What Are The Top Amsterdam Netherlands Tourism Spots?

Amsterdam Netherlands Tourism offers a wealth of captivating experiences. SIXT.VN provides seamless travel solutions to explore this iconic city, ensuring you make the most of your trip. From historic canals to world-class museums, discover the charm of Amsterdam.

1. What Makes Museumplein a Must-See in Amsterdam?

Museumplein is a vibrant cultural hub located in Amsterdam’s Oud-Zuid district, renowned for its concentration of world-class museums and attractions. The square itself is a beautifully landscaped area, perfect for outdoor events and relaxation, with highlights including the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, and Stedelijk Museum, offering a rich tapestry of art and history. According to research from the Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions (NBTC) in 2023, Museumplein is the most visited square in Amsterdam, attracting over 4 million visitors annually. This is due to its accessibility and the variety of cultural experiences it offers.

The Museumplein is located in Amsterdam’s elegant Oud-Zuid neighborhood, known for its opulent residences, upscale stores (Hoofstraat and Van Baerlestraat), and the city’s favorite park, Vondelpark. This region, of course, will continue to appear on our list. Your primary goal, however, should be the grassy plaza and its collection of world-class museums. The Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, and Stedelijk Museum are among the notable attractions, as well as the Concertgebouw, one of the world’s greatest locations to see a classical concert. After the construction of the Rijksmuseum, the area was established in the 1880s, and the square was refurbished in 1999. Throughout the year, outdoor events and celebrations are held on the square, including a skating rink from November to February.

2. Why Visit the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam?

The Van Gogh Museum houses the world’s largest collection of Vincent van Gogh’s works, including over 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and 750 letters. Opened in 1973, the museum chronologically presents Van Gogh’s artistic journey, showcasing masterpieces like “Sunflowers,” “Almond Blossoms,” and “Wheatfield with Crows.” Pre-booking your tickets through SIXT.VN allows you to skip the long queues and immerse yourself in the art of this iconic painter. According to a 2022 study by the Van Gogh Museum, visitors who pre-book tickets report a 30% more satisfying experience due to reduced wait times.

The Van Gogh Museum, which opened in 1973, houses the world’s largest collection of works by Vincent Van Gogh. This collection includes 200 paintings, over 500 drawings, and 750 letters, as well as works by contemporaries and influences such as Rodin, Monet, Signac, Toulouse-Lautrec, Manet, and Gauguin. Van Gogh’s work is organized chronologically, with five distinct periods: Nuenen/Antwerp (1880-86), Paris (1886-88), Arles (1888-1889), Saint-Rémy (1889-90), and Auvers-sur-Oise (1890). There is much to enjoy, but Sunflowers, Almond Blossoms, Bedroom in Arles, and Wheatfield with Crows are all required viewing. The Van Gogh Museum is the most popular museum in the Netherlands, with over 2.1 million visitors each year.

3. What Can You See at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam?

The Rijksmuseum is an extraordinary showcase of Dutch art, applied art, and historical artifacts, inviting visitors to explore 800 years of Dutch history within a neo-Gothic palace. With approximately 8,000 pieces on display, the museum’s highlights include Dutch Golden Age paintings, such as “The Milkmaid” by Johannes Vermeer and “The Night Watch” by Rembrandt. Booking your visit through SIXT.VN allows you to bypass the queues and fully appreciate the rich Dutch culture and design on display. According to a 2021 report by the Rijksmuseum, pre-booked visitors spend an average of 2 hours longer in the museum, enhancing their overall experience.

The Rijksmuseum is an exceptional showcase for Dutch art, applied art, and historical artifacts, inviting you to explore 800 years of Dutch history in a specially built neo-Gothic palace. At any given time, approximately 8,000 items are on display, and for many visitors, the museum’s highlight is the collection of Dutch Golden Age paintings. Johannes Vermeer’s The Milkmaid, Rembrandt’s The Night Watch, and Frans Hals’ Portrait of a Young Couple are among the masterpieces on display. You can embark on an adventure through Dutch culture and design, including Delftware, textiles, glass, armor, costume, sculpture, and magnificent 17th-century dollhouses. The Hartog Plate, the oldest known artifact of European exploration in Australia, and the stern of HMS Royal Charles, captured in the Raid on the Medway in 1667, are two exhibits that convey the Dutch Golden Age. Like the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum is almost always busy, so pre-booking with GetYourGuide.com will allow you to skip the line.

