Top 35 Things Amsterdam is Known For & Famous For

Amsterdam is one of the most popular cities in Europe for tourism, and there are many reasons for that! If you’ve heard more and more about Amsterdam recently, you might want to know what exactly it’s known for.

Amsterdam is known for many things, including coffee shops, cannabis, prostitution (the red light district), canals, the Anne Frank museum, and flower gardens. It’s a lively and multicultural city with activities for people of all ages, genders, and walks of life.

If you want to visit Amsterdam or are curious to know more about what it’s known for, this article will discuss it in great detail. So, keep reading to learn more about this beautiful city!

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1. Coffee Shops

In most parts of the world, coffee shops are places you go to buy a hot beverage and meet friends or quietly read a book. However, one of the main attractions in Amsterdam coffee shops is cannabis. Coffee shops are the only place in Amsterdam where you can enjoy smoking publically, which is why they’re some of the most popular attractions in the city.

You can also buy hot beverages like tea and coffee in these establishments. But it’s common for friends and tourists to gather at coffee shops in Amsterdam to smoke weed.

Not all coffee shops in Amsterdam sell cannabis–the ones that do usually have a green and white sign outside.

2. Cannabis

Cannabis, in general, is a big attraction in Amsterdam. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not legal in the Netherlands. However, it is decriminalized for personal use, which includes using it in coffee shops. Since cannabis is criminalized in many other countries, people like to take advantage of the relaxed cannabis rules when they come to Amsterdam.

3. Prostitution

Unlike many other countries, prostitution is legal in the Netherlands, another reason Amsterdam is so popular and well-known. As long as the sex worker isn’t underage or forced into the profession, there are no legal issues with hiring a prostitute.

The city is also known for sex shows and has many sex shops. Since everything is regulated, these places are generally safe and well-managed.

4. The Red Light District

The red light district is the center for all things cannabis and sex in Amsterdam, making it a popular tourist attraction and one of the reasons why the city is well-known. Although the red light district used to be dangerous, it has become a safe space for locals and tourists to walk around and visit different establishments (including brothels and sex shows).

Paid sex shows are popular attractions in the red-light district because they display live acts, including couples who have sex on stage. This doesn’t happen in most cities, so many people like to experience it when they visit Amsterdam.

The red-light district is also where you’ll find the city’s most famous brothels. But it’s not all about sex shows and brothels–you will also find coffee shops, museums, and even churches in this part of town!

5. Sex Museum

The Amsterdam sex museum–also known as Venustempel–is one of the most visited museums in the city. You’ll find all kinds of erotic wax figures and statues here, so it’s certainly not a family-friendly museum.

Many young people who visit Amsterdam with their friends like to visit the sex museum because it’s different from the average tourist museum. You can also learn about the history of sex, play games, and watch videos.

6. Canals

The canals in Amsterdam have been around since the 17th century, so they’re historical landmarks that everyone likes to see when they come to the city. Originally dug to make transportation throughout the city more manageable, the canals are now a staple of the Amsterdam experience.

Since these canals go through the city, it’s hard to miss them during a trip.

Amsterdam canals are a part of the city’s image and culture, so many visitors and locals like to take cruises down them to get a nice and different view of the city.

These are some of the other things to do around the canals:

Eat a romantic meal on a boat restaurant
Enjoy a hop on hop off boat throughout the day
Enjoy a booze cruise with friends or family

7. Royal Palace Amsterdam

The Royal Palace was built in 1648, making it an incredible historic building in the heart of Amsterdam. Throughout the years, it was used as a city hall and residence for royal family members. But now, it’s mainly a tourist attraction and a place for officials to host special events during the year.

Today, the Royal Palace is a popular destination due to its rich history and beautiful art displays. It’s also possible to do an audio-guided tour of the palace, which is perfect for people of all ages.

8. Bikes

Amsterdam is extremely popular for biking compared to many other cities. Dedicated bike lanes and traffic lights across the city make cycling more convenient than driving, which is why people of all ages and backgrounds have bikes in the city.

