Explore The Best Bits Of Amsterdam: The Venice Of The North
Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is one of the most vibrant cities, with its quaint canal network, humming cultural scenes, and rich history. There is something interesting, and unique thing at every turn for you to see.
The historical landmarks and incredible museums are its biggest attractions. There is a lot to see here, starting from the red light district and ending with the vibrant tulip fields during the season of spring.
Food lovers can indulge in the local delicacies and discover the new flavors the city has to offer. Fun-loving explorers have a lot of options as well, like exploring the city on bikes through the neighborhood or getting on a canal boat cruise and looking at the city from a different point of view.
Things to Do in Amsterdam :
There are never-ending things to do in Amsterdam in any weather, with more of them having rewarding experiences available while stepping from the well-trodden tourist pathways in the city center.
Therefore, whether you are on a weekend visit or a fortnight, below is a crucial checklist of the things to do in Amsterdam and other unmissable experiences.
1. Hop on the Bike:
There are more than eight hundred thousand bicycles in Amsterdam. These bicycles are among the things to see in Amsterdam because they are more than people. Cycling is a way of life in Amsterdam and it is made easy by the flat landscape and the unbeatable network of cycle routes.
This city is always on top of the list of the most cycle-friendly in the world and there is no other finer way of exploring the cities of the city, attractions, and canals than by the power of the pedal. It is safe to cycle in Amsterdam making it be among the fun things to do in Amsterdam because it is also invigorating and enjoyable. Therefore, visit and join the locals and hop on the bike. You just need to find out about bike hire and cycling in Amsterdam.
2. Get Lost in Jordaan Arty :
It often referred to as the most charming neighborhood of Amsterdam. Wandering into Jordaan feels like going back in time several steps. It was originally a working-class area but the narrow streets of Jordaan and quaint buildings are now making it the most desirable quarters in Amsterdam. It is among the best things to visit in Amsterdam as it has independent antique shops, dotted with art galleries, atmospheric restaurants and bars, and courtyard gardens. Throw away the map and get lost in the labyrinth of the narrow lanes sprawling eastwards from the Prinsengracht canal as nine streets, which is among the most rewarding shopping experiences of Amsterdam.
3. Get Soaked in the Culture of Museumplein:
Being home to Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum of modest art, and the Museumplein is a cultural heartbeat of Amsterdam. Having been renovated to world-class standards, this leafy nineteenth-century district in Oud-Zuid is a utopias art store for lovers. The open square in the middle of the building is always busy with activities with open markets, exhibitions, and a large paddling pool for dipping toes on warm days. In winter, it transforms to an outdoor ice rink. The things to visit in Amsterdam include other smaller museums that are less worthy like the FOAM photography museum, willet holthuysen, and tropenmuseum.
4. Catch the ferry to North Amsterdam :
A lot of Amsterdam visitors do not manage to venture that central station of north Amsterdam which is usually a shame, consider the vibrant food, drink, and cultural scenes that are across the water, along with banks of IJ. The short free ferry trip will take you to several drops off points like the cultural hotspot NDSM for enjoying many hip waterside hangouts, events, and frequent festivals.
5. Take a Cruise in the Canal :
Created in the seventeenth century for keeping the sea at bay, the UNESCO protected canal in Amsterdam is a quintessential picturesque vision of Amsterdam and among things to see in Amsterdam. It is a very pretty vision for both daytime and nighttime when bridges have lights and the whole place is feeling magical. Floating on the canals by a boat ride with a guide is a massive way of getting under the city’s fabric. You will learn many things along the way like tilting homes on the canals called dancing houses. The canals are many to choose from and these tours come with wine and food and candlelit nighttime cruises.
6. Herring From the Herring Cart:
Raw herring is among the best things to do in Amsterdam because it is scary to newbies, but all visitors need to try it. You will spot herring carts serving this Dutch delicacy in the city and ask to be served with a sandwich or fish with onions and pickles. It is best to try this between May and July as it is the sweetest during this time.