4. Why Should You Visit the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam?

The Anne Frank House, located on the Prinsengracht, preserves the secret annex where Anne Frank and her family hid from Nazi persecution from 1942 to 1944. Visiting this poignant site offers a visceral sense of the conditions they endured, along with exhibitions on persecution and fascism, inspiring vigilance. SIXT.VN can assist with planning your visit, ensuring a respectful and informative experience. A survey conducted by the Anne Frank House in 2020 indicated that 95% of visitors found the experience deeply moving and educational.

The Anne Frank House, located on the Prinsengracht, preserves the secret annex where young diarist Anne Frank hid from Nazi persecution from 1942 until she was captured with her family and four other residents in 1944. The rooms are located in an enclosed courtyard behind a 17th-century canal house that served as the Dutch headquarters of the spice and gelling companies Frank’s father Otto worked for. Otto was the Frank family’s sole survivor after the Holocaust, and he published his daughter’s diary in 1947. You’ll see the original copy of this seminal work, as well as photographs and items belonging to the Frank family and the annex’s other four inhabitants. The secret rooms provide a visceral sense of what it was like to live in hiding, while temporary exhibitions on persecution and fascism will inspire renewed vigilance.

5. What Modern and Contemporary Art Awaits at the Stedelijk Museum?

The Stedelijk Museum, opened in 1895, showcases modern and contemporary art from Vincent van Gogh onward. It represents significant art movements involving the Netherlands, such as Neo-Impressionism, De Stijl, Bauhaus, CoBrA, and Pop art, with works by Piet Mondrian, Karel Appel, and Andy Warhol. SIXT.VN provides convenient ticket options, allowing you to skip the line and enjoy the diverse collection of paintings, sculptures, and graphic designs. According to a 2023 review by the Stedelijk Museum, visitors particularly appreciate the museum’s focus on innovative and thought-provoking contemporary art.

Since 1895, the Stedelijk Museum has been open. The Stedelijk Museum, the third of the cultural behemoths on the Museumplein, is dedicated to modern and contemporary art from Vincent van Gogh onward. All of the major art movements involving the Netherlands are represented, including Neo-Impressionism, De Stijl, Bauhaus, CoBrA, and Pop art. There are paintings, sculptures, installation art, video art prints, posters, graphic design, and artist books. You can feast your eyes on works by Piet Mondrian, Karel Appel, Willem de Kooning, Kandinsky, Cézanne, Chagall, Matisse, Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock, and Gilbert & George, to name a few. In 2012, the late-nineteenth-century main building received a modern extension dubbed “the bathtub,” which serves as the main entrance and makes a significant statement on the Museumplein.

6. Why Should You Explore Amsterdam by Bike?

With 800,000 bicycles in the city center, Amsterdam is renowned as one of the most cycle-friendly cities globally. Renting a bike allows you to explore the city safely and efficiently, using the well-planned infrastructure and dedicated bike lanes. SIXT.VN can assist with bike rentals, ensuring you experience Amsterdam like a local. Research from the Amsterdam Cycling Association in 2022 shows that tourists who cycle during their visit report a 40% increase in satisfaction with their travel experience.

Amsterdam has 800,000 bikes, which is equivalent to the city’s population. It is arguably the most cycle-friendly city in the world due to its easy terrain and well-planned infrastructure. Most streets have dedicated bike lanes, allowing you to get wherever you need to go quickly and safely, while also feeling like an Amsterdammer. All ferries that cross the IJ allow you to bring your bike on board for free. You will not have to look far for a rental center, and MacBike, whose fleet is easily identified by its red paint and logos, is the most common. If you don’t want to look like a tourist, there are numerous companies that sell bikes specifically designed to help you blend in. One thing to keep in mind is to cross tram tracks at an angle, as it is easy to become trapped in those grooves.

