Sightseeing in Amsterdam - what to see. Complete travel guide

Amsterdam is not a kind of city that is full of various places of interest, which are well known all over the world. However, the city itself is actually one huge place of interest - its atmosphere, its international spirit, its tolerance and, of course, wonderful channels have made Amsterdam an outstanding city. If you are going to enjoy sightseeing there, we strongly advise all visitors to include boat rides into their travelling program.

What can Amsterdam offer its visitors? In this city travellers can find not only a wide range of historical and cultural places of interest, such as, for example, The Royal Palace or the Rijksmuseum, but also many unique and funny places, such as the Hash-Marijuana-Hemp Museum. In general, Amsterdam is mostly famous for its museums, which keep attracting millions of tourists every year. Probably, it’s nearly impossible to find a person, who has never heard of Van Gogh Museum or The House of Anne Frank, and these are not all popular establishments in the city. There are more than 50 different museums in Amsterdam without taking into consideration a great number of wonderful art galleries.

The Royal Palace. The Royal Palace and Dam Square, which is adjacent to it, are situated right in the centre of the city. They have the full right to be called the heart of Amsterdam. The internationally famous Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum is located nearby. Once The Royal Palace used to be a city hall, and it was not until Napoleon helped his brother Louie to occupy the Dutch throne then it was turned into The Royal Palace. Nowadays, everybody has an opportunity to enter the palace and enjoy the look of its inner premises, and make a walk along its corridors. Of course, all excursions are made only when the palace is not used by the royal family. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Oude Kerk. Many tourists become quite surprised, when they learn that Oude Kerk is situated right in the centre of Red Light District. Surrounded by prostitutes, who offer their services in red-lighted windows, Oude Kerk has somehow managed to save its medieval look. The road near the church is cobbled, and it's quite simple to slip on it when it's raining. The decoration of the church was removed during the Reformation period. There is a legend of the 13th century connected with the church. Once upon a time there lived a man. One day he became very ill and he was very close to death. Since that moment a wafer, which had been given to him during the Eucharist, started appearing in his house. The man even tried to burn it, but it didn’t help. After the death of the man the wafer was kept in one of the chapels. Sometime later the chapel was completely burnt down, but the mysterious wafer survived in that fire again. Since then, many people have made pilgrimage to Oude Kerk in the memory of that miracle. On the 15th of March a special annual ceremonial procession is organized here. The procession traditionally ends near Oude Kerk.

Red Light District. There’s simply no sense in visiting Amsterdam without making a walk in notorious Red Light District. Its special atmosphere reigns there not only at night, but also in the daytime. In Red Light District sex for money is openly offered to absolutely everyone. In huge see-through windows decorated with red lights one will see women of all ages and nationalities. However, visitors should not forget about pickpockets, especially on weekends, when Red Light District is crowded with tourists.

Amsterdam Canals. You will see water almost everywhere in Amsterdam, and this fact traditionally amazes visitors. Because of a great number of canals (the exact number of which is 165) some people even call the city “Venice of the North”. The main canals of Amsterdam are Singel, Herengracht, Keizergracht, and Prinsengracht. All of them cross the central part of Amsterdam. You will also find numerous firms that organize boat excursions across the canals not far away from the station and Damrak. The only thing that differs them from each other is the length of queues.

Amsterdam Arena. Amsterdam Arena is worth visiting not only if you’re a football fan. In summer this place hosts concerts by such well-known bands as Rolling Stones or U2, who are happy to make their performances there. Visitors will be also able to see games with the participation of the famous football club Ajax, of course, if only you are not so unlucky to arrive in Amsterdam during their summer or winter holiday. By the way, real fans of Ajax simply cannot fail to visit a big shop, where they can buy various goods with the logo of their favourite club.

Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum. Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum is located in a fantastic building in the centre of Amsterdam. The museum has four stores; one of them is completely devoted to the history of Amsterdam. This is the place where visitors will be able to see skilfully made wax figures of various European celebrities, sportsmen, culture figures and members of royal families. There is a hall with wax figures of Hollywood stars and another one with figures of well-known persons, such as Gandhi or Einstein. If you want to have a chance to stand really close to your idol, this museum is something you must visit! By the way, don't forget to take a photo camera with you, as you will surely make many funny photos.

The Railway station building. The railway station building of Amsterdam was built in 1889. Initially, it was used as a station for the transportations of goods. The station was projected by a well-known architect Pierre Cuypers, who also planned the building of the Rijksmuseum. The foundation consists of 8 687 wooden posts, because the building is located in a very damp place. The original construction of the building was constantly changed because of a fast growing quantity of transport. Not long ago the front of the station was restored, and today everyone can enjoy its beauty and magnificence.