Though Amsterdam is a great place to visit at any time of the year, it has a special charm in the summer. Instead of rides and restaurants, you can just traverse the city on foot and feel its authentic nature. On a free walking tour, Amsterdam should feel fresh and breathing, drugging and dragging. And here is what you cannot skip on the trip.
Royal Palace Of Amsterdam / Dam Square
It’s the first place to enter: located at the iconic Dam Square, it is used to be a town hall as is an actual royal palace now. It’s one of the greatest European buildings of the XVII century, magnificent and bright, and home to multiple grand ceremonies. The square it faces is an attraction itself, with churches, museums, and the famous National Monument, a proud white pillar.
Museum Square
Van Gogh Museum, Stedelijk Museum, Moco Museum, Diamond Museum, Rijksmuseum… Hence the name. The square, though, is an attraction too. Dam Square, Museum Square… Amsterdam is full of them! The famous I amsterdam City Card is here, too. That’s where to take your memory photo!
Anne Frank House
And that’s where to contemplate and relive the feel of the World War II horrors… The story of a Jewish teen girl Anne Frank is among the most touching evidence of it. Seeing the attic where her family was hiding with your own eyes works better than any history book.
Red Light District
We couldn’t skip it. The red light district has everything about nightlife, from quite decent entertainment to very indecent. Girls in the windows are the most famous attraction, and cannabis coffee shops get close in popularity. This kingdom of vice can end at any moment, so hurry to see it.
Begijnhof
This churchyard still breathes with a spirit of the time when churches and monasteries were the staples of social life and education. Originally a beguinage, now it also hosts two churches and a lot of old dwellings. It’s a great contrast to the city that often feels crowded and narrow. In the summer, this yard reveals all its freshness.
Bloemenmarkt
A flower market is always an attraction; but what if it’s floating on boats? It’s a travel to a romantic fairytale, and a visit here may make you see why it was Holland that surrendered to the tulip mania. You can also buy bulbs here and grow them at home later.
Canal Belt
The old center of Amsterdam is surrounded by channels, still functional and even more beautiful. Take a cruise? Spend an hour in a café near the water? Today they look old, but in the XVII century, it was a hi-tech masterpiece like today’s smart cities. The structure of the channels has, in fact, defined the entire city plan. Like most water attractions, this one is much more impressive in the summer.
Artis Zoo
One of the most impressive zoos in Europe, it’s also a park and a botanical garden, with over 700 animal species and about 200 exotic or extinct trees. Among today’s urban whirlpools, this is an oasis where life is quiet, and you can have a rest. The unique thing about this zoo is the number of historical buildings it has within its borders. It contains:
- Park
- Zoo
- Aquarium
- Planetarium
- Micropia, the only museum of microbes in the world!
Vondelpark
If your legs don’t get tired, take a walk to this park. On its 120 acres, it has an array of restaurants, a large playground, a theater, and, of course, ponds! Though, probably the most famous thing about this park is that it’s legal to make love here (only in the evening or night and away from the playground).
Rembrandt Square
One of the coziest streets of Amsterdam, Rembrandt Square was once home to the famous painter, and there is a monument of him at the center. The square is full of clubs, restaurants, and cafes, but even simply crossing it from end to end is like a touch of fine arts.
Ten Isn’t Enough
Of course, ten attractions don’t make the complete list of things to see in Amsterdam. You can notice great spots while just walking from one place to another. If you want to point out a great spot for the summer Amsterdam tour that we have missed, you’re welcome to our comments!