We are proud to offer the 12 best things to discover Amsterdam Old Town to the fullest and most memorable. Tighten your shoelaces and hold on to your bike!
UNESCO has designated Amsterdam’s whole city center, often known as Amsterdam Old Town, as a World Heritage Site. The principal canal belts from the 17th century, such as Prinsengracht, Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Singel, are at the center of the inscribed property. Still, an additional buffer zone has been established to safeguard the regions surrounding Amsterdam Old Town, the Netherlands.
1. Amazing things to explore in Amsterdam Old Town
1.1. Take a canal tour
Without taking a canal tour, a trip to Amsterdam Old Town would not be complete. From the river, the city appears very different. Get aboard a boat and cruise around the canals and across arched bridges while seeing the lovely grachtenhuizen from the 17th century.
1.2. Visit the oldest building in Amsterdam Old Town
The oldest structure in Amsterdam Old Town is the Oude Kerk. It was built in 1213 and is now located in the heart of Amsterdam’s renowned red-light district. You can go on a tour of the structure or go inside to see the newest piece of art. Have a coffee at Quartier Putain or the next-door Koffieschenkerij afterward.
1.3. Shopping on the 9 Streets
In the center of Amsterdam Old Town, the Negen Straatjes, or nine little streets, are a well-liked shopping district. Three parallel streets divided into three blocks by the canals make up the nine streets that make up this neighborhood.
There are numerous attractive cafes and boutique stores selling clothing and home décor. You can swing by Pancakes for a meal to experience some traditional Dutch pannenkoeken.
1.4. Look at de Waag
The Waag is a castle-like-looking structure from the 15th century located in the heart of Amsterdam Old Town. Originally a city gate and a part of Amsterdam’s defense walls, it eventually operated as a “weigh house” to assess import taxes on goods. In Rembrandt’s work The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp, the structure is depicted as a surgeon’s guildhall and anatomical theater.
1.5. Drink something on a terrace in Amsterdam Old Town
If you find yourself in Amsterdam Old Town on a beautiful day, stop for a drink and a snack at one of the city’s lovely canalside terraces. A few of our faves are Cafe ‘t Smalle, Van Zuylen, and Spanjer en van Twist. Bitterballen is a beloved Dutch snack that goes great with a cool beer, so if you haven’t tried them yet, you should.
You definitely won’t want to sit outside in the cold on a patio in the winter, so go to one of my favorite warm Amsterdam Old Town bars instead; some of them even have fireplaces.
1.6. Check out Hidden Hofjes
The oldest areas of Amsterdam Historic Town, like many other old Dutch towns, are dotted with secret courtyards called hofjes. Previously, widows and elderly ladies in need of accommodation could reside in these structures for free or at a low cost.
In reality, many still provide affordable housing to their inhabitants, who may be young or old students or ladies. The Begijnhof, a hofje located close to the Spui in Amsterdam, it is the most well-known. Enter this tranquil haven in the center of Amsterdam’s Old Town. The Jordaan neighborhood also has numerous of these secret courtyards.
1.7. Traverse Magere Brug in Amsterdam Old Town
The most well-known bridge in Amsterdam is likely the Magere Brug or narrow bridge. It spans the Amstel River in Amsterdam Old Town and has a typical wooden balanced design.
Most of the tales and legends surrounding the beginnings of this bridge and its humorous name center on two sisters who lived on opposite banks of the river. The bridge is beautiful, especially at night when its 1200 lights are turned on.
1.8. Check out the Canal House Museums
A few opulent homes in the canal district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, have been converted into museums. Explore the interior to learn more about the lifestyle of the affluent in the 17th century.
My preferred canal house museums in Amsterdam Old Town are Museum Willet Holthuysen, Museum Van Loon, and Huis Marseille Photography Museum. The Grachtenhuis Museum has additional information on the history of canals and canal dwellings.
- Maybe you like: 9 Free Museums In Amsterdam For Budget Travel
1.9. Walk Around Vondelpark
The most well-known park in Amsterdam is located right outside the canal rings. Any time of year is a beautiful time to stroll there, but the summer months are the busiest. Trees, big lawns, rose gardens, and even a Picasso sculpture.
You can grab a bite and a drink at one of the park’s few cafes, or you can do as the locals do and pack a picnic.
1.10. Go to the Royal Palace in Amsterdam Old Town
The Royal Palace of Amsterdam is located in Dam Square, the center of the city’s Old Town. It was once the city hall, but now it serves as the venue for official Dutch monarchy events.
However, regular citizens can also visit the palace. Get the audio tour to learn about Dutch history while you explore the spaces and take in the impressive architecture and opulent decor.
1.11. Away from the City Center
There are many things to do in charming Amsterdam Old Town and many more in the entire city, but I suggest hopping on a bike or taking public transportation to see more of the place. Take a free boat to Amsterdam Noord or travel to some outside areas, such as Oost, de Pijp, and West. Although Amsterdam is a small city, there is much to explore.
1.12. Red Light District is a must-see
The Red Light District, or De Wallen, is situated in the center of Amsterdam’s historic district, a few streets south of the Oude Kerk and bisected by several canals. The names of the two canals in the area, the Oudezijds Achterburgwal and the Oudezijds Voorburgwal, are referenced in the name “Wallen.”
The red light district of Amsterdam is home to many sex stores, sex theaters, peep shows, sex museums, cannabis museums, and several coffee cafes selling different cannabis products.
2. How can I get to Amsterdam’s Old Town by bus, train, metro, or light rail?
Directions to Old Town with public transportation. The following transit lines have routes that pass near Old Town
