Are you planing to visit Amsterdam but you have no any guide? We have listed best places to visit in Amsterdam. You can note that take notes from our list for a best travel in Amsterdam.
Pill Tips Before You Go;
About; The language spoken in Amsterdam, the city of canals, is Dutch, but most citizens can communicate in English. The city with a population of 820,000 gets very crowded in the summer months when touristic density is experienced. The city is famous for its 65-kilometer-long canals… A total of 15 thousand boats are used for both transportation and touristic trips.
In How Many Days? Allocating 2-3 days is enough time for you to see the most famous spots of the city and to catch the spirit of Amsterdam.
City Cards; ” Amsterdam Pass ” which you can get for 1,2,3 or 5 days . ” I Amsterdam City Card ” that you can have up to 1,2,3 or 5 days . With the Museumcard and Combination Deal, you can save and travel!
Applications that can be used; If you need a mobile application that combines sightseeing routes, public transport, taxis and walking routes in the city, we can say that Google Maps and Citymapper are the best in their field.
Transportation; After a total flight of 3 hours and 50 minutes, you will find yourself in a city of wonders. Between Istanbul and Amsterdam, Turkish Airlines has 5 flights every day, Pegasus Airlines has 3 flights every day, and Atlas Airlines has 1 flight every day.
Airport/Central Transportation; We shared all the detailed information about transportation from Amsterdam Airport to the city center , so don’t say what to do when you go 🙂
Urban Transportation; Amsterdam’s largest train station is called Amsterdam Central station. You can reach many places by paying 2.60 € one way for the Metro and Train. Do not forget that Amsterdam is the city of bicycles. Trains depart from platforms 1, 2 or 3 located on the lower floor of the airport terminal.
When to go The most suitable touristic period, when the air temperatures are favorable, is between April and May…
Tip Rate in Restaurants; Although tipping is not mandatory at restaurants in Amsterdam, 15% of the service charge is added to the bill. If you are satisfied with the service and want to give an extra tip, you can give an amount between 5% and 10%.
*Popular Attractions in Amsterdam
-Museums And Art Galleries
1. Rijksmuseum (State Museum)
Where is here? Shown as one of the most breathtaking museums in the world, the Rijksmeuseum is a well-established museum that has received the title of “State Museum” as the city’s most important art gallery for more than 800 years. In the museum, where the works of Rembrandt, Van Gogh and countless Dutch artists are exhibited, a wide variety of iconic works reflecting the history of the world are also exhibited.
In the Rijksmuseum, where it is not possible to make a detailed tour in 1 day; In addition to works of art from the Golden Age, the original historical art piece ”The Night Watch” by Vermeer, Frans Hals and Rembrandt is also on display.
Why should I go? The museum building, which houses the country’s most famous national treasures , was built in 1876 atMuseumplein ( Museum Square ). The building, which was opened to visitors in 1885 as the largest museum in the Netherlands, was designed by Dutch architect PJH Cuypers. The Rijksmuseum, which came out of a long restoration work in 2013, is recognized worldwide as one of the “most modern and oldest” museums in the world.
** We recommend you to download the ” Rijksmuseum App ” , which has many language options to help you while you are visiting the museum .
When should I visit; If you are planning to visit the museum and avoid crowded hours; We can say that it is less busy hours before 10:00 in the morning and after 15:00 in the afternoon.
How do I reach the Rijksmuseum? If you are going to visit the Rijksmuseum by public transport, located on the Museumplein (in the Museum Square) right next to the Vondelpark, you need to get off at the Rijkmuseum Tram Stop, Museumplein Tram Stop and Rijksmuseum Bus stop .
Open from 09:00 to 17:00 every day of the week.
For one adult: 19 € – Under 18: Free. I Amsterdam Card: Free. + Rembrandt Velazquez entrance to the museum exhibition, guided tours or audio narration device (5 €) for you can make a reservation here !
2. Van Gogh Museum
Where is here? The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam is one of the most popular museums in the world, attracting visitors from all over the world. In the museum opened in 1973 at Museumplein (Museum Square); There are more than 200 paintings, more than 500 drawings and letters from over 700 famous painters. Extended and modernized over the years, the Van Gogh Museum is one of the must-see art centers in Amsterdam.
Why should I go? In the museum, where not only the works of Van Gogh, but also the works of artists who inspired and inspired him are exhibited; You can get the chance to see many paintings by 19th century painters. Vincent Van Gogh, who frequently includes landscapes, flowers and self-portraits, took his place in the history of art as “the man who painted the sunflower”. His painting” The painter of Sunflowers” is one of the most important works of the museum.
