15 must-see places to visit in Amsterdam (map included)

This list of must-see places to visit in Amsterdam will help you make the most of one of our favourite cities in the world.
Known as the city of bicycles and canals, the capital of the Netherlands is one of the best tourist destinations in Europe where you can spend some fun and interesting days thanks to its endless leisure and cultural offer.
In addition to discovering its main tourist attractions, this city is perfect for getting lost in its neighbourhoods full of tolerance and multiculturalism, which make it an example for other countries and a place where you would surely like to stay and live.
If you have more than two days, which is the minimum recommended to get to know the city, you can make an excursion to some of the most beautiful villages in the surroundings, such as Marken, Volendam, Edam and Zaanse Schans, famous for its windmills.

Based on the number of times we have visited Amsterdam, the last time we wrote this guide to Amsterdam, we have compiled this list of what we think are the 15 most beautiful places to see in Amsterdam. Let's get started!

1. Canals of Amsterdam

Amsterdam, known as the Venice of the North, has more than 100 kilometres of canals, more than 1000 bridges and more than 2000 houseboats, part of which are in the historic centre, bounded and surrounded by its 4 most famous canals: Singel, Herengracht, Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht.
If you don't have much time, one of the best things to do in Amsterdam is to stroll along the banks of the Singel canal and especially the Herengracht, in the Jordaan area, where you'll find the most stately and charming houses.
As well as crossing bridges and having a drink on the riverside terraces, it is worth visiting a houseboat, such as the House Boat Museum, to learn about the advantages and disadvantages of living in one of them. If you have more time, you can walk along the Keizersgracht canal to the Magere Brug, one of the most emblematic bridges in the city.
Near this area you will also find some of the most photogenic spots along the canals, such as the dancing houses, the Staalmeestersbrug bridge, which has a beautiful view of a canal with the Zuiderkerk church in the background, and the Kaasmarktsluis bridge, a viewpoint where you can see 7 bridges lined up in a row.

However, the best and most comfortable way to enjoy the canals is to book this boat trip or this night cruise that includes a tasting of local cheese and wine.
For more information you can read this post about the Amsterdam canals boat tour.

Canals of Amsterdam

2. The Flower Market

Strolling along the banks of the Singel canal you will come across the famous floating flower market or Bloemenmarkt, another of Amsterdam's must-visit places.
The history of this market, built on barges on the water, dates back to 1883, when boats loaded with flowers arrived every day to be sold here.
The Netherlands is famous for the quality of its flowers and especially for its tulips, so don't be surprised if you find a wide variety of them at this market. Besides, this is one of the most typical and original souvenirs you can take home from Amsterdam, so don't forget to buy some tulip bulbs, which will help you remember your visit to the city.
If you arrive at the market early and haven't had breakfast, we recommend you buy some delicious chocolate biscuits at the famous Van Stapele Koekmakerij. Remember that you can order them through their website if you want to skip the queue.

Other markets worth visiting include Waterlooplein Market, a beautiful flea market, and Albert Cuyp, the largest open-air market in Europe with products of all kinds and for all tastes. Both are open from Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm.

Visiting hours: daily from 9 am to 5 pm; Sundays from 11 am.

Flower Market, one of the places to see in Amsterdam.

3. Anne Frank House Museum

The Anne Frank House, located on the banks of the Prinsengracht canal in the charming Jordaan district, is one of the most breathtaking and must-see places to visit in Amsterdam.
In the back of this building, now a museum, Anne Frank's family lived in hiding for two years during the Nazi occupation of the city in World War II. During this hiding place, Anne Frank wrote her famous diary, which was later published by her father Otto Frank, the only survivor of the hiding place.
At the entrance you will be given a leaflet in English explaining the history and the points you will see during the visit, including Anne Frank's original diary and the hiding place.
To visit the house it is highly recommended that you buy your ticket from this official website, where you can choose your time and secure your place. Please note that from 9am to 3.30pm only those who have bought a ticket online will be able to enter the museum, while from 3.30pm those who have bought a ticket at the museum's ticket office will be able to enter.