When pedestrians (especially tourists) cross the roads, they must be extra vigilant because bikes come from all directions at fast speeds. It’s certainly an experience worth seeing because you won’t see anything like it in most other cities!

9. The Van Gogh Museum

Amsterdam’s art scene is prominent because it’s home to the Van Gogh museum! You can find some of his most famous works of art here, including the following:

The Potato Eaters
The Bedroom
Sunflowers
Almond Blossom

People from around the globe are interested in seeing the work of Van Gogh, making Amsterdam a popular place for art lovers.

10. Rijksmuseum

Rijksmuseum is also known as the Museum of the Netherlands and is home to many historical paintings and art pieces. It’s one of the most highly-rated museums in the city, so it’s a must-see for anyone remotely interested in the history of art in the Netherlands.

The work displayed here is Dutch, so visitors can learn much about the country’s art history. Much of the art is divided by periods. For example, there’s a section for art pieces created during the 1700s.

It’s a large museum that can take hours to get through, so many people like to come back for a second or even third visit!

11. Anne Frank House

Anne Frank is one of the most notable Dutch people in history, so it’s no surprise that the Anne Frank House museum is a popular attraction in the city. Her diary gives a glimpse into what it was like living in the annex during World War II, so anyone interested in the war or her diary would be interested in this museum.

This museum is home to the original diary (located in the diary room) which you can read through the glass shield that protects it. Also, visitors are not permitted to take photos or videos in the museum, so the only real way to know what it’s like is to visit it yourself.

12. Rembrandt House Museum

The Rembrandt House Museum was home to the famous Dutch artist Rembrandt van Rijn. Visitors can walk through the museum, and there’s an option for an audio tour. Many art pieces (by Rembrandt himself and other artists) line the walls, and you can get an idea of the life he led while living in the house.

And it’s not just paintings on display–many other objects that were important in Rembrandt’s life and career can be seen here, making it a top-rated attraction in Amsterdam.

13. NEMO Science Museum

As you can probably guess from the name, the NEMO Science Museum is dedicated to science and technology. But it’s not like a typical museum where you just walk around and look at things–it’s highly interactive, with each section containing fun activities for people of all ages to enjoy.

Everyone can enjoy a visit to the NEMO Science museum, including families and groups of young friends. It’s a place to learn and have fun in a light-hearted, relaxed environment. It also contains a roof terrace where you can enjoy food and the beautiful views of Amsterdam.

14. Dam Square

Dam square is one of the city’s most popular areas because it’s in the center, so it is always bustling with pedestrians, cars, and bikes. The National Monument of Amsterdam is located in the center of Dam Square and is there to remember the tragedy of the Second World War.

There are many other attractions in and around Dam Square, including:

Ripleys Believe it or Not
Madame Tussauds
Royal Palace Amsterdam
Stores like De Bijenkorf

15. I Amsterdam Sign

The main I Amsterdam sign used to be at the Rijksmuseum, but it was removed. Now, you can find one near Schipol Airport when you walk outside, and it’s a must-see for anyone who wants to take a memorable picture in the city.

With the rise of Instagram and other social media platforms, the I Amsterdam letters have become popular and one of the most notable tourist attractions in the city due to peoples’ desires to take photos and selfies in front of them. The letters are an iconic part of the city, so most visitors like to find them when they arrive.

16. Canal Cruises

I talked about the canals earlier and how they’re a popular attraction in Amsterdam, and I also briefly mentioned cruises.

These cruises can give visitors a different perspective of the city–viewing everything from the canal is a different experience from viewing everything from the ground!

There are cruise tours available, where tourists can sit back, relax, and learn about the city’s history. Audio cruise tours are popular choices, and you can choose between quick one-hour cruises or longer all-day ones that you can hop on and off of throughout the day. Canal cruises are suitable for everyone, including children.

17. Electronic Music

Similar to Berlin, Amsterdam is a famous city for techno and electronic music. Many places across the city are dedicated to electronic music, including bars and clubs. There are also a lot of electronic music artists from or based in Amsterdam, including Martin Garrix and Orlando Voorn.

