3 things every tourist should check out while in Amsterdam
Amsterdam has something for everyone thanks to its perfect mix of history and modernism.
German troops occupied the capital of the Netherlands during World War II. Their occupation ended with the Dam Square shooting, where German marines opened fire on crowds celebrating the end of the war and the liberation of the Jews. Not long after, Amsterdam became the so-called “magical center” of Europe where certain drugs (like marijuana) and prostitution are legal and regulated.
With all of this history – both cultural and political – how do you choose where to go? It’s not easy, but I recommend starting with these three things.
Canal tours
Canals tours are among the most common tourist activity in Amsterdam.
There are approximately 165 canals in Amsterdam, so this is the best way to see the city as a whole. A variety of companies offer tours of the “Venice of the North.” You can choose a hop-on, hop-off tour or one that cruises around the city for about an hour and a half.
Those looking for a more physically active experience can opt for a canal bike, on which you and three friends can paddle your way through the city. Renting a canal bike costs eight Euros per person for a 60-minute rental and 11 Euros for a 90-minute rental.
Museums
Amsterdam is home to a number of world-renowned art exhibitions, including the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum.
The Rijksmuseum is the most-visited museum in the Netherlands; it attracted 2.4 million visitors in 2014. Make sure to see The Night Watch by Rembrandt and The Milkmaid by Vermeer while you’re there.
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The Van Gogh Museum is only a few minutes walk from the Rijksmuseum and it’s the second most-visited museum in the Netherlands. At this museum, make sure to check out The Bedroom and Sunflowers, both of which were created by Vincent van Gogh.
If you want to see multiple museums while in Amsterdam, consider buying a Museumkaart. The card costs 59.90 Euros for adults and 32.45 Euros for those under 18. It gives you free access to museums and the ability to skip lines. After visiting just five museums, the card will have paid for itself.
Museumkaarts can be purchased at major museums throughout the city.
The Anne Frank House
For a more political history of Amsterdam, make sure to stop by the Anne Frank House.
The house she and her family spent two years hiding in is located off Prinsengracht canal, about 10 minutes away from Dam Square. The house has been preserved and offers tours to those wishing to learn more about Anne and her family, who were eventually discovered and sent to various concentration camps across Europe.
Approximately 1 million people visit the Anne Frank House per year, according to the museum’s website. So be sure to book your tickets ahead of time, because there’s bound to be a line stretching down the block.
Tobi Carter is a Texas Christian University student and a Paste BN College correspondent.
This story originally appeared on the Paste BN College blog, a news source produced for college students by student journalists. The blog closed in September of 2017.