Amsterdam the city of freedom, artistic heritage, extensive canal network, and narrow façade houses. I love Amsterdam and as I live nearby this beautiful capital of Holland I visit Amsterdam all the time to take pictures and to explore this beautiful city. I have probably been to Amsterdam more than a thousand times but there is still so much to see and discover. I also like to do my favorite things multiple times, because every time I see and experience it differently. Amsterdam is just beautiful and I admit that I am in love! So if you are planning a trip to Amsterdam I love to share with you my top 5 favorite things to see and do in Amsterdam so you can fall in love as well.
1. Behold the art at Rijksmuseum
Rijksmuseum is one of the most beautiful museums in Europe. It is an extraordinary showcase for Dutch art. You can find all the masterpieces from all the Dutch Golden Age painters. Such as The Milkmaid by Johannes Vermeer, The Night Watch by Rembrandt and also the library (where I stand in the picture) is incredible.
I love all the art in the Rijksmuseum and I always got super inspired after my visit. Definitely, a must-do when you are in Amsterdam.
2. Rent a private boat at Starboard Boats Amsterdam
One of my favorite things to do in Amsterdam is to rent a private boat and enjoy Amsterdam and the canals from the water. I think Amsterdam is the most beautiful when you see the iconic canals and historic cityscape in a boat on the water. At Starboard Boats Amsterdam you can hire a private boat up to 40 guests and they take you through the most scenic sections of the UNESCO heritage site in Amsterdam’s historic city center. The boat is complete with heated pillows and a retractable cover for when the weather turns. Besides that, they have a delicious menu! Isn’t it the best? Sailing through the beautiful canals with food, drinks and your friends! It is the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion with friends and family, or simply to enjoy a great afternoon gliding through the tranquil canals whilst marveling at the world-famous canal belt architecture of this iconic city. Sounds like the perfect day in Amsterdam to me! Visit the Anne Frank House.
3. Visit the Anne Frank House
The Anne Frank House is a museum and monument in memory of Anne Frank and her Jewish family who were hiding in the Secret Annex on Prinsengracht 263 during World War II. The secret rooms give a visceral sense of what it was like to live in hiding. Anne Frank wrote her famous diary Het Achterhuis here.
4. Take a walk in the Vondelpark
When the weather is nice I love to walk around or chill in the Vondelpark in Amsterdam. The park is located in the Amsterdam south area on the border with the Amsterdam-West district. It is the perfect place to get some tan and barbeque during the summer. I love to lay down read a book and enjoy nature in the city. There is also an Openluchttheater in the Vondelpark which has a vibrant schedule of free live music, musical theatre, and cabaret from June to August. Although the performances cost nothing to watch, it may be worth booking online to reserve a place.
5. Explore Dam Square
Last but not least explore Dam Square. The Dam is the historic heart of Amsterdam and the location of many events and traced by the Royal Palace, National Monument, and the Nieuwe Kerk. If you like shopping you are also in the right place at the Dam square because the famous warehouse the Bijenkorf and the shopping street the Kalverstraat are located at Dam Square. On national occasions like Kings Day (27th of April) and in the build-up to Christmas Dam Square as a funfair. Definitely worth a visit as well when you are in Amsterdam!