Visiting hours: daily from 9am to 10pm from April to October; the rest of the months it closes at 7pm.

The Anne Frank House Museum, one of the museums to visit in Amsterdam.

4. Jordaan Quarter

After leaving the Anne Frank House you can take a pleasant stroll through the Jordaan, the former Jewish quarter and our favourite place to visit in Amsterdam.
You can start your route at the beautiful Brouwersgracht canal junction and from there wander aimlessly through the streets, stopping at the most original shops and charming cafés.
One of its tourist attractions is the Westerkerk Church, in Renaissance style and with a high tower, perfect for enjoying the views of the whole city. Next to the church is a beautiful statue of Anne Frank and some of the best restaurants to eat in Amsterdam such as De Reiger and PICNIQ for local food, the Italian La Maschera Lillotatini and the cheeses of Cafe T Smalle. If you are a cheese lover and want to pick up some of the delicious Dutch cheeses you can visit the Henri Willig Cheese Farm Store, located in front of the train station.
But before you buy cheese and eat, we recommend a trip to the famous "Nine Streets", nine streets lined with exclusive shops, art galleries and designer cafés, perfect for a few hours of shopping.

To learn more about the tragic history of this neighbourhood and the whole city through the eyes of Anne Frank, we recommend you book this tour.

The Jordaan Quarter

5. Leidseplein, one of the squares to visit in Amsterdam.

The next stop on the route of the best places to see in Amsterdam is the Leidseplein square, known for its terraces, street performers and lively nightlife.
One of the experiences this square has to offer, in addition to sampling homemade Dutch food at The Pantry and Stoop & Stoop Eetcafe, is to pop into Reijnders, one of Amsterdam's most popular brown cafes (bruine cafes).
These taverns will take you back centuries with their dark wood interiors, dim lights and low ceilings that create a unique atmosphere for sipping a good Dutch beer while chatting with friends. Other famous brown cafés include Café Karpershoek, Het Molenpad and Café Hoppe.

To learn more about the history of the city and its curiosities it is almost essential to book this guided tour, one of the best free tours in Amsterdam or this private tour, perfect for groups.

Leidsplein, one of the squares to visit in Amsterdam.

6. Van Gogh Museum

The Van Gogh Museum, which houses the most extensive collection of the brilliant Dutch painter, is another of the most interesting places to visit in Amsterdam.
Inside this museum you will find more than 200 paintings and 400 drawings from different periods by one of the greatest painters in history, including "The Bedroom at Arles", "The Potato Eaters" and "The Sunflowers".
To find out more about his interesting yet tragic life, as well as his most famous paintings, we recommend you book this guided tour in Spanish with an art specialist.
If you want to go on your own, you can book this ticket in advance and take an audio guide inside or take this offer which includes a cruise along the canals.

Visiting hours: daily from 9am to 5pm (Fridays until 10pm).

Van Gogh Museum, one of the places to visit in Amsterdam.

7. Vondelpark

Vondelpark is the most famous park to see in Amsterdam and the perfect place to stroll, play sports, have a picnic on the lawn or simply disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the city.
This 47-hectare public park is not too far from the city centre, so it's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike when the first rays of sunshine hit the sky. As well as greenery, nature, flowers, statues, lakes and rivers, you'll find everything from an open-air theatre to a variety of restaurants and cafés.

A good way to get to and around the park is to book this fun bike tour, one of the best ways to see the whole city and enjoy it like a local.

Vondelpark, one of Amsterdam's must-see parks.

8. Rijksmuseum, one of the museums to visit in Amsterdam

The imposing Rijksmuseum, or National Museum, is another of the best museums in Amsterdam and the whole country, with more than two million visitors a year.
During your visit you will take a walk through the country's art history, from the Middle Ages to the last century, seeing many valuable pieces such as precious porcelain collections and some of the best paintings of the Dutch Golden Age such as The Milkmaid and The Night Watch, one of Rembrandt's masterpieces.

