Amsterdam is a comparatively small city and good to explore on foot, as almost all of the key attractions are close together. However, expect rain at any time, and much of the city center is cobbled, which can be hard on the feet. Here are some ideas for two and four days of sightseeing.
Start the morning at the Anne Frank House—having bought your online ticket in advance. Then trek to the Westerkerk (Prinsengracht 279) before wandering part of the Grachtengordel.
Enjoy the bustle of the Leidseplein as you continue on to the Rijksmuseum with its superb collection of paintings.
Start in Dam Square and the Koninklijk Paleis, and then on to the Red Light District, Oude Kerk, and Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder.
Allow at least an hour or two for the Van Gogh Museum. Alternatively, modern art lovers can visit the neighboring Stedelijk Museum (Museumplein 10)—those with museum fatigue may prefer to explore the greenery of the Vondelpark instead.
Begin the morning with a canal cruise from Stationsplein and then proceed to Dam Square, at the heart of the city, visiting the Koninklijk Paleis (Dam Square) and the Nieuwe Kerk (Dam Square).
Have lunch on the Nieuwmarkt before exploring the Red Light District, visiting both the Oude Kerk and the clandestine church Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder.
Head up to Brouwersgracht and then stroll through the Grachtengordel as the mood suits you. This is the prettiest part of Amsterdam, and you can get a flavor for its history at the Museum Van Loon.
Set the whole afternoon aside for the Rijksmuseum, with its wondrous collection of Golden Age (Dutch) paintings. Have tea here, too.
Don’t miss the much vaunted Van Gogh Museum or visit the Stedelijk Museum (Museumplein 10) of modern art next door. Afterward, take a stroll through the Vondelpark.
Take the train back to Centraal Station and then catch the ferry over the River IJ to the EYE Film Institute (IJpromenade 1), from where there are great views back over the city.
Begin the day at the Anne Frank House and then drop by the Westerkerk (Prinsengracht 279), where Rembrandt was interred, before viewing the quiet charms of the Begijnhof.
Spend the afternoon visiting the Amsterdam Museum, which traces the city’s history. Time permitting, round off the day at the city’s botanical gardens, the Hortus Botanicus (Plantage Middenlaan 2a).
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