Tourist Information

   Amsterdam tourist
   attractions

Amsterdam was founded on a dam on the river Amstel in the thirteenth century. During the Reformation it rose in stature, taking trade away from Antwerp and becoming a haven for its religious refugees. Having shaken off the yoke of the Spanish, the city went from strength to strength in the seventeenth century, becoming the centre of a vast trading empire with colonies in Southeast Asia. Amsterdam accommodated its expansion with the cobweb of canals that gives the city its distinctive and elegant shape today. Come the eighteenth century, Amsterdam went into gentle decline, re-emerging as a fashionable focus for the alternative movements of the 1960s. Despite a backlash in the 1980s, the city still takes a uniquely progressive approach to social issues and culture, with a buzz of open-air summer events, intimate clubs and bars, and relaxed attitude to soft drugs.

There are lots of cultural places and landmarks to see in Amsterdam. Excellent quality hotels from which you can visit these places are online bookable.

Amsterdam landmarks

Amsterdam is resplendent with a rich array of imposing landmarks and monuments. Many of these offer historic and architectural interest dating back hundreds of years but are nonetheless in remarkable condition. For instance the Royal Palace, one of Amsterdam's most famous landmarks, which was originally built als a town hall in the mid-17th century. Napoleon Bonaparte’s younger brother, turned it into a palace. This aesthetically severe-looking building features one of the finest ceremonial halls in Europe. No longer used as a palace, the Royal Palace still caters for official royal functions, gala dinners, exhibitions and state visits. It’s located on Dam square.

Famous Attractions and landmarks

Amsterdam is filled with lovely canals that crisscross the city. Amsterdam's canals are its signature and arguably most beautiful feature, so if you only do one thing in Amsterdam, make it a canal cruise. Whether in an open-top canal boat or self-pedaled "canal bike," this is the best way to see dozens of spectacular Amsterdam sights in a short period of time, including 17th-century mansions, tree-lined neighborhoods, quirky houseboats and stunning architecture ranging from medieval to modern. Sunset and night cruises are especially beautiful. If you want to avoid fellow visitors, rent a guided canal boat of your own.

Enjoy all the amazins Amsterdam sights from your luxury hotel. Starbound has selected the highest quality hotels for you. Book your Amsterdam hotel online now.

Cultural Tips in Amsterdam  
Shopping Tips in Amsterdam  
Restaurant Tips in Amsterdam   
Nightlife Tips in Amsterdam  
Amsterdam Airport Hotels  
Churches in Amsterdam   
Bar & Pubs Tips in Amsterdam   
Nightlife in Amsterdam  
Airport- and Public Transportation in Amsterdam  
Gallery & Museum Tips in Amsterdam  
Shopping in Amsterdam