If you are planning a European trip, first read this list of reasons to include Amsterdam in your trip. Some may surprise you!
You will meet an urban town
An interesting thing about Amsterdam, and perhaps a lesser known fact, is that the city is small enough (approximately 740,000 locals inhabit its central area) that visitors can get a real feel for its people, neighborhoods, sights, and secrets. Compared to sprawling Paris and London, this European capital is more of a village, and visitors can see almost everything on a bike ride, on foot, or by public transport – in just a few days. This accessibility means that you will spend your time making memories rather than making sense of an overwhelming itinerary to see too much in too little time. Similarly, it is very easy to take the train to destinations outside of Amsterdam; In as little as ten to 15 minutes, you can be in the next town or city on your itinerary.
A floating city is truly magical
Most people who have never been to Amsterdam have at least heard of its canals. They are certainly worth seeing, as the 165 waterways create a seemingly floating city of 90 islands connected by 1,281 bridges. A canal cruise is a must in Amsterdam; and just walking through the winding and narrow streets along the waters will give you an idea of the magic that this city possesses. Do you want to enjoy the historic architecture in front of the canal? Visitors can admire the typical canal houses of the city, both inside and out; See a master list of monumental canal architecture, or for an inside view, take a look at these Amsterdam canal houses that have been turned into public museums.
You’ll get one of the best visual history lessons in Europe
With more than 6,800 houses and buildings listed as monuments dating from the 16th to the 20th centuries, Amsterdam boasts the largest historic center in Europe. Towering warehouses and elegant houses built by wealthy merchants during Holland’s Golden Age (17th century) line the city’s canals and are perhaps its most distinctive architectural features, but the city’s oldest architecture dates back to the medieval period. ; Read more about Gothic architecture in Amsterdam for more details. And don’t think for a moment that Amsterdam is lacking in churches: From its most famous historic churches to its only basilica, the city is a treasure trove of ecclesiastical architecture. Visitors can even climb some of the local church towers to get some of the best panoramic views of the city.
Unique world-class museums abound
Take your pick: see the works of Dutch masters and treasures from a time when Amsterdam was the richest city in the world at the Rijksmuseum; learn about the styles and secrets of the man who might be considered the most interesting painter in Holland at the Van Gogh Museum; or walk through the small annex that a group of eight called home for two years during Nazi-occupied Amsterdam in WWII at the Anne Frank House. These are among the best museums in Amsterdam, but there are almost 50 more to teach, entertain or take you around. You can even save some money on multiple museum visits with one of these tourist discount cards, some of which are also valid for cities outside of Amsterdam; Don’t miss our recommendations for vermuseums in The Hague and museums in Leiden, both conveniently close to Amsterdam.
Updated by Kristen from Joseph.
