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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.