Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is a popular tourism destination in Europe. The city, also known as “the Venice of the North”, receives millions of tourists every year, thanks to its museums, theatres, universities and research institutes. The city is also known for its well preserved ancient buildings and incredible nightlife. For tourists, Amsterdam boasts of hundreds of attractions and a lot of new things that one can do for fun. If you are planning to visit Amsterdam or already staying in the city, visiting the following places will spice up your stay.
Rijksmuseum
If you are an art lover, visiting Rijksmuseum should be at the top of your list. The history of this museum dates back to 1809 when it was built to house Netherlands antiques and art. Apart from displaying art, the museum also displays medieval sculpture and traditional handicrafts, plus it is also home to a massive library with more than 35000 books and manuscripts. You should, however, book your tickets in advance to avoid line-ups on site.
Van Gogh Museum
The Van Gogh Museum has the most extensive collection of Van Gogh’s paintings in the world. Here, you can enjoy the talent of the artist who was hated for most of his life but is now a celebrated painter at home and away. The museum has more than 500 drawings, 200 paintings, and 700 letters by the artist to friends and family. Other works on display include paintings by Van Gogh’s friends, including Monet, Gaugin, and Toulouse-Lautrec. Due to the high number of visitors at day time, it is advisable to book your ticket online.
Anne Frank House
This house on the Prinsengracht is dedicated to the life of one of the most known Holocaust victims — Anne Frank Huis. Anne was a young girl who had escaped the city of Frankfurt, Germany, during WW11. The house is the home where Anne’s family lived and is also the place where she wrote her famous diary before she died at the age of 15 years.
Much of the house is as it was when the family was staying there, and it serves as a reminder of the tragic period in world history. Ensure that you have booked your tickets ahead of time because tickets sell out up to two months in advance.
Vondelpark
With an area of 120 acres, Vondelpark is the largest park in Amsterdam. The park boasts of vast green spaces perfect for picnics and quiet paths for peaceful nature walks. Visitors in the park can also enjoy the beautiful rose garden with over 70 different flower species.
You don’t have to leave the park for food as there are several cafes and food vendors. Other attractions inside the park include fun facilities like rollerblade rental, playgrounds, and the Vondelpark Open Air Theatre.
The Botanical Gardens
Founded in 1638, Amsterdam’s botanical garden is one of the oldest in the world. This garden is a must-visit for nature lovers as it home to some rare tree and plant species like the Persian Ironwood. The garden was initially a simple herb garden for apothecaries and doctors, but it is now home to a variety of trees, plants, and exotic flowers as well as a hothouse with different tropical zones. The structures in the garden like the greenhouses, the glass-domed palm house, conservatories, and the colonial-era seed house are also an attraction.
Amsterdam Royal Palace
This building located at the Dam Square is the official residence of the King of Holland. Though built in 1648 with ancient Rome architecture, the palace is both opulent and beautiful. The interiors of the palace are well decorated with marble sculptures, friezes, and ornaments, and the ceiling impresses with its eye-catching paintings by Ferdinand Bol and Govert Flinch — students of Rembrandt.
Amsterdam Royal Zoo
Established in 1838, the Amsterdam Royal Zoo is one of the oldest Zoos in Europe. The zoo houses a variety of animals from around the world. Parts of the zoo include the aquarium, the nocturnal animal house, Insectarium, Zoological Museum, Planetarium, and Butterfly Pavilion. The zoo also has a library with a wide collection of prints, artwork, and historical books.
Conclusion
Amsterdam is a city with a variety of attractions for any audience. The above attractions are some of the places where you can enjoy nature, learn the history and culture of the people of Amsterdam and also pass some time. Enjoy your stay!
