Choose from 5,104 Fun Things to Do in Niagara Falls & Around
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Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park is one of Kenya’s most popular nature reserves. This wide stretch of savannah and swampland encompasses the largely dry Lake Amboseli, and much of it is within sight of Tanzania’s mighty snow-capped Kilimanjaro. Complementing this awe-inspiring landscape are mighty herds of elephants, the park's biggest draw. Head to Observation Hill for some of the most impressive views; early morning and late afternoon are best for spotting these majestic animals.
Persistence will reward you with sightings of the rest of the “Big Five” of game: lions, leopards, rhinos and buffaloes. There are also a number of Maasai villages which welcome visitors. Make sure your camera has a generous memory card; Africa has few better combinations of wildlife and scenery.
Address: Kenya
Hours: Accessible daily
Admission: Nonresidents - Adult: $80, Child/Student: $40
From $ 200
Amoreiras Shopping Center
Amoreiras Shopping Center, located west of Praça Marquês de Pombal in Lisbon, has been serving the retail needs of the Portuguese capital for two decades. Shoppers will find 219 stores representing a variety of mid- and upscale brands, like Zara, Coach, Hugo Boss, Guess, Swarovski and United Colors of Benetton.
Besides shopping, Amoreiras also houses 50 restaurants, a seven-screen cinema and two beauty centers spread over its two floors of retail space. Non-EU residents can get a 15-percent tax refund at many stores (ask at check-out), and free Wi-Fi is available throughout.
Practical Info
The easiest way to reach Amoreiras Shopping Center is to take a bus or subway to Marques de Pombal and walk from there.
Address: Av. Eng. Duarte Pacheco, loja 2037, Lisbon, Portugal
Hours: Open daily 10am-11pm
From $ 23
Amber Museum (Museo de Ambar Dominicano)
Dominican amber is considered to be some of the finest and clearest in the world. Housed in a Victorian-era mansion that once belonged to a wealthy local family, Puerto Plata’s Amber Museum (Museo de Ambar Dominicano) has an extensive collection of the semi-precious gemstone.
The Basics
Amber is formed from the resin of trees that became fossilized between 25 and 40 million years ago, covering and preserving whatever lay in its path, from insects to leaves and even small animals. Situated in a beautifully restored Victorian mansion, the Amber Museum has many excellent examples of the naturally formed stone. One of the most popular items on display is a 16-inch-long (40-centimeter-long) lizard, perfectly preserved in clear resin.
Information panels explain in both English and Spanish how the gemstone is formed and share the history of the family who owned the house. Many Puerto Plata tours include a visit to the museum in addition to such popular attractions as Fortaleza San Felipe and the cable car on Mt. Isabel de Torres.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Entry to the Amber Museum is free.
- An on-site shop sells genuine amber jewelry and the popular larimar jewelry.
- You can tour the museum with a guide or choose to explore independently.
- Because of steps up to the museum as well as between floors, the museum is not wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Amber Museum is located at 61 Calle Duarte, close to the cathedral in the center of Puerto Plata. It’s walking distance from other points in the center and can be visited as part of a guided tour of the town.
When to Get There
The museum is open daily and is busiest mid-mornings. Guides offer tours throughout the day, but visit first thing or in the afternoon for a quieter experience.
Indigenous Eyes Ecological Reserve
To see more of the Dominican Republic’s natural beauty, head to the Indigenous Eyes Ecological Reserve (Parque Ecológico Ojos Indígenas), about 270 miles (430 kilometers) southeast of Puerto Plata. Here you can learn about the island’s plants and animals, swim in crystal clear freshwater lagoons, and walk along forest trails to an almost deserted beach.
Address: Calle Duarte 61, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Admission: Varies
From $ 64
Amphawa Floating Market
Situated on a bustling canal lined with teak storefronts opening onto the water, Amphawa Floating Market comes alive each afternoon as Thai locals come to shop or grab a bite from one of many boats-cum-floating restaurants. While smaller than the more famous Damnoen Saduak, this floating market offers a more authentic experience.
