The ancient city contains two centres, the Oude Zijde (old part) and the Nieuwe Zijde (new part). The Dam square is Amsterdam's beating heart. Once it was the central marketplace of Amsterdam where literally everything under the moon was sold. Today, this is a very lively square with lots of tourists, shoppers and street animators.

But without doubt, of all the attractions on Dam Square, the Royal Palace (Koninklijk Paleis) is quite literally the jewel in the crown. Although no longer home to the Dutch Royal family, this grand 17th century Royal Palace is still used to hold official receptions.

On the south side of Dam Square stands the controversially phallic National Memorial statue, erected in memory of Dutch soldiers and members of the resistance who died in World War 2. Unveiled in 1956, the monument stores soil from all of Holland’s provinces as well as from the Dutch East Indies and if you go to the back of the obelisk tower, you’ll find the provinces’ crests.

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During Amsterdam's Golden Age (17th Century), the Oude Zijde was an important commercial centre, where boats could sail up the Geldersekade (canal) to Nieuwmarkt (New Market), where goods were weighted at the Waag before
being sold at the market.

There are a lot of things to see and visit. For example the Oude kerk which is the oldest church in Amsterdam. Or if you're looking for great bargains visit the Waterloo plein market where you can find second-hand clothes, shoes, books, records and stamps. More unusual items are for sale too, such as three-piece suites, cartons full of old locks and other such paraphernalia.

In this part of town there is the world famous Red light district. The "Wallen" (Kay, Dike, stretch of heightened land along a canal or river) or "Walletjes" (little "Wallen") are a folk area that now houses the prostitution district with the many red lights. Surrounding the old church, this part has however also some other interesting things. It is one of the oldest parts of Amsterdam and many houses are really magnificently kept monuments. It is a district with a whole own character, which has nothing to do with criminal behaviour.

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The Amsterdam Jordaan is undoubtedly the most sung about, described and romanced town district of the Netherlands. Started as a district for the poor, today it is a favourite place for students, artists and young professionals. Once a working class area, Amsterdam’s Jordaan has become greatly sought after. The for generations born and bred Jordanese are, besides their unmistakable dialect and raw humour, recognizable by the somewhat higher male voice and the too blond, too brown, too gold looks of their partners.

The Jordaan oozes atmosphere with its narrow streets, picturesque canals, brown cafes, art galleries and unique shops. You can easily lose yourself in a pleasant stroll in through the enchanting streets that connect the 3 main canals.

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Nestled south of Leidseplein is the plush 19th century Museum quarter (Museumplein). Unashamedly, Museum quarter is the pinnacle of sophistication and home to the three major and most important museums in Amsterdam, the Rijksmuseum, the Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art and the Van Gogh Museum makes this an art lover’s paradise par excellence. Without doubt, any culture vulture will be in their element in this recently renovated quarter. Also, in amongst the stylish hotels and cafés, lays the majestic Concertgebouw.

The Museum quarter is arguably the cultural hub of the city, offering a kaleidoscope of activities and attractions. A stroll down the exclusive P.C. Hooftstraat, Pieter Cornelisz or Van Baerlestraat will take the fashionista into some of the world’s most chic couture houses. From diamonds to leather shoes to designer handbags, just don’t forget to take your credit card!

Museum quarter also caters for children or even the child in us with its skateboard - park and wading pool, which in the winter doubles up as an ice rink. Another attraction of the district is the wonderful Vondelpark where relaxing is the order of the day. Unless it is Queens Day or Uitmarkt when the park is swarming with hoards of visitors.

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The Plantage area lies to the east of the city centre. The concentric canals abruptly ended here as the city’s population stopped increasing after 1680. An extensive park was established here in which the locals could enjoy long walks. The area also became the location of the Hortus Botanicus and Artis Zoo. Unfortunately, the Plantage deteriorated into an area full of gambling dens and prostitution. Midway through the 19th century the area was cleaned up by the city council. Now it is a stylish and classy district.

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Historically, the docklands were first used by big Dutch shipping companies, but since 1988 it has become the biggest post-war building project in Amsterdam, with 8,500 homes built in the IJ river in response to the chronic housing shortage.

The area consists of several new man-made islands interconnected by bridges. The water is one of the most important characteristics and qualities of this area, which is something of a laboratory in the field of urban development and architecture.

Major features of KNSM Island are the old buildings which have been preserved. The island has also retained its maritime character; many houseboats and other boats are moored at the quays. The area is a fine example of how old and new can go hand in hand.

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De Pijp is a district in which a wide range of people feels at home. Ladies of the night, writers, artists and squatters . . . they have all found a home here. This district, a melting pot of many cultures, offers its visitors a warm welcome! The Sarphati Park is a pleasant place to relax in.

Holland’s best-known market, the Albert Cuyp, and its 20,000 (!) daily visitors contribute to the hustle and bustle of the district. The area boasts pleasant pubs and ample cultural facilities and people truly like living here. De Pijp district is still the Quartier Latin of Amsterdam!

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Must see ingredient of a great day out in Amsterdam is a visit to the canals The ring of canals around the old centre of Amsterdam are an inspired piece of city planning dating back to the 17th century, when the Dutch were in their heyday and Amsterdam was a wealthy trading port. With ships of the Dutch East India Company bringing vast wealth back from the East, the city expanded outwards and the Grachtengordel we see today was built.

The Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht are the three canals that form the elegant curve encircling the old city as far as the Amstel. Each is lined with trees and cobbled streets separating the narrow, gabled houses and old warehouses from the waterway. The main arteries into and out of the centre cut across the district but do little to disturb the gentrified calm.

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The Amstelbuurt is the area around the river Amstel, from which Amsterdam took its name. This upper class neighbourhood is an oasis of tranquillity. When you stroll along side the wide Amstel river you will pass the beautiful, recently restored ‘Blue bridge’, the ‘Magere Brug' (the oldest, wooden drawbridge in town), the centuries old Amstel locks, the Carré Theatre and the famous Amstel Hotel and a large amount of all kinds of houseboats.
In the Utrechtse straat you can find fine boutiques and speciality stores.

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The eastern side of Amsterdam is a cosy neighbourhood with a rich architectonical history with a lot of housing from the nineteen and beginning twenties century. In the eighties of the last century the city put a lot effort to build new housing and renovate the old buildings.

Now a day this area is big melting pot of cultures and ages. The Oosterpark is a cityparc where a lot of multicultural events are held. The Dappermarkt is recently renewed and goods from all over the world can be bought here.

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After countless years of nature and hundreds of years of agriculture the West part of Amsterdam gets a more urban destination in the 17th century. The Wilhelmina Gasthuis was build around 1630 as a pest house to keep the patients outside of the city walls and to limit the contagion danger. End of 1800, after hundred year of a stagnating grow of the population, the economic welfare demands new housing in Amsterdam and Amsterdam West gets its current shape.

Old-West is part of the 19th century urban renewal. Intently it was made as a working class neighbourhood and consisted merely of small labour housing. Now a days there are not many families with children living here and because of the cheap housing there is a big concentration of students and singles. The new tendency is that, as a result of urban planning by enlarging the houses, the area gets more popular with the yuppies.

A stay in Amsterdam West is ideal for people that want to stay close to the centre and among the locals. It is very close to the Vondelpark and the Leidseplein.

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Amsterdam sightseeing tour