5 Places You Must See In Amsterdam

When you don’t have all the time in the world which is what you’d need in order to squeeze in the huge range of museums, galleries, canals, historic and contemporary architecture and many other attractions Amsterdam has to offer it’s handy to have a guide detailing the city’s must-see choices.

* The Canal Belt

Embodying the spirit of Amsterdam, the four 17th-century canals that weave around the city centre are a joy to wander around and tour by boat. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the area retains many photogenic buildings from Amsterdam’s Golden Age. You can also watch the world go by at one of the many canal-side bars and cafés.

* Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam

See stunning artworks dating from 1870 to the present day at the Stedelijk, including pieces by Picasso, Warhol, Monet, Matisse, Rothko, De Kooning and many others. Temporary contemporary exhibitions run alongside those from the 90,000-strong permanent collection, and there are family-friendly hands-on installations and activities in the Rabo Lab. During busy times, it’s worth obtaining a skip-the-queue ticket.

* Vondelpark

No doubt Amsterdam’s favourite green space, Vondelpark – which separates the city’s Oud-West and Oud-Zuid neighbourhoods – is ideal for a stroll, bike ride or picnic. As well as its restful lawns, ponds and winding paths, there are cafés, playgrounds and an open-air theatre. It’s also an outdoor art gallery, with 69 sculptures dotting its grounds, including one designed by Picasso.

* Rijksmuseum

You could spend many days visiting the 80 galleries at the Rijksmuseum, undoubtedly the most popular and prominent museum in the Netherlands. The huge collection contains many masterpieces, including works by Dutch masters Rembrandt, Vermeer and Van Gogh, but also everything from ship models and swords to Delftware and dollhouses. The museum is also home to a free sculpture garden and a Michelin-star restaurant, RIJKS.

* De Oude Kerk

The Oude Kerk (Old Church), built in 1306, is Amsterdam’s oldest building. Boasting the city’s oldest bell (1450), some cheeky carvings in the church stalls and not one but four organs, it’s a feast for the eyes. There are magnificent features at every turn, including glorious stained-glass windows, brocaded pillars and a gilded ceiling. The church hosts regular art exhibitions, talks, concerts and services.