RIJKSMUSEUM
Address: Stadhouderskade 42 Tel: +31 (0)20 6747047
Website: www.rijksmuseum.nl Open: Daily 09:00 – 18:00

Rijksmuseum houses a spectacular collection of artworks by the great Dutch masters from the 15th to the late 19th centuries. The extensive collection attracts more than a million visitors each year. On show are some of the best-known paintings by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Frans Hals and Jan Steen as well as intricate pieces of furniture, dolls' houses and other knickknacks. The highlight of the museum is Rembrandt’s The Night Watch, a large group portrait of the Civic Guard.

VAN GOGH MUSEUM
Address: Paulus Potterstraat 7 Tel: +31 (0)20-570 52 52 Tram: 2 and 5
Website: www.vangoghmuseum.nl Open: daily 10:00 – 18:00

The museum houses the largest collection of Vincent Van Gogh’s paintings in the world. The collection features some of Van Gogh’s best known works such as Sunflowers and Self-Portrait with Pipe and Straw Hat. Visitors can explore five different phases of the artist’s life and work, namely, the Netherlands, Paris, Arles, Saint-Remy and Auvers-sur-Oise. In addition to over 200 Van Gogh paintings, also on exhibit are his letters and selected works by other 19th century artists such as Gauguin and Monet.

During the Second World War, this house was the hiding place of the young diarist Anne Frank and her family. Anne’s original diary, 25 million copies of which have been sold worldwide, is on display here, among with her other personal possessions. Visitors can view photographs of the Frank family and other people in hiding and browse through Anne’s letters, books and postcards.

This magnificent 17th century palace located in the heart of Amsterdam was originally the city hall. It was not until 1808 that Louis Napoleon, then King of Holland, decided to make it his home. The interior of the palace is intricately decorated with Empire-style furniture and elaborate chandeliers and clocks. Even Rembrandt and Ferdinand Bol have made contributions to its ornate state rooms. The palace is open to public when it is not used for state occasions. Vistors can roam its spectacular Citizens’ Hall, the Council Room and the Burgomasters’ Chambers.

BEGIJNHOF
Address: Spui Open: daily 9.00-13.00

This secluded courtyard was originally built as a sanctuary for Begijntjes nuns in the early 14th century. Its green lawn is surrounded by some of the oldest houses in Amsterdam, occupied by single elderly women. Het Houten Huis, at number 34, is the oldest surviving house in Amsterdam dating to early 15th century. At the very centre of the courtyard is a medieval church, Englese Kerk (English Church), whose medieval tower dominates the courtyard. Visitors come to Begijnhof court for some peace and quiet away from the city noise.

MAGERE BRUG
Address: between Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht on River Amstel

Magere Brug or Skinny Bridge over river Amstel is one of the best-known bridges in Amsterdam. The original bridge got its name from the fact that it was so narrow that pedestrians had dfficulty bypassing one another. The bridge was replaced with a wider version in 1871 but kept its original name. It is a traditional Dutch wooden draw bridge which opens every twenty minutes to let river traffic through. It is probaby the prettiest when viewed at night when it is illuminated by hundreds of lights.

BLOEMENMARKT
Address: Singel canal between the Koningsplein and the Muntplein
Open: Mon-Sat 9.00-17:30, Sun 11.00-17.30.

A visit to Amsterdam would not be complete without a stroll through its colourful flower market. The Bloemenmarkt is a floating flower market on the Singel Canal with 15 permanently moored barges selling fresh flowers, bulbs and potted plants.

NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM
Address: Kattenburgerplein 1 Tel: +31 (0)20 52 32 222
Website: www.scheepvaartmuseum.nl Open: 10:00-17:00 Tue-Sat (and Mon from mid-June to mid-September) Admission: €7 (Adults) €4 (children 6 to 17)

The museum located in the 17th century National Naval Depot houses the largest collection of boats in the world. The extensive collection of real-size boats, model boats, maps and epic battle paintings traces the history of the Dutch Navy, from voyages of discovery to the trading ventures of the Dutch East Indies Company (VOC). The highlight of the museum is a replica VOC sailing ship, Amsterdam, moored outside the museum. Aboard vistors can experience the life on board by watching actors playing sailors fire the gun and load the ship’s cargo.

RED LIGHT DISTRICT
Address: Southwest from the Damrak and Dam

Located in the oldest part of Amsterdam is the crowded and frenetic Red Light District, notorious for its pornographic shops and prostitutes posing in red neon-light shop windows. Ironically, the area is also home to some of the most beautiful medieval buildings and churches in Amsterdam. The two different worlds have coexisted in this part of the city for more than five centuries. In recent years, the area has undergone much regeneration and now houses some of the trendiest restaurants and bars in the city. Nonetheless, it is best avoided by the faint-hearted. Although the area is generally safe, some visitors may feel more comfortable exploring its narrow alleyways with a tour guide. Walking tours lasting around 2.5 hours are available from most tourist offices.

This 17th century house, where Rembrandt once lived and worked, is a museum housing a collection of some 250 of his etchings as well as a selection of his pupils’ drawings and paintings. Rembrandt lived here for almost twenty years and painted some of his best-known works in these surroundings. His son Titus was also born in the house. The museum offers guided tours and numerous activities such as a demonstration of how paint was made in Rembrandt’s time.