In 2019, the new lock in IJmuiden opened; since then, the port has been able to grow to 125 million tonnes in capacity. Amsterdam’s average annual precipitation is 838 mm (33 in).87 A large part of this precipitation falls as light rain or brief showers. Cloudy and damp days are common during the cooler months of October through March. Amsterdam, as well as most of the North Holland province, lies in USDA Hardiness zone 8b. Frosts mainly occur during spells of easterly or northeasterly winds from the inner European continent. Nazi Germany invaded the Netherlands on 10 May 1940 and took control of the country.61 Some Amsterdam citizens sheltered Jews, thereby exposing themselves and their families to a high risk of being imprisoned or sent to concentration camps.
De Wallen (red-light District)
You’ll have to book your tickets at least a month prior to your visit, so make sure to keep your eye on the website once you have your travel dates. The heartwrenching but compelling tale of Anne Frank is brought to life in Amsterdam’s Anne Frank House. However, you’ll find over 6,000 artworks here, so you will definitely need at least a couple of hours to check out as much as possible. Entry tickets also grant you access to their interactive exhibition and fascinating audio tour, retelling the story of Amsterdam’s past. For getting around Amsterdam, your best bet is to use the GVB Public Transport Ticket.
Search For Unusual Finds At Europe’s Biggest Flea Market
Looking for picture-perfect views of windmills, rolling grassland and winding canals? Set your sights on Old Holland, a pastoral paradise that’s so photogenic it is basically why Instagram was invented. If you have time for just one destination, grab the I amsterdam City Card and head to the iconic windmill-filled village of Zaanse Schans. If the trip is successful and objectives are reached then it’s only right to celebrate – and you’re certainly in the right place in Amsterdam.

Popular Road Trips From Amsterdam
It’s certainly no coincidence WE Fashion’s motto is ‘We are better together’. For a deep dive into Dutch culture, I think you’ll find this Marken, Volendam, and Edam Full-Day Tour to your liking. On this excursion, you’ll stop by the teeny village of Marken and get a masterclass in cheese-making in the town of Edam. While here, you’ll go on a tranquil cruise along the water and go for a wander during your free time.
WE Fashion Amsterdam Amsterdam
Many dinner boats offer customizable menus, so you can choose dishes that suit your taste. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or looking for a romantic night out, a dinner boat is the perfect addition to your Amsterdam culinary adventure. Book your dinner boat today and indulge in an unforgettable dining experience.
House Of Rituals Amsterdam
- At the end of the Second World War, and as a consequence of the Nazi occupation, Amsterdam was in a state of crisis.
- There really is so much to see and do here, from the museum detailing the movie-making process and production to the various cinema rooms displaying Dutch and international films.
- This was made possible due to innovations in the herring fishery, from which Amsterdam reaped great wealth.13 Herring had demand in markets all around Europe.
- This can be recognised by the suffix -meer which means lake, as in Aalsmeer, Bijlmermeer, Haarlemmermeer and Watergraafsmeer.
WE is part of the European fashion conglomerate Logo International, which also owns the brands O’Neill and Van Gils.WE is a company with a vertical organisation that designs its collections in-house. The Netherlands’s second most-populated city, Rotterdam, is Amsterdam’s modern and eclectic little sister, where you’ll be in awe of the bold architecture, high-rise buildings, and big-city vibe. This tour also offers some add-ons for an extra special day out, such as a boat trip, windmill entry, and a clog-making demonstration. These famously lopsided houses have become some of the most photographed canal houses in the city, and finding them is also super straightforward. A couple of interesting Red Light District tours are on offer to get a better understanding of the district, though this would mean you’re no longer visiting for free. With so many canals running through Amsterdam, you’ll want to prioritize which ones you want to visit, as stopping by them all would be a challenging feat.
In addition to this, there are the also the various languages of numerous immigrant communities which are widely spoken in major cities (such as Turkish, Arabic and Indonesian). Leidseplein (Leidse Square) (2 km)Leidseplein is a bustling area filled with activity late into the night. Home to a number of shops, cinemas, a casino, bars, restaurants and even street performers, it’s a must-see for any visitor. We offer our tours in over five languages so wherever you are from you will feel right at home in our tours. The tour guides are always accommodating and will give you a pleasent, fun experience.
Van Gogh Museum
- Most of the time the venue is in a luxury room or another historic or unique building.
- As you explore the city’s charming streets and picturesque canals, you and your special someone can bond over delicious Dutch delicacies, discovering new flavours together.
- AFAS Live (formerly known as the Heineken Music Hall) is a concert hall located near the Johan Cruyff Arena (known as the Amsterdam Arena until 2018).
- Speaking of the Amsterdam Dungeon, this is possibly the best thing to do in Amsterdam if you’re a horror movie fanatic or love a thrill.
- Their evening booze cruise in a small open boat is tailored for people looking for interaction with other travellers, who are looking to have a good time!
Communication with the rest of the country broke down, and food and fuel became scarce. Dogs, cats, raw sugar beets, and tulip bulbs—cooked to a pulp—were consumed to stay alive.65 Many trees in Amsterdam were cut down for fuel, and wood was taken from the houses, apartments and other buildings of deported Jews. The city was finally liberated by Canadian forces on 5 May 1945, shortly before the end of the war in Europe. Although the majority of bars in the area are slightly seedy tourist traps, there are also some really cool spots in the Red-Light District. Belushi’s (the bar of the popular St Christopher’s Inn Hostel) has some good-value drinks deals and is always a great place to start the night off and meet fellow travellers.
During your visit, you can see where King Willem-Alexander hosts state visits, prestigious dinners, and special occasions right in the heart of the city in Dam Square. The Rijksmuseum is the home of paintings many of you’ll recognize, with the most prized pieces including Rembrandt’s The Night Watch, Johannes Vermeer’s The Milkmaid, and Van Gogh’s self-portrait. Another reason why I have become so fond of these tours is because of the amazing guides that run them! It’s the best opportunity to ask questions, meet fellow travelers, and dive deep into the culture.