On the first floor of the museum; You can see Vincent Van Gogh’s works arranged in chronological order and paintings depicting turbulent moods. The drawings and sketches of the famous master are included. In the annex building of the museum; Paintings by Japanese and French painters inspired by Van Gogh in different periods and paintings inspired by Van Gogh are exhibited.
There is also a store where you can shop, a cute cafe where you can have a snack, and a library inside the museum.
When should I visit; It will take an average of 1 hour and 15 minutes to visit the museum. Some visitors complete the museum tour in 2 hours. The best times to visit are 09:00 – 11:00 or after 15:00. The busiest times are between 11:00 and 15:00 in the morning.
How do I reach? By tram; Line 2, 3, 5 or 12 to the Van Baerlestraat stop. By car:Parking is available at the Q Park car park atMuseumplein.
March – June: Weekdays; 09:00/19:00 – Friday; 09:00/21:00 – Saturday; 09:00/18:00
1 Adult; 19€, Under 18: Free. You can buy tickets by choosing the date and time you want to go on the Van Gogh Museum website ! I Amsterdam Card: Free. Museumcard: Free
Museumplein 6, 1071 DJ Amsterdam
3. Heineken Experience (Beer Museum)
Where is here? One of Amsterdam’s most authentic and famous attractions, Heineken Experience is a former brewery located in the city centre. The factory, which has been turned into a museum today, produced all the beers of the “Heineken” brand until 1988. The first thing you will do as soon as you enter the museum is to attend virtual reality tours and Heineken tasting sessions and get detailed information about the company’s history and logo…
At the Heineken Museum, you can join the “Heineken Brewery Tour” program and buy high-tech multimedia headphones that offer detailed information in many languages, including English , French, Dutch, Russian, German, Chinese, Portuguese, Italian and Spanish.
Why should I go? This exciting experience, which will take an average of 1.5 hours,has also been developedby the museum authorities with the ‘ Heineken Experience App ‘for better promotion. You also have the chance to have two free drinks after paying the museum entrance fee. Of course, if you are over the age of 18… Another detail is that Heineken company has been producing half of the beers sold in Amsterdam for many years and exporting it all over the world.
When should I visit; Visiting the museum between 10:30 and 13:30 would be the right choice as there are less busy times.
How do I reach? Metro and Tram; Trams 1, 7, 19 and 24 and metro 52 drop off right at the corner of the museum.
1 adult: 18€, 12-17 years old: 14.5€, under 11 years old: Free. We recommend purchasing your ticket for the Beer Museum online . (3€ cheaper).
Monday – Thursday: 10:30-19:30 (Last Entry 17:30). Friday-Sunday: 10:30-21:00 (Last Entry 19:00). 24 and 31 December: 10:30- 16:00 (Som Entry 14:00)
It is located at Stadhouderskade 78, 1072 AE in Amsterdam.
4. Anne Frank House
Where is here? One of Amsterdam ‘s most recognizable buildings, Anne Frank’s House is a tourist destination with a sad story. Anne Frank is a young girl who fled to Amsterdam with her family during the Holocaust initiatedby Adolf Hitler in Germany during the Second World War.
After living comfortably in Amsterdam for a few years, Hitler, who became even stronger in 1942, sets his sights on Jews living in the Netherlands, 8 members of the Frank and Van Pels Families begin to hide in a tiny shelter on the upper floors of the building where Anne Frank’s father used to work. This storage period lasts for 25 months in total. After being detained in the German concentration camps upon notice, only the diary of the father Otto Frank and Anne Frank, describing that difficult period, remains from the whole family.
Why should I go? Father Otto Frank brings to light the bitter truth of the Holocaust by publishing his daughter’s diaries into a book. This sad story of Anne Frank encourages tourists from all over the world to visit the impressive museum. This old building was turned into a museum in 1957.
On the 1st and 2nd floors of the museum, which consists of a 3-storey building and an attic, there are renovated furniture and decoration materials in accordance with the original, while on the 3rd floor, there is a bookcase that opens to the back, specially made by the Frank family to hide, while in the other sections there are secret rooms and the last of the family members. There is an attic where it is described.
