DK Travel : Amsterdam : Places of interest

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A Van Wees Distillery

A visit to A Van Wees Distillery in the Jordaan area of Amsterdam is an experience. It’s the last authentic distillery left in Amsterdam, and specialises in Old Dutch Genevas and liquors. We were shown around the distillery, and tasted the products, purchasing a fruit gin to bring home. Other drinks available include lemon gin, orange liquor, advocaat, apricot brandy, chocolate liquor, cinnamon liquor and ginger liquor – any of which would make Christmas an extra special experience to share with your friends. There is also a tasting room at 'De Admiraal' pub at Herengracht 319 in the centre of Amsterdam.
Aalsmeer Bloemenveilingen

Witnessed from an elevated viewing gallery, the world’s largest flower auction is an astonishing sight. With flowers, speed is of the essence, and the atmosphere is frenetic. Bidding is highly automated, using the “backwards” Dutch clock system: the clock starts at 100, then counts down until the first bidder to press his button stops the auction and wins.
Artis Zoo

Children really love this action-packed zoo, where they can pat the animals in the children’s farm, brave the steamy reptile house, see the stars in the planetarium, and marvel at the fish in the vast aquarium (see Artis).
Barrel Organs

A joyful feature of Amsterdam’s streets – there are eight of them in all.
Begijnhof

A haven of peace and tranquillity right in the centre of the city (see Begijnhof). For more delightfulhofjes in the Jordaan.
Bloemenmarkt

Locals and tourists alike love the Singel’s colourful floating market (see Bloemenmarkt).
Canal Bikes

Explore the canals at your own pace. Adults may well find these pedal boats energysapping, but children will love them. They seat either two or four people, and can be boarded at four different central locations (see Canal Bikes).
Church Bells

The carillons of the Westertoren, Zuidertoren and Munttoren unleash their glorious peals from noon–1pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays respectively.
Church Towers

The tallest, at 85 m (276 ft), is the tower of Westerkerk, where the reward is not just a great view, but the city’s heaviest bell and the gaily painted imperial crown of Maximilian of Austria, his gift to the city. The towers of Oude Kerkand Zuiderkerk can also be climbed.
Civic Guards' Gallery

Huge portraits of the Civic Guard at the Amsterdams Historisch Museum (see Civic Guards' Gallery).