Tourist Attractions in Amsterdam

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Amsterdam

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Amsterdam

Amsterdam is very different and cannot be described in a few words. Every tourist comes here for something different, and it is this “”different”” that he finds. Contrary to the popular belief of many foreigners, the city can boast not only world-famous coffeeshops and the Red Light Quarter. Such great masters of the brush as Van Gogh and Rembrandt, as well as other representatives of the Flemish school of painting – one of the best in Europe – have lived and worked here.

Moreover, Amsterdam is a famous floating flower market “”Bloemenmarkt””, luxurious neighbourhoods covered with a network of canals, cheerful Dutch people on bicycles in any weather and absolutely unique atmosphere of freedom. True, very often freedom crosses the border of permissiveness, but that’s exactly what it is – Amsterdam.

Top-30 Tourist Attractions in Amsterdam

Rijksmuseum

 4.6/5

88391 reviews

A huge art museum that stretches along the embankment of one of the canals for a whole block. The museum’s expositions tell about the history of art in the Netherlands. The most important place is given to painting. Most of the museum collection consists of paintings that were created on the territory of Flanders (Southern Netherlands) and Northern Netherlands. Paintings for the Rijksmuseum began to be collected in the 19th century.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Keukenhof Express

 4.5/5

326 reviews

A national flower park near Amsterdam. Every year, this amazing place is open for just a couple of months for the flowering season. There are hundreds of varieties of tulips, daffodils, lilies, hyacinths, rhododendrons and other types of flowers. The alleys of the park are coloured in all possible shades. For many tourists, Keukenhof reminds them of “paradise”, where they don’t want to leave.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Canals of Amsterdam

 4.7/5

525 reviews

The total length of the canal network within the city limits is approximately 75 kilometres, with a total of 165 waterways. Only small recreational boats and private boats use them. More than 1500 bridges of different sizes connect the canals with each other. The very first channel was dug in the middle of the 15th century and was used as a city ditch. It is now one of the city’s main canals called Singel.

Muiderslot

 4.5/5

7635 reviews

This rugged 13th century Romanesque fortress has survived almost in its original form. The reason for this is that it was used in the Middle Ages as a customs post rather than a military fortress, so it was never besieged. There is a legend about the ghost of Count Floris V (one of the castle’s former owners) that still roams the dark corridors. The Count was betrayed and murdered by his own vassals, and his spirit finds no rest.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Royal Palace Amsterdam

 4.6/5

21865 reviews

The official residence of the royal dynasty of the Netherlands, where official events are held: ascension to the throne, weddings, receptions of foreign delegations. The palace was built in the XVII century for the needs of the city hall and for court sessions, but later it was transferred to the jurisdiction of the monarchs. The building rests on foundations, which are supported on 13660 piles.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Dam Square

 0/5

Amsterdam’s central square, located on a 13th-century causeway. One third of the Netherlands is known to be below sea level. Hundreds of years ago, the Dutch built dykes and drove piles into the fragile soil to build houses, streets and utilities. “Dam” means “dyke” in Dutch. Over time, the square became the commercial centre of Amsterdam, and for a long time the stock exchange operated here.

Madame Tussauds Amsterdam

 4.3/5

24844 reviews

A branch of the famous waxwork exhibition located in Amsterdam (19 branches worldwide). Madame Tussauds has gained popularity in all corners of the Earth. Here you can admire exact copies of real and fairy-tale characters, made with precision and great skill. Madame Tussauds herself was an extraordinary and restless personality. She devoted her whole life to the collection.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Van Gogh Museum

 4.6/5

82154 reviews

A museum telling about the work and life of one of the brightest representatives of Dutch painting. Apart from works by the maestro Van Gogh himself, paintings by Monet, Gauguin, Picasso and Sera are exhibited here. The path of the artist was not long, not easy, but very productive – he began to paint after 30 years and created more than 800 paintings until he shot himself at the age of 37. The museum was organised in 1973.

