Explore Amsterdam: Best cultural attractions

Not to be missed
Best cultural attractions: Renowned for its cultural history, Amsterdam is home to several museums that you really have to visit. Learn about the history of Anne Frank, step into the world of Vincent van Gogh, visit the home and workshop of Rembrandt, marvel at the Dutch Golden Age at the Rijksmuseum, as well Dutch Masters at the Hermitage, and interactively explore 500 years of maritime at the Heritage Museum.

Worth a visit No stay in Amsterdam is complete without going to the Nine Small Streets along the canal belt where you will discover quirky shops, small fashion shops, nice restaurants, coffee bars, bookshops, interior decoration stores and hairdressers. Then there is the Zuidermarkt which offers a plethora of tasty organic products including wine; not forgetting the famous Vondelpark with its sculptures and play areas that hosts open air theatre productions during June, July and August. Finally, you must see the Royal Palace that contains a superb collection of Empire furniture, clocks and chandeliers that date from the Napoleonic period.

Festivals
Every June you can enjoy Dutch premieres and the very best in opera, classical music, world music, theater, dance, ballet, art and multimedia at the Holland Festival. On Saturdays have an evening to remember with the Zomeravonden at the Artis Zoo and enjoy acoustic pop, jazz and classical and during the whole summer you can experience the most beautiful, open air performances at the Amsterdamse Bos theater.

Must do
You really cannot visit beautiful Amsterdam and not go along the canals. Okay, so you can walk or cycle along but where is the fun in that? Get yourself booked on a canal cruise – you can get the 100 Highlights tour, a dinner cruise, a cheese and wine cruise or even a pizza cruise but possibly the best way is to use the Hop On – Hop Off Boat. Prefer doing your own thing but still want to go along the canals? Not a problem, you can hire a pedalo and discover the sights yourself.

Accommodation
For an affordable and comfortable stay in central Amsterdam try the Amsterdam Hostel Uptown.