amsterdam travel groups

Top Amsterdam Group Activities: Fun Ideas for Friends Exploring the City Together

Looking for Amsterdam group activities to do with your friends? Amsterdam is a city that’s best enjoyed with company . From its winding canals and historic architecture to its lively nightlife and world-renowned cuisine, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city.

But with so many Amsterdam group activities and attractions to choose from, planning a trip with a group can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the top Amsterdam group activities for friends, so you can spend less time planning and more time enjoying everything this amazing city has to offer.

Whether you’re interested in sightseeing, food and drink, outdoor adventures, or simply relaxing and indulging in some pampering, we’ve got you covered.

So grab your friends , pack your bags, and get ready for an unforgettable trip to Amsterdam!

Top Sightseeing Amsterdam Group Activities for Friends

Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure in Amsterdam? Look no further than this Sightseeing guide to the city’s most exciting Amsterdam group activities!

First up, why not explore the city’s charming historic center on a thrilling guided Amsterdam bike tour ? Rent a bike and have a local guide help you discover iconic landmarks such as the Anne Frank House, the Royal Palace, and the Rijksmuseum. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even bike out to the scenic countryside just outside the city.

Canal Cruise

Next, take in Amsterdam’s picturesque canals on a delightful canal cruise . With numerous options available, ranging from intimate and romantic to large and lively, you’re sure to find the perfect one for your group. Choose a daytime cruise to see the city’s architecture in the sunlight, or an Amsterdam evening canal cruise to experience the magical atmosphere of Amsterdam after dark. And don’t forget to opt for a themed cruise, such as a cocktail cruise, pizza cruise , or even a party boat amsterdam for a truly unforgettable experience.

Of course, a visit to at least one of Amsterdam’s world-renowned museums is an absolute must for any group of friends. The Rijksmuseum is the largest and most famous museum in the city, with an extensive collection of Dutch art and history. The Van Gogh Museum is another popular choice, showcasing the life and works of the legendary painter. And for a moving and powerful glimpse into the life of one of the most famous victims of the Holocaust, visit the Anne Frank House.

Lastly, Amsterdam’s thriving street art scene is not to be missed! Take an Amsterdam Underground Graffiti Tour to discover the city’s vibrant and colorful street art, and learn about the artists and their techniques. Or, take a DIY approach and explore the city’s street art on your own, using online maps and guides to find the best spots.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your friends, book your tickets, and get ready for unforgettable Amsterdam group activities adventures!

Nightlife in Amsterdam: Top Amsterdam Group Activities for Friends

Get ready to experience the ultimate party destination in Europe – Amsterdam! If you’re looking to unleash your wild side and create unforgettable memories with your friends, this is the place to be! With its buzzing nightlife scene, Amsterdam has something for everyone, whether you’re looking to dance until dawn, explore the infamous Red Light District, or enjoy a leisurely evening canal cruise.

Legendary Nightclubs

Amsterdam’s nightclubs are legendary, and you’re in for an epic night out! With an endless array of venues offering everything from house to techno, hip hop to disco, Amsterdam’s clubbing scene is a must-see for every music lover. Get lost in the rhythm at the renowned club, De School, or explore the jungle-themed club, The Jungle , where the music is as wild as the decor!

Bars and Pubs for Every Taste

If you’re looking for a more relaxed atmosphere, Amsterdam has an incredible selection of bars and pubs that cater to all tastes and preferences. From cozy brown cafes to trendy rooftop bars, you’ll find a perfect spot for your group. Grab some drinks and experience the authentic Dutch beer culture at the Beer Temple or Brouwerij ‘t IJ – you won’t be disappointed!

Vibrant Live Music Scene

Amsterdam’s live music scene is vibrant and eclectic, with many venues hosting a mix of local and international acts. Get ready to experience music like never before at the former church turned music venue, Paradiso, or immerse yourself in the cozy and intimate Jazz Cafe Alto.

Explore the Red Light District

And if you’re looking for a truly unique Amsterdam experience, head to the Red Light District at night. Despite its notorious reputation, this district is an exciting and bustling tourist destination, with plenty of bars, clubs, and cafes to explore.

Relax with an Evening Canal Cruise

For a more relaxed but equally exciting night out, an Amsterdam evening canal cruise is a must-do. Take in the stunning illuminated canals while enjoying drinks and snacks with your friends – it’s the perfect way to soak up the beauty of this magical city at night.

In conclusion, Amsterdam’s nightlife scene is nothing short of legendary. If you’re ready to party like there’s no tomorrow, this is the place to be! From dancing to your favorite beats in a packed nightclub to exploring the Red Light District, Amsterdam is sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. So gather your crew, get hyped, and experience the excitement of Amsterdam’s nightlife scene like never before!

Amsterdam’s Food and Drink Scene for Groups of Friends

Amsterdam’s food and drink scene is an exhilarating adventure waiting to be savored! This vibrant culinary landscape caters to all tastes and budgets, offering a plethora of options from street food to Michelin-starred restaurants. With so much to explore, your group trip to Amsterdam is sure to be a feast for the senses!

Embark on an Exciting Food Tour

Immerse yourself in the city’s diverse culinary offerings by embarking on a food tour. Explore the charming Jordaan neighborhood while sampling traditional Dutch snacks on the Jordaan Food Tour . Or, indulge in the Dutch Cheese and Wine Tasting Tour, where you’ll savor some of the best local cheeses and wines. These top Amsterdam group activities are sure to tantalize your taste buds while providing a unique cultural experience!

Sample Amsterdam’s Famous Snacks

No trip to Amsterdam is complete without sampling some of the city’s famous snacks! Stroopwafels, for example, are a classic Dutch treat consisting of two thin waffles filled with caramel syrup, creating a sweet and crispy snack.

Bitterballen, on the other hand, are small, round meat-based snacks coated in breadcrumbs and fried until crispy on the outside, making them a popular choice among locals and tourists alike. And if you’re a fan of savory snacks, you won’t want to miss kroketten, which are deep-fried croquettes filled with ragout.

Visit the popular fast-food chain, FEBO, to purchase hot snacks from a vending machine. Your group is sure to have a blast while enjoying these delectable treats!

Discover Local Breweries

Amsterdam is home to several breweries that offer tours and tastings. Check out the Heineken Experience, a museum and brewery that allows visitors to learn about the beer-making process and sample some of the famous brews. Or, visit Brouwerij ‘t IJ, a local favorite known for its organic and sustainable beers. These top Amsterdam group activities offer a unique opportunity to discover the rich history of Dutch beer brewing while enjoying some of the finest brews! Check out the Amsterdam Brewery Tour for more information

Indulge in High-End Dining

For a truly unforgettable culinary experience, Amsterdam has plenty of Michelin-starred restaurants that serve exquisite cuisine. Visit Ciel Bleu, located on the 23rd floor of the Hotel Okura Amsterdam and boasting two Michelin stars, or Bord’Eau, a French-inspired restaurant that also holds two Michelin stars. These high-end restaurants offer a fantastic opportunity for your group to enjoy world-class cuisine and unforgettable moments.

Experience Amsterdam’s Stunning Rooftop Bars

End your day on a high note by visiting one of Amsterdam’s stunning rooftop bars! Try out SkyLounge, located on the 11th floor of the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, or Twenty Third Bar, situated on the 23rd floor of the Hotel Okura Amsterdam. These top Amsterdam group activities offer the perfect opportunity to take in the breathtaking views while sipping delicious cocktails.

Get Ready to Satisfy Your Cravings!

Overall, Amsterdam’s food and drink scene is a must-try for any group of friends visiting the city. With so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find something that satisfies your cravings and provides a memorable culinary experience. So, whether you’re savoring local specialties on a food tour, sampling Dutch snacks from a vending machine, or enjoying high-end cuisine at a Michelin-starred restaurant, Amsterdam’s food and drink scene is an adventure you won’t want to miss!

Outdoor Adventures: Explore Amsterdam’s Natural Beauty

Are you planning a trip to Amsterdam with your friends and looking for some exciting outdoor activities? Look no further! Amsterdam is not just about museums and nightlife; it also offers a plethora of amazing outdoor activities that will make your trip unforgettable.

Vondelpark: Amsterdam’s Green Oasis

Next up, Vondelpark is the largest park in Amsterdam and a perfect spot for a picnic, bike ride, or leisurely stroll with friends. During the summer months, the park hosts free concerts and events, making it the perfect place to enjoy a sunny afternoon. You can also rent an electric boat to explore Amsterdam’s canals in a unique and eco-friendly way. Bring your own food and drinks and enjoy a relaxing day on the water with friends.

Adrenaline Rush at Amsterdam Forest

For those who crave adrenaline, ziplining over the water at the Amsterdam Forest is a must-try. The zip line stretches 100 meters across the lake, providing a thrilling experience for all. The forest also offers other outdoor activities, such as hiking and mountain biking, making it a great destination for a day trip outside the city.

Explore Amsterdam’s Waterways

If you’re looking for something more relaxing, canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) are also great options to explore Amsterdam’s waterways with friends. Rent canoes from several rental shops and paddle through the city’s canals, or rent SUP boards from SUPsterdam and SUP2thepeople and take a guided tour that includes instruction and a scenic paddle through the city’s canals.

Zandvoort Beach

Did you know that Amsterdam has its own beach? Located just 30 minutes from the city center, Zandvoort Beach offers a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. You can swim in the sea, soak up the sun, or enjoy a variety of beach activities, such as beach volleyball and kite surfing.

Overall, outdoor Amsterdam group activities offer a fantastic way to explore the city and spend quality time with friends. Amsterdam truly has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a relaxing day in the park or a heart-pumping adventure. With so many options available, it’s easy to see why Amsterdam is one of the top destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. So, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip now and get ready for some unforgettable outdoor adventures with your friends in Amsterdam!

Ready to Explore Amsterdam with Your Friends?

Exploring Amsterdam with friends is an unforgettable experience, and with so many Amsterdam group activities and attractions to choose from, there’s never a dull moment in this vibrant city.

Whether you’re interested in sightseeing, food and drink, outdoor adventures, or nightlife, Amsterdam has something for everyone. From cruising the canals and sampling Dutch delicacies to hiking through forests and soaking up the sun at the beach, the top Amsterdam group activities listed here are just the beginning of what this amazing city has to offer.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your friends, pack your bags, and get ready for the trip of a lifetime!

Check out all activities to do in Amsterdam with friends !

• Herengracht 564
• 1017CH Amsterdam
• [email protected]
• +31 20 8100 285
• +3165 8888 212

Why book with us

• Best Prices In Town
• 5 Star Rated Service
• Fast & Easy Booking
• No Hidden Fees
• Average 30% cheaper
• Friendly 24/7 Service

Quick links

Buy the FunAmsterdam Gift Card, an awesome present that allows your friend or family member to book one of the hundreds of activities we offer!

Europe Chevron

The Netherlands Chevron

North Holland Chevron

Amsterdam Chevron

10 Best Tours in Amsterdam

By Clodagh Kinsella

Knowing where to direct your steps in Amsterdam is far more complicated than just keeping an eye out for the constant onslaught of bikes: between the major museum renovations, the cutting-edge architectural innovation, and the chameleonic food scene, the city is enjoying a renaissance akin to its Golden Age glory days. While there are brilliant specialist operators running tours of the highlights—whether of food, art, or local photo opportunities—others, lingering longer in the memory, focus on the shadowy flipside to that 17th-century luminosity, from Amsterdam’s colonial past to its misprized sex industry. We've rounded up our favorites—be it an Amsterdam canal cruise, Amsterdam bike tour, Amsterdam walking tour, or one of the many highlighting the city's cultural offerings—including one standout through the Red Light District, to lead you in the right direction. No matter which one you choose, one thing remains: take to two wheels or the water if you really want to go Dutch.

Eating Amsterdam, Jordaan Food Tour Arrow

The Amsterdam spin-off of ace tour company Eating Europe—in six cities and counting—this isn’t a makeshift affair, and you’ll get well-produced local food maps as part of the package (but make sure to reserve ahead). The focus is very much on insider knowledge, with four-hour guided walking tours of the Jordaan district’s lesser-known corners, including a dozen stops for Dutch delicacies, and ample meet-and-greets with artisanal food heroes. Your companions: two historians, two professional chefs, and an architect—plus a local whose family have lived in Jordaan for generations, and an Indonesian/Dutch guide for explaining the former colony’s worthy contribution to the food scene. The vibe is fun and interactive, and the main course comes with an appealing slice of history on the side.

Black Heritage Tour of Amsterdam Arrow

Black Heritage Tours founder Jennifer Tosch is on a one-woman mission to shed light on the presence, and little told past, of the African diaspora in the Netherlands (she’s now added tours in NYC and, by request, Brussels). Rigorous, interactive three-hour boat trips are the big draw, luring two to 90 people via celebrities like activist and author Angela Davis (average group size is 10-20 guests). Eye-opening is the word here. Once you’ve been alerted to the hidden past of Amsterdam’s beautiful Golden Age museums and canal houses, you’ll start seeing signs of the city’s sinful colonial legacy everywhere. A visit to the Rijksmuseum (usually included) or Royal Palace won’t be the same again. Definitely book ahead—especially outside of summer, when trips are less frequent.

MokumBoot Arrow

There are a million Amsterdam canal cruises, and a million other tourists to take them. Sidestepping that, and exercising your navigational skills for two hours (or more, if you like) is a bit of a no-brainer. With a 50-strong fleet of slick monochrome electric motor boats, and six hire stations across town, this is the king of skipper-yourself boat rentals, but with the laid back attitude of a playboy prince. Not that they aren’t organized: Mokum (an old nickname for Amsterdam) take care of pillows (or ponchos and blankets, depending), suggested sailing routes, and instructions on how the boats work. Affable dock personnel go beyond, so you’ll get a super-clear brief on how to operate the boat, but if you want to escape the traffic or visit a particular spot, they’ll happily tailor your itinerary to that. For sunny weekends, reserve at least two days ahead to get the prime early-afternoon slots.

Architour Half Day Tours: IJburg & Golden Age Walk Arrow

As the market-leader for architectural tours in Holland, the brilliantly organized Architour can handle groups ranging from two to 240—whether town planning offices, Rotary Clubs, or architecture students. Their regular two-hour-long small group tours, for ten people max, and private tours, for up to 20 people, need advance booking. The two tours listed here are both on foot, though they also offer bike and canal tours. Directors Paul Vlok and Anneke Bokern (an architect and architecture journalist, respectively) have handpicked a dozen local architects to serve alongside them as guides. Fluent in Dutch and English (and some even German, French, and Japanese), all have personal insight into Dutch building culture, and how that stacks up against other countries, so no question is too specific.

Anna Borges

Jessica Puckett

Karthika Gupta

WeBike Amsterdam City Tour Arrow

Cycling is part of the Dutch DNA, and there are over 880,000 bikes in Amsterdam alone—though three-hour tours by this excellent indie outfit generally top out at around seven cyclists. Between the rave reviews online and the intimate numbers, it’s definitely best to reserve your slot in advance. Like many Dutch kids, mainstays Thijs and Jasper grew up on the back of a bike, and know how to combine humor with brilliant historical and architectural titbits. You’re not just following the leader here, but engaging in regular chat as you cruise from one fascinating spot to the next. If you want to bring babies or small kids, they’ve got the (well-maintained, comfortable) bike for that. In fact, there’s really no limit to the crowd you’ll be riding with, but safe to say that it’s not the same set that comes to Amsterdam for the weed and red lights, and people who never learned to bike really shouldn’t start here.

Context Travel's Rijksmuseum Tour: Crash Course Arrow

This is a formidable operation established and executed by tour experts, and you’ll only need to share the joy with five other equally sophisticated tourists. The Rijksmuseum docents are all art historians, ranging from Vermeer experts to TV personalities—so you can be staring at a Rembrandt in the company of an acclaimed author on the subject. Despite all this they don’t talk down to tour members, and many manage to be funny as well as brilliant (sigh). Itineraries are docent-dependent (and group-dependent), so it’s worth doing your research if you’re set on getting that Rembrandt expert, but in any case the master’s works will be par for the course—not least his masterpiece The Night Watch , enjoying pride of place at the heart of the museum. More obscure rooms are also on the agenda, and having a guide to navigate them may leave you with a lasting love of 17th century ceramics, furniture, or model ships.

PIC's Wallen Tour Arrow

Walking tours of Amsterdam’s Red Light District aren’t hard to find, but no other operator tells the story of the notorious neighborhood from the perspective of sex workers. Run by invaluable non-profit the Prostitution Information Center (PIC), walks aim to encourage an open debate about the misunderstood industry and increase respect for sex workers (the term preferred by prostitutes). Turn up to PIC’s community center, café, and exhibition space a few minutes before the tour—or come earlier to consult the sex library over coffee and cake. Guides are either ex-sex workers, ready to open up about their own stories, or researchers on the industry who are able to answer literally any query from how much money you can make in a shift to the ancient origins of the trade. Given PIC’s mission to change hearts and minds, there’s absolutely nothing rote about the delivery here—this is a real passion project for guides, and you might find yourself shedding a tear.

Amsterdam Photo Safari Arrow

This is really best for those with a vested interest, as the one-on-one attention is brilliant for making swift progress, and if you opt for a longer tour (they run from three to six hours, with four a recommended minimum) you’ll really be able to get off the beaten track. Your safari group might range from total amateurs getting to grips with the basics of composition to pros with pricy DSLRs looking for the inside scoop on the best places to shoot in the city. You can bring a friend with an iPhone or other handheld camera device for around 90 percent less than the regular tour price, so it might end up feeling like a private tour (those are available too, and are strongly recommended for people with mobility issues). Night safaris, beginning a couple of hours before sunset, are absurdly picturesque, as the lights start to come on over the city’s bridges, casting fairytale reflections over the canals (even amateurs will soon be capturing boats’ light trails with tips on the best long exposure settings).

Rederij De Jordaan Private Boat Tour Arrow

Slick, slick, slick. As VIP canal cruises go, captain Reinhard Spronk’s historic saloon boat tours (aboard 1932 teak beauty Welmoed , or 1908’s smaller Farahilde ) are really the business. He and his partner Miloe run the show, taking private groups (reservations necessary) on bespoke tours of Amsterdam’s legendary canals. Pick-up is from your waterside hotel or Cafe Van Puffelen, by their office. This is going to be the highlight of your European tour, combining an utterly beautiful vintage boat, the most sophisticated company in town, and (for a supplement) red roses, gourmet finger food, and bottomless champagne.

Brouwerij ‘t IJ Arrow

Compared to neighboring Belgium, the Netherlands isn’t exactly known as a beer powerhouse, but the big news is that the capital now has craft breweries to shout about. So skip the queues at the mammoth, more famous Heineken Experience, and head to signature local craft brewer ‘t IJ, which was raising the bar on specialty brews long before ‘small batch’ was a hipster rite of passage. Finding the venue, opened in 1985 in an old bathhouse, is child’s play: the biggest wooden windmill in the Netherlands is next door. Friday to Sunday afternoon tours of the Funenkade HQ are a snappy 20-minute crash course in the magic of malt, hops and yeast. With only 20 spots going, and no pre-booking, get to the bar early to grab tickets (a free beer is included with the entry fee). Don’t bother bringing your bachelor party though – after one too many messy experiences in the past, they’re now officially barred.

Recommended

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Looking for a personalized tour? Customize now

Amsterdam Group Tours

The most diverse city of europe. the city of many controversial things..

Experience the captivating charm of Amsterdam with Trigger Tours, your premier choice for group tours that immerse you in the essence of this remarkable city. Our Group Tours in Amsterdam are expertly curated to offer an inclusive and engaging exploration of the city’s highlights and hidden treasures.

Our tours offer enough freedom to give it your own spin.

Amsterdam is famous for its controversial touch-points.

All our guides love what they’re doing. Take part and have fun!

Looking for a discount? Book multiple tours to receive a nice discount on your total order.

Amsterdam Jewish Quarter tour (TOP RATED)

Private Amsterdam Red Light District Tour

Amsterdam Highlights & History tour (TOP RATED)

Why you should visit amsterdam group tours with us.

Amsterdam is a city with lots to offer and with many secrets to explore. This charming Dutch city is filled with history and culture. There are several ways to learn more about this unique and historic city.

Discover the world famous Red Light District.

Learn about the Red Light District from a local viewpoint. Hear about the history of the district, prostitution, political concerns, and the coffee shop culture. Explore the Red Light District’s enchanting streets and discover how the city came to be known for its permissive views toward sex and drugs. 

Learn the story of Anne Frank and WW2 in Amsterdam.

Anne Frank’s tale is well-known across the globe because of the moving and tragic diary she wrote during the time she and her family spent hiding from the German invaders of Amsterdam in a hidden annex. Discover her story and learn about life in Amsterdam during the German occupation.

Taste the unique and delicious foods of Amsterdam.

Learn all about Amsterdam, from its food culture to the history of this great city. While exploring Amsterdam you will get a taste of the Dutch food culture. Learn about the local foods and the things people eat in The Netherlands. Taste some traditional Dutch snacks such as the Dutch croquette, waffles, cheese and fish.

© Trigger Tours 2019 All Rights Reserved

Privacy policy, cookies policy.

Amsterdam » Group Reservations

Amsterdam group travel

How to book group visits in Amsterdam?

There is a service for booking visits to museums, attractions and tours for larger groups. You can use their services by visiting their groupsightseeing.com website.

Time slots for museums and attractions

To avoid overcrowding most attractions and museums in Amsterdam issue tickets for a specific time slot. Which is great if you are travelling in few numbers but complicates things if you wish to take in a larger group.

Complications with group bookings

For example The Van Gogh Museum issues only tickets for max. 8 people at once.

And canal cruises, which every visitor to Amsterdam should experience, tend to be difficult to book for larger groups. This is because of capacity limitations of the boats. And of course because everyone else also wants a ride.

These are just two examples but most attractions have their complications when booking tickets for group travel.

What they offer?

The above mentioned service offers visits for larger groups. Among their offerings are:

• Canal Cruises
• Rijksmuseum
• Van Gogh Museum
• Transport from airport
• Keukenhof Garden
• Heineken Experience
• Madame Tussauds
• Hop-on Hop-off Bus
• NEMO science museum
• Winter Light Festival

Tours in Amsterdam for your Company, School or Group of Friends

Our large group tours in amsterdam.

We have a variety of tours that cover a range of interests and experiences.    From walking tours that take you on a journey through history, to discovering Amsterdam’s ever-changing street art. Our tours are made for your company, school, college or group of friends (minimum of 10 people).

Hear about spooks and ghosts, and or maybe do some dancing in the streets. If culture is more your thing, we have tours of the top museums. You can also explore the city by bike and hear how sustainable a city Amsterdam is.

Here is a short list of our most popular groups tours. All of our prices include VAT. Contact us if you would like more information or a tailor made version of one of these tours.

CITY HIGHLIGHTS & HIDDEN GEMS WALKING TOUR

⏱️ 2 or 3 hours 💰 From €22 per person

Discover the incredible history of Amsterdam on our fascinating walking tour of the city. Explore some of the city’s most iconic places and seclude spots – what we consider to be Amsterdam’s most famous highlights and hidden gems. Our knowledgeable guides will take you on a journey through time, sharing quirky stories and terrific tales.

ANNE FRANK’S LAST WALK INCLUDING VR

⏱️ 2 hours 💰 From €34 per person

Follow in the footsteps Anne and her family took on their final journey to their hiding place.  Using Anne’s words from her diary, we will learn how life was for Anne and her family before, and during their time in the ‘secret annex’. The walk ends with a tour of the Anne Frank House via a Virtual Reality simulation, which lets you see how the rooms looked when the family lived there.

SILENT DISCO WALK

⏱️ 2 hours 💰 From €28.50 per person

Join us on our silent disco tour as we dance through the streets with our high-tech headsets and a soundtrack that is sure to get you moving. Our themed playlist will get your toes tapping as we move through some of Amsterdam’s most scenic locations. Singing is not required, but adds to the fun.

STREET ART OF AMSTERDAM – JORDAAN

⏱️ 2 hours 💰 From €22 per person

Discover some of the city’s most contemporary street art in one of Amsterdam’s most charming neighbourhoods. The wonderful thing about street art is the city is your canvas, and what better canvas than Amsterdam? Street art is always evolving, and new pieces are added to the city every week, so this tour is seldom the same twice.

