Amsterdam has been tagged with the reputation of a party central over the years. Although it's a small city, there are a lot of things to do and see for just about anyone.
Amsterdam is a very appropriate city to travel with children. In Amsterdam, parents ride their bikes with the kids, the parks serve as a backyard for many children and taking your kids with you to dine in a restaurant, or a food market is the most common thing to do. This makes this city a kid-friendly destination for a city trip!
Bike Around Amsterdam
It's best to explore the narrow, winding streets of Amsterdam's historic 17th-century city center by bike. There are up to 400 kilometers of bicycle paths leading just about everywhere in town, and it's no surprise that Amsterdam is a true cycling city. Renting a bike to get around town will surely acquaint you with the local scenery plus it's a cheaper option for public transport. Don't hesitate to ask expert guides and rental shops on how to get around the city as they offer great advice to inexperienced bikers.
Did you know?: There are around 800,000 bicycles in Amsterdam because the Dutch love cycling. But some can be considered a bit reckless with the bikes because every year, more than 10,000 bikes are fished out from different canals.
Dam Square
In the 13th century, Dam Square was created when a dam was built around the river Amstel to stop the waters from the Zuiderzee sea from flooding the city. In the 1960s, the square was famous for its Dam Square hippies. Presently, it is one of the main tourist sights, and you can expect lots of entertainment. Just a five-minute walk down the Damrak from Central Station takes you into this crowded square. There is always a lot going on, like food stalls, restaurants, and shops galore, which include the trendy Bijenkorf, Magna Plaza, and the Amsterdam Diamond Centre.
The Experience
To help you come up with somewhat of an itinerary for your vacation, we've decided to write out a list of the top 5 things to do while you're in Amsterdam.
1. Take a historical canal ride
The water tours of Amsterdam are some of the most desired. Since there are hundreds of canals throughout the nation that were created just for travel, there is no reason not to give this popular attraction a try. During your gentle water ride, you'll get to view some of the country's most detailed architecture and most beautiful landscapes.
2. Take a walk through the wildflowers
Amsterdam takes great pride in its bulb flowers, especially tulips. Visit the amazingly vibrant bulb flower park in Lisse if you wish to see the tulips in all their glory. If you happen to miss the tulip season, don't worry. There are plenty of bulbed flowers that grow year-round at the park.
3. Visit one of the many spectacular art museums or history museums
Check out paintings by Rembrandt, Van Gogh, or other world-renowned artists or revisit history by walking into the Anne Frank House, where you can see the secret annex where Anne hid during World War II.
4. Walkthrough De Wallen, the nation's red-light district
Although it's famous for some risky behavior, there is much more to the city. Try out one of the district's fine restaurants, small boutiques, or find more responsible entertainment at any of the places not lit up with red lights. For a faster way to venture through, rent a bicycle. You'll find that you rent a bike nearly anywhere in the country.
5. Dutch Cuisine!
Last but not least, you mustn't leave the country without trying some of its authentic Dutch cuisine or experiencing one of its cannabis coffeehouses. People travel all over the world to Amsterdam to encounter these coffee shops in person. In Amsterdam, marijuana is simply a way to unwind, and these coffeehouses are some of the most reputable and reliable sources to enjoy a delicious bite to eat and a puff of smoke as you dine.
Interested in Amsterdam as your next vacation destination? Then be sure to check out our Destination Guide and Sample Itinerary.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam