Location: Old Center
Top Things to do in Old Center
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The 10 Best Sights & Landmarks 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. Portuguese Synagogue
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,452 reviews
2. 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.
3. 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!
4. 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.
5. St. Nicholas Basilica
6. 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.
7. Dam Square
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 15,224 reviews
All roads lead to Dam Square, the real heart of Amsterdam, where The Royal Palace, the Nieuwe Kerk and the War Memorial overlook this vast and bustling open space.
Reviewed By ritar706 - Vilnius, Lithuania
Beautyful big square.. a lot people chiling there.. roling , dancing.. times to time can find shows there.. recomend
8. Red Light District
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 31,539 reviews
This area in the oldest part of Amsterdam is known for the red neon windows that display barely-dressed prostitutes advertising their services; it's all perfectly acceptable as long as it stays inside this designated area of the city.
Reviewed By L567TQjenniferm
This is fabulous to see and explore, we as a couple felt safe everywhere, the ladies do not allow any pics at all even selfies in the area, it is very busy, best to go after dark for full effect, deffo visit the museums there as they are fab, the €2 peep shows are also a must, visit the banana bar for an eye opener and the bulldog for a drink to sit and watch it all go by, it's a must when you go to Amsterdam.
9. South Church (Zuiderkerk)
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 92 reviews
Reviewed By Ogy_Kovachev - Sofia, Bulgaria
Once you want to escape the smell of weed in town, just walk in the church and relax. Interesting and small details architecture is in place. Walk and enjoy ♥️
10. 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.
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