Travel
Finest issues to do in Amsterdam
One in all Europe’s true jewels, with its Golden Age canals bordered by slender gabled buildings and spanned by arched bridges, Amsterdam is likely to be small, like the remainder of the Netherlands, however it has an outsized repute for the whole lot from distinctive artwork, structure and progressive design to nightlife. The town’s condensed layout means even on a brief journey you’ll be able to match lots in, hitting the town’s high points of interest in addition to discovering under-the-radar surprises. Listed below are 15 of one of the best issues to do in Amsterdam.
1. Cruise the canals
Amsterdam is a metropolis formed by water and its lovely UNESCO World Heritage–listed Canal Ring is greatest appreciated by boat in the course of the day or at night time, when the canals’ ripples replicate the town’s twinkling lights.
You’ll be able to navigate the waterways your self (corporations comparable to Boaty hire zero-emission electrical canal boats) or hop on a sightseeing cruise. Non-touristy options embrace studying first-hand in regards to the metropolis’s historical past of migration aboard Rederij Lampedusa‘s former refugee boats, or serving to preserve the waters clear by “plastic fishing” from Plastic Whale‘s boats constructed from retrieved and recycled plastic waste.
Detour: Should you choose to benefit from the canals from land, seize a desk at De Belhamel. Located on the head of the Herengracht, this excellent restaurant’s canal-side tables are excellent for canal-watching (summer time solely).
2. Browse tremendous artwork round Museumplein
Amsterdam’s high three museums are handily situated across the inexperienced lawns of Museumplein. Finest of all of them is the Rijksmuseum. In a palatial 1885 constructing designed by Pierre Cuypers to carry nationwide and royal collections, it showcases work by Dutch masters together with Rembrandt and Vermeer, blue-and-white Delftware porcelain and complex dollhouses.
The world’s largest assortment of Vincent Van Gogh’s works (The Yellow Home and Sunflowers amongst them) hangs on the neighboring Van Gogh Museum. Fashionable and modern creations by the likes of Mondrian and De Kooning are the main focus of the brilliant, light-filled Stedelijk Museum.
Planning tip: All three museums have been as soon as a part of the I amsterdam City Card, a reduction card that gives entry to dozens of metropolis points of interest, however as of June 2022, the Van Gogh Museum is not a part of this system. The Netherlands Museum Pass consists of all three (in addition to lots of of museums throughout the nation); purchase one in particular person on the Rijksmuseum or the Stedelijk Museum.
3. Go to the Anne Frank Huis
When Germany invaded the Netherlands in Might 1940, it introduced battle to the town for the primary time in nearly 4 centuries, devastating its thriving Jewish neighborhood. It wasn’t liberated till Might 1945.
The battle’s impression is very poignant on the Anne Frank Huis, the place the younger woman hid for over two years along with her household and their associates in a darkish, airless “Secret Annexe”, recorded by Anne in her diary, till they have been betrayed and despatched to focus camps. Solely her father survived.
Detour: Amsterdam’s occupation can be delivered to life on the museum of the Dutch Resistance, the Verzetsmuseum.
4. Cycle round Amsterdam
Cling-clanging bells and whirring spokes are a part of the soundtrack of this metropolis the place bicycles outnumber automobiles. Bike lanes criss-cross the town, the terrain is forgivingly flat and rental retailers abound.
Past the built-up streets, fascinating locations to discover vary from the previous ship-building yards of Amsterdam Noord to the rambling woodlands of Amsterdamse Bos and the beautiful port of Muiden with its storybook medieval fort.
5. Picnic in Vondelpark
Amsterdammers’ favourite inexperienced escape is the Vondelpark, a lush oasis spanning 47 hectares (116 acres) of English-style gardens with aromatic roses, winding paths, ponds and sculptures. Top-of-the-line things to do in the city for free, it is an egalitarian house the place everybody – youngsters, adults, {couples}, joggers, picnickers, locals and vacationers – hangs out within the sunshine. Inside the park there are cafes in addition to an open-air theater.
Planning tip: Located close to the trifecta of the Rijksmuseum, the Stedelijk Museum and the Van Gogh Museum, Vondelpark is the right spot to replicate on Dutch artwork and historical past.
