Location: Old Center
Top Things to do in Old Center
What to do and see in Old Center, North Holland Province: The Best Architectural Buildings
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. Cafe Hoppe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 769 reviews
Established in 1670 and located in the center of a shopping, entertainment and nightlife district, this popular pub is famous for spontaneous parties that involve all patrons.
Reviewed By annabelp180
Stunning authentic old bar with a great atmosphere, good beer and we had wonderful service too from the friendly and helpful barman Hans. Stay for a drink, not just a photo.
2. Portuguese Synagogue
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,452 reviews
3. Scheepvaarthuis
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By denewton - Manchester, United Kingdom
Literally, the Shipping House, is now a super hotel though the receptions staff are happy to allow you to wander through the reception area with its stunning stairs and windowed ceiling. Hint: take the vintage elevator on the left side of the main hallway to the top & stroll down.
4. The Royal Industrieele Groote Club
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By mmuk66 - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
We stopped at the club while visiting Amsterdam. The location of the club, right in the dam square, is perfect to take a mid day break. Wines recommended by the staff were delicious and probably best priced in the whole of the city. Lunch was delicious and service was great. We sat in the balcony for a while over looking the Dam square and it was brilliant way to enjoy a cigar, outdoor but protected. Really good service.
5. Batavia building
6. In de Waag
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 500 reviews
Located in the old city gate of Amsterdam, and later the House of Weight.
Reviewed By N3861NVmicheller - Lincoln, United Kingdom
We found this place on our first day of our trip and we enjoyed basking in the sunshine on their terrace eating the waag breakfast. Fabulous and filling. We returned on our second day for dinner, some had the set monthly menu and some ordered off the a la carte menu. All the food was delicious and the waiters explained what we were having as they placed the meals in front of us. The house wines are also palatable as is the locally brewed beers. We returned on our third day for brunch where Dexter gave us a very warm welcome and had a bit of banter with us, he is an asset to the restaurant. I would recommend this place to everyone who visits Amsterdam. I will be back.
7. Royal Palace Amsterdam
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 3,330 reviews
The Royal Palace Amsterdam is in use by the Dutch Royal House. Most of the year, the Royal Palace is alsof open for visitors. You are welcome to discover the rich history and interior of this magnificent building in the heart of Amsterdam. Visitors are welcome to discover the building's rich past and legacies left by it's successive occupants - as Amsterdam's Town Hall for 150 years, the French Royal and Imperial Palace for 5 years and the Palace of the House of Orange for the past two centuries. The Royal Palace was built in the seventeenth century as the Town Hall of Amsterdam, after a design by Jacob van Campen. It's paintings and sculptures were made by some of the most distinguished artists of the time and allude to the city's influence and prosperity in the Dutch Golden Age. In 1808 Louis Napoleon, brother of the French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, became King of Holland and converted the Town Hall into a Palace. The superb collection of Empire furniture, clocks and chandeliers date from that period. The collection of Empire furniture is one of the best preserved and most complete collections in the world. The rooms in the Palace are decorated with artworks from the collection of the House of Orange-Nassau Historic Collections Trust. Many paintings show the various members of the family of Orange-Nassau
Reviewed By Montreal_native - Edmonton, Canada
I would highly recommend you take at least an hour to visit inside. The main hall is quite impressive and worth the entrance ticket itself. Its not super expensive at 10 euros and includes a multi lingual audio set that you can use to get more information. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit here.
8. Athenaeum Illustre
9. Oudemannenhuis in Amsterdam
10. Architecture Centre of Amsterdam
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 35 reviews
Architecture Centre Amsterdam is the centre for architecture, urban design and landscape architecture. The city is our collection and we are the perfect starting point to discover its richness. Visitor’s Centre Visit us to get to know everything about the architecture and urban design of Amsterdam. Designed by architect René van Zuuk, our building alone is worth a visit, with its unique shape and beautiful views over the Oosterdok. By curating temporary exhibitions, we reflect on the history of the city as well as current and future developments. You can also use the ‘Panorama’: a chronological overview of Amsterdam’s architectural history. Do you have specific questions? We are happy to help you discover the capital of the Netherlands! Furthermore, we offer a wide variety of books, maps and designer pieces. Architecture Talk & Walk Every Friday from April until October, we offer a unique combination of a lecture on Amsterdam’s architecture followed by a two-hour architecture walk.
