The Best Tourist Areas in Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Amsterdam in the Netherlands is considered one of the most famous tourist destinations in the world, and even in Europe. Today, we will present to you the best tourist areas in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. But let us first talk a little about Amsterdam.

The name of the city of Amsterdam actually comes from the water dam (Dam, meaning dam) that was built on the Amstel River when it was first established. Thus, Amsterdam became a global destination and one of the best places to visit.

Amsterdam was built in the 17th century and includes one of the most well-established urban layouts in Europe. The old part of the city consists of interlocking canals shaped like a crescent moon. There are some historic houses located along both sides of these canals.

As is the case in many parts of the Netherlands, canals in Amsterdam were originally dug primarily to control water in the marshland area. They were also used for defense and transportation, and there are houseboats on some canals.

Civilization, cultural integration, and tolerance exist in Amsterdam… which grants “tourism in Amsterdam” a unique experience for its guests every time. It is an experience shared by most people who visit Amsterdam—so are you ready to browse one of the most empathetic cities in the world?

Although Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands, it does not host the government. Therefore, the administrative center is not located there but lies on the banks of the Amstel River, where the population reaches 1.5 million. Although it is the most crowded city in the Netherlands, it is also the most important city in cultural, artistic, and economic aspects.

Amsterdam has become a focal point for tourists with its canals, bridges, architecture, and enjoyable lifestyle. It welcomes about 4 million tourists annually. With this number, it has become the fifth most visited city in the world.

The climate of Amsterdam is moderate, so if you decide to take a trip to Amsterdam, you should definitely pack a raincoat in your luggage. As one of the smallest capitals in Europe, Amsterdam lends itself well to tours thanks to its compact city center and available public transportation.

Entry is free to most recommended attractions, and travelers have many options regarding places to visit. The city, nicknamed “Venice of the North” due to its many canals, contains numerous museums, cafés, and diverse shopping centers. Now we move on to explore the best tourist areas in Amsterdam.

1. Rijksmuseum – One of the Best Tourist Areas in Amsterdam, the Netherlands

The Rijksmuseum is one of the most popular museums and one of the most important tourist areas in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. It tells the story of 800 years of Dutch history, from the year 1200 to the present day.

After undergoing renovation for 10 years, it reopened in 2013 and was completely renewed and improved to inspire a new generation through its collection of 8,000 historical pieces.

The Rijksmuseum was designed by the Dutch architect Pierre Cuypers and opened to the public in 1885.

Since 1970, the museum has been part of the Dutch national heritage.

Above the entrance hall, it features a high glass ceiling, spacious modern architecture, and a unique form with walls of traditional red brick.

Although the Rijksmuseum includes a large collection that requires significant walking (over 1.5 km), it is certainly on the list of things you can do in Amsterdam.

It may not be surprising that the Rijksmuseum attracts more than one million visitors annually.

Therefore, if you want to make the most of your visit, we recommend purchasing tickets online.

A tour of the Rijksmuseum is the best way to learn about Dutch painting, history, and culture.

During a two-hour visit, you will discover the Golden Age of the 17th century and how Amsterdam exploded from a small fishing village into the most powerful city in the world.

LED lighting was specially used to highlight the art collections, making it one of the largest LED lighting installations in the world.

The goal of the renovation was to highlight the beauty of the building and revive it.

Many of the mechanisms installed to operate these new masterpieces are still in use today.

It is amazing to see how much impact this revolution has had on Western society today.

More than that, we see this enormous change through the eyes of Dutch masters: Rembrandt, Vermeer, Frans Hals, and Jan Steen.

These painters observed their society through their unique perspectives.

2. A’DAM Lookout Tower – One of the Most Famous Tourist Areas in Amsterdam

This alternative, 100 meters above ground level, will lift your feet off the earth.

For those who adopt the philosophy of “we only come to the world once,” you can enjoy thrilling moments with this unmissable opportunity at the A’DAM Lookout Tower, where you will have ample time to view the magnificent cityscape from the highest point in Amsterdam.

If you have the courage to go to the edge of the summit, the view becomes even more exciting.

Amsterdam’s flat geography allows you to see everything from one end of the city to the other.

If you believe your heart can handle it, the A’DAM Lookout Tower will give you the opportunity to study every detail of Amsterdam with precision.