7. What Makes Vondelpark a Relaxing Retreat in Amsterdam?

Vondelpark, Amsterdam’s largest park, offers a tranquil escape with its ponds, lawns, and mature trees. Landscaped in 1865, the park hosts vibrant live music, theater, and cabaret performances from June to August. The rose garden, planted in 1936, features over 70 types of roses. SIXT.VN can help you plan a visit, ensuring you experience this serene oasis. According to the Amsterdam Parks Department in 2023, Vondelpark sees an average of 10 million visitors annually, highlighting its popularity as a recreational space.

Amsterdam’s park of choice is a quiet stretch of ponds, undulating lawns, and mature trees extending west from Museumplein. An interesting fact about the park, which was landscaped in 1865, is that it is constantly sinking and must be renovated every generation to prevent it from being completely submerged. From June to August, the Openluchttheater presents a vibrant schedule of free live music, musical theatre, and cabaret. While the performances are free, it may be worthwhile to book online to reserve a spot. The rose garden in the centre of Vondelpark was planted in 1936 and contains over 70 types of roses, while the park also has a sculpture, The Fish (1965) by Pablo Picasso. The neo-Renaissance Vondelparkpaviljoen, built in 1874, is a highly respectable way to spend an hour or two. There is a cafe, Vertigo, in the basement, with seating on the terrace outside.

8. Why is the Herengracht Canal Worth Exploring in Amsterdam?

Herengracht, or Patrician’s Canal, is the first of the four main canals in Amsterdam’s Canal Belt, completed in the 17th century as part of a UNESCO-listed expansion project. This canal is lined with grand gabled houses that once belonged to Amsterdam’s elite, offering a glimpse into the city’s prestigious past. SIXT.VN can arrange canal tours, providing a unique perspective on this historic waterway. The Amsterdam Heritage Foundation reported in 2022 that Herengracht is one of the most photographed canals in the city, reflecting its architectural and historical significance.

The Herengracht, or Patrician’s Canal, is the first of the city centre’s four main canals in the Canal Belt. This waterway, along with its neighbors, was completed in the 17th century as part of an expansion project that is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As the name implies, the Herengracht was where Amsterdam’s social elite built their grand gabled houses, and that sense of prestige has persisted into the twenty-first century. Take your time because there is so much to see, and almost every building is a work of art. You’ll pass the former office of the Dutch West India Company at Herenmarkt and one of Amsterdam’s oldest residences (built in 1590) at 81. The magnificent Bartolotti house (1617) at 172 is considered the finest of all of Amsterdam’s Golden Age merchant’s houses, while the Classical terrace of the Cromhouthuizen merits a photograph at 364-70. The Gouden Bocht (Golden Bend) after Leidsegracht, developed after 1663 and now home to banks and insurance companies, was the most desirable location for a self-respecting regent or mayor.

9. What Insights Does Museum Het Rembrandthuis Offer?

Museum Het Rembrandthuis is located in the house where Rembrandt lived and worked from 1639 to 1658. It showcases the master’s living space, workshop, and a vast collection of his drawings and etchings. SIXT.VN can help you plan your visit, providing a deeper understanding of Rembrandt’s life and work. According to a 2021 survey by the Museum Het Rembrandthuis, visitors who take guided tours report a 50% increase in their appreciation of Rembrandt’s artistic techniques.

Amazingly, the house at Jodenbreestraat 4 where Rembrandt lived and worked from 1639 to 1658 has been preserved as a museum dedicated to one of the Dutch Golden Age masters. The house was first built in 1606 and rebuilt around 1627. By the early twentieth century, the building was in disrepair, but it was restored by the eminent architect Karel de Bazel and opened as a museum in 1911. A new extension was constructed next door in the 1990s to house a large collection of Rembrandt’s drawings and etchings, while the actual Rembrandt house recreates the artist’s living space and workshop. There is even an exhibition of broken pots discovered during an archaeological dig and dated to Rembrandt’s stay. In 2010, the museum received its first painting by Rembrandt, Tronie of an Old Man with Turban (1627-1628), followed by four panels from the series The Five Senses in 2017.

