No matter what you choose to do in Amsterdam, there will always be something entertaining around every corner for you to enjoy. With its picturesque canals and bridges and energetic atmosphere, there is a never ending choice of things to do in the capital of the Netherlands.
1) Red Light District
The Red Light District can be found in the district of De Wallen; Amsterdam’s most popular place to visit amongst tourists. The Red Light District is mostly known for its coffee shops, bars, sex shops and museums, and prostitutes, as well as shows dedicated to adult entertainment. This is the most common place to find stag do’s and hen parties, so even if this isn’t your thing, it’s worth a visit just to experience the vibrant atmosphere that surrounds it.
2) Anne Frank House
For more than two years, Anne Frank and her family lived in a house on Prinsengracht 263, behind a secret doorway which was hidden by a bookcase to escape the Second World War. On August 4th, 1944, their hiding spot was betrayed, and the family were sent to various concentration camps, with only Anne’s Dad, Otto Frank, surviving the war. Today, the rooms within the Anne Frank House are a top tourist attraction. The room which the family hid in now contains historical documents, moving and still images, objects that belonged to the family when they were hiding and Anne’s original diary. This attraction gives people an insight to what the family had to endure throughout the two years.
3) Canal Cruise
Amsterdam is made up of 100 km of canals, with beautiful historic bridges built across them. On board the boat, you are able to admire the beautiful city from a completely different perspective. During the journey, you are able to take in the elegant houses which stand at the side of the canal, and have done so since the Golden Age, museums that are hidden away, and so much more. The commentary on board is available in 18 different languages, and is the most relaxing yet informative way to see the city.
4) Madame Tussauds
Get your cameras at the ready as you enter a building full of wax figures of your favourite stars. With the likes of Adele, Daniel Craig, David Beckham and even Iron Man, this is an attraction for all ages, and gives you the up close and personal experience that you’ve always dreamt of with loads of celebrities.
5) A’DAM Lookout at sunset
The newest attraction to land in Amsterdam is the A’DAM Lookout Tower, where you can watch the sunset over the beautiful city whilst enjoying a refreshing cocktail. The tower features a 360 degree sky deck 20 stories above street level, which makes for a perfect view.
6) Amsterdam Dungeon
If you enjoy a mixture of getting scared and comedy, then this is the best place to be. Be prepared to explore 500 years of Amsterdam history, as 11 actors take you on a journey of seven shows in an 80 minute experience. Prepare to scream and laugh your way through the torture room, the plague room and come face to face with a murderer in the basement. No matter how brave you think you are, make sure you expect the unexpected.
7) Efteling Theme Park
Deep in the woods on the outskirts of Amsterdam, you will find the first ever theme park that was built in the Netherlands. Efteling has a fairy-tale theme throughout the whole park, and with ten different attractions, it will be sure to keep both the young and old entertained.
8) Amsterdam ArenA Tour
Visit the home of AFC Ajax on this 70 minute tour of the stadium. Each tour group will be allocated with an enthusiastic tour guide, who is more than happy to get to know the tourists and answer any questions that you may have. The tour also includes an access all areas section, where you are able to visit the places reserved for the players, such as the changing rooms, the pitch and the dugout.
9) Heineken Experience
During the Heineken Experience, you will visit the first Heineken brewery in Amsterdam, and be taken on a tour where you will learn about how the company started, the ingredients used to make the drink and the brewing process. At the end of the tour, you are able to enjoy two drinks and will also learn how to pour the perfect pint.
10) Ice Bar
The Ice Bar is definitely Amsterdam’s “coolest” venue, with a freezing cold temperature of -10 degrees Celsius. From the bar to the drinks glasses, everything is made entirely of ice. You will be provided with winter jackets upon entry, as well as a complimentary cocktail. No matter what the weather, the Ice Bar is the perfect place for an ice cold drink.