AMSTERDAM CITY HIGHLIGHTS BY BIKE

⏱️ 2.5 hours 💰 From €28.50 per person (bike included)

In this intriguing cycling tour, we share our quirkiest stories and some of the city’s most iconic places. You don’t have to be an experienced cyclist, as together with Mike’s Tours Amsterdam, we will take you over easy roads so you can get used to Dutch bikes and the traffic. The route of this tour can be adapted if there are particular places the group wish to see.

SPOOKY AMSTERDAM GHOST TOUR

The dark history of almost 800 years hangs heavily over Amsterdam, and the past is lurking down every dark alley and street corner. With a lantern by their side, our guide will lead you through the night, sharing some of the darker tales of the city. Ancient souls wander Amsterdam’s many streets, y et most locals will tell you they do not believe in ghosts…

RIJKSMUSEUM, THE DUTCH NATIONAL MUSEUM

⏱️ 2 hours 💰 From €28.50 per person (excluding museum tickets)

Discover the greatest collection of Dutch art in a fun and exciting way with our local guide. See the masterpieces of Rembrandt, Fran Hals & Jan Steen with easily understood explanations that highlight the historic significance of the artworks. This tour can also take a more in-depth look at the art and artists should you wish.

SUSTAINABILITY TOUR

⏱️ 3 hours 💰 From €32.50 per person (bike included)

On this tour, we will take your group on an exploratory bike ride around Amsterdam. We will see some of the highlights of the city as well as discover how Dutch society has adapted to take develop a greener way of doing things. As we explore there will be an opportunity to witness some of the many sustainability projects, and how Amsterdam has truly embraced a ‘bike culture’. 

VAN GOGH MUSEUM TOUR

⏱️ 2 hours 💰 From €28.50 (excluding museum tickets)

Considered to be one of the most famous and influential painters in the history of art, Vincent Van Gogh was disregarded in his lifetime. On this tour, you will discover the largest collection of Vincent Van Gogh’s work in the world, including The Potato Eaters and a Sunflowers painting, in a fun and accessible way. Madman or misunderstood genius? That’s for you to decide. This tour can also take a more in-depth look at Van Gogh and his work.

Interested in one or more of our group tours?

Your International Phone number? *

Which date would you prefer for the tour? *

How many people would join the tour? (min 10 pax)

Do you have any specific wishes or questions?

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes
• Travel Destinations A-Z

How to Plan a Perfect Trip to Amsterdam

Discover the best hotels, restaurants, and things to do with this highly curated Amsterdam travel guide.

Lindsay Cohn is a writer, editor, and avid traveler who has visited 45 countries across six continents — and counting. She contributes to Travel + Leisure, Hotels Above Par, InsideHook, Well+Good, The Zoe Report, and more.

Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel.

Best Hotels and Resorts

Best time to visit, best things to do, best shopping, best restaurants, how to get there, neighborhoods to visit, how to get around.

Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure

Iconic canals, centuries-old townhomes, cobblestone lanes, and flower-adorned bridges. Amsterdam is as pretty as a postcard with charm in spades. It’s also one of the rare places that attracts history buffs, luxury-minded travelers, couples seeking romance, and backpackers alike. 

Besides cultural attractions like the Anne Frank House and Rijksmuseum, the Dutch capital has leafy parks, hip shops, and an enduring sense of the past that thankfully never fades. With world-class museums, bicycle tours, and a thriving arts scene, it's really just a matter of culling it down to a select few activities. Since wandering around the city’s quaint streets and sitting outside at a sidewalk cafe is so appealing, you won’t want to cram too much into your daytime itinerary. 

In fact, Tesa Totengco, a member of Travel + Leisure’ s A-List Travel Advisor Board and the founder and CEO of Travels with Tesa , told T+L that what makes Amsterdam stand out from other European cities is “Their iconic canal network and how walkable the city is if you’re not biking.”

On the F&B front, this burgeoning culinary mecca boasts world-class restaurants that make every meal a gourmet adventure. When the sun goes down, there’s no shortage of things to do either (think: cozy speakeasies, bustling bars, and plenty of nightclubs). Lastly, you can’t talk about Amsterdam without mentioning “coffee shops” — and not the kind that strictly brews espresso. 

Totengco says these “coffee shops and the city’s long-established attitudes towards tolerance and diversity,” make the city truly special. She notes that “Amsterdam is also one of the earliest places to adopt progressive policies regarding marijuana, sex work, and same-sex marriage.”

Simply put: whatever your idealized version of a European getaway entails, Amsterdam won’t disappoint. 

Pulitzer Amsterdam

Perched on the Prinsengracht canal, the Pulitzer Amsterdam proffers a picture-perfect location. The storybook charm continues inside. Guests are greeted by an eye-catching display of fresh-cut blooms in the entryway. Heritage-rich touches adorn the lobby, rooms, and suites. There’s also a delicious restaurant called Jansz and a lovely garden for enjoying tea or a glass of wine. The Pulitzer is so spectacular that it was voted one of the best resorts in Amsterdam by T+L readers.

Conservatorium Hotel

This high-end option housed a former music conservatory that’s right by the Van Gogh Museum, Conservatorium Hotel comes up big in both the location and aesthetics department. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more impressive architectural feat than the property’s jaw-dropping glass atrium. For a bit of R&R, book a treatment at Akasha Holistic Wellbeing. The Conservatorium Hotel was also voted one of the best resorts in Amsterdam by T+L readers.

Ambassade Hotel

A traveler favorite, the Ambassador Hotel wins rave reviews for its central location and prize-winning views. A mix of contemporary and traditional design, rooms feature modern artwork, antique furnishings, and striking chandeliers. Past guests also tout the friendly staff and reasonable rates. 

The Hoxton, Amsterdam

More than just a respite to rest your weary head, The Hoxton, Amsterdam is a place to see and be seen. A lobby bar that encourages mingling, quirky rooms, and interesting pop-ups gives it a vibe that’s simultaneously uber-hip and approachable. The welcoming atmosphere makes travelers from all walks of life feel like they’re part of the “in crowd.” 

For travelers who prefer a boutique stay with a sophisticated, modern ambiance and ample plush perks, The Dylan most certainly delivers. Rooms beckon well-heeled wanders with a variety of room sizes and layouts and a palette of muted hues and Aesop toiletries. The tranquil courtyard is an ideal spot to unwind after a day of sightseeing. 

Late spring is arguably the best season to visit Amsterdam. The forecast of mild temperatures couldn’t be more perfect for biking around the city and exploring the surrounding countryside. Starting in early April, the legendary tulips begin to bloom, which lures travelers from around the world. The famous King's Day carnival, held on April 27, is another major draw. 

Totengco agrees that spring is the best time to visit Amsterdam. She recommends booking a trip “between April and May when the tulips are in full bloom and one can visit the Keukenhof gardens .”

Because the aptly nicknamed “Venice of the North” enjoys an oceanic climate, it never gets super hot. While the rest of Europe flocks to the beaches of Santorini and Saint-Tropez, we love the idea of a summer city break in Amsterdam. You might have to contend with a few more fellow travelers, but it’s certainly not going to be an impediment to a fantastic trip. 

Early fall is marked by pleasant temperatures and plenty of opportunities to spend time outdoors. Don’t write off wintertime. Sure, the days are short and there’s a frosty chill in the air, however, the sparkling frozen canals, holiday spirit, and lack of crowds make it a really special time. 

Van Gogh Museum

The Netherlands has birthed many famous artists, with Vincent Van Gogh chief among them. Works by the tortured artist are on display at his namesake museum . If you hope to see “Sunflowers” on your trip to Amsterdam, be sure to buy tickets ahead of time. 

Anne Frank House

Widely regarded as Amsterdam’s most significant attraction, the Anne Frank House invites visitors to learn about the life of the Jewish diarist who hid from the Nazis during WWII through a collection of her writing, photos, videos, and personal items. Keep in mind that tickets sell out months in advance. 

Located in Amsterdam-Zuid, Vondelpark is a sprawling 47-hectare urban green space featuring an open-air theatre, playground, shaded areas, ponds, and cycling paths. When the sun comes out, it instantly becomes a hotspot for afternoon picnics and sunbathing. 

Rijksmuseum

Michela Sieman/Travel + Leisure

By now you’ve likely gathered that Amsterdam abounds with incredible museums . But art and history enthusiasts should make a beeline to the Rijksmuseum , which chronicles 800 years of heritage through the works of masters like Rembrandt and period artifacts. In fact, Totengco said it is the “preeminent museum on Dutch art and the masters Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh.” Noting that “If you only had time for one museum, this should be it.” 

Canal Cruise

No trip to Amsterdam would be complete without a canal cruise. It’s truly the best way to see “Venice of the North.” You can purchase a ticket with Flagship Amsterdam, operator of the highly regarded Amsterdam Open Boat Canal Cruise , or opt for something a bit more intimate and romantic like a private vessel operated by the Pulitzer Amsterdam . 

The Otherist

A quirky shop that advertises its wares as “modern curiosities and vintage finds,” The Otherist has built a business on oddities. Peruse the shelves of framed butterflies, one-of-a-kind jewelry, and porcelain skulls. You’re bound to stumble upon something totally unique. 

Vanilia is the place to pick up Dutch-designed, sustainable basics — sweaters, denim, skirts, and wrap dresses — that are destined to become wardrobe staples. Bonus: every time someone at home doles out a compliment, you can reply, “Oh, I bought this in Amsterdam.”

Antiekcentrum Amsterdam

Collectors of bygone-era treasures (and just generally anyone with interest in the past) should check out Antiekcentrum Amsterdam , the largest antique market in the Netherlands. A huge range of jewelry, art, ceramics, and homewares are up for grabs.  

De Kaaskamer

Fans of aged Appenzeller, raw milk gouda, and chèvre rejoice! Whether you’re in the mood for Dutch or imported cheese, De Kaaskamer is sure to satisfy your cravings. This storied retailer also sells a selection of tasty meats, salads, tapenades, wine, and beer.

Housed in a bright and airy glass-domed space, De Kas wows with multi-course tasting menus. In fact, it was the top restaurant recommended by Totengco who called it a “chic greenhouse conservancy serving garden-to-table Mediterranean fare.” Much of the produce comes from the on-site greenhouse — which patrons can tour before or after eating. Pro tip: It’s easier to snag a reservation for lunch. Plus, the midday light is sublime for snapping food photos. 

Restaurant Floreyn

Dutch cuisine flies under the radar. Restaurant Floreyn gives travelers a taste of local flavors. We dare anyone not to fall in love with the rotating menu of seasonal house specialties. Oh, and in case you were still on the fence, the wine pairing is totally worth it. 

De Laatste Kruimel

Bakeries are a dime a dozen in Amsterdam. But De Laatste Kruimel is something truly special. This neighborhood gem delights visitors and locals with its French toast and bread pudding. Don’t sleep on the more savory offerings like quiche either. 

Vleminckx de Sausmeester

A delicious tradition dating back decades, Vleminckx de Sausmeester has perfected the art of fried potatoes. It’s worth waiting in line for the chance to dig into perfectly crispy spuds. Don’t forget the homemade sauces. Curry ketchup, anyone? 

Upstairs Pannenkoekenhuis

Dutch pancakes are a full-blown phenomenon. Upstairs Pannenkoekenhuis serves sweet and savory varieties of this beloved dish in a quirky second-door space that’s brimming with charm. Can’t decide what to order? You can't go wrong with the best-selling brie and honey pannenkoek.

Most visitors arrive in Amsterdam via plane. The Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), also known as Schiphol Airport, is the Netherlands’ main international airport. The airport is extremely close to the center of the city, with airport shuttles running between the airport and the city center every 15 minutes (bus 397). Once you’re in the city center (or Centrum) you can walk or bike almost everywhere.

Grachtengordel (Canal Belt)

Postcards of Amsterdam typically showcase Grachtengordel. Encircled by the city’s main canals — Herengracht, Prinsengracht, and Keizersgracht — this winsome zone is known for its colorful townhomes, waterfront eateries, upmarket hotels, and attractions like the Anne Frank House. 

Arguably the most in-demand neighborhood in Centrum — or, more accurately, all of Amsterdam — Jordaan is an irresistibly beautiful maze of narrow lanes, canals, high-end boutiques, and cozy cafes.  

Museumkwartier

Museumkwartier has a wide range of museums (the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Stedelijk Museum, to name a few), as well as the Concertg e bouw . It’s also home to many fine jewelry stores and designer outposts. 

Just south of Amsterdam's city center lies De Pijp. This former working-class neighborhood turned hipster haven has an urban industrial edge and bohemian flair. Go savor the flavors of Albert Cuyp Markt and stay for the cool brunch spots, retro pubs, and contemporary ateliers. 

If walls, err cobblestones, could talk, De Wallen would have tales to tell. Amsterdam’s infamous Red Light District entices travelers with the promise of peep shows, sex shops, cannabis cafes, and nightclubs. 

Forget about renting a car, Totengco says, “Walking is honestly the best way to get around the city.” If you prefer to do as the locals do, download ‎the Donkey Republic app to rent a bike or pop into a local rental shop. 

If you have mobility challenges or visited Amsterdam during a bout of poor weather, she said, “the tram system is also efficient and easy to navigate.” If you’re planning to take public transportation and want to see all the major sites (including a canal cruise), Totengco recommends buying the I Amsterdam City Card which includes unlimited use of the city’s public transport (GVB), bike rental, a canal cruise, and over 70 museums, including the Rijksmuseum.

Trams: Amsterdam’s iconic blue-and-white trams remain a reliable and economical way to get around the city center ( 3.40 Euros an hour or 9 Euros a day). Most lines convene at Amsterdam Central Station, the city’s main transportation hub. 

Buses: The bus system is quite extensive and efficient with over 40 lines. Catching a flight? Hop aboard the airport shuttle , which runs between Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and the city center every 15 minutes. Planning an evening out on the town? Whereas the trams and metros operate between 6 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. , night buses come in clutch for after-dark transport needs. 

Metros: The metro system comprises five routes and serves 39 stations, making it best for accessing the outlying suburbs. 

Ferries: Like trams, buses, and metros, Amsterdam’s ferries are also operated by GVB. Connections across the Noordzeekanaal (North Sea Canal) are under 2 Euros, while boats crossing the IJ River are free of charge for pedestrians, cyclists, and moped riders. 

Rideshare: If you’re sticking to Amsterdam’s Centrum, driving isn’t really necessary. However, it’s easy to hail an Uber to take you to some of the outer boroughs.

Trains: The Netherlands has an impressive national railway network. For day trips to the countryside and neighboring cities, trains from Amsterdam Central Station are a convenient and easy-to-navigate option. 

Protect Your Trip »

The 14 Best Amsterdam Tours

Dive into this famously liberal city and its beautiful countryside with the help of a guided tour.

Getty Images

Exploring Amsterdam via its famous canals is a great way to see the city.

Note: Some tour providers on this list may be running more limited operations due to COVID-19 or may impose testing or vaccine requirements. Check with your tour operator about availability before you book.

There are so many can't-miss sights in Amsterdam , from the Anne Frank House and the Rijksmuseum to the city's famous canals, houseboats and windmills. With the help of a friendly local, you're sure to see it all and gain some insider tips. After analyzing both traveler opinion and expert research, U.S. News determined the best Amsterdam tours. Whether you're hoping to walk or cycle your way through the city or even cruise its canals, you'll find each tour highlights the unique qualities only found in Amsterdam.

Stromma – Open Boat Tours Amsterdam

This cruise takes participants through the city's famous canals to view its top sights, including the Van Gogh Museum , the Amstel and more. Plus, because this boat is smaller than a normal tour vessel, you'll get to explore some of the lesser-seen waterways. Reviewers say this is a relaxing tour with captains who provide plenty of information. Boats run multiple times daily from three departure points; tours last about 75 minutes. Tickets start at 22.50 euros (about $24) for adults; children travel for half that. The company also offers dining cruises.

[ View & Book Tickets .]

Mike's Bike Tours Amsterdam – Countryside Bike Tour and Cheese Tasting

Get your fill of windmills and the beautiful Dutch countryside on this bike tour that runs up to 3 1/2 hours and covers about 10 miles. It also includes stops at a clog factory, a public park and a cheese farm, where cheese samples are offered to visitors. Reviewers praise the scenic countryside and the stop for the cheese tasting. They also appreciate the well-maintained bikes and the friendly guides. Tickets start at 42 euros (about $42) for adults and 39 euros (about $37) for youths ages 12 to 17; the trip is not suitable for children younger than 12. This tour runs daily at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The company offers many bike tours, including tours of the city and private cycle trips.

[View & Book Tickets: Option 1 | Option 2 .]

With Locals – The 10 Tastings of Amsterdam

Get a "taste" of Amsterdam on this guided food tour that features 10 tastings, including beverage samples. In-the-know locals lead the three-hour walk that takes you through the De Pijp area of the city, as well as an outdoor market. Food samples could include a stroopwafel (a wafer cookie), herring and local cheeses. Reviewers highly recommend this tour, describing it as "fun" and "flavorful." They also extol the guides for their friendly, cheerful demeanor. Ticket prices vary depending on how many people tour; a couple can expect to pay around 95 euros (about $99) per person. The tour runs Monday to Saturday at multiple times each day. The company also offers tours of the city by bike or boat.

Free Walking Tours Amsterdam – Classic Tour

Learn about Amsterdam, its liberalism and the Dutch culture on this two-hour walking tour. Stops may include the red-light district, the canal belt area, the Waag building and more. Keep in mind each guide takes a slightly different route. Reviewers highly recommend the tour for travelers interested in a brief introduction to Amsterdam history. Tourgoers also applaud the guides for their engaging, funny storytelling. Tours depart daily at 10:30 and 11 a.m. and 1:30 and 4 p.m. The tour operates on a pay-what-you-wish basis, but you'll need to pay a city-mandated entertainment tax of 1.55 euros (about $2). The company also offers a food tour and an alternative tour of the city that explores Amsterdam's counterculture.

360 Amsterdam Tours – Anne Frank Walking Tour

See World War II through the eyes of Anne Frank on this two-hour tour through the Jewish Quarter. Highlights include the Portuguese Synagogue, the Hollandsche Schouwburg Museum and the Anne Frank House. Reviewers praise the guides' storytelling abilities and their knack for weaving in a substantial amount of information about Amsterdam and its role in World War II. Tickets start at 28.50 euros (about $30) per person and discounts are available for children. Tickets do not include entrance to the attractions on the tour. Tours operate daily at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. The company also offers an Anne Frank bike tour, among other options.

Courtesy of Hungry Birds

Along this tour with Hungry Birds, you'll eat like the locals do and learn about their favorite spots.

Hungry Birds – Original Experience

This delicious trip focuses largely on Amsterdam's street food and shares information about the city's culture, daily life and the people who make the dishes. During the 4 1/2-hour outing, you'll sample plenty of eats favorited by locals and you'll also try traditional foods like herring and Dutch cheese. Reviewers say the tour includes plenty of food and is a great introduction to local culture. Participants recommend coming hungry. Tours are generally available Monday to Saturday at 11 a.m. and start at 89 euros (about $93) per person; children younger than 6 can join for free. Food and drink samples are included in the ticket price. If you want to explore on your own, try Hungry Birds' self-guided bike tour.

We Bike Amsterdam – City Tour

Sightsee your way through the city using the preferred method of transportation among Amsterdammers: a bike. On this three-hour cycling tour, you'll see some of the most popular neighborhoods, as well as hidden spots frequented by locals. Top stops on the tour, which is limited to 11 people, include Vondelpark , the Jordaan neighborhood , the Western Church and the Rijksmuseum. Reviewers say this is a great way to see the city and that guides maintain a comfortable pace. Tickets cost around 30 euros (about $31) for adults with discounted fares for children. Tours depart daily at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The company also offers a private bike tour and a countryside tour.

Lovers Canal Cruises – One Hour Amsterdam Evening Canal Cruise

See how Amsterdam comes to life after dark on this hourlong cruise that tours the incredible canals, traveling under illuminated bridges and past the historic city center. Boats are equipped with panoramic roofs, sliding windows and audio commentary. Reviewers say they enjoy seeing Amsterdam by night and that the audio guide is informative. Others wish the boat was less crowded. Tickets start at 19 euros for adults (about $20); children receive discounted tickets. Tours leave daily every half-hour from about 5 to 9 p.m. Lovers Canal Cruises also offers a variety of daytime cruises.

Those Dam Boat Guys

Over and over again, travelers praise Those Dam Boat Guys for a fun and informative tour of Amsterdam. During the canal cruise, guides share information about their city and offer helpful hints to make the most of your stay. Tours run on either covered or open boats (depending on weather and boat availability), so you won't have issues seeing the amazing sights. Up to eight passengers will be on the boat – another aspect of the tour travelers praise. Trips last about 90 minutes and run multiple times daily. Fees start at 29.50 euros (around $31) for adults. Private tours for up to 10 are also available.

SANDEMANs New Europe – Free Tour of Amsterdam

Learn about Amsterdam's rich history, including the Nazi occupation, its trade heritage and the city's enthusiasm for biking, on this three-hour walking tour. The excursion will also take you by the city's incredible canals, over its bridges and to see some of its best architecture. Reviewers describe the tour as "amazing" and say the guides are passionate and energetic about their city. Tours are free, but you will need to pay an entertainment tax of 1.50 euros (about $1.50) per person. Additionally, you are welcome to pay your guide what you wish at the conclusion of the tour. Tours are available daily at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; keep in mind you must reserve your slot online in advance. If you want to learn more about Amsterdam's famous red-light district, take the fee-based Red Lights and Dark Amsterdam tour.

Wooden clogs are one of the best-known symbols of the Netherlands.

Tours & Tickets – Countryside and Windmills Tour from Amsterdam – All-In Tour

Reviewers praise the number of activities packed into this nearly six-hour excursion and say the tour provides a great overview of the Netherlands. During the daytrip, you'll visit the village of Zaanse Schans to see more than 10 of the Netherlands' iconic windmills. Then, it's off to Volendam and Marken for a tour of a cheese factory and a wooden clog-making demonstration. Plus, along the way, you'll have access to an audio guide to enhance the commentary provided by your live guide. Tickets start at 45 euros (about $47) for adults and 22.50 euros (about $24) for children ages 4 to 13. Tours depart at 8:45 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. from Amsterdam Central Station from spring through early fall. Tours & Tickets operates multiple excursions in and around Amsterdam and Belgium.

Eating Europe – Jordaan Food Tour

Once a working-class enclave with roots dating back to the 17th century, the hip Jordaan neighborhood is the focus of this 3 1/2-hour walking tour. Learn about Jordaan's history, discover hidden areas and sample about 12 local delicacies from Dutch beer to apple pie to herring. Reviewers, who rave about the food, say this is a great way to sightsee through Amsterdam. Tours are available daily at 11 a.m. Tickets cost approximately 90 euros (about $94) for adults, 70 euros (about $73) for teens ages 13 to 17 and 55 euros (about $57) for children ages 4 to 12. Eating Europe also offers a food tour that includes a private canal boat ride.

FreeDam Tours – Free Walking Tour

For a crash course in the city's history, the future of the red-light district, Amsterdam's famous bike culture and lenient drug policies, consider this free walking tour. Along the 2 1/2-hour, 1.5-mile tour, you'll pass by a variety of popular areas, including Chinatown, the University District and the Royal Palace, among others. Reviewers recommend this tour if you're hoping to see a variety of top landmarks with a knowledgeable guide by your side. Tours operate daily at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and start at the Stock Exchange. There is no cost for the tour, but you'll have to pay the city-implemented tourist tax of 1.50 euros (about $2). The company also asks you to tip what you feel the tour is worth at the conclusion of the trip. FreeDam Tours also offers a private walking tour of the city.

Babylon Tours – Rijksmuseum + Van Gogh Museum Skip-the-Line Guided Combo Tour

If you're hoping to explore the artsy side of Amsterdam, this semiprivate tour is for you. Guides take you and up to seven other participants through both the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum to talk about famous and lesser-known Dutch painters, including Rembrandt, Vermeer and Van Gogh, of course. The roughly six-hour experience includes tickets to both museums, which get you to the front of any queues that form. Tourgoers admit it's a long day, but the art smart guides and incredible works make it all worth it. Fees start at 199 euros (about $208) for adults, 179 euros (around $187) for kids 10 to 17 and 139 euros (approximately $145) for children 9 and younger. The outing includes a stop for lunch, which is at your own expense. Tours depart at 10 a.m. daily. If you're short on time, Babylon Tours also offers shorter, two-hour strolls that visit just one museum.

You may also be interested in:

• Best Things to Do in Amsterdam
• Best Hotels in Amsterdam
• Best Places to Visit in Europe
• Best Paris Tours
• Best London Tours

Tags: Tours , Netherlands , Travel , Vacations

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

The best east coast beaches.

