When in Amsterdam, a visit to the Central Station is practically inevitable. Nearly every traveler to the city encounters it at least once.

Amsterdam Centraal is the largest railway station in the city and has the second longest railway platform in the country, with a length of 695 meters, and a cast-iron platform roof spanning approximately 40 meters. A major international railway hub, it is used daily by almost 200,000 passengers, making it the Netherlands' most visited national heritage object.

Amsterdam Centraal was designed by Dutch architect Pierre Cuypers, featuring a blend of Gothic and Renaissance Revival elements.

The station was constructed on three artificial islands, between 1882 and 1889. Controversially located at the city's waterfront, it took a precise total of 8,687 wooden piles to anchor such a monumental structure on the marshy ground. The station spurred significant urban redevelopment and shifted Amsterdam’s focus from a waterfront to an inland city, influencing both transportation and city planning.

Its design celebrates Dutch economic and colonial prowess through various decorative elements. Initially, the entire project seemed like a huge blunder and was swiftly criticized by numerous experts. However, the architects persevered and ultimately vindicated themselves, defying skeptics.

Through the decades, Amsterdam Centraal has undergone multiple renovations and expansions to meet modern demands. Significant developments included the creation of a pedestrian tunnel in the 1950s, expansion of metro facilities in the late 1970s, and a major overhaul in the 1980s and 1990s that introduced new signaling systems, expanded tracks, and additional roofing. Recent upgrades focus on enhancing capacity and accessibility, including extended platforms for international trains, a new bus station, and upgraded retail spaces, marking it as a central hub in Amsterdam’s urban landscape.

Tip:
Take advantage of the several free ferry trips navigating the canals, departing every 5 to 15 minutes from this location; they offer a rewarding experience. You can even cruise back to the station via boat if you wish, rounding out your visit with a picturesque waterborne journey.

Dam Square, or the Dam, is a central town square in Amsterdam, known for its significant buildings and frequent events. Positioned in the historical heart of Amsterdam, it sits on the site of the original dam on the Amstel River. The square extends some 200 meters from west to east and 100 meters from north to south, connecting Damrak and Rokin streets that trace the Amstel's original course.

The square is also the termination point for other notable streets like New Dike, Calf Street, and Dam Street, with the main red-light district, De Wallen, just beyond its northeast corner. Prominent features on Dam Square include the neoclassical Royal Palace, the 15th-century Gothic New Church, the Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, and the National Monument which honors World War II victims, all of which collectively turn the Dam into a major tourist hub.

The name "Amsterdam" originates from a dam built on the Amstel River around 1270. This dam, integral to the city's development, included a discharge sluice and later locks to facilitate navigation and control water levels. By 1275, the settlement was significant enough to be recorded in connection with a road toll granted by the count of Holland, Floris V. Over time, the dam expanded to accommodate a town square, now known as Dam Square. Eventually, the area became a hub for commercial and governmental activities, featuring a large fish market and a town hall.

Significant changes occurred over the centuries, including the demolition of a weigh house in 1808 to clear the view for Louis Bonaparte’s Royal Palace and the infilling of Damrak Avenue in the 19th century. The square also hosted the Beurs van Zocher stock exchange until 1903. Today, the De Bijenkorf department store has been in its place since 1914. Dam Square has also been a site for national events – such as the National Memorial Day commemorations at the National Monument unveiled in 1956, and public demonstrations, – maintaining its status as a national and cultural gathering spot for the Dutch.

Tip:
For those in need of a restroom, free and well-maintained toilets are available at the De Bijenkorf shop on the 5th floor.

The Anne Frank House is a biographical museum dedicated to Anne Frank, a Jewish diarist during World War II. Hiding in the Secret Annex of this 17th-century building during the Nazi occupation, her family and four others remained concealed here until their discovery. Although Anne did not survive the war, her diary was published in 1947 by her father, Otto Frank, who was the sole survivor among those hidden.

The building itself dates back to 1635. By the 20th century, it had transitioned from a private residence to a warehouse and stable and served various commercial purposes.

In 1940, Otto Frank relocated his spice business here. The building included a front goods entrance, a middle section with spice mills, and a rear warehouse for packing and dispatch. The offices above contained a radio used by the group in hiding until 1943.

