Stop wasting money on overpriced activities, that’s not necessary. These 12 things are really a must see in Amsterdam! Whether you’re visiting the Dutch capital for just one day or 3 days, you don’t need your wallet to experience these amazing highlights. Learn more below.

Sure, you can spend lots of money in Holland’s capital. But it’s really not necessary. Amsterdam has so much many wonderful highlights that don’t require a penny.

Amsterdam Audio Tours App

i’d recommend to download the Amsterdam Audio Tours app. it’s quite educational, fun and a unique way to explore the city. It includes stories from over 20 experts and offers things you really must see. And, it’s almost free too.

Ariel Baker.

12 | Wake Me Up When I’m Famous Bench

In Pisa, people pose leaning against the leaning tower, so they seem to avoid it falling over on a picture. In London, tourists walk along the pedestrian crossing of Abbey Road. In New York, people pretend to squeeze the Statue of Liberty between their fingers. And in Amsterdam, one can sit on the super popular Wake Me Up When I’m Famous bench.

Instagrammable art work, have a lie down on the bench, have someone take a pic, cool and humorous activity, funny concept.

Clare Louise | 4 out 5 stars.

One of the newest things to see in Amsterdam is this bench in De Pijp area. A young local painter made this with his father. He once stated: “I also see it as a motto for this time, for my generation. Everyone wants to become famous, but without putting in too much effort. And that seems to be within reach via social media.“

Just around the corner you can see the inside of a strip club & brothel during the Amsterdam Brothel Tour from a local sex worker.

“Real” customers are never present during the day. The perfect opportunity to explain more about legal sex work in the Netherlands in this exclusive place. Super interesting to hear this from a real sex worker. During the Amsterdam Brothel Tour she’ll show you around and share everything there is to know about prostitution.

11 | Amsterdam North

The new and upcoming part of Amsterdam that offer plenty to see and experience. Amsterdam North is located on the other end of the IJ river behind Amsterdam Central Station. Right across the IJ behind central station stands the ADAM tower with an awesome lookout deck for some great views of Amsterdam’s medieval city center.

Amsterdam Swing

Discover Europe’s highest swing, if you are looking for more thrill. Learn more about the Amsterdam Swing. It’s super cool!

In the basement is Amsterdam’s best techno club: Shelter. This is where you can have a proper party until the morning and it’s a place where both Amsterdammers as tourists come.

In front of the ADAM Tower stands the EYE Museum, a museum dedicated to film. Besides a changing exhibition they also have several movie theatres that show current and classic movies.

A bit farther away lays the NDSM wharf. This former industrial ship wharf is now the creative hotspot of Amsterdam. You can get there via a 15 minute free ferry trip from behind Amsterdam Central Station.

The area has kept it’s industrial look and street art can be found everywhere. There are also plenty of cool bars and terraces with plenty of sun time. During the summer many festivals take place in this area.

10 | Homomonument

Without any doubt, one of the most important monuments in modern times…..

Win Sutano | 5 out 5 stars.

The homomonument (gay monument) behind the Wester Church was the first monument dedicated to homosexuals in the world. To this day it still is the largest one. The monument is based on the pink triangle symbol that German gay prisoners were forced to wear in German concentration camps. This policy was never implemented in the Netherlands. The 3 points of the larger triangle each point to an important location. One to the Anne Frank House, another to the WW2 memorial on Dam Square and the third to COC Amsterdam, a gay rights activist groups established in 1946.

Did you know that the first gay marriage in the world took place in Amsterdam?

9 | Museum Square

Home to two of the world’s best museums; The Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. The Rijksmuseum is the national museum of the Netherlands. Inside you get to see a collection spanning from the year 1200 to the present.

The collection includes masterpieces by Rembrandt and Johannes Vermeer. The Van Gogh Museum is dedicated completely to master painter and has the largest collection of his paintings in the world. But wait, there’s more…

At Museum Square you also find the Stedelijk Museum, the Moco Museum and the Diamant Museum. And, it’s a great place for sunbathing between April and September.

The Stedelijk Museum is dedicated to contemporary and modern art from the 20th and 21th century. At Moko they also present modern and contemporary art, but also street art from artists like Banksy. Diamant Museum Amsterdam is the only diamond museum in Europe and present 400 years of diamond history. All in all plenty to choose from at Museum Square.