6. Cozy up in a bruin café
Regardless of the climate, one of the best place to expertise Dutch gezelligheid (conviviality, coziness) is in one in every of its bruin cafés (brown cafes). Darkish timber and tobacco-stained partitions give these conventional pubs their title. With round a thousand throughout the town, you will by no means be removed from one, notably in charming neighborhoods like the previous staff’ quarter, the Jordaan, the place canalside gems with candle-topped tables embrace Café Papeneiland, Café Pieper and ‘t Smalle.
7. Enjoy legendary nightlife
Awash with bars, live performance venues and music-thumping golf equipment, Amsterdam’s famend nightlife extends far past De Wallen, aka the Pink Mild District (authorities are set to relocate its “erotic center” to purpose-built premises outside the city; there are additionally plans to ban non-residents from “coffeeshops” ie cannabis cafes).
Leidseplein, house to the famed Melkweg, is a significant hub, as is close by Rembrandtplein. Reguliersdwarsstraat is the guts of the LGBTIQ+ scene. Giant-scale golf equipment internet hosting headlining DJs, like De Marktkantine, are on the town’s western outskirts.
Detour: Hop on a free ferry to Noord, one of many metropolis’s coolest, most up-and-coming neighborhoods and haven of ultra-hip watering holes. Be sure you try Pllek and Café de Ceuvel.
8. Snack on native specialties from the road markets
Full of life road markets just like the Albert Cuypmarkt are lined with stalls promoting scrumptious low cost eats like haring (herring; served chopped with diced onion on a bread roll), Vlaamse frites (“Flemish fries;” crispy, fluffy and sometimes smothered with mayonnaise), stroopwafels (cookie-like wafers sandwiched with caramel syrup) and poffertjes (mini pancakes), in addition to Dutch cheeses comparable to Gouda and Edam.
At bars, basic snacks embrace deep-fried kroketten (croquettes) together with ball-shaped, meat-filled bitterballen.
9. Dine on Dutch delicacies
Due to prized produce from the nation’s fertile fields and ample waters and passionate cooks, Dutch delicacies is having a renaissance. Uncover reimagined conventional recipes (comparable to veal escalope accompanied by an elevated model of the mashed potato and vegetable dish stamppot, and served with melted duck liver and peach chutney) at Greetje, or ebook a fine-dining feast at D’Vijff Vlieghen or De Silveren Spiegel, each in beautiful Seventeenth-century canal homes.
10. Savor native brews at Brouwerij ‘t IJ
Nothing says “I am in Amsterdam” greater than sipping a tall, frothy beer beneath the sails of a windmill. A lot-loved craft brewery Brouwerij ‘t IJ brews in former public baths adjoining to a conventional wood spinner, and its leafy terrace is idyllic for a pint (strive its signature Zatte Tripel). It is usually potential to see the brewing in motion on a behind-the-scenes tour.
11. Strive jenever at Wynand Fockink
The native firewater, jenever (Dutch gin) is constructed from juniper berries and served chilled. Amsterdam has some splendidly atmospheric tasting homes to strive easy jonge (younger) and pungent oude (outdated) varieties, comparable to Seventeenth-century Wynand Fockink.
Cultural tip: Jenever sometimes arrives in a tulip-shaped shot glass stuffed to the brim – custom dictates that you simply bend over the bar, together with your arms behind your again, and take a deep sip.
12. Cease by a Dutch design store
Bike service straps that operate as shelving. Glow-in-the-dark door stoppers. Self-adhesive lamps to stay on the wall. These are simply a few of the witty, creative and above all sensible Dutch designs you will discover in Amsterdam, together with furnishings, vogue and devices galore.
A terrific place to start out shopping is Droog, with a backyard, gallery house and restaurant the place a lot of the tableware can be on the market. Different emporiums to take a look at embrace X Bank, arrange as a showcase for native creators, and the Gathershop, which shares its cabinets with handmade and fair-trade reward gadgets.
