Amsterdam Top 10 Sights Recommended by Tourists

Amsterdam is a popular all-year destination. In 2008, Amsterdam welcomed 4,527 million visitors, daytrippers not included.

In June I asked friends and family for their favourite spots in Amsterdam. This time I asked tourists. This was easy, I simply went to Anne Frankhuis and asked people in the queue about their favourite Amsterdam sights.

They all agreed on The Red Light District and Anne Frankhuis. These two attractions got the same number of votes. A canal boat tour was a good third.

Here is the list.

Magere Brug or Skinnny Bridge

1. RED LIGHT DISTRICT
Watch tourists watching the brothel windows

2. ANNE FRANKHUIS
Join the queue and see the house where the Frank family and friends were in hiding for two years

3. CANAL TOUR
Experience Amsterdam from the water

4. REMBRANDT’S NIGHT WATCH
Follow the crowd to Rijksmuseum and admire the exhibition Dutch Masterpieces

5. DAM SQUARE
Sit on the foot of the National Monument and people-watch

6. COFFEE SHOPS
Order marihuana and cannabis from the menu

7. BLOEMENMARKT
Stock up on bulbs, tulips and fridge magnets

8. GOLDEN CURVE
Check out ornate gables on the stretch of Herengracht between Leidsestraat and Vijzelstraat

9. REMBRANDTPLEIN
Party in bars and restaurants in Rembrandtplein area, glance at the Night Watch statue, a 3-D impression of Rembrandt’s masterwork.

10. MAGERE BRUG / SKINNY BRIDGE
Saunter across the oldest drawbridge of the city, come back at night when strings of hundreds of lights enchant the air.

photo credit: personal collection