Amsterdam is one of the greatest small cities in the world. From the canals to world-famous museums and historical sights, it is one of the most romantic and beautiful cities in Europe. Amsterdam is also a city of tolerance and diversity. It has all the advantages of a big city: rich culture, lively Amsterdam nightlife, international restaurants and good public transport. In this city, your destination is never far away. You can visit with kids as it offers attractions for all ages. It is impossible to get bored in a city like Amsterdam.
To brighten up your vacation, we suggest some of Amsterdam’s best attractions which are mostly reachable within minutes’ walking distance from the City Hotel Rembrandt Square.
Rembrandt Square, Rembrandtplein 24, 1017
(10 meters away)
Rembrandtplein (or Rembrandt Square in English) is named after the famous Dutch master painter, Rembrandt van Rijn, who owned a house nearby from 1639 to 1656 and whose large bronze statue you can find in the centre of the square. The first use for this central square was as a dairy market. By the early 20th century, the square developed into a centre for nightlife drawing artists, young people and labourers. To meet the needs of its visitors, several hotels, cafés and entertainment venues opened in the adjoining streets. Our hotel is located ON the Rembrandt Square, and most of our rooms have a view of the square.
Now, Rembrandt Square is one of the busiest places in Amsterdam with numerous cafes, famous pubs such as the Old Bell that is downstairs of the City Hotel Rembrandt Square, multiple restaurants and nightclubs such as the Escape -the best club in Amsterdam- and Smokey. Other attractions nearby include the Pathé Tuschinski, a modern cinema housed in a classic building that has been operating as a theatre since 1921.
Red Light District (De Wallen), Warmoesstraat
(15 minutes walking)
“Red Light District”: the name comes from the red neon lights that highlight the 300 windows where women are working. The first prostitutes arrived to earn a living in the harbour of Amsterdam in the 15th century. The women initially plied their trade in the streets, but in the sixties, the authorities made it illegal to solicit from doorways. Sitting behind the window was tolerated if the curtains were almost closed. With a red light behind the chink, it was clear to men that they could come here for a prostitute.
Today, it is allowed to keep the curtains open, but the red lights are still used. Since October 2000, window prostitutes have been allowed to offer their services legally. The area is busier during the night. Most of the action takes place around 23:00, and the atmosphere starts thriving around 02:30 am. In the Red Light District, you will find not only coffeeshops and the typical Dutch brown cafes but also a variety of sex shops, peep shows, strip clubs and sex theatres. You can also visit the Museum of Prostitution, the Museum of Erotism or the Museum of Cannabis. You may be surprised, but this is the safest area in Amsterdam as there are police present everywhere in the area.
Back in the Middle Ages, the Red Light District used to be Amsterdam’s city centre. If you like historical buildings, visiting the Red Light District in Amsterdam during the day is undoubtedly recommended as well. One of the most interesting places to visit is the Oude Kerk (Old Church), one of Amsterdam’s oldest churches. During the weekends, you can climb the church tower on a guided tour or try to pass along Trompettersteeg, Amsterdam’s narrowest street. If you are interested in seeing something very authentic, the Red Light District is the best place to see something truly Dutch.
Ice Bar, Amstel 194 1017 AG
(200 meters away)
If you are looking for some refreshing experience, Ice Bar would perfectly fit your expectations. The unique icy entertainment is just around the corner from the hotel. Walls, furniture and glasses are all made of ice. After welcome drinks in ice glasses, you can join a party inside the bar where you will find other adventurers and share more drinks.
Icebar is one of the coolest places in town (literally) and definitely in the top 10 of things to do in Amsterdam. This amazing bar is kept at a constant temperature of -10 degrees Celsius and everything is made entirely out of ice.
Heineken Experience, Stadhouderskade 78, 1072 AE
(15 minutes walk)
The Heineken Experience, which takes place in the old Heineken Brouwerij (Heineken Brewery), is a must-do for fans of the fermented beverage. Located in the center, just 15 minutes walk from the City Hotel Rembrandt Square, this old factory used to manufacture all of the brand’s beer until 1988. Then, the main production line was moved to a larger facility outside the city due to overwhelming demand for the product.