Open time

Rembrandt House Museum

 4.5/5

11528 reviews

The museum is organised in the house on Jodenbreestraat Street where Rembrandt lived for a while. The collection includes 260 engravings by the master’s hand, paintings by his pupils, as well as those by artists who were influenced by Rembrandt’s work. The museum was opened in 1911 in the presence of the reigning queen. The exhibits came from gifts from private collectors and the purchase of works at auctions.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Maritime Museum

 4.5/5

10349 reviews

The Dutch have always been regarded as skilful and brave seafarers. Their lives have been linked to the sea since the first settlements in the Netherlands. You can learn about the history of seafaring and shipbuilding in the special Museum of Navigation, where collections of maps, ship’s gear and instruments are on display. Before the museum was opened, the building housed the Amsterdam Admiralty.

Open time

NEMO Science Museum

 4.5/5

29886 reviews

A modern interactive museum that makes extensive use of modern technology. It was created in 1997 to show people the interconnection of art, science and nature. Complex physical phenomena are presented here in an accessible form. Visitors are allowed to conduct experiments on their own to understand the essence of this or that phenomenon.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Amsterdam Museum

 4.3/5

5800 reviews

A gallery containing an impressive collection of contemporary art. The first building (the old one) was built in 1895. The status of the State Museum of Modern Art was obtained in 1938. After 1973, part of the collection was moved to the new building. In the gallery you can admire the paintings of Cubists, Fauvists, Expressionists and Impressionists. There are 29 paintings by K. Malevich.

Open time

Diamond factory

 4.8/5

14 reviews

One of the oldest diamond cutting factories, established in the mid-19th century. It has a museum where you can get acquainted with precious exhibits. Among the curious items are diamond skulls made by British master Damien Hirst, a gold tennis racket worth $1 million, a copy of Van Gogh’s painting “Starry Night” decorated with several hundred diamonds, and the Queen’s crown.

Open time

Anne Frank House

 4.5/5

63485 reviews

The memorial house of the Jewish Frank family, victims of the Nazis during the Second World War. It is an old 17th century mansion where Otto Frank, who emigrated from Germany, found temporary refuge. Anna was his daughter. All the time that the family hid in the house, the girl kept a diary. The records were published in 1947, after which the public became interested in the place.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM

The New Church

 4.3/5

3233 reviews

The name of the church is deceptive (in Dutch “nyivekerk” means “new church”), as it is a construction of the XIV-XV centuries. Representatives of the ruling family of Nasau-Oransky, as well as famous military, cultural and political figures, are buried under the vaults of the church. The structure is crowned by a spire more than 100 metres high. It has been struck by lightning twice, causing a fire and damage to the church.

Open time

Oude Kerk Amsterdam

 4.4/5

10071 reviews

The oldest church in the city from the early 14th century (“old church” in Dutch). Over the centuries, the church has been raided by robbers and religious fanatics, but the original stained glass windows, wall paintings and ceiling have survived. At the end of the XVI century Protestants took over the church and began to hold services according to their rite. Nowadays, organ concerts are regularly held on the territory, where an antique organ from 1658 is played.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 1:00 – 5:30 PM

Westerkerk

 4.4/5

1250 reviews

A 17th century Protestant church. It is famous for the fact that Rembrandt was buried here in the common grave for beggars. The tower of the bell tower is decorated with a stone copy of the crown of Emperor Maximilian I (the same crown is depicted on the coat of arms of the Netherlands). It is believed that the ruler authorised his crown to be placed on the spire in gratitude for a money loan given to him by local bankers.

Open time

Monday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Basilica of Saint Nicholas

 4.6/5

2428 reviews

St Nicholas is the patron saint of the capital of the Netherlands. He also protects all sailors, traders, travellers and fishermen. It was in honour of this saint that a Catholic church was erected, which later became an ornament of Amsterdam. In contrast to the numerous Protestant churches with more austere architecture and interior, St Nicholas’ church looks more ornate.

Open time

Monday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM
Tuesday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM
Wednesday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM
Thursday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM
Friday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM
Saturday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Waag Futurelab

 4/5

4 reviews

The former city gate from the 15th century, which used to house the town hall, museum, theatre and depot. From the 17th to 19th centuries, the city’s weighing house was used to determine the standard weight of goods. For Amsterdam, this institution played an important role, as by then the city was already a major centre of European trade. The upper floors housed the offices of various professional guilds.

