Things to Do in Amsterdam

Few places are as unashamedly picturesque as the village of Marken, and thus, its location, a peninsular stretching onto the IJsselmeer Lake, is often found plastered on souvenir postcards.

The quintessentially Dutch village has become a key tourist destination, with tour groups flocking to catch a glimpse of the unique island culture. Here, the vistas are undeniably quaint: painted wooden houses line the waterfront; colorful fishing boats jostle for space around the dock and the glistening lake waters reflect every detail. Even the village’s 2,000 inhabitants seem caught in time, dressing themselves in traditional costumes and preserving their time-honored customs.

Marken’s wooden houses, many of them now listed as national heritage sites, remain the village’s key attractions, but there are enough sights to make a pleasant day trip from Amsterdam, just 45 minutes away by road or boat.

The Oude Kerk (or Old Church) is the city's oldest surviving building, consecrated in 1306. Yet the location of this triple-nave, late-Gothic church embodies a huge moral contradiction: it's in full view of the Red Light District, with passers-by getting chatted up a stones throw from the church walls.

Still, this Gothic-style church rewards visitors with one of the finest carillons in the country, the city's oldest church bell (1450), and a stunning Christian Müller organ that’s still used for recitals. Check out the lively 15th century carvings on the choir stalls, some of which are downright rude.

The floor of the church consists entirely of gravestones, as the church itself was built on a cemetery. There are 2,500 graves in the Oude Kerk, under which are buried 10,000 Amsterdam citizens, including Rembrandt's first wife, Saskia van Uylenburgh. Rembrandt himself visited the Oude Kerk often, and his children were all christened here. Be sure to climb up the church tower for panoramic views of Amsterdam.

The one-time abode of French philosopher René Descartes, Maison Descartes has become a popular attraction for French tourists, housing the French consulate and the French institute, who organize a number of cultural events in the city.

In 1635, Descartes lived at 6 Westermarkt, on the same block as the famous Anne Frank House, and today it remains dedicated to his memory. It was here that he wrote his final published work, Treatise on the Passions of the Soul, one of his most poignant pieces, allegedly inspired by his affair with maid Helena Jans Van der Strom, with whom he had a daughter, Francine.

A far cry from its origins as a butter and dairy market, Rembrandtplein is now one of Amsterdam’s busiest and liveliest squares, sandwiched between the Mint Tower and the Amstel River. Named after the city’s most famous baroque painter and printmaker, Rembrandt van Rijn, a cast-iron statue of its namesake, sculpted by Royer, has stood proud in the heart of the square since 1876.

With both the plaza and its surrounding streets crammed with cafés, music clubs and bars, Rembrandtplein comes alive in the evening hours, as locals and tourists cram onto the rooftop terraces to admire the glittering skyline and party into the early hours. Club rain and Escape are two of the square’s most popular institutions, while De Duivel is the go-to venue for hip-hop and the nearby Reguliersdwarsstraat is the central hub of the city’s renowned gay scene. Dutch café culture is alive and well here too, with many opening their stages in the evening hours to local folk singers. Uniquely, Rembrandtplein is also home to Europe’s largest interactive video screen, a 15-meter wide display that allows passersby to post messages and access interactive features via Bluetooth.

Don’t just wait until the sun has set to visit though, as Rembrandtplein is home to some landmark architecture, including the dramatic Art-Deco inspired building that houses the modern Pathe Tuschinski cinema and the late 18th-century De Kleine Komedie, Amsterdam’s oldest theater. Throughout the summer months, café-seating spills out onto the square, making it the perfect spot for people watching, coffee drinking and soaking up the atmosphere of Amsterdam’s most happening hotspot.

One of Amsterdam’s most striking churches, situated on the central Dam Square next door to the Royal Palace, the Nieuwe Kerk, or New Church, maintains its status as the Netherlands’ most prestigious church. Since 1814 the church has hosted the inauguration of Dutch monarchs including the reigning Queen Beatrix, who also chose the church for her heir’s 2002 marriage ceremony. The church also houses the Royal Crypt, and a burial site for Dutch naval heroes, including the famous Dutch admiral Michiel de Ruyter and Commodore Jan Van Galen.

First built at the turn of the 15th century, the original building was burnt to ashes in the 17th century before being faithfully reconstructed in its original early Renaissance and Gothic style, including its magnificent bell tower. Today, the church is one of the city’s most beloved monuments and, although no longer used for public services, is a popular exhibition space, hosting a number of temporary art and history events.

Situated in the former home of the renowned Dutch painter and etcher, Rembrandt Van Rijn, the Rembrandt House Museum, boasts an illustrious history with world famous paintings like the ‘Night Watch’ created between its walls.

The building in Jodenbreestraat, Amsterdam, was purchased by the man himself back in 1639 and he lived there with his wife Saskia and son Titus for 20 years, before being declared bankrupt in 1656. Today, the rooms have been reconstructed to their original condition and form part of the museum.

A tour of the Rembrandt House showcases an almost complete collection of artworks (over 250 graphic prints), alongside exhibits on the life and times of the iconic artist and his renowned painting techniques. The printing studio, where a fully working traditional printing press demonstrates how Rembrandt made his famous etchings, is one of the most interesting rooms, but the kitchen, showrooms and bedrooms are all also open for exploration. The upstairs rooms are another highlight, where Rembrandt’s studio houses his personal collection of artworks, artifacts and curiosities. Paintings by Rembrandt’s students are also on display around the house and two additional exhibition galleries, a library and the Rembrandt Information Centre, are now housed in a new annex, adjourning the main building.

With its classical sandstone façade looming over Amsterdam’s central Dam Square, the 17th-century Royal Palace (Koninklijk Paleis) has been a firm favorite on tourist itineraries since becoming state property back in 1936.

Designed by Jacob van Campen, the impressive Romanesque construction is fashioned around over 13,500 woolen piles sunk into the ground and is best known for its iconic rooftop statue of Greek titan Atlas, straining beneath the weight of the world on his back. First built as a city hall, the building was transformed into a Royal Palace back in 1808, under reign of Louis I, King of Holland and is still used frequently for state visits by today’s monarchs.

Famously described as ‘the eighth world wonder’ by local poet Contantijn Huygens, the Royal Palace does its best to live up to its opulent reputation with glistening marble floors, lavish décor and a slightly ostentatious theme of Amsterdam’s power and prestige. The grand interiors, open to the public, provide the principal attractions, furnished with a spectacular collection of antiques and decorated with ornate carvings and Rembrandt-inspired paintings. Most impressive are the vast marble and bronze carvings adorning the baroque Citizen’s Hall, where the embellishments show a stylistic interpretation of the universe centered around Amsterdam.