Visit picturesque villages, an old windmill and bike over dams and dykes. Learn about Holland ‘s history and how the Dutch manage to live below sea level. Enjoy a relaxing break away from the city on this four hour countryside bike tour. Amsterdam is the capital and most highly populated city in the Netherlands (a small country situated between Germany and Belgium). The city is situated in the western province of Noord-Holland, one of the twelve provinces of the country.

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Your unforgettable Amsterdam food tour begins at a centrally located meeting point, where you’ll be greeted by our friendly and knowledgeable guide. Over the course of 3 hours, you’ll stroll through the city’s bustling streets and picturesque canals, stopping at various local eateries and markets to sample authentic Dutch treats. Amsterdam’s musical culture includes a large collection of songs that treat the city nostalgically and lovingly. The 1949 song “Aan de Amsterdamse grachten” (“On the canals of Amsterdam”) was performed and recorded by many artists, including John Kraaijkamp Sr.; the best-known version is probably that by Wim Sonneveld (1962). In the 1950s Johnny Jordaan rose to fame with “Geef mij maar Amsterdam” (“I prefer Amsterdam”), which praises the city above all others (explicitly Paris); Jordaan sang especially about his own neighbourhood, the Jordaan (“Bij ons in de Jordaan”).
We Are Amsterdam wants to be there for travellers that are looking to have a good time in Amsterdam. Their customers praise their efforts to make sure that each customer is enjoying their tours. We Are Amsterdam organizes both walking tours as well as cruises in collaboration with their sister company Starboard Boats. We Are Amsterdam distinguishes herself from other tour operators, by operating on a smaller scale; smaller groups and small boats and room for personal attention. Yes, they’re as clichéd as clogs, but tulips are a definitive symbol of Dutch culture, and a trip to the Netherlands wouldn’t be complete without feasting your eyes on these beautiful blooms.

Reflect on the atrocities committed against the Jewish people during World War II at the Prinsengracht house, where diarist Anne Frank and her family hid from the Nazis for two years after fleeing persecution in Germany. The front of the Anne Frank House is now a thought-provoking museum, but the back annexe has been preserved to give an idea of what life was like for Anne and the families she hid with. Waiting times are often lengthy, so visit early in the morning or book online in advance to beat the queues.
Located at Westerpark, this sprawling complex of former industrial buildings used to be the city’s municipal gasworks. Now transformed into a colourful cultural hub, Westergas is home to various tempting bars, restaurants, coffee roasters, a microbrewery, art-house cinema, and a whole host of creative businesses. Look out for regular food markets, mini-festivals, and events held here, such as the vibrant Sunday market, which is held on the first Sunday of every month.
If you are after a hassle-free experience, check out this Guided Zaanse Schans & Cheese Tasting Tour, where you’ll see the best of the area with your knowledgeable guide. You’ll be transported back to the 19th century as you wander past colorful wooden houses and windmills, many of which were actually relocated here from other towns nearby towns. This towering white stone structure was built in the 1950s to commemorate those who lost their lives fighting for The Netherlands in wars and conflicts.