10 Iconic Buildings and Places in Amsterdam
Discover the Most Famous Landmarks of Amsterdam
Iconic buildings in Amsterdam include elaborate civic structures formed of sleek steel and glass, historic buildings bursting with legacy, museums, and even travel stations. Here you can step back in time to witness the Dutch Golden Age and discover unusual pieces of architectural brilliance that are akin to public art installations.
Amsterdam has always been a hotbed of building creativity. From hidden wonders to historic gems, the cityscape of Amsterdam is packed with modern and ancient landmarks that stand out as treasures of Europe. Check out some of the most iconic buildings, landmarks, and architectural hotspots in Amsterdam.
1. Royal Palace Amsterdam
The home of the Dutch monarchy
Good for: History, Photo
The Royal Palace Amsterdam (Koninklijk Paleis Amsterdam) is for many tourists their first stop, offering a look at a 17th-century Dutch Golden Age building, now home to the royal family. Originally, this exuberant palace along Dam Square in the city center was built as a city hall to host administrative functions of the town and to symbolize the international influence of the city.
The architecture is Dutch classical and Baroque in style, paying homage to ancient Greco-Roman buildings of thousands of years ago. You can walk the elaborate rooms and galleries to view authentic furnishings and decor from hundreds of years past and learn stories about the city’s past. Read more
Location: Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 147, 1012 RJ Amsterdam, Netherlands
Open: Wednesday–Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm (closed Mondays and Tuesdays)
Phone: +31 (0)20 522 6161
Royal Palace Amsterdam
2. NEMO Science Museum
The wonders of science in a ship-like museum
Good for: Families, Photo, Unusual
The NEMO Science Museum, in the heart of Amsterdam, is a vast science and technology museum offering hundreds of cutting-edge, hands-on exhibits tracing the history of science, all inside an impressive building that resembles a big boat. The ship-like structure rises to 22 meters above sea level, forming one of Amsterdam’s highest piazzas, from where you can get phenomenal panoramic views of the city.
As part of the museum, the Renzo Piano building was built of copper and has a gorgeous green coating on it. This child-friendly science museum features exhibits that teach about math, computers, and even travel to the ends of the universe. Read more
Location: Oosterdok 2, 1011 VX Amsterdam, Netherlands
Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 10 am to 5.30 pm (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +31 (0)20 531 3233
NEMO Science Museum
3. Museum Het Schip
A museum showcasing the Dutch socialist movement
Good for: History, Photo, Unusual
Het Schip is a historic building dating to the early 20th century and designed according to the Amsterdam School art movement’s standards with gorgeous, curved brick motifs. The museum was originally built by a Socialist housing development and housed low-income families for nearly 100 years.
Today, the complex stands as a museum dedicated to the Dutch socialist movement. Visitors can explore an original apartment and climb the decorative tower from where they can get gorgeous photos of the surrounding city. This architectural wonder was built by Michel de Klerk and offers the opportunity to get a look at early-modern Amsterdam development.
Location: Oostzaanstraat 45, 1013 WG Amsterdam, Netherlands
Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +31 (0)20 686 8595
Museum Het Schip
4. EYE Filmmuseum
The history of the Dutch movie industry
Good for: History, Photo, Unusual
The EYE Filmmuseum offers visitors the chance to explore the entire history of the Dutch movie industry within a sleek example of modern architecture that juts out over the harbor. Within, you can watch films at several movie theaters with state-of-the-art projection and sound, and gain access to one of the Netherlands’ largest movie archives.
The museum features both paid and free exhibits to explore, so it’s an ideal place to bring the family for some fun and education. Whether you’re there to admire the spaceship-like exterior or learn about movie history, EYE is a must-visit destination.
Location: IJpromenade 1, 1031 KT Amsterdam, Netherlands
Open: Sunday–Thursday from 10 am to 10 pm, Friday–Saturday from 10 am to 11 pm
Phone: +31 (0)20 589 1400
EYE Filmmuseum
5. Rijksmuseum
An iconic and popular art museum
Good for: History, Photo
The Rijksmuseum is a vast art museum in a handsome neoclassical building dating to the dawn of the 19th century. The building stands as a tribute to Dutch Golden Age architecture and houses over 900,000 objects and artifacts. The museum’s crown jewel is a vast collection of works by Dutch masters including Rembrandt van Rijn and Vermeer. It stands today as among the most-visited museums in the city.
