Seven centuries of history are packed into Amsterdam’s compact centre. Walk from the city’s oldest building to a royal palace, a hidden medieval courtyard and the Golden Age canal ring, with our guide to what to see and how to visit.
Last checked: September 2026
Amsterdam’s oldest building, founded around 1213 and consecrated in 1306. Rembrandt’s wife Saskia was buried here in 1642.
Tip: Today the church is also a venue for contemporary art. It stands in the middle of the old centre, so visit in the morning when the streets are quiet.
Built as the city hall and designed by Jacob van Campen, the palace on Dam Square is still used by the Dutch king for state visits and receptions.
Tip: The palace closes regularly for royal events. Check the calendar and book a time slot online.
The “New Church” next to the Royal Palace, where Dutch monarchs are inaugurated. It now hosts major exhibitions.
Tip: Check the exhibition programme: some shows need a separate ticket.
A Renaissance church on the Prinsengracht with the tallest church tower in the city. Rembrandt was buried here, although the exact location of his grave is unknown.
Tip: The church is next to the Anne Frank House; Anne mentioned its bells in her diary.
A hidden courtyard behind a small door off the Spui, home to one of only two surviving wooden houses in the city, built around 1420.
Tip: People still live here: keep your voice down and visit before 17:00, when the gates close.
The former city gate on the Nieuwmarkt, later a weigh house, is one of the oldest non-religious buildings in Amsterdam.
Tip: Now a restaurant and café; a good stop on a walk between the old centre and the Jewish Cultural Quarter.
The 17th-century canal belt of Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht, built during the Golden Age and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2010.
Tip: See it from the water on a canal cruise, then walk the Nine Streets.
A monumental synagogue built by Amsterdam’s Sephardic community, still lit by candles. Part of the Jewish Cultural Quarter.
Tip: One ticket covers the synagogue, the Jewish Museum and the National Holocaust Museum.
The “Skinny Bridge”, a white wooden drawbridge over the Amstel and one of the city’s most photographed sights, especially when lit at night.
Tip: Walk across in the evening and continue along the Amstel to the Hermitage/H’ART building.
Amsterdam was occupied from 1940 to 1945, and more than 100,000 Jewish residents of the Netherlands were murdered in the Holocaust. Several places help visitors understand this history:
See our museums guide for booking tips.
About 4 km, 1.5–2 hours at a relaxed pace, not counting visits.
The Oude Kerk (Old Church), founded around 1213 and consecrated in 1306.
Yes, on most days, except when it is used for royal events. Book a time slot online and check the calendar before you go.
In the Westerkerk on the Prinsengracht, although the exact location of his grave is unknown.
Yes. It is free, but it is a residential courtyard, so visitors are asked to be quiet. The gates close at 17:00.