My 12 Favorite Reasons to Visit Amsterdam

If you’re thinking of visiting Amsterdam, then rest assured that the Dutch capital offers plenty of great perks that are sure to make your trip one to remember! From the most popular tourist attractions to the hidden gems you’ll find off the beaten path, I personally think a trip to Amsterdam is worthy of inclusion on anyone’s bucket list.

Don’t worry, I won’t leave you hanging as to why. Join me for a trek through some of my favorite reasons to visit the city.

Part Amsterdam travel guide, part personal recommendations, I’ll fill you in on why Amsterdam is like no other city in the world. Along the way, I’ll point you in the direction of some of my favorite organized tours, popular attractions, and hidden gems.

My Favorite Reasons to Visit Amsterdam

1. Historic Architecture

Having grown up in the United States, I’ve always had a fascination with historic architecture. Sure, the U.S. is home to the occasional colonial building. But nothing in the States quite compares to the feeling of walking into a medieval building.

In Amsterdam, Oude Kerk traces its roots back to 1213. It’s worth checking out one of the many great historical walking tours you’ll find throughout the city. The tours help to get a real sense of the stories behind the most famous sites.

You’ll find plenty of incredible historic sites in Amsterdam, from the Royal Palace to neighborhoods like De Negen Straatjes. If there’s one site you don’t want to miss, it’s the Anne Frank House.

The famous site was where the brave young girl and her family hid from the Nazis. Just be aware that tickets are only available through the official website of the Anne Frank House and often sell out months in advance.

It’s also worth checking out powerful sites like the Dutch WWII Resistance Museum to learn more about Jewish history and culture in the city. Make sure you also visit the absolutely stunning Portuguese Synagogue, which was the largest synagogue in the world when it was first built in 1675.

And now for the question I know you’re dying to ask (because everyone does) – what about the less scrupulous parts of the city’s history? That’s right, I’m talking about Amsterdam’s Red Light District.

You’ll actually find plenty of perfectly legit tours that will walk you through the Red Light District and answer every question you’re afraid to ask along the way. While the district is pretty…