Brussels has so much to see and do, and this day trip will take you to all the must-see spots while also taking care of your transport. When you’ve had your fill of sightseeing, you’ll have some extra time to munch on Belgian fries and waffles or sample one of their legendary beers. With direct links to the center of Amsterdam, you can reach Volendam in less than 25 minutes on bus 316 and enjoy the town’s delightful seafood alongside the fishing boats and multi-colored homes. You might find your camera roll overflowing after your trip to Amsterdam, as the city really is as picture-perfect as you’d imagine. One spot that you’ll have to capture the perfect shot of is the view of the Damrak Canal Houses. Of course, it’s not a free activity if you decide to purchase something, but many visitors come here just to see the market in action and take in the sights and smells of this bustling part of town.
- In 2012, Ziggo Dome was opened, also near Amsterdam Arena, a state-of-the-art indoor music arena.
- There are also forty large digital screens scattered throughout the store, including social media feeds.
- This bill promoted suburbanization and arranged for new developments in so-called “groeikernen”, literally cores of growth.
- Everything from dizzying optical illusions to contemporary photography features in this small but eye-catching museum, where the works of artists like Banksy sit alongside pieces by undiscovered creators.
- Rembrandtplein, like Leidseplein, is another square in the city which is well known for its nightlife and has a wide selection of great Amsterdam bars and clubs.
- Unless you’re renting a car, the best way to get to Giethoorn is by taking the train from Central Station to Zwolle train station and changing to the 70 bus from here until you reach the village center.
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This up-and-coming neighbourhood is alive and kicking, bursting with cultural hotspots. At the centre of the neighbourhood’s social life there was always the Saint Rita church. Locals and travellers alike come to catch some rays on our terrace, sticking around for an affordable dinner and some free cultural nourishment. From Amsterdam to Bhutan and beyond, We Are __ travels the world, turning cities into stages where art, people, and public life meet. Together with cultural institutions, brands, and communities, we create experiences that are open, safe, and unforgettable — celebrating the soul of every place. The Dutch are well known for their impressive foreign-language skills and almost all of the people that you are likely to meet whilst visiting the city will be more than comfortable speaking English.

Search For Unusual Finds At Europe’s Biggest Flea Market

If you take a taxi, make sure they put on the meter, and ask beforehand if they accept card – many drivers will claim that their machine is broken and drive you an extra kilometre to find an ATM to withdraw cash, further increasing the fare. The official language of the Netherlands is Dutch (not to be mistaken with Deutsch – which is the German language). However, the Netherlands is a multicultural place and with people of almost 200 different nationalities residing in the country, there are a huge variety of languages spoken by the population. Hermitage Amsterdam (1.6 km)Peruse a breath-taking collection of rotating art and history exhibits at this museum.
Cityscape And Architecture
Whether you like listening to live music in a majestic concert hall or an intimate dive bar, Amsterdam has you covered in high style. Housed in a converted church, Paradiso has hosted iconic acts like The Rolling Stones and Prince and continues to showcase a superb roster of international talent. An impressive grand dame, Concertgebouw is lauded for its excellent acoustics and lineup of world-class orchestras alongside various famous musicians. While Boom Chicago is one of the best stages for comedy, improv and spoken word, and has been tickling the ribs of audiences for over 25 years, all performed in English.