The Heineken Experience will dip visitors “chin deep” into the famous beer. The Heineken Experience includes an interactive self-guided walk through the factory, a Heineken tasting session, fun information on the company’s history, the Heineken logo and much more! Make sure you get your pass for the Heineken Experience beforehand and avoid long queues at the entrance.
Floating Flower Market, Singel, 1012 DH
(300 meters away)
Just a stone’s throw away from the hotel is the famous Floating Flower Market. The Amsterdam Flower Market is the only floating flower market in the world, and one of the most fragrant places of interest in Amsterdam – during all seasons. The flower stalls are situated on the houseboats and evoke the old days when the market was daily supplied by boat. It has been there since 1862. You can buy fresh flowers, as well as seeds, bulbs and tubers for your garden or as a gift. The bulbs are ready for export, so you can enjoy them at home too. The biodiversity of flowers offered will leave you pleasantly surprised.
Waterlooplein Flea market, Waterlooplein 2, 1011 NZ Amsterdam
(300 meters away)
Fancy to stroll around vintage stalls of Waterlooplein market and discover the goods it has to offer?
Just 5 minutes walking from the City Hotel Rembrandt Square, you can find unique retro items, as well as hand-made goods and local dish offers. Waterlooplein is the oldest flea market in Amsterdam and also in the Netherlands. Established a hundred and thirty five years ago, open six days a week with about three hundred stalls, it is one of the friendliest places in the heart of Amsterdam. You can wander, look around and possibly buy unique pieces.
Madame Tussauds Museum, Dam 20, 1012 KW Amsterdam
(10 min walking)
The first overseas branch of the legendary Madame Tussaud’s wax museum was founded in Amsterdam in 1970. It takes six months, more than 250 precise measurements and photographs and over 1000 kg of wax to make each of Madame Tussaud’s wax portraits. Have the opportunity to meet Dutch royal family members, famous artists, great poets, known actors and singers. The tour also incorporates high-tech animatronics and multimedia technology to provide a fun and dynamic experience for all ages. The museum is located in a magnificently beautiful historical building. A big plus? A great view is opened from the top floor of the museum.
Amsterdam Dungeon, Rokin 78, 1012 KW
(650 meters away)
If you find yourself a real thrill-seeker, you must visit Amsterdam’s most frightening attraction. It will take you to the footnotes of Amsterdam medieval history. The smell of rotting flesh, accurate decorations and talented entertainers will make you jump out of your skin, make your blood run cold and make you scared out of your wits! No experience in The Amsterdam Dungeon is the same as before, each trip is unique. You will not only see the show but be a part of it. This hilarious yet spine-chilling tour is one of Amsterdam’s must-see attractions. Spend the most “breathtaking” trip in your life in Amsterdam Dungeon. Atmospheric staged photos will remind you of this thrilling experience.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not, Dam 21, 1012 JS Amsterdam
(10 min walking)
Ripley’s Believe It or Not is truly an “unbelievable” experience which you can share with your whole family. There are hundreds of exhibits and artifacts to catch your imagination and break the boundaries of common. You can play around with optical illusions and interactive mind games, whirl through a Space Tunnel, mount the 7-meter tall Robot made entirely out of car parts and see Dam Square from a bird’s-eye view. People say it’s one of the weirdest spots in the city, but a must-see in Amsterdam if you’re interested in odd facts.
Amsterdam Lookout (A’DAM LOOKOUT), Overhoeksplein 1, 1031 KS Amsterdam
(20 minutes walking)
Feel like you’re on top of the world or rather on the top of Amsterdam. The 360 degrees panoramic view of the A’DAM Lookout will undoubtedly take your breath away. It is the perfect spot to have a romantic dinner or night out with your friends – on the top floors of the Amsterdam Tower. It offers an exquisite view of Amsterdam canals and buildings and will create an unforgettable atmosphere for your pastime. The famous Swing Over The Edge allows you to hit a nerve by swinging at 100 meters height. Great photos at the end of your journey will round off your fantastic experience at this unmissable attraction of Amsterdam.
