Dam Square - Dam Square holds a place of pride in Amsterdam. Flagged by Royal Palace on one side, the national war monument on the other and with many impressive buildings overlooking it, the Dam Square is really the center of where everything happens. During the summer, the place is teeming with toursists as well locals out for some action. Buskers, food vendors, demonstrations - you never know what you will get at Dam Square. While you are there, remember to visit the Royal Palace, gaze up at the National Monumement, try out some local beer at the bars flanking the square and perhaps even take the detour through the side road leading to the red light district.
Canals - The first thing that comes to one's mind when you say Amsterdam is Canals. It's not something you need to seek out and see, for they are everywhere. But it is still worth your time to appreciate it the way it should be - through a canal boat tour.There are several boat tour companies all over the city, the most popular places to start off are damrak by the central station and rokin by the spui.They last about 90 minutes, and take you around the city and through the harbour, and are accompanied by a friendly guide who will introduce you to the main buildings along the way, often in four or five languages.
Leidesplein - Every city worth its salt has a "happening" square, where you go to take in the life and buzz of the city - for Amsterdam, that would be the Leidesplein. Relatively small, the Leidesplein more than makes up for its lack of grandeur through its vibrance and character. With lively bars and eateries around the square, as well as buskers and performers and the occasional passerby who joins in the performance, you never know what you can expect here.
National Monument - The National Monument, often made fun for its phayllic apprearance combined with proximity to the Red Light district, is, neverthless, Netherlands' best-known memorial to its fallen of WWII. Prominently placed in the Dam Square, the monument is a fronted by two lion and has several symbolic statues in its pedestal: four males (war), a woman with child (peace), and men with dogs (resistance). The 12 urns at the rear hold earth from war cemeteries of the 11 provinces and the Dutch East Indies. The war dead are still honoured here at a ceremony every 4 May.
Vondel Park - When you have tired yourself seeing the many attractions in Amsterdam, and need to enjoy some peace and green, head out to the Vondel Park. It was built as walking ground for the bourgeoisie in the 1860s, the English-style Vondelpark has an ambundance of ponds, lawns, thickets and winding footpaths to while away the hours. Its location, right in the middle of the city, makes it a regular haunt for locals and tourists alike.
Madam Tussauds Wax Museum - Amsterdam's own version of Madam Taussads is conveniently located right in Dam Square. Apart from the world heroes, Amsterdam's wax museums features many local celebrities, from rapper Ali B to Pricess Maxima to Anne Frank.
Nemo - The wedge shaped green building that is hard to miss, is the Nemo - a museum of science and technology, perched atop the IJ-tunnel. The exhibitons itself are meant for kids, but in summer, the rooftop is converted to an artificial beach with music and drinks and nice views. The main exhibits are informational while being entertaining, and if you are travelling with young ones, this is definitely worth a visit.
Albert Cuypmarket - One of the biggest street markets in Europe, the Albert Cuyp market has over 300 stalls lining the long street in the Pijp area of Amsterdam. Stalls sell everything from fruit, vegetables, cheese, fish and spices to clothes, cosmetics and bedding. The street and market are named for Albert Cuyp, a 17th century painter. The market can get very crowded especially on Saturdays.
Heineken Experience - Located right off Stadhouderskade, heineken brewery used to be a brewery until a few years ago, but is now a museum and visitors' centre. For an entrance fee of about ten Euros, which is donated to charity, you get a tour as well as free beer.The glass staircase, the copper vats, the theatre, and the studio to make your own video and mix your own music are also some of the attractions included in the tour.
Red Light District - No top ten list of Amsterdam is complete without a mention of the Red Light District. Located right in the middle of the city, where normal every day life happens right next to sex and prostitution, the Red Light District is as much a Dutch symbol as clogs and cheese. Regardless of whether you are interested in paying for services on offer, a walk down the red light district, with semi-nude women (and men, on some streets), just walking down RLD is a recommended Dutch experience.