You can spend long weeks in Amsterdam and every day enjoy a plethora of attractions that await you. The Dutch capital has everything that both urban space fans and nature lovers need.
Opened in 1889, the richly decorated Amsterdam Central Station building astonishes many travellers with its size. Still, it is hard to get lost in it thanks to very precise marking. The station is surrounded by canals that are characteristic for the entire country. The river is certainly an interesting option as an alternative way to explore the city. However, do not think you will void crowds if you decide to go on a cruise. There are plenty of tourists both on the streets and on the water.
IN THE VERY CENTRE
Dam Square is considered a representative place of the capital of the Netherlands and the starting point of most trips. The popular de Dam (Dutch: tama) stretches at the foot of the monumental Royal Palace, which was built in the 17th century. Its splendour was meant to show the wealth of the Dutch harbour and emphasize its role in Europe at that time. Amsterdam has over 70 museum. Three of them – the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum and the Stedelijk Museum – surround the Museumplein square. In the close vicinity you can also find the Royal Concertgebouw concert hall, operating since 1888, that is famous for its excellent acoustics. As it is hard to get tickets, it is a good idea to book them in advance or wait for concerts sometimes organized outside by the Royal Concertgebaouw Orchestra.
Plac Dam, Amsterdam
CRAFTS AND SWEETS
You can come across a lot of small markets in the capital. One of them is Noordermarkt. Look for a stand with miniature porcelain houses, as such a souvenir will present itself quite marvellously on the kitchen shelf. Buying souvenirs is best combined with tasting local delicacies. In order to do this, go to the Albert Cuypstraak promenade. There, you can try the local specialty, i.e. fresh herring in a bun. Pieces of breaded cod are another rarity. And when it comes to dessert, you need to try stroopwafels – two waffles joined by a melted caramel filling. Another dessert liked by the Dutch are tiny pancakes called poffertjes.
Kanał Prinsengracht, Amsterdam
ALTERNATIVE NORTH
If you want to relax from the hustle and bustle, go to the northern part of the city. Amsterdam-Noord can be reached by a free ferry. You can also choose the blue metro line that connects north and south, and passes through the historic centre. In North Amsterdam, which is full of post-industrial buildings, you can feel a casual, hipster atmosphere. The former shipyard includes, among others, EYE Film Institute (in addition to screenings, you can also see there exhibitions dedicated to the cinema), the Muziekgebouw concert hall that stands out thanks to its architecture or NDSM-Werf (Nederlands Dok en Scheepsgebouw Maatschappij) – a harbour space currently used as a centre of art, entertainment and culture. An interesting adventure is the opportunity to spend one or several nights in the former harbour crane, which has been turned into a hotel (Faralda Crane Hotel Amsterdam).
Instytut filmowy EYE, Amsterdam
Skansen De Zaanse Schans
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VONDELPARK
The largest public park in the city, which covers an area of 47 hectares. It often hosts artistic performances, concerts, dance and theatre performances. When strolling through the park, it is worth seeking out a sculpture called "the Fish" (1965) by Pablo Picasso and the Blauwe Theehuis – a modernist pavilion built in 1937, referring to the aesthetics of the Bauhaus.
ZAANSE SCHANS
An open-air windmill museum located about 21 km from Amsterdam. You can reach it from the main station by train or bus. The first windmills by the Zaan River appeared in the 17th century. Currently, only a dozen or so have remained, each of them having its own name and serving a different function (e.g. de Os, i.e. ox, produces oil). Entrance to the museum is free.
RIJKSMUSEUM
National Museum of Amsterdam. Its most valuable collections include the works of Rembrandt (e.g. "Night Watch", "The Jewish fiancée") and Vermeer ("The Dairy"). In front of the building there is the inscription "I Amsterdam" made of huge letters – usually a long queue of people stands in front of it waiting to take a photo, therefore you should be patient or come early in the morning.
JOHAN CRUYFF ARENA
The football stadium where the titled Ajax team plays is located next to the Amsterdam-Bijlmer-ArenA metro station. Football fans (and not only them) can visit it every day, except on the dates when matches are played. Organized guided tours include a visit to the cloakroom, walking the tunnel to the pitch or a visit to the press room.
Good to know
From the airport
When exiting the arrivals hall, you pass smoothly to the train station, where you can buy a ticket to your chosen station at the ticket office or at one of the many self-service machines. If you want to go to the centre, simply choose Amsterdam Centraal as the destination station. A ticket costs EUR 4.50.
I amsterdam Card
It is worth buying the I amsterdam Card, which guarantees entry to all museums for 24, 48 or 72 hours. Its cost EUR 57, 67 and 77, respectively. It also grants discounts in selected restaurants.
Around the city
You can move around the capital of Holland by bus, tram or subway. You can also consider renting a bike.
Drive
When exiting the arrivals hall, you pass smoothly to the train station, where you can buy a ticket to your chosen station at the ticket office or at one of the many self-service machines. If you want to go to the centre, simply choose Amsterdam Centraal as the destination station. A ticket costs EUR 4.50.