The Basics
One of the best ways to explore the market and its surrounding canals is aboard traditional long-tail wooden boats. A typical cruise on the Mae Klong river (Mae Khlong river) and through the market takes visitors past several of the area’s Thai Buddhist temples, and can be combined with a visit to a local zoo, the nearby Maeklong Railway Market, or the chance to watch fireflies light up the riverbanks at dusk. The Amphawa Floating Market is a popular place not only for shopping, but for eating too, with waterside seating providing the ideal setting for a lazy lunch. Thai food such as dried pork, shrimp, shellfish, and crab are all prepared and cooked aboard the boats before being handed up to diners on the elevated banks on both sides of the river.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Amphawa Floating Market is a must-do for travelers looking to get off the beaten path.
- Don’t forget to bring cash in small denominations if you plan to shop or eat at the market.
- Visit the market on a half- or full-day tour from Hua Hin.
- Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and drinking water.
How to Get There
Minibuses run between Victory Monument in Bangkok and Amphawa throughout the day, but the most convenient way to visit is as part of a guided tour with return transportation included.
When to Get There
The Amphawa Floating Market is at its liveliest in the afternoon, beginning around 1pm. If you’d rather avoid the crowds, you can still get a sense of what the market is like in the morning, though not everything will be open.
Wat Bang Kung
Many visitors to the floating market overlook the area’s many interesting temples, most notably Wat Bang Kung. This Buddhist temple just a stone’s throw from the banks of the Mae Klong river (Mae Khlong river) sits ensconced within a banyan tree, making it particularly serene and photogenic. Some boat tours of the market also include a stop at the temple.
Address: Amphawa District, Samut Songkram, Amphawa 75110, Thailand
From $ 57
Amsterdam Cruise Port
With one of the largest and postcard-worthiest historic districts in Europe, Amsterdam is one of the most-visited cities in Europe. It was made for a relaxing day of walking or biking while in port, or if you’ve already seen the city highlights, consider a shore excursion that will take you into the Dutch countryside. Options include cheese farms, villages like Voldendam, a tour of windmills, and, of course, Keukenhof Gardens and its famous tulips (when in bloom).
How to get to Amsterdam
You’ll dock at the Eastern Docklands, about a 10- to 20-minute walk from Central Station (Centraal Station), where you can catch public transport or continue walking to the city center. Amsterdam is a very walkable city, and the public transport is also easy to use. Or, do as the Dutch do and travel around the city by bike! Rentals can be found around the city center.
One Day in Amsterdam
From Central Station, head along the Damrak toward the historical center of the city. Veer off to the left to pass by Oude Kerk, Amsterdam’s oldest building, founded in 1213, and then continue walking to Dam Square, where Amsterdam was founded in 1270.
From the Dam, head west along the Raadhuisstraat and cross three of the city’s canals, lingering to take photos and admire the canal houses. When you get to the fourth canal, turn right to walk to the Anne Frank House.
Then, make your way south along the canal toward Museum Square, where you’ll find the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. Check out one or both, and then end your day with a leisurely boat tour through the canals.
How to get to Amsterdam
You’ll dock at the Eastern Docklands, about a 10- to 20-minute walk from Central Station (Centraal Station), where you can catch public transport or continue walking to the city center. Amsterdam is a very walkable city, and the public transport is also easy to use. Or, do as the Dutch do and travel around the city by bike! Rentals can be found around the city center.
One Day in Amsterdam
From Central Station, head along the Damrak toward the historical center of the city. Veer off to the left to pass by Oude Kerk, Amsterdam’s oldest building, founded in 1213, and then continue walking to Dam Square, where Amsterdam was founded in 1270.
From the Dam, head west along the Raadhuisstraat and cross three of the city’s canals, lingering to take photos and admire the canal houses. When you get to the fourth canal, turn right to walk to the Anne Frank House.
Then, make your way south along the canal toward Museum Square, where you’ll find the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. Check out one or both, and then end your day with a leisurely boat tour through the canals.
Port Information
The currency of the Netherlands is the euro;
ATMs are available around town and credit cards are widely accepted. The
official language is Dutch but English is widely spoken, as well.