13. Tour Amsterdam’s modern structure at ARCAM
At first look, Amsterdam’s cityscape appears scarcely modified from Golden Age work, but tech-savvy, forward-thinking improvements embrace solar-paneled bike lanes, a sustainable “floating neighborhood” on arks, and, proper within the Pink Mild District, the world’s first 3D-printed stainless-steel bridge.
Exhibitions on the Twenty first-century city atmosphere happen on the metropolis’s structure heart, ARCAM.
14. Swing above the town at A’DAM Tower
What is the craziest factor to do in Amsterdam? Swooping out over the town on a large swing is correct up there – actually. On the high of A’DAM Tower, a Seventies high-rise ex-office block, a six-seater swing sends you out over the constructing’s edge, 100m (328ft) within the air, as your toes dangle beneath.
You can even trip a virtual-reality curler coaster, or take within the view from the tower’s 360-degree commentary deck, eating places (one revolving) or rooftop bar.
15. Have fun at one in every of Amsterdam’s festivals
Your go to to this festive metropolis is prone to coincide with one in every of its many celebrations, whether or not meals, drink, digital dance music or classical live shows on barges moored on the canals. The largest date on Amsterdam’s calendar is King’s Day (Koningsdag; 27 April), when individuals don outlandish orange-colored outfits and celebration within the streets.
Trustees of the British MuseumThe primary go to of Hawaiian royals to London two centuries in the past will characteristic in a brand new exhibit on the British Museum.
Hawai’i: A Kingdom Crossing Oceans is a “dazzling celebration of the wealthy artistry of Hawaiian makers, previous current and future”, based on the museum.
The exhibition, which opens in January, will commemorate greater than 200 years for the reason that go to of Hawaiian King Liholiho and Queen Kamāmalu to London in 1824 when the royal delegation have been searching for an alliance and safety from the Crown.
This journey to the capital included a go to to the British Museum – the primary file of Native Hawaiian royals on the museum.
Royal Assortment Enterprises LtdThe exhibition will characteristic round 150 objects and artworks together with many by no means seen within the UK.
Among the many highlights is an ahu ʻula, a feathered cloak despatched in 1810 by the primary king of unified Hawaiʻi, Kamehameha I, to King George III.
Lent by King Charles III from the Royal Assortment, the cloak will probably be on show for the primary time in over 100 years, alongside the Hawaiian king’s authentic letter requesting assist and safety from the British Crown.
Trustees of the British MuseumGuests to the museum will probably be greeted on the steps of the Nice Courtroom by a nine-foot (2.7m) picture of the god Kū, the god of warfare and governance, dressed with a recent loincloth and standing atop a pole rediscovered inside a historic plinth.
A finely carved drum accompanied by an historic chant recounting early Polynesian migrations to Hawaii will characteristic alongside a bowl with determine, not too long ago returned from mortgage to Hawaii’s Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, that represents actions of individuals and objects between the Pacific and the UK.
The Anglo-Franco proclamation of 1843, on mortgage from The Nationwide Archives, highlights the UK and France’s formal recognition of Hawaii’s independence and emphasises diplomatic bonds between the nations.
Trustees of the British MuseumThe creation of the exhibition concerned “the meticulous conservation of ancestral treasures and the inclusion of ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (the Hawaiian language) all through the area”, the British Museum mentioned.
Dr Alice Christophe, head of Oceania on the museum, mentioned the exhibit is a tribute to Native Hawaiian makers, previous and current.
She added: “It tells the story of the deep and layered relationship between Hawaii and the UK, reflecting on care, sovereignty and the complexity of allyship.
“We hope this present will spark conversations and uplift folks within the archipelago and past.”
The exhibition will run from 15 January to 25 May 2026.
France is a rustic steeped in historical past, and nowhere is that this extra evident than its fantastically preserved medieval cities.
From Alsace’s timber-framed homes to Provence’s dramatic hilltop villages.
These cities permit guests to step again in time, wander cobblestone streets, marvel at historical structure, and expertise the appeal of bygone eras.
On this listing, we’ve gathered 20 of the best-preserved medieval cities in France that you simply completely should see.
20 Greatest Medieval Cities in France To Go to
Scroll down to find the 20 finest medieval cities in France that needs to be on each historical past buff and tradition fanatic’s bucket listing!