There is the possibility of a bird’s-eye view of Amsterdam at a height of 100 meters.

This experience is one of the most important opportunities not to be missed in Amsterdam.

Do not miss the chance and feel the adrenaline stop in the sky, as you cannot experience this view anywhere else in your life.

While enjoying the stunning view of Amsterdam, you can take photos and enjoy unforgettable moments.

The observation platform awaits guests in the northern part of the city.

It offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding areas for anyone who reaches the 20th floor.

The site, which opened in May 2016, has successfully become one of the most important attractions in the capital, with its gleaming tulips and famous listed canals.

You can see stunning landscapes of canals, the harbor, the airport, the historic center, and much more from impressive heights.

On clear days, you can see Utrecht, Haarlem, and nearby Alkmaar.

The tower itself resembles a spaceship designed at a 45-degree angle to the main waterway of the Dutch capital.

The A’DAM Lookout Tower includes restaurants, studios, a music school, and a hotel occupying the first seven floors.

Plan a wonderful trip for yourself by first taking a boat tour along Amsterdam’s canals, then elevate your mood further by climbing to the top of the A’DAM Lookout Tower.

3. This Is Holland – One of the Best Tourist Areas in Amsterdam

There is a new and wonderful way in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, to get an impression of the country and enjoy lively daytime experiences.

This attraction offers a special perspective on the Netherlands, allowing admiration from the viewpoints of many people.

From the heart of Amsterdam, this place provides a flight experience that presents the Netherlands in a unique way.

Through surprising special effects and massive spherical screens, it feels as if you are truly flying over the Low Countries.

The films present breathtaking aerial views and new insights into the origins of the country.

The highlight of This Is Holland is the flight experience, where a realistic flying sensation is created.

Visitors are taken on a journey through the most beautiful places in the country.

In front of a spherical screen, you can enjoy the Netherlands with 40 people at the same time while your hands and feet hang freely.

The seats move with the film, accompanied by wind, mist, and scents that complete the flying experience.

After this flight experience, guests can relax in the “Holland Lounge,” where you can chat about the “journey” and receive additional information about interesting points shown in the film.

Using a helicopter, the directors filmed images of Dutch World Heritage sites, tulip fields, Amsterdam canals, and other traditional Dutch scenes.

It is like a beehive from the future and truly stands out among nearby buildings, which is an achievement in itself considering its neighbors include the EYE Film Museum and the A’DAM Lookout Tower.

There is a lot inside the This Is Holland building.

In some way, it is a mix between going to the cinema and having a “good ship-like feeling,” and it is difficult to describe exactly what happens there once you enter.

The environment is relatively dark, and you can then fasten your seatbelt while waiting for the ride to begin.

The seats lift into the air and off you go, as the giant curved screen takes you on a journey through the best Dutch sights.

All the scenic viewpoints for which the Netherlands is famous appear, along with many other beautiful details you may not have noticed before.

For example, during icy skating scenes, you suddenly feel the forces of nature hitting you as if you were on the frozen Dutch countryside.

4. Anne Frank House – One of the Most Famous Tourist Areas in Amsterdam

The Anne Frank House Museum is located on the Prinsengracht canal in Amsterdam and is dedicated to the diary writer Anne Frank.

She hid from Nazi persecution with her family and four others in secret rooms at the back of the building.

The museum works to preserve the hiding place, known in Dutch as the Prinsengracht, as an exhibition space highlighting all forms of persecution and discrimination.

It opened on May 3, 1960, with the help of public fundraising, three years after the establishment of a foundation to protect the property from developers who wanted to demolish the block.

The house and the adjacent building at number 265, later purchased by the museum, were built in 1635.

It is easy to understand from the history of the Anne Frank House why a visit here is one of the most powerful experiences for guests in Amsterdam.

A trip to the city is incomplete without stopping at this remarkable museum.

There are some things to consider when planning your visit.

The museum’s exhibitions are woven throughout the actual house where Anne Frank and her family hid, along with a separate exhibition hall. One ticket grants access to both the house and the museum.

Tickets are only available for purchase online and should be bought as early as possible, as they usually sell out. Tickets are for a specific day and time.