The building's secluded rear extension, known as the Secret Annex, became the hidden refuge for the Frank family—Otto, his wife Edith, and daughters Margot and Anne—along with four other Jews fleeing Nazi persecution. Despite its small size (about 450 square feet), Anne Frank described it in her diary as relatively luxurious. Here, they remained concealed for over two years until their discovery and deportation by the Nazis. Only Otto survived the concentration camps.

After the arrest, the annex was emptied on Nazi orders, but the company's employees managed to salvage some belongings, including Anne's writings. After Otto Frank's return to Amsterdam in 1945, he compiled Anne Frank's diaries into a book called “The Secret Annex.”

After its publication, visitors to Anne Frank's hiding place were guided by employees who had helped hide the families, allowing access to the secret rooms. By 1955, the building faced demolition for factory construction, but a campaign initiated by a local newspaper helped declare it a protected monument. The Anne Frank Foundation was established in 1957 by Otto Frank, acquiring the building through donations and purchasing the adjacent property.

The museum opened in 1960, drawing significant attention globally. After being expanded to include more exhibition space, the museum was reopened in 2001 by Queen Beatrix. In 2007, it saw over one million visitors, becoming the third most-visited museum in the Netherlands. Among other exhibits, it displays an Academy Award won by Shelley Winters for her role in the 1959 movie “The Diary of Anne Frank.” Donated by the actress, the Oscar is housed in a bullet-proof glass case within the museum.

Tip:
Plan your visit well in advance, and be mindful that the house has numerous stairs, and photography is not permitted inside.

When you visit Amsterdam, especially during the springtime, you won't want to miss out on seeing some beautiful tulips. Even if they haven't fully bloomed or are past their prime, fear not – Bloemenmarkt has got you covered. This place has been around since the 1860s and is arguably the best, and still the most atmospheric, spot to discover (and buy) fresh flowers and bulbs.

As soon as you enter this little botanical wonderland situated along the canal, you'll be surrounded by all things floral (and sometimes more) – there's a dazzling array of souvenirs, and surprisingly, they're priced pretty much the same across various vendors. You can find a wide variety of bulbs for sale, including daffodils, amaryllis, crocus, narcissus, tulips, peony roots, and more. They even have some cacti and potted plants and herbs available for purchase.

Tip:
It you decide to buy tulip bulbs to take back home, be sure to get a "customs-cleared" stamp to avoid any issues with customs when upon arrival in your home country.

Vincent van Gogh (1853–90) undeniably ranks as one of the most renowned, widely reproduced, and frequently discussed modern artists. Consequently, it comes as no surprise that this museum, housing an exceptional collection of his works, stands as one of Amsterdam's premier attractions.

The institution is situated within two contemporary structures positioned on the northern periphery of Museum Square, also known as "Museumplein". The core collection of van Gogh's masterpieces is housed in an angular building designed by the eminent figure of the De Stijl movement, Gerrit Rietveld (1888–1964). This section, spanning four modestly sized floors, serves as an introductory journey into the life and artistry of the painter, primarily featuring paintings that were primarily inherited from Vincent's brother and art dealer, Theo. Complementing these works, you'll often find small supporting exhibitions that contextualize van Gogh's artistic contributions alongside those of his friends and contemporaries. The museum boasts a notable collection of paintings by luminaries such as Toulouse-Lautrec, Cézanne, Gauguin, Pissarro, and Monet.

Towards the rear of Rietveld's architectural masterpiece, a ground-floor escalator connects to the ultramodern 1998 extension. Although somewhat aesthetically controversial, this structure serves as a venue for temporary exhibitions, which typically delve into various facets of van Gogh's art and draw extensively from the permanent collection. Consequently, the paintings on display within the older building undergo regular rotation. The two edifices are seamlessly linked by a striking glass entrance hall, an addition implemented in 2015.

As one might expect, the museum tends to attract substantial crowds, often leading to lengthy queues. To circumvent the congestion, it is advisable to arrive early or consider booking tickets online in advance.

Why You Should Visit:
The main museum for all things Van Gogh, and absolutely the most popular museum in Amsterdam.

Tip:
Proceed directly to the third floor and navigate your visit in a descending manner. This strategic approach will afford you the opportunity to experience a quieter viewing experience on two to three floors.
When purchasing your ticket, make sure to include the audioguide. With this addition, allocating approximately 1.5 to 2 hours should enable you to thoroughly explore all the artworks, rather than limiting your focus solely to the highlights.