Things to do and visit in Amsterdam

Dam Square is the most important square in Amsterdam. It is the soul of Amsterdam... Located in the Centrum district, close to the train station, it is a large tourist area. At the time (13th century) this square was actually a dam, a barrage (which translates also as dam in Dutch, hence the name of the square today). It was then the market square, where a little bit of everything was sold. It is also a place of protest: various demonstrations have taken place here over the centuries. You will find the War Memorial (in memory of the victims of WWII), the Royal Palace and the New Church. 

The Rijksmuseum is THE museum to visit in Amsterdam. Dedicated to the fine arts, the history of the country from the Middle Ages to the present day, and craftsmanship, it is a must-see. Works from the Dutch Golden Age are on display, such as the famous paintings "The Night Watch" by Rembrandt and "The Milkmaid" by Vermeer. The great masters of the 17th century are on display as well as Delft porcelain. In short, between art, sculpture, painting and history, you will have a lot to discover in this majestic place. 

The Concertgebouw is a concert hall that serves as a residence for the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, one of the best orchestras in the world. It is one of the most beautiful buildings in Amsterdam. Open since 1888, almost 800 concerts are held here every year. The building hosts concerts of symphonic music: Stravinsky and Rachmaninoff performed here! But other pop and jazz concerts are also held here. 

Is it really the narrowest in the world? In any case it is one of the narrowest. For it is not the only one in Amsterdam to be given this status. These houses, which are about 2 metres wide, are among the oldest houses in Amsterdam. You can find them at Kloveniersburgwal 26 (photo opposite), Singel 7 and Oude Hoogstraat 22. Transformed into a shop or tea room, you can enter to view photographs of the house at the time. 

The "Negen Straatjes" - the nine little streets - are located in the centre of Amsterdam, close to the canals. You will find plenty of shops in these little streets. Beware, this is a long way from the big chains and famous brands: they are handicraft shops, fashion, design, decoration, small restaurants, cafés and some with nice terraces. To shop local, you will find these nine alleys in the middle of Grachengordel, between the Rozengracht, Leidsestraat, Prinsengracht and Singel.