Amsterdam

1. Dam Square

This central square, located in Amsterdam’s bustling city center, dates back to the 13th century, when a dam was built to contain the flow of the Amstel River. In the centuries since, Dam Square has been home to markets, performances, protests, and events as well as a serving as a central meeting point for tourists looking to explore the city. Today, Dam Square is usually packed with people, and visitors to Amsterdam will find its edges lined with trendy and delicious cafes and bars and its center full of exciting street performers. From anywhere in Dam Square, there is a lovely view of the royal palace.

2. Nieuwe Spiegelstraat

This street in Amsterdam’s art district is home to countless antiques shops. While strolling down the sidewalk, visitors will notice an impressive and eclectic array of items in each of the storefront windows.

Each shop on Nieuwe Spiegelstraat focuses on a different part of history, from one store that is full of obscure medical oddities like dental tools and apothecary jars to another that focuses on navigational devices like sextants and compasses. Whether you’re there to purchase a rare item or just gawk at the old books and devices in these shops, a trip to Nieuwe Spiegelstraat is sure to impress any visitor.

3. A'DAM Lookout

At the top of the A'DAM Lookout, in Amsterdam North, is an observation deck. From this deck, visitors will be able to see unrivaled 360-degree views of Amsterdam, the famous canals, the historic city center, and more. There is also an informative exhibit at the top, which teaches guests about Amsterdam and its history and points out items of interest in the distant view from the tower.

Those who crave more of an adrenaline rush than the average observation deck can offer will enjoy Over The Edge, the highest swing in Europe, which will strap guests into a safety harness and swing them out over the city almost 100 meters above the ground.

Address: A'DAM Lookout, Overhoeksplein, 5, 1031 KS Amsterdam, Netherlands, Phone: +31-2-02-42-01-00, Facebook

4. Amsterdam Museum

Relics and exhibits pertaining to the history of Amsterdam are housed in this museum, which has been teaching visitors about the city since 1975. Here, guests can learn all about the thousand years of history behind the trading city of Amsterdam, including the famous red light district, the history of marijuana in the city, and some of the people who lived there, like the artist Rembrandt. Amsterdam Museum is located in a 16th century building that was once the city’s orphanage, and it honors this history with an interactive orphanage exhibit aimed at children and families to help them learn about the building’s past through educational, interactive, and fun displays.

Kalverstraat 92, 1012 PH Amsterdam, Netherlands, Phone: +31-2-05-23-18-22

5. Strandzuid

The most popular city beach in Amsterdam, Strandzuid is a wonderful sandy beach next to a city park Beatrixpark, behind the RAI Convention Centre. Balinese beach beds and golden sand provide the illusion of a far-away tropical paradise and provide an ideal spot for a beach break and a game of beach volleyball. There are also ping pong and foosball tables. Strandzuid is also the perfect spot for lunch, dinner or a drink. During the winter, starting in October, Strandzuid transforms into Zuidpool, a winter location for all sorts of events, from Christmas parties and business presentations to business dinners and drinks with friends.

Address: Europaplein 22, 1078 GZ Amsterdam, Netherlands, Phone: 020-639-2589

6. Electric Ladyland

Located in Amsterdam near the Anne Frank House, Electric Ladyland is the first (and perhaps only) art museum in the world to focus on neon colors and the effects of fluorescent light. A trip to Electric Ladyland is psychedelic from start to finish, and visitors will find their senses accosted by impossibly bright colors, bold shapes, and an environment that will make them wonder if perhaps someone had slipped something into their breakfasts that morning. The owners of the museum call the exhibits “participatory art,” and visitors are encouraged to wander the space at their own speed, exploring the brightly colored rooms and unforgettable installations to whatever extent they desire.

Address: Tweede Leliedwarsstraat 5, 1015 TB Amsterdam, Netherlands, Phone: +31-2-04-20-37-76, Facebook

7. Heineken Experience

Heineken is one of the largest producers of beer in the world, and it all started at this brewery in Amsterdam. Although the facilities are no longer used to brew beer, the building now hosts an interactive tour for guests who wish to understand how the famous beer is made.

Knowledgeable guides will take guests behind the scenes to teach them about the history of Heineken. At the end of the tour, visitors are invited to a private tasting room, where they will be will be able to try up to five of Heineken’s delicious products, accompanied by a selection of traditional Dutch snacks, like cheese and bitterballen.

Address: Heineken Experience, Stadhouderskade 78, 1072 AE Amsterdam, Netherlands, Phone: +31-2-05-23-94-35

8. Hortus Botanicus

The botanical gardens of Hortus Botanicus were originally planted back in the year 1638, making it one of the oldest gardens of its kind in the world. During the deadly rampage of the plague which swept across Europe at the time, Hortus Botanicus was stocked with medicinal herbs to help the legions of the sick and dying victims of the Black Death. Today, the gardens feature plants from all over the world, including a 2,000-year-old agave plant and coffee plants that are thought to be the “parents” of about three quarters of the coffee plants in the entire world. Hortus Botanicus is a great place to relax, recharge, and unwind the from hustle and bustle of the city.

Address: Hortus Botanicus, Plantage Middenlaan 2a, 1018 DD Amsterdam, Netherlands, Phone: +31-2-06-25-90-21

9. Houseboat Museum

The houseboats of Amsterdam are as distinctively iconic to the city as the canals themselves. The Houseboat Museum, located on a 1914 former freighter boat that still floats on the canal, explores life on one of the houseboats as well as the history of houseboats in the Netherlands. Aboard the Hendrika Maria, which was converted into a houseboat during the 1960s and opened to the public in 1997, visitors can explore the interior of a houseboat, learn about the boats’ sources of electricity, water, and other resources, and the conditions of living on board. A silent guide/map is available for visitors in 20 different languages.

Address: Houseboat Museum, Prinsengracht 296K, 1016 HW Amsterdam, Netherlands, Phone: +31-2-04-27-07-50