Location: Old Center
Top Things to do in Old Center
Top 10 Things to do in Old Center, North Holland Province
This city, full of colorful homes, canals and bridges, is one of Europe's most picturesque capitals. Must-sees on any visitor's itinerary include the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum and the world's only floating flower market. Rent a bike and join thousands of locals navigating Amsterdam's labyrinthine streets, or just take in the sights on foot. For an unusual and memorable alternative to hotels, consider staying in a houseboat.
Restaurants in Amsterdam
1. Micro Art Amsterdam
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 286 reviews
Reviewed By bluberri22
This exhibit seemed to be a hidden gem, I saw only four visitors during our 2 hour stay. Because each piece was so intricate and small, the small crowd allowed us to really take our time and appreciate the art. The work itself is mindblowing, incredible pieces of art on the teeniest, tiniest, oddest of canvases. A MUST SEE!!!
2. Joods Historisch Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,045 reviews
The Jewish Historical Museum is a modern museum of Jewish heritage housed in four monumental synagogues near Waterlooplein in the heart of Amsterdam. Three permanent exhibitions present the history and culture of the Jewish people in the Netherlands. In addition to the three permanent exhibitions, the museum always offers two great temporary exhibitions and the fun JHM Children's museum.
Reviewed By MissEmilyMc - London, United Kingdom
The Jewish Historical Museum has a main focus on Jewish history, religion and culture which is located in the Jewish Quarter. Throughout the museum there are a range of different objects relating to Jewish life - some being interactive such as being to click on an object through a screen to find out more information regarding it to objects that can be used in the home but also serve a religious purpose. There's a clear contrast as to how religion has changed but in many ways stayed the same. The next floor focuses on the links with Israel, which is mainly seen through the use of an audio guide (which is free as it comes included with the ticket). The next floor represents the history of Jews moving to Amsterdam and the effect that this had on their life throughout the ages - since they had fled from their homes due to anti-Jewish actions and persecutions (during the Middle Ages). The next part of the museum focuses on the history of the Jews from the 1900's to present day, much of which includes information in the form of interviews, films, photos and interviews to see life for Dutch Jews during the Second World War. This museum takes about an hour at least to get through with each object containing detailed information as well as the audio guide serving as a personal guide for when walking around the museum. The museum also features a Children's Museum in which contains a study room in which is used to show visually the different forms of Jewish life such as a Torah as well as a board with letters from a Hebrew book. If you have a big rucksack or a handbag you won't be allowed to bring this in - there are lockers available - but like anything is, this is at your own risk.
3. Museum Ons'Lieve Heer Op Solder
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,372 reviews
In the heart of Amsterdam's bustling centre lies one of the city's oldest museums: Museum Our Lord in the Attic. Here visitors get to experience the Dutch Golden Age in a special way: a 17th-century house with a top floor converted into a Catholic church.
Reviewed By ILoveDinglyDell - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Amazing to find what was hidden behind the facade of an old Dutch house bordering one of the canals. Fascinating insight into the life of the house from the 1600s to sometime in the 1800s with the family rooms, storage rooms and at the top of the house, a complete church. We wandered around up and down steep stairs, with our audio guides in hand which we found extremely helpful. Wonderful experience and one not to be missed!
4. Museum Het Rembrandthuis (Rembrandt House)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,800 reviews
Rembrandt lived and worked from 1639 to 1658 in this 17th-century house, which today is a museum that pays tribute to the artist's life and career.
Reviewed By Fitz48 - Aurora, United States
We visited the Rembrandt House in late April and got in for free with the I Amsterdam card. There were no lines and the museum was not crowded. They have excellent free audio tours in multiple languages including English, Dutch, German, Italian, French, Spanish and Russian. We noted that they also had a children's audio tour in English in Dutch; however, I think most but not all children would find this museum to be boring. Since Rembrandt both lived here, ran and art school and worked here for 20 years and because of the inventory that was conducted when he went bankrupt is still in existence, the curators have been able to accurately refurbish the home with objects of the period. For those with mobility issues or claustrophobia, it is important to understand that the spiral staircases are steep and narrow. While there were many interesting exhibits in the museum, three stood out for me as especially interesting. First was the entrance where a chair was kept on an elevated platform for people watching on the street. Second, the beds, especially the maid's box bed in the kitchen clearly shows that the occupants slept sitting up (for their health). Finally, the highlight of the museum was the 20-30 explanation and demonstration as to how artists made their paints during the age of Rembrandt. This helps you see the paintings in the Rijksmuseum, Mauritshuis, Hermitage and other museums that you will see in the Netherlands.
5. Portuguese Synagogue
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,452 reviews
6. Begijnhof
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,570 reviews
Tucked away just off Spui, this delightful collection of houses arranged around an open court is well worth searching out.
Reviewed By EileenMtShasta - Mount Shasta, United States
Definitely worth a quick visit, such a nice and peaceful place with two churches and the oldest house in Amsterdam, from the 1400s (it is the black house right in front of the statue of the Begijn lady). I went as part of Rick Steves free "Amsterdam City Walk" audio guide. Do a search online and download it for free!
7. Dutch National Opera & Ballet
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,366 reviews
Dutch National Opera & Ballet creates, produces and presents both traditional and innovative opera and ballet productions of the highest quality. As one of the largest cultural organisations in the Netherlands, Dutch National Opera & Ballet brings all aspects of the ballet and opera world’s artistry, technique and craftsmanship together in its own specialised workshops and rehearsal rooms.
8. St. Nicholas Basilica
9. Brouwerij de Prael
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 121 reviews
Reviewed By littlemattwee - Abergavenny, United Kingdom
Stumbled across this fantastic brewery right in the heart of Amsterdam which also provided a tour of its fully functioning and producing brewery. Tour guide was friendly, fun, really informative and shared some really interesting facts about Amsterdam history and brewing. Well worth a visit and that’s before you round off the tour in the bar with an included beer, the “bartenders sampling board” is well worth trying 4 of these great beers in one hit :).
10. Body Worlds
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,560 reviews
Gunther von Hagens’ BODY WORLDS: The Happiness Project in the heart of Amsterdam tells the amazing story of our own body and the impact of happiness on our health. More than 200 anatomical specimens of real human bodies show the complexity, resilience and vulnerability of the body. Join the 40 million people around the world who have already seen the exhibition and been on this fascinating voyage of discovery through the human body.
Reviewed By Q1108WLamandap - Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
I really enjoyed visiting here - it was truly fascinating to see how the body works, it was interesting to have different elements of the body systems on different floors. Some very interesting exhibitions and interactive pieces to engage in. The staff were helpful, and it was very clean throughout. Really glad that I took time to visit here on my holiday to Amsterdam, a very interesting day trip.
