Places to visit in Amsterdam

Posted by sangu singh on June 21st, 2018

THINGS YOU MUST DO IN AMSTERDAM

From 17^th-century buildings lining picturesque canals in the Old Centre to the very hipster area of Jordaan, no European city blends the old and the new with so much flair as Amsterdam does. Here are 5 things you must do in Amsterdam.

Museum Musings

With more than 400 museums, Amsterdam really spoils you for choice. If you are in the city for a short while, you absolutely must make time for the big three. Rijksmuseum is Amsterdam’s (and Netherlands’) most important museum and is dedicated to the arts and history of the country. Its art collection is particularly impressive with stalwarts such as Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Vermeer, and Jan Steen gracing its walls. The Van Gogh Museum nearby is a tribute to perhaps the greatest Dutch painters of all time. Don’t miss visiting the Anne Frank House and Museum, a poignant tribute to the young girl whose life was brutally cut short by war. If you have time, check out the contemporary artworks at Stedelijk Museum or visit one of the many quirky museums that abound in Amsterdam – from the Museum of Bags & Purses to the Cheese Museum, and Electric Ladyland, which is a museum of fluorescent art.

Canal Crossing

With its criss-crossing canals and more than 1,500 bridges, it’s no wonder that Amsterdam is known as the Venice of the North. Taking a canal cruise is a great way of seeing the city and also getting your bearings right. Several canal boat companies offer tours with audio guides pointing out the main attractions in Amsterdam. The cruises start from different points in the city; some of them are hop-on-hop-off tours, while others give you a comprehensive hour-long tour. Take your pick and see the city from a new angle. I recommend taking a tour close to dusk so that you can see the sky changing colours and the twinkling canal lights coming on.

Get Natural

Despite its canals and cheek-by-jowl buildings, there are many green spaces in Amsterdam. Vondelpark, located near the museum quarter, is one of the biggest urban parks in the city. Go jogging or cycling here, or just take a picnic basket and enjoy an afternoon break in the park. Located in Amsterdam West, Rembrandtpark is another green oasis complete with a petting zoo. Or people-watch by the elaborate fountain in Sarphatipark in De Pijp area. The city is also dotted with hidden courtyards, many of which are open to the public. Take a peek inside the most beautiful of these courtyards at Begijnhof, which is located between two churches. When the tulips are in season, make a day trip to Keukenhof for some splendid flower displays.