1. Riquewihr, Alsace
Riquewihr is a picturesque village in Alsace typically described as some of the lovely in France.
Its well-preserved Sixteenth-century structure, with colourful half-timbered homes lining slender cobblestone streets, makes it really feel like stepping right into a fairy story.
Guests ought to come right here to expertise the distinctive Alsatian tradition, discover the encircling vineyards, and style the area’s well-known wines.
Don’t miss the Dolder Tower, a Thirteenth-century defensive gate, or wine cellars providing tastings. The Alsace villages are among the most picturesque places in France.
2. Eguisheim, Alsace
Eguisheim, a cute fairytale town in France, is thought for its concentric round format and vibrant floral shows.
The city’s magnificence lies in its colourful medieval homes, charming central sq., and surrounding vineyards.
Guests will take pleasure in strolling by the slender streets, visiting the Chapel of St. Leo IX, and mountain climbing the close by Three Castles path.
The city can also be well-known for its storks, which nest on rooftops throughout summer time.
3. Rocamadour, Occitanie
One in all France’s most unique towns is Rocamadour, a vertical village dramatically constructed into the face of a cliff. Its beautiful location and spiritual significance make it a must-visit place that needs to be in your France bucket list.
The city is dwelling to a number of vital spiritual websites, together with the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Guests can climb the Grand Escalier (Nice Staircase) to the château on the prime, which gives breathtaking views of the Alzou Canyon.
4. Sarlat-la-Canéda, Dordogne
Sarlat is without doubt one of the best-preserved medieval cities in France, well-known for its golden stone buildings and gastronomic delights.
Guests ought to come right here to wander the labyrinthine streets, discover the bustling market, and take pleasure in native specialties like foie gras and truffles.
Don’t miss the panoramic view from the highest of the Sainte-Marie church tower or a go to to the Manoir de Gisson.
5. Dinan, Brittany
Dinan is a walled city recognized for its spectacular ramparts, half-timbered homes, and picturesque port.
Guests will love strolling alongside the previous metropolis partitions, exploring the quaint Rue du Jerzual, and having fun with a meal at one of many cafes alongside the previous port.
The city’s magnificence is enhanced by its location overlooking the Rance River. Go to the Château de Dinan and climb the Tour de l’Horloge for panoramic views.
6. Honfleur, Normandy
Honfleur, with its picturesque previous harbor and slate-covered home facades, has lengthy been a favourite topic for artists.
Guests come for the charming ambiance, maritime historical past, and glorious seafood eating places.
Key points of interest embody the wood Church of Saint Catherine, the Eugene Boudin Museum, and the gorgeous Jardin des Personnalités.
7. Perouges, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Perouges is a superbly preserved medieval walled city that appears frozen in time. Its cobbled streets and stone homes make it a preferred movie location.
Guests ought to expertise life in a Fifteenth-century city, style the native specialty “galette de Pérouges,” and benefit from the peaceable ambiance. Don’t miss the central Place du Tilleul or the Eglise-Forteresse.
8. Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, Occitanie
Perched excessive above the Lot River, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is a shocking medieval village that has impressed many artists. Its magnificence lies in its dramatic setting, Gothic facades, and slender alleyways.
Guests can discover quite a few artisan outlets, hike within the surrounding space, or take a ship journey on the Lot River. The village is especially magical within the night when the day-trippers have left.
9. Gordes, Provence
Gordes is a placing hilltop village within the Luberon area, well-known for its stone buildings cascading down the hillside.
Guests come for the breathtaking views, particularly at sundown, and to discover the encircling lavender fields and olive groves.
Key points of interest embody the Sixteenth-century château, the close by Sénanque Abbey, and the standard Tuesday market.
10. Locronan, Brittany
Locronan is a small city that has maintained its Renaissance appeal, with granite homes and an exquisite central sq..
Guests will admire the dearth of seen trendy infrastructure, making it really feel actually timeless. The city is thought for its spiritual heritage, conventional Breton festivals, and as a filming location.
Don’t miss the Church of Saint Ronan or the native artisan workshops.
11. Cordes-sur-Ciel, Occitanie
Cordes-sur-Ciel, or “Cordes within the Sky,” is aptly named for its hilltop location, typically shrouded in morning mist. This bastide city is thought for its well-preserved Gothic structure and thriving arts scene.
