Amsterdam is bursting with history, culture, and unique charm. And you don’t want to miss any of it!
These 10 must-see sights will give you the perfect mix of famous landmarks, hidden gems, and true Dutch experiences. Ready to discover what makes Amsterdam unforgettable? Let’s explore!
Amsterdam Sightseeing Top 10
These top 10 Amsterdam sightseeing spots should be on every visitor’s itinerary. From the famous Rijksmuseum to the charming streets of the Jordaan, these attractions showcase the best of what the city has to offer.
Amsterdam Highlights to See from the Water:
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The Canal Belt (Grachtengordel) – UNESCO-listed historic heart of the city
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Anne Frank House – Historic and emotional landmark on the Prinsengracht
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Rijksmuseum – Masterpieces and iconic architecture by the water
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The Jordaan – Charming, canal-lined neighborhood full of character
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The Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes) – Boutique-lined canals, full of charm
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VOC Ship Amsterdam – A full-size replica of a Dutch East India Company ship
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Skinny Bridge (Magere Brug) – Amsterdam’s most romantic bridge
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Amstelsluizen – Historic locks where the river meets the canals
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ARTIS Zoo – A green oasis with glimpses of animal enclosures from the boat
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Jewish Quarter (Jodenbuurt) – Rich heritage, peaceful canals, and historic synagogues
1. The Canal Belt (Grachtengordel) – Amsterdam’s Historic Heart
The Canal Belt is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the soul of Amsterdam. Built during the 17th-century Golden Age, its iconic rings of canals are lined with elegant gabled houses, arched bridges, and charming houseboats.
📍 A must-see from the water—Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht canals offer breathtaking views.
2. Anne Frank House – A Waterside Memorial
Located directly on the Prinsengracht, the Anne Frank House offers a moving look into one of Amsterdam’s most powerful stories. From your boat, you can spot the house’s understated facade and reflect on its significance.
📍 Visible during any cruise along the Prinsengracht
3. Rijksmuseum – Art and Architecture by the Canal
Though most visitors head inside, the museum’s grandeur is visible from the surrounding waters of the Stadhouderskade. The museum’s façade, bridges, and nearby greenery make for a picturesque moment on any museum district cruise.
📍 Best seen when cruising past Museumplein or en route to the Amstel.
4. The Jordaan District – Old Amsterdam at Its Best
This charming neighborhood is laced with some of the city’s prettiest canals, like the Bloemgracht and Egelantiersgracht. From your boat, enjoy views of leafy canal banks, cozy cafés, and quaint bridges.
📍 A perfect area for slow cruising and soaking in local atmosphere.
5. Jewish Quarter (Jodenbuurt) – A Rich and Resilient Heritage
Located along the eastern canals of Amsterdam, the Jewish Quarter is steeped in history, resilience, and culture. It’s home to significant landmarks like the Portuguese Synagogue, the Jewish Historical Museum, and the Holocaust Memorial. Many of these sites are directly on or near the Nieuwe Herengracht and Plantage Muidergracht, making them visible during a peaceful boat tour through this historic part of the city.
📍 Cruise quietly through this serene stretch of canal while passing monumental synagogues, leafy embankments, and meaningful memorials.
6. The Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes) – Boutique Heaven
Connecting the main canals in the western part of the Canal Belt, these narrow cross-streets are lined with boutiques, cafés, and independent shops. From the water, it’s a people-watching paradise and perfect for admiring Amsterdam’s design scene.
📍 Cruise beneath the charming bridges that link these fashionable streets.
7. The Skinny Bridge (Magere Brug) – Amsterdam’s Most Romantic Bridge
This elegant white wooden bridge stretches over the Amstel River and lights up beautifully at night. Legend has it that couples who kiss under the bridge will stay together forever.
📍 One of the most romantic highlights of any canal cruise.
8. Amstelsluizen – The Historic Amstel Locks
Dating back to the 17th century, the Amstelsluizen (Amstel Locks) control water levels where the Amstel River meets the canals. This complex of locks and sluices is a masterpiece of Dutch water engineering and a gateway between city and river.
📍 Passing through the Amstelsluizen during a cruise is a real treat—watch the gates open and close as you float between the Amstel and central canals.
9. VOC Ship Amsterdam – Step Aboard Maritime History
Moored beside the National Maritime Museum, the VOC Ship Amsterdam is a full-scale replica of an 18th-century Dutch East India Company vessel. The original ship, built in 1748, was wrecked during its maiden voyage in 1749. This meticulously crafted replica, completed in the 1980s, offers visitors a tangible connection to the Netherlands’ rich maritime heritage.
📍 Easily visible from the water, especially when cruising near the Oosterdok harbor.
10. ARTIS Zoo – Nature and Wildlife Along the Water
ARTIS, Amsterdam’s Royal Zoo, is one of the oldest zoos in Europe and a green oasis in the heart of the city. Its historic buildings, leafy enclosures, and planetarium make it a fascinating stop for families and nature lovers. Several parts of the zoo back onto canals, offering glimpses of greenery and even animal habitats from the water.
📍 Cruising along the Entrepotdok or Nieuwe Herengracht gives you a peek into the leafy edges of ARTIS and its tranquil, park-like surroundings.