The electronic music scene in Amsterdam generally attracts younger crowds, but older people can also come to the city to enjoy it.

18. Nightlife

Amsterdam is one of the most famous European cities for nightlife, attracting many young people looking for fun nights out. Bars and clubs open late on weekends, so people can drink and stay out all night.

There are different clubbing areas in the city, one of the most popular being Leidseplein. You can find all kinds of venues here, including bars, clubs, and restaurants. This part of town is always bustling with people, so it’s the perfect place to be if you’re looking for a fun and social night out in Amsterdam.

The other two central nightlife districts are the red-light district and Rembrandtplein.

19. Bitterballen

Bitterballen are essentially Dutch meatballs and are super prominent around Amsterdam. Eating bitterballen gives visitors an authentic Dutch eating experience. Plus, they taste good!

Most bitterballen dishes are made of meat. They are breaded and deep-fried, usually eaten as snacks rather than full meals.

They’re relatively easy to find at food stands and restaurants around the city, including De Ballenbar, a food stand at Hannie Dankbaarpassage.

20. Haring (Herring)

Herring fish are easy for fishermen to catch around Amsterdam, which is why they’re a popular dish around the city. Herring is a Dutch delicacy that is generally eaten raw and found in many places in Amsterdam.

Henk’s Haring is an example of a fish store in Amsterdam that sells fresh herring on its own or in sandwiches.

21. Pannenkoeken (Pancakes)

Another popular Dutch food is the pancake. But it’s not like a typical pancake you’d find in the US–Dutch pannenkoeken are much thinner and bigger than American pancakes, almost like crepes (but not quite the same).

They can be served sweet or savory, with popular toppings including:

Bacon
Cheese
Syrup
Fruit like strawberries and blueberries
Icing sugar

Like American-style pancakes, the main ingredients in Dutch pancakes are flour, milk, and eggs, but there is less flour to ensure they remain thin. So, if you ever visit Amsterdam and ask for pancakes in a restaurant, don’t be surprised when they come out looking thin and wide!

22. Stroopwafel

Stroopwafels are a popular Dutch sweet treat. They are like biscuits and contain ingredients like:

Sugar
Caramel
Cinnamon
Syrup

They look like waffles but aren’t the same as those you’d find in the US or other parts of the world–they’re generally much sweeter and thinner.

Stroopwafels are available everywhere around Amsterdam, including in grocery stores. They’re some of the most famous Dutch treats, so most people like to buy some when they visit.

23. Beer

Beer (along with jenever) is a big part of Amsterdam’s drinking culture, with some of the biggest brands (like Heineken) being based in the Netherlands.

Pale lager is the most common beer consumed in the Netherlands, so brands like Amstel, Heineken, and Bavaria are prominent. You will find many pale lager choices in most bars, pubs, and clubs across the city, making it an attractive place for beer lovers.

24. Cafes

Cafes in Amsterdam are often a blend between bars and traditional cafes. While you can order coffee or tea, you can usually also order alcoholic beverages like beer. These cafes shouldn’t be confused with coffee shops, which are the ones that sell cannabis.

Cafes don’t sell cannabis, but they’re still unique because of their bar style, which is rare to see in other cities around the globe. The interior of these establishments is usually that of a bar and cafe hybrid, making it an exciting experience for those who have never been in an Amsterdam cafe before!

25. Vondelpark

Vondelpark is a large outdoor park in Amsterdam, yet another popular attraction amongst tourists and locals. There are many things to see in the park, including:

A child’s playground
Vondel statue
Restaurant
Lots of greenery

The park is a beautiful place to cycle when traveling around the city, but people also like to roller skate around. You can think of Vondelpark as a Dutch version of Golden Gate Park or Central Park, as it’s a beautiful, busy park in the middle of a bustling city.

26. Tulips

Even though the growing season for tulips is short, people like to travel far and wide to see them around Amsterdam each year. These colorful plants were introduced in the Netherlands in the 16th century and were highly valuable at the time.