April 19, 2024

The Best Carry-on Luggage

Erin Evans , Rachael Hood , Catriona Kendall , Amanda Norcross and Leilani Osmundson April 17, 2024

The Best Luggage Brands

Rachael Hood April 17, 2024

The Best Hard-sided Luggage Picks

The Best Yellowstone National Park Tours

John Rodwan April 17, 2024

The Best Rome Colosseum Tours

Laura Itzkowitz April 17, 2024

Best Alaska Tours

Lyn Mettler April 16, 2024

The Best Fredericksburg Wine Tours

The Best Personal Item Bags

Rachael Hood April 16, 2024

The 17 Best Costa Rica Tours

Lyn Mettler April 12, 2024

• 39 Best Things to Do in Amsterdam: The Ultimate Amsterdam Bucket List

We all know Amsterdam as being among Europe’s most sought-after, bustling cities that have made its way to the top of many travelers’ wish lists.

You’ve surely added the likes of the Anne Frank House and the Heineken Experience to your itinerary, but that’s really just the start of the best things to do in Amsterdam.

This is a city that has such a diverse and extensive range of things to see and do; you could spend a week here and still feel like you’ve only scratched the surface.

To ensure you get the most out of your Amsterdam trip, I have created this fool-proof guide to the Dutch capital’s incredible range of things to do. 

From indoor activities on those rainy days to foodie experiences you’ll dream about after you’ve arrived home, let’s jump into this Amsterdam bucket list.

* Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link. *

Table of Contents

Are you planning a last-minute trip to Amsterdam?

If your trip is coming up soon and you still haven’t booked anything, we have you covered! Below you can find our top picks when it comes to hotels, tours, getting around, and more.

Best Tours and Experiences in Amsterdam

• Classic Boat Cruise with Cheese & Wine Option (top-rated canal cruise)
• Life of Anne Frank and World War II Walking Tour
• Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam & Marken Bus Tour (most popular day trip)
• Van Gogh Museum Ticket (sells out really fast so make sure to grab them as soon as possible)
• Heineken Experience (must-have tour for beer lovers)

Best Places to Stay in Amsterdam

• Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht (best hotel in Amsterdam with canal views)
• W Amsterdam (amazing 5-star hotel with a stunning rooftop pool)
• De L’Europe Amsterdam (best luxury hotel in Amsterdam)
• Linden Hotel (amazing mid-range option in Jordaan)
• Singel Hotel Amsterdam (great budget pick in the city center)

Looking for the best way to get around Amsterdam? Make sure to buy a GVB Public Transport Ticket . Even if you only use public transport a few times, it’s already worth it!

Planning to visit a handful of attractions? You can save a lot of money by purchasing the I Amsterdam City Card . It includes free entry to more than 70 attractions, unlimited access to public transport, and a free canal cruise!

Top 10 Best Things to Do in Amsterdam

Looking for a quick answer to the must-visit sights in Amsterdam? Here are the top 10 best things to do in Amsterdam that you absolutely can’t miss!

• Take a canal cruise
• Visit the Rijksmuseum
• Explore Anne Frank House
• Enjoy art at the Van Gogh Museum
• Try the famous stroopwafels
• Walk through the Red Light District
• Take in the views from the A’DAM Lookout
• Taste local specialties at Foodhallen
• Visit the Heineken Experience
• Explore the Floating Flower Market

Now, if you want to know more about each activity above and discover even more amazing things to do in Amsterdam, keep reading!

Best Outdoor Things to Do in Amsterdam

1. take a canal cruise.

Kicking things off with an excursion you can’t miss, a cruise around some of Amsterdam’s 165 canals is usually everyone’s first stop when they touch down in the Dutch capital.

As gorgeous as the city looks from the canal-side walkways, there’s something magical about exploring the area from the water. Winding through the narrow canals, ducking under tiny bridges, and admiring the architecture, a cruise is a pretty unparalleled introduction to Amsterdam.

When it comes to canal cruises in Amsterdam, you’ll have a myriad of options. To save you from going through them all, here are my top picks:

Amsterdam: City Canal Cruise – Have your cameras ready as you sail past 17th-century canal houses and fleets of busy cyclists during this 75-minute tour. You’ll get an insight into Amsterdam’s eventful history through the onboard audio guide, which is available in 19 languages.

Amsterdam: Classic Boat Cruise with Cheese & Wine Option – This really is as good as it sounds! Take the basic package, and you’ll cruise by spots like the Skinny Bridge and Red Light District, or add on unlimited cheese and wine or beer to level up your journey!

Amsterdam: Evening Canal Cruise – Watch Amsterdam come to life when the sun goes down on this romantic evening hour-and-a-half boat tour, where you’ll see the likes of A’DAM Tower alight under the stars and discover hidden pockets of the city.

Read Next: 16 Best Canal Cruises in Amsterdam You Can’t Go Wrong With

2. Rent a bike and cycle around the city

When in Amsterdam, do as the locals do! Provided you’ve mentally prepared for the jam-packed streets, of course.

In a city famed for its cycling culture, it’s no surprise that many tourists want to try their hand at making their way around on two wheels, but it’s not for the faint-hearted.

Though there’s plenty of excellent cycling infrastructure, bikers in Amsterdam are known for being super-speedy and ruthless at times, so make sure you’re confident in your bike handling skills before taking to the bike lanes.

You’ll come across dozens of bike rental stores around the city, or you can join a cycling tour where you’ll be in safe hands traveling as a group.

I highly recommend this Guided Bike Tour of Central Amsterdam , where you’ll zip through the city in groups of 15 people or less over the space of three hours.

3. Stroll around Vondelpark

From an often chaotic Amsterdam experience to something much more laid-back, the lush Vondelpark will be a place to catch your breath after a few hours of cycling or wandering the lively streets. 

Vondelpark is the city’s largest urban park and is at the top of the best places to visit in Amsterdam to see another side of the capital. 

In fact, if you’re keen to rent a bike but don’t want to face the notoriously hectic bike lanes, Vondelpark is an excellent place for a leisurely cycle.

Whether you choose to cycle or walk, you’ll love getting some peace and quiet in the city’s backyard. Better yet, grab a coffee from any of the park’s cafes, bring some snacks, and have a lake-side picnic. 

If you’re like me and love all things pretty and colorful, stroll over to the northwest of the park, where you’ll see the rose garden filled with more than 70 beautiful varieties.

4. Take in the views from the A’DAM Lookout

For the finest views in all of Amsterdam, the A’DAM Lookout is the place to go. Not only can you take in unspoiled vistas of the canals, city center, and busy port, but you can do so from Europe’s highest swing.

If this has your adrenaline flowing, up the ante and experience the Amsterdam VR rollercoaster ride, where you’ll feel like you’re zooming past all the iconic sites at high speeds.

As if all of these activities weren’t enough, A’DAM Lookout transforms into a music venue with live DJ sets all evening during the summer. At the same time, you can also get a bite at their panoramic bar and restaurant if you fancy. 

Entry tickets also grant you access to their interactive exhibition and fascinating audio tour, retelling the story of Amsterdam’s past.

Entry tickets can start from as low as €14.50 when you purchase them online , or you can take your pick from their bundles featuring the swing, VR ride, and a meal.

5. Participate in a guided walking tour

Walking tours have become my go-to when I have landed in a new city for the first time, as it’s such a fantastic way to find your bearings while getting a sense of the local area.

In a city as pedestrian-friendly as Amsterdam, a walking tour allows you to explore the narrow streets and laneways you’d miss out on with buses and private transfers. 

Most tours last for around two or three hours, stopping by many of the highlights that are a must for an Amsterdam visit, including the Jewish Quarter and the Torenslius Bridge.

Another reason why I have become so fond of these tours is because of the amazing guides that run them! It’s the best opportunity to ask questions, meet fellow travelers, and dive deep into the culture.

SANDEMANs NEW Amsterdam are some of the best in the business, offering outings in English or Spanish. Each tour is free of charge, though it’s important to remember to give a tip to show some appreciation to your guide.

Read Next: 3 Days in Amsterdam: The Ultimate Amsterdam Itinerary

Best Indoor Things to Do in Amsterdam

6. visit the rijksmuseum.

This time, we’re heading indoors to Amsterdam’s most renowned cultural hub, which I’m confident you’ve heard about before – the Rijksmuseum .

Even though this museum celebrates the history of The Netherlands, many people flock here to catch a glimpse of the works of some of the nation’s most acclaimed artists, from Vincent Van Gogh to Rembrandt van Rijn.

The Rijksmuseum is the home of paintings many of you’ll recognize, with the most prized pieces including Rembrandt’s The Night Watch, Johannes Vermeer’s The Milkmaid, and Van Gogh’s self-portrait.

However, you’ll find over 6,000 artworks here, so you will definitely need at least a couple of hours to check out as much as possible.

You don’t need to be an art devotee to appreciate this spectacular museum, but if you’re somewhat of a connoisseur, you can spend hours here examining and making sense of the paintings, sculptures, and ornaments.

As visiting the Rijksmuseum is one of the most popular things to do in Amsterdam, it’s worth booking your tickets in advance to avoid the long lines.

7. Explore the Anne Frank House

The heartwrenching but compelling tale of Anne Frank is brought to life in Amsterdam’s Anne Frank House.

You can travel back through time and explore the secret annex where she wrote her iconic diary that tells the tale of how her family hid from Nazi forces for over two years during the Second World War. 

To ensure you can see the museum’s collection of original items, photos, and videos, you’ll need to secure your tickets weeks before your trip to Amsterdam, as tickets infamously sell out over a month in advance.

Every Tuesday, the tickets go on sale for the upcoming six weeks on the Anne Frank House official site , where you can get an adult ticket for €16.

8. Enjoy art at the Van Gogh Museum

If the Rijksmuseum left a lasting impression on you, the Van Gogh Museum should be next on your list. Anyone visiting on a bit of a time crunch will be glad to know that the two museums are just minutes apart. 

As well as hundreds of paintings and drawings from the Dutch artist himself, thousands of pieces from Van Gogh’s contemporaries call this extensive gallery home. This includes mesmerizing Japanese and French prints Van Gogh collected during the 19th century.

Similar to the Anne Frank House, tickets to the Van Gogh Museum are usually in high demand and sell out really far in advance. You’ll have to book your tickets at least a month prior to your visit, so make sure to keep your eye on the website once you have your travel dates.

9. Discover the Stedelijk Museum

Is contemporary art more your vibe? The Stedelijk Museum’s 90,000-piece collection of paintings, sculptures, and furniture is sure to keep you enthralled.

Only around 500 pieces are displayed at a time as the museum rotates the artworks they showcase. In just one visit, you can cast your eyes on late 19th-century paintings, Art Deco furniture, and modern drawings.

Some of the artists you can expect to feature include the likes of Piet Mondrian, Andy Warhol, and Lucio Fontana. 

Art buffs can easily explore the Stedelijk Museum on the same day as the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, as these three spots, which together make up Amsterdam’s most beloved art galleries, are all within the Museum Square.

Buy your tickets on the day or beat the lines and snap yours up for €22.50 online ahead of time.

10. Visit the Royal Palace of Amsterdam

Many visitors often don’t realize that The Netherlands is still a monarchy to this day! The Royal Palace Amsterdam is one of three palaces owned by the Dutch royals.

During your visit, you can see where King Willem-Alexander hosts state visits, prestigious dinners, and special occasions right in the heart of the city in Dam Square.

Inside, you can head to the jaw-dropping, marble-clad Citizen’s Hall, which was constructed when the palace was initially designed as Amsterdam’s town hall. Even the floors are magnificent here, showcasing some of the world’s largest maps.

Entry fees start from €12.50 for adults, though you can upgrade to a tour package from €95. This palace is open most days, but double-check for any upcoming royal events before your visit.

11. Learn at the NEMO Science Museum

When you’ve had your fill of art galleries, unleash your inner child at the NEMO Science Museum . As you amble around the Oosterdokseiland neighborhood, you won’t be able to miss the green boat-like building that plays host to this interactive, hands-on museum.

Set over five floors, this is definitely among the most fun things to do in Amsterdam if you’re looking for something entirely different from the classic tourist hotspots. It’s also the perfect place to keep the little ones amused if you’re traveling as a family.

NEMO boasts exhibitions for all things science, from how forces of nature work and the development of humankind to the explanation of natural phenomena and how massive structures are built. Both you and your kids will definitely learn a thing or two during your visit!

12. Pop into the Basilica of St. Nicholas

Another spot that’s sometimes surprisingly omitted from visitor’s itineraries is the Basilica of St. Nicholas.

As Amsterdam’s most revered Catholic church, you can expect to be blown away when you head inside. Exquisite stained glass windows, detailed murals, dimmed lighting, and high ceilings are just some of the highlights of this structure.

However, the exterior is pretty marketable, too! Designed with a range of architectural styles in mind, St. Nicholas’ Basilica blends in perfectly with the Amsterdam skyline.

Stop by between 12 and 12:30 pm or from 1 – 3 pm any day except Sunday. You’ll also enjoy free entry to the basilica too.

13. Explore Madame Tussauds

No matter how many times you visit Madame Tussauds , each trip always makes for an entertaining few hours of celebrity spotting.

Make your way to Dam Square and snap some shots of you with the often shockingly realistic wax sculptures of stars like Harry Styles, Jennifer Aniston, Beyonce, and Leonardo DiCaprio.

Something I love about the Amsterdam branch of Madame Tussauds is the variety of combination packages they have, helping you to cut the costs of some of the city’s attractions.

Both the THIS IS HOLLAND 5D flying experience, and the eerie Amsterdam Dungeon can be combined with your Madam Tussauds ticket, saving you up to almost €30.

14. Wander through the Amsterdam Dungeon

Speaking of the Amsterdam Dungeon , this is possibly the best thing to do in Amsterdam if you’re a horror movie fanatic or love a thrill.

Bring your friends along and see who can hold their nerve for the longest as your spooky guide takes you through over 500 years of Amsterdam’s most chilling past events. 

You’ll encounter plenty of unsettling characters along the way as you watch a host of talented actors take you through terrifying mazes, acquaint you with tortured ghosts, and bring the legend of the Flying Dutchman to life.

If you’re jumpy and scared easily, this might not be the activity for you! The same goes for younger guests under the age of 10.

15. Visit the Eye Filmmuseum

Whether you’re a movie guru or just enjoy visiting somewhere a little different, the Eye Filmmuseum is the center of Amsterdam’s film scene.

There really is so much to see and do here, from the museum detailing the movie-making process and production to the various cinema rooms displaying Dutch and international films. 

Different filmmakers, movie styles, and aspects of cinemas are the subject of many of the rotating exhibitions and programs, though they also have some permanent fixtures.

An absolute must during your visit is to create your own flipbook, which is so much fun to do with your loved ones and costs less than €7 to buy. Select the exhibition you want to see and reserve your spot online.

16. Check out the Moco Museum

I don’t claim to be an art expert, but I have found the Moco Museum to be absolutely brilliant, and it definitely needs to have a space in your Amsterdam to-do list.

Exhibiting modern art from a mix of established artists and up-and-coming talent, the Moco Museum is filled with weird and wonderful masterpieces that are both aesthetically pleasing and thought-provoking.

Everything from dizzying optical illusions to contemporary photography features in this small but eye-catching museum, where the works of artists like Banksy sit alongside pieces by undiscovered creators.

Each entry pass includes an informative audio guide to give you some background and food for thought about each exhibition.

17. Shop at Magna Plaza

You’d easily be fooled into thinking this sublime neo-Gothic structure was an old-world five-star hotel or government building rather than a shopping center.

Magna Plaza has got to be one of the prettiest malls in the world, with some incredible Romanesque arches and a glass dome roof making the inside as impressive as the exterior.

Originally constructed as a post office, Magna Plaza is now home to an eclectic mix of stores, ranging from international brands like Mango to Dutch chains like Sissy Boy and quirky cheesemongers and candle shops.

Even if you don’t feel like you’re in need of some retail therapy (or simply have no room left in your suitcase!), a stop at Magna Plaza is totally worth it to admire the beauty of this historic building.

Best Foodie Things to Do in Amsterdam

18. try the famous stroopwafels.

What better way to soak up the culture in a new country than to tuck into some native dishes, or desserts in this case.

A sweet and chewy stroopwafel should be a first on your foodie Amsterdam bucket list! The name itself translates to syrup waffle, which sums up these treats pretty well.

Made from two thin layers of sweet dough with a caramel filling cementing them together, stroopwafels are available in shops, cafes, and restaurants all over Amsterdam.

However, there are two spots that I have a particular soft spot for.

Van Wonderen Stroopwafels – Anyone who has seen stroopwafels on Instagram was probably looking at Van Wonderen’s offerings! As the busiest spot in town, you’ll likely have to queue to get your hands on their marshmallow-topped stroopwafels.

Melly’s StroopWafels – The place to go for reasonably priced stroopwafels, this cozy store serves up freshly baked goods with your choice of toppings, including Smarties, Oreo, Lotus, and nuts, to name a few.

19. Taste local specialties at Foodhallen

Amsterdam’s famous Foodhallen would give any food court a run for its money. First-time visitors should head straight to De Ballenbar, an ever-busy stand where a Michelin-star chef and his team prepare their own take on bitterballs, a type of Dutch meatball.

These breaded meatballs are traditionally filled with beef, but De Ballenbar offers patrons unique, drool-worthy fillings like shrimp and truffle. 

After you’ve stocked up on bitter balls, you’ll have your pick for 19 other stands if you’re still feeling peckish. Choosing where to eat is always an arduous task here, as you’ll be torn between healthy Mexican eats, Asian street food, and fresh sushi.

20. Attend a food tour 

For a more in-depth introduction to Dutch cuisine, a food tour will give you plenty of opportunities to taste some of the finest dishes The Netherlands has to offer.

Here are a couple of tried and tested culinary adventures!

Jordaan District Local Food Walking Tour – Jordaan has made a name for itself as a foodie haven for many years now, and this tour takes you to six eateries in the neighborhood over three hours. Your guide will be a fountain of knowledge about traditional eats and the local history.

Private Food Tour with a Local – Go restaurant hopping with your expert local guide in the lively Pijp district, where you and your travel buddies can munch on a mixture of ten different local food and drink offerings on your own private excursion.

Food Lovers Walking Tour with Tastings – Sightseeing has never tasted so good! Learn about the Royal Palace and Flower Market as you feast on eight Dutch specialties, with the likes of crispy Dutch fries and apple tarts on the menu.

21. Cheese And Wine Tasting

Is there ever a bad time for wine and cheese? As the birthplace of Gouda and Edam varieties, the Dutch certainly know what they’re talking about when it comes to cheese.

They also know a thing or two about wine, as you’ll quickly learn throughout this tasting experience . 

Over the course of an hour, you’ll become well-versed in the best cheese and wine pairings. Each tasting provides guests with five types of cheese, accompanied by three glasses of wine.

When you’ve had your fair share of both, you’ll receive a 10% discount for in-store purchases, where you can search for the ultimate souvenir.

22. Indulge in a delicious brunch

You don’t have to visit on a Sunday to experience a tasty Amsterdam-style brunch!

Brunch has become an increasingly popular concept in the city over the last few years, with new spots regularly popping up while many long-standing haunts have also added the mid-morning meal to their menus. 

There are so many trendy spots scattered around Amsterdam, but you’ll find some of my go-to’s below.

Bakers & Roasters – With two locations in the city, you’re never too far from Bakers & Roasters’ brunch, served every day of the week. The team here is all about ethically sourced ingredients, which go into their breakfast burritos, eggs benedict, and pancake stacks. 

Coffee & Coconuts – The rustic wooden furniture and red brick walls have made this place one of the coolest brunch spots in town. Avocado toast and coconut pancakes are served alongside their specialty coffee.

Omelegg – After trying their delectable brunch dishes, you’ll understand why Omelegg’s two branches are always packed! As the name suggests, this spot is all about omelets, serving varieties like chicken and pesto, halloumi, and chorizo. 

Read Next: 14 Best Breakfast Places in Amsterdam You Have to Try

23. Have dinner on a cruise

Make your dinner plans a bit more special with an evening meal onboard a canal cruise.

Seeing the center of Amsterdam light up after dark from your boat is just magical! Couple it with a hearty meal, and you’ve got yourself a night to remember. 

Take a look through the dinner cruises below to start planning your night on the canal.

Dinner Cruise with 4-Course Menu – For something upmarket, I think this tour will fit the bill. As you begin your meal, which is available with meat, fish, or vegetarian dishes, your guide will talk you through the landmarks you pass along the way. Beer, wine, and soft drinks are also included.

Evening Canal Cruise with Pizza and Drinks – A much more casual affair, this cruise offers guests their choice of one of five pizzas and two beers, wines, or soft drinks. On a sunny summer evening, there’s no better place to be in Amsterdam!

Private BBQ Cruise with Personal Chef & Drinks – Are you heading to Amsterdam with your pals? You’re going to love this! For two hours, you can rent out a private boat with unlimited drinks, where you’ll have your pick of BBQ classics like steaks, burgers, and skewers, each of which has a veggie alternative. 

24. Visit the Heineken Experience

It wouldn’t be a list of the best things to do in Amsterdam without mentioning the Heineken Experience .

Avid Heineken drinkers will no doubt have plans to visit this iconic former brewery. Even if beer isn’t your thing, don’t let this stop you from joining in on one of these interactive tours, which are a lot of fun.

The tours take place in Heineken’s former brewery, where the world-famous beer was produced up until the late 1980s. 

For 90 minutes, you’ll explore the site where the lager was first created, get an insight into the brewing process, and taste two glasses of the most exceptional Heineken you’ll ever try.

Prices for this outing start from €23, but you can add access to a rooftop bar or canal cruise for an extra fee. 

25. Head out on a guided beer or prosecco bike tour

It’s safe to say that the title of this tour speaks for itself. When you’re considering what to do in Amsterdam, it’s unlikely that a boozy bike trip will initially spring to mind! However, these fun-filled tours are guaranteed to keep you and your gang entertained.

For around an hour and a half, your group will peddle their way through the streets of Amsterdam while working through 20 liters of beer or a bottle of Prosecco each. 

Better yet, you can have a mix of both during the beers and bubbles experience if you’re having trouble deciding.

Each tour usually can cater for up to six passengers, excluding your guide, who can take over the peddling when you’ve had one too many Proseccos.

26. Board the Pancake Boat Cruise

For something more low-key, the Pancake Boat Cruise is an excellent family-friendly activity that combines sightseeing and delicious grub.

This boat trip will take you along Amsterdam’s River IJ, which is one of the few cruises that doesn’t run along the canals. From here, you’ll be able to spot sites like the A’DAM Lookout and the Eye Filmmuseum.

Now, onto the main event, the Dutch pancakes! Did I mention that these are all-you-can-eat pancakes? You heard that right! You’ll spend your cruise snacking on these divine traditional desserts, which you can pair with your choice of fruits, jams, cheese, and ham.

Kids can spend time in the onboard playground area when they’re not stocking up on pancakes. 

Best Free Things to Do in Amsterdam

27. stroll around the canals.

Some of the best things to do in Amsterdam are completely free of charge.

Wandering around the seemingly endless canals is what the city’s all about, and you could easily spend an afternoon here watching cruises sail by, admiring the historic houses, and chilling out with coffee along the banks.

With so many canals running through Amsterdam, you’ll want to prioritize which ones you want to visit, as stopping by them all would be a challenging feat.

You can’t miss Prisengracht, Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Kloveniersburgwal, but you should also consider adding Groenburgwal, Brouwersgracht, and Singel to your itinerary.

28. Visit Albert Cuyp Market

Europe’s largest day market lies right in the heart of Amsterdam. Situated in the de Pijp neighborhood, the Albert Cuyp Market plays host to over 260 stalls and has become as popular with tourists as it is with locals. 

You’ll likely hear people saying that anything you could ever need can be found at the Albert Cuyp Market, and they’re not lying! Clothes, jewelry, fresh vegetables, cheese, flowers, handbags, and reading glasses are just a fraction of the goods you can pick up here.

Of course, it’s not a free activity if you decide to purchase something, but many visitors come here just to see the market in action and take in the sights and smells of this bustling part of town.

29. People-watch at Dam Square

As well as being home to the Royal Palace and Madame Tussauds, Dam Square is also a marvelous place to do some people-watching.

Perch yourself on a bench or join the groups of other people who have gathered on the steps and simply watch the world go by! Whether you’re looking to save some cash or just want to rest your feet after a day of explorations, Dam Square is your best bet for an easygoing afternoon.