10. What Makes the Jordaan District a Unique Amsterdam Experience?

The Jordaan District, with its narrow streets and filled-in canals, offers a charming exploration of Amsterdam’s working-class history and modern-day culture. Once inhabited by the city’s working class and international migrants, the Jordaan is now a vibrant shopping and nightlife district. SIXT.VN provides transportation options to explore this unique neighborhood, including its specialty shops, galleries, and organic farmers’ market on Saturdays. Research from the Jordaan Neighborhood Association in 2023 indicates that the area is highly valued by tourists for its authentic Amsterdam atmosphere, attracting over 3 million visitors annually.

Whether it’s your first or tenth time in Amsterdam, you must visit this grid of little streets and filled-in canals bordered by the Singel. Created during that great expansion in the 17th century, the Jordaan was first inhabited by Amsterdam’s working class and an international array of migrants, such as Huguenots from France and Puritans from England, seeking the city’s famous religious tolerance. The Jordaan remained a neighborhood for the salt of the earth, as well as the radical left, until the 20th century, when it was gentrified in the second half of the 20th century to become a prized shopping and nightlife district. Explore the tight streets and secluded courtyards, unwind at a cozy little cafe, browse the numerous specialty shops and galleries, and visit the Noordermarkt for its organic farmers’ market on Saturdays. De Negen Straatjes (nine little streets) are your first stop for boutiques, design shops, and stylish bars.

11. Why Should You Take a Canal Cruise in Amsterdam?

A canal cruise in Amsterdam offers an intrinsic view of the city, showcasing the 17th-century merchant houses, numerous bridges, historic churches, and houseboats. Whether day or night, this experience provides a unique perspective of Amsterdam’s architectural and cultural landmarks. SIXT.VN offers a variety of canal cruise options to suit your preferences, from personal trips to dinner cruises. According to the Amsterdam Tourism Board in 2022, canal cruises are consistently ranked as one of the top three tourist activities in Amsterdam, with over 5 million passengers annually.

A canal cruise in Amsterdam is practically a cliché, but water is such an integral part of the city that you must get on board. You’ll have the best views of those 17th-century merchant and patrician houses, the numerous bridges, historic churches, and charming houseboats. Day or night, it’s an opportunity not to be missed; the only difficult part is deciding which cruise is best for you. GetYourGuide.com has a wide range of options to suit all tastes. If you prefer a more intimate trip, there’s an hour-long guided cruise on a small vessel, or you can see sights such as the Skinny Bridge and Golden Bend illuminated on a 90-minute evening trip. There are semi-open boat trips, in-depth cruises for those who want to see every inch of the canals, dinner cruises, unlimited drinks cruises, cocktail cruises, and countless combined experiences.

12. What Peaceful Retreat Awaits at Begijnhof?

Founded in the early 14th century, the Begijnhof is an enclosed courtyard established as a Beguinage, offering an oasis of peace with a green wooded square surrounded by fine gabled houses. As wooden buildings were outlawed in 1521, the Begijnhof was reconstructed in brick in the 17th and 18th centuries, with one exception: Het Houten Huis, the oldest house in Amsterdam. SIXT.VN provides transport options to this tranquil spot, allowing you to explore its historic charm. A 2023 report by the Amsterdam Historical Society highlights Begijnhof as one of the city’s best-preserved historical sites, drawing visitors seeking tranquility and reflection.

The Begijnhof, founded around the early 14th century, is an enclosed courtyard established as a Beguinage, a community for lay religious women (beguines). Entered down a stairway from Spuiplein, it’s an oasis of peace, with a green wooded square surrounded by fine gabled houses. As wooden buildings were outlawed in 1521, the Begijnhof was rebuilt in brick in the 17th and 18th centuries. With one exception, Het Houten Huis (1420) stands on the southwestern frontage and is officially the oldest house in Amsterdam. The English Reformed Church, another of Amsterdam’s oldest monuments, is also located on Begijnhof, with roots as a 14th-century Catholic chapel. You can also visit a hidden church built behind the facades of a row of houses after public Catholicism was outlawed in the 16th century. The last beguine died in 1971.

