9 Things to Do in Amsterdam That Don't Involve Coffeeshops, Museums Or the RLD

There are hundreds of things to do while on holiday in Amsterdam, but would you even have a clue what they were if you hadn't been before? Plenty of people talk about the red light district and the coffeeshops of Amsterdam. But really there is so much more to see.

Amsterdam is as beautiful as it is historical and memorable for those who have visited it. With parts of the city dating back hundreds of years, this cultural city has plenty to offer the visitors it receives year after year.

So lets have a look at this list of 9 things to do in Amsterdam, that won't lead you inside a coffeeshop,the red light district or museums:

Visit one of the many parks in Amsterdam

Amsterdam has plenty of beautiful parks all across the city, in fact visiting some of these parks isn't a case of travelling far out of your way. Nor will it cost you a a packet to visit them.

Vondel Park

The Vondel Park can be found at the south of the city near the Overtoom and Amsterdam Casino. A beautiful park with plenty of room to enjoy a peaceful afternoon or an enjoyable summer concert. For free

Artis Zoo

Artis Zoo is in the east of the city and just a few minutes away from the Central Station. As the oldest zoo in Amsterdam, Artis allows it's visitors to enjoy the many different types of animals it houses, as well as the hundreds of species of plants they have in their botanical gardens. With over 700 different species of animals at the Artis Zoo. You could spend an entire day looking around them all and taking photos.

Dam Square

Lots of people visit Dam Square every day for one reason or another. This central meeting point often has carnivals and other entertainment throughout the year. As it's in the middle of tourist town, expect the rides you want to go on to be full or the stalls you want to get close to busy.

Holland Festival

If your in the city at the right time of year, you'll be able to catch a glimpse of the magnificent Holland Festival. Held every year, the festival shows some of Amsterdam's finest talents as well as their up and coming talent. Expect to be mesmerized by the performing artists as they dance and perform in what seems like a performance just for you. The Holland Festival is held in the month of June.

Queens Day

Queens day is held in April every year to celebrate the late Queen Juliana's birthday. People across the country dress up in the national colour of Orange and enjoy. Queens day takes part every April on the 30th and if your about at this time of year. You'll enjoy the feeling of fitting in with the locals. Beware of pickpockets and thieves at this festival.

Market shopping

Whether your visiting th Albert Cuypmarkt or the Westermarkt, be sure to pick up a bargain at these busy and bustling market places. The Westermarkt is located just at the end of the Raddhuisstraat behind Dam Square. While the Albert Cuypmarkt can be found close to the Sarphatipark in the south of the city and east of Vondelpark. These traditional style markets let you try Dutch delicacies and pick up a shopping bargain.

Canal Tours

Canal tours operate all over Amsterdam. The main place to pick up a Canal tour is from either Central Station or at the beginning of the Damrak. Tours last anywhere between an hour and 2 hours depending on which cruise you get on. Pizza and beer cruises are all available at these locations. Visit the city in the way its meant to be seen, by the water.

Oude Kerk

Ok so I said this list wouldn't include museums. But this is a church ;) . The Oude Kerk is in the oldest part of Amsterdam, namely the Red light district. With it's neo gothic style decorations. The Oude Kerk is the heart of the rld and can be found in the Oudekerksplein (Old Church Square.) This is the oldest church in the whole of Amsterdam. So expect to see some real history here.

Magna Plaza

Enjoy shopping in style while at the Magna Plaza. Located on Raadhuistraat, the Magna Plaza is one of the last remaining shopping malls in the whole of Amsterdam. Expect to pick up a bargain or two on this multi level shopping centre. If your feeling in the shopping mood, why not take a peek in the Swarovski crystal centre.

Enjoy Amsterdam in the none typical way that a tourist would. Look deeper into what Amsterdam as a city has to offer to the visitors that pay so much time,money and respect to this amazing city.

Dan is a traveller of Amsterdam and provides info on his trips and experiences in Amsterdam on the site Amsterdam Holidays

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