Amsterdam is known around the world for many things, like the Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum, and its canals that were inducted to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2010.
To fully experience its rich culture and history, here is a list of 5 things you cannot miss during your next trip to Amsterdam.
1. Join a private tour in Amsterdam
If you want to see a highlight reel of why Amsterdam is such a popular city around the world, join a private tour. Specifically, discover these tours in Amsterdam:
- The Best of Amsterdam: Highlights & Hidden Gems private tour will take you to the most famous historic landmarks in the city, as well as a few hidden gems that not a lot of tourists know about.
- The Authentic Dutch Treats: Bites & Tastings private tour will introduce you to the best local Dutch delicacies and dishes while you explore the city.
- The Private Amsterdam World War II Tour is a historical trip through the Nazi invasions, the Jews’ persecution, and the Dutch resistance.
- On the Skip the Line Rijksmuseum: Dutch Masterpieces Tour, you’ll get to see the works of the best Dutch artists such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, and van Gogh.
- Lastly, the Magical Evening Cruise on a Unique Boat takes you to a private tour around the city’s canals on a 100-year-old Dutch boat.
2. Visit Zaanse Schans
Located about 30 minutes northwest of Amsterdam, historic windmills and green wooden houses are preserved in the Zaanse Schans neighborhood of the Zaanstad village in Northern Holland. They recreated Dutch villages from the 18th and 19th centuries, which you can see if you take a Zaanse Schans day trip from Amsterdam. While you’re here, you should also visit the Zaans Museum where regional costumes and model windmills are displayed. The museum also has interactive exhibits on how Dutch chocolate is made.
3. Walk around Jordaan
Most locals will agree that Jordaan is the most charming neighborhood in the city. With its narrow lanes and brick apartments, the whole neighborhood looks like it froze around the time when it was still the city’s working class area. Though its appearance has been preserved, it is now one of Amsterdam’s most desirable neighborhoods. As you walk around Jordaan, you’ll find a lot of bars and restaurants, antique stores, and independent art galleries that feature the works of local artists.
4. Shop at one of Amsterdam’s independent shopping streets
In Amsterdam, the most popular shopping street is Kalverstraat. It is always packed with locals and tourists who want to do a little retail therapy while they’re in town. But if you want to avoid the crowd, head to one of the independent shopping streets in the city, like De Negen Straatjes (in English, The Nine Streets) where you will find over 200 retailers including boutique, specialty, and vintage stores. Alternatively, you can shop at the Haarlemmerdjik, the Utrechtsestraat, or the Czaar Peterstraat.
5. Take a “The Fault in Our Stars” tour of Amsterdam
If you’re a fan of John Green, you’ll know that the film adaptation of his bestselling book “The Fault in Our Stars” was partly filmed in Amsterdam. Here is your chance to visit some of the spots where Hazel Grace and Augustus fell in love:
- Peter van Houten’s house is located at Vondelstraat 162 near Vondelpark.
- Hotel de Filosoof where the characters stayed during their vacation is at Anna van den Vondelstraat 6. But the hotel where they actually shot the film is called the American Hotel which is located at Leidsekade 97.
- “The Fault in Our Stars” bench where Augustus told Hazel Grace the heartbreaking news that his cancer has recurred is located near the intersection of the Herengracht and Leidsegracht canals.
Excited for your next trip to Amsterdam yet? Don’t forget to try the recommendations on this list!