Address: Eastern Docklands, Amsterdam, Netherlands
From $ 29
Amsterdam Canal Ring
Amsterdam’s Canal Ring (Grachtengordel), the city’s charming 17th-century district and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is probably best known for the picturesque canals cutting through it. The area is comprised of three rings of semicircular waterways that are bisected by smaller canals radiating from the middle—like spokes on a very Dutch bicycle wheel. Hundreds of bridges cross the Canal Ring’s channels, connecting the 90 islands that were created during the Dutch Golden Age.
The Basics
The district’s major canals are the Singel, Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht. From east to west, the major radial canals are the Brouwersgracht, Leidsegracht, and Reguliersgracht. The Canal Ring can be navigated by foot, bicycle, and, of course, boat. A canal cruise is an excellent introduction to the UNESCO-listed canals, as glass-topped boats provide the best views of the city’s main sights. Options include hop-on hop-off boat tours and themed canal cruises that serve food and wine.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A number of cruise departure points are set along the famous canals, and tours are available in several languages.
- The Canal Ring circles some of Amsterdam’s most important sites, including the Red Light District, the Museumplein, the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, Rembrandt Square, the Jewish Quarter, and the Museum Quarter.
- Barges, powerboats, Frisian skutsjes (sailboats), and rowboats ply the canals at all times of day and night.
How to Get There
The Canal Ring is located right in the center of Amsterdam. Lined with beautiful historic buildings (“canal houses”), the canals can serve as helpful visual guideposts and a fun option for getting around the city. Amsterdam's winding, cobblestoned city center can easily throw off your sense of direction, and the canals will always orient you back in the proper direction.
When to Get There
Because it’s part of the Dutch capital city’s landscape, as well as a mode of transportation and commerce, the Canal Ring is always open. The best times of year to enjoy a canal cruise are during the fine-weather summer months, and in the Christmas and New Year holiday season, when you can take an evening cruise during the Festival of Lights.
Address: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Admission: Free
From $ 21
Amsterdam Museum
Amsterdam’s historical museum recently joined the 21st century with a major rebranding and updates to its permanent displays; it’s now much more user-friendly, with many multimedia and digital activities. Arranged around a cobbled courtyard, where visitors can find the stylish Mokum Café, the museum is housed in a former convent and a 17th-century orphanage, while narrating the history of Amsterdam from its humble beginnings as a fishing village through its time as a world trading power and up to present day.
The exhibitions kick off with the brilliant Amsterdam DNA, a multimedia romp through the main stages of the city’s history with the aid of interactive displays, ancient maps, Old Dutch Master paintings, and seven themed short movies. There are tons of other displays tucked away in the museum, from 1960s beatnik fashions to examinations of the city’s once-lax drug policies; other highlights include a model of the Koninklijk Paleis (Royal Palace), and the Little Orphanage, where kids can experience life in a 17th-century Dutch orphanage. The Schuttersgalerij (Civic Guards Gallery) alongside the museum is free to all; along with massive wooden sculptures of David and Goliath, displays include oil paintings of the 17th-century civic guards who protected the city as well as contemporary photographic portraits of Dutch public figures and a highly colorful hand-embroidered patchwork carpet by Dutch installation artist Barbara Broekman, which represents all nationalities presently residing in multi-cultural Amsterdam.
Practical Info
The museum has entrances at Kalverstraat 92 and Sint Luciënsteeg 27. Opening times are daily 10am–5pm. Admission is adults €12; students €9; children between 5-18 €6. Access to the Civic Guards Gallery is free for all. The museum is 15 minutes on foot from Centraal Station, or take trams 1, 2 or 5 to Spui.
Address: Kalverstraat 92 or Sint Luciënsteeg 27, Amsterdam 1012 PH, Netherlands
Hours: Daily 10am-5pm
Admission: Adults €12; students €9; children €6
From $ 12
Amouage Perfumery
In 2012, the Amouage Perfumery opened in Muscat as a visitor center to celebrate three decades of this niche luxury brand of fragrance. Here you can discover the most expensive perfume in the world, which draws inspiration from the rich and colorful heritage of the Sultanate of Oman.
