Explore this tourist magnet on your own, without the crowds, from its church that doesn’t look like one to cheese tastings and dike day trips.
This ultramodern building may seem out of place in Amsterdam, yet it instantly draws your eye. Boasting sections dedicated to human body and mind as well as hands-on high tech gadgets for visitors of all ages – particularly kids – NEMO is an engaging attraction perfect for young visitors. With Cathay Pacific flights you have access to all routes you would want, as Melbourne to Amsterdam.
Vondelpark
Vondelpark, Amsterdam’s most-visited green space and gathering point for both locals and tourists, provides a shady oasis in the middle of city that provides endless entertainment. Boasting sprawling expanses of greenery dotted with peaceful ponds connected by pathways, rose gardens with over 70 varieties of flowers, theatre/dance performance space from May through September as well as a large playground offering skate rentals, this vast park provides endless fun and relaxation.
The park got its name from a statue of poet and playwright Joost van den Vondel, widely acclaimed as one of the greatest Dutch literary figures. Additionally, this park features an enchanting fountain featuring three levels and four statues depicting mythological figures, plus in summer months there’s even a Kinderbaje where children can safely swim freely.
Vondelpark offers the ideal way to unwind after exploring art at nearby museums, with its numerous cafes and restaurants providing ample opportunity for restful respite amidst spectacular canals and historic structures. Plus, with its breathtaking vantage points over Amsterdam – including The Amsterdam Lookout which opened its doors back in 2016 – photography enthusiasts should make time to visit as well!
Roemer Visscherstraat, known as the Dutch Flower Market, offers another great place to relax and refresh during your travels. Every Monday to Saturday this picturesque avenue becomes alive with colors and scents of tulips; providing the ideal opportunity to pick up souvenirs for loved ones back home.
Van Gogh Museum
The Van Gogh Museum is renowned among art enthusiasts. Showcasing Vincent van Gogh’s extensive collection of paintings and drawings chronologically organized to depict various stages in his life and work, it stands as an iconic attraction.
The museum provides numerous useful online resources that enable visitors to easily learn about artists and their creative process, plan your visit to the museum, view rotating exhibits or special events taking place there – be sure to visit its website before your trip and see what’s currently on display.
Prefer booking your tickets online prior to visiting, particularly during high season, as this will prevent long lines at the museum and guarantee you get in. Furthermore, try visiting on weekdays instead of weekends for maximum efficiency and enjoyment!
There are various tours you can take at the museum. Private ones might focus on specific collections or pieces by Van Gogh; or alternatively you could book a joint guided tour with Rijksmuseum, so as to cover both museums on one day without missing anything!
The Van Gogh Museum can be found at Museumplein and can be reached by tram or bus, or with an Amsterdam city pass. Tickets should be reserved well in advance to avoid disappointment – otherwise consider visiting other nearby museums instead.
Jordaan
The Jordaan district, with its flower-lined canals and charming cobbled streets, is one of the city’s most beloved neighborhoods. Here you will find some of the city’s top attractions as well as lesser-known ones such as Woonboots Museum (a floating houseboat museum) and Amsterdam Cheese Museum.
Prinsengracht, Lijnbaansgracht, Passeerdersgracht and Brouwersgracht on Amsterdam’s west side comprise its main ring of canals (known as grachten) where once lived working class and emigrant populations; now this district attracts students, young professionals, families and tourists who come here for its picturesque architecture, shops and cafes/restaurants.
Stroll through the narrow streets of Jordaan district to view its gorgeous 17th-century houses and courtyards, especially its Westertoren tower, which stands prominently at a corner and can be seen throughout the neighborhood. Also notable is Noorderkerk church built during 17th century as Protestant worship space that served poor residents while wealthy individuals attended Westerkerk nearby.
The Jordaan is home to several markets. Lindengracht market takes place every Saturday morning and offers Dutch produce and flowers at competitive prices. Furthermore, you can visit Noordermarkt Farmers’ Market which opens up on Monday morning selling everything from old-fashioned Dutch plates and pots, flowers and linen. Additionally, visit De Hortus Botanicus botanical Garden which was established in 1638 – featuring incredible structures such as its glass dome palm house as well as greenhouses and conservatories!
Anne Frank House
Travelers visiting Amsterdam often prioritize visiting Anne Frank House as one of their primary activities, and rightfully so. Stepping inside her hiding rooms puts the Holocaust into personal perspective while providing a vivid illustration of its dark nature.
Book tickets online early to avoid long lines at the museum and add depth and richness to your visit by purchasing an Anne Frank related walking tour ticket – but beware – these often sell out fast.
The museum building was constructed as a theater in 1892, but during World War II the Nazis used it as an internment camp to hold Jewish people who would later be transported to death camps of Auschwitz in Poland. Viewing rooms where families resided and reading about their experiences brings home how devastating and tragic this genocide was.
Otto Frank and members of his company who assisted the families to hide, as well as original items from that era are located on the lower floors. Access is wheelchair friendly and there are elevators for convenient travel; photography is prohibited to maintain an uplifting, reflective experience in this attraction; please allow approximately an hour for your visit.
Our Lord in the Attic
History lovers will surely love visiting this historic landmark: it is an interesting house church built during the 17th century when religious freedom in the Netherlands was limited and Catholic worship took place secretly. Now it serves as a museum where visitors can experience what it would have been like living in period Dutch homes as well as seeing its full church located in its attic!
Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder (Our Lord in the Attic) Museum is one of Amsterdam’s oldest museums and second only to Rijksmuseum in terms of age. What sets this museum apart is its unusual 17th-century canal house design featuring an attic church which had services following Protestant Reformation until its closure in 1887.
Visitors to the museum may explore its front rooms, between room, hall, church and lady chapel as well as its collection of paintings and religious artifacts. Furthermore, guided tours are available for an additional fee in English, Dutch and German – additionally co-visits are possible for disabled individuals.
Our Lord in the Attic Museum is open from Tuesday through Sunday and is located on Oudezijds Voorburgwal in Amsterdam. For access, visitors may walk or use public transit; walking takes about ten minutes from Central Station; you can book admission tickets online through their official website as well as purchasing an iAmsterdam City Card to save money on entrance tickets.
