Due to Amsterdam’s array of attractions and reasonable pricing, it’s a popular place to visit for people of all ages. However, sometimes when visiting a new place it’s difficult to know exactly what there is to do while there, so here are just a few amazing experiences you should definitely have had by the end of your trip!
You may have seen in one of my previous articles, ’10 Once In A Lifetime Opportunities You Must Take Before You Die’, that this attraction made the list. Either take the elevator (not just your regular elevator, mind, you get to watch a light show on your way up!) to the top and just peer at the incredible skyline over the edge, or take it one step further and have your turn on Europe’s highest swing. Perfect for those of you who are adrenaline junkies, you can swing over the edge of the lookout tower for the very small and worthwhile price of just 5 euros. Not bad, not bad at all.
A brilliantly atmospheric place to visit, included in the price is a cocktail of your choice on arrival AND two drinks in the actual icebar. Bear in mind that these are either a shot of vodka (there are different types available, Sambuca included) or beer, so if you don’t like either I’m afraid you’ll have to treat yourself to a shot of orange juice. Still, it’s not the drinks that are important but the atmosphere – make sure you wrap up warmly because, believe it or not, it’s pretty cold in there!
Compared to the last two, this is a much more sobering experience. Arguably the most famous attraction of Amsterdam, the Anne Frank House is one to visit if you have a keen interest in learning about World War Two, or even just history in general. You’ll be given a handy earpiece so that you’re kept fully informed as you walk around where the Frank family lived, but do be warned – some of the material is quite sensitive, so you very possibly might get emotional at times. I certainly did.
For all you art lovers out there, this place is a must! Featuring the likes of Banksy, there is plenty of modern and contemporary art for you to have a mooch around. It isn’t the biggest of museums – admittedly, it’s more of a large townhouse – but just when you think you’ve seen everything, you’ll find yourself in the Moco garden! This is a prime opportunity to take some great pictures, or simply have a rest and enjoy the view of the markets.
Being the most famous museum in Amsterdam, this is a busy attraction, so I’d advise buying tickets in advance to avoid any long queues (although I would advise that, wherever possible, with all of the places mentioned). Located in the originally named Museum Square, it’s home to 80 galleries and 8000 objects, so might take you a little bit longer to walk around than the Moco Museum. It is not just the art that is spectacular but the gardens as well – they’re filled with sculptures, waterfalls and plenty of colour, so once again cameras at the ready!
When you go on a city break, you often find yourself doing a considerable amount of walking and not so much relaxing. If you find your legs starting to ache then I’d recommend finding one of the many canal cruises and hopping right on. They’re not very expensive and provide a great source of information if you want to know more about the history of Amsterdam! You’ll find that there are an astonishing amount of bridges to go under, but luckily you don’t have to worry about becoming lost. Just put your feet up, sit back and relax.
Now, this is a whole lot of fun. Unlike the canal cruise, you really will have to focus on where you’re going (speaking from personal experience, my friend and I got completely lost and ended up having to go back the way we came). To avoid any stressful scenarios playing out, make sure you’re carefully following the route marked for you on your map. As long as you do this, it really is a great experience, though you’ll probably find that the locals look at you like you’re crazy when you do a 360-degree turn by accident while laughing your heads off.
Iconic. Just a short walk from Central station, it would be a shame if you didn’t visit the very heart of Amsterdam at some point during your trip. You’ll find the National Monument, Royal Palace and ‘New Church’ there, as well as various street performers to keep you entertained. At peak times, especially, it’s a very lively place to be!
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