For shopping fanatics, the Amouage Perfumery is best enjoyed as part of an Arabian shopping trip and souq experience. Once at the perfume factory, a guide will explain how the perfumes are made by hand and you can watch as the bottles are filled and packaged by the small team who work here, perhaps even purchasing a bottle to take home for yourself. If visiting as part of a shopping and souq tour, you’ll then get to visit two modern shopping centers, before finishing up at the most popular and largest bazaar in Oman, the Muttrah Souq.
Did You Know? The Amouage Perfumery has the capability to produce anything upwards of 5000 bottles of fragrance per week.
Practical Info
Visiting the Amouage Perfumery is also available on selected full day coach trips of the city. If not visiting as part of an organized tour, the best way to reach it is by taxi.
Address: Al Mawaleh, Muscat, Oman
Hours: 8:30am-4:30pm Sunday to Thursday
From $ 163
Amber Museum-Gallery
Every Baltic city has an amber museum to reflect on the days when it was regarded as "Baltic gold" and served as the cornerstone of maritime trade, helping to bring wealth into Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. Vilnius’s miniscule museum was opened in 1988 and is housed in the 15th-century basement of a Baroque house built 200 years later.
The collection showcases pieces of amber that are more than 50 million years old, as well as white, black, green and red varieties found along the Baltic shores. There are also several pieces with fossilized prehistoric insects trapped inside. The highlight of the collection is the reconstructed display of the fabled Treasure of Juodkrante, a stash of Stone Age amber jewelry discovered in the 1880s on the Curonian Spit, a peninsula shared by Lithuania and Kaliningrad in Russia. The ground-floor shop exhibits and sells contemporary amber jewelry, and there are daily displays of amber polishing.
Practical Info
The Amber Museum-gallery is open daily from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Admission is free.
Address: Šv. Mykolo gatvė 8, Vilnius 01124, Lithuania
Hours: Daily 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
From $ 12
Anafiotika
Sprawling up the northern slopes of the Acropolis and peeking above the rooftops of Plaka, Anafiotika is a tiny enclave of steep, cobbled alleyways lined with squat, whitewashed stone houses reminiscent of villages in the Greek Islands. The area was developed by skilled craftsmen from the Cycladean island of Anafi, who arrived in Athens in 1843 to work in the building boom that followed independence from the Hellenic Republic. Taking advantage of an ancient decree that allowed people to keep their property if they could build it between sunset and sunrise, the islanders worked on grand neo-classical palaces by day and their own cramped quarters by night.
Part of Anafiotika was torn down in the 1950s and now only around 50 of the artisan dwellings remain, tucked between the miniscule churches of Agios Georgios tou Vrachou and Agios Simeon, both also the work of the Anafi islanders. Their descendants still live in their mini-homes, amid splashes of color from scented gardens and balconies awash with bougainvillea and pots of scarlet geraniums.
Practical Info
Anafiotika is part of pedestrianized Plaka. Take the metro to Monastiraki or Acropoli.
Address: Athens, Greece
From $ 20
Amber Cove
Amber Cove, opened in November 2015, may be newer than most cruise ports in the Caribbean, but its nearby attractions are far from rookie. Carnival Cruise Lines built the port, located on the Dominican Republic’s so-called Amber Coast and servicing Puerto Plata, for the use of their cruise ships along with other large-capacity liners that the the Carnival Corporation owns.
The Basics
Amber Cove is an ideal jumping-off point for exploring the Dominican Republic’s rife offerings of tropical adventures. Zipline courses through the Monkey Jungle, horseback rides through the countryside, and thrilling waterfall slides at Damajagua Waterfalls are among the more popular options, but Puerto Plata city tours and trips to Mundo King Creole Castle don’t disappoint. Though cruise guests don’t even have to leave Amber Cove to have a good time, as the port itself is full of amenities like bars, retail shops, and even a full-scale water park. And if you don’t want to take on outdoor challenges, you can just chill—made easy with the port’s waterfront cabanas.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Amber Cove is perfect for families, offering nearby attractions such as Ocean World Adventure Park.
- Don’t miss out on the many closeby beaches, including Cabarete Beach and Golden Beach.
- Most shore excursions include multiple stops, making it easier to do more in a short amount of time.
- Amber Cove shore excursions can last up to five hours, so plan accordingly.
