If you have set your mind on travelling to one of the most photogenic cities in the world, Amsterdam, then you are definitely in for the time of your life. Amsterdam most certainly lives up to the expectations in terms of picture postcard worthy natural sceneries perfectly complemented by all the modern day luxuries such a leading nation can offer. But if you are wondering ‘is Amsterdam Muslim friendly’, we have put together the ultimate Muslim visitor guide to Amsterdam, the Netherlands to help you plan out the perfect holiday in the most Halal friendly manner. Read on to discover some of the best things you should do while on holiday together with how to find mosques and prayer places near you in Amsterdam.
Image Credit: My Guide Amsterdam
The story of Anne Frank and her family is one of the most documented stories in history. But a trip to the Anne Frank House itself will take you on one of the best ways to truly understand the gripping journey of survival during World War II. The home is well preserved depicting the true nature of how things were for the family during this dark era and it also features a very thought-provoking museum in part of the house. As this is one of the most popular tourist attractions you might want to plan your visit early or closer to the end of the day and you can even make your bookings online through their website.
Location: Prinsengracht 263-267, 1016 GV Amsterdam, Netherlands
Prices: Adults: 14 euro, Age 10-17: 7 euro, Age 0-9: 1 euro
Online ticket: 1 euro surcharge
Opening hours:
Monday to Thursday
9:00 to 17:00
Friday to Sunday
9:00 to 19:00
A First Timer's Guide to Amsterdam for Muslim Travelers will not be complete without a visit to the super-famous Madame Tussauds wax museum. Get set to grab some amazing pictures as you pose next to famous celebrities, sports figures, artists, scientists, politicians and much more as you spend time here. The museum is located on Dam Square which is quite close by to Anne Frank House, so you can try to cover these two locations on the same day.
Location: Dam 20, 1012 NP Amsterdam, Netherlands
Tickets: Online booking of tickets on their website is highly recommended to beat the crowds and also get some great deals.
Phone: + 31 (0) 20-5221010
While you might be tempted to roam around the city to Discover Amsterdam and the many wonders it will unfold at every turn, you would need to get some rest and relax too. As one of the most sought-after holiday destinations in the world, Amsterdam is known to be home to some of the most luxurious hotels ideal to make you feel pampered during your stay. If you are on the lookout for a halal hotel Amsterdam you might want to check out any of the following:
Image Credit: Anne Fonda on Pixy
As you wander around the city it would be a primary requirement to find mosques and prayer places near you in Amsterdam. This is not a challenge because there are quite a number of mosques located in most parts of the city. Among the most notable mosques, you should try to visit as a Muslim traveller is the Westermoskee mosque which is the biggest mosque in Amsterdam and in the Netherlands. It is located on the bank of the river Schinkel which creates an amazing view of the surrounding. The Blue Mosque Amsterdam, Netherlands is another noteworthy place of worship known for its unique architectural style which blends modern and traditional elements. The mosque derives its name from the blue bricks it is built from and is prominent as it lacks minarets and other symbols which are commonly featured in such places of worship.
Cycling is one of the most common modes of transport in Amsterdam and has gained such popularity for so many good reasons. Firstly the city roads are designed to be quite cycle-friendly and secondly, of course, there is so much to see while you pedal around. There are plenty of bike hiring spots around the city to rent out one and enjoy a healthy way of sightseeing in this beautiful city.
Image Credit: Gruber
A canal cruise is an absolute essential we recommend to you as part of this Muslim visitor guide to Amsterdam, Netherlands. The city is known for its UNESCO protected canal ring and is one of the best ways to enjoy a unique perspective of the city from afar. Guided boat tours are on offer so you can learn many interesting facts about the city as you feast your eyes on the spectacular beauty in front of you. You can opt to go on a cruise during the night or day, and each option will treat you to a very different and amazing experience. These cruises can be booked online and you can pick from a variety of options based on your requirement.
You probably must be wondering what you can do in the city for free. Well, there are actually many things that you can enjoy here for free. One such great activity is to plan a picnic in one of the amazing parks in the city. Since there are more than 30 parks in the city, you will also have plenty of options on where to plan your picnic. Vondelpark is the largest of them all covering an area of about 47 acres and during the summer the park features quite a number of entertainment and attractions as well. Other parks you can visit include Westerpark, Sarphatipark in De Pijp and Rembrandtpark in the West.
Did you know that there are over 400 museums in Amsterdam! This alone could keep you occupied during most of your stay. If you plan on visiting as many museums as you can, you might want to get yourself a Holland Pass which offers a wide range of deals and fast track entry to some of the most crowd-pulling attractions in the city. The list of places you can visit are virtually endless but some of the top picks include the Rijksmuseum – dedicated to arts and history and also houses the largest research library, the Van Gogh museum and the Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art. You can also witness some rather unique attractions at the FOAM photography museum, Tropenmuseum, Maritime Museum, and the Willet Holthuysen.
Since Amsterdam has quite a large community of Muslims, you will have no problems to find Halal food places near you in Amsterdam. There is a wide range of restaurants which specialize in very different international cuisines like Arabic, Ethiopian, Indian and Middle Eastern so you can try our various cuisine options as you wish. The following are some of the most popular eateries you could look out for.
Image Credit: Tuxyso, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Amsterdam is full of various shopping areas covering high-end fashion items to bargain shops. So get set to treat yourself to some much needed retail therapy as you roam around this shopping lover’s paradise. Nine Streets is a location where you will find plenty of boutique shops to cater to your every shopping need. The Albert Cuyp Market is the largest street market featuring authentic gift items, fresh fruits and vegetables, food, clothes and accessories and also plenty of flowers where you can surround yourself with the ‘tulips of Amsterdam’.
For more destination ideas on where to travel, check out our travel blog or download the Halaltrip Islamic Travel App to find locations of halal restaurants and mosques near you.
