Lovers Canal Cruises

Lovers Canal Cruises has operated boat tours in Amsterdam since the 1950s. Their fleet includes glass-roofed boats that offer scenic and narrated tours of the city’s canals, bridges, and distinctive architecture.

Centraal Station

Amsterdam Central Station was designed by architect Pierre Cuypers and built between 1881 and 1889 on three artificial islands in the IJ lake. The station features Gothic and Renaissance Revival architecture and an iron platform roof combining historic style with 19th-century engineering.

Magere Brug

The Magere Brug, or Skinny Bridge, is a wooden drawbridge over the Amstel River, originally constructed in 1691 and rebuilt in 1934 in the traditional style. It is noted for its elegant design and is illuminated nightly, making it one of Amsterdam's most photographed bridges.

Keizersgracht Canal

Keizersgracht canal, named after Emperor Maximilian I, was built in 1612 as the widest of Amsterdam’s main canals. It is lined with grand merchant houses that reflect the city’s prosperity in the 17th century.

Herengracht

The Herengracht canal, also dug in 1612, was the most prestigious canal in Amsterdam. It was home to the city’s elite and features stately mansions known as the Golden Bend.

Prinsengracht

Prinsengracht, one of the main canals dug in the early 17th century during Amsterdam’s Grachtengordel expansion, is named after the Prince of Orange. It became a desirable residential area lined with elegant canal houses and cultural landmarks.

Red Light District

Amsterdam’s Red Light District, called De Wallen, dates back to the 14th century as a harbor area. Today it includes historic buildings, legalized sex work, and a mix of nightlife, tourism, and cultural sites.

Westerkerk

Westerkerk, completed in 1631, is a Dutch Renaissance church with a tall tower called the Westertoren. It has played a role in Amsterdam’s religious and cultural life and is located near Anne Frank’s house.

9 Little Streets (Negen Straatjes)

The 9 Little Streets is a neighborhood of nine narrow streets in Amsterdam’s canal belt. It developed in the 17th century and is known for its boutiques, vintage shops, and cafés.

The Amstel

The Amstel River runs through Amsterdam and was central to the city’s founding. It has been important for trade and transport and is lined with notable bridges and historic buildings.

Het Scheepvaartmuseum| The National Maritime Museum

The National Maritime Museum is housed in a 17th-century warehouse and displays the Netherlands' maritime history with ships, maps, and nautical artifacts. The building was renovated in 2011 to improve exhibitions.

NEMO Science Museum

NEMO Science Museum opened in 1997 in a green, ship-like building designed by Renzo Piano. It offers interactive exhibits focused on science and technology, especially for families and children.

Rijksmuseum

Rijksmuseum was designed by Pierre Cuypers and opened in 1885. It features Gothic and Renaissance architecture and houses the national art collection, including works by Rembrandt and Vermeer.

Nieuwmarkt

Nieuwmarkt is a public square developed in the 17th century on the site of a former city wall. Its central building, the Waag, was originally a city gate and later a guildhall, marking its historical importance.

Bloemenmarkt

Bloemenmarkt is the world’s only floating flower market, established in 1862. Flower stalls are set on houseboats along the Singel canal, selling bulbs, plants, and souvenirs.

IJ

The IJ is a body of water that connects Amsterdam to the North Sea, historically important for maritime trade. Today it is a lively waterfront area with ferries, cultural sites, and recreation.