Amsterdam is the capital and most inhabited municipality of the Netherlands and one of the most exciting cities in Europe. Visit this charming capital, with a compact mix of provincial and cosmopolitan air. For many of you, its array of world-class museums and galleries are reason enough to visit.

The capital started as a fishing village at the mouth of the River Amstel, growing in time as a trading centre. Amsterdam is visited by almost 3.5 million tourists every year, who walk either on foot or by bicycle through the famous city. Firstly, we know it as the “North Venice” due to its over 100 channels. Above all, the capital of Holland offers adventures all the way, whether walking, cycling or aboard a boat. Secondly, the city’s magnificent and well-preserved architecture, dates back to the 17th century. It gives you a bizarre picture, if not slightly incompatible with a city famous for its modernist and progressive attitude. In conclusion, from art museums to colourful flower shops, from coffee shops, there is something exciting and unique to discover in Amsterdam.

Museums in Amsterdam

The Van Gogh Museum features Van Gogh’s largest collection of paintings around the world, as well as works by other artists. There’s also works by contemporaries Gauguin, Toulouse-Lautrec, Monet and Bernard.

Madame Tussaud’s museum is a popular tourist attraction, being located at the Dam square. Madam Tussaud in Amsterdam has been modernised, equipped with multimedia effects, set to employ actors and extras. Like any amusement park, it addresses itself mainly to children and teenage visitors.

Rijksmuseum, is the largest national museum in Netherlands that is housed in a historic building. It is known for its exhibitions, but also for some great insights and rising artists. At the time of opening to the public, it was called the National Art Gallery hosting over 200 paintings and historical objects.

Amsterdam Tulip Museum. The Ottoman Empire brought tulips to Holland in the middle of the 16th century. Nowadays, the tulips remained the favourite flowers of the Dutch people, being one of the country’s symbols. It is a small private museum which shows the history of the Dutch fascination for tulips and sells some of the bulbs of this flower.

Other attractions in Amsterdam

Artis Zoo Amsterdam was founded more than 150 years ago. It’s home for more than 700 species of animals and 200 species of trees. Many are on the verge of extinction. Artis Zoo includes many other buildings, such as the Grand Museum and the unique building of the Library or the Aquarium.

Bloemenmarkt, on the southern bank of the Singel Canal, is the only floating flower market in the world. Seven days a week, flower sellers fill floating stands and barges, with flowers and bulbs for which Holland is famous all over the world. Established in 1862, Bloemenmarkt is made up of over a dozen florists and shops selling garden plants, as well as souvenir stands. Although shopping and locals are here, the market is primarily targeted at tourists. The bulbs offered for sale are those that go on export, so here you can find bulbs of tulips, daffodils and hyacinth, as the last memory of an unforgettable holiday in Amsterdam.

The best time to visit Amsterdam is between April and May or September and November, right before or directly after the summertime high tourist season. There are fewer tourists, and you’ll enjoy somewhat mild temperatures. High season is the spring tulip season (early Apr to mid-May), and school vacations are in July and August. The city is very busy at both times, which means hotel rooms are hard to find and bargains don’t exist at all. If you’re planning to travel during high season, book several months in advance. In winter, room rates are generally cheaper, and cafes and restaurants are less crowded and feel more genuine.

Amsterdam is a true cultural shock: on one hand, the daily agitation and on the other hand the relaxation of people, the lack of cars, the large number of bicycles, the freedom to choose, sweets, Dutch slippers, museums, palaces, cafes, churches and most importantly, a pure and unpolluted Occidental air. The city awaits you to uncover the unseen face and enter into its tolerant atmosphere.

On foot: As Amsterdam is relatively small and attractions are quite concentrated in the city centre, you can easily walk from one place to the other. Plus, it is a great way to discover this charming city. Make sure not to walk on bike trails and to check for bikes before crossing bike trails or streets

By bike: The best way to travel through the city is definitely by a bicycle. That’s because you can see a lot of things but also because in the centre the car is very expensive. In Amsterdam, you will see millions of bikes and throughout the Netherlands.  Bikes can be easily rented at various locations, and locks are provided as well.

By tram: The tram system is ideal for travelling around the centre. Conductors sell tickets on board, though you might find an OV-chip card or an I Amsterdam City Card more convenient if you’re using a lot of public transport.

By boat: A great way to show off the city to visiting family, friends or associates is to take them on a canal boat tour. Or why not enjoy a Sunday afternoon by packing a picnic and renting a boat for a few hours.

By metro: All of Amsterdam’s metro stations are gated by check-in and check-out ports, accessible only with a public transport chip card (OV-Chip card) or another valid travel card. If you are not in possession of a personal chip card, you can purchase a one-hour ticket or a rechargeable non-personalised public transport chip card at GVB service desks or vending machines at the station.