There are strict guidelines regarding the size of bags you may bring into the house.

There is a restroom, but no space to check large bags.

These should be left at hotels or hostels, or checked upon arrival and then go to Amsterdam Central Station.

In the past, the Anne Frank House was known for its very long queues, sometimes extending around the block. This has now been largely resolved.

Photography of any kind is not allowed in the Anne Frank House—leave your camera at home.

There are many stairs throughout the Anne Frank House Museum, so it is not accessible for those unable to climb stairs.

5. The Royal Palace of Amsterdam

You will find the Royal Palace on Dam Square in the center of Amsterdam.

The palace plays a major role during state visits and other royal occasions.

In addition, the palace is open to visitors whenever possible. It is the only palace in the country that is actively used and accessible to the public.

Visitors are invited to discover a charming collection of artworks and furnishings.

The Royal Palace is a vibrant place where you can follow in the footsteps of royal guests through its rooms and grand halls.

It is the largest and most prestigious building of the Golden Age and one of the most important monuments in the Netherlands.

It was originally built not as a palace, but as Amsterdam’s city hall.

In 1808, King Louis Bonaparte, brother of the French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, converted the building into a royal palace.

Since 1815, it has been used by the Dutch royal house to receive world leaders and heads of state.

Today, it is one of three palaces placed at the disposal of the king by the state.

The king and queen do not live in this palace, but it is still used for royal events.

For more than 200 years, the Royal Palace in Amsterdam has been one of the residences of the Dutch monarchy.

It is used to receive foreign heads of state, royal receptions, and award ceremonies.

The palace also plays an important role in royal weddings and royal successions.

When the palace is not in use, it can be visited. Although the exterior is impressive in itself, the interior is even more exciting.

Visitors are invited to discover a charming collection of artworks and furnishings, and when the Dutch Royal Palace is not in use, you are very welcome to visit.

Inside the palace, you will find the Nieuwe Kerk and the National Monument of World War II.

The buildings there are majestic rectangular structures but uneven, resting on 13 piles.

Above the eastern and western façades, there is a finely carved pediment.

The interior is home to a maze of halls and drawing rooms decorated with beautiful sculptures, including the impressive Citizens’ Hall, which features a marble floor depicting a map of the world.

6. Rembrandt House Museum – One of the Most Famous Tourist Areas in Amsterdam

The Rembrandt House Museum is a house in Amsterdam where the famous Dutch painter Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn (1606–1669) lived.

It contains a permanent collection of Rembrandt’s etchings and hosts regular exhibitions of renowned Dutch artists from the Golden Age period.

The large house dates back to 1607.

Rembrandt himself moved there in 1639 after purchasing the building for 13,000 guilders, which was a considerable sum at the time.

He lived in the house for 19 years, during which he produced some of his most famous works, including The Night Watch, which can be seen at the Rijksmuseum.

In 1658, after ongoing problems with debt repayment, Rembrandt declared bankruptcy. A detailed inventory of his possessions was made, and he moved to a smaller house on Rozengracht in Amsterdam, where he remained until his death.

For nearly 250 years, the house had many different interested buyers before it was purchased by the city council, which handed it over to a foundation that finally opened it as a museum dedicated to the artist in 1911.

In the 1990s, a new modern wing was added, and the house was carefully restored. The bankruptcy inventory helped create an authentic recreation of the house.

Today, the house gives a strong sense of Amsterdam as the place where Rembrandt lived, worked, and experienced life during the century.

The largest room in the house is Rembrandt’s original studio, where he painted his masterpieces.

Rembrandt also had a peculiar collection of curiosities from around the world, including a bust of Roman emperors, spears, shells, and butterflies, which can be seen in the cabinet room.

A visit to the house and exhibition takes 45 minutes to one hour one way, and an audio guide is included with admission.

All special activities in the museum allow you to get under the master’s skin.

Every day, there are ongoing demonstrations in the old house showing how Rembrandt made his etchings and how colored pigments were transformed into oil paint.

7. Begijnhof – One of the Best Tourist Areas in Amsterdam

Begijnhof is one of the oldest inner courtyards in Amsterdam, hidden away from view.

No one can find this secret place without researching attractions before going to Amsterdam.