How to Get There
Amber Cove has a convenient transportation hub, with access to rental cars and taxi services that let you get around and explore with ease. Most shore excursions include pick-up from the cruise port for a hassle-free outing.
Port Information
Although Spanish is the official language of the Dominican Republic, most shore excursions are offered in English, as are other services catered to tourists. However, it doesn’t hurt to brush up on your Spanish. The currency for the Dominican Republic is the Dominican peso, but some businesses around Amber Cove accept American dollars.
Address: Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
From $ 39
Amstel River
Amsterdam might be most famous for its winding canals and pretty locks, but it’s the Amstel River that the city was first built around, even deriving its name from its early settlement at the ‘Amstel Dam’.
Today the river runs through the center of the city, lined with landmark buildings, stately mansions and colorful houseboats. A walk along the riverside pathway takes in a number of key sights: the regal Carré theatre, still a popular performance house; the post-modernist Stopera city hall and opera house, with its contemporary glass facade; and the neo-baroque domes of the St Nicolas church, all face the river front. A number of landmark bridges also cross the river, the most famous of which is the Magere Brug, or the ‘Skinny Bridge’, a white painted bascule bridge, rebuilt in the early 1900s. Don’t miss out on renowned tourist attractions like the Hermitage Museum, the Amsterdam Museum and Waterlooplein, either – all lie along the shores of the Amstel.
Throughout the year a number of festivities center around the Amstel River – the Bevrijdingsdag (liberation day) celebrations are televised from here; the Gay Pride Canal Parade brings a dash of color to the waters and the annual New Year light-show dazzles crowds along the riverbanks.
Today the river runs through the center of the city, lined with landmark buildings, stately mansions and colorful houseboats. A walk along the riverside pathway takes in a number of key sights: the regal Carré theatre, still a popular performance house; the post-modernist Stopera city hall and opera house, with its contemporary glass facade; and the neo-baroque domes of the St Nicolas church, all face the river front. A number of landmark bridges also cross the river, the most famous of which is the Magere Brug, or the ‘Skinny Bridge’, a white painted bascule bridge, rebuilt in the early 1900s. Don’t miss out on renowned tourist attractions like the Hermitage Museum, the Amsterdam Museum and Waterlooplein, either – all lie along the shores of the Amstel.
Throughout the year a number of festivities center around the Amstel River – the Bevrijdingsdag (liberation day) celebrations are televised from here; the Gay Pride Canal Parade brings a dash of color to the waters and the annual New Year light-show dazzles crowds along the riverbanks.
Address: Amsterdam, Netherlands
From $ 21
American Memorial Cemetery
Set amid the bustle of downtown Manila, the Manila American Cemetery is an oasis of peace and remembrance. The cemetery is home to the remains of 17,184 soldiers who died during World War II, with serried ranks of brilliant white crosses across manicured lawns and galleries that explain key battles.
The Basics
There is no charge to visit the Manila American Cemetery, which is open seven days a week from morning until late afternoon. The burial ground is a stop on some tours of both Manila and Makati, the financial district, though opening hours mean it has to be visited on a separate day from Corregidor Island. If you’re considering a history tour of Manila or planning an agenda with a private guide, this war graveyard makes a worthwhile stop.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Manila American Cemetery is an essential stop for history lovers, veterans, and Americans with family members who served in World War II.
- The Manila American Cemetery is a graveyard. The dress code forbids exercise clothing, and visitors are expected to behave respectfully.
- Be sure to bring photo ID to show at the gate.
- The behavioral constraints of visiting a cemetery mean the Manila American Cemetery may not be appropriate for young children. Older children will learn a lot from the informative displays.
How to Get There
Over 7 miles (12 kilometers) from Intramuros, the walled historical area in Manila city center, the Manila American Cemetery is time-consuming to reach by public transport, so many opt for the convenience of a door-to-door tour. Alternatively, catch the metro to Ayala (MRT Line 3), then a bus toward the BGC stop. You’ll walk 10 to 20 minutes, depending which bus you catch.
When to Get There
The Manila American Cemetery is open year-round, and officials and members of the military lay wreaths at the cemetery each Memorial Day (the last Monday in May). Significant anniversaries include the Fall of Corregidor, on May 6, 1942.