The building has been immaculately maintained, so whether you’d like to photograph the artworks inside or you just want to capture photos of the building itself, you’ll be sure to impress friends and family back home. Read more
Location: Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam, Netherlands
Open: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm
Phone: +31 (0)20 674 7000
Rijksmuseum
6. Stedelijk Museum
The past and present merge in this magnificent museum
Good for: History, Photo
The Stedelijk Museum dates to the late 19th century but combines the original neoclassic architecture with a postmodern wing, offering a unique juxtaposition of past and present. The more recent wing was designed by Benthem Crouwel Architects and has a unique shape that is colloquially referred to as a “giant bathtub” by locals.
This museum is clearly one of the most unique buildings in all of Amsterdam because of the way it seamlessly combines the 1800s with the 21st century. Inside, you’ll discover thousands of paintings and multimedia creations by the likes of Pollock, Van Gogh, Warhol, and other big names. Read more
Location: Museumplein 10, 1071 DJ Amsterdam, Netherlands
Open: Daily from 10 am to 6 pm
Phone: +31 (0)20 573 2911
Stedelijk Museum
7. Grand Hotel Amrâth Amsterdam
A truly grand and historic hotel
Good for: History, Photo
The Grand Hotel Amrath Amsterdam offers a chance to see the first complete representation of the Amsterdam School of architecture in a century-old building that today is a grand hotel. This building was designed and erected in the early 20th century and has become synonymous with its architectural style, showcasing all of the expressive, dynamic features that are indicative of the movement. It’s noted for its towering spires and stunning turrets.
Originally, the building was constructed to house shipping companies as part of the city’s global trade operations. The maritime sculptures and carvings are still a part of its design today. You can book a stay here or see it right in the heart of the city center.
Location: Prins Hendrikkade 108, 1011 AK Amsterdam, Netherlands
Phone: +31 (0)20 552 0000
Grand Hotel Amrâth Amsterdam
8. Beurs van Berlage
One of Hendrik Berlage’s most famed buildings
Good for: History, Photo
Beurs van Berlage is among the most famous buildings by Hendrik Petrus Berlage, a famed city planner. It was originally built as a stock exchange and demonstrates iconic architectural features. The building has a striking, dominant bell tower inside a soaring box turret and is marked by expressive arrangements of red brick. Its stone piers and glass roof are equally impressive and the building stands as a major influence on early modern architecture.
Inside, the open floor plan and selective ornamentation form a striking sense of stark design. The building is now utilized for concerts and exhibitions. You can see it on the northern edge of the city center.
Location: Damrak 243, 1012 ZJ Amsterdam, Netherlands
Open: Monday–Friday from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm (closed on Saturdays and Sundays)
Phone: +31 (0)20 530 4141
Beurs van Berlage
9. Centraal Station
The incredible engineering of the city’s metro line
Good for: History, Photo, Unusual
Centraal Station demonstrates an impressive angular steel design with ultramodern sensibilities. It acts as the main metro link station of the city, allowing for easy connection between north and south. The station was a hotly debated structure that took over 22 years to design and build. It connects 7 stations at street level and underground along a nearly 6-mile route.
The task to engineer this system was monumental and required excavation of nearly swamp-like soil under the city’s historic district. Today, not only is this metro system a primary means to get around the city, its Centraal Station draws architecture enthusiasts from far and wide to view the interior, which is akin to art itself.
Location: 1012 AB Amsterdam, Netherlands
Centraal Station
10. ARCAM Architecture Centre Amsterdam
The evolution of Amsterdam’s architecture
Good for: History, Photo
ARCAM, or the Architecture Center of Amsterdam, is an art museum with a trapezium-shaped building decked in shining aluminum and glass in a flowing design. Inside, you can explore exhibits dedicated to the history and development of architecture in Amsterdam. The building itself is an astonishing accomplishment that in many ways stands as the pinnacle of architectural evolution.
In addition to its incredible design, the building is notable for its glass facade at the main entrance. Here, you can take guided tours with knowledgeable architectural guides and view both permanent and temporary exhibitions. You can also capture fantastic photos of the harbor and cityscape beyond.
Location: Prins Hendrikkade 600, 1011 VX Amsterdam, Netherlands
Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 1 pm to 5 pm (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +31 (0)20 620 4878
ARCAM Architecture Centre Amsterdam
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