Looking for a beautiful destination that’s worth seeing this 2021? Amsterdam, the wonderful capital of The Netherlands, is definitely the place to be.
Whether you’re in the bustling heart of the city or the peaceful and leafy countryside, the city is picture-perfect all year long. Walking around the city feels like living in a fairytale book, thanks to Amsterdam’s charming Dutch gabled houses, quaint cobbled streets, romantic canals, colorful tulips, and windmills. Aside from these marvelous views, Amsterdam also has a wealth of museums and other cultural attractions that are worth checking out.
The best part is there are different ways to explore and discover Amsterdam. Read on to find out.
1. Discover Amsterdam on Two Wheels: Cycle Around the City
Want to explore Amsterdam without riding public transportation? Hire a bike (or bring your own) and cycle your way around the beautiful city.
In case you didn’t know, Amsterdam is the world’s 2nd most bike-friendly city. The Netherlands’ capital is a cyclist’s playground, with a huge network of cycling lanes and scenic routes to see. Check out some of the best biking routes to explore:
- Amstel Cycling Route
- Amsterdamse Bos
- Amsterdam city center
- Vondelpark
- Overhoeks and NDSM-werf
- Ijburg
- Muiden and Naarden Bike Ride
You can have an urban tour on two wheels and get a good taste of the architecture. You can also pedal your way through the leafy countryside and discover charming villages, windmills, natural wonders, and heritage sites.
Compared to other European capitals, Amsterdam is relatively small so it’s possible to see more in just a short period. You can witness and experience the best of Amsterdam, whether you’re touring the city in less than 24 hours of booking a serviced apartment in Amsterdam for a week-long tour.
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2. Discover Amsterdam on Foot: Tour the IG-worthy streets
Amsterdam is renowned for its distinctive architectural style. If you want to take your time and soak up the city’s best sights and attractions, nothing beats a classic walking tour.
Explore Amsterdam on foot and admire the city’s postcard-worthy architecture, which includes the iconic canal houses and charming gabled facades. Take a photo of the Neo-Gothic Amsterdam Centraal Station and the Rijksmuseum, two of Amsterdam’s most recognizable buildings.
Go beyond buildings and see picturesque windmills, drawbridges, and the glimmering canals. The city is filled with street art too, including sculptures, murals, and quirky installations to spark your interest.
3. Discover Amsterdam from the Water: Enjoy a Canal Cruise
Looking at the lovely canals from the streets is great, but wouldn’t it be better to glide your way through it? Amsterdam is a city built on water, and it would definitely be a shame to visit without having a boat trip.
You don’t have to travel with a special someone to enjoy a scenic canal cruise in Amsterdam (but if you do, this is a MUST!). Just head to Central Station or one of the many canal cruise stops, and secure your canal cruise ticket. Take your pick from various types of cruises, including hop on hop off cruises, dinner cruises, and evening cruises. If you’re willing to pay extra for an intimate cruise, you have the option to go on a private boat tour.
4. Discover Amsterdam’s Culture: Visit Museums and Galleries
A trip to Amsterdam is never complete without soaking up some culture. The city boasts several amazing museums for art and history enthusiasts.
If you want to delve into Amsterdam’s Jewish history, you may visit Anne Frank House Museum and the Jewish Historical Museum.
If you’re an art buff, a trip to the Museumplein (Museum Square) is a must. The square is home to Amsterdam’s major museums:
- Rijksmuseum – the largest museum in the Netherlands, housing over 1 million artefacts including Golden Age art from Rembrandt, Vermeer, Van Dyck and Jan Steen.
- Van Gogh Museum – a museum dedicated to the country’s most popular artist, Vincent van Gogh
- Stedelijk Museum – the largest Dutch museum dedicated to modern and contemporary art and design.
- The Moco Museum (Modern Contemporary) – a private museum that has art exhibitions of international greats in the contemporary art world, such as Banksy.
Planning to visit 4-5 popular attractions per day while in the city? Consider getting an Amsterdam discount pass to slash off 50% or more on general admission prices. You’ll also enjoy the privilege of skipping the long queues.
5. Discover Amsterdam Online: Go on a Virtual Tour
While a growing number of people are getting vaccinated and travel restrictions are getting more relaxed, some folks are still hesitant to travel. There’s no better place than home, especially in today’s not-so-normal time. But just because you choose to stay at home doesn’t mean you can’t see the beauty of Amsterdam: you can always take a virtual tour!
Sure, nothing beats seeing the attractions in flesh but the interactive virtual tours might be enough to scratch the travel itch. You can easily find virtual tours of Amsterdam museums, including the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum. You can also go to Amsterdam 360 and 360Stories to digitally discover destinations.