Americans in the Philippines
The Philippines and the United States have had a complex relationship since the Philippines gained its independence from the US in 1946, but American and Filipino soldiers fought side by side during the Second World War. A new visitor center at the Manila American Cemetery, open in 2019, explores the American role in the archipelago during WWII.
Address: Philippines
From $ 48
Amarapura
About 11 kilometers south of Mandalay, just between the Taungthaman Lake and the Ayeyarwady River, lays the small town of Amarapura, another former capital of the old Burmese kingdom. Apart from pagodas and the ruins of the ancient palace, the city offers one of Myanmar’s most photographed sights: the narrow, 1,200-meter-long U Bein bridge, which made entirely out of teak wood. The gangly looking bridge was built in 1784, but is still in mint condition and never needed any serious repairs. It was named after its founder, a former mayor, and was built from over 1,000 teak logs, partially even with the ruins of the abandoned royal city. Thus, for its incredible length spanning the lake, the U Bein bridge is recognized as the longest teak wood bridge in the world. Sunsets are especially popular, as the setting sun creates a beautiful silhouette of the bridge, photos of which adorn many a living room at home.
Sporadically, platforms, pavilions and benches are built into the bridge to offer travellers some rest and protection from the burning Southeast Asian sun. Apart from crossing on foot, it is also worth it to head to the Mahagandayon Monastery, which is located right at the beginning of the bridge. The monastery is one of the biggest in Myanmar and houses up to 1000 monks, some of which can often be seen strolling across the teak wood bridge in their billowing red robes. Visitors are welcome to glimpse into the life of these devout Buddhists and wander through the hallways, although it gets almost too busy during mealtimes.
Practical Info
Because of the short distance from Mandalay, most people visit Amarapura on a day trip. You can either fly into the Mandalay International Airport or take one of the many bus or train connections and then head to Amarapurna by scooter, taxi or boat.
Address: Amarapura, Myanmar
From $ 15
American Military Cemetery
The Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial may very well be the most visited American military cemetery in the world after Arlington, and with good reason: It is an emotional experience that stays with visitors long after they've returned home from their travels, even if they've never given much thought to World War II battle history.
There are four distinct features to the memorial, located in Colleville-sur-Mer, about half an hour from Bayeux and three hours from Paris. First, there is the cemetery itself, the final resting place of more than 9,000 soldiers. The vast majority of them lost their lives fighting the D-Day battles of Normandy, but there are other World War II heroes buried here as well. The rigid lines of so many thousands of graves are an astonishing sight, and the sense of loss is overwhelming. You'll see small stones placed upon the headstones in the shape of the Star of David for Jewish soldiers; this is a common Jewish custom and they should not be removed.
The next feature is the memorial, which includes a reflecting pool, a chapel and inlaid maps detailing the events of D-Day. The American flag flies here, as France conceded the land to the Americans and it is considered U.S. soil. The memorial and cemetery give way to the next feature, which is the view from from the site's vantage point above the famous Omaha Beach. From news reports and cinematic depictions we've come to recognize the beach from the point of view of the soldiers coming in from the English Channel; to see it from above, though, is to see just how precarious their circumstances were and how incredible it was that victory belonged to the Allies that day.
The final feature of the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial is its brilliant visitor center, which puts everything into context. Far from jingoistic chest-thumping, the center instead stands in humble awe of the men who gave their lives on D-Day and pays every ounce of due respect to the enormity of the operation. Inside are items the soldiers carried with them, from ammunition to good luck charms, as well as first-hand accounts recorded by veterans. Learn about the French involvement in the region and the small details that could have made or broken the operation.
Address: Omaha Beach, Collville-sur-Mer 14710, France
Hours: April 15-September 15 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; September 16-April 14 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
From $ 69
Amsterdam Central Station
Amsterdam Central Station (Amsterdam Centraal Station) is the largest railway station in the Netherlands, as well as the country’s most visited national heritage site. Serving up to 250,000 passengers every day, it’s the city’s most important transport hub, offering both national and international train services.
