The Top Ten Amsterdam Attractions

1. Canal House Museum (Grachetenhuis Museum)

One of the city's newest museums, the Canal House Museum provides a great introduction to Amsterdam's biggest draw: the old canals. Built on swampland in the 1600s, when Amsterdam was the richest city in the world, these canals laid out in concentric circles are a feat of engineering.

2. The Anne Frank House

This museum honoring the life of Anne Frank and her family, who hid in the home's attic during the Nazi occupation, is a must-see. The museum features Anne's original diary and several family artifacts.

3. Cruise the Canals

The best ways to see the Amsterdam's 165 canals is by boat. There are several companies that operate boat tours to suit every interest, but if you prefer a more relaxed itinerary, climb aboard the "hop on/hop off'" Canal Bus that stops at all major museums; tour guides provide commentary.

4. The Van Gough Museum

This modern museum features the largest collection of artwork in the world by Amsterdam's native son, Vincent Van Gogh. Check out Van Gogh's famous Sunflowers painting and several self-portraits (sans ear) among the 200 paintings and drawings in the collection.

5. Magere Brug

It's may be hard to select a single bridge out of the city's 1,281 to visit, but Magere Brug ("Skinny Bridge") is certainly one of the most famous. This beautiful wooden drawbridge is opened frequently to allow ships to pass through. This romantic spot is popular with lovers and photographers.

6. Vondelpark

Attracting over 10 million visitors a year, Vondelpark is the most popular park in Amsterdam and all of the Netherlands. This is the Central Park of Amsterdam—a great place for relaxing in the sun, people watching, catching a street performance, or grabbing a quick bite at an outdoor café.

7. The Central Library

The largest library in Europe, this seven-story building boasts it's own radio station and restaurant with an outdoor terrace. You can often catch free live performances on the piano in the main foyer.

8. Tour the Gassan Diamond Cutting factory

Amsterdam has been a capital of the diamond trade for over 400 years. Today, you can take a free, guided tour of Gassan Diamonds, a traditional diamond cutting factory located on the Amstel River.

9. Rijksmuseum (State Museum)

Opened in 1800, the Rijksmuseum not only features the works of Dutch masters like Rembrandt, Vermeer, and van Dyck, it also houses special collections of Dutch artifacts and antiques.

10. Shop the Dappermarkt

Voted one of the "10 Best Shopping Streets" by National Geographic Traveler magazine, the Dappermarkt is a lively, diverse neighborhood featuring a huge outdoor market with goods from all over the world—a great place to shop for souvenirs.

While out and about at these must-see attractions, grab a bite to eat at Amsterdam's best restaurants.