Amsterdam : Enjoy the Contrast of Vibrant Nightlife and Relaxing Canal Rides

Sometimes referred to as the 「Venice of the North」, Amsterdam is a beautiful European city known for its charming canals and unique Dutch architecture. The romantic Dutch capital is a center of diversity within Europe, with a vibrant, lively nightlife scene that's contrasted by quiet roads and little amount of traffic.

1. Rijksmuseum

One of the most important museums in the Netherlands, this national museum holds over 8,000 objects relating to art and history, the largest collection of art in the country. The museum hosts numerous exhibits vividly detailing Dutch history with it's extensive collection of historic items and culturally significant objects. Apart from its vast collection of artifacts, the huge exterior of the museum is also stunning, some of the most beautiful architecture in the city.

2. Anne Frank Museum

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This museum is dedicated to presenting the very short life of one of the most famous victims of the Holocaust in the world, in the actual home where Anne Frank's family hid during World War II. The museum contains Ann Frank's original diary, which later became the world's best-selling book after the war, a few years after her death. A large part of the house was preserved as it was while Anne was hiding there and is an impressive monument to a tragic period of history.

3. Van Gogh Museum

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One of the most famous artists in the world, the museum houses a huge collection of originals from Dutch painter Van Gogh along with over 700 of his handwritten letters and other items detailing his history. The museum also allows you to compare his unique work with other famous painters from the 19th century, artists that inspired the great painter himself and other works that have been inspired in turn by his works.

4. The West Church

This church, famous for the site of the former Queen Beatrix wedding in 1966, is one of the most important tourist attractions in Amsterdam and is the most popular church in the city. The church was Built in 1630 and dates back to the Renaissance and is unusual due to its many internal and external gothic features. On the tip of the tower, there is a large copy of the emperor's crown has been put there in memory of Emperor Maximilian of Austria who in 1489 healed the disease in Amsterdam and gave the city his full protection. The church contains 48 bells, weighing the largest of them about three and a quarter tons.

5. The Royal Palace

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A visually stunning centerpiece in the city of Amsterdam, The Royal Palace is one of three palaces owned by the monarch in the Netherlands. Built during the nation's "Golden Age" in the 17th century, it was originally constructed to be used as a city hall for Amsterdam. The building was then converted into a palace by order of Louis Napoleon in the early 19th century. Nowadays it's used for official ceremonies and special events by the royal family as well as allowing visitors in to tour around the inside.

6. Jordaan District

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Known as one of the most picturesque areas in the city of Amsterdam, the Jordaan district has a history dating back to the 17th century. Walk around the quaint, narrow streets and admire the beautiful architecture while shopping around the numerous stores located around the area.

7. Natura Artis Magistra

Photo by Guilhem Vellut

The Natura Artis Magistra is one of the oldest zoos in Europe first founded in the mid-19th century, the grounds of this zoo are exquisite and contain many historic buildings constructed around the time it was founded. Apart from the animals housed here, Artis also includes a planetarium, arboretum, a large art collection and a library with a plethora of books on zoology and botany.

8. Magere Brug

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Particularly beautiful at night when the studded light bulbs are all lit up, the Magere Brug is arguably the most romantic spot in the city of Amsterdam with its backdrop of quaint Dutch canal houses. The current style of the bridge was built in 1934 but dates back to the 17th century, used to cross the River Amstel. Although the name means "skinny bridge" in Dutch -- most likely due to the original bridge being very narrow -- the bridge is much wider now after it was reconstructed in 1871.

9. Madame Tussauds Amsterdam

Photo by Alberto Garcia

The first international branch of the famous chain of wax museums, Madame Tussauds Amsterdam has a huge range of wax figures, detailing celebrities and famous figures in history. After opening its Amsterdam location, the wax museum has since unraveled similar places in cities all around the world.

10. National Maritime Museum (Het Scheepvaartmuseum)

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Dedicated to the country's spirited history at sea, the National Maritime Museum features a large collection of naval items such as paintings, models of ships, weapons and maps drawn by the Dutch navy. Outside the museum you'll see a full-scale replica of the Amsterdam, a well-known vessel that sailed between the Netherlands and the East Indies during the 18th century.

◎ Closing

Amsterdam is one of the most highly regarded cities in Europe, full of cafes, attractions, and nightlife. the city is also a haven for boat trips and water sports. It's beautiful relaxing atmosphere is best enjoyed by renting a bike and cycling around the picturesque streets and canals, just like how the locals do it.

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