Amsterdam is the capital city of the Netherlands, located in the region of Holland (comprised of the states of North Holland and South Holland). The city has a population of approximately 900,000 people and 1 million bikes. With so many people on bikes, it is important to be careful when you cross the street! In the 17th century, Amsterdam was the most important trading hub in Europe and the leading financial center in the Western world. When they were built, houses located along the canals of Amsterdam were primarily owned by the rich merchants of the city. A good way to explore and see much of the city is from the waterside, especially by taking a boat ride through the canals. These canals were dug during the 17th century and are now a UNESCO world heritage site. The Dam Square is the oldest square in the city and is still considered the heart of the city today.
What could you do in your free time?
The Royal Palace, located on the Dam Square, was built in the 1600s as the city hall. Napolean’s brother, Louis, turned it into his palace when he moved to Amsterdam in 1808 after he was inaugurated king in 1806. Today, it is still in the possession of the Dutch Royal Family and is a museum where visitors can see luxurious rooms with beautiful interiors, including marble floors, chandeliers, painted ceilings, and artworks. Tickets cost € 12.50 audio tour included, and the museum is open where there are no royal receptions.
You can see reproductions of the Dutch royals and other famous people at the Madame Tussaud wax museum. Tickets cost € 26.50 per person or you can purchase discounted tickets online.
Next to the Royal Palace you will find the Nieuwe Kerk – the New Church. They started building the church in the 15th century in a gothic style. The planned tower was never completed. King Willem Alexander was inaugurated king here in 2013. Take a look at the website for current exhibitions. Tickets cost € 12.50 per person.
The New Church was built right after the old one became too small. But the Oude Kerk (“Old Church”) is still there, in the heart of the Red-Light District. It is the oldest existing building of Amsterdam – more than 700 years old. It has gothic, vaulted ceilings, a chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary and stained-glass windows. Many people are buried inside the church, including Saskia, the wife of Rembrandt. Nowadays, the church mixes old and new by hosting exhibitions of contemporary art. Tickets cost € 13.40 per person.
Located at the Dam Square Is the National Monument – an obelisk made of white stone, to remember the victims of World War II.
Visit the Bijenkorf department store for some shopping. It has a good restaurant and free restrooms on the top floor.
Begijnhof was the home of the beguines, a catholic sisterhood that used to live like nuns but without the formal vows. Their former houses are situated in a hidden medieval courtyard. One of the oldest houses of Amsterdam built in 1528 can be seen here.
Try Dutch fries, eaten with mayonnaise or sate sauce (peanut-based sauce), a result of the relationship during colonial times with Indonesia.
A great option for lunch is to try Dutch pancakes or pofferties (smaller and thicker kind of pancakes, eaten with powdered sugar).
Try and buy the Dutch stroopwafels (syrup waffles), two thin cookies with a layer of caramel between them. You can purchase them in packages as a good souvenir to bring home.
Shopping along the Kalverstraat, Rokin, or Nieuwendijk streets are great places to find small stores and boutiques. Also, the Negen Straatjes, or the “Nine (Little) Streets” area, is a popular place to go shopping in boutiques, art galleries, and vintage shops where you can find Dutch designs.