If your going to Amsterdam and have some time to kill, then here’s a list of things you must see (Should they be happening at the time when you are in the city). From great landmarks, to amazing events. Make the most out of your holiday and take in the culture of Amsterdam.
1. Anne Frank’s House - All Year Round
Anne Frank is known for hiding from the Nazi invasion of the Netherlands during the 2nd World war. The house in which she hid is a constant reminder of the events that happened there. This is the only place where you can see Anne Frank’s diary as it was written and in the house in which it was written.
2. Dam Square - All Year Round
The original location of the ‘Dam’. It’s now one of the main focal points of Amsterdam, with many historic buildings,nightlife and hotels surrounding the area. A major point of interest here, is the Royal Palace.
3. Dutch Clogs - All Year Round
When it comes to crazy footwear, the dutch have it covered in the form of their famous Dutch clogs. It’s hard to resist trying on a pair of these magical wooden shoes. Other than the fact they are extemely cool looking, they make a great souveneir.
4. Cafe’s/Coffeeshops and restaurants. - All Year Round
Amsterdam is sprinkled with cafe’s and coffeeshops everywhere. The cafe’s along with restaurants and coffeeshops, are the perfect place to take the weight off of your feet whilst taking in the local surroundings. You might also want to try one of the local dishes, erwtensoep is on many of the menus.
5. Holland Festival - June
The Dutch have festivals for lots of things, and one of those things is for the Holland festival. As the biggest festival in the entire country, the annual Holland festival runs for 3 weeks and is one of the biggest art events in the Netherlands.
6. Rijksmuseum - All Year Round
Home to some of the most important art in the entire world. The Rijksmuseum is an amazing sight to behold. Some of the most popular and famous pieces housed in the Rijksmuseum were created by Rembrandt himself. Other art to be seen in the Rijksmuseum is that of Frans Hals and Vermeer, all of which have very prominent placement within the Rijksmuseum
7. Queens Day - April 30th
Queens day, or as its named in the Netherlands Koninginedag is a national holiday that covers the entire Netherlands.
Held on the 30th of April each year (unless the 30th is a Sunday, in which case it’s held on the 29th), Queensday is when everyone on Holland dresses up in orange and celebrates the late queen Juliana’s birthday. (Thanks to Luc )
8. Albert Cuypmarkt - All Year Round
This is the place for anyone who loves to shop. Armed with a credit card or travellers cheques, the Albert Cuypmarkt has just about everything your shopping needs can desire. The Albert Cuypmarkt has been trading for over 100 years and is one of the most famous markets in Europe.
9. Van Gogh Museum - All Year Round
The Van Gogh museum is another museum which is filled with popular and famous artwork. The Van Gogh museum was specifically built to house some of Van Goghs finest masterpieces. Expect to see more Van Gogh artwork here than anywhere else in the world.
10. Summer Time At Vondelpark- June/August
Vondelpark is a great to relax at any time of year (as long its not raining). But during the June/August time of year, it transforms into a thriving open air summer festival. Entertainment during the Vondelpark summer festival includes, Theatre,concerts music and cabaret. Certainly somewhere to spend a couple of hours relaxing in the summer sun.