Canal Cruises, Amstel 200, 1017 AH Amsterdam
(250 meters away)
Seeing Amsterdam without going on a canal cruise is almost equivalent to not seeing Amsterdam at all. A canal cruise is one of the best ways to explore Amsterdam. Some of Amsterdam’s landscapes can be viewed only from its canals. You’ll get to see many of the city’s highlights within a short amount of time. The audio guide which can be given in 21 different languages, provides you with interesting facts about each highlight as you pass by them. Catch your boat just 250 meters away from the City Hotel Rembrandt Square.
Windmills and brewery, Funenkade 5, 1018 AL
(15 minutes journey)
Windmills became a Dutch symbol along with tulips. One of the closest and most exciting windmills to visit is De Gooyer. This octagonal windmill dates from 1725 and once served as a flour mill. This large windmill is a distinctive feature of the landscape in Amsterdam Oost. And it isn’t just any windmill – for under the sails of this striking landmark is Brouwerij ‘t IJ, an award-winning artisan microbrewery with a large outdoor drinking terrace and drinking tours.
Body Worlds, Damrak 66 1012 LM Amsterdam
(7 minutes walking)
Body Worlds is excellent entertainment for the whole family, located in the heart of Amsterdam. There are more than 200 anatomical specimens of real human bodies which demonstrate how our bodies work. Body Worlds also tries to answer important questions about human life and health. The Amsterdam location of Body Worlds is one of the permanent exhibitions. Over the years, the content of the collection changed a few times. Themes ranging from health, sports, diet and the anatomy of animals have all been a part of the exhibition in the past.
Artis Amsterdam Royal Zoo, Plantage Kerklaan 38-40, 1018 CZ
(7 minutes walking)
Amsterdam ARTIS Royal Zoo was founded in 1838 and is one of the oldest zoos in the World.
Around 1.5 million tourists visit the Amsterdam Zoo every year. It is also one of the fewest zoos in Europe to have so many listed buildings within its grounds, namely the Large Museum (1855), the unique Library building (1867) and the Aquarium (1882).
The enchanting Amsterdam Royal Zoo is home to more than 550 different animal species and over 700 tree and plant types, many on the verge of extinction. Enjoy a day in the company of giraffes, sea lions, elephants, jaguars and learn more about their habitats. The Amsterdam Zoo also boasts an impressive butterfly pavilion and Insectarium, which is climate-controlled to replicate their natural environment.
Museumplein (Museum Square)
(14 minutes walking)
Museumkwartier (Museum Quarter) neighbourhood is part of the Oud-Zuid district, one of the city’s most prestigious central areas. It is home to high-end shopping, the city’s biggest park and some of its best restaurants. This largest square of Amsterdam is bordered by some excellent museums like the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Stedelijk Museum, and Moco Museum. It is used for (mass) events such as festivals, celebrations, and demonstrations. The Museumplein (Square in Dutch) includes underground parking spaces and an underground supermarket. During winter, the pond is transformed into an artificial ice-skating area.
This is Holland, Overhoeksplein 51, 1031 KS
(20 minutes journey)
Two thousand years ago, the Dutch countryside was still an impenetrable swamp that the Romans called the worst place on earth. That was before the Netherlands developed into what it is today. Get an overview of how the country was created over the centuries. Learn about the people who weren’t deterred by all the water and built this extraordinary country below sea level.
Forget that you are in Amsterdam and feel as though you’re flying over the Dutch landscape. See, feel, learn and experience the Netherlands in just 1 hour! Visit the Netherlands’ the most beautiful locations at This is Holland, that consists of 4 shows, including the 9-minute Flight Experience. Windmills, bulb fields, canals, nothing will escape from your sight.