Old Center
Amsterdam's well-preserved medieval center is the oldest part of the city as well as its most touristy. Most visitors will arrive via Centraal Station at the northern end of the district. The Old Center is home to the infamous Red Light district, and despite what you might expect, this neighborhood is actually quite charming, with picturesque lanes, historic churches and interesting cafes and bars. There is a movement underway to raise its appeal still further by reducing the number of brothels and increasing the number of shops, restaurants, and other businesses.
At the eastern edge of the Old Center is the Old Jewish Quarter. It was home to Amsterdam's Jewish population from the 16th century until WWII. Today its biggest draws are the Rembrandt House Museum, Waterlooplein's flea market and the Muziektheater.
Dam Square
Located at the very heart of the city, Dam Square occupies the site where the Amstel River was originally dammed, allowing a fishing village to spring up. The square is flanked by the Royal Palace and the Nieuwe Kerk. Once the site of markets and executions, it is considered the Netherlands’ “national” square as well as Amsterdam’s central square – funfairs and other public events are often held here.
Royal Palace
Open 11am-5pm (check calendar for public opening dates)
Guided tours with an art historian are available with advanced booking.
One of three palaces used by the Royal House, the Royal Palace Amsterdam is open to the public most of the year (when the Queen is not in residence). Dating from 1655, it was originally built as a town hall, became a royal palace in 1808 under Louis Napoleon, and in 1813 was taken over by the House of Orange. The palace still contains some 1000 pieces of Empire furniture left behind by Louis Napoleon – one of the most extensive and complete collections in the world. Another highlight is the lavishly decorated burgerzaal (citizens hall) at the heart of the building.
Nieuwe Kerk
Built in the early 15th century, this ornate Gothic church was deconsecrated and is now used for temporary exhibitions and state occasions such as inaugurations and royal weddings.
Oude Kerk
The original church on this site was built in the 13th century, making it Amsterdam’s oldest building. The Miracle of Amsterdam in 1345 (involving a Host that was regurgitated and, when set fire according to church law, would not burn) made this church an important pilgrimage site. Most of the Gothic elements, including beautiful stained glass windows and carved wooden choir stalls, date from the 15th and 16th century.
Begijnhof
Built in 1346 as a quiet courtyard for members of a lay sisterhood who cared for the sick and poor, this collection of beautifully maintained old houses is an oasis of calm amid the buzz of the city center. House 34 dates from the 1470s, making it the oldest preserved wooden house in the Netherlands.
Rembrandt House Museum
Jodenbreestraat 4
T
el +31 (20) 520 0400
Open daily 10am-6pm. Closed Jan 1, Apr 30 and Dec 25.
The Netherlands’ most famous painter lived and worked in this house from 1639 to 1656, at the highest point in his career. The house dates from 1606, the year Rembrandt was born – it has been painstakingly restored and furnished in period style. Visitors can tour his studio, living/bedroom and anteroom. The museum holds a nearly complete collection of Rembrandt’s etchings – a changing selection is on display, with anywhere from 20 to 100 on exhibit at a time.
Waterlooplein
This square is known for its daily flea market (9am-5pm every day but Sunday) – vast and eclectic, it’s an Amsterdam institution. Nearby is the Stopera, which houses both the town hall (stadhuis) and the Muziektheater. Along with performances by the Netherlands Opera and the National Ballet, the Muziektheater holds free lunchtime concerts on Tuesdays from 12:30-1pm.