8 | Albert Cuyp Market

Interesting place to buy souvenirs, shirts about Amsterdam, cheeses and the famous stroopwaffel. It was the only non-essential trade opened in the lockdown.

Claudia Silva.

The Albert Cuyp Market is the busiest and largest daytime market in the Netherlands. It is located in the southern part of Amsterdam in area known as “De Pijp”. The market itself is a reflection of the multicultural city with many products on offer that originally come from Suriname, Morocco, Turkey, and the Antilles. The Albert Cuyp Market is open 6 days a week. It’s closed on Sunday’s.

7 | Nine Streets

“De 9 straatjes” or the nine streets in English is a shopping area located in the city centre close to Dam Square. It has a lot of small boutique and fashion shops. In the 1990’s the owners of shops in this area decided to band together to give their area a brand name so it would stand out against the more known areas as the Jordaan and city centre.

And not without succes, these days every Amsterdammer knows about the 9 streets and the quality type of shopping one can do there. Next to the boutique shops, you can also find many nice little restaurants and bars here.

6 | Skinny Bridge & Amstel River

The Amstel River is Amsterdam’s founding river. Without it the city wouldn’t exist or have its name; Amstel (river) -dam (to stop the river). During the summer time there are many places along the Amstel River bank where people relax and have a swim.

Fun fact: Did you know that blue tulips do not exist? Not even at Amsterdam’s Flower Market.

The most famous bridge in Amsterdam is the so called skinny bridge (magere brug in Dutch). The design is that of an Old Dutch wooden bridge that is balanced through a double-swipe mechanism. Story has it that the bridge was named after two sisters called Mager (skinny) how built the bridge so they could more easily reach each other. What is more likely though is that it got the name skinny because it was originally very hard for just 2 pedestrians to pass each other on the thin bridge.

5 | Dam Square

Amsterdam’s main square is called Dam Square and has some of the top tourist attractions including the Royal Palace, The New Church, Madame Tussauds Amsterdam and the World War II memorial. The Royal Palace is still in active use during special occasions. When not in use the palace is open to the public and we would advice anyone who’s visiting Amsterdam to have a look inside. Dam Square is a historic location with great sights, but to really get a feel for the significance of this place you should join our Amsterdam History Tour where experienced story tellers bring history to life.

4 | Red Light District

The Red Light District is the most famous part of Amsterdam with its many window brothels and coffeeshops. But did you know that the area is actually located in the oldest part of town? Sinds the beginnings of Amsterdam prostitution and entertainment have been a part of this area as sailors left their ships in the old harbour and went looking for fun.

It’s therefor fitting that Amsterdam’s oldest building also stands in this area: The Old Church. Right next to it stand window brothels and a monument dedicated to sex workers worldwide. Around the corner one can find a daycare just next to a bunch of windows. A neighbourhood you can only experience in Amsterdam!

Other highlights in this part of town are Chinatown, the Nieuwmarkt (New Market Square), world’s first condom shop, Amsterdam Stock Exchange, Dutch brown bars, sex shows, tiny alleys, Prostitution Information Centre, Amsterdam’s oldest canal, De Waag, the Museum Of Prostitution and whatnot.

Download the Amsterdam Audio Tours app to get a true feeling of this notorious neighbourhood. The app contains 22 experts and a virtual tour guide. They explain what the Red Light District is really all about. Within 2 hours, you’ll get a better understanding of the so called Wallen. Listen to it in Amsterdam, at home, in the train or on the plane. Learn more about Dutch liberalism and open-mindedness.

3 | Begijnhof

The Begijnhof is medieval courtyard right in the center of Amsterdam. A peaceful oases away from the city bustle. Inside you’ll find the famous wooden house which is one of the only two remaining completely wooden structures in Amsterdam. Inside the “hofje” there are also two churches, the English Reformed Church and the catholic Houten Huys.

2 | Anne Frank Statue & Westerkerk

The Westerkerk (Western Church) is Amsterdam’s largest purpose built protestant church, the Old Church and New Church were originally both Catholic.

