Central Amsterdam is an intricate system of World Hertigage canals, interspersed with a labyrinth of narrow streets holding untold secrets. This is an incredibly vibrant yet mysterious city, bursting with artistic creativity. Amsterdam is bonafide bucket list worthy. If you’re planning to visit Amsterdam then check out this Quick Travel Guide to Amsterdam.
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Fun Things To Do in Amsterdam
It is impossible to avoid the canals in Amsterdam central, as most of the main Amsterdam attractions will require crossing or at least viewing these wonderful canals. Here are some of our top recommended places to visit in Amsterdam.
Anne Frank Museum: The former house along side the canal where Anne Frank and her family hid from the Nazis for 2 years during the second world war. Alas they were all discovered and sent to Nazi extermination camps in 1944, but Anne’s diary is part of the museum display today.
These days Anne Frank’s house is one of the most popular Amsterdam Tourist spots. Be sure to book ahead. And be sure to check out the famous Pancakes Amsterdam next door!
Canal Boat Cruise: There are hundreds of options to take a leisurely cruise along the canal system and see many historical houses and other buildings. This is the most popular of all Amsterdam tours. The Canal Rings of Amsterdam are a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Van Gogh Museum: Van Gogh was a famous Dutch artist, so much that he has an entire museum dedicated to his works. Here you will find 200 paintings and 400 drawings by Van Gogh.
Royal Palace of Amsterdam: What makes this palace so special is the location. It is built on Dam Square in Amsterdam Central, the most popular meeting place in all of Amsterdam.
Red Light District: OK so this is not very child friendly, but the red light district in Amsterdam is one of the main tourists attractions of this vibrant city. It also doubles as an thriving bar and nightclub area, with seemingly endless restaurants and coffee shops. Also some peculiar outdoor public toilets. If nothing else, this is one of the more interesting places in Amsterdam.
Best Places to Visit Near Amsterdam
The Netherlands is such a compact country that it’s possible to see from one end to the other in a single day. It is most famous for windmills and canals, and so these are the main things to focus on.
Zaanse Schans: A historic village which has been set up as an open air museum, to experience all things Dutch like windmills, clogs and Dutch Pancakes. Best of all it’s just a 15 minute train ride then a 20 minute walk from Amsterdam Central Train Station.
Rotterdam: This hip city is just 35 minutes away by train, so it makes for a convenient day trip. Rotterdam is well known for it’s trendy architecture and funky street sculptures, including a 46 ton Picasso piece. This city was basically flattened in WWII, thus it has an unusually modern fresh vibe.
Best Place to Stay in Amsterdam
Amsterdam has some of the most amazing accommodations you will find. The huge canal system is a UNESCO World Heritage site in itself. Amsterdam is such a wildly diverse city that it really depends what you want. Here are some guidelines on which neighbourhoods are the best places to stay.
- Westerpark – Tourists or first timers
- Oud Zuid – Budget travellers
- De Pijp – Partying and nighlife
- Joordan – Cool area to stay
- Plantage – Families
Cheap Accommodation
Finding accommodation facing the canals is an incredible experience. Airbnb is a great way to go in Amsterdam. We went for the Budget Hotel Tourist Inn, one of the cheapest deals we could find with a great view of the canal. 
Stay on an Amsterdam Houseboat
Rob’s Houseboats offers a unique way to see Amsterdam – living on a houseboat. Actually it’s not so unique, because thousands of locals live this way, in tiny houses on the water. And you can get to experience the relaxed lifestyle of the locals.
Affordable Luxury
The Pulitzer Amsterdam is in a great central location, close to all the major attractions such that you will be able to walk there. This hotel is made up of historic canal houses, linked together.
Shop Around for a Deal
You should definitely shop around for a deal on accommodation in Amsterdam, it is just so expensive. Here’s a great starting point for your research. Booking.com
Quick Travel Guide to Amsterdam
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