Post Updated January 2021
Amsterdam is a city I would happily return to time and time again. It’s filled with so much gorgeous scenery, a bit of history, and a vibrant and fun centre. I’ve currently visited Amsterdam 3 times but I would still love to go back whenever I can! I can’t quite place my finger on what it is that appeals about Amsterdam but it’s a place that whenever I go I feel so happy. I love wandering around the little streets and admiring everything that I pass.
After my exams, some of my friends and myself flew out there for several days and I think it was one of the best holidays I’ve ever had. Amsterdam is such a chilled city but it has the perfect mix of fun and unique things to do whilst not being too hectic and wild – it’s the perfect mix of relaxed but busy and I just love it as a place! I cannot rave about it enough and it’s definitely worth a visit when travel is allowed again!
AMSTERDAM ATTRACTION 1: ANNE FRANK’S HOUSE
Perhaps one of the main reasons and most obvious attractions to visit is Anne Frank’s House. This was my second visit but both times have been so utterly worth it. It’s quite a harrowing, overwhelming and shocking experience and the house and museum really do make you reflect upon your own life and how lucky we are. Both times I’ve been struck by just how tiny the house is and it’s amazing to think how many people lived there without seeing the outside world for such a long time, and sadly, how once discovered most did not survive the Holocaust. It’s an attraction that warrants a visit when in Amsterdam and it’s such an important part of the world’s history.
The area surrounding the house is one of my favourite parts to Amsterdam and the Pancake House opposite does amazing food! The streets surrounding the house are full of independent shops that are lovely to have a browse around and on a sunny day, the whole street is gorgeous!
AMSTERDAM ATTRACTION 2: BOAT RIDE
You will never get very far in Amsterdam without seeing water as the canals are everywhere! Wherever you find yourself in the city you will most likely be able to see some water, and if not, maybe you’re not in Amsterdam anymore! Taking a boat ride was one of the first things we did when we hopped off the plane and it was the perfect way to establish what we wanted to see and do whilst soaking in the sights (and sun) of the city. It was the perfect way to get a bit more information about the city and it’s such a gorgeous place to sit and watch the world go by as you admire the view from the boat.
AMSTERDAM ATTRACTION 3: MUSEUM QUARTER
This part of Amsterdam is always bustling with tourists and there are so many museums in this area to choose from. As we were students, most of the museums offer free entry so we took full advantage of this and we were able to pick and choose which museums we wanted to look at without having to worry about the price. The Rijksmuseum is probably the main museum in Amsterdam and it is huge! There are so many exhibitions and artwork throughout that you could easily spend an entire day in there and not even cover all of it. We also took a trip to the Van Gogh museum which was pretty cool. Again, it offers free entry for students and we were able to go wherever inside. I loved seeing the timeline of Van Gogh’s life and his actual paintings in the flesh. Sadly, you’re not allowed to take photos of them inside, though I did manage to take a sneaky pic of the sunflower painting when no-one was looking! If you’re a fan of art then both of those museums are well worth the visit!
AMSTERDAM ATTRACTION 4: SEX MUSEUM
Did you even go to Amsterdam if you didn’t visit the sex museum? This deserved a recommendation all to itself as it’s just so wacky but also kind of brilliant. It’s such a fun museum with all sorts of information, videos, pictures and interactive exhibits to gawp at! The tickets are only 5 euros and you will definitely have a giggle inside. The museum, though small, is absolutely packed with information and sex memorabilia from across the ages with all sorts of weird, wacky and wonderful sex extras! One of the bits I found the most interesting were the chastity belts for women, they just seem so absurd nowadays! The background noises really make the museum come to life and you’re greeted by a lovely flashing man as you enter as he tries to grab you! It’s a hilarious experience and such good fun!
Regardless of where you end up in Amsterdam, the city is stunning! There are so many places to explore and I love how wacky and vibrant the city and its attractions are. There really is something for everybody as you can visit and appreciate all the culture and history of the city or you can experience some of the more unique and wild things Amsterdam has to offer! It’s got just the right amount of quirky and beauty that makes me always love a trip to this city!
Have you been to Amsterdam? What places do you recommend?
If you liked this post you might also enjoy a guide to Berlin and 5 days in Lincoln!
Beautiful! I'm seeing so many European travel posts today, they're making me restless! Also, your pictures are excellent!
I'm planning on going to Amsterdam next year and I can't wait! The Anne Frank museum is at the top of my list. It looks like such a beautiful and interesting place π
-Charlotte / myownblogofthoughts.blogspot.com
Thank you!
You should definitely go! It's one of my favourite places to visit!
I love Amsterdam! My dad lived there for a year before he got married so we would always go on family holidays to the Netherlands and would often take trips to Amsterdam (I think I've been to the city maybe 4 or 5 times). But I have to say the way you feel about Amsterdam is how I feel about Copenhagen! I could go time and time again and never get tired of it
Oh I would love to visit Amsterdam, I love the water canals..
Museums sound amazing
I was hoping to explore Amsterdam properly in October, I think city breaks are the best during Autumn. I'm not too keen on travelling this year anymore so I'll bookmark this for next year!
Francisca
I'd love to visit Amsterdam, it seems so beautiful!
fleetinggyal.blogspot.com
Oooh Copenhagen has just been added to my list now!
I'd really recommend it!
I've been to Amsterdam twice in the summer and once for Christmas and when it's colder it's gorgeous with all the lights everywhere!
It really is!