The Anne Frank house is actually located to the left of the Western Church and Anne Frank writes about the church bells in her diary. Fittingly a statue in her remembrance stands to the right side of the Wester Church. During our Amsterdam History Tour we’ll discuss both the story of Anne and the plight of all the jews in The Netherlands.

Did you know there is another Anne Frank statue in Amsterdam? It’s located in De Rivierenbuurt – a neighbourhood where she lived before she had to hide for the Nazis.

1 | Canals

The UNESCO canal-ring is absolutely the best must see in Amsterdam. This is one of the main highlights that make this city. And who doesn’t love to see houseboats, tiny bridges and the wonderful Dutch canals? There are several options for exploring Amsterdam’s amazing canals. One is of course free, and that is by foot. But since there are around 75 kilometers of canals in Amsterdam most people choose a boat tour. You could take one of the larger tour boats or book a smaller boat for a more intimate experience. Via the link below we present a selection of the best options.

Have you been to the Dutch capital before and do you know really good highlights that others have to see? Share them in the comment section below.

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The post 12x Free Must See In Amsterdam in 2026 appeared first on Tours in Amsterdam.

Sure most Amsterdam canal tours are quite touristy, but these boat tours are really a delightful way to see Holland’s most beautiful city. Several companies depart from at Amsterdam’s Central Station, Damrak, Rokin, at the Heineken Experience and in opposite of the famous Rijksmuseum.

Costs are overall pretty similar (about 16 euro per adult). To avoid the steamed-up glass-window effect, look for a canal boat with an opening seating area. During Amsterdam canal tours at night, there’s the bonus of seeing the beautiful bridges lit up (however these canal tours usually cost a bit more).

1 | Blue Boat Company Amsterdam

The canal tours of Blue Boat Company have a duration of 75-minutes and glides by the top sights in Amsterdam. 90-minute evening canal tours are provided at 8, 9 and 10 pm from March to October and at 8 pm from November to February. Other canal tours are a children’s pirate-themed cruise, a dinner cruise and a tour in a tinier, open-top canal boat. The dock is near the Max Euweplein, just in front of the Heineken Experience and Club BonTon – which offers Amsterdam Brothel Tours too.

Blue Boat Company Prices & Departures

Price: 75-minute canal tour 16 euro for adults and 8.50 euro for children.
Departure: Stadhouderskade 30.
To get there: Take tram 1, 2, 5, 7 or 10 towards Leidseplein.

2 | Those Dam Boat Guys

This is one of the least-touristy canal-tours options. This company offer cozy and personal canal tours (no more than 11 persons) on electric boats. Feel free to bring beers, wine, food and whatever else you want during this 90-minute canal tour. Those Dam Boat Guys have typical Amsterdam boats (see above) that can go underneath every bridge. For rainy days, their boats offer a strong & protective tarpaulin.

Those Dam Boat Guys Price & Meeting Point

Price: 20 euro per person.
Departure: Cafe Wester at Nieuwe Leliestraat 2.
Departure times: 1 pm, 3 pm and 5 pm.
To get there: Take tram 13, 14 or 17 towards Westermarkt.

3 | Boaty Amsterdam

Want to explore Amsterdam’s waterways while being the captain of your own canal cruise? The way locals do it. Boaty Amsterdam offers electric, environment-friendly boats that you can rent with a maximum of six persons. Boaty’s location on the peaceful Amstelkanaal in the south of Amsterdam makes it an ideal launching pad for exploring the waterways before going to the more busy city-centre canals. Rental includes a detailed map of Amsterdam outlining suggested routes; you don’t need a boat license or prior experience for these smaller boats in Amsterdam. It’s recommended to book in advanced online.

Boat rental at Boaty Amsterdam

Price: per 3 hours from 79 euro.
Location: Jozef Israelskade, in front of Amsterdam’s Okura Hotel.

4 | Lovers Canal Cruises NL

Lovers has been offering canal cruises since 1950. They have a wide range of cruises; regular canal cruises, dinner cruises, candlelight cruises, evening cruises and also pizza & burger cruises. A few of their boats are fully powered by solar energy. All of Lover’s boats offer audio guides in 19 different languages. You can’t miss their orange boats which are located in front of Central Station. Lovers is open 365 days a year and their boats depart several times per hour.