The climate in Amsterdam is perfect for tulips, which is why it still exports high amounts of them.

There are several botanical gardens in Amsterdam, including Keukenhof, where you can see plenty of colorful tulips and other flowers during the growing season. The park is generally only open from March until May, making those months popular for tourists.

27. Dutch Cheese

The Netherlands is famous for cheese, so cheese lovers like to travel there to get a taste. Some of the most famous Dutch cheeses include:

Gouda
Edam
Kernhem
Bluefort

Not only is Dutch cheese a big part of tourism in Amsterdam and the Netherlands as a whole, but it’s also an essential aspect of the economy. The country is the biggest cheese exporter in the world, so there’s a reason people love to go there for the cheese alone!

28. Clogs (Wooden Shoes)

When you think of Dutch fashion, one of the first things you think of might be clogs. While many Dutch people still wear clogs on their feet, they are mainly used as decorations and ornaments. If you visit Amsterdam, you will see clogs sold as decorations in many places.

Traditional Dutch clogs are made of wood and painted with different designs and colors. They were originally made in the 13th century to protect workers’ feet (like factory and farm workers). As time went on, this footwear became synonymous with Dutch fashion and one of the many unofficial symbols of the Netherlands.

29. Architecture

Amsterdam is a dream location for people interested in architecture because there are many styles of buildings around the city. Some examples include:

Gothic
Expressionist
Brutalist
Baroque

The canal houses are also good examples of iconic Amsterdam architecture; you can walk right by them along the canals. There are also more sleek and modern designs, like the NEMO Science Museum, which was designed by Renzo Piano.

30. Amsterdam Forest

Amsterdam Forest (also known as Amsterdamse Bos) is the largest park in the city. Not only is it the largest park in Amsterdam, but it’s also one of the most extensive recreational areas in Europe. However, it is located right at the edge, so it’s not as central as Vondelpark. That said, even though it’s approximately 50 minutes from the center, most visitors consider it worth a visit.

There is an abundance of lush green trees, grass, and plants, and there are also ponds and lakes to see. This park is where people come to spend the entire day, and it’s fun for anyone!

31. Adults Playground

WONDR is a popular adult playground in Amsterdam that attracts young adults visiting Amsterdam with friends or family. There are many activities here, including:

Huge ball pits
Dance floors
Roller skating
Various colorful rooms that you can explore

Although it’s called an adults’ playground, children are free to visit once accompanied by an adult. Not many other cities have playgrounds for adults, so this is certainly a big attraction in Amsterdam.

32. Color Orange

It may sound strange, but people from Amsterdam and other Dutch cities are known for wearing orange, particularly at special events (like football matches). That’s because the color of the Dutch royal family (the House of Orange) is orange, so it has become a national color for sporting teams and the general public.

33. Windmills

Windmills have been essential in the Netherlands for many years, which is why many people think of them when they think of Amsterdam. They were primarily used to bring water back into the rivers and drain wetlands. Now, they’re an iconic image associated with Amsterdam and the Netherlands as a whole.

One windmill you can see in Amsterdam is the De Gooyer Molen, near Funenkade and Zeeburgerstraat. The windmills around the city add style and character and bring the entire landscape together beautifully.

34. Flower Market

Amsterdam is also known for its famous floating flower market, the only one in the world of its kind. Rather than being a traditional flower market, the stalls are located on boats. It’s an excellent place to get all types of floral smells, not to mention the abundance of color you can see from the different species of plants.

Plus, it’s an excellent place to get one of Amsterdam’s (and the Netherlands’) most iconic flowers–the tulip.

35. Cool Neighbourhoods

There are plenty of cool neighborhoods around Amsterdam with funky architecture and many fun activities. The neighborhoods are unlike anything you’d see in the US and many other countries. Examples of such communities include:

Oost
Nieuwmarkt en Lastage
Westerpark

In each neighborhood, you can find independent shops and cafes. Plus, some have parks and other interesting landmarks, so there’s always something to do and see in the many cool neighborhoods of Amsterdam!

Find your next European travel inspiration here.

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