Amsterdam walking tour & city guide
Golden Age canals, gabled houses and bicycles everywhere.
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Amsterdam is a city built on water, with around 165 canals lined by narrow, gabled merchant houses from the 17th-century Golden Age. It is compact, relaxed and best explored on foot, by bike or by boat, with world-famous museums and cozy cafés around every corner.
The canal ring
The canal ring, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was dug in the 17th century when Amsterdam was the richest city in the world. The Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht are lined with elegant houses, many leaning slightly forward, with hooks at the top used to hoist furniture through the windows.
The Jordaan, west of the canal ring, is a charming neighborhood of small streets, courtyards, independent shops and brown cafés, traditional pubs with dark wooden interiors. The Nine Streets, crossing the main canals, are full of boutiques.
Museums and history
The Museumplein brings together the Rijksmuseum, home of Rembrandt's Night Watch and Vermeer's Milkmaid, the Van Gogh Museum, with the world's largest collection of his work, and the Stedelijk Museum of modern art. The Anne Frank House, where Anne Frank hid during the Second World War, is one of the most moving places in the city.
Dam Square, with the Royal Palace and the National Monument, is the historic heart of the city. Nearby, the old center includes the medieval Oude Kerk and the famous Red Light District.
Visiting tips
Book tickets for the Anne Frank House and the major museums well in advance. Watch out for bikes: the red paths are cycle lanes. A canal cruise is the best way to understand the city's layout, and the Vondelpark is perfect for a picnic on a sunny day.
Top sights in Amsterdam
- 1
Canal Ring
Golden Age canals lined with gabled houses.
- 2
Rijksmuseum
The national museum of Dutch art and history.
- 3
Van Gogh Museum
The world's largest Van Gogh collection.
- 4
Anne Frank House
The secret annex where Anne Frank wrote her diary.
- 5
Jordaan
A charming neighborhood of lanes and courtyards.
- 6
Vondelpark
The city's most popular park.
Food markets & where to eat in Amsterdam
Albert Cuyp Market
A huge street market in De Pijp with stroopwafels and herring.
Foodhallen
A food hall in a former tram depot.
De Pijp
A lively district of cafés and international food.
Jordaan brown cafés
Traditional pubs with snacks and local beer.
Herring stands
Street stalls selling raw herring with onions.
Food to try in Amsterdam
Stroopwafel
Thin waffles with caramel syrup, best fresh and warm.
Raw herring
Served with onions and pickles, a Dutch classic.
Bitterballen
Crispy fried meat ragout balls with mustard.
Dutch apple pie
A deep apple pie with cinnamon and whipped cream.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Amsterdam
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in AmsterdamCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Amsterdam.
- eSIM for NetherlandsStay online from the moment you land.
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