The National Monument is also found in Dam Square and is free to visit. This towering white stone structure was built in the 1950s to commemorate those who lost their lives fighting for The Netherlands in wars and conflicts.

30. Explore the Floating Flower Market

As the world’s only floating flower market, this unique bazaar is a must-do if you’re strolling along the Singel Canal.

Once you step inside the houseboats comprising this quirky marketplace, you’ll be treated to an impossibly beautiful and ultra-colorful array of flowers and other plants.

The main attraction is undoubtedly the storefronts covered with gorgeous tulips in every color, which are even more majestic if you visit in spring when they’ll be in full bloom.

Daffodils, roses, orchids, and numerous other flowers are also on display here, and the vibrant color scheme extends to the souvenirs. Magnets, clogs, and trinkets are on sale in every color under the sun.

31. Walk through the Red Light District 

Amsterdam has become well-known for quite a number of things, one of them being the infamous Red Light District.

You wouldn’t be alone in assuming that an area famed for its sex trade is a seedy and dangerous neighborhood that’s best to avoid, but the Red Light District is a lot safer and friendlier than you’d imagine.

During the daytime, the area doesn’t look too dissimilar from any other narrow street in the city, but at night, you’ll notice tons of packed bars, busy streets, and neon red lights everywhere you look.

Once you abide by the rules and refrain from taking pictures of sex workers, you can stroll through the area hassle-free. 

A couple of interesting Red Light District tours are on offer to get a better understanding of the district, though this would mean you’re no longer visiting for free.

32. Snap a picture at the Damrak Canal Houses

You might find your camera roll overflowing after your trip to Amsterdam, as the city really is as picture-perfect as you’d imagine. One spot that you’ll have to capture the perfect shot of is the view of the Damrak Canal Houses.

These famously lopsided houses have become some of the most photographed canal houses in the city, and finding them is also super straightforward.

As you leave the Central Train Station, make a slight left and head down Damrak Street for just over 400 meters (0.25 miles), and you’ll soon be greeted by these quirky houses on your left. You’ll arrive at a great vantage point for your Instagram-worthy photos from here!

Best Day Trips from Amsterdam 

33. keukenhof.

Would you believe me if I told you that Keukenhof, aptly nicknamed the Garden of Europe, was only a 30-minute drive from the center of Amsterdam?

Those old-school windmills, endless fields, and immaculate gardens filled with tulips that Holland is renowned for are much easier to reach from the capital than you’d expect. 

As these gardens are only open for around eight weeks of the year, you’ll need to plan your visit between March and May.

You have a couple of options to get here. The quickest way to reach Keukenhof is by car, but taxis can be costly, so it may work out cheaper to get a rental car and make your own way there. 

Lots of tour companies run shuttle buses from Central Station, which is a more budget-friendly alternative. 

For a fuss-free experience, the Keukenhof & Windmill Village Guided Tour will take care of your transport, entry ticket, and guided tour. This particular day trip also allows you to see traditional clogs being crafted and even includes a cheese tasting.

34. Zaanse Schans

Another picturesque area that seems like a world away from Amsterdam is Zaanse Schans, a stunning neighborhood in the town of Zaandam.

You’ll be transported back to the 19th century as you wander past colorful wooden houses and windmills, many of which were actually relocated here from other towns nearby towns.

Zaanse Schans is reachable by car in less than 20 minutes, or you can hop on one of the buses from Central Station, which takes around 40 minutes. 

I recommend catching the short train to Zaandijk – Zaanse Schans and walking to the neighborhood from here. Alternatively, if you’re up for an active day, you can rent a bike and visit Zaanse Schans on two wheels!

If you are after a hassle-free experience, check out this Guided Zaanse Schans & Cheese Tasting Tour , where you’ll see the best of the area with your knowledgeable guide.

Another great option is this Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam & Marken Bus Tour . It’s a full-day tour that combines Zaanse Schans with trips to the adorable Volendam fishing village and the town of Edam. No prizes for guessing why Edam is so well-known!

35. Giethoorn

Giethoorn might just be the cutest village you’ll ever lay your eyes on! Narrow waterways, old-fashioned thatched-roof homes, and wooden bridges make up this car-free pocket of The Netherlands. 

Unless you’re renting a car, the best way to get to Giethoorn is by taking the train from Central Station to Zwolle train station and changing to the 70 bus from here until you reach the village center.

If you’d rather let someone else do the planning, the Giethoorn & Enclosing Dike Day Trip will tick all of your boxes, taking you past the Enclosing Dike, a dam-come-motorway on your journey to Giethoorn.

While here, you’ll go on a tranquil cruise along the water and go for a wander during your free time.

36. Volendam

The Netherlands is blessed with some of Europe’s loveliest towns and villages, and Volendam is among the best of them.

With direct links to the center of Amsterdam, you can reach Volendam in less than 25 minutes on bus 316 and enjoy the town’s delightful seafood alongside the fishing boats and multi-colored homes.

For a deep dive into Dutch culture, I think you’ll find this Marken, Volendam, and Edam Full-Day Tour to your liking. On this excursion, you’ll stop by the teeny village of Marken and get a masterclass in cheese-making in the town of Edam.

This tour also offers some add-ons for an extra special day out, such as a boat trip, windmill entry, and a clog-making demonstration.

37. Rotterdam

The Netherlands’s second most-populated city, Rotterdam, is Amsterdam’s modern and eclectic little sister, where you’ll be in awe of the bold architecture, high-rise buildings, and big-city vibe.

Exploring Rotterdam from Amsterdam is so convenient, as both the high-speed and regular trains will land you here in under an hour. 

Anyone short on time can spend an afternoon checking the cube houses, the Market Hall, and the massive harbor off their lists before returning to Amsterdam in no time.

I suggest looking into this Guided Trip to Rotterdam, Delft & The Hague for a well-rounded and fascinating day trip. After you’ve seen Rotterdam’s highlights, you’ll head to the charming city of Delft and The Hague, which the Dutch royal family and government call home.

For a European adventure, take advantage of Amsterdam’s close proximity to Belgium and spend a day in the enchanting city of Bruges.

Though Bruges is much smaller than Amsterdam, it’s a city that’s also famed for its canals and storied past. 

Amsterdam is extremely well-connected, making it possible to arrive in Bruges within three hours by train. There are also a few companies that operate buses between the two cities, and this is often a cheaper option.

If you’d rather join a guided tour, this Day Trip to Bruges from Amsterdam tour has you covered. You’ll spend some of your day visiting spots like the Grote Markt and the Belfry with your guide, as well as getting some free time.

39. Brussels 

From one captivating Belgian city to another, you won’t regret spending some of your vacation in lively Brussels.

Unless you’re joining a guided tour, I recommend taking a high-speed train from Amsterdam, which will bring you to the Belgian capital in under two hours. Catch an early departure to ensure you have ample time to visit the Grand Place, Royal Galleries, and some chocolate shops.

Brussels has so much to see and do, and this day trip will take you to all the must-see spots while also taking care of your transport. When you’ve had your fill of sightseeing, you’ll have some extra time to munch on Belgian fries and waffles or sample one of their legendary beers.

Where to stay in Amsterdam

If you’re a first-time visitor, then you’ll want to stay close to the city center, and there are plenty of options.

De Pijp is the city’s bohemian quarter and home to some of the best bars and streetside cafes. If you’re looking for something a little more upmarket, then Jordaan is an excellent option with its gorgeous 17th-century townhouses and top-class restaurants. Oud West is another charming area with leafy parks and plenty to do.

If you want to read more about the best areas to stay in the city, make sure to check out our in-depth post about  where to stay in Amsterdam . For an unforgettable stay, browse through the list of the  best Amsterdam hotels with canal views or the best luxury hotels in Amsterdam .

In case you’re in a rush, here are my top hotel recommendations for different budgets.

• Ultimate Luxury  |  Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam
• Best Views  |  Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht
• Rooftop Pool  |  W Amsterdam
• Mid-range  |  Hotel Mercier
• Budget  |  Conscious Hotel Westerpark

Planning a trip to Amsterdam?

Then you might want to take a look at all our other travel guides about Amsterdam. I promise, they are just as awesome as this article was!

Amsterdam hotel guides:

• Where to Stay in Amsterdam: 10 Best Areas & Hotels
• 24 Best Amsterdam Hotels with Canal Views
• 13 Best Luxury Hotels in Amsterdam for an Unforgettable City Break

Amsterdam travel guides:

• 16 Best Canal Cruises in Amsterdam You Can’t Go Wrong With
• One Day in Amsterdam: How to See the Best of Amsterdam in a Day
• The Perfect 2 Days in Amsterdam Itinerary for First Timers
• 3 Days in Amsterdam: The Perfect Amsterdam Itinerary
• How to Spend 4 Days in Amsterdam: Ultimate Itinerary for First Timers
• 14 Best Breakfast Places in Amsterdam You Have to Try

Pin It for Later!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

20 Amsterdam travel tips & hacks to bookmark today

Things to do in Amsterdam Amsterdam Travel Guide Amsterdam Travel Tips

Amsterdam features on the bucket list of travelers from across the globe. More than 18 million tourists visit the city each year, ranging from weekend tourists to tulip chasers, and those who want to experience Dutch culture. The city has fantastic infrastructure and is extremely tourist-friendly but it is also grappling with an explosion of tourism. We have listed our top travel tips that have been vetted by the locals to help you navigate the city for the first time. Read these Amsterdam travel tips to travel cheaper, explore better, and enjoy your time in the city (away from the tourist traps).

Amsterdam Essentials

Starting with the essentials, here's what you must know before getting to Amsterdam.

Language Dutch

Time zone GMT+1

Country Code +31

Socket Type C and F

Currency Euros €

Best Time To Visit Amsterdam

April to May

Spring, from April to May, is hands down the best time to visit Amsterdam. The weather is perfect and it is the Tulip season! September to November is also a great time to visit Amsterdam as the weather is idyllic, especially to explore the canals and countryside and you have fewer tourists to contend with. Summer from June to August is always a fun time in Amsterdam with music concerts and summer festivals. In winter, the city gets cold and dreary but airfares are cheap and you will have very few tourists, leaving ample time to explore the city’s museums and indoor attractions.

Amsterdam Travel Tips 101 - A First Timer's Holy Grail

Below are the tips and hacks you're here for. Read on and thank me later!

#1 Tulips Bloom only in April and May

Almost every stock photograph of Amsterdam will feature tulips or a windmill, but you must know that tulips bloom for a short period in spring from mid-March to mid-May. This is undoubtedly the peak season as people flock in from different parts of the world to witness the tulips blooming in their colourful glory, so plan your trip in advance if you're keen on viewing a tulip clad Amsterdam. The best place to view these flowers in all their glory is the Keukenhof Gardens, about 40KM away from Amsterdam. A group tour is a convenient and cheap way to get straight to the gardens and back. After a visit to the gardens, you can rent a bike and explore the nearby flower fields or take a boat ride through the canals.

Here's all you need to know before planning to trip from Amsterdam to the Keukenhof Tulips Gardens .

#2 Cruise the canals, but don’t caper along!

The canals of Amsterdam date back to the 17th century when the swampland was drained to create a new urban area inside the boundaries of the Singelgracht. The entire canal area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a picturesque urban landscape. An enjoyable way to explore is by taking a canal cruise and you can upgrade it with a meal experience. However, be careful even as you are on the boat, and keep your belongings handy it’s tough to find lost objects! Also, avoid walking along the canals at nights, especially if you're slightly tipsy!

Read more about the most popular Amsterdam Canal Cruises , their prices, tips on choosing the best and deals you can't find elsewhere.

#3 Go further from the Centrum for cheaper and authentic stays

The Centrum or the central area of Amsterdam is one of the most beautiful neighbourhoods in the city. But, it is also the most touristy and if you want to get a taste of how the locals live you need to move further away from the Ring. Some of the good areas to find a place to stay in are Noord, West (Bos en Lomer, Oud West, Westerpark, De Barrsjes), Zuid (Museum Quarter, De Pijp, Oud-Zuid, Zuidas), Oost, Zuidoost, Diemen, Amstelveen, and Bijmar.

#4 Stroll by the local market for sights and scents

For a sumptuous taste of traditional Amsterdam, the local markets of the city are like open air museums. The Singel flower market (Bloemenmarkt) is a year-round flower market that is an explosion of colors selling tulips in spring and Christmas fairs in winter. The Albert Cuypmarket is the largest outdoor market and the place to get a bite and free music. Waterlooplein , Noordermarkt flea market , and Sunday Market Westergas are some of the other markets where you can take a tour and enjoy the atmosphere. Make sure you squeeze in a visit to atleast one local market during your stay.

#5 Cycle ONLY along the bike lane in Amsterdam

Renting a cycle or participating in a cycle tour is a great way to explore the city and you must try it atleast once on your trip. In fact, it's one of the most symbolic and easiest ways to explore this canal city. Stick to the bicycle lane on the right side of the road that is marked by symbols and never drive on the footpaths or the main road. Also, do not stop in the middle of the bike lane for photographs, step aside and give way to other cyclists. Locals cycle in the city quite often, so you're likely to be holding up the office-going crowd for your selfies.

#6 Cross the ring and venture into the picturesque countryside

Amsterdam has a lot to offer but if you are there for more than 24 hours head out to the countryside where you can experience the simple rural living. Here you can view windmills, meandering canals and open fields that are characteristic of Netherlands. Choose to go on a day tour to destinations like Volendam, Edam, Zaanse Schans, Marken, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Giethoorn. Group tours from Headout are cheap, they help plan your travel, is always inclusive of coach transfers and ensure your day is packed with things to do.

Read more about planning a day trip from Amsterdam to Volendam and Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans .

#7 Keep your summer evenings free for concerts and events

Summer is the best time to be in Amsterdam for travelers who love to let their hair down and enjoy a night out. There are almost 200 events happening any given weekend. Some of the biggest summer events are Kwaku Summer Festival , Vondelpark Open Air Theatre , ARTIS Summer nights , and Pride Amsterdam . Urban beaches open up for swimming in areas like Sloterplas and Amsterdam Bos, and rooftop terraces turn into party venues.

#8 Head to a Coffee shop for an espresso and not a Coffeeshop

Little does a space make a difference in a word as much as it does with Coffeeshop and Coffee Shop! A coffee shop in Amsterdam is a regular cafe that serves beverages and snacks. A Coffeeshop is where you can purchase marijuana and related products. Be aware especially if you are traveling with kids, before entering the store. Never buy more than 5 gms at a time and ask questions if you are unsure! Only a coffeeshop is allowed to sell cannabis products, so do not buy edibles from souvenir shops as they may not be the real deal.

#9 Be prepared for emergencies and stay protected with travel insurance

Emergencies can happen anytime, from a marijuana trip gone wrong to a bicycle accident, best way is to get travel insurance so you are covered from shelling out for expensive hospital treatment. The emergency number to remember in Amsterdam is 112, to reach the police, fire and ambulance. The city has an emergency doctor service available and you can call 088 003 0600 to reach a doctor 24x7. You can call 0900 8844 for non-emergency police enquiries like reporting theft etc.

#10 Balance out your card and cash depending on your sightseeing day

Transaction costs and currency conversion charges are standard across Europe. In Amsterdam, if you are using a credit card or withdrawing cash from an ATM you will need a card with a four-digit PIN, as a five or six digit PIN will not work. Also, if you are eating street food or shopping in local markets, its best to carry small coins and notes. The best way to cover attractions expenses is by buying city passes like the I Amsterdam Card, or buying combo tickets that give you access to multiple attractions with a single purchase. Even better, buying your Amsterdam sightseeing tickets online beforehand will negate the need to carry handy cash at all times.

#11 Use Able Amsterdam for Wheelchair Friendly Attractions

Amsterdam with its canals and busy cyclists feels like an active buzzing place and while it is, it is also tuned in to those with mobility issues. Able Amsterdam has a wonderful resource of wheelchair friendly attractions and things to do including in the city. There is also a list of restaurants, cafes, gyms and public spaces, and a city map that shows the routes that are all accessible by wheelchair.

#12 Always, always carry an umbrella

Amsterdam weather is quite unpredictable and gets on an average 200 days of rain in year which means the chances of you getting caught in the rain are pretty high. Regardless of what the weather app says, keep a raincoat or umbrella handy against the elements!

#13 It never hurts to say Dank je wel

Most Dutch and locals in Amsterdam speak English well and you won’t have a problem communicating in general, unlike other European cities. But, even the locals appreciate you putting in a bit of effort with their language and it is good to learn a few phrases and words. Try this when you are in Amsterdam – Dank je wel (Thank you), Alstublieft (Please), Tot Zeins (Goodbye), Goedmorgen (Good Morning), Ja and Nee (Yes and No), Kaartje (Ticket), and Hoveel Kost Deze (How much is this?).

#14 Know the Red Light District etiquettes

Historically and even today, the Red Light District in Amsterdam runs brothels where sex workers can safely conduct their business but mass tourism has turned it into a voyeuristic tourist attraction. You should definitely visit it to experience a side of Amsterdam but don’t go with guided tours as they are banned. Don’t take photographs of the women in the windows, and certainly don’t deal with street vendors for anything. Behave like you would in any other neighborhood in the city!

#15 Go beyond the magnets and collect interesting souvenirs

Amsterdam is full of interesting things to buy as souvenirs for friends back home. You can choose from a variety of edibles like Dutch cheese, alcohol, unique Dutch licorice or candy like pepernoten, hagelslag, and muisjes. Don’t miss out on buying wooden clogs from Zaanse Schans, or blue and white pottery from Delft. Bicycle covers, cookie moulds, funky crockery and designer wear are some of the good quality items you can buy in the markets in Amsterdam.

#16 Tipping is optional so keep the calculators in

Amsterdam has a good living wage even for restaurant workers, which is why unlike USA tipping is not mandatory. If you are eating out in a fancy restaurant you can tip up to 10% if you are exceptionally happy with the service. But do remember that customer service here does not mean waiting on you hand and foot, it is more relaxed and organized to assist you rather than pamper you. You don’t need to tip in bars or cafes; at the most you can round it off to the nearest zero.

#17 Amsterdam locks down early so plan for your midnight munchies

Amsterdam is known for its nightlife but its mainstream restaurants and cafes close down by 10 PM for dinner orders. Even most supermarkets close by 9 PM – 10 PM and all you have left are the snack bars in the centre of the town that open 24x7. If you are planning for a late night out, it’s best to keep snacks handy back at your accommodation unless you plan on going hungry! In summer, ensure you have reservations at top restaurants because everything is booked out.

#18 Keep your passport on you and valuables locked away

Tourists are required to keep their passports on them at all times during their stay in Amsterdam. Make sure you carry a strap on pouch that will hold all your valuables, however just stick to carrying minimum cash, one card and a form of ID. Crime rate is quite low but pickpocketing is common in tourist areas, especially Red Light District and Centraal. You can also store your luggage in storage lockers in Central Station and Schiphol Airport with prices starting from €7 for 24 hours.

#19 Design rules in Amsterdam, pick a hostel or hotel for a unique stay

Amsterdam is a hip city that thrives on good design, even hostels and budget hotels are designed aesthetically and fit right into the cool vibe of the city. These hostels & hotels are theme-oriented and are even cheaper than homestays. Some of the best hostels in Amsterdam are Ecomama, Cocomama, ClinkNoord, Hostel Van Gogh, and Lucky Lake Hostel. The most unique hotels in Amsterdam are Qbic Hotel, Hotel Not Hotel, Volkshotel, Lloyd Hotel, and Amstel Botel.

#20 Don’t be fooled into buying tulip bulbs in spring and other scams

Tulip bulbs will bloom in spring only if they are planted in autumn. You will not find healthy bulbs in any other season in Amsterdam and you are likely being cheated! Also, if you stay in USA or Canada, make sure your tulips are certified else they will be thrown out at the airport. Other scams to look out for in Amsterdam are – There are no free canal cruises, be sure you go with a well-known canal cruise tour, never buy weed from street vendors and rent bikes from proper shops and not from guys just standing outside your hotel (He might be a bike thief!)

Tips For Saving Money On Transportation In Amsterdam

• Amsterdam is considered as the bike capital of the world and you will find cycles or ‘fiets’ everywhere in the city. You can rent a cycle for about €7 for a couple of hours or €9.50 for 24 hours at most bike rentals; however it gets cheaper renting for multiple days.
• The I Amsterdam Card is perfect for sightseeing because it also includes free transport (bus, tram and metro) for the duration of the card. You can choose from five variants of the card – 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, 96 hours and 120 hours.
• If you choose to travel by public transport you will have to buy a ticket or use the transport card. Make sure you validate both; in case of the card tap it on the reader in the transport. If you fail to do so and are checked you will be fined, leading to unnecessary fines!
• The best way to reach from Schiphol Airport to Central Amsterdam is by taking the train. It costs only €5.50 for a single ticket (with €1 surcharge for disposable ticket) and takes about 15-20 minutes. You can use connecting metros to other areas or get out and take the tram to your hotel.
• The train network in Amsterdam is efficient and cheap compared to any other mode of transport. It is ideal even to get around to nearby cities and suburbs like Haarlem, Utrecht and Leiden.
• Group tours are a convenient way to go on day trips outside of Amsterdam. These group tours plan your travel and ensure your transport costs are shared, and you have a comfortable ride in an AC vehicle. Headout has several group tours to Volendam, Zaanse Schans, Giethoorn and Rotterdam.
• Hiring a car is an enjoyable way to explore most of Europe but when exploring Amsterdam give the rental car a miss and take the public transport. You will save money plus you can use bikes to navigate the narrow canal roads and take walks to fully enjoy the shifting landscape of Netherlands.

Tips For Saving Money On Eating In Amsterdam

• Street food is the savior of backpackers across the world and it’s no different in Amsterdam. You will find street vendors and food trucks with Dutch favourites like Stroop waffles, Herring, Frites, Bitterballen, Leidse Kaas and Poffjertes.
• ‘Dagschotel’ is what the dish of the day is featured as on most menus in Amsterdam’s restaurants. It is the cheapest dish on the menu served for lunch and will help you save a few euros.
• ‘Eat where the locals do’ is one of the most common travel tips you will hear anywhere in the world. The Dutch in Amsterdam spend their time in what they call ‘Bruin cafes’ or Brown cafes, which are warm and comfortable cafes that serve authentic and affordable food. De Wetering, In ‘t Aepjen, Papeneiland and Het Molenpad are some of the best brown cafes in Amsterdam.
• All you can eat buffets are excellent places to fill up on a wholesome meal for less than €20. Of course, these buffet restaurants do not offer Dutch cuisine and mostly offer Chinese or Asian specialties. Some of the good restaurants are Restaurant Vandaag, Shabu Shabu, Genki Garden and La Cubanita.
• Water is not cheap in Amsterdam and can run up to €2.50 at kiosks in tourist locations. You will rarely also get water freely in restaurants, which is why it’s a good idea to buy water bottles at grocery stores or bring a bottle from home and fill them up in public water outlets.
• You will notice a lot of Argentinian steakhouses in Amsterdam, especially in the tourist centre. Just remember, they are all tourist traps and they have nothing to do with the culture of the city. Instead, opt for ‘Tokos’ or restaurants that serve Surinamese and Indonesian food, cultures that came along to the city after the Indonesian revolution.
• If you are looking forward to a round of drinks before dinner, try going to a hostel. Most of the hostels serve alcohol at cheap rates and have a fun atmosphere to boot! Have a drink there and then head out to the nightclubs for a cheap night out.
• The best way to save money on food in Amsterdam continues to be buying your own groceries! Even if you don’t have the time or space to cook big meals, you can buy basic stuff to make sandwiches to save on at least a meal every day.

More Tips To Save Money In Amsterdam

• Choose hostels – Amsterdam is known for its unique and designer hostels, while they are cheaper than most star hotels they do not have a grungy backpacker vibe and are suitable for couples and groups of travelers too. AirBnbs are the next best option to save money, especially for families traveling to Amsterdam.
• Grab a city pass - The I Amsterdam Card, Holland Pass and This is Holland Access Ticket are the passes you should consider while sightseeing in the city. With canal cruises, free public transport and free access to museums like Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Rembrandt, save money while exploring Amsterdam with these passes.
• Get a nightlife ticket - You should not miss out on the nightlife while in Amsterdam and cover charges can make quite a dent in your pocket. Avoid those charges by taking the Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket which costs €10 (2 days access) and €20 (7 days access) for 20 popular nightclubs including Club Escape, Air Amsterdam, Club Panama, Blue Ivy nightclub and Supperclub.
• Buy attractions tickets online in advance – Online booking for tickets works on multiple fronts. It helps you plan your trip in advance, saves time in queues and saves money by purchasing tickets with offers. Headout has several discounted tickets for Amsterdam attractions and group tours, additionally you can also avail cashback and use it for other tickets.
• Squeeze a visit to the free attractions in Amsterdam - Entry to Amsterdam’s museums is never free but there are other iconic attractions in Amsterdam that are absolutely free. Take a free ride on the GVB Amsterdam Ferry, visit the Civic Guard’s Gallery in the Amsterdam Museum, and walk into the courtyard of Begijnhof. Head to Vondelpark for open-air concerts, or take a stroll through Rijksmuseum Garden, all of these are free!