The gate is difficult to find, as the place is privately owned and the entrance is marked only by an address and street number.

There is also an “English Church” dating back to the 15th century within the courtyard, which retains its original medieval tower.

It was the only Roman Catholic institution allowed to continue to exist.

This was because the houses were privately owned by laypeople.

However, the small church was later handed over to English Presbyterians and has since been known as the “English Church.”

Begijnhof was originally built as a convent for a Catholic sisterhood who lived like nuns, although they did not take monastic vows.

The beautiful houses overlook a well-maintained green garden, including the oldest surviving house in Amsterdam, Het Houten Huys, dating back to around 1420.

The women were not nuns and did not live their entire lives in cloistered isolation.

Although they had to remain unmarried, they could revoke their commitment at any time and leave for reasons such as marriage or family obligations.

Begijnhof Amsterdam is largely open to visitors. The northern part, where only houses are located, is accessible only to residents and their guests.

In the garden, there are façades from the 17th and 18th centuries.

For example, the wooden house at number 34 is the most distinctive.

As known to tourists, you can also find the English Reformed Church and a chapel within the Begijnhof courtyard.

8. Muntoren – One of the Best Tourist Areas in Amsterdam

Muntoren is one of those places you will likely pass through during your stay in Amsterdam, either on foot or by tram.

The tram and metro line stop near Rokin, just a four-minute walk away, and one minute from the square.

You can reach the square in about 20–30 minutes and enjoy one of the best tourist areas in Amsterdam.

While Muntoren is currently a noisy intersection of six streets,

until recently it was a busy junction with an endless mix of cars, trams, bicycles, and people.

The introduction of Metro Line 52 also reduced the number of trams crossing Muntoren from six to three lines.

However, Muntoren is not the kind of square where you sit on a terrace and enjoy the scenery.

Amsterdam residents often use the bridge next to the tower as a meeting place for friends.

Muntoren is a central location for exploring the busy pedestrian shopping street that stretches from Muntoren to Spui.

Tourists flow into the square because the famous floating flower market on the Singel Canal is located across the bridge.

Since the 19th century, the bridge beneath the square has been expanded several times.

It was officially named Muntoren (with bridge and square terms used interchangeably) and is now the largest bridge in Amsterdam.

The Amstel River flows into the Singel Canal through all the bridges present in Amsterdam.

Tram 24, the closest to the square, stops at a station called “Muntoren” and takes 12 minutes.

This is where you get off if you want to visit the floating flower market on the Singel Canal.

You may also choose to walk along this narrow street to grab some fast food.

or wonder why there are so many Argentine steak restaurants, or take a look at the famous Tuschinski Cinema.

Next to it is Vijzelstraat, which features charming old shops on one side and mostly large buildings on the other.

9. Amsterdam City Museum

The Amsterdam City Museum is the historical museum of Amsterdam, designed in 1895, and has transformed nearly all of its program spaces into exhibition halls.

It presented its first comprehensive permanent collection, which has been widely recognized.

The new dynamic building covers 10,000 square meters (98,400 square feet), providing space for renowned and influential temporary exhibitions, making it one of the world’s leading collections of modern and contemporary art and design.

along with a range of new amenities.

The innovative design also reorients the entire museum toward the Amsterdam frontage, activating a vibrant public space shared with Amsterdam’s largest museum.

With this long-awaited opening, the Amsterdam Museum will reaffirm and strengthen its position among the world’s leading art institutions.

It presents Amsterdam as a center for artistic experimentation, brings new life to the city, and reestablishes it as a cultural destination with brilliance.

The museum also announced details of the permanent installation and two opening temporary exhibitions.

“Behind the Imagination” will showcase new projects and commissioned works by a group of artists.

It will be installed in the new galleries, from the exhibition hall to the public spaces of the new building.

The first temporary exhibition in the new building’s gallery space of 1,100 square meters (10,800 square feet)

will fully utilize this unique space by presenting large-scale contemporary works and installations from the collections of Carl Andre, Rodney Graham, Joan Jonas, John Knight, Barbara Kruger, Melvin Moti, and Diana Thater.

This wide, column-free exhibition space with an open plan offers exciting new possibilities for monumental works to be presented within their Amsterdam context.

