Oh, Beautiful Amsterdam!

Amsterdam is probably one of the most vibrant and colorful cities I have seen. I love the open mentality and open-mindedness of the Dutch. 

The capital offers a number of attractive sights. Again and again you read that Amsterdam has more canals than Venice and more bicycles than people. This city is simply unique!

I’ve been to Amsterdam a few times and I don’t think I’ll ever get bored. The city is so versatile! Which sights and activities you should definitely do, I tell you in this blogpost. 

The Rijksmuseum 

The classic in Amsterdam par excellence is probably the Rijksmuseum. The Dutch national museum of art and history was founded in 1800. It is best known for Rembrandt’s Night Watch, one of the most important works of art in the world. The Rijksmuseum offers guided tours in different languages, but the outdoor area is also worth seeing. 

Ticket for one adult: 20 euros (under 19 years free!)
Opening hours: Daily from 09:00 to 17:00 
Location: Museumsstraat 1, Amsterdam 

Amsterdam Canal Cruise

A canal cruise is probably also quite a tourist classic in Amsterdam. As mentioned above, Amsterdam has more canals than Venice and I think that’s what makes the city so special. With a guided tour, you can get to know the city even better and experience it from completely new perspectives. For me, absolutely recommendable! 

Note: There are various providers with which you can travel. You can also book your ticket online in advance (about 16 euros per person). 

A Very Special Experience 

Since I have already been to Amsterdam several times, I have actually also experienced that the canals were completely frozen. So much so that you could literally skate on it. That was an absolute highlight for me! 

The Dam – Shopping in Amsterdam 

The Dutch capital not only offers a lot of sightseeing, but you can also go shopping here very well. The so-called Dam is the central starting point to begin your shopping day. The large, central square is located directly in front of the royal palace. By the way, you can also find some restaurants and pubs here! 

My Personal Highlight: The Anne Frank Museum 

However, my absolute highlight – as a history student this is probably no wonder – was the Anne Frank Museum. For this reason alone, a trip to Amsterdam is, in my opinion, always worth it! 

The exhibition gives an impression of Anne Frank’s life in the back house during the Second World War. For those who don’t know the story yet: In 1942, the young Anne Frank hid together with her family and another family in a back house in Amsterdam until they were discovered by the Nazis after 25 months and taken to the concentration camp. 

There, all but father Otto Frank perished in the most miserable way. In a diary that became world-famous afterwards, Anne reported on her life in the backhouse. 

Anne Frank’s story is always moving to hear. The museum gives you touching impressions. We were first informed and enlightened about Anne Frank’s story in the form of a group. Afterwards we were given an insight into the famous back house with a final diary room where original diary entries are exhibited. 

I think everyone should have visited the Anne Frank Museum once, because it is very thought-provoking.

Note: It’s best to buy your tickets online in advance, because you may not be able to get tickets on site! 
Admission prices for adults: 14 euros 
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 09:00 to 20:00; Friday to Sunday 09:00 to 22:00 
Location: Westermarkt 20 (entrance of the museum) 

That’s it for now with my highlights from Amsterdam. Feel free to watch the video below and get some vivid impressions of the beautiful Dutch capital!