Amsterdam’s concentric ring of 17th-century canals, lined with narrow gabled houses and crossed by more than 1,200 bridges, is one of the most distinctive cityscapes in Europe – and one best explored slowly, on foot or by bike.
Why visit Amsterdam
The canal ring (Grachtengordel) is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the heart of the city, best seen from a canal boat or from one of its many bridges at dusk. The Anne Frank House, the actual hiding place described in her diary, is one of Europe’s most visited and moving museums, while the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum hold two of the finest art collections in the world within walking distance of each other. Amsterdam is also one of the most bike-friendly cities anywhere, with dedicated cycle paths making two wheels the easiest way to get around.
Getting to Amsterdam by train
Amsterdam Centraal is a major international hub, with direct trains to Brussels, Paris, and across Germany, making it an easy connection point for a wider European rail trip.
Top things to do in Amsterdam
- Take a canal boat tour through the UNESCO-listed Grachtengordel
- Visit the Anne Frank House – book tickets online well in advance
- See Rembrandt and Vermeer at the Rijksmuseum
- Explore the Van Gogh Museum, home to the largest collection of his work
- Rent a bike and explore Vondelpark and the Jordaan neighbourhood
- Browse the Albert Cuyp Market for local food and goods