The Rijksmuseum is a Dutch national museum dedicated to the arts and history of Amsterdam. It houses a vast collection of works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and other Dutch Masters. The museum is divided into several sections, including the Dutch Golden Age, Asian art, and sculptures.
The Anne Frank House is a museum dedicated to the Jewish wartime diarist Anne Frank and her family, who hid in a secret annex during World War II. After visiting the museum, take a walk around the Jordaan neighborhood, known for its beautiful canal houses and trendy shops.
The Van Gogh Museum houses the world's largest collection of works by Vincent van Gogh, including The Sunflowers and The Starry Night. After the museum, visit Vondelpark, Amsterdam's largest park, and enjoy a picnic or bike ride in the beautiful surroundings.
A canal cruise is a great way to see Amsterdam from the water and learn about the city's history and culture. In the evening, visit De Wallen, also known as the Red Light District, famous for its adult entertainment and nightlife.
Amsterdam is a very walkable city, and most major attractions are within a few miles of each other. However, if you're planning on visiting several museums, consider purchasing the Amsterdam City Card or the I amsterdam City Card, which includes free admission to many museums and attractions, as well as unlimited public transportation.
The cost of a single-use adult ticket on public transportation is €3.20 for a one-hour ticket or €8 for a day ticket. Taxis are readily available, but can be expensive, with an initial fee of €3.26 plus €2.36 per kilometer.
If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to the nearby towns of Haarlem or Zaanse Schans, famous for their idyllic Dutch windmills. If you have less time, consider skipping De Wallen or Vondelpark to prioritize other attractions.
Amsterdam's primary airport is Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS), located about 9 miles southwest of the city center. The airport is one of the busiest in Europe and serves as a hub for KLM and other airlines. Other airports in the area include Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM), located about 40 miles south of Amsterdam, and Eindhoven Airport (EIN), located about 70 miles southeast of the city.