Sometimes you don’t have to travel far for a city trip. You can also enjoy a city trip in your own country. A staycation, as they call it. Enjoying a new city and exploring the surroundings. And where better to do that in the Netherlands than in Amsterdam?
The capital of the Netherlands is an energetic, vibrant city with international allure. Beautiful Mokum is located in the province of North Holland on the IJ. Amsterdam is a very densely populated city. With nearly a million inhabitants, it is the most densely populated city in the country. To be precise, according to CBS, 905,234 people live in our capital.
City trip to Amsterdam is the ultimate Dutch city trip destination
Greater Amsterdam
If you count all the inhabitants of Greater Amsterdam, you come to 1,384,998 inhabitants. Greater Amsterdam is the area that, in addition to the capital, includes several other cities. Diemen, Amstelveen, Aalsmeer, Beemster, Edam-Volendam, Oostzaan, Landsmeer, Uithoorn, Purmerend, and Waterland.
Amsterdam, the world city
Amsterdam is also one of the most international cities in the world. With 182 different nationalities, it ranks second, followed by New York City in the United States. It is a city where everyone is welcome. Regardless of your age, background, ethnicity, or orientation. And that’s what makes Amsterdam so beautiful.
It is a great showcase of how our country should be. Love for everyone! Everyone can be happy! Everyone can have fun. And that is exactly why you go to Amsterdam. That is also exactly why Amsterdam is the ultimate Dutch city trip destination.
From the various international cuisines to the traditional brown cafes. Enjoy a night out in a big club or visit the Albert Cuyp market during the day. Cruise through the canals or visit museums?
There is nothing you can’t do in Amsterdam. Will this be your next city trip destination?
How did Amsterdam get its name?
Amsterdam got its name in the 13th century. In the 13th century, a dam was built in the Amstel. That place received city rights a few years later in the year 1300.
Then an official name was needed. A combination of Amstel and the constructed dam was chosen. That’s how the name Amsterdam came about.
During the Golden Age, Amsterdam was one of the most important port and trading cities. Not only in the Netherlands, not only in Europe but in the entire world. The Amsterdam canal belt has also been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2010.
Who is Amsterdam for?
As mentioned earlier, Amsterdam is for everyone. Everyone is welcome, and everyone will enjoy themselves in our energetic capital. Just as every pot has a lid, there is at least one activity in Amsterdam for everyone that is fun to undertake.
But let’s be honest, there will be many more activities. Amsterdam is a true melting pot of everything. You see that in every aspect. From the architecture where the old is combined with the new and modern. But also in the thousands of restaurants the city has to offer. You can take walking and cycling tours through the Vondelpark, visit dozens of different museums.
You can shop endlessly. From budget-friendly stores in the Kalverstraat to luxury boutiques in the P.C. Hooftstraat. If you love theater, you can go to Carré. Or choose a local theater company performing their current play.
The Tapas Theater
A fun example of this is the Tapas Theater. The Tapas Theater combines eating tapas with watching a theater performance. The idea is simple. You choose 2 or 3 performances you want to attend. These are performances from different genres such as music, musical, theater, or cabaret. You alternate these theater performances with delicious tapas. Every day there are at least 9 performances to choose from. It’s a unique experience and fun to do with your partner, family, or colleagues.
You absolutely must not leave Amsterdam without taking a boat tour through the canals. People travel from all over the world to admire the city from the water, and we understand why. From the water, you have a slightly different view. You get the real Amsterdam feeling as you sail past all the impressive mansions. It’s a unique experience, one that you should definitely put on your to-do list.
There are many different providers, and tickets can be purchased in advance or on-site. You can also find boat tours including lunch or dinner.
If you have something to celebrate, taking such a boat tour is also a great idea!
What attractions should you visit in Amsterdam?
- Royal Palace
- The Jordaan
- Anne Frank House
- Vondelpark
- Rijksmuseum
- The Canal Belt
- Leidseplein
- Magere Brug
- Dam Square
- Museumplein
The Anne Frank House
The Anne Frank House is visited by many Dutch and international travelers. The Anne Frank House is a very impressive museum. You get a lot of information about Anne Frank and her family and the other people hiding in the Secret Annex. You also learn more about World War II, the persecution of Jews, and anti-Semitism.
There is a minimum age of 10 years, but the museum leaves it to the parents to decide whether they want to expose their child to these sensitive topics. It is a very interesting museum for children to visit because there are also various exhibitions that address current themes. Themes such as prejudices and how they arise and bullying.
The Anne Frank House is on the route of the bike tour organized by Baja Bikes. This way, you already have an idea of where it is and can visit it more easily.
Rijksmuseum Amsterdam
Another museum you really shouldn’t miss is the Rijksmuseum. The museum of the Netherlands with works by Masters from our own country.
Admire works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Heemskerck. Various exhibitions are also regularly organized where contemporary artists are featured. The Rijksmuseum is focused on exhibiting a lot of art by Dutch Masters and sculptors.
In addition to the Rijksmuseum, there are also other fun museums in Amsterdam to discover
Bustling nightlife
If you want to go out in the evening, there is no better place than in our dynamic capital. Amsterdam offers a wide range of clubs and bars. Whether you like drinking beer in a brown café or want to drink fancy cocktails in a luxury rooftop bar. Or would you rather hit the dance floor? Then there are also plenty of clubs where you can dance the night away. Escape, Club Air and Jimmy Woo have been the clubs for the perfect night out for decades. Good music, good atmosphere, and reasonable prices. All clubs are also located in the city center of Amsterdam, so they are very accessible.
Explore Amsterdam by bike
Although Amsterdam is certainly a safe destination for cycling, riding through the center without a guide is not recommended.
Especially if you are not familiar with the hustle and bustle and traffic in the sometimes chaotic city center, it can be a bit overwhelming. With a bike guide, all of this disappears, and you can maneuver through the crowds in a pleasant way.
You can book your bike tour through our dynamic capital via Baja Bikes.
You have different options to choose from. The most popular option is the highlights tour. Here you go with a Dutch-speaking guide by bike to many cool and unique Amsterdam attractions.
From Leidseplein to Museumplein, the Jordaan, and the Anne Frank House, to name a few. Of course, you will cycle past many more attractions.
You cycle about 12 km and can opt for an electric bike. This for an additional fee of €15. Do you want to book this bike tour with a group where not everyone speaks Dutch? No worries.
You can also choose an English-speaking guide or a German-speaking guide.
Moreover, it is also possible to undertake this tour with children. This way, even the little ones among us will discover the capital in an adventurous way. A top activity to do with the family.