Even after using Amsterdam as my base for 19 years, it is still one of my favorite cities in the world.
History
Amsterdam (the “dam” in the river “Amstel”) started out as a small fishing village. It became one of the most important trading centers in the 17th century. The city is built on wooden poles to prevent the stone houses to sink into the muddy ground. The city was designed so that rich and poor were living next to each other. The canals were dug to ensure that trade ships could get close to the houses/warehouses. Most canal houses still have a wooden beam at the top with which cargo used to be hoisted up. Nowadays, the inhabitants use the beam to move their furniture.
What to see and do
Amsterdam has something to do for almost everyone. Like the original design of the city these different activities can be found very near to each other. Amsterdam is not a large city. Most activities are within walking distance. Renting a bike is also useful if you are experienced cyclist. The cyclists of Amsterdam don’t have mercy. They won’t slow down because you are a tourist. In case of rain, Amsterdam has an excellent public transport system.
Tour the canals
In various places, you can hop on a canal tour boat. The tour normally lasts an hour and gives a good first impression of the city. The tours include a short historical overview and the different architectural styles and gables.
In the evenings, most companies offer a candle light tour. Not many houses have curtains; especially at night, you can see inside of the houses of the canal to see how people live.
Get lost in a museum
There are so many to choose from. My personal favorite is the “Rijksmuseum” (https://www.rijksmuseum.nl/en) with its excellent selection of masterpieces. The museum was built to have a place to show Rembrandt’s “The Nightwatch”. The painting is the apotheosis of the masterpiece gallery with some Vermeers. Don’t limit your visit to this gallery. There are paintings by Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Hals and many others to be admired throughout the museum. In the last few years, the Rijksmuseum has been able to most exquisite temporary exhibitions that sell out like tickets for boyband concert. You can check if the temporary exhibition is also something you want to see. If you travel in high season, book ahead. Don’t miss the excellent food from the restaurant: they serve art on a plate.
Opposite of the “Rijksmuseum”, you will find the “Moco museum” were modern artist like Banksy showcase their art. The museum is literally squeezed between the “Van Gogh museum” and “Rijksmuseum”. It is less busy than the prominent neighbors but definitely worth the visit. The famous imagery from Banksy is on display. Also this museum has rotating exhibitions that always surprise. More information can be found https://mocomuseum.com/.
Wander around
Wander around Red light district
During my student days, I would give the Red Light District tour for international students. It is probably one of the most famous parts of the city. In edition of selling sex and drugs, it is also the oldest part of the city. The “zeedijk” being the former dike. You can still see a difference in height, especially if you leave the dike at Sint Olofssteeg. Don’t miss the Oude Kerk and “Ons’lieve heer op solder” to learn about the religious conflicts. The later being a hidden church. From the outside, you can never tell the house is actually a church. Have a drink at Restaurant-café “In de waag” https://indewaag.nl/. This old 15th century city gate has had many functions over the centuries. The painting ‘de anatomische les” of Rembrandt was situated here. The building was used by many of the guilds of the city. Find the different gable stones that show you which guilds were present.
Wander around Museum square
There are multiple sides to pick. If you wander towards “De Pijp”, you will find the street market “Albert Cuypmarkt” 6 days a week. It is a great area to have lunch. Around the Marie Heineken square there are several eateries to choose from.
If you wander towards “Old West”, you will come across the “Vondelpark”. This 19th century park still welcomes over 10 million visitors per year. The smallest hint of sunlight triggers massive activity. Since most inhabitants of Amsterdam do not have a back yard, you will find people sunbathing, skating, cycling, studying, picnicking, playing frisbee. The park gets extremely busy during Kingsday, when the park is reserved for children selling their toys or showcasing their skills. During the summer, the openair theater hosts many performances (https://www.openluchttheater.nl/ ). Entry is free. However, this theater was only able to run for 50 years due to donations after every performance. Come early or reserve. There is not always room. Close to Vondelpark, you will find Roemer Visscherstraat. Around number 37, you will find seven houses with gables built in the style of a particular country. Can you spot them and guess which country they represent?