Open time

Munttoren

 4.5/5

1945 reviews

A structure that survived a fire at the city gate of Regulierspourt in the early 17th century. As a result of the restoration, 4 clock faces were reinforced on the facade and an octagonal spire appeared at the top. The tower houses a corillon (a bell system that acts as a single musical instrument) of 38 bells. The bells are rung once a week on Saturdays. At this time you can hear a real “concert”.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Beurs van Berlage

 4.4/5

3386 reviews

An Art Nouveau building that served as a stock exchange at the beginning of the 20th century and nowadays hosts various meetings and conferences. The architecture of the Berlage Exchange served as a model for other buildings built in a similar manner. Its creator, Hendrik Petrus Berlage, is the creator of an original architectural style. He brought national elements and his own conceptual vision to traditional Art Nouveau.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Johan Cruyff Arena

 4.4/5

35221 reviews

The home stadium of Dutch football club Ajax. The arena was opened in 1996. More than 140 million euros were spent on the works. At the time of construction, this stadium was considered the most progressive in the world, as it had a sliding roof. Amsterdam Arena is also used for concerts, during which the stands can accommodate about 70 thousand spectators. It also hosts an annual electronic music festival.

Open time

Monday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Fort near Heemstede / Advanced Position near Cruquius (Defence Line of Amsterdam)

 4.2/5

13 reviews

A military defence line consisting of 45 forts and many hydraulic structures. It was built at the junction of the 19th and 20th centuries to protect Amsterdam from military threats. If the triggers were activated, the lowlands around the city could quickly fill with water within an hour and a half. In 1996, the defence line was inscribed on the UNESCO heritage list.

Open time

ARTIS

 4.5/5

30763 reviews

A zoo founded in the early 19th century, it is considered one of the best in Europe. By now it contains several thousand animals. The huge territory has a botanical garden, aquariums, museum of geology, planetarium. Most of the animals live in open enclosures, which are separated from visitors by moats (i.e. the most natural living conditions are created for them).

Open time

Vondelpark

 4.7/5

50272 reviews

A landscaped green area adapted for recreation, walks, cycling and picnics. There is a film museum and a summer theatre in the park. Vondela Park is open all day and night, and admission is free. Locals love this place for its quietness, peacefulness and the opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle of bustling and crowded Amsterdam for at least a while.

Open time

Zaanse Schans

 0/5

An open-air museum where the typical Dutch landscape is recreated – mills, village houses, a farm, craftsmen’s workshops where they still work according to old-fashioned techniques. Thirty types of real Dutch houses have been transported here from all over the country. The village of Zanse-Schans has real inhabitants who are the constant focus of many tourists.

Flower Market Hotel

 4/5

214 reviews

There is such an attraction only in Holland. The market operates on one of the main Singel canals. Its history began in the XVII century, when traders from boats began to offer passers-by to buy flowers. Now the barges are moored to the shore and no longer go anywhere, but the flower fair continues to be called “floating”. Here you can buy any flowers, tulip bulbs, seeds and souvenirs.

Open time

 0/5

A small “flea market” next to the town hall where all sorts of rarities are sold. Here you can find original clothes, African jewellery, products of young unknown designers, books and souvenirs. The market’s regular customers are collectors, film directors, costume designers, and numerous “freaks” in search of something as eccentric as possible.

Coffeeshopamsterdam Café

 4.6/5

926 reviews

Light drugs are legalised in the Netherlands and there are even special places where they can be used – the world-famous coffeeshops. Many tourists come to Amsterdam just for the sake of going to such places. They offer hashish, marijuana and other drugs, but alcohol is forbidden. There are several hundred coffeeshops in Amsterdam, and there are enough customers for everyone.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM

De Wallen

 0/5

A neighbourhood populated by “love priestesses” who live and work here legally. Moreover, they pay decent taxes to the city treasury. Prostitution in Holland has been legalised for a long time, the local “puttanas” have a trade union and a powerful system of social guarantees. In the Red Light District there are countless sex shops, erotic shows and museums with relevant themes.