8 Must-See Places in Amsterdam, the Venice of the North

Liputan6.com, Jakarta Amsterdam is one of Europe's most beautiful cities. People call it the "Venice of the North" because it has a 100 km-long charming canal network. You can see boats everywhere, and the water reflects the tall, narrow houses.

This Dutch city has a rich history that goes back 800 years. Amsterdam was once the center of world trade. Ships came from all over the world to bring spices, art, and treasures. Today, you can still see this history in the museums, buildings, and streets. The city keeps its old charm while being modern at the same time.

So if you are going to visit Amsterdam for the first time, here are eight must-see places you should put on your list:

Home to the world's largest collection of Dutch Golden Age art, the Rijksmuseum is the Netherlands' most important museum. You can see famous paintings by Rembrandt and Vermeer here. The building itself is beautiful, with red brick walls and towers. The museum garden is free to visit and has a nice café. Don't miss "The Night Watch," Rembrandt's most famous painting.

Built in the 1600s on Dam Square, the Royal Palace was originally Amsterdam's city hall, not a palace. The building has 13,659 wooden poles under it to keep it stable on the soft ground. Inside, you can see golden decorations, marble sculptures, and paintings on the ceiling. The King of the Netherlands still uses this palace for official events and ceremonies today.

If you love art, you shouldn't miss out on visiting the famous Van Gogh Museum. With 200 paintings and 500 drawings, this museum has the world's largest collection of Vincent van Gogh's art. You can see his famous "Sunflowers" and "The Bedroom" paintings. The museum shows how Van Gogh's style changed during his short life. You can also read letters that Van Gogh wrote to his brother Theo. Audio guides are available in many languages.

Behind a secret bookcase, young Anne Frank hid during World War II in this narrow house. The hidden rooms are still there, exactly as they were. You can see Anne's original diary and read her story. The museum shows what life was like for Jewish families during the war. You must book tickets online in advance because this place is very popular.

Amsterdam's most popular park covers 47 hectares and attracts both locals and tourists. People come here to walk, run, and have picnics. The park has beautiful trees, small lakes, and open grass areas. In summer, you can watch free concerts and theater shows. There are several cafés where you can drink coffee and eat Dutch pancakes. A rose garden displays many different types of flowers.

This place is another heaven for art lovers. It is the actual house where the famous painter Rembrandt lived and worked for nearly 20 years. Now a museum, it shows how artists lived in the 1600s. You can see Rembrandt's studio, his kitchen, and his bedroom. The museum displays many of his drawings and paintings. You can also watch artists make prints using old techniques from Rembrandt's time.

Once a working-class area, Jordaan is now a charming neighborhood with narrow streets and small canals. It has become one of Amsterdam's most expensive places to live. You can find many art galleries, antique shops, and cozy cafés here. Beautiful houseboats line the canals. Every Saturday, the Noordermarkt offers organic food, old books, and vintage clothes. The area feels like a peaceful village.

Dam Square is Amsterdam's main square and the heart of the city. A dam was built here around 1270 in the Amstel River, which gave Amsterdam its name. Several important buildings surround the square, including the Royal Palace. You can see street performers, pigeons, and many tourists here. The National Monument stands in the center to remember World War II victims. Many trams and buses stop here, connecting you to other parts of the city.