An Architecture Aficionado’s Guide To Exploring Amsterdam

An Architecture Aficionado’s Guide to Exploring Amsterdam

Amsterdam, a city interspersed with tulips, canals, history and truly impressive architecture, is a source of more than a few gasps among visitors. Walk along the plainest of streets and you’ll chance upon Instagram-worthy historic houses leaning on various angles. Any architecture lover would be fascinated by the city’s clever looks; here are a few of the sights you shouldn’t miss on your stay in Amsterdam.

Science Centre NEMO

If you are keen on science then one of the best things to do in Amsterdamis to sail away on a science cruise at Science Centre NEMO. The building, with its bizarre ship-like shape, truly looks as if poised to drop anchor any moment. Its sloping roof is the deck on which locals and tourists alike are always excited to find themselves.

Amsterdam EYE Museum

Symbolising the illusion and dynamics of cinematic art, the Amsterdam EYE Museum reminds one of a huge lidded eye. Its interior is designed to capture the outside light in an ever-changing fashion, so you could spend all day walking about the Museum and you’d never find yourself in the same place twice.

Koninklijk Paleis and Nieuwe Kerk

If your list of things to do in Amsterdam had to consist of but one thing, all locals would agree that it should be visiting Dam Square: the heart of the city. As you walk across the square, positioning yourself for the perfect snap of Koninklijk Palace and Nieuwe Church, a slight shudder passes through your body as you realise your feet are treading on an eight-century-old construction. Both the church and the palace were built during the Renaissance; while the former now serves more as a museum than as a church, the latter prides itself on being the Royal Palace of Amsterdam.

Borneo and Sporenburg Bridges

Another sight for sore architecture-loving eyes are the spectacular bridges spanning the 90-metre distance between the islands of Borneo and Sporenburg. Their bright red colour and innovative wave-shaped form break the boring convention of greyness and linearity that most many bridges seem to obey.

REM Eiland Rooftop

REM Island is, in fact, a sea platform which was towed in from Ireland to be the illegal broadcasting lair of a radio and TV station. Eventually the station was brought down and today REM Island is a restaurant offering stunning views of Amsterdam. A romantic dinner there should definitely be on your list of things to do in Amsterdam.

The Floating Houses in IJburg

Have you ever fancied yourself living on water? In a city where room has to be painstakingly claimed from the sea, the authorities have recently come up with a plan for expanding liveable space by introducing floating homes. Alright, but where do you park your car? Nowhere, because it is a motorboat you are driving these days.

How to Get There?

Amsterdam can be reached by boat (naturally), by train or by plane. If you have chosen to fly from the UK, from the moment of take-off it could take you less than an hour and a half to reach your Amsterdam accommodation. The flight itself takes about an hour, and if you pre-book your journey with Shuttle Direct, you will enjoy a swift and comfortable transfer to your door.

Author Plate

Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct, the number one provider of shared and private airport transfers all over Europe and northern Africa. If you’re looking for things to do in Amsterdam, Lukas and his colleagues can give you some excellent tips as well as get you and your luggage get to and from the airport swiftly and safely.