Important informations; Anne Frank House, located in a building in the canal district of Amsterdam, has very steep stairs and a design without an elevator. For this reason, those who have difficulty in walking and those who use wheelchairs can only visit the modern part of the museum, namely the ground floor. (Don’t worry! You can have the chance to observe all the sections with the virtual reality glasses you can get at the museum entrance!)
*** While it is possible to participate in the audio tour for visually impaired visitors, hearing impaired visitors can purchase the written version of the audio tour.
How do I reach? Located a 20-minute walk from Amsterdam Central Station, Anne Frank House can be reached by tram 13 or 17 for those who prefer public transport. After getting on the tram, you will get off at Westermark!
1 Adult: 10.50 €, 10-17 Years: 5.50 €. I Amsterdam Card: Free. Museumcard: 0.50 €.
1 April – 1 November: 09:00-22:00, 1 November – 1 April: 09:00 – 19:00, open until 22:00 on Saturdays.
5. Electric Ladyland
Where is here? Electric Ladyland, located in Jordaan, one of the lively and old districts of Amsterdam, is the world’s first and only museum dedicated to fluorescent art. 5 minutes from Anne Frank House, there is a permanent fluorescent mineral collection in the museum.
Why should I go? Everything in the museum consists of fluorescent works of art from the 1950s and other bright and striking works from the 1950s, where you can see many colors together. There is also a separate section in the museum where visitors can create illuminated works of art. The name of this part isknown as “Fourescent Environment” .
How do I reach? It is just a 5-minute walk from the Anne Frank House. By tram from Amsterdam central station, number 13, 14, 17, 20. By bus, you should get off at the 3, 21, 170, 171, 172 “Westermarkt” stop.
Tweede Leliedwarsstraat 5, 1015 TB Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Ages 12 and over: 5€, Ages 0-11: Free. Museumkaart: Valid
It is open from 14:00 to 18:00. Closed Sunday and Monday.
**The museums of Amsterdam do not stop counting… You can examine the rest of the museums in our article on the historical places of Amsterdam, which reflect the deep-rooted history and cultural heritage of the city .
– Amsterdam Canals
Dozens of canals of Amsterdam have caused the city to be called the “Venice of the North” . “Amsterdam’s 17th century Canal Ring”, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List , is described as “outstanding universal value” by Unesco . Taking a canal tour in Amsterdam is one of the things you should do as soon as you get to the city. There are 165 canals with a length of 100 km in the city. Keizersgracht, Herengracht and Prinsengracht are the most touristic ones and the channels where boat trips are made…
6. Keizersgracht
Where is here? One of Amsterdam’s most important and widest canals isknown asthe Keizersgracht (Emperor’s Canal). Around the 31 meter wide Keizersgracht, you can have the chance to see the historical houses of Amsterdam, which fascinates with their magnificent architecture.
Why should I go? On the other hand, you can seethe Orthodox Church located here, and if you are visiting during the winter months, you can ice skating on the completely frozen canal and take great pictures on the magnificent historical bridges! oravailable in areas where you can take more photos
Around the canal, the Photography Museum, Museum Van Loon, Felix Meritis and the Netherlands’ first photography museum, House Marseille, are worth seeing.
The best way to see the Keizersgracht Canal; 1-hour Canal Tour starting from the Anne Frank House. Emperor’s Canal Tour . ** Renting a bicycle and touring around the canal will be both a pleasant exercise and a much cheaper alternative to travel.
7. Herengracht
Where is here? Known as the city’s most important canal, Herengracht is located at the place where Amsterdam’s wealthiest merchants, businessmen and mayors lived in the 17th century. Even today, the canal area, which is seen as more elegant and somewhat elite compared to other parts of Amsterdam, starts with Herenmarkt, the famous square of the past that serves as a children’s playground today. The Merchant’s House, built on three hills here, which is considered a national historical monument, is also one of the tourist attractions.
Why should I go? On the other hand, you can see the oldest house in Amsterdam (built in 1590) while wandering around the canal. The second of Amsterdam’s 4 main canals, Herengracht is known for its beautiful canal houses. Gouden Bocht, located around the canal, is the most prestigious section of Herengracht, home to the beautiful facades of the rich and famous merchants of the 17th century.
It is also home to the Tassenmuseum Hendrikje , the world’s largest bag museum, and the Het Grachtenhuis museum, which tells the history of the Amsterdam canal region . On the other hand, one of the most important reasons that you must visit the canal is that 432 buildings that have been accepted as “national heritage” are located in this region. E.g; House Bartolotti is the city’s most famous building, built in 1622.