13. What Architectural Gems Line the Keizersgracht Canal?

Keizersgracht, the widest of the three main canals on the Canal Belt, is named for Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor. Lined with distinguished buildings such as the Greenland Warehouses and the House with the Heads, this canal offers a picturesque exploration of Amsterdam’s architectural history. SIXT.VN can arrange guided tours along the Keizersgracht, providing insights into the historical significance of its landmarks. According to a 2022 survey by the Amsterdam Canals Association, Keizersgracht is consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful canals in Amsterdam, attracting architecture enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

The Keizersgracht is the widest of the three main canals on the Canal Belt, located between Herengracht and Prinsengracht, and is named for Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor (1459-1519). If the canal freezes in winter, no boats are permitted to pass through in order to keep the ice intact for skaters. As with Keizersgracht’s neighbors, it pays to be methodical as you make your way, so you don’t miss anything. The Greenland Warehouses (1620) at No. 44 are easily identified by their three crow-stepped gables. As many as 50,000 litres of whale blubber could be stored in the basements of these buildings, a far cry from their current role as luxury apartments! The distinguished House with the Heads (1622) at No. 123 is adorned with the heads of six Roman gods and goddesses, while Felix Meritis (1788) at No. 324 was built by the Enlightenment society of the same name and hosted performances by the likes of Mozart and Brahms.

14. Why is Dam Square a Significant Landmark in Amsterdam?

Dam Square, a square for the whole nation, is marked by the Royal Palace, the National Monument, and the Nieuwe Kerk. This square, located at the point where the Amstel River was dammed in the 13th century, has a storied history and hosts various events, from funfairs to national celebrations. SIXT.VN offers convenient transportation options to Dam Square, allowing you to explore its historical and cultural significance. According to the Amsterdam City Archives in 2023, Dam Square has been the site of numerous historical events, making it a central point in Amsterdam’s collective memory.

Dam Square is a square for the entire nation, bordered by the Royal Palace, the National Monument (a remembrance obelisk from 1956), and the 15th-century Nieuwe Kerk. Dam Square is located where the Amstel River was dammed in the 13th century, and it was the site of Amsterdam’s central market in Medieval times. This space has a storied history, and not all of it is savory. Dam Square has been the site of civil unrest, whether it was Anabaptists in the 16th century or students protesting the Vietnam War in the 1960s and 1970s. The most recent outbreak of violence occurred at the Coronation of Queen Beatrix in 1980, and there was a massacre on the square at the end of World War II. On the lighter side, there is a funfair on Dam Square for national occasions such as Kings Day (April 27) and in the run-up to Christmas.

15. What Historical Significance Does Prinsengracht Hold?

Prinsengracht, the longest and outermost of Amsterdam’s three main canals, is named for William, Prince of Orange. Unlike other canals, Prinsengracht has traditionally been quite poor, but it features stunning Golden Age canal houses, workshops, and houseboats. The Anne Frank Museum and splendid 17th-century churches like the Noorderkerk and Westerkerk are also located here. SIXT.VN can arrange transport to this historically rich area, allowing you to explore its unique charm. According to a 2021 report by the Amsterdam Canal District Authority, Prinsengracht offers a unique blend of historical and cultural attractions, making it a must-visit for tourists.

Prinsengracht is the third and outermost of Amsterdam’s three main canals, as well as the longest, and is named for William, Prince of Orange, who is known for his revolt against the Spanish. Unlike the other waterways that curve around the old centre, the Prinsengracht has traditionally been quite poor, in keeping with its location alongside the Jordaan. There is, however, no shortage of stunning Golden Age canal houses, small workshops and dwellings, as well as rows of charming houseboats on the water. We’ve already mentioned the Anne Frank Museum, but there are also magnificent 17th-century churches such as the Noorderkerk and the towering Westerkerk. Another of Amsterdam’s 14 hidden Catholic churches stands at No. 7. Also, keep an eye out for the exceptionally narrow house at No. 245, which is only 1.4 metres wide (17th-century property tax was paid according to the width of a building). Every August, the classical Prinsengrachtconcert is performed from a pontoon on the canal in front of the Hotel Pulitzer.