Lovers Canal Cruises Price & Meeting Point

Price: 16 euro per person.
Departure: Amsterdam Central Station, right side.
Departure times: every 15 minutes from 9:00 am to 21:30 pm.
To get there: public transport or taxi to Amsterdam Central Station.

5 | Rederij Plas

This canal cruise company is one of the oldest in Amsterdam. It exist 90 years and is located near Central Station, on the Damrak street.

Rederij Plas Cruises Price & Meeting Point

Price: 12 euro per person.
Departure: Across from Amsterdam Central Station, at the Damrak.
Departure times: every 20 minutes from 10:00 am to 21:00 pm.
To get there: public transport or taxi to Amsterdam Central Station, walk 2 minutes to Damrak 28.

6 | Stromma Canal Tours

Stromma Cruises Price & Meeting Point

Price: 11,50 euro per person.
Departure: Amsterdam Central Station, left side.
Departure times: from 9:00 am to 22:00 pm.
To get there: public transport or taxi to Amsterdam Central Station, walk 2 minutes to Damrak 28.

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Definition

In Dutch a canal is a “gracht” and canals are “grachten”. There are a couple of canals in Amsterdam that form the central canal right, also known as “grachtengordel” in Dutch.

History

The beauties came to life during the beginning of the 17th-century, after the population in Amsterdam grew beyond its medieval walls and city planners put together an ambitious idea for expansion. Far from being picturesque or decorative, the canals in Amsterdam were necessary to drain & reclaim the wet land.

In 2010, Unesco listed the canals in Amsterdam (or waterways) as a World Heritage site. The canals in Amsterdam outnumber those in Venice.

Number Of Canals in Amsterdam

There are currently 165 canals in Holland’s capital. Amsterdam also has 3 times as many bridges – more than any other place in the world.

This Dutch city has more bicycles than the 863.200 inhabitants and every year 12.000 bicycles are pulled out of the canals in Amsterdam.

What Canals Are There?

The core canals in Amsterdam are semicircular Singel, Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht. A simple way to remember the names of these canals is that, aside from the Singel canal, all others are in alphabetical order as you move outward.

5 Best Canals in Amsterdam

1 | Singel

The Singel is a canal in Amsterdam that starts from the IJ-river and ends at Munt Square or Muntplein in Dutch, where it flows into the Binnen Amstel. The Singel was dug in 1428 and extended in 1450. It was initially a moat that defended the western limits of Amsterdam. Amazing, historical buildings are located on this canal – there’s even one that dates back to the year 1600: The House “De Dolphijn”. This used to be the house of Frans Banninck Cocq – who Rembrandt painted in his Night Watch.

Since 1968, the Singel canal also has an official Cat boat – a houseboat containing dozens of cats. The Catboat is the only floating animal sanctuary in the world. A refuge for stray and abandoned cats which, thanks to its special location on a houseboat in Amsterdam’s charming canal belt, has also become a world-famous attraction.

2 | Herengracht

This was where the richest residents of the city moved once the canals in Amsterdam were completed. Before that, they lived on the Oudezijds Voorburgwal – in “De Wallen“, beter known as the Red Light District. They named the waterway after the Heeren XVII (17 Gentlemen) of the Dutch East India Company and built their beautiful mansions alongside it.

3 | Keizersgracht

The Keizersgracht, the second of the three main canals in Amsterdam that together form the canals, is located between the Herengracht and the Prinsengracht.

Almost as stylish, the Keizersgracht was a bow to Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I and with 28 meters in width the Keizersgracht is the widest canal in town. A special detail is that the Keizersgracht was dug one year later than the Prinsengracht (which was dug in 1614), while Keizersgracht is the second canal of the three main canals.

Also this canal is surround by beautiful, old buildings from the 19th, 18th and even the 17th-century. The oldest building on the Keizersgracht is the House with the Heads, which was built in 1622 and named after the 6 ornaments shaped as heads, which can all be found on the facade.

