Dam Square
Dam Square is the ideal place to start your city trip. It is the heart of Amsterdam and the city owes its name to the square. You will be surprised by the many large buildings that can be admired on this square.
The biggest landmark on Dam Square is undoubtedly the Royal Palace, further you will also find the imposing National Monument, a 22m high statue, placed in memory of the victims of WWII. Besides, you can visit Madame Tussauds, where you can have a picture with the perfectly recreated statues of your idols.
If you are lucky you can witness a free "show", where hundreds of pigeons fly right over your head before disappearing above the Royal Palace.
See MoreRoyal Palace Amsterdam
As mentioned above, the Royal Palace of Amsterdam is located at Dam square. The magnificent palace was built in 1648 in Dutch callinism style.
It's exterior is imposing, simple and at the same time unique. Its symmetrical windows and beautiful dome make it very picture-perfect.
When you walk inside the palace, you find yourself back in the Renaissance period. The interior is richly decorated and you will be amazed by the beautifully detailed walls, the beautifully painted ceilings and the noble patterned floors. Inside, you will find royal chambers, beautiful paintings, antique furniture and exquisite sculptures.
Note: The palace is not always open to public, always check the official website first. This year, the palace is open to the public from early February to late March and from late April to early May.
See MorePort Of Amsterdam
The port of Amsterdam, is located near the central station. It is the fourth largest port in Europe and the second largest in the Netherlands. At the port, you can unwind or spot the passing boats. It is also a great place to take some pictures.
See MoreRembrandt House Museum
Rembrandt House is one of the absolute must-visits of Amsterdam. Located in Jodenbreestraat, the Rembrandthuis is where he lived from 1939 to 1958. Be taken through the life of Rembrandt van Rhijn, one of Holland's most legendary painters and get inspired by his life-story.
In the house of Rembrandt, you will get to know not only his art but also the person behind it. Discover his steep rise to success, volatile love life and decline. In the house, you will find his authentic furnishings and get to know Rembrandt as an artist, mentor and family man.
See MoreThe New Church
Adjacent to Dam Square you will find the New Church, which despite its name is over 600 years old and was built in 1408 as a solution to the overcrowded Old Church. The Church had a turbulent history and burned down several times.
With its beautiful Gothic style, the Nieuwe Kerk is definitely worth a visit. The exterior is characterised by the imposing glass window above the entrance. The interior is almost entirely white with golden decoration, it has a simple look but is very beautiful!
Nowadays, the church is only used for royal inaugurations and often hosts exhibitions, but you can visit it in its authentic state during certain periods.
See MoreOude Kerk Amsterdam
Amsterdam's Old Church is really old and is even the oldest building in the city. The church was built in 1250 and consecrated in 1306, making it more than 700 years old. It is also in Gothic style and today is used for the exhibition of contemporary art, combined with the medieval windows and antique furniture pieces like the organs, this makes the Oude Kerk a journey through different periods of Dutch art.
See MoreOns' Lieve Heer op Solder (Our Lord in the Attic Museum)
Here you will be taken into a special period of Amsterdam's history. Be taken back in time to the 17th century, a period when the Catholic faith was officially banned in the Netherlands. Public churches were closed and the faith was only allowed to be practised in private. A rich Christian merchant decided to buy up a canal house and convert the attic into a church where believers could attend mass. The church remained secret for two centuries, until in the 19th century the Christian faith was allowed to be practised again. During the visit, you will get a unique insight into the practice of faith at that time.
See MoreMagna Plaza
The Magna Plaza is a beautiful and less touristy building. And, like many other buildings in the city, is built in neo-Gothic and neo-Renaissance style. Formerly serving as the city's main post office, today the building serves as a shopping centre. It has an imposing exterior in which you can still recognise a post office, the interior is beautifully decorated and reminiscent of the Roman era with its many columns and arches. The building is part of Unesco World Heritage.
See MoreFo Guang Shan He Hua Temple
The He Hua temple is located in the Chinese district. It is a beautiful Chinese building that makes you forget for a moment that you are in Amsterdam. The exterior is hugely photogenic and consists of beautifully oriental roofs and decorated walls. Inside, you will find an altar, oriental furniture and richly decorated walls.
See MoreDungeon Amsterdam
For a unique experience, the Amsterdam Dungeons is the place to be. Be transported to the city's darkest period, through a compelling and engaging story you will come face to face with witch hunters and executioners. During the tour, you will pass by the eight shadowiest figures of this period, can you ground yourself in the dark and unpredictable times or will you end up being burned at the stake?
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