Soak Up The Spirit Of The City With A Visit To One Of Amsterdam’s Many Galleries And Museums
For those who love a good evening out, there are plenty of options for what to do afterwards. If you’re looking for some nice suggestions or want to book one of our evening activities, we’re here to help. For example, if you want to experience the vibrant nightlife of Amsterdam, consider starting with a party boat. For a fuss-free experience, the Keukenhof & Windmill Village Guided Tour will take care of your transport, entry ticket, and guided tour. This particular day trip also allows you to see traditional clogs being crafted and even includes a cheese tasting.
Let’s say you have never been to Amsterdam and you wish to know what is there to do before you decide to pay a visit. Our partners will be photographed by photographer Anna-Luisa Ballauf and get the opportunity to become part of the art installation in your city. From fashion to furniture to sound – integrate your work into our bed-in sessions and receive unique visual assets for your own channels. There are, however, a couple of others that are spoken in certain regions – most notably, West Frisian (or Frysk), several dialects of Dutch Low Saxon and Limburgish. A’DAM Lookout (1 km)Visit the 20-storey-tall A’DAM Tower for a 360 view of Amsterdam.
Van Gogh Museum
If you’re in town for more than a few days, then plan a day trip to the Amsterdam Area to explore the diverse attractions of the surrounding area. Just a short hop from Amsterdam lies a rich landscape of gorgeous countryside, beaches, windmills and historic forts – all easily reachable from the city centre. Just 20 minutes from Amsterdam Central by train, the picturesque city of Haarlem overflows with history and culture, plus a great selection of shops, cafes and restaurants.
Have Dinner On A Cruise
- When son Ronald de Waal joined the company in 1977, expansion abroad soon followed.
- Or, for those looking for something a little more low-key, there are plenty of bars and pubs to relax in.
- I suggest looking into this guided trip to Rotterdam, Delft & The Hague for a well-rounded and fascinating day trip.
- It is an unbelievably pretty sight, especially after sundown when the bridges are lit up by fairy lights, and the whole area has a magical feel.
- Vondelpark (2.8 km)An urban oasis, Vondelpark welcomes approximately 10 million annual visitors who come to jog, roller-skate, sunbathe, enjoy open-air concerts and more.
- On this bike tour through the historic city center of Amsterdam, we focus on the hidden gems and secrets spots.
Here, you’ll find over 200 retailers, including a fine selection of independent boutiques, vintage shops and speciality stores selling everything from designer dresses to handmade cosmetics. If you’re looking for souvenirs to take home, skip the tourist traps and shop for authentic Dutch design and quality Amsterdam brands at the Makers Market in De Hallen or the I amsterdam Store at Central Station. Located in the hip Oud-West neighbourhood, De Hallen is a hotspot for arts, crafts, fashion and food in a recently refurbished industrial building dating from 1902. De Hallen houses a cinema, independent stores and a boutique hotel, as well as the impressive Food Hallen where visitors can munch their way through a selection of upmarket street fare from one of many vendors located around a central bar. Every other weekend, a fortnightly local goods market sets up stalls in the building’s main passageway.
Under the borough system, municipal decisions are made at the borough level, except for those affairs on the whole city such as major infrastructure projects, which are the jurisdiction of the central municipal authorities. In 2010, the borough system was restructured, in which many smaller boroughs merged into larger boroughs. In 2014, under a reform of the Dutch Municipalities Act, the Amsterdam boroughs lost much of their autonomous status, as their district councils were abolished. The Dutch National Opera and Ballet (formerly known as Het Muziektheater), dating from 1986, is the principal opera house and home to Dutch National Opera and Dutch National Ballet. Royal Theatre Carré was built as a permanent circus theatre in 1887 and is currently mainly used for musicals, cabaret performances, and pop concerts. The modern-styled Nemo is dedicated to child-friendly science exhibitions.
Amsterdam has more than 100 km (60 mi) of canals, most of which are navigable by boat. The city’s three main canals are the Prinsengracht, the Herengracht, and the Keizersgracht. After just minutes on the free ferry from Central Station, you’ll find Amsterdam’s true north.


All guests can enjoy unwinding at the end of the day with a glass of wine in one of our bars, a soak in our spa, or with a plate of authentic local cuisine in one of our restaurants. There are many castles, palaces and fortresses in the Amsterdam Area that provide a window into the region’s regal past and will make you feel like the star of your own fairytale. The Royal Palace Amsterdam is King Willem-Alexander’s official reception palace where world leaders and heads of state are hosted and entertained, but it is also open to visitors much of the year. Just 15 kilometres southeast of the city, you’ll find Muiderslot—a 13th-century castle that looks like it could have been plucked from a Disney movie with its five towers, moat and drawbridge.
Since Amsterdam is a multicultural city, a lot of different ethnic restaurants can be found. Restaurants range from being rather luxurious and expensive to being ordinary and affordable. The two main nightlife areas for tourists are the Leidseplein and the Rembrandtplein.