To learn about the history of the museum and its most important pieces, we recommend you book this visit with a Spanish guide expert in Art History or take this offer that includes a guided tour of this museum, the Van Gogh Museum and a cruise along the canals of the city.
If you want to go on your own, you can book this ticket and take an audio guide inside.

Visiting hours: daily from 9am to 5pm.

Rijksmuseum

9. Moco Museum

In Amsterdam's museum quarter or Museumplein, between the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum, is located inside the Villa Alsberg, a stately home dating from 1904, which is now the new Moco Museum.
With an interesting exhibition of inspiring works of modern, contemporary and urban art by famous artists such as Basquiat, Banksy and Warhol, the Moco Museum has succeeded in bringing art to the younger generation.
At the back of the museum you'll find a world full of light, colour and sensations that will delight instagrammers, as well as a shop where you can buy reproductions and souvenirs. You can book your ticket from this page.

Another recently opened museum that is also well worth a visit is the Straat, the world's first museum of street art and graffiti. To see its more than 150 works by 140 artists of 32 nationalities on canvas and displayed in an original indoor space, you'll have to take a free ferry from the back of Central Station to the NDSM stop, located a few metres from the museum's entrance. You can book your ticket in advance on this page.

Most of the city's museums are included in the I amsterdam City Card.

Moco Museum opening hours: Monday to Friday from 9am to 7pm; Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 9pm.
Straat Museum opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday from 11am to 6pm.

Moco Museum

10. Begijnhof

Begijnhof, a 14th century beguinage where the Begijnhof sisters lived, is one of our favourite places to visit in Amsterdam.
This inner courtyard with a beautiful garden and hidden a few metres from the lively Spui Square, is a real haven of peace and preserves some of the city's historic buildings such as the Het Houten Huis, the oldest and one of the two remaining wooden houses in the whole of Amsterdam. Another place not to be missed is the Begijnhof Chapel, built in the 15th century and considered the first underground church in the city, where Catholics could pray without being persecuted.

Visiting hours: daily from 9am to 5pm.

Begijnhof, one of the places to visit in Amsterdam.

11. Dam Square, one of the places to visit in Amsterdam.

When you leave the Begijnhof you can walk up to the centre along the Kalverstraat shopping street until you reach Dam Square, the most important and most atmospheric square to see in Amsterdam.
Surrounded by buildings such as the Royal Palace, the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church), the Madame Taussauds Wax Museum and the luxury shop De Bijenkorf, this square is filled with tourists every day, sitting on the steps surrounding the National Monument, a 22-metre-high obelisk that pays tribute to the Dutch soldiers who died in World War II, or on the terraces of the many bars.
A good option is to buy a crisp cone from Mannekin Pis and Vlaams Friteshuis Vleminckx or the delicious herring sandwiches from Haring & Zo and Rob Wigboldus Vishandel, and eat them on the steps of this square.

Dam Square, one of the squares to see in Amsterdam.

12. Oude Kerk

From Dam Square you can wander through the pedestrian streets of the Old Town to find the Oude Kerk or Old Church, the oldest building in Amsterdam.
This church, consecrated in 1306, stands out for its Gothic-style exterior topped by a spire with a carillon of 47 bells, while inside you will find fantastic stained glass windows, three pipe organs and, above all, a ceiling considered the largest medieval wooden vault in Europe and decorated with 15th-century paintings.
Admission is included in the Amsterdam City Card, a tourist card that also includes skip-the-line entry to the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, so it can be cost-effective depending on the places you want to visit in the city.

Visiting hours: Monday to Saturday from 11am to 6pm; Sundays from 1pm to 5:30pm.

