perspective of the city. It's a fun and active way to see the historic architecture and enjoy the waterways. Rentals and guided tours are available.
Cycling Tours
Amsterdam is famously one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the world. You can rent a bike and explore on your own, or join one of the many guided cycling tours that take you through the city’s landmarks, parks, and even to the beautiful countryside areas like the Waterland and Zaanse Schans.
Vondelpark
This is the largest city park in Amsterdam and a perfect place for jogging, rollerblading, or enjoying a leisurely walk. The park is beautifully landscaped and features open-air theatres, a rose garden, several cafés, and playgrounds.
Boat Tours
While not as physically demanding as kayaking, renting a boat or joining a boat tour can be a relaxing way to explore the city. You can rent electric boats which are easy to handle and do not require a boating license.
Bird Watching in Waterland
Just north of Amsterdam, Waterland offers a rural escape with its traditional Dutch villages and a rich variety of birdlife. It’s a great spot for bird watching, especially during the migration seasons.
Hiking in Amsterdamse Bos
The Amsterdam Forest (Amsterdamse Bos) is three times the size of Central Park in New York and offers a plethora of outdoor activities. You can go hiking, join a forest bathing session, ride horses, or even paddle in the small lakes.
Off the Beaten Path
Visit the Begijnhof
Tucked away from the bustling city center, the Begijnhof is one of the oldest inner courts in the city of Amsterdam. This historical court dates back to the early 14th century and was originally built as a sanctuary for the Beguines, a group of pious women who lived like nuns but took no monastic vows. Today, it stands as a beautiful and serene spot, featuring lovely gardens and traditional Dutch houses.
Explore De Ceuvel
De Ceuvel is an innovative and sustainable urban development located in Amsterdam Noord. This eco-friendly community is built on a former industrial site and features upcycled houseboats set on land, which serve as offices and studios for creative and social enterprises. Visitors can enjoy a guided tour, participate in workshops, or simply relax at the café that serves local and sustainable food and drinks.
Discover the Onsâ Lieve Heer op Solder (Our Lord in the Attic Museum)
This lesser-known museum is one of the oldest and most unique museums in Amsterdam. Hidden inside a 17th-century canal house, it features a clandestine church built in the attic during a time when Catholics were forbidden from practicing their religion openly. The museum not only offers a glimpse into religious history but also showcases the living quarters of the wealthy merchant family who lived there.
Stroll through the Hortus Botanicus
The Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, dating back to 1638 . It offers a tranquil escape from the city's hustle and bustle. The garden houses an extensive collection of plants from all over the world, including a number of rare and endangered species. Its tropical greenhouse can be a particularly enchanting experience.
Visit the Amsterdam Forest (Amsterdamse Bos)
Although slightly outside the city center, the Amsterdamse Bos is three times the size of New Yorkâs Central Park and offers a wealth of activities. You can go for a peaceful walk, rent a canoe, or visit the goat farm where children can feed and pet the animals. The forest also hosts open-air theatre performances during the summer.
Explore the Eastern Docklands (Oostelijk Havengebied)
This area of Amsterdam has been transformed from an industrial port into a modern residential and cultural hub. The architecture here is particularly striking, with innovative designs such as the Python Bridge and the Barcode Houses. It's a great area to explore for those interested in modern architecture and urban redevelopment.
Amsterdam Fun Facts
Amsterdam, the capital city of the Netherlands, is renowned for its artistic heritage, elaborate canal system, and narrow houses with gabled facades, legacies of the city’s 17th-century Golden Age. Here are ten fun facts about this vibrant city:
- City of Canals
Amsterdam is often referred to as the "Venice of the North" because it has over 100 kilometers of canals, about 90 islands, and 1,500 bridges. The main canals, Herengracht, Prinsengracht, and Keizersgracht, were built during the Dutch Golden Age and form concentric belts around the city.
- Bicycle Capital
Amsterdam is famous for being one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the world. There are over 800,000 bicycles in Amsterdam, which is more than the number of people living in the city. Cycling is a way of life here, with extensive bike paths and bike racks, and even traffic lights specifically for cyclists.
- Anne Frank House
One of the most visited museums in Amsterdam is the Anne Frank House, where Anne Frank and her family hid from Nazi persecution during World War II. The diary she wrote while in hiding is internationally famous.
- Legalized Cannabis
Amsterdam is well-known for its liberal policies on cannabis. Coffee shops in Amsterdam are allowed to sell small amounts of cannabis and are a popular attraction for some tourists.
- Floating Animal Shelter
Amsterdam is home to the world’s only floating animal sanctuary, De Poezenboot (The Catboat), which is a refuge for cats. Located on a houseboat in the Singel canal, it has become a unique and popular attraction.
- Narrow Houses
Due to tax reasons in the past, many of the houses along the canals in Amsterdam are very narrow but deep and tall. One of the narrowest houses in the world is located at Singel 7, measuring only one meter wide.
- Amsterdam Stock Exchange
The Amsterdam Stock Exchange, founded in 1602 by the Dutch East India Company, is considered the oldest modern securities market stock exchange in the world.
- Huge Number of Museums
Amsterdam has more museums per square meter than any other city in the world. Some of the most famous include the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Stedelijk Museum.
- Hidden Churches
During the Reformation, when Catholicism was banned, many clandestine churches were established in Amsterdam. One of the most famous is Our Lord in the Attic, a 17th-century hidden Catholic church located in the attic of a canal house.
- A City Below Sea Level
A significant portion of Amsterdam is actually below sea level, with some areas as much as 2 meters below. The city’s geography has required extensive use of damming, pumping, and drainage systems to keep it dry.
Featured Picture Gallery
Amsterdam is Known for It's Elaborate Canal System
Experience the Nightlife of Amsterdam
The Keizersgracht is the Second of Three Main Canals in Amsterdam
Clogs are Still Popular to Wear Amongst Farmers and Agricultural Workers
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