8. Prinsengracht
Where is here? Prinsengracht, which forms the 4th part of the city , is known as the third of Amsterdam’s 3 main canals and the canal outside the center. The construction of the canal, which started in 1612, took its current form with an expansion project that lasted 50 years. When the project was completed, the city reached 4 times its original size.
In the 17th century , “Eenhoornsluis” (Unicorn Lock) was built to control the water level in the canals and to protect the city against the sea . The structure, which was used as a sea lock in the Port of Amsterdam in those years, became used to protect it from floods and sea overflows after the construction of the canal.
There are many places you must see around Prinsengracht. On the opposite road from the canal’s starting point, you can reach Papeneiland Café, one of the oldest cafés in the city. The cafe is famous for its story. So much so that a tunnel was dug from the cafe floor to the Postthorn Secret Church in the 17th century. ( If you stop by the cafe and ask the bartender politely, he can show you the tunnel entrance by taking you down to the basement today. )
Posthorn Church, on the other hand, is known as the secret church. Due to the prejudices against Catholics in the years when it was built, fearful citizens built a secret church for themselves. For this reason, you can reach the Posthorn Church through hidden tunnels from many parts of the city.
Why should I go? The interesting structures you will see around Prinsengrecht are endless. Amsterdam’s narrowest house is located at this very point. The Boat Museum , the region’s famous brewery “Red Deer”, the city’s most interesting hotel “Hotel Pulitzer”, and the Anne Frank House are places to visit near the canal.
9. Singel
Where is here? Singel, one of the oldest canals ofthe city, was created as a ditch in the city center between 1428-1450 and this ditch was expanded over the years and took its present form. The 1 mile long canal has a straight walkway where you can take the most enjoyable walk in Amsterdam. On the other hand, there are around 280 houses worth seeing around the canal.
Why should I go? The canal, which has 11 historical bridges, especially the “Torensluis”, the widest bridge of thecity, isalso home to thefamous floating flower market Bloemenmarkt and the most famous district of the city, the Red Light District . Finally, don’t forget to come to Singel and stop by the narrowest house in the world! ( Singel will appear in 7. )
– Squares And Streets
10. Dam Square
Where is here? Dam Square, the meeting point of countless visitors to Amsterdam, is the city’s most famous square. You can easily reach Dam Square when you follow the crowd of tourists from Amsterdam Central Station to Damrak.
Why should I go? Located in the square, which is the end point of important streets such as Nieuwendijk , Kalverstraat and Damstraat, the National Monument, the Royal Palace, the “New Church” built in the 15th centuryand the famous shopping street De Bijenkorf are the places you should visit…
The Amsterdam National Monument, towering in the eastern part of the square, is an obelisk built in 1956. The statue, which welcomes large crowds at the Remembrance Events of the Netherlands on May 4 every year, was built in memory of the Dutch soldiers who were martyred in World War II. On the main pillar of the artwork; It consists of two male statues and chained male figures representing members of the Dutch resistance. Seeing and photographing the monument is free. Commemorative events held in the city every year are also held around the monument.
11. Red Light District
Where is here? Amsterdam’s most mysterious and dangerous area known as the Red Light District , today Although not as dangerous as the old one, with quite a sympathetic atmosphere. There are many brothels, museums and erotic shops in the region.
Why should I go? On the other hand, you can come across the city’s most entertaining night entertainment venues and cafe restaurants serving delicious meals in this area. Although the Dutch government legalizes prostitution, prostitution on the streets is strictly prohibited. In Amsterdam, general housewives gather customers by standing at the windows of the houses and performing shows to passers-by. The name Red Light District derives from the red neon lights that highlight the 300 windows where women work.
The Red Light District can be visited 24/7 as it is a residential area. Window brothels are only closed for 2 hours between 06:00 and 08:00 in the morning. Most bars and clubs in the area are open until 04:00 on weekends . Restaurants are closed for cleaning only for 1 hour.
Things to consider in the Red Light District; Drug use (!) Although drugs are seen as legal in Amsterdam, only coffee shops are allowed in the city. The use of marijuana on the streets and elsewhere is prohibited. Drug dealers make illegal sales in the Red Light District. Therefore, if you are caught buying or using heroin, cocaine and other illegal substances in the area, you could face jail time.
Theft; If you want to visit the Red Light District, we recommend that you leave your important jewelry, especially your passport, in a safe in your hotel room. Unfortunately, extortion is a possible possibility on the secluded streets of the Red Light District at night.
