Description: OLD CENTER / RED LIGHT DISTRICT. Secreted away in the midst of the city is this enclosed courtyard, ringed by a series of white-trimmed, brick dwellings. The peaceful enclave was, in former centuries, home to a community of religious women (although not nuns) who supported the church with their charitable endeavors. This cluster of buildings was their domain, the area from which they provided succor and devoted their lives from the 14th century until 1971, when the last of the order expired. The secluded area offers a wonderful opportunity to reflect, to pause, and to take in the area's history. Of particular note are the four panels on the pulpit of the church designed by a young Mondriaan, as well as the city's oldest wooden house (dating from 1477) at No. 34. And don't miss the 'other' church - a covert Catholic place of worship which is cleverly concealed behind the façade of a house here.

 

Description: OLD CENTER / RED LIGHT DISTRICT. Many of Amsterdam's historic buildings have enjoyed multiple uses through the centuries, and this turreted edifice on the Nieuwmarkt square is no exception. Constructed first as a gate for the city's fortified walls, it was later transformed into a 'weigh house' where goods brought back by ships from overseas were weighed. In later years, it served as a guild house for local professions and has also been a museum, fire station and more. In its most recent incarnation, the Waag houses a well-received café-restaurant as well as space (the former anatomy theater) for various types of exhibits.

 

Description: EASTERN CANAL RING. This gracious, beautifully ornamented canal house dates from the late 17th century and is a virtual time capsule of decorative arts, family treasures and city history. Purchased by the Van Loon family (one of Amsterdam's foremost dynasties) in 1884, the home was filled with their portraits, furnishings and goods. Instituted as a museum in 1974, the canal house was meticulously restored, and its interior and landscaped grounds are open to history buffs and lovers of architecture and design alike. Personal tours are available for an additional fee.

 

Description: EASTERN CANAL RING. A stately, elegant home built in the late 17th century, this museum displays the wealth of generations, as well as various decor styles popular during the past few centuries. The home's final owner, Louisa Holthuysen, bequeathed the residence to the city in the late 19th century on the condition that it be made into a museum. These days, the beautiful interior, the gardens, and the art collection are stunning glimpses into Amsterdam's past and the life of its well-to-do denizens.

 

Description: OLD CENTER / RED LIGHT DISTRICT. Amsterdam's oldest building, this imposing Dutch Brick Gothic church was begun in the late 13th century. In its early days, before the Nieuwe Kerk was built, it was the center of the city's religious life. Among its claims to fame are its spectacular Vater-Müller organ and its small chapels. It's also where Rembrandt registered to marry his wife, Saskia van Uylenburgh (who is also buried here). Most of the furnishings in the church date to the late 16th century, after Protestantism became the official religion and the structure's original Catholic trappings were removed. Stone slabs in the floor mark the resting places of some of Amsterdam's past elite.

 

Description: OLD CENTER / RED LIGHT DISTRICT. Designed by city architect Hendrick de Keyser (as were many churches of this period), the Zuiderkerk was completed in 1611. The ornate tower of Amsterdam's first Protestant church was finished in 1614. De Keyser himself was buried in the church in 1621, and the sanctuary served as a holding place for the numerous bodies of those who didn't survive the winter of 1944-1945. Following degradation of the church in 1970, it was given major renovations and deconsecrated. Nowadays, the structure holds offices for city housing and planning. Its tower provides great views of the area – although navigating the steep steps to its top is not for the faint-hearted! Tours of the tower last 30 minutes and are limited to 15; groups are advised to reserve ahead. (Tours available Apr - Sep, Mon - Sat; every 30 minutes, noon-3:30pm.)

 

Description: WESTERN CANAL RING / JORDAAN. Thanks to her diary, the story of Anne Frank's hiding from the Nazis is a well-known historical event. Nevertheless, visitors to the actual building where she, her family and friends hid during the German Occupation will find themselves thrown into instant contemplation in the face of this tangible reminder. Once-hidden rooms still contain period memorabilia, along with the haunting presence of those who spent two years of their lives secreted behind walls, dreaming of eventual freedom. Although only Otto Frank, Anne's father, would realize that hope, the experience of the rest will never be forgotten. Come early – or in the evening – to avoid the lines at this humbling site.

 

Description: EASTERN CANAL RING. Whimsical and extravagant, this circa-1921 theater is a mad foray into creativity, an Art Deco study of color and shape. Named for the Jewish tailor who envisioned and financed the structure, the movie theater is a spectacle of stained glass, exotic woods, handmade carpets, and painted murals. Completely restored in April 2002, the theater is not only a bit of history reclaimed but a tribute to Abraham Tuschinski, who created the building and was put to death in a concentration camp. Movies are still shown today, but even if you don't experience one, make sure to step into the Tuschinski for the pure visual appeal.