The Basics
Whether you’re riding the city trams and local trains around Amsterdam, catching a long-distance train to Paris or Brussels, or heading to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, you’re likely to pass through Amsterdam Central Station at some point during your travels. Sightseeing walking tours of the city often include a stop to admire the station’s striking 19th-century façade, while boat tours of Amsterdam’s canals leave from the quays right outside the station.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Facilities at Amsterdam Central Station include ATMs, restrooms, luggage storage, a tourist office, currency exchange, and a range of coffee shops, fast-food restaurants, and shops.
- Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the station.
- Amsterdam Central Station is fully wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Amsterdam Central Station is built upon three artificial islands on Stationsplein at the center of Amsterdam’s canal ring and within walking distance of many of the city’s central attractions. The northern terminus of Metro lines 51, 53, and 54, the station serves numerous national and international train services, several GVB tram and ferry routes, as well as local and regional buses operated by GVB, Connexxion and EBS. Taxis and water taxis can be found outside the station and trains to and from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport depart every 10 minutes and take around 20 minutes.
When to Get There
Amsterdam Central Station is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and gets particularly busy during the weekday rush hours (early morning and early evening). However, if you have an early morning departure or late-night arrival, you may find many visitor facilities are closed.
A Walking Tour of Amsterdam
Thanks to its strategic central location, Amsterdam Central Station is within walking distance of many popular tourist sights. Follow the scenic waterfront lanes into the atmospheric Red Light District; loop around to see attractions such as the Rembrandt house, the Amsterdam Museum, and the Anne Frank House; and finish by admiring the historic monuments of Dam Square.
Address: Stationsplein, Amsterdam, Netherlands
From $ 10
Amsterdam Dungeon
Visitors to Amsterdam, feel the fear. Just how many ways were there to die in the old city? Find out at the Amsterdam Dungeon as you experience the city’s horrible past – you’ll encounter plague victims, suffer tortured screams as the Spanish Inquisition comes to town and hear the dying groans of scurvy-ridden sailors as their ship Batavia sails into the Doldrums. Drop through the darkness into the bowels of the earth on simulator rides and despair as you lose your way in the Labyrinth of the Lost. New among the 11 terrifying actor-led interactive shows at the Dungeon in ‘Murder on the Zeedijk’ – just when will the moaning spirit of lonely Helena ambush you?
If you like your horror with a modicum of kitsch and humor, then this is the place for you. But be warned, while most teenagers will love the Amsterdam Dungeon, it’s probably not the place for young kids.
Practical Info
Rokin 78. Tickets adults €22; €18 for children under age 15. Tours run daily, starting at 11am and running every 15 minutes until 5pm. The Amsterdam Dungeon is hugely popular and lines are always long outside; save time and buy a ‘Skip the Line’ ticket ahead of your visit. Take trams 4, 9, 16 or 24 to Spui.
Address: Rokin 78, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Admission: Adults: €22
From $ 18
Amsterdam Red Light District
Most famous for its streetside brothels, Amsterdam's Red Light District (De Wallen) also houses scenic canals, bustling restaurants, bars, and plenty of shopping. While this controversial neighborhood may not be for everyone, its winding cobblestone streets and narrow alleys evoke Amsterdam’s rich history and laid-back culture.
The Basics
The Red Light District is best explored on foot or by bike. Walking tours typically provide a deep-dive into the neighborhood’s history and culture, while bike tours provide a broader overview of the city and allow you to visit the Red Light District along with attractions such as the Van Gogh Museum or New Market Square. Depending on your preference you can choose to visit by day or by night, when the district is especially lively.
Some tour options include admission to popular attractions such as the Sex Museum, the Red Light Secrets museum, Madame Tussauds Amsterdam, or one of the Netherlands’ legendary coffee shops. Opt for a walking tour led by a former police officer to learn about the district’s storied police history, or take a group pub-crawl tour to explore local watering holes.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Although the area's once-dangerous streets are now much more welcoming, be aware of your surroundings as pickpockets are still common.
- Taking photographs of sex workers in the windows is strictly forbidden. If you do, you may find yourself fishing your camera out of a canal.
- Nearby, the commercial thoroughfares of Warmoesstraat and Zeedijk are filled with shops and restaurants.