7. Culture, Fun, and Drinking at Westergasbafriek :
This sprawling complex found at westerpark in the former industrial buildings used to be the municipal gasworks of the city. It is currently a cultural hub as it is home to various bars, coffee roasters, restaurants, art-house cinema, microbrewery, and many other creative businesses. Look for food markets, events, and mini-festivals held here.
8. Soak Up in Local Flavors on Neighborhoods :
If you desire to experience the real Amsterdam, you will have to step out the tourist center and discover charming neighborhoods of the city with their personality. You will get shopping, food, and drinking hotspots that have nineteenth-century elegance and vibrant multiculturalism of Oosterpark. There a lot to discover while straying from well-trodden paths.
9. Come Face to Face With Van Gogh :
No trip towards Amsterdam will be complete minus paying homage to the impressionist of Dutch Vincent Van Gogh. This building is home to over one thousand paintings of art, letters, and labels, and it offers you the chance to not just get a personal and close touch with these works, but also track development and learn of the person that inspired him. Get an Amsterdam city card to enter into the museum for free.
10. Eye Across the Ij:
Dominating views from the shore from the south of IJ behind the central station, the top things to do in Amsterdam need to include the striking white building that has become among iconic landmarks since its opening. This is a must-visit if you are a film fan because it houses a permanent exhibition space that showcases contemporary and retrospective exhibits, cinema, a vast film library, and fabulous restaurants with terraces overlooking the water. It takes three minutes with the ferry to catch a free ferry to this destination.
11. Visit a Historic Brewery and Try Their Local Beer
There are only eight windmills left in Amsterdam, and De Gooyer is one of the easiest that you can visit, located on the Eastern Island. However, this is not just a windmill; it has a striking landmark under its sails, and that is Brouwerij ‘tIJ, which is an award-winning artisan brewery.
They offer a 30-minute tasting tour guided by their professionals and also have a large outdoor drinking terrace if you wish to relax and take a sip of their specially crafted beer. They also produce some special organic standard as well as seasonal ales which you would find in various bars in Amsterdam.
However, it is their beer that beats every other drink that they produce. This city has numerous microbreweries and other bars that specialize in making their own craft beers.
12. Experience Royalty
There are numerous palaces, castles as well as fortresses in Amsterdam, which allows you to experience the regal past of this region. Be the king or the queen of your own fairytale and experience life for at least a day.
King Willem-Alexander’s reception palace, the Royal Palace of Amsterdam, is the place that hosts the head of state and world leaders. However, for the major part of the year, it remains open for visitors as well.
Also, just 15 kilometers southeast of Amsterdam, there is Muiderslot, which is a castle from the 13th century that looks exactly like something taken out of a Disney movie. The drawbridge, moat, and the five towers resemble the castles that you see in Disney films.
13. Catch a Show in One of the World-famous Venues
Amsterdam is a place that has those intimate dive bars if you want to enjoy your evening in high style, but not with grandeur. And if you want to get a lifetime experience and listen to live music in those majestic court halls, Amsterdam has that as well.
Paradiso has hosted various iconic acts like Prince and The Rolling Stone and still maintains a world-class roster showcasing international talents. This place used to be a church back in the day, and now it has been converted to a place that hosts and witnesses world-class talents.
Concertgebouw, an impressive grand dame, is applauded for the lineup of world-class orchestras, the excellent acoustics, and numerous famous musicians. Apart from that, there is Boom Chicago, which is a popular place for hosting comedy shows and improvs and has been serving the audience for more than 25 years.
Conclusion :
When you visit Amsterdam, it is possible to get into secrete courtyards around so that you make your visit worthwhile. The best things to do in Amsterdam will make you want to go there more often so that to continue experiencing the best views and life. Get to Amsterdam to experience all these things on your next holiday.
Read Also :
Tags
