Amsterdam Attractions

Even if you have ticked the boxes of coffee shops and art museums on your to-do-list for Amsterdam, there are enough other opportunities to spend some nice time in the city. There are many ways to see another side of the city, for instance by a tour by boat, bike or water bike. Or go for a visit to the wax statue museum of Madame Tussauds, Amsterdam’s wonderful zoo Artis, or discover everything about beer at the Heinken Experience!Heineken Experience
To be honest, the Red Light District (covered in the following Sightseeing section) practically is the primary attraction of Amsterdam. To start with something less controversial here, you might like a visit to the Heineken Experience. Situated in a former Heineken brewery, the Experience houses an enjoyable museum on the world of Heineken beer. Here, apart from two free beers, you get a clear insight in the brewing process, the history, and the marketing of Heineken.
Heineken Experience, Stadhouderskade 78

Water bikes in Amsterdam

However, the previous area might not be the most suitable one to visit with children. Depending on the age, kids will definitely enjoy a bike or boat tour (see also the Getting Around section). But to do something really cool, rent a water bike and have them (or you) cycle themselves through the canals. There are several places to rent water bikes. Canal Bikes has rental points at four practical locations: Anne Frank House (Prinsengracht 263), Rijksmuseum and Leidseplein (Stadhouderskade), and the corner of Leidsestraat and Keizergracht.

Madame Tussauds Amsterdam

In case your kids are scared to fall in the water, the famous wax statues of Madame Tussauds will definitely get their appreciation. Here, you will be able to get to see your favourite actors, sportsmen and royalty. What is unique for Madame Tussauds in Amsterdam, is that there is a section on the Golden Age of the Netherlands in the 17th century. Between pirates, painters and merchants, you’ll certainly learn something about Dutch history.
Madame Tussauds, Dam 20

Artis Zoo and nice museums in Amsterdam

Situated towards the eastern part of the center, Amsterdam’s Artis is a wonderful zoo. In case you seek to drag the kids to a nice museum, the educational self-discovery activities of the NEMO science museum or the wonderful worlds of the Tropic Museum might be just what they like. Or what about visiting the replica of the 17th century ship Amsterdam at the Naval Museum? The ship Amsterdam was originally used by the VOC (United East Indies Company) to import spices and other goods from the former Dutch Indies, now Indonesia. On Wednesday and Sundays, actors will show you how it was like to sail the oceans for weeks and weeks.
Artis Zoo, Plantage Kerklaan 38-40
NEMO, Oosterdok 2
Scheepvaartmuseum (Naval Museum), Kattenburgerplein 1
Tropenmuseum (Tropic Museum), Linnaeusstraat 2