I visited Amsterdam for 3 days in June 2016 as part of a western Europe trip. Despite some rainy weather, Amsterdam’s world-class museums and charming neighborhoods made it an amazing place to explore. Here are my top five favorites from the trip.
1. Anne Frank House
Why Visit:
One of the most significant historic homes in the world, Anne Frank House is where Anne Frank, her family, and four others hid during World War II. It’s also where she wrote her famous diary.
Highlights:
- Walk through the hidden rooms where eight people lived in silence for over two years. I felt especially moved when I saw just how cramped the spaces were.
- View Anne Frank’s original diary displayed at the end of the visit.
How to Go:
Timed entry tickets are required and sell out quickly, so I bought mine online in advance. An excellent audio guide is included that adds to the emotional power of the experience.
2. Van Gogh Museum
Why Visit:
The Van Gogh Museum holds the world’s largest collection of his works. I love Van Gogh’s vibrant style, so this is one of my favorite museums.
Highlights:
- Follow Van Gogh’s life story through his art as you move through the museum’s chronological layout. I found it fascinating to see how his style evolved from dark, earthy tones to the iconic bright, swirling brushwork.
- See Van Gogh’s most famous paintings, including Sunflowers, self portraits, and Wheatfield with Crows.
- Pair with a visit to nearby Rijksmuseum, home to additional Van Gogh paintings and Dutch Golden Age masterpieces like Rembrandt’s The Night Watch. Since Van Gogh studied Rembrandt’s techniques, you can also visit Rembrandt’s former studio at Museum Het Rembrandthuis.
How to Go:
Tickets must be booked online in advance with a time slot, and they frequently sell out.
3. Explore the Canals
Why Visit:
Amsterdam’s canals are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic features of the city, forming 90 islands connected by over 1,700 bridges.
Highlights:
- Canal Cruise → the classic way to explore. You’ll glide past bridges, narrow houses, houseboats, and major landmarks.
- Walk the canal belt (Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht) and wander charming neighborhoods like Jordaan.
How to Go:
I bought my canal cruise ticket from one of the main departure points near Amsterdam Centraal Station. There are lots of options (open air, glass-roof, sunset etc), and you can also tickets at various locations throughout the city. I also joined a free walking tour to explore the canal on foot.
4. Museum Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder
Why Visit:
Our Lord in the Attic Museum is one of Amsterdam’s most unique sights — a 17th-century canal house with a secret Catholic church hidden in its top floors.
Highlights:
- Explore the preserved rooms of the canal house and see the beautifully constructed attic church.
- Learn about Amsterdam’s era of secret worship. In the 17th century, Catholics weren’t allowed to worship publicly, so hidden churches like this existed throughout the city.
How to Go:
Tickets are timed entry and can be bought online or onsite. A free audio guide is included.
5. Verzetsmuseum Amsterdam
Why Visit:
The Dutch Resistance Museum is one of the most powerful museums in the city. It tells the history of the Netherlands during the German occupation in World War II.
Highlights:
- Learn how the Dutch resisted Nazi occupation through personal stories.
- See artifacts used by the resistance and walk through recreated rooms that show what daily life was like during the occupation.
How to Go:
You can buy tickets onsite or online. Free audio tours are included.
Planning a trip to Amsterdam? Don’t miss my top 5 tips to help you make the most of your visit.
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