Museum
Rijksmuseum
Amsterdam, Netherlands
The national museum of Dutch art and history, home to Rembrandt's Night Watch.
City · Netherlands · Noord-Holland
Amsterdam
The capital of canals, gabled houses, big-name museums and an easy, bike-first way of life.
about 5 h
For storytellers
Why Amsterdam matters
Amsterdam is a city built on water, and you feel it at every corner. Seventeenth-century merchants dug the canal rings that still define the centre, lining them with narrow brick houses that lean in every direction. Between the canals you find world-famous museums, cosy brown cafes, markets and tiny hidden courtyards. Walk, hop on a tram or do what locals do and rent a bike, but keep an ear out for the bell behind you.
Talking points
- The canal ring was laid out in the Dutch Golden Age and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Many houses are tall and narrow, with hoisting beams on top to lift furniture through the windows.
- Bikes are everywhere, so watch for bike lanes before you step off the pavement.
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What to see in Amsterdam
River or canal · UNESCO
Amsterdam Canal Ring
Amsterdam, Netherlands
The seventeenth-century canal belt of Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht, a UNESCO World Heritage Si...
Museum
Anne Frank House
Amsterdam, Netherlands
The canal-side house where Anne Frank and others hid from the Nazis during the Second World War.
Museum
Van Gogh Museum
Amsterdam, Netherlands
The world's largest collection of Vincent van Gogh's paintings, letters and drawings.
Palace
Dam Square and Royal Palace
Amsterdam, Netherlands
The historic heart of Amsterdam, with the Royal Palace overlooking a busy square.
Neighbourhood
Jordaan
Amsterdam, Netherlands
A charming former working-class quarter of narrow lanes, galleries and brown cafes.
Market
Albert Cuyp Market
Amsterdam, Netherlands
The city's biggest daily street market, famous for stroopwafels, cheese and fresh herring.
Park
Vondelpark
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam's best-loved city park, with ponds, lawns and summer open-air events.
Historic site
Begijnhof
Amsterdam, Netherlands
A quiet courtyard of historic houses, hidden just off a busy shopping street.
Museum
Rembrandt House Museum
Amsterdam, Netherlands
The house where Rembrandt lived and worked, restored to show his studio and collections.
Market
Bloemenmarkt
Amsterdam, Netherlands
A floating-style flower market along the Singel canal, selling bulbs, plants and souvenirs.
Food and drink
Heineken Experience
Amsterdam, Netherlands
An interactive tour inside the former brewery that tells the story of the Dutch lager.
Museum
NEMO Science Museum
Amsterdam, Netherlands
A hands-on science museum in a distinctive green building shaped like a ship's hull.
Also nearby
Within about 40 km, closest first.