In the heart of the Netherlands, Amsterdam is the country’s capital and an exciting place to visit in Europe. If you’re planning on spending your next weekend getaway in the heart of Holland, check out these fun opportunities to experience all the city has to offer. Click on the links to find out more about fun things to do in the Netherlands.
1. Museumplein
From Van Gogh to Banksy and the Rijksmuseum in between, Museumplein, or the museum quarter of Amsterdam, features incredible artists and their work. If you are an art fanatic, or someone interesting in learning more about the rich history of the Netherlands, there are plenty of museums to fill your time in Amsterdam.
During your time in Amsterdam, visiting the home of Heineken is a right of passage in this city. Tour the famous brewery in the heart of the city, learning more about the company’s history, and (most importantly) try some Heineken beer for yourself.
Although getting tickets to the Anne Frank house takes some planning ahead of time, it is absolutely worth it. Step out of the bustling city and into the somber home that Anne Frank and her family hid in during World World II. Tour the Secret Annex and learn more about the courageous family and friends throughout the Anne Frank Museum. A majority of tickets go on sale two months prior to the date you wish to visit, but a remainder are also sold on the day of at 9 a.m. Plan ahead and don’t miss out on this humbling opportunity.
A couple of doors down from the Anne Frank Haus, The Pancake Bakery serves up huge pancakes available in savory and sweet options. Eat your way through Holland during your trip.
Amsterdam is known for the infamous Red Light District in the medieval city center of De Wallen. Although the area is not very family friendly and full of nightlife activities, the windows lined with red lights and the canal in the center is a landmark of Amsterdam.
As soon as you arrive in Amsterdam, you will notice an abundance of locals and tourists traveling on bicycle around the city. Join in on the fun and hop on a bike to live like a local or take a tour of the city alongside bikers.
Amsterdam is known for their numerous canals and narrow houses. The city takes living on the water to a new level and some locals even live on houseboats in the canals. Have you ever wondered what it’s like living on a boat? Tour the Houseboat Museum to find out.
Don’t miss your instagram opportunity at the Flower Market in Amsterdam! Whether you come in the spring when the city is blooming with tulips or in the colder months during the winter, you will have no trouble finding flowers. Complete with floating flowers and souvenirs everywhere, the Flower Market is a nature lover’s paradise.
9. Canal Cruise
There are plenty of chances to get on the water in Amsterdam. Check out the city from the canals with a canal cruise during the day or at night. Many different companies offer different packages including a dinner cruise, booze cruise, city tour, and so much more.
10. Visit Windmills
You can’t go to Holland without visiting windmills! Zaanse Schans is one of many windhill museums throughout the Netherlands open all year round. Learn more about the history of the country and the windmills themselves.