Landmarks in Amsterdam
Explore Amsterdam parks, gradens and landmarks
Amsterdam is a city connected to the water, but this does not mean that the canals are the only attraction. The gardens, parks and landmarks in Amsterdam offer a wealth of social, architectural and historical attractions that it is fascinating to discover. You can enjoy shopping, relax under the shade of a tree or discover hidden churches. There is even an inner city beach for those sunny days at the beautiful Sloterpas Park.
Every year Amsterdam also hosts an Open Garden Day which gives access to unseen gardens in Amsterdam.
Use this page to help you understand the variety of other landmarks in Amsterdam and the interesting places like churches, windmills, parks as well as places to enjoy spectacular views of the city.
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Hortus Botanicus
One of the oldest botanic gardens in Europe. A place to escape, relax and explore the beauty of nature. As well as the gardens there is a cafe and a large hothouse with different tropical climates inside. The collection includes endangered species of plant and trees. Close to Artis Zoo and one of the most popular parks and landmarks in Amsterdam.
Location: Plantage Middenlaan 2a. Tram 14 off at Mr.Visserplein. Metro 51, 53, 54 off at Waterlooplein.
Opening times: Daily from 10-5pm
Tickets: Online timeslot tickets only. Adults €12. Children (5-14) €6.50
Keukenhof Castle & Gardens
A springtime visit to Amsterdam makes visiting Keukenhof Gardens an absolute must. Keukenhof is the largest and most famous flower park in the world and near to Amsterdam. 7 million bulbs are planted each year. The Keukenhof Castle is still well worth visiting outside the springtime as it is a beautiful and historical attraction in its own right.
Location: Stationsweg 166a 2161AM Lisse – various tours available from Amsterdam, use button below to find out more.
Opening times: Keukenhof Gardens – from end of March to mid-May.
Keukenhof Castle is open from April through September daily from 8.30-7.30pm. From October through March 8.30-4.30pm.
Amsterdam churches
There are many churches in Amsterdam some of which are the oldest standing buildings in the city. Some of the churches are located in beautiful positions within the city along the canals and some are hidden away inside canal houses where you’d never find them if you didnt know where to look. Some of the most famous are Nieuwe Kerk, Oude Kerk, Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder, Moses and Arron Church and Westerkerk.
Location: Throughout Amsterdam
Opening times: N/A
Tickets: N/A
Dam Square
Probably the most famous town square in Amsterdam due to its important buildings and frequent events. In Dam Square you can see the National Monument, tour the Royal Palace, enjoy art at the New Church, discover lots of shopping and restaurants and visit Madame Tussauds. It is a lively and packed place popular with locals and visitors alike.
Location: Dam Square, Centraal Amsterdam.
Opening hours: Various.
Tickets: Various
De bollenburcht
Located in the heart of the bulb region this attraction really is best viewed between April and October where you can visit the ruins of Teylingen Castle. There is a castle garden to explore, a cafe, small shop where you can buy bulbs and a small cinema showing films about the history of bulb growing in the region.
Location: Teylingerlaan 15a, 2215 RV Voorhout, Netherlands – past Schiphol Airport on way to The Hague.
Opening times: Check website.
Tickets: Castle entry €3. Show and picking gardens Free, Combined ticket with tours of gardens and catsle €5.
A’DAM Lookout
A’DAM LOOKOUT is an observation deck that will give you a fabulous view across Amsterdam. You can see the canals, port, the historic centre all whilst enjoying food and drink from the restaurant bar. For the thrill seeker there is an over the edge swing that literally swings you out over the ledge on Europe’s highest swing.
Location: Across the river from Centraal Station in Amsterdam North, take the free ferry across.
Opening times: Every day 10-6pm.
Tickets: Adults €12.50. Child (4-12) €6.50
Magere brug
Also known as the Skinny Bridge, this bridge connects the banks of the Kerkstraat with Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht. Viewed as the most romantic bridge in Amsterdam, it is the site of many proposals either on the boats sailing underneath or standing on top as it is said that a kiss between lovers while on or under the bridge means their love will last forever. The bridge itself is beautifully lit at night and is only used by pedestrians and cyclists. The middle opens up regularly to let larger boats through.
Location: Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge), Brugnummer 242 bij Amstel, 1015 CX
Opening times: N/A
Tickets: N/A
Windmills
The Netherlands is synominous with windmills and there are eight windmills to be discovered in and around Amsterdam, with many more to be found close by.
Location: Amsterdam and nearby areas.
Opening times: N/A
Tickets: N/A
Vondelpark
Perhaps one of the most famous parks and landmarks in Amsterdam and indeed the Netherlands. It welcomes over 10 million visitors yearly. The park is near to Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, so is popular with visitors and locals. It is a large park so is a great place to enjoy a cycle ride and hosts many events throughout the year. Entrance to the park is free but the events are popular and tickets sell quickly. There are sculptures, kids parks, an open air theatre, lakes and ponds. We have a dedicated page for Vondelpark.
Location: Close to Rijksmuseum in museum district.
Opening times: N/A
Tickets: N/A
Sloterpas and beach
In the West of Amsterdam this is a large park with a lake that is a mecca for watersports enthusiasts, with open water swimming, sailing, canoeing and fishing. It is also famous for its beach that is a very popular destination during the summer months for locals and visitors. The park is also a popular events and festival location and even has a free-running and parkour track.
Location: Oostoever, 1064 GW Amsterdam
Opening times: 24hrs.
Tickets: N/A
Oosterpark
This is an English garden styled park located in the Oost/Watergraafsmeer neighbourhood. It serves the East of Amsterdam, which is a culturally diverse neighbourhood. At its heart is a long narrow lake with large green expanses surrounding it. This means it has lots of lovely places for picnics and to relax under trees. There is a childrens playground and due to the lake, the park is popular with a varity of wildlife and birds. Important sculptures and monuments are dotted thoughout the park including the National Monument Slavernijvereden (National Slavery Monument).
Location: Oosterpark, 1092 CA Amsterdam.
Opening times: 24hrs.
Tickets: N/A