Guests ought to come to discover the medieval homes, go to artisan workshops, and revel in panoramic views of the countryside. The city hosts a well-known medieval competition every July.
12. Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy
Mont Saint-Michel is without doubt one of the most iconic landmarks in France, a medieval marvel that rises dramatically from the ocean.
This UNESCO World Heritage website is a small rocky island topped by a shocking abbey and surrounded by a picturesque village.
Guests are drawn by its distinctive structure, wealthy historical past, and the fascinating phenomenon of maximum tides that isolate and join it to the mainland.
Discover the winding streets, go to the magnificent abbey, and be taught concerning the website’s significance as a pilgrimage heart.
13. Minerve, Occitanie
Minerve is a small village with a dramatic historical past, perched on a rocky peninsula between two deep gorges. Guests come for its Cathar historical past, beautiful pure setting, and glorious native wines.
Discover the village’s slender streets, go to the Twelfth-century church, and be taught concerning the Cathar siege on the small museum.
14. Monpazier, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Monpazier is without doubt one of the best-preserved bastide cities in France, recognized for its excellent grid format and exquisite central sq..
Guests will admire the well-preserved medieval and Seventeenth-century structure, the lined market corridor, and the peaceable ambiance.
15. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is nestled between two rocky cliffs, with a star suspended on a series between them.
The city is known for its advantageous porcelain and proximity to the Verdon Gorge – one of many best places in the French Riviera area.
Guests ought to discover the slender streets, go to the Notre Dame de Beauvoir chapel perched above the city, and store for native ceramics.
16. Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, Occitanie
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert is a serene medieval village tucked right into a dramatic gorge on the pilgrim path to Santiago de Compostela.
Its UNESCO-listed Gellone Abbey, with its exceptional Romanesque structure, rises above a maze of slender streets and stone homes.
Don’t miss the abbey’s lovely cloister, the Place de la Liberté with its historical elm tree, or the satan’s bridge spanning the gorge.
17. Conques, Occitanie
Conques is a jewel of Romanesque artwork nestled in a wooded gorge in Occitanie.
Its magnificent Abbey Church of Saint Foy, with its intricate tympanum and golden reliquary, has drawn pilgrims for hundreds of years alongside the Santiago de Compostela route.
Don’t miss the treasury’s medieval goldsmith assortment, the carved capitals within the cloister, or the sundown view from the Bancarel viewpoint.
18. Najac, Occitanie
Najac is a shocking medieval fortress city perched dramatically alongside a single ridge excessive above the Aveyron River.
Its majestic Thirteenth-century royal fortress stands on the highest level, whereas the village’s stone and half-timbered homes stretch alongside the ridge in a novel linear format.
Don’t miss the Gothic church of Saint-Jean with its uncommon fortified options, the panoramic views from the fortress hold, or the traditional lined market corridor the place native farmers promote their produce.
19. Vézelay, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
Vézelay is a hilltop village in Burgundy topped by its magnificent Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene.
This UNESCO World Heritage website rises majestically above the Remedy Valley, its golden stone glowing within the sundown whereas its medieval streets are lined with historic homes and ramparts.
Don’t miss the spectacular views over the Burgundian countryside, or the home the place Jules Roy lived, now a literature museum.
20. Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a remarkably preserved medieval city perched on a hilltop close to Good, remodeled into an inventive haven within the twentieth century.
Its large medieval ramparts encircle slender cobblestone streets lined with elegant stone homes, whereas up to date artwork galleries and boutiques occupy historical buildings.
Remaining Ideas on The Greatest French Medieval Cities
Exploring France’s medieval cities is like stepping right into a residing historical past e-book.
Every village gives a novel glimpse into the nation’s wealthy previous, well-preserved structure, and timeless appeal.
From the long-lasting Mont Saint-Michel to the lesser-known gems like Perouges, these cities present unforgettable experiences for historical past lovers, tradition lovers, and informal vacationers alike.
Able to plan your trip in France? Use our complete France Travel Guide to make sure you don’t miss any of the unbelievable locations.
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