Best Places to Visit in Amsterdam

With its picturesque canals, historic architecture, and world-class museums, there are many places to visit in Amsterdam. You can spend hours exploring the Dutch art and history at the Rijksmuseum. Step into the poignant past at the Anne Frank House. Delve into the world of artistic genius. Or hop onto a cruise and enjoy the striking beauty of Amsterdam through the Canal Belt. With proper travel insurance, you can see these places with zero stress on spending unexpectedly on medical bills or other unforeseen circumstances that might disrupt your trip.

Top Places to Visit in Amsterdam

• Rijksmuseum
• Anne Frank House
• Van Gogh Museum
• Canal Belt
• Floating Flower Market

1. Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum, Netherlands’ national museum, chronicles 800 years of Dutch history. It houses a remarkable assortment of artworks and artefacts, spanning Amsterdam’s 17th-century origins to contemporary artistic breakthroughs. Boasting 80 galleries and exhibiting 8000 objects, the sheer magnitude of treasures overwhelms any visitor’s quest to explore the entire collection. This magnificent institution is one of the best Amsterdam places to visit as it continuously curates numerous exhibitions annually, showcasing its collection.

Things to Do at Rijksmuseum

Following are some of the most popularly known activities to do at the museum.

• You can admire The Night Watch, Rembrandt’s masterpiece depicting guardsmen in formation, with a rumoured representation of his late wife.
• See The Milkmaid, Johannes Vermeer’s famous painting. It showcases a domestic servant and his exceptional use of light.
• Admire The Threatened Swan, Jan Asselijn’s painting. It symbolises Dutch national resistance.

2. Anne Frank's House

The Berghaus textile factory wanted to buy the house and neighbouring properties for demolition and set up a new factory. Anne Frank’s father, Otto Frank, struggled to save the house but ultimately sold it to Berghaus. Eventually, Berghaus abandoned its plans of demolishing the building and donated the hiding place. A committee of Amsterdam citizens formed the Anne Frank House organisation to preserve the structure and promote Anne’s ideals. The place got restored and opened to the public in 1960. It attracts millions of visitors every year.

Things to Do at Anne Frank House

• Admire the photographs, original items used by Anne Frank, and film clips.
• Explore Anne Frank’s room and look at the pictures and her diaries.
• Look at the bookcase, letters, and various articles belonging to her family.

3. Van Gogh Museum

Dutch architect Gerrit Rietveld designed the main structure. He is renowned for his association with the art movement De Stijl. In 1999, a new Exhibition Wing got added, designed by Japanese architect Kurokawa Kisho. Both buildings have an open design with geometric forms and ample natural light in the exhibition space. The museum’s collection was initially donated to the Vincent van Gogh Foundation in 1962 and permanently loaned to the Van Gogh Museum.

Things to Do at Van Gogh Museum

Following are a few favoured activities at one of the best places to visit in Amsterdam, the Van Gogh Museum.

• Look at the exhibits showcasing Van Gogh’s masterpieces, including “Sunflowers.”
• Enjoy a Guided Tour of Van Gogh’s masterpieces.
• Kids can participate in a Treasure Hunt and answer a quiz on Van Gogh’s paintings.

4. Canal Belt

The Canal Belt comprises four canals and surrounds Amsterdam’s old city centre. It features stunning Canal Houses with unique gabled architecture along the Herengracht, Singel, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht canals. The Canal Belt celebrated its 400th anniversary in 2013 with various events and festivities. Exploring Amsterdam’s canals on a cruise is a must-do when visiting the place. Amsterdam expanded its canals during the Dutch Golden Age in just 90 years. This period marked the Netherlands’ trade, art, military, and science leadership, making Amsterdam’s canal project possible.

Things to Do at the Canal Belt

Following are a few of the most favoured activities at the Canal Belt, Amsterdam.

• Soak in the captivating sights and culture.
• Take a break at charming cafes and restaurants.
• If you’re in the mood for shopping, you can visit the “nine streets” area with unique boutiques, galleries, and delicacy stores.

5. Floating Flower Market

The Amsterdam Floating Flower Market is one of the most popular places to see in Amsterdam. Established in 1862, this unique market on the Singel Canal features flower stalls on houseboats, reminiscent of its historical days when daily supplies arrived by boat. Bursting with colour, the market offers a wide variety of beautiful flowers. Visitors can purchase bouquets, single flowers, or bulbs, which are also export-ready for enjoyment at home.

Things to do at the Flower Market

• Glide through Amsterdam’s canals, passing landmarks like the Anne Frank House and Rijksmuseum.
• Shop for bulbs and seeds, but check the export regulations before making a purchase.
• Taste the array of cheese on offer and look for souvenirs to take home.

Best Time to Visit Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a year-round destination in terms of places to see in Amsterdam, but the peak season is from May to August. The weather is pleasant, but bring light sweaters for cool evenings. The off-season months of September to November and March to April have more affordable rates and fewer crowds, except for the Amsterdam Film Week in November.

Travel Insurance for Amsterdam

Travel insurance is legally mandatory for a Schengen Visa to the Netherlands. It is also strongly recommended due to high medical costs and prescription expenses. Travel insurance benefits for the Netherlands include trip cancellation reimbursement, coverage for COVID-19-related issues, medical assistance, compensation for baggage delay or loss, and automatic policy extension in case of delays or cancellations. These benefits ensure financial protection and peace of mind during your visit.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the mentioned industry. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.