Top 10 Things To Do in Amsterdam

I'm sure you have your itinerary all sorted, but here are my top 10 favourites in Amsterdam. If any of these are missing from your itinerary, make sure you squeeze them in! There are a few recommended tours for each attraction, so if you haven't grabbed tickets as yet, now would be a great time.

1 Rijksmuseum

Located in the heart of Amsterdam’s Museum Square, the Rijksmuseum is one of the world’s largest and most famous museums, boasting a vast collection of artworks collected from all over the world. Wander through the museum’s many galleries to take a trip through European art history.

2 Amsterdam Canal Cruise

The best way to take in Amsterdam is from the water, so hop on a cruise of your choice and experience the City of Canals from the canals. From dinner cruises to sightseeing cruises and burger cruises, options are galore.

3 Red Light District

An alley of vices, clad in bright red light, raucous bars and hazy'coffeeshops' and not to forget the strip clubs,the Amsterdam Red Light district is the most happening street in town, for all the right reasons.

4 Anne Frank Walking Tour

See Amsterdam at the time of WWII through the eyes of the 15 year old Anne Frank, a walking tour that takes you from the Jewish Quarter to Anne Frank’s House, for a complete storyline of these dark days. Walk past monuments and buildings still scarred by traces of war.

5 Day Trip To Zaanse Schans, Edam and Volendam

Visit the idyllic town of Zaanse Schans, an open air museum that gives you a glimpse into the countryside living of Netherlands. From marveling at the windmills at Zaanse Schans to learning about local cheese in Edam and visiting the picturesque seaside village of Volendam; there's lots to do outside of Amsterdam.

6 Visit the Tulips at Keukenhof (Spring Only)

Windmills. Tulips, Cheese. Canals. Keukenhof has it all. Hop on a bus and visit the colourful town of Keukenhof where 7 million tulips bloom their best during the months of spring in Netherlands. Only visible for 8 weeks a year, make sure you don’t miss it.

7 Amsterdam Icebar

Feel the chill and the thrill at Amsterdam’s famed Ice Bar. Perfect for party-goers who wish to experience something out of the ordinary, the Ice Bar is one of the city’s best nightlife spots.

8 Amsterdam Dungeon

The most exciting attraction of Amsterdam, the Amsterdam Dungeon hosts comic yet chilling interactions that portray the darkest secrets of Netherlands. Take a seat, be amused, growl and cringe at bold acts that the competent actors pull off.

9 Madame Tussauds Amsterdam

Get your Instagrammable picture taken with Dua Lipa, drink a cup of coffee together with George Clooney, and lots more to do on your visit to the Madame Tussauds Amsterdam.

10 The Heineken Experience

Embark on an interactive tour through the beer giant Heineken's history in its former brewery, with a tasting room finale. ‘Open Your World’ with this Heineken Experience and learn the secrets about the world-famous Pilsner brew.

See more Amsterdam. Save more money.

Save €6 on your first booking with Headout when you use discount code : GOAMS

EXPLORE NOW

I am traveling to Amsterdam, what are some tips on getting around the city?

The best way to get around Amsterdam is by foot or bicycle. There are a number of pathways and bike lanes throughout the city that make it easy to get around without a car. If you are taking public transportation, be sure to purchase a day pass as this will give you unlimited rides on the bus, tram, and metro.

What are some must-see sights in Amsterdam?

There are a number of must-see sights in Amsterdam, including the Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum, and Dam Square. Other popular attractions include the Van Gogh Museum, the Heineken Experience, and the Red Light District.

What are some popular activities to do in Amsterdam?

Some popular activities in Amsterdam include taking a canal cruise, visiting a coffee shop, and going on a bike tour. Other popular activities include exploring the many museums, shopping at the markets, and taking a walk or bike ride through Vondelpark.

What are some tips on finding accommodation in Amsterdam?

There are a number of accommodation options in Amsterdam, including hotels, hostels, Airbnbs, and campgrounds. If you are looking for a unique experience, there are also a number of boat rentals available. Be sure to book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak season.

What are some tips on eating out in Amsterdam?

There are a number of great restaurants in Amsterdam, ranging from casual cafes to fine dining. Many restaurants have outdoor seating which is perfect for people-watching. Some popular Dutch dishes include stroopwafels, poffertjes, and herring.

What are some tips on staying safe in Amsterdam?

As with any city, it is crucial to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions when traveling. Some safety tips for Amsterdam include not carrying all of your valuables with you, being aware of your surroundings at night, and not walking alone in deserted areas.

Lakshmi Menon

Born to parents bit by the wander bug, Lakshmi calls her love for travel "hereditary and habitual". Perpetually ensconced with a book in her hand and a mug of coffee in the other, she has been to over 15 countries in her 23 years of existence and is currently saving miles and money for her solo trip to Iceland. Always hustling towards the least trodden path, she has encountered some wonderful people during her escapades and if you ever meet her, she won't stop gushing about them.

Be a smart traveler

The first to know about trending destinations, travel deals, tips and all things travel.

TTC family of brands

My Trafalgar

Destinations

Get Inspired

866 513 1995

See More Amsterdam Trips

5 million happy guests and counting

Good morning

Goedemorgen

Good evening

Goedenavond

"Amsterdam is filled with iconic sights, but one of the city's greatest joys is simply wandering along the pretty canals, bridges and leafy streets. You never know what you'll discover, from charming bars to traditional cheese shops - and don't forget to look up at those gorgeous gabled facades."

Travel Director

Wander around Amsterdam's labyrinth of canals

We’ll take you for a scenic stroll around Amsterdam’s impressive canals, lined with a jumble of medieval gabled homes, colourful houseboats and leafy squares. With almost 100-kilometres (60 miles) of canals, 1,700 flower-decked bridges, and 7,000 centuries-old buildings, prepare to be amazed by this iconic Amsterdam experience.

See the sturdy Dutch bicycles rattle day and night

Amsterdam is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world, thanks to its flat streets and amazing cycling culture. We’ll show you how to get around town like the locals, pedalling along the pretty canals and around some of the city’s scenic wonders like the beautiful Vondelpark and the trendy Jordaan neighbourhood.

Enjoy a dinner in a historic Dutch House

We’ll show you around Amsterdam’s beautiful medieval buildings - but we’ll also take you inside one of these historic houses for a delicious meal of Dutch delicacies and drinks. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped straight into the Dutch Golden Age as you’re surrounded by the city’s rich history and superb cuisine.

Admire the Royal Palace of Amsterdam

With its magnificent 17th-century architecture and regal history, the Royal Palace is one of the best places to visit in Amsterdam. Although it’s the official reception palace of the Dutch monarch, it’s often open to visitors, and you can waltz across the marble floors, admire the grand hallways, and gaze up at the dazzling chandeliers.

Nibble your way through Amsterdam's traditional foods

Amsterdam’s dining scene is one of Europe’s best, and we’ll take you on a tasting tour with a Local Specialist, to learn all about the flavours of Dutch cuisine. Savour the artisanal specialities at a cheese shop, sample the best fish in town, bite into a sweet stroopwafel, and wash it all down with a local beer or Jenever.

Our top 5 things to do in Amsterdam

Our Amsterdam holidays show you all the iconic Amsterdam attractions like the pretty canals and famous architecture, along with the hidden gems of this captivating city.

Amsterdam Museum

If you’ve ever wanted to learn the history of Amsterdam, you’ve got to visit the Amsterdam Museum. Housed in the old city orphanage, the museum tells the story of this 1,000-year-old city from the Middle Ages to modern times, including a medieval aerial map and masterpieces like Brietner’s The Dam.

Rembrandt House Museum

Hailed as one of the world’s greatest artists, there’s no better place to learn about Rembrandt van Rijn than the Rembrandt House Museum. As the former home where Rembrandt lived and painted for many years, the building has been restored to its 17th-century styling and the museum displays a number of Rembrandt’s masterpieces.

Stedelijk Museum

Located a short stroll from the iconic Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, you have to make a stop at the Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam’s top museum of contemporary and modern art. You’ll see incredible works from the likes of Vincent van Gogh, Jackson Pollock and Andy Warhol, along with photos, sculptures and interactive displays.

Best museums in Amsterdam

You can’t visit this incredible city without making a stop at one of the famous Amsterdam museums, and we’ll show you where to marvel at the masters of art and discover the city’s fascinating history.

You’ll find these deep-fried delights all over Amsterdam, and you’re sure to fall in love with the famous kroket. It’s made with all kinds of fillings like meat, cheese, rice, pasta, mushrooms or vegetables melded with mashed potatoes and a thick béchamel sauce, which is then breaded and deep-fried to crispy perfection.

If you want to try a real Dutch breakfast, it’s got to be hagelslag. It's similar to sprinkles (but definitely not the same!), scattered over a piece of buttered bread and enjoyed by children and adults alike. Chocolate is the most common flavour and it’s sure to become your new favourite morning ritual in Amsterdam.

There are few things more Dutch than the smell of poffertjes wafting through the air and you can’t resist tucking into a cone of these small, fluffy pancakes topped with dripping butter and powdered sugar. Whether you eat them as a snack or dessert, it’s the perfect sweet treat to enjoy on your Amsterdam holiday.

Best food in Amsterdam

One of the best parts of Amsterdam is the delicious cuisine, and our Amsterdam tours will show you all the very best places to satisfy your Dutch food cravings.

What to pack for Amsterdam

Comfortable walking shoes

Whether you’re strolling around the canals or cycling through the streets, you’ll need to bring a comfortable pair of shoes for your Amsterdam trip.

Waterproof coat

Amsterdam gets around 133 rainy days a year, so it’s best to come prepared with a warm and waterproof raincoat. A small umbrella will also come in handy!

A day pack is perfect for holding your raincoat and umbrella, plus all those special souvenirs you pick up on your Amsterdam adventures.

Digital maps

With so many amazing things to do in Amsterdam, it’s a great idea to download the city map to your phone, so you can access it even when your phone is offline.

Camera & extra SD cards

Amsterdam might just be one of the most gorgeous cities you’ll ever visit, so be sure to bring a camera and extra SD cards to capture all that beauty.

Our Europe & Britain destinations

Bosnia Herzegovina

Czech Republic

Liechtenstein

North Macedonia

Northern Ireland

Switzerland

Other worldwide regions we visit

Africa the Middle East

Australia and New Zealand

North and Central America

South America

Get your free brochure

Find your next escape with the world's leading travel brand

Request A Brochure

Award winning tours

Every year, we're proud to win some of the most prestigious travel accolades around the world - from the Travel Globes to the Agent's Choice Awards

Search Our Tours

Help & Info

WE MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Unedited Reviews

Our Destination Management Companies

Frequently Asked Questions

Travel Updates

Media & Press Room

Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information

Travel Planning

Get Your Free Brochure

Travel Insurance

Booking Conditions

Trip Deposit Level

Recommendations

Trafalgar Tours Limited is a proud member of  The Travel Corporation  family of companies.

#SimplyTrafalgar

Travel House, Rue du Manoir St Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 2JH

Selected Region

United States

United Kingdom

New Zealand

South Africa

Copyright 2024 Trafalgar. All rights reserved.

Terms and Conditions

Privacy Policy

Cookie Policy

Amsterdam tours

The Dutch capital has so much to offer. Stroll over the idyllic canals, bike around the city, and taste deliciously delicate poffertjes and so much more on all our trips to Amsterdam.

4.7 out of 5 stars

4.6 out of 5 stars

4.5 out of 5 stars

4.9 out of 5 stars

Get paired with your perfect tour

Answer six questions and we’ll narrow down our 175+ tours to just a few that are made for you.

Already booked? Add excursions!

Add handpicked experiences to dive deeper into culture, and stay longer on the tour extension.

Combine your Club Go credits

If you have an account, you’re part of Club Go—and you earn rewards after every trip.

Group travel made easy

We offer 200+ immersive, guided tours around the world. Wherever you choose to go, you’ll enjoy lots of advantages that make traveling with us different.

That’s all it takes to secure a spot on one of our group tours when you sign up for AutoPay . Plus, you can pay in interest-free, monthly installments.

While you’re deciding what to take, we’ll be busy arranging your hotels, meals, tickets, and more tour essentials. That’s what going guided is all about .

Take off on your big adventure— but why stop there? Every trip you book with us earns rewards that you can use to keep expanding your horizons.

Talk to a travel expert about our Amsterdam tours

Chat online.

Chat instantly with us during our normal hours, or leave a message and we'll get back to you ASAP.

Schedule a call

Let us know your preferred time to chat and a travel expert will reach out.

Schedule now

We're available every day from our offices in Boston and Denver at 1-800-590-1161

What our travelers say about their Amsterdam tours

Travel tips for amsterdam trips.

Amsterdam is known for its picturesque canals, and there’s no better way to see the city than by boat. On a canal cruise, you can admire all the houseboats, stunning architecture, and incredible history as you give your feet a bit of a rest, too.

Another great thing to do on a trip to Amsterdam is visit Bloemenmarkt, the world’s only floating flower market. It’s bright, exciting, and completely picturesque. Plus, it’s a great spot to find souvenirs like flower bulbs and wooden clogs.

And, of course, one of the most notable things to do on our trips to Amsterdam is bike through the streets. You can rent a bicycle, and enjoy the many bike lanes and paths. Feel the rush of air on your face as you make your way to local restaurants, breweries, and cheese shops galore!

If you’re planning a trip to Amsterdam, springtime is the perfect time to frolic among a rainbow of tulips. In fact, we curated our  Amsterdam & the Keukenhof Gardens  tour for that very reason. 

The flower markets during tulip season are incredibly vibrant, and the whole city comes to life along with all the tulips. Learn more about  what it’s like to take Amsterdam tours in the spring . 

Tulips not your thing? Winter is a great time for trips to Amsterdam’s  holiday markets . These festive, annual markets feel as magical as they look. With mulled wine and delicious smells, it’ll be an experience you won’t ever forget.

Check out our  Amsterdam Travel Guide  to see what our Amsterdam tours are like in every season.

There are so many things to do and places to see, but here are some of the top places to visit in Amsterdam:

• The Van Gogh Museum.  This is a can’t-miss spot for anyone interested in art or history, and you’ll visit on our  Amsterdam, Luxembourg & Brussels tour.  From the fantastical light projections to the timeline of the artist’s fascinating life, you’ll immerse yourself in Van Gogh’s life.
• The Anne Frank House.  Pay a visit to this storied museum during your free time. Nestled on a quiet street, you’ll learn about the city’s more somber past as you walk through the home where Anne Frank once hid.
• Dam Square.  This is the main square in Amsterdam, and home to some of the grandest buildings in Europe. It’s such a sight to see that it’s one of the first stops on our  Highlights of Northern Europe tour !

One thing to know is that bicycles are a widely popular way of getting around the city. You’ll feel just like a local if you rent a bike and ride it through the streets. Just lock it up before leaving it to go explore indoors!

All of our guided tours to Amsterdam offer some free time, too. Here’s what you can do with it:

• Walk the 9 Little Streets. These alleyways are located in Amsterdam’s canal belt, and they overflow with adorable shops, cafes, restaurants, and galleries. It’s a great taste of everyday life in Amsterdam!
• Stroll through Vondelpark. Nearby, you’ll find the biggest park in the Netherlands. The green space and ponds make for the perfect break during any of our Amsterdam tours.
• Get stroopwafels at Albert Cuyp Market. These thin, crispy waffles filled with caramel or honey inside are absolutely divine, especially with a warm mug of coffee or hot cocoa. The market is full of all kinds of souvenirs, groceries, and other street foods, too.

When on an Amsterdam guided tour, you’ll see the best of the city without the stress of planning a trip. Our Amsterdam trip packages are led by local guides who are experts in the region. That means you’ll experience what it’s like to live like a local, while exploring the sites.

See the latest from our travelers @goaheadtours

• The Netherlands Tourism
• The Netherlands Hotels
• The Netherlands Bed and Breakfast
• The Netherlands Vacation Rentals
• Flights to The Netherlands
• The Netherlands Restaurants
• Things to Do in The Netherlands
• The Netherlands Travel Forum
• The Netherlands Photos
• All The Netherlands Hotels
• The Netherlands Hotel Deals
• Last Minute Hotels in The Netherlands
• The Netherlands
• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Vacation Rentals
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travelers' Choice
• Help Center

Travel in and around Amsterdam. - The Netherlands Forum

• Europe    
• The Netherlands    

Travel in and around Amsterdam.

• United States Forums
• Europe Forums
• Canada Forums
• Asia Forums
• Central America Forums
• Africa Forums
• Caribbean Forums
• Mexico Forums
• South Pacific Forums
• South America Forums
• Middle East Forums
• Honeymoons and Romance
• Business Travel
• Train Travel
• Traveling With Disabilities
• Tripadvisor Support
• Solo Travel
• Bargain Travel
• Timeshares / Vacation Rentals
• Europe forums
• The Netherlands forum

What will be the best travel pass we can use? The Amsterdam and region pass will be valid for which all places from above? And the ones where that pass won’t work, what’s the best ticket or pass to buy?

2 replies to this topic

For travelling to The Hague and Utrecht , you can buy an off-peak group ticket. This is a cheaper train ticket, for a group up to seven people. But this ticket is only valid on off-peak hours. This means it isn't valid on weekdays from 6:30 am till 9:00 am and from 4:00 pm till 6:30 pm. For 7 people, this ticket is 50 euro's one way, so 7,15 per person.

Thanks so much. This is really helpful. One question though. The gvk ticket you mentioned, is it for consecutive days? Or I can use it for the days I wish?

Also, if you can help with Geithoorn. Thanks again.

• Discover holland-contact 1:17 am
• Final Check on this weekend plan 7:05 pm
• Best place to vistit after Amsterdam 6:53 pm
• Canal view hotel in quiet, charming, location 6:19 pm
• Making a purchase through iDEAL as US citizen 5:49 pm
• Trip report: April 2024 3:44 pm
• Taxi fare from Schiphol 2:58 pm
• Trip Report: A Whirlwind 4-Night Adventure for Tulips & More yesterday
• Amsterdam Schipol is a nightmare yesterday
• Piet Heinkade 27 yesterday
• Amsterdam to Bruges yesterday
• Family Hotel/ accommodation yesterday
• Breakfast options near Westcord Art hotel yesterday
• Too late for tulips? Apr 18, 2024
• Amsterdam - Dusseldorf 7 replies
• Keukenhof Tulip Festival 2010 15 replies
• Amsterdam to Groningen? 4 replies
• Good movies to watch before going? 14 replies
• Train from Amsterdam to Breda 6 replies
• need invitation letter for visa 6 replies
• Speeding Ticket 19 replies
• Beaches and beach towns near Delft 4 replies
• Where is the best place to see windmills. 8 replies
• high speed train from amsterdam to paris 3 replies
• The Keukenhof. All you need to know about visiting
• OV Chipcard overview
• Trains - domestic and international

We’re on the road right now – join in on the fun and follow @thebrokebackpacker on IG!

• Meet the Team
• Work with Us
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Scandinavia
• Philippines
• South Korea
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Budget Travel
• Work & Travel
• The Broke Backpacker Manifesto
• Travel Resources
• How to Travel on $10/day

Home » Europe » Netherlands » Amsterdam

Epic 3-Day Amsterdam Itinerary (2024)

Amsterdam is a city on many traveller’s bucket lists. It’s full of exciting sights, beautiful architecture, and classic European charm. There is an abundance of things to keep you busy during a trip here, and many experiences that are unique to the city!

If you’re planning a trip to Amsterdam and you’re not entirely sure yet what to see or do in the city, this itinerary should be a great help to you! We’ve put together some exciting suggestions for your Amsterdam trip, where to go, must-see spots, and even a few free things to do in Amsterdam!

While there may be too many things to see and do on just one short trip to Amsterdam, we hope you’re ready for a jam-packed itinerary on your trip to the city.

Of course, you can always head out and explore the city spontaneously, but if you’re on a short trip you risk missing out on some of the best spots. This 3-day Amsterdam trip planner has the best of the best and is organised into an order that should allow you to see it all and really enjoy your time there.

And if you can stay a bit longer, we’ve added in some extra cool places at the end as well!

Let’s have a look…

A Little Bit about this Amsterdam Itinerary

Where to stay in amsterdam, amsterdam itinerary day 1: coffee, views and culture, amsterdam itinerary day 2: arts and weed, amsterdam itinerary day 3: ferry rides and parks, what to do with more than 3 days in amsterdam, best time to visit amsterdam, plan a trip to amsterdam – what to prepare, faq on amsterdam itinerary, final thoughts.

Whether you’re flying straight into the city for a short trip, or you’re backpacking in Amsterdam , there are so many things to see and do!

While you can do a lot of walking around the different neighbourhoods, it may take you a while to get from one to another on foot. Most Mokummers (or Amsterdammers) travel by bike , and for this reason, public transport is not as reliable as one would hope. 

That’s why it’s important to stay in the right area. Luckily, most of Amsterdam’s epic hostels are located in the ideal neighbourhood to explore the city. They might even offer free bikes that you can make use of!

You can travel by bus or tram through the city too. Buying a transport pass will save you some money. Alternatively, you can rent a bike for the duration of your stay, and look like a real local! 

While getting from one stop to the next, really try not to rush things and rather enjoy the beautiful city with its parks, cute alleys and canals. We’ve planned each day to be entertaining but not overpacked, so there’s always time to stop at a little coffee shop or chill along one of the beautiful canals here and there.

Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!

Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox.

3-Day Amsterdam Itinerary Overview

• Day 1 in Amsterdam: Jordaan District , Anne Frank House , Westertoren Tower , A’Dam Lookout , Brouwerij ‘t IJ , Heineken Experience , Red Light District
• Day 2 in Amsterdam: Museumplein , Rijksmuseum , Van Gogh Museum , Hash Marijuana & Hemp Museum , Cannabis Coffeeshop , Canal Cruise , Leidseplein
• Day 3 in Amsterdam: Ferry to Amsterdam North , House of Bols , Stroll a Park , Dam Square
• More Places to See in Amsterdam: Ouderkerk aan de Amstel , Foodhallen , OT301

With Amsterdam City Pass , you can experience the best of Amsterdam at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

Amsterdam is quite small but full of diverse and interesting neighbourhoods. The entire city is divided into 8 districts, each of which has its own neighbourhood divisions. Choosing a place to stay in Amsterdam is probably a question of what kind of visit you want.

For example, there are quite a lot of hostels right inside the red light district and in fact, some of the best hostels in Amsterdam are here. However, it can be loud and raucous and some find the surrounding temptations hard to resist.

Most visitors find the Old Centrum district the easiest and most convenient place to stay. You can reach anything and everything from here. It’s perfect whether you’re looking to shop, go on a canal cruise, or explore a museum or three. Old Centrum is also home to the infamous Red Light District, for those who are intrigued. There are also loads of the Best Airbnbs in Amsterdam in this location.

A slightly less touristy neighbourhood would be Oud Oost. This is the ideal place to find accommodation if you’d like to immerse yourself in the life of locals. While there aren’t as many tourist attractions to be found in the neighbourhood itself, you’ll be close enough to the Old Centrum district to enjoy the activities there.

With so many things to do in Amsterdam , you should be sure to stay somewhere where you can get to all the sights easily and quickly.

Best Hostel in Amsterdam – St Christopher’s at the Winston

With so many amazing hostels to be found in Amsterdam, it can be hard to pick a favourite. This is one that really stands out though. Its central location, beer garden, and cheap continental breakfasts put this hostel at the top of the list. They also give food and drink discounts for nearby bars and restaurants!

Best Airbnb in Amsterdam – Best Amstel View

For a novel stay in Amsterdam, what could be better than renting a private houseboat? This cool Airbnb can sleep up to seven people in three bedrooms (plus a sofa bed in the living room). The comfy living room provides incredible views over the water, and you can sit and chill on the outside deck too. There’s a long dining table and a well-equipped kitchen, as well as a separate toilet and the main bathroom.

