Amsterdam - Places to Visit
Dam Square
The site of the first dam (built in 1270) Dam Square is at the heart of the city. Surrounded by some of the most notable buildings including the Royal Palace, the Gothic Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) and Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum it is a great meeting point for locals and visitors alike. Around the National Monument street performers and fun fairs are common and as such it is a popular tourist area.
top ↑Red Light District
The most infamous area of Amsterdam, the Red Light District attracts thousands of visitors each year. Most of the stereotypes about the area are true but what many people don’t know is the Rossebuurt, as it’s known to locals, is one of the oldest and most beautiful parts of the city. No visit to Amsterdam would be complete without a trip to this notorious area.
top ↑Magere Brug
Known as the “skinny bridge” and located over the River Amstel, the Magere Brug is one of Amsterdam’s prettiest bridges. The original was built in 1691 and the name Magere (mager means skinny in Dutch) was coined because even two pedestrians could not pass each other without difficulty. Beautifully lit up at night the bridge is a favourite picture spot for visitors.
top ↑Heineken Brewery
Take a tour around the former Heineken Brewery, one of Amsterdam’s national monuments and listed in the European Route of Industrial Heritage. The Heineken Experience gives visitors an interactive taste of the history of the family run company through exhibitions, cinema and sensory experiences. Bring a little piece of the Heineken Experience home with your own personalised Heineken bottle.
top ↑East Indiaman Amsterdam
An exact replica of the Dutch East India Company’s Indiaman Amsterdam is berthed at the Maritime Museum. The modern day replica was completed in 1990 after five years in construction. It was built in honour of the original 18th century ship which was wrecked on its maiden voyage off the coast of England in 1749. The Amsterdam was famously re-discovered in 1969 and is the best preserved ship of its kind in the world.
top ↑Haarlem
Only 15 minutes away from Amsterdam is Haarlem, one of the Netherlands oldest and most beautiful cities. With more than 15 museums including the Netherlands oldest; the Teylers Museum, it is a great day out for culture lovers. Shoppers will be happy here too, Haarlem has twice been voted the best shopping city in the country and with a wealth of good eateries, restaurants and bars there is something for every foodie.
top ↑Concertgebouw
Considered one of the world’s finest concert halls, Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw is a must see. With its stunning architecture the building is home to the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, a name given to them by Queen Beatrix in 1988. Guided tours in English are offered on Sundays and Mondays where visitors can explore behind the scenes of the famous venue.
top ↑Begijnhof
A picturesque courtyard, the Begijnhof is the location of Amsterdam’s oldest house and is still home to the Beguines, a small group of unmarried Roman Catholic women living together in a semi-religious community. The chapel, once the home of the Miracle of Amsterdam, is open to visitors free of charge as are the grounds. Since the Begijnhof is not a public site, visitors are asked to respect the community’s rule of silence.
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