Since the museum’s opening in the 1870s, dozens of exhibitions have been shown there.

It will present distinguished collections of works organized by themes (landscape / cityscape), artistic movements (expressionism), time periods (around 1913), and other subjects.

The interior rooms, protected from light, will allow short-term installations of works on paper (such as a major collection from the opening installation design) and an outstanding photography collection.

10. Oude Kerk – One of the Best Tourist Areas in Amsterdam

Oude Kerk (in English: the Old Church) is the oldest building in Amsterdam and the oldest parish church.

It was founded around 1213 and consecrated in 1306 by the Bishop of Utrecht as its patron saint.

After the Reformation in 1578, it became a Calvinist church and remains so to this day.

It is located in the De Wallen district, now the main Red Light District of Amsterdam.

Around 1213, a small church was built on the site of Oude Kerk, and over time it was replaced by the stone church consecrated in 1306.

The church underwent many renovations carried out by 15 generations of Amsterdam citizens.

The church stood for only half a century before the first modifications were made, extending the aisles and wrapping them around the choir in a circular form to support the structure.

Shortly after the end of the 15th century, the northern and southern churches were added to form a cruciform layout.

Work on these renovations was completed in 1460, although progress largely halted due to major fires that struck the city in 1421 and 1452.

Despite delays of nearly a year, the buildings were restored at that time.

Before the Alteration of Amsterdam in 1578, Oude Kerk fell silent after being taken over by the Dutch Reformed Calvinist Church.

Throughout the 16th century conflicts, the church was looted and vandalized on several occasions, first during the Beeldenstorm in 1566, when mobs destroyed most of the church’s art and furnishings.

including a carved side panel by Jan van Scorel, painted on both sides by Maarten van Heemskerck.

Local residents gathered in the church to chat, street vendors sold their goods, and beggars sought shelter.

It became home to marriage registers and was also used as city archives.

The most important documents were locked in a chest covered with iron plates and bearing the city’s coat of arms, keeping it secure in the church.

11. EYE Film Museum

The EYE Film Museum in Amsterdam is a museum and cultural institution committed to presenting, preserving, and promoting cinema.

It has been located in Amsterdam Harbor since 2012 in an iconic building designed by the Austrian architectural firm Delugan Meissl.

The institute is a preservation center and exhibition venue, with a collection of approximately 37,000 films.

in addition to photographs, sound clips, historical documents, and technical equipment related to Dutch and international cinema.

Its cultural program includes thematic temporary exhibitions (usually four per year), screenings, tours, educational activities, workshops, and special events.

The permanent exhibition in the basement presents a large part of the museum’s collection through various interactive displays and also includes an exhibition titled “Playground,” specially designed for children and families.

In addition to exhibition spaces, the fully accessible museum building contains four cinemas, a specialized library, a panoramic café, and a shop.

The futuristic building stands out on the northern riverbank opposite Amsterdam Central Station.

More than a complex museum dedicated to film and cinema in the broad sense.

it is also a permanent and temporary exhibition venue, a research center, a film archive, a cinema complex, and a space for meetings and social interaction.

The center also includes a film restoration facility in a separate building.

When was the museum opened?

It opened in April 2012 and was designed by the Vienna-based firm Delugan Meissl in Amsterdam’s park area.

Despite some visual clutter from a nearby excessive glass tower.

the river location and relationship with the adjacent park help give the shimmering aluminum-clad EYE Film Museum a strong presence in the city.

From the outside, the museum presents a series of sloping surfaces that make it resemble a giant sculpture, anticipating the fluid interior design of the building, conceived as a solid “bolt” flowing smoothly from one functional space to another.

As mentioned earlier, the museum has a total area of 8,700 square meters and accommodates a variety of functions.

After crossing the entrance hall, visitors enter the plaza, a large open-access space overlooking the river, also equipped with a café and a panoramic restaurant that forms the social nucleus of the building.

12. De Negen Straatjes District – One of the Best Tourist Areas in Amsterdam

The name De Negen Straatjes in Amsterdam translates to “The Nine Little Streets.”

The area is stylish and central, home to some of the smartest shops in the Dutch capital, with cafés and elegant hotels scattered throughout.

The Nine Streets were officially recognized as an Amsterdam district in 1997.