Best Budget Hotel in Amsterdam – Hotel Plantage

Located in the heart of Amsterdam this hotel offers brilliantly green views of the city. With many fascinating attractions and landmarks, you’ll be positioned perfectly to enjoy Amsterdam. Free WIFI, comfy rooms, and all necessary amenities will ensure you experience a pleasant, but affordable stay.

Best Luxury Hotel in Amsterdam – Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht

Flowing with luxury from the inside out, Andaz Amsterdam is the most elegant place to stay in this magnificent city. The beautifully designed rooms, all boasting modern comforts, are sure to make you want to stay in all day. The convenient location makes this one of the best hotels in Amsterdam to enjoy the best of your visit.

You can also check out all the best VRBOs in Amsterdam !

The first day of your 3 days in Amsterdam is packed with all sorts of things. From exploring famous districts to some short physical activity (nothing too bad, we promise!), a bit of culture and beer tasting.

For all the curious people, we’ve added in the Red Light District at the end of Day 1, but if that’s not your thing, you can skip it!!

Every map that you see in this article includes a hyperlink to an interactive version on Google Driving. After clicking the map image, the interactive version will be opened in a new tab.

8:30 AM – Explore Jordaan District

The Jordaan district is a culturally-rich area of the city is possibly the best place to start your Amsterdam travel adventure.

Spend your morning strolling down the beautifully decorated streets. Enjoy the colourful architecture on one side and the picturesque canals on the other! There are little shops along the streets too, where you can find charming Dutch souvenirs!

There are plenty of markets to be found in the neighbourhood, as well as some charming old churches.

It’s also one of the best food spots in Amsterdam! If you need your coffee fix in the morning and tasty breakfast, you’ll find loads of cute little cafes in Jordaan District. We’d recommend stopping at Paradox Coffee Shop, one of the best-reviewed cafes in the area. Make sure to eat enough so you’re full for the next couple of hours of explorations.

• Cost  – Free
• How long should I stay here?   1 hour max
• Getting there –  Bike/Metro/Walk, depending on where you stay.

9:00 AM – See the Anne Frank House

If you haven’t yet heard of Anne Frank or her diary, you should definitely do some quick research before your Amsterdam trip. She was a young teen when her family had to go into hiding from the invading Nazis.

Long story short, Anne wrote a diary detailing her family’s time living in this confined attic space. The Anne Frank House is the very place where they hid away and lived for almost 4 years before being captured and tragically dying at a concentration camp!

The house is one of the more popular tourist spots, and it’s definitely a place that everyone should see at least once! However, it’s known to get quite busy and crowded.

Inside the museum, you’ll be told the story of Anne Frank and Amsterdam under Nazi Occupation. The way their lives were during those times, and what exactly happened in that attic. It can be quite an emotional activity, and it is definitely an educational trip, but it’s also a must-see attraction on your 3-days in Amsterdam itinerary.

Take a self-guided audio tour so you really get to grips with what happened here.

• Cost  – $5-12 USD
• How long should I stay here?   1-2 hours max
• Getting there –  It’s in walking distance from Stop 1

11:30 AM – Climb the Westertoren Tower

After a slightly sobering visit to the Anne Frank House, cheer yourself up a bit with some exercise and extraordinary views of Amsterdam! The tower is incredibly close to the Anne Frank House, in fact, Anne wrote about watching the tower out of the Annex’s window.

The Westertoren (or Westerkerk) Tower provides an incredible viewpoint from its platform, located about halfway up the tower. The only way to reach the platform is by climbing a winding spiral staircase, and then a set of ladder-like steps!

As such, it’s quite an active experience so you should be reasonably fit and mobile. Children younger than 6 are not allowed to do the tour.

You can’t go up yourself, so you’ll need to book a guided tour. These run every 30 minutes and are in groups of about 6 – 10 people. The guides are local university students, that speak impeccable English, and know their city well!

• Cost  – $9
• How long should I stay here?   30 Mins
• Getting there –  It’s in walking distance

12:30 PM – Enjoy the Views at A’Dam Lookout & Swing Over the Edge!

We’re not done seeing this city from the sky yet! With so much going on, sometimes higher up is the best place to be. You can pretty much see all of Amsterdam from this panoramic-view deck. If this is the only thing you manage to do while visiting the city, it would be worth it!

The A’Dam offers more than just some quiet reflecting over the city, though. The main attraction here is the Over The Edge swing! This recently opened attraction is the newest and possibly most exciting way to get a bird’s-eye view of this wondrous Dutch city.

The Over The Edge swing is Europe’s highest swing! It sits on A’Dam Lookout’s deck at 20 storeys high! Not only will you be able to enjoy 360-degree views of the city, but you’ll get your heart pumping and adrenaline flowing with this (literal) over the edge swing!

• Cost  – $5-15 USD
• How long should I stay here?  30min – 1 hour
• Getting there –  Take your Bike!

3:00 PM – Stop Off at Brouwerij ‘t IJ

Let your feet touch the ground and guide you straight to Brouwerij ‘t IJ. You can take a 20-minute cycle from the A’Dam Lookout, alternatively, hop on public transport or order an Uber. It’s just under 5km distance, so if you’re feeling fit you can walk it too!

However you decide to arrive, you will be rewarded when you get there! Brouwerij ‘t IJ is a small brewery on the IJ (pronounced ‘eye’) River. It produces certified organic beer and sits at the foot of a stunning windmill. Making it the perfect spot for an afternoon stop.

You can book a guided group tour (private tours are also available, but costly!) and see the ins and outs of a working brewery. Then, settle down to a beer tasting and/or pairing experience! The bar is open for those who wish to chill a little longer and enjoy full-size beers.

Once you’re done, make sure to cross the road and try some of the best ice creams in Amsterdam at De Ijsmolen (The Ice Cream Shop). It’ll make your stomach happy, cool you down after all those beer tastings and maybe even sober you up a bit.

• Cost  – $7.30 USD
• How long should I stay here?  1-2 hours
• Getting there –  Bike/Uber/Public Transport

4:30 PM – Get the Full Heineken Experience

While our morning was all about viewpoints, our afternoon is pretty much all about beer! Something Amsterdammers actually know quite a bit about.

Set in Heineken’s first-ever brewery, The Heineken Experience is a top attraction in Amsterdam. Run by local Amsterdammers, the tour offered will not only give you insights into Heineken’s past, and how they became the much-loved beer that they are now but will also let you see how it is made.

While the actual brewery was closed down years ago, due to it being too small for demand, it has been transformed into an epic beer experience. You can take a group guided tour, or set off on your own self-guided tour of the brewery. After the tour everyone sits down for a Heineken or two and a few laughs!

Once you’ve had enough of beer, head to dinner at one of the fabulous restaurants in Amsterdam and recharge so you’re ready for the last stop of the day. Just keep your hands off garlic if possible. You’ll see why…

Be sure to snap up tickets before you go and take a guided tour around the facilities.

• Cost  – $26.40 + 2 free beer
• Getting there –  Take the Ferry!

8:00 PM – Discover the Red Light District

The Red Light District may have a controversial reputation, but it is definitely an interesting place to experience.

Also known as De Wallen, this neighbourhood is internationally known for its openly tolerated brothels, sex shops, and even its lenient drug laws. This is one neighbourhood where the darker (or more fun) side of humanity is allowed to roam free.

The Dutch have allowed this district to keep running, with soft laws, and it works! It’s also a fantastic tourist spot, because where else can you be sure to see a museum of prostitution or a sex peep show?!

Whether you visit for the more hardcore places, or simply to see what all the fuss is about, visiting the Red Light District is a must on your 3-day Amsterdam itinerary if you’re looking to fully experience the city!

If you want to check out this area but you’re a little unsure or you want to learn a bit more about the history of the Red Light District, why not take a guided walking tour instead.

• Cost  – Free unless you go into Clubs… expensive if you do!!
• How long should I stay here?  Up to you…
• Getting there –  Take public transport in case you want to have a drink.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Day two is going to start nice and slow. After a tasty coffee, we’re going to fresh up your art knowledge by checking out some of the most famous museums in Amsterdam. Afterwards, you’ll experience what Amsterdam is mainly known for among young travellers: coffee shops and weed!

9:00 AM – Check Out the Rijksmuseum

This fantastic museum is home to many famous artists’ paintings and artwork. It also has an impressive research library, as well as other exhibitions and displays.

The exhibitions constantly change, so be sure to check out online what’s being showcased during your visit.

You can organise a private or group guided tour, or simply browse through the galleries at your own leisure once you’ve got your tickets .

If you’re an art lover, you might already know about this museum as it showcases classic paintings like Rembrandt’s “The Night Watch”.

If you haven’t had breakfast yet, the Rijksmuseum cafe (also called Groot Cafe) has some of the best and most delicious breakfasts in the area.

• Cost  – $22.50 USD
• How long should I stay here?  2 hour
• Getting there –  Walk from Rijksmuseum.

11:30 AM – Visit the Van Gogh Museum

Thanks to the famous Van Gogh’s Dutch heritage, this museum is one of Amsterdam’s most well-known. It is also home to one of the largest collections of his works!

See the well-known painter’s drawings, letters, and (of course) some of his most famed paintings. There are also displays that change often and show other pieces that influenced Van Gogh’s works.

Thanks to this museum being so popular, it can get really busy! So, expect a few crowds and embrace the experience. The time of day doesn’t really make much of a difference to how busy it gets. However, doing this visit before lunchtime will probably mean slightly fewer crowds.

To visit the Van Gogh museum, you must buy your tickets online beforehand . The website shows time slots and days that are available. You won’t be able to buy tickets when you get there, so go prepared!

If you fancy yourself a painter, you can join one of the walk-in workshops while you’re there and try your hand at painting a masterpiece!

Insider Tip:  If it’s raining – especially during the weekend – the museum is bound to be extra busy, so avoid visiting over this time, or come prepared to deal with the crowds!

• Cost  – Around $22 USD
• How long should I stay here?  2 hours
• Getting there –  In walking distance from Spot 2.

2:00 PM – Discover the Hash, Marijuana & Hemp Museum

Cannabis enthusiasts will fall in love with this museum, which is dedicated to all things Cannabis Sativa L. There is an Amsterdam branch as well as a branch in Barcelona too. The building in Amsterdam, however, is the oldest Cannabis museum in the world, also thought to be the most important!

The museum has various displays showing the history and use of hemp, hash, and Marijuana. From early Japanese hemp clothing to Christopher Columbus’ connection with Cannabis, you can learn more about the different uses of hemp and hash throughout the years. All very educational!

Visit both of the two venues that make up the museum – a hash and marijuana venue with a Cannabis garden, and an industrial hemp museum. Together, these venues hold over 12 000 objects relating to Cannabis.

• Cost  – $10 USD
• How long should I stay here?  1 hour
• Getting there –  Take your bike or public transport.

3:00 PM – Experience an Amsterdam Cannabis Coffeeshop

There are many designated coffee shops in Amsterdam where you can go to buy and smoke weed. While this is somewhat of a controversial topic in places, it’s also one of the biggest tourist attractions to the city!

It’s important to note that coffee shops are different from koffiehuises and cafes. A coffee shop is the only place you’re going to find Mary-Jane on the menu. In many of the shops, you can bring your own and smoke – but it’s only legal to buy from the coffeeshops so the smartest thing to do is buy off their menu.

To find a licensed seller, look for the green and white sticker on their window. You won’t find joints on sale in an ordinary cafe or koffiehuis.

The strains and potency of the weed are not regulated in Amsterdam, so be careful when smoking – try out small amounts at a time. It’s also a great idea to share with a group! Cannabis can be a great way to make friends.

If you’re a little unsure about the ins and outs of visiting a coffee shop, why not take a guided walking tour , which includes an optional joint, it’s a great way to get some more information whilst making you feel totally comfortable.

• Cost  – Can vary between $7-$13 USD per gram
• How long should I stay here?  Up to you!
• Getting there –  You can easily find a shop in walking distance.

4:00 PM – Enjoy a Relaxing Canal Cruise

Something that everyone should do at least once in Amsterdam, is a canal cruise! Leaving this activity for last means that you’ll enjoy the sun setting over the city. This makes for some idyllic views.

The evening cruise lasts approximately 90 minutes, and an audio guide is provided in your preferred language (they have 21 options). You’ll hear the history of Amsterdam, how it came to be the magnificent city it is today, and how it continues to thrive.

This is the perfect end to a busy day, and after the cruise, you can easily make your way to one of the nearby restaurants to enjoy a lovely meal.

If you’re here during the busy season you might want to pre-book your cruise to be sure you get it at the right time for sunset or dinner.

Insider Tip:  This is actually quite an activity to do right after visiting one of the coffee shops! (If you know what we mean!)

• Cost  – $25 USD
• How long should I stay here?  1.5-2 hours
• Getting there –  If you’re close to the canal, the next station will be in walking distance.

6:00 PM – Explore Leidseplein

Get ready to party with the locals at Leidseplein! This square comes alive at night, offering up a host of nightclubs, bars, and other fun-loving spots. There are 100s of restaurants in and surrounding the square, and some great international food to be found!

For those who are into betting, there’s a casino in the area as well. Arguably, though, the biggest highlight of the area is the assortment of live music found at various establishments.

It’s also not too far away from the Central district, and public transport runs through to the other districts as well, so you won’t have any hassle getting back to your hotel! This is the best way to end your Amsterdam visit if you only have 2 days in Amsterdam.

• Cost  – Depends on your consume.
• How long should I stay here?  2-3 hours
• Getting there –  Take Public Transport/Uber so yo can have a few drinks!

If you’ve booked 3 days in Amsterdam (or perhaps even more!) then you’ve got the perfect opportunity to view some of the lesser-known Amsterdam attractions. While the city caters well for the throngs of tourists it receives each year, there are many more things that you should take a look at.

9:00 AM – Take a Ferry to Amsterdam North

Don’t be one of ‘those’ tourists! You know, the ones that never leave the central district. It can be tempting – since most of the sights are right there! Trust us, though, you should see the Northern districts if you’re staying for longer than a day or two.

The ferries to the Noord are an experience unlike most. Firstly, the majority of them are completely free! They allow bicycles and mopeds to be taken on as well, so you have your transport ready for exploring on the other side.

There is no booking, no tickets, and no fuss! Amsterdam’s northern districts are full of delightful spots for a small bite to eat and a refreshing drink. Or you can take a short trip up to the nearby nature reserve, where you can take in gorgeous views of the landscape, and the windmill!

While you’re there, you should really check out the pancake boat. This is a small cruise boat that takes you down the IJ River while serving you an all-you-can-eat pancake buffet!

• Cost  – Free!
• Getting there –  Use maps to find the closest station!

11:30 AM – Enjoy a Tour of the House of Bols

The Bols family were celebrated Dutch spirit-makers and alcohol sellers who left quite a legacy. Located centrally to all the exciting happenings in Amsterdam, you’ll find the House of Bols. This Genever house is both an academy and a museum of sorts.

You can book a self-guided tour through the distillery, which will give you a detailed history of Lucas Bols himself. See how the Bols legacy began, and how it has evolved through the years.

Take a tour through the different rooms in the ‘house’. You’ll make your way through an entire cocktail experience that will ignite your senses. From sight, smell and, of course, taste.

Then you’ll make your way to the ingredient room, which will help you discover the ingredients that go into creating an authentic genever. Afterwards, pay a visit to the Genever Room, and learn more about the history of Genever itself.

Then, finally, it’s time for one of the skilled bartenders to create your choice of cocktails. Enjoy it slowly with your group in the mirror bar. Once you’ve finished your drink, you’ll get a crash course in bartending, and will have the chance to make your very own cocktail!

• Cost  – $18
• Getting there –  Take a bike and enjoy the city views.

1:30 PM – Stroll through a Park or Two

Amsterdam is home to more than 30 parks and gardens – each one as majestic as the next! These green oases are perfect for a break from city life. You’ll find parks both big and small, as well as many extraordinary Botanical Gardens.

If you’ve already managed to view and visit the big tourist attractions throughout the city, your next move should definitely be a picnic in the park.

During fair weather months, you may even catch some live music, or a festival bringing one of the parks to life! These are sure to get you in the spirit and are a great way to meet other travellers and locals.

Many of the parks are also fantastic places to hop on board a gondola and enjoy one (or more!) of the famous canal cruises that we keep talking about!

• Getting there –  Walk or take your bike!

3:30 PM – Check Out Dam Square

The city square, known as The Dam, is home to many famed Amsterdam attractions. Places such as the Royal Palace, New Church and Madame Tussauds are all around the square. You can easily walk from one attraction to the next, and manage to see them all in a day!

The square is also close to the Red Light District and offers many cannabis coffeeshops along its streets. Visit one of these and experience the smokier side of Amsterdam. The Red Light District offers up its own itinerary of interesting fun.

You can also go for a canal cruise from nearby, making this the best spot to start a day of exploring! Since there are so many things to do and see, it’s best if you dedicate a large portion of your day to The Dam.

If you’re in town during one of the festivals or special days, you’ll see the square light up with excitement and transform into what seems like another world! The best and most popular festival is probably King’s Day, which is celebrated every April.

• Getting there –  Public Transport/Bike is the most efficient way.

Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighborhood in Amsterdam

Westerpark is close enough to the city centre to make exploring a breeze, yet just far enough away to offer a more chilled out stay making it the best place to stay in Amsterdam for first-time visitors.

• Admire the artistic works at Museum Het Schip.
• Relax at Het Stenen Hoofd, an urban beach that’s popular with locals.
• Sample local beers at De Prael brewery and Troost.

Did you fall in love with the city? Don’t worry, we don’t blame you! We’ve listed up a couple of other awesome places that you might want to check out if you’ve got more than 3 days in Amsterdam. 

Visit Ouderkerk Aan de Amstel

This quaint little village sits just outside Amsterdam. You can reach the village easily by bike, bus, or boat! Or, if you prefer, you can take a drive out; either with a rental car or by ordering an Uber.

There are many groups that cycle together from Amsterdam to Ouderkerk Aan de Amstel, but the boat ride up the Amstel River is just as scenic! You could also opt for an early morning cycle, and then go back to the city in an open boat – weather permitting!

There is quite a surprising number of things to do in the village! From checking out the beautiful windmill at the bottom of the village to trying out some traditional Dutch cuisine in one of the many restaurants dotted along the river bank.

Mostly, strolling through the cobbled streets and greeting the friendly locals is an experience on its own! The village offers a delightful break away from human chattering and car motors and lets you sit in wonder while listening to the birds sing.

• Getting there –  Preferably by boat, but Uber works too.

If you love food, and who doesn’t, then this is the best place in Amsterdam. In this neighbourhood, you’ll find everything you’ve ever wanted to eat from dim sum to pizza and doughnuts. This area was once an old tram depot, so it has plenty of history behind it. But it’s now filled with food stores that offer some of the best snacks in the city.

Take your appetite and go from stall to stall in this area. Try everything that peaks your fancy and take your food to one of the outside benches and watch the crowds while you eat. When you’re full, there are several shops and boutiques selling clothes, ornaments and other goods that you can browse in.

And as is the norm with Amsterdam, the shops are all quirky and unique, so make sure you enjoy the atmosphere while you’re there.

• Cost  – Free to visit
• Getting there –  Easy to reach by Public Transport

Chances are that you’ve never seen anything like the alternative music scene in Amsterdam. This is a city that prides itself on being different from everyone else, and that’s definitely reflected in the music at this venue. Run by volunteers, this is the best place to hear some of Amsterdam’s up and coming musical talent. And the location is actually a legal squat, which makes it all the more interesting and unusual.

Chances are that you’ve never seen anything like the alternative music scene in Amsterdam. This is a city that prides itself on being different from everyone else, and that’s definitely reflected in the music at this venue.

• Cost  – It really depends on the night.
• How long should I stay here?  Up to you
• Getting there –  Grab an Uber!

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

While it is impossible to say that there is a ‘worst’ time to visit Amsterdam, many have differing opinions on the ‘best’ time to go.

Of course, it depends solely on the type of activities that you enjoy most. Each of the four seasons fully transforms and takes over Amsterdam’s landscapes, and each brings with it a new list of things to do.

Visiting Amsterdam during the winter will mean lots of rain and dreary days. This is also the low tourist season in Amsterdam, which means there will be fewer tourists and cheaper prices. You also might get lucky and see some snow!

The best time to visit Amsterdam is during the spring and autumn i.e. the shoulder months. The weather will be fair, the tourists haven’t arrived in force yet, and prices will be reasonable.

Summer is when the streets of Amsterdam are jam-packed. As such, prices will be higher but Amsterdam is really fun during this time and it’s the best time for taking day trips in Amsterdam due to the longer and warmer days.

While you’re there, why not check out other places in the Netherlands? The country might be small, but there is an incredible amount to explore.

Packing for Amsterdam is like packing for any other European country . Depending on the season, you’ll need shorts & t-shirts or warm things to cover up. Amsterdam can get quite cold during the winter months, so be sure to pack a warm pair of boots and a good jacket. Apart from that, dressing casual and packing the essentials is plenty enough for your Amsterdam trip. When you’re in Northern Europe it’s always best to pack a waterproof jacket too!

OK,  Amsterdam is a relatively safe city.   However, its popularity with tourists – and permissiveness for drugs and sex – can sometimes cause slight chaos. It is arguably the most dangerous city in the Netherlands … which actually isn’t saying much!!

Don’t be alarmed though! The peril is not quite as bad as it may seem. Most of the crime and chaotic disturbances happen in the Red Light District. While many tourists arrive in the city with the decided purpose to visit this notorious district, it’s not advised that you stroll the streets alone at night. Petty theft in this area is pretty common and inebriated tourists are often the victims.

Staying safe everywhere else in Amsterdam is quite easy, actually. Stay vigilant when walking down quiet streets alone. Keep your valuables close to you. Don’t buy any illegal drugs – this is the quickest way to screw up your visit.

Also, don’t fall for scammers. As with any tourist destination, you’re going to find people looking for a quick buck. Stick to your guns and don’t let sob stories or crafty tales cause you to lose valuable exploring money.

And last, but definitely not least, don’t smoke weed anywhere but in a coffee shop. It’s not legal everywhere, and you wouldn’t want to get yourself into trouble in a foreign city.

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Amsterdam

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Find out what people want to know when planning their Amsterdam itinerary.

How many days do you need in Amsterdam?

The perfect amount of time to spend in Amsterdam is three days.

What should I avoid in Amsterdam?

Be careful when booking accommodation as often they can be a scam. Check out our guide on where to stay in Amsterdam if you need help with accommodation.

What should I add to my Amsterdam itinerary in the winter?

The Rijksmuseum is one of the top museums in the world and it’s huge, you could easily spend a few hours here, making it the perfect winter activity.

What is a cool thing to do in Amsterdam at night?

One of the coolest, and strangest, things to do at night in Amsterdam is to take a stroll down the Red Light district. It is certainly an eye-opener…and not suitable for children.

Ready for your Amsterdam adventure yet? We bet you are! This city is indeed a fast-growing commercialised tourist spot but it’s still a wondrous place to visit. Between the natural beauty, the spectacular architecture, and the great cultural vibes, it’s a city that everyone should see at least once.

Spend a fast-paced weekend in Amsterdam, or book a longer, slower stay – it’s up to you! It may work out a bit too expensive to spend more than 3 days in Amsterdam, but there is always the option to stay in a neighbouring village. Many locals cycle from these villages to the city centre, so it can’t be that hard!

However long you do decide to stay, be sure to tick off the must-see attractions so that you leave with no regrets!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Mathilde Magnier

Share or save this post

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

My Suggested 3-5 Day Itinerary for Visiting Amsterdam

Amsterdam is one of my favorite cities in the world . I love its beautiful brick buildings, majestic canals, open skyline, rich history, and relaxed, easy-going attitude toward life.

Over the years, I’ve visited Amsterdam more times than I can count and have spent countless hours walking the city, making friends with locals (I briefly lived here years ago), and getting under its skin.

The city was founded in the 12th century but came into prominence during the Dutch Golden Age (1588-1672). At that time, Amsterdam was the center of the world economy and was both an economic and cultural powerhouse.

Today, Amsterdam is one of the most popular places in the world to visit (try to avoid the summer when the crowds are a little too much). There are so many things to do in Amsterdam that it deserves more than just a few (and often drug- and alcohol-filled) days most travelers give it.

How should you spend your time in this world-class city?

With so much to see and do, I put together what I think is the perfect itinerary for you. This Amsterdam itinerary can help you get acquainted with this cosmopolitan city, covering the main sights while also taking you off the beaten path to show you the real Amsterdam.