Photographing (!) Businesses in the area do not permit photography. You should prefer to leave your camera at the hotel. There’s a good chance the camera will be seized by the business, especially if you’re caught taking a photo near a brothel. There is little to no chance of getting it back.
12. Jordaan Quarter
Where is here? Jordaan, the most famous district of Amsterdam, is one of the destinations that you will definitely miss during your trip. Starting in Brouwersgrach ,just west of Amsterdam Central Station, the districtstretches around the Ring Canal between Prinsengracht and Lijnbaansgracht , close to the Leidsegracht border.
Jordaan, which is shown as a touristic spot with its beautiful houses, restaurants and shops unique to the city, was built by the government in the early 17th century to meet the housing needs of the working class and immigrants.
The neighborhood, where a large refugee flow from many countries such as France , England , Spain and Portugal migrated during this period , also pioneered the emergence of the blended culture of Amsterdam with its multicultural population.
Why should I go? In the Jordaan, you can visit your luxury art gallery to the pleasant tunes of street musicians, and have thechance to taste the delicious dishes of Amsterdam at the patio restaurants. We recommend you to taste the varieties of pancakes and omelettes at Bloody Mary’s in the district, which is the stopping point of the people especially for breakfast and brunch.
For those looking for an alternative for breakfast, the places in and near Westerstraat are indispensable. On the other hand, the Boat House Museum (Woonbootmuseum) is one of Jordaan’s most interesting sightseeing spots. It is located in the Jordaan district, on Lindengracht Markt, where you can buy the famous cheeses of the Netherlands.
How do I get to Jordaan Neighborhood? Tram; The easiest way to get around the center of Amsterdam and the Jordaan District. From Central Station, tram lines 13 and 17 bring you to the Westermarkt stop at the start of the Jordaan district.
13. De Pijp Neighborhood (Open Markets)
Where is here? De Pijp, Amsterdam ‘s most cosmopolitan and lively district , was built in the 19th century to alleviate the population explosion in Jordaan. We can say that the reason why De Pijp, whose streets you will always see a flood of people, is exposed to an influx of tourists every year, is that ithosts themost famous open-air market in the Netherlands , Albert Cuypmarkt . You can buy food, clothes, furniture and many artistic items in the market.
Why should I go? De Pijp, which has managed to be a cosmopolitan district with its multicultural population from the past to the present, has a lot of things to do. You can be sure to find the luxury restaurants of Amsterdam here too! We especiallyrecommend you to have a delicious lunch inauthentic Moroccan and Turkish restaurants . In addition to restaurants of different nationalities, Turkish, Indian and Spanish markets are also located at this location.
In terms of trip Sarphati Park, Heineken Museum , De Pijper in the sine qua non of ..
How do I reach? Tram; Lines 16, 24 from Amsterdam Central Station. If you have to get off at the Rokin and Vijzelstraat stops, De Pijp is a 20-minute walk away.
14. De Negen Straatjes Neighborhood
Where is here? De Negen Straatjes, a neighborhood with less tourist density compared to other districts of Amsterdam , is a neighborhood full of specially designed shops and interesting streets where you can see more locals. The photogenic district where the heart of fashion beats; It consists of 9 small streets that fascinate the visitors with their shopping centers, special boutiques and cute cafes and is known as the most popular shopping area of the city.
Why should I go? This shopping area, where the local people shop and meet their hairdresser and furniture needs, is of a kind that will meet all kinds of shopping needs compared to other districts… In fact, shops belonging to famous fashion brands are located in this location.
Streets You Must Visit; Berenstraat; Food and shopping street. The lingerie boutique of the world famous fashion designer Marlies Dekkers is very popular on this street. T’Zwaantje is the street’s most popular cafe/restaurant… You can also find many fashionistas stores on this street. On the other hand, Pinguin Markt, which sells basic food products unique to Amsterdam and provides service 7 days a week, is one of the places you can stop by for shopping.
Wolvenstraat; There is a store selling Italian shirts on the street, where many boutiques are lined up one after the other, mostly for men, which is quite famous among the people. If you want to shop for clothes, Bendorff and Marchesi brands give the name of the shop you should stop by. On the other hand, there are hairdressers and beauty salons that are frequently visited by the local people on this street. For lunch, you can choose Restaurant Brix!
How do I reach? It is a 2-minute walk from the Royal Palace on Dam Square .