They were a driving force in the area’s revitalization campaign, which was characterized at the time by independent shops seeking their own identity.

The district consists of nine small streets west of the city center.

It lies between the Singel and Prinsengracht canals, and many of its streets were historically linked to the tanning industry.

Hotel Negen is located a five-minute walk from the Royal Palace in Amsterdam and offers an upscale, modern feel compared to the more common bustle of nearby high-street shops.

There has certainly been an element of gentrification, with many major brands moving into the area in recent years.

However, the Nine Streets remain a place for shopping, café hopping, and dining.

There is also plenty of information about the Netherlands.

When was De Negen Straatjes developed?

The waterways between the streets of the Nine Streets district were constructed in the 16th and 17th centuries.

Since 2010, the network has been part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognizing the importance of canals in the city’s development.

During the Dutch Golden Age, wealthy merchants owned luxurious homes with elaborate interiors along the canals of the city center.

Later, other historic houses appeared, such as the Marseille House, which features a ceiling painting of Apollo and the Muses created by Jacob de Wit in 1730.

Photography exhibitions by internationally renowned photographers are displayed in a building located in the Nine Streets.

The Frank Museum, which tells the story of teenage diaries and Jewish persecution during World War II, is a two-minute walk from the Nine Streets.

Also nearby is Westerkerk, the tallest church tower in Amsterdam.

The Bloemenmarkt, the city’s floating flower market, is also located a two-minute walk away and is open from Monday to Saturday. The colorful market dates back to 1862.

As a delightful extra, you can find exquisite sweets, cakes, and pastries made at the Pompadour building and attractively displayed in the window.

13. Magere Brug (The “Skinny” Bridge)

There is a story associated with this beautiful and most popular bridge spanning the Amstel River.

According to legend, two sisters of the Magere family lived on opposite sides of the Amstel River.

It is said that the bridge was built to make it easier for them to visit each other.

Others believe the bridge’s nickname comes simply from the fact that it was so narrow that two pedestrians could not pass each other while walking across it.

The old Dutch bridge design is known as a double-leaf bascule bridge.

It is one of the few in Amsterdam built this way, with two sides that can open.

Most other bridges in Amsterdam are single-leaf, where only one side opens to allow water traffic through.

It is one of the oldest bridges in Amsterdam and was manually operated in the past and until fairly recently.

However, the collective labor agreement of bridge keepers decided to withdraw manual operation because it was too heavy for one person.

It is now a computer-operated replica of a 17th-century bridge.

Even if you have never been to Amsterdam, the bridge may look familiar, as it has appeared in several films, including a James Bond movie.

There are many photo opportunities during canal cruises that pass under the bridge.

Try to take a window seat and use fast camera stabilization tools to avoid camera shake, ensuring a great vacation.

Avoid rainy days, as rain can spoil the trip.

Amsterdam has more than 1,200 bridges, the oldest dating back to 1648, and the Magere Brug is likely the most famous bridge in Amsterdam.

In the evening, it is a popular spot for photographers, as the bridge is illuminated by hundreds of small lights after sunset.

A boat tour offers another angle with a stunning view, and nearly all tourist boats in Amsterdam pass beneath it.

14. The Portuguese Synagogue in Amsterdam

The Portuguese Synagogue, dating back to the 17th century, is an active synagogue open to visitors as a key part of the Jewish Cultural Quarter in Amsterdam.

It is the oldest and largest functioning synagogue in Europe, located in the heart of the Jewish Cultural Quarter of Amsterdam.

The building dates to the 17th century and features a largely original interior

which is still lit only by candlelight. An excellent audio guide explains the synagogue and its associated buildings to visitors of all religions.

The synagogue is named after the Portuguese Jews who fled Roman Catholic persecution in Portugal to Amsterdam during the 16th century.

When completed in 1675, it was the largest synagogue in Europe.

The Portuguese Synagogue is a massive building in the heart of the Jewish Cultural Quarter east of central Amsterdam.

Admission tickets include an audio guide explaining various aspects of the building, Jewish religious ceremonies, history, and culture in sufficient detail to provide an educational and enjoyable visit for visitors of all faiths.

The synagogue was dedicated in 1675, as indicated by a Hebrew inscription above the door marking the year of completion.