Table of Contents

Day 1 : Canal Tour, Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, & more

Day 2 : Anne Frank House, Jordaan, Amsterdam History Museum, & more

Day 3 : Jewish Historical Museum, FOAM, Oosterpark, & more

Day 4 : Museum Amstelkring, Rembrandt House Museum, Museum Van Loon, & more

Day 5 : Waterlooplein Flea Market, Hash, Marihuana Museum, & more!

Day Trips from Amsterdam : Haarlem, Noord, and Windmills

Where to Stay in Amsterdam : Centraal and De Pijp

Amsterdam Itinerary: Day 1

Take a Free walking tour A great way to orient yourself to the city is with a walking tour. You can learn some history, find out where the major sights are, and explore all those winding canals. I think free walking tours are a wonderful first activity in any city. Amsterdam has two really good free walking tours:

• Free Walking Tours Amsterdam

Both tours give you a general historical overview of the city and its landmarks. (Be sure to tip your guide at the end though!)

If you’re not on a tight budget and want an in-depth alternative tour, check out Black Heritage Tours . Their tours aren’t free; however, they are incredibly informative (currently only offering private boat tours due to COVID-19). They focus on the impact of slavery during the growth of the Dutch empire and highlight Black contributions to the country and culture. It’s super educational.

For more tours (walking tours, museum tours, food tours), check out my list of the best walking tours in Amsterdam as well as Get Your Guide . I use them a lot to find activities in destinations I visit.

Explore the Van Gogh Museum This may be one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city, but don’t let the crowds deter you. The museum features many of Van Gogh’s best works of art alongside an excellent biography of his life. I can spend hours just staring at the paintings as Van Gogh is one of my favorite painters. The museum also has paintings by other famous artists of the period, like Monet, Manet, and Matisse. Try to come late in the late afternoon when the crowds subside. You can choose your entry time when you book skip-the-line tickets and avoid the long line to get in.

Museumplein 6, +31 20 570 5200, vangoghmuseum.nl. Open daily from 9am to 6pm in the summer with reduced hours in the spring, fall and winter. Admission is 20 EUR.

Visit the Rijksmuseum The Rijksmuseum is located right next to the Van Gogh Museum, and after years of renovation, it’s now beautifully remodeled. The museum still features an extensive Rembrandt collection, and you can see his famous “The Night Watch” painting here. Besides Rembrandt, there’s also an incredible and robust collection of other classic Dutch painters, like Frans Hals and Johannes Vermeer. Over 1 million works of art, craftworks, and historical objects are kept in the collection, and around 8,000 objects are on display in the museum so be sure to budget a few hours!

You can get skip-the-line tickets here or book a joint canal tour and museum ticket for just a few more euros.

Museumstraat 1, +31 20 674 7000, rijksmuseum.nl. Open daily from 9am–5pm. Admission is 22.50 EUR.  

Amsterdam Itinerary: Day 2

Tour Anne Frank House This is where Anne Frank and her family hid during World War II. It showcases her childhood, life in the attic, as well as other information about the Holocaust. There’s also a display of her real handwritten diary.

While it’s a sad and moving place, in all honesty though, I didn’t like it. I found it to be anticlimactic. You basically do a rushed walk through the house as the crowds pack the place. You don’t get to let everything soak in as you’re being pushed from behind by the endless crowds. It’s maddening!

Personally, I think the Jewish History Museum does a more thorough job of relating the events in Anne Frank’s life to the Holocaust. However, if you don’t mind waiting in line and are curious about Anne, it’s worth the wait. Be sure to book your tickets online in advance or you’ll be stuck waiting in line.

Prinsengracht 263–267, +31 20 556 71 05, annefrank.org. Open daily from 9am-10pm. Admission is 16 EUR. Tickets are only sold online on the official Anne Frank House website .

For a more intimate and guided look at Anne Frank’s world in context, this expert-led guided walking tour through the Jewish Quarter covers the life of Anne Frank and the Dutch Resistance during World War II. It’s a really good tour to take!

Wander Jordaan This heavily residential area is an old working-class neighborhood turned hip. It’s probably the most overlooked part of Amsterdam. Although it’s right near the city center, hardly any tourists enter this maze of restaurants, cafes, and shops. It’s peaceful and a great place to wander while avoiding the mass of tourists crowding the main streets just a few blocks away. While in the area, be sure to eat at Moeders (traditional Dutch food) and Winkel 43 (get the apple pie).

Visit the Tulip Museum Located in a room inside a tulip shop, this little basement museum does a wonderful job of telling the history of tulips in Holland and the infamous tulip craze that rocked the Dutch economy. It’s one of the best off-the-beaten-path attractions in Amsterdam . It’s never crowded, and it’s only 5 EUR!

Prinsengracht 116, +31 20 421 0095, amsterdamtulipmuseum.com. Open daily from 10am-6pm. Admission is 5 EUR.

Bellamyplein 51 or Hannie Dankbaarpassage 47 [both entrances work], foodhallen.nl. Open Sunday-Thursday from 12pm-midnight (Fridays and Saturdays until 1am). Kitchens close 2 hours before the food hall’s closing time.

See the Amsterdam History Museum This museum features a very thorough history of Amsterdam. It’s big, so you’ll need 3–4 hours to really go through it in detail. There are a lot of relics, maps, paintings, and audiovisual displays throughout the museum. My favorite is the computer graphic at the entrance showing the growth and construction of the city over time. I can’t recommend this museum enough. It’s one of the best history museums I’ve ever visited.

Kalverstraat 92, +31 20 523 1822, amsterdammuseum.nl. Open daily from 10am–5pm. Admission is 25 EUR.

For a more educational look, The Prostitute Information Center, or PIC, offers tours of the neighborhood where a current or former sex worker explains the practices of the trade. The center started in the early 1990s and aims to dispel some myths and misconceptions about prostitution, in general, and in Amsterdam, in particular.

Enge Kerksteeg 3. +31 20 420 7328. pic-amsterdam.com. Tours run Wednesday-Saturday at 5pm.

Amsterdam Itinerary: Day 3

Keizersgracht 609, +31 20 551 6500, foam.org. Open daily from 10am–6pm (9pm on Thursdays and Fridays). Admission is 15 EUR.

Tour the Jewish Historical Museum Often overlooked in favor of The Anne Frank House, the Jewish Historical Museum tells the history of the Jews’ prominent and influential position in Amsterdam. The exhibit on World War II does a great job of highlighting Dutch complacency, resistance, and guilt over the Holocaust. With 11,000 items, artifacts, and works of art, it’s the only Jewish history museum in the country. Personally, I think the museum does a better job when it comes to highlighting the history and struggles of Jews in the Netherlands than the Anne Frank House does.

Nieuwe Amstelstraat 1, +31 20 531 0310, jck.nl. Open daily from 10am–5pm. Admission is 17 EUR.

Relax in Oosterpark Everyone goes to Vondelpark to lounge around, bike, or get high, but east of the main city center is a beautiful park with fewer people that is just as relaxing. Oosterpark is about a 30-minute walk from the city center, but the walk takes you through residential areas of the city not often seen and way off the tourist map. I enjoy coming here because it’s far quieter and more peaceful than Vondelpark. There are sculptures (such as the National Slavery Monument that commemorates the abolition of slavery in 1863), playgrounds, ponds, and plenty of space to picnic or lounge. If you want a quiet park experience, this is it!  

Amsterdam Itinerary: Day 4

Visit the Rembrandt House Museum Dutch painter Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn is generally considered to be one of the most prolific, most talented artists in history. He lived and worked in this house between 1639 and 1658 during the Dutch Golden Age. Visitors can explore the home to get a sense of how he worked and lived (they’ve recreated how it was decorated during Rembrandt’s time). I wasn’t too impressed (I’d rather spend time admiring his paintings), but Rembrandt enthusiasts shouldn’t overlook it.

Jodenbreestraat 4, +31 20 520 0400, rembrandthuis.nl. Open Tuesday-Sunday from 10am–6pm. Admission is 17.50 EUR.

Visit Noord – Leave the city center, take the ferry across the IJ, and visit the up-and-coming area of Noord Amsterdam. In the last few years, a lot of people have moved here (it’s cheap), cool markets, restaurants, and bars have opened, and a lot of old industrial land has been reclaimed for public use. It’s the new hip place to be but has much fewer crowds than the central part of the city! Be sure to visit the famous EYE, Amsterdam’s film institute, and consider renting a bike to explore the area.

See Museum Amstelkring Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder (“Our Lord in the Attic”) is one of the most interesting churches in the city. Hidden inside a 17th-century canal house, the clandestine Catholic church was built during Protestant rule. It was never really a secret but it was out of sight and out of mind for the authorities. The drawing room here is quite beautiful and the furnishings make it one of the most impressive 17th-century rooms left intact.

Oudezijds Voorburgwal 38, +31 20 624 6604, opsolder.nl. Open Tuesday–Saturday from 10am-5pm (Saturdays until 6pm) and Sundays from 1pm–6pm. Admissions is 16.50 EUR.

Explore the Museum Van Loon The Museum Van Loon is a double-sized canal house built in 1672 that is located on the Keizersgracht canal. The house was owned by the wealthy Van Loon merchant family who curated a beautiful art collection in their home (Willem van Loon co-founded the Dutch East-India Company in 1602, a massive trading firm and often considered the first multinational corporation in the world). Today, their historic house is a museum showcasing period furniture, paintings, porcelain, and family portraits. There’s a beautiful garden here too. This is definitely a place not to miss.

Keizersgracht 672, +31 20 624 5255, museumvanloon.nl. Open daily from 10am–5pm. Admission is 13.50 EUR.

Hang out in Vondelpark Vondelpark was created in 1865 and spans over 120 acres. It’s Amsterdam’s largest and most popular park is a great place to walk, bike, people-watch, enjoy a picnic, or just relax, especially after a visit to a local coffee shop. There’s a playground as well as places to play sports, and numerous areas for kicking back. During the summer, Vondelpark is filled with people, especially locals who hang out at the café Blauwe Theehuis for drinks in the center.

Try the Heineken Experience This museum used to be a lot better when it was cheaper and they offered more beer. It’s not a working brewery and, in comparison to the Guinness Museum in Dublin , it’s not great. But the price of admission buys you two beers and the interactive self-guided tour tells you all about how the beer was made and how the company evolved over the centuries (the beer dates back to the 1870s). It’s not a must-see, but if you like Heineken, then it is worth checking out. Get your tickets for the Heineken experience here.

Stadhouderskade 78, +31 020 261 1323, heinekenexperience.com. Open Sunday-Thursday from 10:30am–7:30pm, Friday-Saturday from 10:30am–9pm. Admission is 21 EUR.  

Amsterdam Itinerary: Day 5

Visit the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam If you like modern art, this is the place in the city to see it! The museum is home to over 90,000 items including works by Jackson Pollock, van Gogh, and Andy Warhol. Founded in 1874, the exhibitions cover paintings, drawings, photography, graphic design, sculptures, sound, and installations. They also have a collection online with over 1.5 million digitized pieces of art.

Museumplein 10, +31 20 573 2911, stedelijk.nl. Open daily from 10am–6pm. Admission is 22.50 EUR.

See the Houseboat Museum This decorated houseboat provides an interesting glimpse into what living on the canals is like. The museum is located in a former cargo ship (built in 1914) that was later converted into a living museum as the owner was bombarded by questions so often that he thought it would just be easier to open up the boat to the public and let them see it for themselves. I walked away with one impression of life on the canals: super neat, but super cramped. With admission at 5 EUR, it’s one of the cheapest museums in town and is worth a quick visit.

Prinsengracht 296K, Jordaan, Centrum, +31 20 427 0750, houseboatmuseum.nl. Admission is 5 EUR. Hours vary per season.

Take an alternative art tour I was really blown away by this unique tour that I took last time I was in Amsterdam. You get to see the city’s street art in alleyways, squats, and independent galleries while you learn about Amsterdam’s alternative side and underground and immigrant culture. All the people I took on it loved it. Visit Alltournative Amsterdam for more! (Tickets are 22.50 EUR per person.)

Wander the Amsterdam library The city’s library is a beautiful modern building built in 2007. It’s gigantic, overlooks the IJ, and has a wonderful top-floor cafe for impressive views of the city. It’s one of my favorite places to relax in the city. It’s quiet, peaceful, and there’s nothing like reading a good book with a great view!

Oosterdokskade 143, Centrum, +31 20 523 0900, oba.nl. Open Monday-Friday from 8am–10pm and Saturday/Sunday from 10am-8pm.

Waterlooplein 2. waterlooplein.amsterdam. Open Monday to Saturday from 9:30am-6pm.

Visit the Erotic Museum This museum is in the middle of Amsterdam’s Red Light District and highlights eroticism in all its forms through the ages. It has sculptures, paintings, drawings, photographs, and other artwork from all around the world. Also included here are erotic sketches by John Lennon from The Beatles, which is something you won’t see every day! It’s similar to Sex Museum Amsterdam but focuses more on the “art” side of nudity and sex.

Oudezijds Achterburgwal 54, +31 20 627 8954, erotisch-museum.nl. Open daily from 11am-1am. Admission is 7 EUR.

Check out the Hash, Marihuana & Hemp Museum This museum presents information about the historical and modern use of cannabis for medicinal, religious, and cultural purposes. The exhibits focus heavily on how hemp can be used for agricultural, consumer, and industrial purposes as well as covering all the medicinal, religious, and cultural uses of the plant. There’s also a section about the ‘reefer madness’ panic of the 1930s, including all kinds of propaganda films and posters. There are also displays on how hash is made, the 1960s counterculture, and more (there are over 9,000 items in the collection so it covers a lot of ground).

Oudezijds Achterburgwal 148, +31 20 624 8926, hashmuseum.com. Open daily from 10am-10pm. Admission is 9 EUR.

Day Trips from Amsterdam

Day trip to Haarlem – Just a quick 35-kilometer (22-mile) train (or bike) ride from Amsterdam, Haarlem is a quiet walled city that dates back to the Middle Ages. It has a beautiful central church, a great outdoor market, and all the beauty of historic Amsterdam with fewer crowds (there are canal cruises to be had here too). Don’t miss the Corrie ten Boom House, a house used to hide Jews and other refugees during World War II. Some 800 people were sheltered here during the war, and the house has now been converted into a museum that you can tour. The train to Haarlem costs 4-8 EUR and takes about 15 minutes. It’s the perfect place to escape for an afternoon.

See the windmills – The Dutch are famous for their windmills, so why not set out on an adventure to visit the windmills surrounding Amsterdam? There are eight in total — most of which are in Amsterdam West. De Gooyer is the closest to the city center and also happens to be a brewery, making it the perfect place to start (and maybe never leave). It’s just a quick 20-minute train ride from Amsterdam Central.

You can also take guided tours to Zaanse Schans , an open-air living history museum that is often known as the windmill town. Here, you not only learn about the inner workings of the windmills but other traditional Dutch crafts, like clog- and cheese-making.  

Where to Stay in Amsterdam

Though Amsterdam is fairly small, there are still a number of neighborhoods to choose from, depending on what kind of vibe you want and what you want to see. Centraal is a bustling-but-convenient choice, where you’ll find Dam Square, the Centraal train station, many museums, and tons of shopping.

Personally, I think De Pijp is the best neighborhood to stay in as it’s a lot quieter and less touristy. The streets are lined with cool bars and restaurants, and the Albert Cuyp Market, the biggest street market in Amsterdam, is here too.

For a detailed look at the best areas to stay in, check out my post about Amsterdam’s best neighborhoods and, for more hostel suggestions, be sure to check out my complete list of the best hostels in Amsterdam .

Get Your In-Depth Budget Guide to Europe!

My detailed 200+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel while in Europe. It has suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off the beaten path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.

Book Your Trip to Amsterdam: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. Some of my favorite places to stay are:

• St. Christopher’s at the Winston
• Flying Pig Downtown

If you’re looking for more places to stay, here is a complete list of my favorite hostels in Amsterdam .

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They can save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on Amsterdam? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Amsterdam for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

Related Posts

Get my best stuff sent straight to you!

Pin it on pinterest.

We Are Solo Travelers

Amsterdam solo travel, travelling solo can be a daunting prospect for many, but loads of likeminded people come to amsterdam on backpacking trips around europe each year so you’re never really alone with the chance to join great group activities such as pub crawls and boat tours or just to chill out in a friendly coffee shop or bar, amsterdam is a great city in which to meet fellow minded solo travellers and make friends for life, we are sailing, be your own captain, burger cruise, we are high rollers, escape nightclub tickets, airport private pick up, we are partying, leidseplein pubcrawl, red light pubcrawl, we are sightseeing, windmills & countryside tour, self guided: red light district tour, amsterdam artis zoo, efteling funpark, a'dam tower lookout, scooter rental, we are cultural, rijksmuseum, moco museum, heineken experience, madam tussauds​, van gogh museum, is amsterdam backpacking-friendly.

Amsterdam is known as a friendly city and with such a multilingual population, you’ll never be stopped by the language-barrier or get too lost in the city (but getting a bit lost and wandering the picturesque streets of the Dutch capital is always part of the fun!).

Although Amsterdam is not the cheapest city in the world, there are a range of hostels and  lower-cost  accommodation options in the city, and finding out where to stay in Amsterdam on a budget is an important way of making sure that there’s enough euros left over to make the most of the city’s bars and coffeeshops!

When it comes to Amsterdam backpacking activities, there are a wide range of things to do in the city. Hiring a bike is a great way to enjoy the city through the eyes of locals, and hopping on a boat trip is a fantastic way to see the beautiful canals of the city centre from a different angle (this view is improved even further if you choose a boat trip where drinks are provided and you can lay back and enjoy the ride with a cold beer in hand!). The UNESCO heritage site canal belt is one of the most famous and picturesque cityscapes in the world and will not fail to provide inspiration for the budding photographers amongst you!

Amsterdam is the ideal location for a solo trip and by joining activities specially designed for groups of solo travellers and backpackers, the city provides the perfect opportunity to really get to know this unique and incredible place whilst making new friends!

Although many backpackers have preconceptions about Amsterdam before arriving in the city, the Dutch capital offers much more than just weed and legal prostitution. This modern, thriving city offers a wide range of great activities to backpackers and jumping on a bike or scooter (which are easily hired!) and getting off the beaten track, the city’s hidden gems are waiting to be explored by the more intrepid solo traveller!

Is Amsterdam safe for Solo Travellers?

Despite the city’s notoriously liberal attitudes towards soft drugs and prostitution etc, solo travel in Amsterdam is perfectly safe and the city is a worthy destination for the masses of backpackers that descend on the Dutch capital each year! In fact, Amsterdam is reportedly the 5 th  safest city in the world!

Contact us to make your Amsterdam backpacking trip as memorable as possible!

If you’re planning a solo trip to Amsterdam or including the city as a stop-over on a longer trip around Europe, check out the great range of activities offered by We Are Amsterdam and do not hesitate to contact us with any questions that you might have about the city.

We Are Amsterdam is about more than a city: it's a community. We are dedicated to bring the best experiences of our awesome city to travellers!

• We Are Amsterdam BV
• Herengracht 564
• 1017 CH Amsterdam
• [email protected]
• +31658888212
• Chamber of Commerce: 71166017

Our Top Picks

• Beer Bike Amsterdam
• Amsterdam Food tour
• Amsterdam Booze Cruise
• Amsterdam Rooftop Night
• Scooter Rental Amsterdam
• Amsterdam Windmill Tour
• Amsterdam Light Festival Tickets
• Amsterdam Nightlife
• Pub Crawl Amsterdam
• Private Boat Tour Amsterdam
• We Are London
• Things to do in London for couples
• We Are World

Quick Links

• We are A Group Of Friends
• We are A Happy Family
• We are A Romantic Couple
• We are Solo Travellers
• We are A Bachelor Party
• We are A bachelorette Party
• We are Here for business
• Cancelation policy

Amazing tour. Staff was amazing and the price is really good ...

We had a private boat cruise for our group of 14 people for a combined bachelor/bachelorette party....

We Are Amsterdam © 2022

Webfluencer webdesigner amsterdam.

• Transportation

Join my community

Subscribe to my newsletter to get updates!

Home > Netherlands > 50 Things To Do Alone in Amsterdam: Solo Travel in Amsterdam

50 Things To Do Alone in Amsterdam: Solo Travel in Amsterdam

By Dymphe / July 1, 2022

There are many amazing things to do alone in Amsterdam . Solo travel in Amsterdam is very nice if you want to have a great time!

Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands . It's amazing to travel there for many reasons. The city looks gorgeous because of the beautiful canals. Besides that, Amsterdam has an interesting history and there are many great sights.

I lived in this city, and I'd definitely recommend solo travel in Amsterdam. There are many activities in the city that are perfect for that.

For example, there are fun ways to learn more about the Netherlands. You can join a group and learn the Dutch language, or you can do a Dutch pancake cooking class!

The last activity is very fun if you like food, and there are many other great solo activities if you like food. For example, you can do a street food tour or take part in a stroopwafel workshop. A stroopwafel is a Dutch treat that's very delicious.

Furthermore, there are activities that allow you to get to know the city. You can discover the city by bike, do a canal cruise, or join a walking tour.

And Amsterdam is also a wonderful place if you want to get to know others! For example, you can join a non-fiction book club or play frisbee with a group. And the city has much more to offer for those who are traveling alone.

Here are the best things to do alone in Amsterdam!

Table of Contents

1. Take a Small-Group Bike Tour of Amsterdam

One of the best things to do alone in Amsterdam is doing a bike tour of central Amsterdam .

Exploring the city by bike is the best way to do it. It is the way the locals get around in the city when they don't use public transport.

During this tour, you ride through Amsterdam's streets, where you visit some highlights.

In total, this tour takes about 3 hours, which is a lot. Because you get around by bike, you can see many places in this amount of time.

You start this tour at Amsterdam Central Station. Here you see the A'DAM Tower.

From there, you go through the city where you see lots of historic buildings and drawbridges.

Besides that, you visit the Jordaan neighborhood. And you go to The 9 Streets, which is a small shopping district. You find here boutique shops and great cafes.

Also, you ride next to canal houses and the Anne Frank House. And you see many of the city's best museums! It's definitely very interesting for solo travel in Amsterdam.

2. Do a Dutch Pancake Cooking Class: Fun Thing To Do Alone in Amsterdam If You Like Food

Doing a Dutch pancake class is also great during solo travel in Amsterdam.

During this, you go to a local's home, where you learn how to make Dutch pancakes.

You first go to an organic supermarket to pick up the ingredients that you need for the pancakes. And after that, you'll make them.

When the pancakes are ready, you can have them for a delicious pancake lunch!

What's great as well is that you can use the recipe to create pancakes when you are back home! So it's definitely one of the best things to do alone in Amsterdam.

3. Do a Segway Tour in Amsterdam

Doing a Segway tour in Amsterdam is great!

Riding a Segway is always very fun. Riding it is a whole experience in itself. And besides that, you can see a lot of sights in a short amount of time.

That's because you can get around in a quick way. So if you want to learn about the city, it's one of the best things to do alone in Amsterdam.

One of the best Segway tours is the one by Segway City Tours Amsterdam.

During their tour, a guide takes you around and tells you all about the city! You visit canals, old buildings, narrow streets, and much more.

What's great is that this is a group tour where you get to meet other people as well. This makes this Segway tour even better during solo travel in Amsterdam.

4. Take Painting Classes at Vondelpark Atelier

If you like creating art, this might be one of the best things to do alone in Amsterdam for you!

You can go to Vondelpark Atelier for a lot of different art workshops.

There are workshops about painting, drawing, photography, and much more!

Through these workshops, you learn new skills, which is awesome!

Also, the workshops are with a group of other people. And this social aspect of it makes it even more fun during solo travel in Amsterdam!

5. Do a Street Food Tour: Amazing Thing To Do Alone in Amsterdam If You Like Street Food

If you want to learn about Dutch food when doing solo travel in Amsterdam, you can do a food tour.

To be more specific, you can do the " Amsterdam's market street food tour ". This tour is one of the best things to do alone in Amsterdam.

During this food tour, you'll do a lot of tastings at various places in the city. Through this, you'll experience what Dutch people eat!

6. Play Ultimate Frisbee With a Group of Other People in Amsterdam

A great way to get active and have a lot of fun is by playing ultimate frisbee in Amsterdam.

You can do this through the group " Amsterdam Ultimate Frisbee ".

This group hosts events for this. And going to these events is one of the best things to do alone in Amsterdam for sure!