Oude Kerk

Recommended travel cards

Remember that to avoid paying commissions and to always have the current exchange rate, we recommend you use the Revolut card and the N26 card, which are the ones we use, are free and will save you a lot of money.
You can find more information in this article on the best cards for commission-free travel.

13. The Red Light District

In front of the Oude Kerk, on the ground, is a bronze plaque showing a hand clutching a breast, a sign that you are in the heart of the Red Light District, another of the most amazing places to visit in Amsterdam.
Famous for its lively nightlife, sex shops, red lights and open shop windows where prostitutes offer their services, this neighbourhood concentrated on the banks of the Voorburgwal and Achterburgwal canals, leaves no one indifferent, considering that prostitution is legalised in Amsterdam and taxes are paid.
Although it may seem like a lawless neighbourhood, everything is perfectly ordered and under surveillance, so you shouldn't be afraid to walk around at night, although always with respect and politeness towards the women who provide their services and without taking pictures of the shop windows or of them.
This neighbourhood is also home to many coffee shops, such as the famous Hunter's Café and Bulldog, where you can legally smoke marijuana or have a soft drink, although the sale of alcohol and tobacco is prohibited.
To finish off the surprises of the Red Light District you can visit the Buddhist temple called Fo Guang Shan or eat at the original Martine's Table, a local host house that prepares great homemade dishes.

A great and fun way to visit the Red Light District and not miss out on any of the experiences is to book this guided tour in English.

Red Light District, one of Amsterdam's must-sees

14. Heineken Experience

Another of the most famous places to see in Amsterdam is the building where the first distillery of the world-famous Heineken beer was located, now a museum.
During an interactive tour inside you will learn all about the brewing process of this beer and its expansion in almost every country in the world, some curiosities such as the reason for its green colour and its old fermentation boilers, and end with a tasting session.
You can book your ticket in advance from this page or take this offer which includes a boat trip along the canals.

Visiting hours: daily from 11am to 7pm.

Heineken Experience

15. Hortus Botanicus

To finish this list of must-see places to visit in Amsterdam, we suggest a visit to the beautiful Hortus Botanicus, one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, more than 300 years old.
Before arriving at the gardens, we recommend you stop at the Rembrandt House Museum, the place where one of the most important artists in history lived and painted. During the visit you can see the room where he painted his masterpieces and others, such as the kitchen, which have been restored to their 17th century appearance. You can book your ticket from this page.
After the visit you can go to the Hortus Botanicus, a small oasis of peace in which it is worth strolling among its more than 4000 types of plants, entering a greenhouse with three climates and having a drink in the "orangerie".
A 15-minute walk from this garden is De Gooyer, one of the eight windmills still standing in the city and the tallest in the country, with a height of more than 26 metres. And to say goodbye to Amsterdam with the best taste in your mouth, you can have a beer at Brouwerij 't IJ, located right next door.

De Goyer Mill

Our recommended hotel in Amsterdam

Our recommended accommodations in Amsterdam are the Singel Hotel and the WestCord City Centre Hote, located 5 minutes from the Central Station and a 10-minute walk from the historic centre.
Another excellent value for money hotel is The Exchange Hotel, located a 5-minute walk from Dam Square.
For more information on the best hotels and neighbourhoods, check out this post on where to stay in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam Routes

To make sure you don't miss anything important and to complete a logical route through the city, we suggest you follow these optimised day-by-day guides:

• Amsterdam in one day

• Amsterdam in two days

• Amsterdam in 3 days

• Amsterdam in 4 days

To get to the city in the most comfortable and quickest way you can read this post about how to get from Amsterdam airport to the city centre and read this article with tips for travelling to Amsterdam.

Excursions from Amsterdam

If you have more days available, we suggest you take some of the best excursions from Amsterdam to visit some of the most beautiful places to see in Holland.
Among the best rated are:

• Excursion to Volendam, Marken, Edam and Zaanse Schans.

• Excursion to Rotterdam and The Hague

• Excursion to Keukenhof

• Excursion to Bruges