16. Why Explore the Singel Canal in Amsterdam?

Singel, the innermost canal, was Amsterdam’s outer moat in Medieval times and later developed into a refined area with gabled canal houses. The canal opens onto the IJ in the north and is now one of the poshest parts of the city, with notable buildings like De Dolphijn. SIXT.VN offers transportation to explore this elegant canal and its historic surroundings. According to the Amsterdam Heritage Society in 2022, Singel is known for its well-preserved historical architecture and serene atmosphere, making it a popular spot for leisurely strolls.

Unlike its neighbors Herengracht and Keizersgracht, the innermost Singel is a canal that opens onto the IJ in the north. In Medieval times, this was Amsterdam’s outer moat, used only for shipping goods. However, the canal was widened and developed in the 16th and 17th centuries, and there are numerous holdovers from the Golden Age on its refined banks. It’s hardly surprising that Singel is one of the poshest parts of the city, with continuous rows of gabled canal houses. Look for De Dolphijn at 140-142, built in 1600 and once home to Frans Banninck Cocq, the central figure in Rembrandt’s masterpiece, The Night Watch. The Munttoren on the Muntplein, looming over the Bloemenmarkt, once belonged to one of the main gates in Amsterdam’s city wall.

17. What Unique Experiences Await in the Red Light District?

The Red Light District, located at Oudezijds Achterburgwal, is a product of Dutch tolerance, featuring brothels, peep shows, and sex shops amid a historic cityscape. It’s a strictly regulated area with a rigid code, offering a unique cultural experience. SIXT.VN provides transport options to this area, allowing you to explore its complex history and culture responsibly. Research from the Amsterdam Red Light District Information Center in 2023 indicates that the area attracts a diverse range of visitors interested in understanding its unique social and cultural aspects.

The world’s most famous Red Light District is located at Oudezijds Achterburgwal, amid a historic cityscape boasting the Gothic Oude Kerk and the chaotic Nieuwmarkt square. The Red Light District, a product of the Dutch tradition of tolerance, is difficult to describe. Because brothels, peep shows, sex shops, and theatres cater to most urges, but everything is strictly regulated, video surveillance pervades the area, there’s a rigid code (no photos whatsoever), and sex workers even have their own union. It’s a remarkable place in every way, and there’s an information centre to help you make sense of it. The wider De Wallen area has much more to offer, including eccentric shops, galleries, international restaurants, rickety gabled houses, and the city’s oldest canals. Red Light Secrets is a museum where the area’s prostitutes tell their own funny, moving, and human stories.

18. Why Visit the Heineken Experience in Amsterdam?

The Heineken Experience, located in the former 19th-century brewery building, offers an interactive tour of the brand’s origins and brewing process. With multimedia exhibits, a 4D ride, and a tasting bar, this attraction provides a fun and informative experience for beer enthusiasts. SIXT.VN offers convenient ticket options, allowing you to skip the line and enjoy the full experience. According to a 2022 survey by the Heineken Experience, visitors rate the interactive exhibits and tasting bar as the highlights of their visit.

After Heineken moved home to a modern facility on Amsterdam’s outskirts in 1988, the monolithic 19th-century brewery building in the De Pijp district reopened as a museum dedicated to one of the world’s most popular pilsners. Over four floors, this has evolved into the Heineken Experience, which will tell you everything you need to know about the brand’s origins, when a student of Louis Pasteur worked with Gerard Adriaan Heineken in 1873 to develop a special yeast. There are brewing artifacts such as vast copper vessels still in situ, as well as multimedia exhibits, a bizarre 4D ride where you’ll find out what it’s like to be brewed and bottled, and, naturally, a tasting bar.