4 | Prinsengracht

This canal in Amsterdam was named after Willem the Silent, Prince of Orange and the 1st Dutch royal. The Prinsengracht (or Princes canal in English) was created as a somewhat cheaper canal with smaller residences and warehouses. It was one of the canals in Amsterdam that acted as a barrier against the crusty working-class quarter beyond it, also known as the Jordaan.

Nowadays, the Prinsengracht is the liveliest of the canals in Amsterdam, with cafes, shops and many houseboats. Yearly, during the first weekend of August one of Amsterdam’s biggest events takes place on this canal: The Amsterdam Pride (formally known as the Gay Pride).

Amsterdam’s annual Canal Pride Parade is one of the world’s most iconic LGBTQ+ events, where the city’s historic waterways become a stage for celebration, activism, and visibility. Colorful boats float through canals like the Amstel and Prinsengracht, drawing crowds from around the globe who come to honor equality and diversity. For visitors looking to fully experience Amsterdam’s inclusive spirit, combining the parade with a respectful and well-informed gay sex datecan offer deeper cultural connection. By understanding local norms, safe practices, and consent culture, travelers can engage meaningfully with the city’s open-minded scene while celebrating Pride responsibly.

5 | Brouwersgracht

The Brouwersgracht is a radial canal in Amsterdam which cuts across the others. This canal takes its name from the many breweries that used to produce along the bounding waters. People often find the Brouwersgracht one of the most beautiful canals in Amsterdam.

How Many Canals Does Amsterdam Have?

165 canals. That’s how many Amsterdam has. And that number doesn’t even include all the waterways in the city, just the canals. The 165 canals were built in the 17th century during the Dutch Golden Age to transport goods and people around the city. Today, they’re used for recreation and tourism. Many people enjoy taking a canal cruise or renting a boat to explore the city from the water. The canals also serve as a major transportation artery for locals getting around town. With so many canals, it’s no wonder Amsterdam is often called the Venice of the North.

Amsterdam Canal Tour

Exploring Holland’s capital by boat is one of the best things you could do while being in the wonderful city. There are many canal companies in town, but we know which one to take.

6 Best Boat Tours in Amsterdam

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The post 5 Best Canals in Amsterdam That You Want To See appeared first on Tours in Amsterdam.

Check out these 20 best Amsterdam Red Light District pictures we took.

Window Brothels

A man talks to a sex worker at one of the 288 window brothels in the Red Light District, which is locally known as De Wallen.

Red Light District Narrow Alley

Amsterdam’s narrowest alleyway is called the Trompettersteeg (translated: trumpet alley). It has nine window brothels and is one of the highlights during our Amsterdam Red Light District Audio Tour.

Amsterdam Red Light District Famous Street

A pair of ducks resting besides the main canal of the Red Light District during the autumn season. This street offers most window brothels and most sex shows, like the Sex Palace Peep Show, Casa Rosso, the Moulin Rouge, etc.

Here one can also find the Museum of Prostitution and the Erotic Museum. There are also many Dutch pubs on this street, like Cafe Old Sailor and Cafe De Zeevaart.

Restaurant Mata Hari (which was named after a Dutch spy and prostitute) is a nice place for wining and dining.

Coffeeshop The Bulldog Amsterdam

Coffeeshop The Bulldog is often accredited as being the first coffeeshop in Amsterdam, but it was actually the third.

The very first coffeeshop in Amsterdam was the Mellow Yellow, the second one was coffeeshop Rusland and then in December 1975 coffeeshop The Bulldog opened its doors.

Amsterdam Red Light District Street

Did you know that Amsterdam’s Red Light District is a residential area too? There are approximately 4,300 people who live in this area. (Source)

Right in the middle of ‘De Wallen’ there’s an actual daycare. It’s located right next to window brothels and to the oldest church of Amsterdam (the Old Church).

De Wallen

The Red Light District area is called De Wallen: in Dutch. ‘Wallen’ comes from the canals that cross-sect Amsterdam’s Red Light District; the Oudezijds Voorburgwal and the Oudezijds Achterburgwal.

A ‘burgwal’ means ‘defensive wall’ with a canal in front of it, but now the name is used for the canals itself, which were dug as a defensive perimeter around the medieval city center. (Source)

Amsterdam Weed Capital

Many people see Amsterdam as the weed capital of the world. Do you?