Much of the interior, including the brass chandeliers, is original.

The main hall has no electric lighting and is still illuminated at night by around a thousand candles.

Sand on the wooden floor is noted as a Dutch tradition to clean shoes and keep noise levels low.

The audio guide explains different parts of the building as well as Jewish religious ceremonies.

Since the synagogue is still in use, male visitors are required to wear a head covering while inside.

Visitors can also explore other buildings in the complex, with green signs indicating which areas are open at any given time.

Of particular interest is the treasury in the basement, containing a large collection of Torah scrolls and other Jewish religious objects.

Visitors can also see the ritual bath (mikveh), the winter synagogue, meeting halls, and enter the women’s galleries.

15. Albert Cuyp Market – One of the Best Tourist Areas in Amsterdam

An old Dutch saying says that shopping at the market makes your money go further, and this certainly applies to Albert Cuyp Market.

You will find many stalls where typical Amsterdam traders shout to get your attention.

In their efforts to sell their goods, you will find everything from fresh bread, fish, and chicken to clothing, shoes, and bags, making it one of the best shopping spots in Amsterdam’s tourist areas.

Let the fresh aromas guide you toward flowers, stroopwafels (traditional Dutch sugar cookies), and herring (traditionally eaten by holding the small raw fish by the tail, dipping it in chopped onions, and enjoying it sushi-style).

If you cannot find everything on your shopping list, browse the many shops hidden behind the market stalls.

You can enjoy shopping and soak up the atmosphere at one of the many small cafés and lunchrooms around the market or walk just behind it.

Sit on the green grass near the beautiful garden beds and enjoy the picnic you just bought at the market.

Many tourists still struggle to pronounce Albert Cuyp, whose name is famous for colorful Dutch landscape paintings of the Dutch Golden Age.

Albert Cuyp died in 1691 and was buried in Dordrecht, the same city where he was born.

Albert Cuyp Market began as a street market with private window displays and handcarts, prompting the Amsterdam municipality to establish this free market.

It opened in 1905, and in 1912 it became a daily market.

It was open six days a week as the busiest market in the Netherlands and one of the largest in Europe.

At the end of the century, new market areas formed from Amsterdam’s street vendors.

They roamed the city looking for customers and were often stopped by police, continuing to gather there with their wooden carts in the same way to this day.

If you want to stop for food, head to the artisan stalls and food stands.

Take the opportunity to include your favorites, such as the elegant vegetable stand, the fresh herb seller, the dreamy bakery stall, the oyster man, and the wild flower vendors!

16. Westerkerk Amsterdam

Westerkerk Amsterdam is the largest church in the Netherlands built for Protestants and opened its doors in 1631. It overlooks the Prinsengracht canal and is located in the Jordaan district.

Many old churches in Amsterdam were originally built by Roman Catholics and were converted to Protestantism during the Reformation in 1578.

Westerkerk was one of the first churches intentionally built as a Protestant church and the largest of its kind in the Netherlands.

It was built between 1620 and 1631, designed by the late Renaissance architect Hendrick de Keyser in the Dutch Renaissance style and in the shape of a patriarchal cross.

The tower, known as the Westerkerk Tower (“West Tower”), is the tallest church tower in Amsterdam at 85 meters (279 feet).

The crown atop the spire is the imperial crown of Austria of Maximilian I.

It hosted the wedding of Princess Beatrix in 1966.

Rembrandt van Rijn was buried in Westerkerk on October 8, 1669.

The exact location of his grave is unknown but is believed to be somewhere along the north wall.

Westerkerk is located near the Anne Frank House, where Anne Frank and her family hid from Nazi persecution for two years during World War II.

The church is frequently mentioned in Anne Frank’s diary; the clock tower could be seen from the attic, and Anne described its hourly chimes as a source of comfort.

From early April until the end of October, you can climb the Westerkerk Tower under the supervision of a tour guide.

The stairs are very steep, and there is no elevator, so visiting the tower is not suitable for those with walking difficulties.

Those who reach the top are rewarded with breathtaking views of Amsterdam and the Jordaan district.

An amusing detail is that the tower is not perfectly straight.

The nave and side aisles still have wooden ceilings.

The church is open year-round but has limited opening hours during the week.