Amsterdam’s sights

Amsterdam is known the world over for its originality and relaxation. The Dutch capital was once the inspiration of great artists. Today it is a bustling metropolis that attracts visitors from all over the world to see its canals, architecture, museums, galleries and other interesting sights. People also come to Amsterdam to enjoy the local cuisine, nightclubbing and even to buy marijuana after seeing the sights.

Rijksmuseum

The State Museum is one of the major attractions in the Dutch capital. It is a magnificent red brick building. The steeply pitched roofs give it an extra charm. The museum is situated on the canal promenade and covers an entire block.

Visitors are invited to explore the history of the northern Netherlands and the works of some of the greatest artists, including Vermeer, Jan van Goyen, Rembrandt and more. The halls display various statues, jewellery, photographs, engravings and artefacts.

Flower Market

The Netherlands is famous for its flower fields, namely the tulip fields. However, you can find many other types of plants here. You can buy flowers, seeds, seedlings and much more at the famous floating market in Amsterdam. The range is impressive.

The area was originally used by farmers as a market place. They came by boat and sold their goods directly from it. In 1862 they decided to modify the area. Eventually, small flower shops were built on barges moored to the shore. The merchandise is certified here, so when you buy a “souvenir”, you have to get a document from the seller. This is the only way to get the plants legally out of the country.

Dam Square

Dam Square is Amsterdam’s central square, covering about 20,000 square metres. It hosts a variety of events, such as festivals, concerts, events, and more. In the centre there is a national monument to the soldiers who died in battles during World War II.

On the square there are various buildings with original decorations and shapes. There is also an amusement park that is open even at nightfall. The main attraction here is the royal palace where King Willem-Alexander resides.

Nemo Museum

The museum is impressive in appearance. It is shaped like a gigantic ship painted in green. The museum has a lot of exhibits that tell the story of the development of technical, medical, artistic and other spheres of human activity.

Especially interesting are the interactive exhibitions. They tell about the structure of the human body, energies, sound and light. Visitors can not only act as spectators and listeners, but also take part in scientific experiments themselves.

Red Light District

An iconic place for which Amsterdam is famous is the Red Light District. You can see the ‘lady-lovers’ in the shop windows of the red light district and they offer their services to anyone who wants them. The colour of the lanterns is chosen for a reason.

In the Middle Ages Amsterdam was one of the biggest trading ports. That’s why various recreational facilities, including brothels, flourished here. Since lighting was a problem at night, the townspeople carried candles in the form of lanterns. To distinguish “priestesses of love” from ordinary ladies, they were obliged to use the red colour of their lanterns.