Since buying weed is allowed in the Netherlands, everybody (who’s at least 18 years old) can buy pre-rolled joints. These are perfect for first time- or not regular smokers. The joints are offered with tobacco or with a herbal mix. We’d advice the more experienced smokers to roll their own joints.

Window Shopping In Amsterdam

For the locals it is quite normal that prostitution is legal in the Netherlands, but not for most tourists. Partly because of this, the Red Light District attracts many visitors, with some men also entering the window brothels.

Frequently asked questions are about prices. All Amsterdam Red Light District Prices can be found here.

Amsterdam In The Summer

Summers in Amsterdam are between June and September. This is also the high season where the temperatures are more pleasant and there is relatively less rainfall.

Red Light District During Day Time

During the day you’d almost forget that this is the world famous Red Light District area.

Amsterdam Cannabis Coffeeshops

Only 7% of the Dutch use cannabis.

Did you know that it’s against the law in the Netherlands to cultivate cannabis for commercial purposes? For this reason all Dutch “coffeeshops” have to get their supplies from the illegal market.

Hidden Art

This is a beautiful hidden gem in the area! It’s a hand placed on a female breast. It’s one of the many boobs you can see here 😉

It was placed in the middle of the Red Light District. It was done in the middle of the night back in 1993. Nobody knows where it came from or who the artist behind it is. Luckily, most people really liked it and the artwork has stuck around!

Oudezijds Voorburgwal

One of the canals in the historic center of Amsterdam, the Oudezijds Voorburgwal, offers a lot to see. Old Church (Oudekerksplein) is a must-visit with its centuries-old architecture. The coffeeshops and bars on this street are also popular tourist spots. For those interested in a more unique experience, the sex shops and museums are definitely worth a visit. The terraces of the hotels along the canal are perfect for people watching. During the day many boats, including canal cruises, pass by here. It’s the only canal in the Red Light District that is actually accessible for boats.

Café Old Sailor Bar

Café The Old Sailor is gearing up for another night in the Red Light District. Great place, which has been around for decades! Sometimes it can get a bit crowded though, especially during (international) football matches.

Red Lights

These are located at the Oudezijds Voorburgwal, in the heart of the Red Light District.

Amsterdam Red Light District Pictures

A great overview shot of the main street of the area. Both sides of the canal are filled with window brothels and other erotic entertainment veneus.

Cannabis In the Netherlands

If you’ve never smoked a joint before and want to try it during your visit we have a good tip for you: don’t combine your first smoking experience with alcohol use. Take it easy and order a Dutch Chocomel.

The Condomerie Shop

World’s first shop dedicated solely to the sale of condoms and education about the necessity of practising safe sex. The Condomerie is also one of the highlights during our Amsterdam Audio Stories app. Download it on the homepage of our website.

Amsterdam Red Light District Sex Workers

Approximately 350 sex workers stand behind the window in Amsterdam’s Red Light District.

The Oldest Part Of Amsterdam

The Red Light District is located in the oldest part of Amsterdam. This is where it all started around the year 1200. Besides prostitution and drugs there are many scenic locations where you can sit back and enjoy the views that this beautiful Dutch city has to offer.

Visit ‘De Wallen’ and experience how openminded, liberal and friendly Dutch people are.

More Amsterdam Red Light District Pictures

Would you like to see more pictures of Amsterdam? Follow us on Instagram and Facebook! We upload amazing pictures with interesting details and fun facts.

The post 20 Amazing Amsterdam Red Light District Pictures appeared first on Tours in Amsterdam.

Learn more about the most liberal city in the world and check out these amazing Amsterdam history facts that will blow your mind.

1 | Amsterdam History Facts: Canal Ring

Did you know that Amsterdam’s world famous canal ring got its spot on the UNESCO world heritage list only as recently as 2010? Even though the unique canal construction functioned as an inspiration for the construction of Saint Petersburg in Russia. All in all Amsterdam has around 100 kilometers of canals and is considered to be the Venice of the North.

Especially in the past, the canals where used for transportation of products. While nowadays it’s mostly used for recreational purposes.

Canals and Urban Planning – Solving Problems with Design

Amsterdam’s canals were built to solve multiple problems at once. The land was wet and unstable, so builders needed drainage. The city also needed transport routes and organized growth.