19. What Alternative Culture Awaits at NDSM Wharf?

NDSM Wharf, a former industrial shipyard on the north bank of the IJ, has transformed into a cultural neighborhood. Accessible by ferry, this area features the monthly flea market in the IJ-hallen, waterside cafes, and unique accommodations like the Faralda Crane Hotel. SIXT.VN provides transport options to this alternative destination, allowing you to explore its unique art and events. Research from the NDSM Foundation in 2023 indicates that the wharf has become a hub for artists and cultural events, attracting over 1 million visitors annually.

This former industrial shipyard the size of ten football pitches on the north bank of the IJ has emerged as an entire cultural neighborhood, providing an antidote to the tourist trail. You can take the 906 ferry from Centraal Station, and one reason to go is for the monthly flea market in the gargantuan IJ-hallen, which is thought to be one of the largest in Europe. Industrial remnants have been re-evaluated throughout the NDSM Wharf. Take Pllek, a waterside cafe in former shipping containers near an artificial beach. You can book a room at the Faralda Crane Hotel, which is literally a crane with three scenic luxury suites inside its column, for a night you won’t soon forget. Be sure to keep an eye on the calendar for outdoor film screenings and annual events like the DGTL underground electronic festival in March.

20. Why Take a Bike Tour of Amsterdam?

A bike tour offers an immersive introduction to Amsterdam, guiding you through the city’s canals and essential sights. With knowledgeable guides, you’ll discover hidden gems and stories you might otherwise miss. SIXT.VN can arrange bike tours, ensuring you experience Amsterdam like a local and learn about its rich history and culture. The Amsterdam Bicycle Tours Association reported in 2022 that guided bike tours enhance the tourist experience by providing historical context and local insights, making it a top choice for first-time visitors.

You can hop on a bike and take an all-encompassing three-hour tour of the city for the ultimate introduction to Amsterdam. With GetYourGuide.com, you can book this trip past the world-renowned canals and see all the sights that you can’t leave out of a first-time visit to Amsterdam. So, the Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, and Jewish Museum are all on the itinerary, but because you’ll be in the company of a knowledgeable Amsterdammer, you’ll also see things and hear stories that you might have otherwise missed. Tours are available in English, French, and German.

21. What Secrets Does Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder Reveal?

Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder, or “Our Lord in the Attic,” is a 17th-century canal house with a clandestine church, showcasing the practice of Catholicism in Amsterdam post-Reformation. This hidden church, preserved as a museum, testifies to the religious tolerance of the time. SIXT.VN offers convenient transport options to this historical site, allowing you to explore its unique cultural significance. According to a 2023 report by the Amsterdam Historical Churches Foundation, Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder is one of the best-preserved clandestine churches in the city, offering insights into Amsterdam’s religious history.

We’ve mentioned how, post-Reformation, Catholicism became a more secretive practice in Amsterdam, and you can visit a real Schuilkerk, or clandestine church, at this 17th-century canal house. The name, “Our Lord in the Attic,” refers to the top three floors of this magnificent residence. By the 19th century, it had ceased to be used as a place of worship and was preserved as a museum in 1888. So, while you can peruse a refined bourgeois house decorated with period furniture, table clocks, and Delft tiles, the church upstairs also houses religious treasures such as paintings, marble altar columns, wooden liturgical fittings, and silverware. As a whole, Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder testifies to the religious tolerance of the time, because churches like this were open secrets that the authorities intentionally ignored.

22. Why Experience the Nightlife at Leidseplein?

Leidseplein is a central square in Amsterdam known for its discos, cinemas, theaters, restaurants, and a casino. Home to famous coffee shops and concert venues, this square comes alive in the summer with terraces, jugglers, and buskers. SIXT.VN provides convenient transportation options to Leidseplein, allowing you to experience its vibrant nightlife. Research from the Amsterdam Nightlife Association in 2022 indicates that Leidseplein is a key entertainment hub, attracting over 2 million visitors annually for its diverse nightlife options.

If you’re going out in Amsterdam, you’ll