Amsterdam

What to Do When Visiting Amsterdam

19 Aug 2024
Amsterdam is one of the Netherlands’, and Europe’s in general, biggest tourist attractions. From the vibrant nightlife, to the impressive natural and historical sites, and the impeccable cultural significance of the city, anyone who is visiting is in for a treat.

Those who’ve been before may already know their way around. But, what about the first-time visitors? In this article, we would like to share some of Amsterdam’s biggest attractions, and give you details on where to go. Without further ado, here is what to do when visiting Amsterdam. 
Get ready for some Amsterdam style fun - just make sure your shoes are laced up tightly! © Red Charlie, Unsplash

A Visit to the Holland Casino

In the Netherlands, gambling is heavily regulated by the Dutch state. Whatever you may think about state-controlled casinos, one thing is certain, they are safe. Which is why the Holland Casino is one of the most highly-rated establishments in Amsterdam. 

Gambling might not be everyone’s jam, but those who love dice, cards, and slots will certainly have a blast here. Slot machines are strewn throughout this brick-and-mortar gambling hall, inviting players to test their luck. There are dozens of gambling tables, all positioned within a beautifully sleek interior.

If you would prefer to play games online, worry not. Online casinos are legal in the Netherlands too. So, if you want to play games in your hotel room, then the casino Netherlands websites are there for you. Heavily regulated and licenced by noteworthy authorities, these websites are a perfect digital substitute for the Holland casino.

The Classic Boat Cruise

Few things in Amsterdam are as famous as the city’s gorgeous canals. These stretches of water pass around the entire city, which means it is possible for boats to give a live tour to anyone interested in exploring Amsterdam. That is precisely what the classic boat cruise is all about.

Seated along a long boat, tourists can experience the entire city on this cruise, visiting a lot of Amsterdam’s most famous neighbourhoods, where a lot of big films were made. If some get peckish, they can help themselves to cheese, crackers, and a variety of fruit served on the long tables, in front of the seating area. 

Of course, no boat cruise is done without wine, which is served along with the cheese and fruit, for a truly wonderful experience. The wine hits just right if you are visiting during Amsterdam’s colder periods, but it can also be a nice touch during the summer as well. 

The Red Light District Tour

It isn’t rare to find the remnants of a red light district in cities across the world. However, in 2024, it is rare to find a functioning red light district. Amsterdam is one of the few places where the Red Light District is fully operational. Even if you aren’t interested in what the district has to offer, it is still a fascinating site to see. For that reason, there are quite a lot of tours that will guide you through the old streets of the Red Light District. A knowledgeable tour guide will share the secrets of the city, and the District’s past. 

For those interested in seeing how the sex work industry functions in Amsterdam, there are plenty of tours, led by former sex workers who will guide visitors through the inside of a brothel, and explain the industry. For many tourists, this is one of the most fascinating aspects of Amsterdam, simply because it is so foreign. 
Amsterdam's (in)famous Red Light District at night © Pexels

The Van Gogh Museum

The Red Light District tour might not be for everyone. So, let us, instead, take a look at one tourist attraction that will certainly please any visitor. Van Gogh is, easily, one of the most respected, beloved, and popular artists of all time. Starry Night is an iconic piece that is well-known by millions, if not billions of people all over the world. And though Van Gogh was not respected during his lifetime, his work lives on to inspire people to this day. Of course, as he was Dutch himself, his pieces are preserved in a museum in Amsterdam.

The Van Gogh museum is a must-visit for any tourist. Art aficionados will certainly get something out of seeing Vincent Van Gogh’s art in person will be like experiencing sheer bliss. For those who may not be fans of art, the Van Gogh museum is the perfect place to learn something about the medium.  

Anne Frank Guided Tour

The story of Anne Frank is one of the most well-known, and most tragic bits of World War II history. The diary, written during the war, has been read by millions of people all over the world, and is easily one of the most celebrated bits of literature today. 

The Anne Frank house remains one of the most popular tourist destinations to this day. A professional tour guide, who is knowledgeable on the topic of World War II, and the history of Anne Frank will lead you through the museum, and explain, in detail, everything you need to know. 

Whether you know the story or not, this is a great tour to take regardless, as it will introduce you to the life of Anne Frank, and shine some light on aspects of her life that you may not have thought about, even if you’ve read her diary. 

Bike Tour of Amsterdam

Finally, if you’ve grown tired of walking around the city, but still feel like you’ve missed out on a lot, then the guided bike tour of Amsterdam is the perfect way to pack as many sites as you can. The tour is led by a professional guide, who will be riding a bike of his own, and sharing important bits of information about different structures, buildings, neighbourhoods, and more. 

If you need to get out of the city and experience the countryside, don’t worry. There is a guided bike tour that takes you from Amsterdam, along the countryside, to the famous Dutch windmills, strewn across a green field. Even the most cynical of souls have been mesmerised by the sight of the windmills blowing in the emerald fields. If you are a fan of riding, this is the perfect way to cap off a vacation. 

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