LOADING RESULTS ... 
All of the major Amsterdam museums and galleries, cafes and night clubs, shopping and dining outlets as well as a host of other attractions are concentrated in the Canal Ring. This historic area of the city has earned Amsterdam the name Venice of the North. The architecture and the culture that has formed around the canals over the centuries is what Amsterdam is all about, that is why the canal ring is an attraction in itself.
The imposing building of Central Station, situated between the IJ harbour and the canal ring, is where many a journey through Amsterdam begins. You can either lose yourself in the maze of canal streets and alleys or use a more structured approach by visiting places of interest. To the south of the station lies Dam square, one of the city’s major plazas overlooked by the beautiful Royal Palace and the imposing Nieuwe kerk (or New Church). A short stroll west will take you to the popular Anne Frank House on the Prinsengracht canal were you can see Anne’s original diary and the place where she spent two years in hiding with her family.
In the very heart of the canal ring lies the infamous Red Light district locally known as De Wallen. There is a lot more to this quarter beside the attractive ladies in the windows. De Wallen is as old as Amsterdam and a walk through it will allow you to see beautiful period houses and chance upon some excellent dining places. Keep an eye out for the magnificent Oude Kerk, Amsterdam’s 800 year old church that dates back to the founding of Amsterdam. Stroll to nearby China Town if you feel famished or have a craving for East Asian food.
Waterlooplein on the western end of the canal ring is a scenic plaza surrounded by a number of notable sites and attractions. The most famous of these is the Rembrandt Museum that houses a huge collection of the artist’s works. Nearby attractions include the Jewish Historical Museum and the Hermitage Amsterdam which will appeal to art lovers with its rich collection of classical paintings. Boring your children with tedious museum visits is pointless. While in the area take them to the Artis Royal Zoo for an experience that will amuse the whole family.
Museumplein on the southern fringes of the canal ring is a spacious green space flanked by several of the city’s most impressive museums – the Rijksmuseum that houses works by the old Dutch masters, the Stedelijk Museum of modern art and design, and the Van Gogh Museum. This open green square is ideal for outdoor picnics in summer while in winter an ice rink opens in front of the Rijksmuseum. A short walk west of Museumplein will take you to Vondel park, one of the city’s largest green spaces very popular with families whose children can play here safely.
This in short wraps a tour of Amsterdam’s more famous attractions and major plazas. A stroll or a bike ride along the canal streets rewards with beautiful views of long rows of gabled houses and arching bridges spanning the canals. You can also take a boat trip to see the city from a different angle or simply sit in one of the numerous cafes and take in the views leisurely. You don’t need more than a day to see the historic centre of Amsterdam but you will need longer to visit each and every attraction. Check out our accommodation offers and pick from hotels and holiday apartments in scenic canal houses throughout the city.
{top}Amsterdam Main Attractions from the Anne Frank House to the Nemo Museum and all in between{top}
{bottom} Things to see and do in Amsterdam - All the main attractions {bottom}