Amsterdam – something for everyone

Amsterdam is often referred to as one of the most colourful cities in the world. And rightly so! Where else do you find so many places of interest, famous museums, fun shops and flower markets? And not forgetting the infamous red light district which comes alive at night and is packed with coffee shops, bars and restaurants.

Shopping and Sightseeing

Canal Cruises
Waterways, shaded by leafy green, reflect five centuries of architectural glory…. To this very day a walk through the narrow streets of Amsterdam gives the walker glimpses between buildings that have inspired generations of artists. There is an even better way of discovering the magnificent narrow streets, namely a cruise along the canals. You can enjoy such a cruise throughout the year. The possibilities range from standard canal cruises lasting one hour through to cruises of four hours including dinner. In the evening you can experience special candlelight cruises, cruising through the lighted centre of Amsterdam.

Diamonds are forever
When the diamond trade was introduced to Amsterdam in the 16th century, this city developed into one of the world's most important diamond centres. After the Second World War almost nothing remained of this. During the War more than 2000 Jewish diamond polishers disappeared from Amsterdam into concentration camps in Germany and Poland. After the war the diamond trade was in part returned to its former glory due to the efforts of the diamond merchants and help from abroad. Nowadays the diamond trade attracts millions of tourists and buyers from around the world. Most diamond polishers as well as diamond traders give demonstrations in diamond cutting.

Van Gogh Museum
A visit to the Van Gogh Museum is a unique experience. There is no other place in the world where you can see so many of Vincent van Gogh’s paintings under one roof. The Museum is situated on the Museumplein in Amsterdam, between the Rijksmuseum and the Stedelijk Museum. The Museum's collection is in three parts. The Van Gogh collection, work from other artists and the collection concerning the Van Gogh Museum’s history.

A touch of Royalty
Built 350 years ago as the city hall of Amsterdam, the Royal Palace is located on the Dam in Amsterdam. It is not Queen Beatrix’s place of residence but she occasionally receives important guests there. Then the red carpet is rolled out and the Dutch flag flies above the Palace. When the important guests have departed, everyone can take a glimpse of the Palace.

Rembrandt House Museum
The Rembrandt House Museum is located in the former residence of famous Dutch painter Rembrandt van Rijn. The exterior and the interior of the house are exactly the way they were when he lived here in the 17th century. When crossing the threshold you quite literally step into the life of this Dutch master. You can look around his studio, his living quarters and his art and curiosity cabinet. This is a unique room, filled to the rafters with objects Rembrandt collected. Items from around the world found a place here, including stuffed animals, unusual weapons, plaster busts and colourful shells.

For the more adventurous

Heineken Experience
The Heineken Reception Center in Amsterdam has been completely renovated. Now called the Heineken Experience, this multimedia event acquaints you with the world of Heineken, the world’s largest beer exporter. The presentation is both fun and educational. In addition to guided group tours, individual visitors can map out their own route. Whether you discover the ins and outs of Heineken beer by yourself or in a group, the tour ends with some glasses of this world famous golden beer. Cheers!

Witness Holland in bloom
Holland and flowers are often mentioned in the same breath. During the spring in Southern Holland the flowers in the bulb fields between Haarlem and Sassenheim (near Leiden) are in full bloom. One of the best and most popular ways of seeing the bulb fields is by bicycle which allows you to cycle between the bright red, yellow and purple coloured fields. A ‘Flower Bulb Route’ Map can be purchased from the VVV (Tourist Information Office). The route, which is 30 kilometres long, also takes you past the Keukenhof. The best time of year to see this beautiful array of colours is around mid-April (although this can vary slightly depending on the weather).

Holland Casino
If you visit the Holland casino you are guaranteed an exhilarating evening out. You can try your luck at the game tables and enjoy seeing others take a chance. Also take a look at the highly colourful glass dome above the game hall.
Location: Max Euweplein 62

Dance the night away
In Amsterdam you can enjoy dancing into the early hours at various venues. The best-known discos in the centre are Odeon, Escape, Paradiso, Soulkitchen and the Melkweg. Further out from the centre you can dance at the Arena Club.

Escape ~ Amsterdam's largest discotheque
Location: Rembrandtplein 11

Arena Club ~ Club based in an old chapel!
Location: ‘s Gravezandestraat 51

Paradiso ~ Club based in a converted church
Location: Weteringsschans 6-8

Odeon ~ Each floor offers a different taste in music
Location: Singel 460

Melkweg ~ New bands play here frequently and the club features non-Western music
Location: Lijnbaansgracht 234A

Margaritas ~ This club specialises in Caribbean dance
Location: Reguliersdwarsstraat 114

Dansen bij Jansen ~ A main student venue
Location: Handboogsteeg 11