How to Get There
Also known as De Wallen (the Walls) or De Walletjes (the Little Walls), Amsterdam’s Red Light District is located just south of Centraal Station. While guided tours allow you to avoid the hassle of navigation, it’s also possible to arrive via tram or bus.
When to Get There
You can visit the Red Light District year-round—just don’t forget your rain jacket if you’re headed there during winter. Arrive after dark to see the area’s bustling nightlife.
Alternative Amsterdam
The famous laid-back Dutch attitude is very prevalent in the Red Light District, especially in the form of cannabis and sex work. While smoking marijuana is illegal in the Netherlands, it is widely tolerated, and you may purchase or possess up to five grams. You may be surprised that this carnivalesque neighborhood is also where families, young couples, and senior citizens reside and socialize.
Address: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Admission: Free
From $ 10
Anadolu Kavagi
The last stop on the Asian side of the Bosphorus Strait, Anadolu Kavagi is a former fishing village that sits near the confluence of the Bosphorus and the Black Sea. Some say that the village historically served as a shelter for trade ships against storms, with sometimes as many as 300 ships stopping at a time.
Anadolu Kavagi may be best known for Yoros Castle, a medieval castle perched on a hill high above the village overlooking the Bosphorus. In an area originally settled by the Phoenicians and Greeks, the castle was built in Byzantine times and was later restored and reinforced multiple times by both the Genoese and the Ottomans. However, it fell into disrepair after the 18th century and only ruins remain today, including portions of the citadel and the surrounding walls.
Although the walk up Caferbaba Sokagi to the castle is a steep one, taking nearly half an hour, the views when you reach the top are well worth it. Visitors have long had unrestricted access to the ruins of Yoros Castle, which is a popular picnic destination for locals. However, archaeological excavations began in 2010 and may impede access to some extent.
Anadolu Kavagi may be best known for Yoros Castle, a medieval castle perched on a hill high above the village overlooking the Bosphorus. In an area originally settled by the Phoenicians and Greeks, the castle was built in Byzantine times and was later restored and reinforced multiple times by both the Genoese and the Ottomans. However, it fell into disrepair after the 18th century and only ruins remain today, including portions of the citadel and the surrounding walls.
Although the walk up Caferbaba Sokagi to the castle is a steep one, taking nearly half an hour, the views when you reach the top are well worth it. Visitors have long had unrestricted access to the ruins of Yoros Castle, which is a popular picnic destination for locals. However, archaeological excavations began in 2010 and may impede access to some extent.
Practical Information
The best way to reach Anadolu Kavagi is by taking a ferry up the Bosphorus. If you prefer not to take the ferry back to Istanbul, you can catch bus 15A from the main square to Beykoz or Kanlica. Then, switch to bus 15 to Uskudar or bus E-2 to Taksim.
Address: Turkey
From $ 92
Amman Citadel
Modern, buzzy Amman does a better job than Damascus or Jerusalem of hiding its ancient origins, but Philadelphia (to give the city its original Roman name) does have some notable antiquities.
Foremost among them is the Amman Citadel, built on the summit of Jebel al-Qala'a, the highest of Amman’s seven hills. It has had an extraordinarily long life as a fortress, with evidence of Bronze Age usage, while the remnants of a Roman site, including the Temple of Hercules, are still very much in evidence. This Citadel has also been a royal residence, as indicated by the ruins of the 8th century Ummayad palace, with its largely intact domed audience hall built on the site of a Byzantine basilica.
Foremost among them is the Amman Citadel, built on the summit of Jebel al-Qala'a, the highest of Amman’s seven hills. It has had an extraordinarily long life as a fortress, with evidence of Bronze Age usage, while the remnants of a Roman site, including the Temple of Hercules, are still very much in evidence. This Citadel has also been a royal residence, as indicated by the ruins of the 8th century Ummayad palace, with its largely intact domed audience hall built on the site of a Byzantine basilica.
The Citadel makes a great vantage point over the rest of the city, an especially impressive sight at sunset or at evening as the lights twinkle on Amman’s sloping hills.
Practical Info
The best option for reaching the top of Jebel al-Qala'a from central Amman is to take a taxi; you can always walk down again.
Address: Amman, Jordan
From $ 31