Instead of letting streets grow randomly, leaders planned the Canal Ring. The canals formed layers, each with a purpose. Inner canals focused on housing. Outer canals handled defense and shipping.

Canal system goals

• Control water levels
• Prevent flooding
• Move goods efficiently

Step-by-step canal process

1. Drain marshland
2. Dig canals in a fixed pattern
3. Strengthen land with wooden poles
4. Build homes and warehouses

Buildings were taxed by front width, not size. This explains the tall, narrow houses still seen today.

2 | Amsterdam History Facts: Royal Palace Dam Square

When construction of this massive palace was completed this building was actually the largest non-religious structure in Europe. Built during the hight of power of the Dutch Republic the building was intended to showcase Holland’s arrival and simultaneous domination of the world’s oceans and trade.

Royal Palace Dam Square is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Amsterdam. The Royal Palace was built in the 13th century as a castle for the Counts of Holland. It was later expanded and converted into a royal palace by King Louis Napoleon. Today, the Royal Palace is open to the public as a museum. Dam Square is also home to many other popular tourist attractions, including the NEMO Science Museum and the Royal Dutch Mint. In addition, Dam Square is a great place to people watch and enjoy the lively atmosphere of Amsterdam.

The outside of the building looks quite austere, to see the glory of this building one must enter it. When the building isn’t in use for Royal or public functions the people can visit. A must for anyone visiting Amsterdam.

3 | Amsterdam History Facts: Van Gogh

The Dutch master painter Van Gogh was largely self-taught. Only for a short period of around four months did he receive formal artistic training. And that happened only a few years before his death. Did you know that this famous painter actually lived in Amsterdam? During the Amsterdam History Tour we’ll show you the first church that Van Gogh visited when he arrived in Amsterdam.

4 | Amsterdam History Facts: Rembrandt van Rijn

Despite his initial large success Rembrandt in the end died in poverty. By the late 1640’s he had spent his large fortune. Failing to pay his mortgage he declared bankruptcy. He sold his house and many other belongings and moved into a smaller home together with his family. He never recovered financially from this.

Did you know that he got married in Amsterdam’s oldest building? That’s the Old Church in the Red Light District.

5| Amsterdam History Facts: Anne Frank

Did you know that Anne Frank actually wasn’t Dutch? Her parent fled from Germany due to rampant anti-semitism in the country and the poor economic conditions. Anne Frank’s story fits into Amsterdam’s history of being a shelter for those being persecuted throughout Europe.

Unfortunately Amsterdam ended being a safe haven when the Germans invaded the Netherlands on May 10, 1940.

6 | Amsterdam History Facts: Red Light District

Did you know that most windows are lit up in red in the Red Light District but some some windows are actually lit up in blue? When you see a blue lit window brothel during your visit chances are that there’s a transexual prostitute standing in the window brothel.

But why do all the regular prostitutes have red lights to begin with? Well, red lights actually hides imperfections on the skin of the prostitutes. It makes them prettier. Also decades ago, prostitutes used red lights to hide STD’s.

7 | Amsterdam History Facts: Drugs Facts

The Netherlands is currently the number one ecstasy producing nation of the world. If you look at history this country has been a major drugs producer or dealer ever since the inception of the first Dutch Republic back in 1588.

8 | Amsterdam History Facts: Dutch Stock Exchange

The modern stock exchange was actually invented in Amsterdam. The Dutch invented stocks. Trading first started on a bridge close to current Amsterdam central station.

During our Amsterdam History Tour our licensed guide will point you to the actual bridge and the building where they kept on trading when it rained.

9 | Amsterdam History Facts: The VOC, World’s First Corporation

A stock exchange isn’t much without actual stocks. With the creation of the VOC, world’s first corporation, they also created the first publicly traded company. As soon as the first stock certificates were handed out trading started on the streets.

10 | Amsterdam History Facts: House Boats

At this time there are around 3000 houseboats in Amsterdam. The history of houseboats in Amsterdam can be traced back as far as the 16th century. Plenty of locals still live in these unique dwellings. You could also rent one via Airbnb for your stay in Amsterdam.

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