Things to do in Amsterdam

Throughout the city, you’ll see offers for canal tours of the city. This is – without a doubt – the best way to see the sights. Amsterdam’s narrow, winding, one-way streets filled with bicycles make it nearly impossible to travel by car, and the canals offer the best view of the 17th century row houses, more than 1,280 bridges, and the people who make this city the colorful, multi-cultural mecca that it is.

Amsterdam boasts more than 51 museums and 141 art galleries, so there’s certainly something for everyone. You shouldn’t miss the Van Gogh Museum, which houses the largest collection of Van Gogh's works anywhere in the world. The national Rijksmuseum is another gem that attracts more than a million visitors a year. It features the world’s largest collection of paintings by the Dutch masters, including Rembrandt, Vermeer, Jacob van Ruisdael and more.

Although progressive enough to look to the future, the Dutch rarely forget their past. The Anne Frank House allows you to step inside the former hiding place of Anne Frank, and to learn the history of the eight people who hid there, and of those who helped them. Anne Frank's diary is also on display here. Also, don’t miss Rembrandt House Museum. Rembrandt called it home for nearly 20 years, from 1639 to 1658.

Come on, you know you want to see it. Everyone does. The infamous Red Light District must truly be seen to be believed. No photography is allowed, but we’re certain it’s an image you’ll never forget. Several companies offer tours and information, and there’s always someone available to answer your questions. The same is true for the cannabis ‘coffee shops’, where smoking weed and hash is allowed.

Although relatively small geographically, Amsterdam has no shortage of nature. In addition to the plentiful waterways that surround and divide the city, Amsterdam also has 28 parks. The ‘Crown Jewel’ is the Vondelpark. In addition to plentiful green space, the park boasts an open-air amphitheater, a Film Museum and three cafés. For a rest while you're in the middle of sightseeing, visit the Begijnhof, a small and tranquil inner court hidden away in the city center.