Amsterdam is often called an open-air museum, because glimpses of its history from the city’s inception all the way to modern-day marvels can be found around town – if you know where to look.

Stroll through Amsterdam’s fascinating, if tumultuous, history and witness the results of a city nearly one thousand years in the making. If you can find a hotel in Amsterdam near the centre of town, you’ll be perfectly positioned to soak up the city’s history.

Start at Dam Square, where Amsterdam began. In the early 12^th century, adventurous fishermen living further down the River Amstel explored the river and began building dams. The first of these dams is marked by Dam Square, and is how Amsterdam found its name – these men became known as “Amsterdammers.”

For the next five hundred years, Amsterdammers became expert boatmakers and beer brewers, the result of which you can sample at the Heineken Experience, a former Heineken brewery for more than 100 years. Even if you’re not a beer drinker (like me!), it’s still fun to tour the factory and check out the giant bronze brewing vats, learn about the beer-making process and brand’s history, taste-test the beer, and wander through the centre, which goes from 19^th century brewery to nightclub and back again in the space of a few rooms.

Amsterdam’s lucky break came in the 17^th century, now known as Amsterdam’s Golden Age. The city had a large stake in the world’s first multinational company, the Dutch East India Trading Company, which brought huge amounts of wealth to Amsterdam.

The city went through urban renewals, and for the first time there was a focus on beauty. You can see the results today, by walking or cycling by the city’s famously beautiful canals or around the pretty Jordaan district. Check out an original canal house & gardens at Museum Van Loon, a 17^th century canal house now preserved as a museum.

The arts flourished, and “Old Masters” like Rembrandt and Vermeer emerged. You can check out the works of these Dutch Masters at the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam’s grandest and most important museum. At the back of the building, you’ll find the famous I Amsterdam sculpture, although it will probably be crawling with tourists.

One such artist from Amsterdam’s Golden Age is landscape painter Albert Cuyp. The national treasure is the namesake for the Albert Cuyp market, which is the biggest daytime market in Europe! It started out as an informal meeting of traders, but by the 20^th century, it was so huge (and chaotic) that the government set it up as a formal market in 1905. Stop and pick up a fresh Dutch stroopwafel, easily one of the most addictive dishes in Amsterdam!

On a more serious note, Amsterdam is known for its role in the Holocaust, most notably as the hiding place for Anne Frank and her family. Visit Anne Frank’s house to gain a sobering insight into one of the greatest atrocities of the 20^th century and learn about this brave girl who made history with her diary.

When most people think of Amsterdam today, they think of the red light district and the city’s infamous cafes. The seedy side of the city isn’t for everyone, but Feebo, arguably a by-product of the cafes, is.

I don’t know of anywhere else in the world where you can order food without needing to string together a sentence. Entering Feebo, you’re greeted by a wall of display cases, each with a burger or other fast food item behind the door. Choose your poison and insert some coins, and the door for your chosen dish pops open. Intriguing, a little bizarre, and totally unforgettable.

What is your favourite thing to do in Amsterdam?

Genevieve Lauren

Hello! I’m an Australian travel blogger, living in Melbourne, Australia. I grew up in Brisbane, studied in Paris, lived & worked in New York City and now live in Melbourne, Australia.

I love sharing specific and useful recommendations, itineraries and guides for the most beautiful things to see, do, experience & eat wherever I go.

My favourite travel destinations are Australia, New York City & surrounds, France, Greece & Japan, but I’m always excited to explore somewhere new!

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