You get some exercise and you have a lot of fun playing ultimate frisbee.

Besides that, you can meet other people at the meetups, which is awesome as well! You might make some new friends in Amsterdam by going here.

7. Do a Street Art Walking Tour in Amsterdam: Fun Thing To Do Alone in Amsterdam For Those Who Love Street Art

There is a lot of street art in Amsterdam.

One of the best activities for solo travel in Amsterdam is an Amsterdam street art walking tour .

During this tour, you can learn more about the story behind the art, which is very interesting!

Besides that, you can see lots of incredible murals.

And also, this is a group tour, so you can meet others that take part in the tour. This gives the activity a social aspect as well!

8. Take Part in a Stroopwafel Workshop

Stroopwafels are delicious, and you need to eat this when you are doing solo travel in Amsterdam.

These are waffles that consist of two layers with some caramel between them.

They are a typical Dutch treat that is very popular.

Goude was the first city where you could find Stroopwafels in the past. And nowadays, you can find them everywhere in the Netherlands, and even around the world.

Because of that, one of the best things to do alone in Amsterdam is to learn how to make stroopwafels.

You can do so at Amstel Stroopwaffle .

They have a workshop that takes about 1.5 hours. During this, you learn about the ingredients and the process of making stroopwafels. Moreover, you then make them yourself, which is awesome!

At the end of the experience, you can taste this delicious treat!

9. Do a Coffee Workshop at Bocca: Lovely Thing To Do Alone in Amsterdam If You Love Coffee

Do you like coffee? Then, this might be one of the best solo activities in Amsterdam for you!

You do a barista workshop at Bocca .

There are workshops where you can learn everything about the coffee-making process.

You'll learn about how coffee grows, and you learn how to make a great cup of coffee.

What's great is that you know much more about coffee after you went here!

10. Take Part in Guided Kayaking Tour of Amsterdam

One of the best things to do alone in Amsterdam is doing a kayaking experience.

The " Kayak in Amsterdam: a unique experience " experience is a great one!

It starts with some instructions on kayaking at the guide's houseboat.

After that, you choose together where to go in Amsterdam.

For example, if you want to see the Anne Frank House from the water during this tour, you can do so!

Not only is this a fun active experience, but is also one where you can learn a lot. That's because the guide tells you about Amsterdam's history along the way!

In total, this tour takes about 2 hours.

And you do this tour with a small group of other people. Because of this, you can socialize, but you also have a very personal experience.

This makes it perfect for solo travel in Amsterdam!

11. Enjoy Improv Comedy at Boom Chicago

If you like improv comedy, you can go to an improv comedy show when you are doing solo travel in Amsterdam.

For this, the best place in the city is Boom Chicago.

This is an international improv comedy group that has many improv shows. And you can find Boom Chicago at the Rozentheater.

These shows are great if you want to have a fun time on your own!

What's great is that there is a lot of interaction with the audience during these shows.

It is one of the best things to do alone in Amsterdam if you want to laugh a lot!

12. Do a Canal Cruise

One of the most iconic activities is doing an Amsterdam canal day cruise .

During this experience, you board a boat with which you cruise through the city's canals.

Along the way, there is audio commentary that gives you information about a lot of places.

Because there is water everyone in Amsterdam, you can see a lot of sights from the water, which is great!

For example, you see the Golden Bend, the Museum Quarter, and the Skinny Bridge. And there's much more to see.

If you are looking for a great solo activity where you can go sightseeing, this is it!

13. Do a Flight Ride at This is Holland: Unique Thing To Do Alone in Amsterdam That’s Very Interesting

At This is Holland you can take part in a flight experience during solo travel in Amsterdam.

This is amazing to experience!

During this attraction, it feels like you are flying, while instead, you are inside a building. There is a lot of movement and there is a movie projected on a wall. This gives you the impression you are flying.

During this flying experience, you fly over the Netherlands. You'll see some of the most iconic places in the country, such as the tulip fields. It's definitely one of the most unique things to do alone in Amsterdam.

14. Learn About Photography During a Street Photography Workshop

The " StreetPhoto Workshop " is great if you want to learn about street photography. This workshop is definitely one of the best things to do alone in Amsterdam!

What's great is that this is not only a workshop where you learn to use your camera.

You also learn how to capture meaningful photos. You'll learn how to create photos that tell a story! And this is very interesting during solo travel in Amsterdam!

What's great is that you don't need to have experience to take part in this experience. Also, you don't need to have an expensive camera, you can use your smartphone.

15. Go for a Relaxing Stroll Through the Hortus Botanicus Botanical Garden

The Hortus Botanicus botanical garden is great to visit.

This is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world with its history dating back to the year 1638.

It started out as a herb garden for doctors. The doctors could use the plants for the treatment of patients.

The first collection of the Hortus Botanicus came from the Dutch East India Company. This organization brought plants and seeds here from all over the world.

There are many beautiful plants here that are lovely to see. You can go for a relaxing stroll all on your own.

16. Escape the Busy City Center at the Begijnhof: Special and Relaxing Thing To Do Alone in Amsterdam

The Begijnhof is a great place to visit on your own when you are in Amsterdam. So I'd definitely recommend going here during solo travel in Amsterdam.

It is a courtyard with houses surrounding it in the middle of the busy city center.

You can find this place at the Spui square behind a wooden door.

Once you step through the door, you are in a very quiet place. Here you cannot hear the sounds of the trams of Amsterdam, which is amazing.

It is one of the best things to do alone in Amsterdam if you want to rest by yourself!

What's great about this place as well is that you find here many old houses.

The courtyard itself dates back to the Middle Ages. And you find here one of the two wooden houses that still exist in the city. This house dates back to the year 1528.

17. Walk and Relax at Vondelpark

You can find a lot of parks in the city of Amsterdam. One of the best and one of the most famous ones is Vondelpark.

You can find this park close to Museum Square and Leidseplein.

You can find here a lot of great nature and walking paths through it. This makes it perfect for a relaxing walk all by yourself.

Besides that, you can sit down in the grass as the locals do! In summer, there are lots of people here.

18. Meet Other Women for Afternoon Coffee

Do you want to make some new friends in Amsterdam? If so, you can join the " Amsterdam Girls Saturday Afternoon Coffee Group ". This is one of the most amazing things to do alone in Amsterdam to make friends.

It is a great group where you can meet up with other women for coffee in Amsterdam.

This is great if you want to get to know the best places with coffee in Amsterdam. That's because the Meetups often take place at different cafes in the city.

Besides that, it is wonderful for connecting and socializing with others! And this is great during solo travel in Amsterdam!

19. Rent a Bike and Explore the City Like a Local

If you want to explore the city of Amsterdam on your own, you can do as the locals do. You can rent a bike and bike around the city. This is one of the best things to do alone in Amsterdam for sure!

You find a lot of bike rental companies in the city center. You don't have to look for one, if you walk through the busy streets, you'll see one for sure!

Traveling through the city by bike is a great way to get to a lot of places in a quick way! You can choose where to go, and be in there in a few minutes. That's because the city of Amsterdam is quite small!

20. Go to The Meditation Cafe and Meditate: Great Thing To Do Alone in Amsterdam If You Want To Relax

A place that is great to visit during solo travel in Amsterdam is The Meditation Cafe .

This is a place where you can take part in meditation classes.

Meditation is a great way to relax and feel good for the rest of your day in Amsterdam.

For this, you can take part in morning meditations. These take place from Monday till Friday

Also, there are evening meditations that are great for ending your day. You will very relaxed when going here for sure!

What makes this one of the best solo activities in Amsterdam is that you need to be quiet anyway. So it is great to experience it all by yourself!

21. Do a Running Experience in Amsterdam

Doing " Yoshi's running experience! " is one of the best things to do alone in Amsterdam.

During this experience, you go for a run together with a guide and a group of other people.

And these runs are usually between 3 and 6 miles (or 5 and 10 kilometers).

Along the way, you see some interesting places in Amsterdam. You start this run at Museum Square at 6:30 AM.

22. Join Philosophy Classes at The School of Life

At The School of Life Amsterdam , you can go to philosophy events, which is great!

You find here many events that are about a variety of philosophical subjects.

These events allow you to learn new things and learn new things about yourself.

Besides that, the events are very interesting, and also a great way to socialize. That's because other people also take part in them! Also, you can talk with others after the events, which is great as well!

Also, if you want to, you could also do courses that take several weeks. This might be one of the best activities for solo travel in Amsterdam if you want to learn a lot of new things.

23. Tour the Rijksmuseum

When you are doing solo travel in Amsterdam, you should definitely go to the Rijksmuseum .

This is the national art museum of the Netherlands and you can find here an amazing collection of art.

This collection includes a lot of masterpieces by very famous artists.

For example, you find here works by Rembrandt, Frans Hals, and many others.

In total, there are about 1,000,000 objects in the collection of the Rijksmuseum. Of these, about 10,000 objects are on display.

You can find here artworks from all over the world. But the most notable collection of art is that from the Dutch Golden Age. And The Night Watch is one of the best pieces of the museum.

Going here on your own is great. On your own, you can stroll through the museum and see the art. This is great, as you can focus on what you are seeing. That way, you can focus on the details of each artwork, without distractions.

What's great is that you can do a self-guided audio tour of the museum.

There are some very interesting routes to choose from when you use the museum's app.

For example, you can choose a route where you see artworks that feature flowers. Also, you can choose to do a route of the highlights of the museum.

Besides that, you can select your own tour. Through that, you can choose what type of art you want to see and then walk through the museum and see those!

What's great is that you can do these tours completely on your own. This makes it, even more, one of the best things to do alone in Amsterdam!

24. Go To a Meetup Group and Learn the Dutch Language: Nice Thing To Do Alone in Amsterdam If You Like Learning Things

One of the best things to do alone in Amsterdam is to learn the Dutch language with other people.

You can do this through the " Amsterdam Dutch Language Meetup Group ".

This is a great group where you can connect with other people.

At the meetups of the group, you can further learn the language. And you can meet other people that are learning the language.

Knowing the language is great if you are going to Amsterdam. Even though everyone here speaks English, it can be convenient!

What's great too is that you can meet other people, which makes it a social event as well!

25. Do a Tour of the Johan Cruijff ArenA Stadium

Another one of the best solo activities in Amsterdam is doing a tour of the Johan Cruijff ArenA Stadium .

This is the stadium where the famous soccer team Ajax plays.

It is a very large stadium with a lot of interesting places.

During this tour that takes about 75 minutes, you get to see a lot of these places.

For example, you will see the pitch and the dugout. These are areas that the general public usually doesn't see!

Also, you can learn a bit about the history of the stadium when you go here.

What's great is that there is a guide that shows you around. That way, you can learn a lot during solo travel in Amsterdam!

26. Experience a 20-minute Fly-board Experience

One of the most unique things to do alone in Amsterdam is doing a 20-minute fly-board flight in Amsterdam .

During this experience, you ride a fly-board. This is a board that shoots out water to let you hover above the water.

This is an amazing experience that is very fun!

What's great is that everyone can do this. It is very easy to do and you don't need to have any experience. You only get some instructions before flying.

27. Do a History Walking Tour of Amsterdam

There are many walking tours in Amsterdam.

One of the best walking tours is the one by Sandemans New Europe.

Their " Free Tour of Amsterdam " is great. During this tour, you'll visit some of the best sights in the city.

And along the way, you learn a lot about the city's history, which is very interesting!

What's great is that this is a tip-based tour where you pay what you think it is worth to you!

Another reason why it's one of the best activities for solo travel in Amsterdam is that you do it with others. This makes it an activity where you can socialize as well, which is awesome when you are traveling solo!

28. Join a Non-Fiction Book Club in Amsterdam: Great Thing To Do Alone in Amsterdam If You Like Books

Do you like reading books and do you want to learn new things? Then joining a non-fiction book club is one of the best things to do alone in Amsterdam for you.

The " Amsterdam Non-Fiction Book Club " is great for this!

Through this group, you read non-fiction books. And you meet up every couple of weeks.

During these meetups, you discuss the book with others, which is a lot of fun. Not only is this great for analyzing the book, but it is also a very social activity.

You might make some new friends when you join this book club, which is awesome!

29. Go to a Contemporary Art Exhibition at the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam

Another one of the best things to do alone in Amsterdam is going to the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam .

This is a museum where you can see modern art, contemporary art, and design.

If that's what you like, this is the perfect place for you!

You can see here works by many very famous artists. For example, there are artworks by Van Gogh, Pollock, Matisse, and many others.

Furthermore, there are often temporary exhibitions at the museum. These exhibitions feature artworks of the same genre, and are very interesting!

What's great is that if you like this type of art, you can always find new art here.

During solo travel in Amsterdam, you can completely focus on the art that you see. Because of that, these exhibitions will be a much more immersive experience.

What makes going here even better is the building where you can find the building.

30. Take a Walking Tour Where You Learn About Anne Frank and World War II

An Amsterdam walking tour of WWII is interesting during solo travel in Amsterdam.

During this tour, you can learn about the life of Anne Frank.

A guide tells you all about her life and you get to see the Anne Frank House from the outside.

Furthermore, you learn about the Dutch Resistance and see some of the hiding places.

Also, you see various other sights in the Jewish Quarter of Amsterdam during this tour.

31. Tour the Van Gogh Museum: Very Nice Thing To Do Alone in Amsterdam If You Love Art

There are so many great museums in Amsterdam, and the Van Gogh Museum is one of them.

You can find this museum at Museum Square, close to some of the other museums in the city.

If you like art by Van Gogh, going here is great.

You find here the largest collection of his paintings in the world.

And what's great is that you can see the artworks by Van Gogh in different phases of his life.

One of the best things to do alone in Amsterdam is doing a tour of the Van Gogh Museum .

During this tour, a guide takes you through the museum and tells you all about the paintings. You learn about the story behind a lot of artworks, which is very interesting!

Besides that, you can learn more about the life of Van Gogh, which is interesting as well!

Besides that, what's great is that you can ask the guide all the questions you might have about the art. This makes it a great interactive experience as well!

32. Take Part in a Pottery Class at Studio Pansa

At Studio Pansa, you can work with clay and ceramics.

You can do here one-day workshops that are a lot of fun.

These workshops are great if you want to learn pottery, but don't want to do that for a few weeks.

Their taster class is great to learn about this craft!

And what's great is that you can do longer courses if you liked it a lot and want to get better at this.

Also why this is one of the best activities for solo travel in Amsterdam is that you do these courses with others. And because of this, you can connect with other people here, which is awesome!

33. Explore the Region of Amsterdam by Bike Together With a Group

One of the best things to do alone in Amsterdam is joining a cycling group.

The " Amsterdam Social Rides " Meetup group is a great one.

Through this group, you can connect with others to explore Amsterdam's surroundings. You can do so through the rides that the group organizes.

These rides are a great way to get active, explore the region of Amsterdam, and meet others!

Each ride is a very social experience where you can socialize with others. That's also because the rides usually start with a cup of coffee and end with a drink.

Keep in mind that this is not a group for beginners. The rides are usually between 31 and 46 miles (or 75 and 75 kilometers).

34. See a Historic House: Interesting Thing To Do Alone in Amsterdam If You Like Architecture

If you want to learn about the historic canal houses of Amsterdam, Museum Van Loon is great! Going here is one of the most interesting things to do alone in Amsterdam.

This is such a historic canal house, and it still has an old interior, which is amazing.

It is a house museum where you can see a canal house from the inside.

What's great is that you can walk through the house on your own. All by yourself, you can see the lovely interior, which is great!

On your own, this will be a much more immersive experience!

35. Take an Audio Tour at the Hermitage Amsterdam

Hermitage Amsterdam is an awesome museum to visit during solo travel in Amsterdam.

You can find this museum along the Amstel river and it is inside a former historic retirement home. The building of this museum makes the experience here even better!

Here, you find artworks about the relation between the Netherlands and Russia. That's because this is a branch museum of the famous Hermitage museum in St. Petersburg, Russia.

There is one permanent collection that focuses on this relation. And there is a collection that is all about the building of the museum.

Besides that, there is always a temporary exhibition that is very interesting! These exhibitions are usually at the museum for only a few months.

36. Go to a Photography Exhibition at Foam: Great Thing To Do Alone in Amsterdam If You Love Photography

Do you like photography? If so, going to Foam is one of the best activities for solo travel in Amsterdam.

At the museum, you can see photography exhibitions that are there for a limited amount of time.

Because of that, there is always something new to visit when you visit Foam.

It is one of the best things to do alone in Amsterdam because you can focus on the photos you see here when being on your own!

37. Play Pick-Up Basketball With Other People in Amsterdam

If you like playing basketball, you can do so in Amsterdam.

You can play basketball with other people through a Meetup group. This group is the " Weekday Basketball - Amsterdam " group.

This group hosts basketball events in the evening during some days of the week.

Check out the Meetup page for more information on the event schedule!

What makes this amazing for solo travel is that you can meet other people. This makes it a great social activity where you can make new friends as well!

38. Join a Small-Bus Tour to Traditional Places Near Amsterdam

Doing a tour to Volendam, Edam, and the Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam is also great! I definitely recommend doing this during solo travel in Amsterdam!

These three towns are places where you can see some very famous things about the Netherlands.

For example, at the Zaanse Schans, you can find a village that shows a lot of historic Dutch things. There are historic windmills, lots of historic museums, and much more! It is an open-air museum.

Edam and Volendam are some smaller places in the Netherlands that are very authentic!

What's great is that during a bus tour, you can cover all these places in one day!

In total, this tour takes about 6.5 hours.

Moreover, you do the tour together with other people. This makes it one of the best things to do alone in Amsterdam as well, as you can meet other people!

39. Learn About Bees at the Beepalace

A great way to learn about bees is the Beepalace.

During the " Touched by honeybees in the Bee Palace ", you can learn everything there is to know about bees.

You follow a beekeeping teacher through the Beepalace, where you can get a lot of new information on bees.

Besides that, you can taste delicious honey from this place.

40. Do a Guided Day Trip to the Town of Giethoorn

Giethoorn is a lovely town that you can find in the Netherlands. It is a car-free place where you can only get around on foot or by going by boat.

It is an amazing place to visit, which is why doing a day trip to Giethoorn from Amsterdam is awesome!

During this, a guide takes you to Giethoorn and tells you all about this place!

It is great during solo travel in Amsterdam because it is a group tour where you can meet new people!

41. Learn About the History of Museum Through an Audio Guide at the Amsterdam Museum

The Amsterdam Museum is perfect if you want to learn about the history of Amsterdam.

There are lots of paintings and old objects here.

For example, you find here old maps and paintings by Rembrandt.

Also, there are exhibits where you can learn about the present, which is also great! It covers the whole history of Amsterdam.

One of the best things to do alone in Amsterdam here is doing an audio tour at the museum.

There are great audio tours that tell you a lot about the objects that you can find at the museum. This is great to do on your own, as you don't need anyone else!

What's great as well is that you can find the Amsterdam Museum next to the Kalverstraat. This is the busiest shopping street in Amsterdam.

42. Play Board Games Together With a Group: Perfect Thing To Do Alone in Amsterdam To Make Friends

If you like playing board games, you can do so during solo travel in Amsterdam.

You can do this through the " Amsterdam Board Game Group ".

This is a group that has regular events where board games come together.

At these events, you can have a lot of fun playing games. And you can meet others and make new friends, which is great as well!

43. Do a Self-Guided Tour of Amsterdam: Perfect Thing To Do Alone in Amsterdam To See the Sights

Another one of the best things to do alone in Amsterdam is a self-guided tour.

Walking around all by yourself is a lovely and fun activity. There are many interesting places to see here.

But if you want to learn more about the city, a self-guided tour can be great!

There are many self-guided tours of Amsterdam at GPSmyCity .

There is a self-guided tour where you see various historical churches of Amsterdam.

Also, there is a tour where you walk around at Museum Square and learn more about all the museums that you can find here.

Besides that, there is an amazing introduction walking tour of the city.

During this tour, you see a lot of famous sights.

For example, you see the Royal Palace, the Anne Frank House, Dam Square, the New Church, and many other sights.

Along the way, you can find learn about these places, which is awesome!

44. Join a Philosophy Discussion Group in Amsterdam

One of the best things to do alone in Amsterdam is going to " Socrates Café Amsterdam ".

This is a Meetup group where you can take part in philosophy discussions.

This is great if you want to think about difficult fundamental questions!

Through these discussions, you can get new insights, which is awesome!

The meetups of this group are very interesting and a lot of fun!

The group isn't about the ideas of famous philosophers or academics. Instead, this group is about what the members of the group think about life. And you discuss this with others, which is very interesting.

What's great as well is that you meet others during these meetups. This makes it a lovely social activity as well, which makes it even more fun during solo travel in Amsterdam.

And you might make new friends while talking about philosophy here!

45. Do a Paint Workshop at an Art Studio

Also one of the best activities for solo travel in Amsterdam is doing a playful paint workshop at an art studio ! This is amazing if you love being creative.

During this experience, you learn about intuitive painting. You learn the background of this, and you learn to do it!

You get a painting assignment on canvas and fabric.

What's great is that you can also interact with other people that take part in this experience!

46. Join a Food Walking Tour in Amsterdam

Going on a food walking tour of Amsterdam is another one of the best things to do alone in Amsterdam.

During this tour, you can explore the food scene of the city.

You sample a lot of Dutch foods. And what's great is that you see some famous sights along the way!

47. Take a Tour of the Diamond Museum Amsterdam

Another great activity for solo travel in Amsterdam is going to the Diamond Museum.

This is a museum where you can find a collection of diamond jewelry.

Also, you can learn about diamonds here, which is very interesting.

What's great is that you can also do a tour here! During this, you'll learn about the process of creating diamond jewelry.

48. Learn Bouldering at Klimhal Amsterdam: Great Thing To Do Alone in Amsterdam If You Want To Be Active

If you want to get active in Amsterdam, you can do a bouldering course at Klimhal Amsterdam . This is a place that you can find next to the central station of the city.

This is one of the most unique things to do alone in Amsterdam.

Bouldering is an activity where you don't climb very high, but the routes are difficult. Furthermore, you climb without a rope and it is a lot of fun!

During a beginners bouldering course, you do four lessons of 2 hours per lesson.

Through these lessons, you learn new techniques, such that you learn how to boulder, which is great!

I'm sure that you want to do more bouldering after you did this beginners course!

49. See the City During the Amsterdam Light Festival and See Amazing Light Artworks

The Amsterdam Light Festival is a light festival that takes place every year in winter. And it takes place in the city center of Amsterdam.

During these events, there are light displays in a lot of places in Amsterdam.

For example, there are buildings with beautiful light displays on them. And there are light displays on bridges, the canals, and many other places.

These light displays are incredible to see. And you can see them for free when you walk through the city center.

Doing this on your own is a lot of fun! You can walk a route through which you can see a lot of these light installations!

It is one of the best activities for solo travel in Amsterdam during winter!

50. Do a Head Sculpting Workshop

Another one of the best things to do alone in Amsterdam is doing the " Sculpting each other's Head " activity.

This experience starts with some Dutch sweets and coffee or tea.

After that, you'll learn about how to work with clay. You learn techniques and other principles, to make a clay sculpture of a head.

In total, this experience will take about 2 to 3 hours. And after it, you'll have an amazing result, you didn't think you could achieve!

What's great as well is that this is a group activity where you can meet others and have a fun and social time. This makes it amazing for solo travel in Amsterdam if you want to make friends.

Save this post to Pinterest if you like it!

Blog comments (0)

Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.

Discover Europe

With dutch travel group experience, private tours, all-inclusive private tour packages.

Price from € 275 per 4 persons luxury vehicle

Price from € 550 per 4 persons luxury vehicle

Price from € 500 per 4 persons luxury vehicle, per day

Wonderfull service, friendly staff. We enjoyed a lot. Thanks DutchTravelGroup!

It was unforgettable experience for me and my family in Amsterdam.

Our company is very satisfied with your service! Thanks Again.

Dutch Travel Group

Dutch Travel Group has 8 years + of experience in providing expert services for group and conference travel and it is one of The Netherlands leading travel operators for Events, Conferences, MICE and FIT groups and With multi-lingual guides, A 24/7 helpline and a variety of tours including adventure, special interest and technical. Dutch Travel Group prides itself on its unique and professional programs catering for conference tours, and offering tailor-made events and excursions based on their client’s needs and budget.

Read more about us

Events & Services

Events & services with personal touch.

Events & Group

Services with personal touch

24/7 Online

Phone : +31 6 26 86 00 68 +31 6 19 19 52 52

Mail: [email protected]

Webdesign by ideastudio.nl