places to visit on amsterdam

Amsterdam   Travel Guide

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28 Best Things To Do in Amsterdam

Amsterdam offers a lot more than vice. There's the world-class Van Gogh Museum , the eye opening  Rijksmuseum and shopping on Nine Little Streets for culture hounds. Lesser known cultural must-dos abound. At IJ Hallen flea market, you'll find

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Vondelpark Vondelpark free

Located southwest of the city center, Vondelpark is the favorite leafy retreat of just about everyone. Not only is it the largest city park in Amsterdam, it's also one of the most revered in all of the Netherlands. Most recent travelers said they enjoyed people-watching and picnicking at the park; other reviewers recommend avoiding a late-night visit as the park can be a little frightening once the sun sets. During the day, though, the park is filled with couples, families and friends, and is definitely worth a visit.

Ponds, greenspaces and playgrounds are connected by winding paths, which also run by an open-air theater, a restaurant and a range of statues and sculptures. Open 24/7, you can take trams 1, 2 or 5 to the Leidseplein station, and you'll have just a quick walk (less than 5 minutes) to reach the park's entrance. The park is free to visit.

Canal Ring Canal Ring free

Architecture and history buffs will delight in Amsterdam's Canal Ring area. This half-moon of canals dates to the 17th century. Today, it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The elaborate gables notable in Dutch architecture are on full display across hundreds of brick houses. Places of particular interest include Rembrandtplein (a prominent public square, named for Rembrandt, who owned a home nearby), historic warehouses, Protestant churches and formerly clandestine Catholic and Mennonite churches. Look up sites of interest online to determine opening hours.

The built environment is the big draw here, although recent visitors found plenty to enjoy within the historic buildings too – there are plenty of shopping, dining, and drinking spots. Visitors come for the views as much as the fare, so consider planning to eat at one of the scenic restaurants here (Incanto and Brasserie Ambassade are particularly well-reviewed). Many noted that this is a good area from which to embark on a bike or boat adventure.

Oud-West Oud-West free

Bordered by must-see attractions like Vondelpark and the Rijksmuseum , Oud-West is a refined Amsterdam neighborhood bursting with shops, restaurants and entertainment venues. Come to Oud-West during the day to visit stylish boutiques and design stores after visiting Vondelpark. Or, plan a trip into the neighborhood for dinner – there's De Hallen (a food hall and cinema), street food and endless restaurants and cafes. Upscale Restaurant Adam is exceptionally well reviewed, as is the more affordable option, Staring at Jacob. After a meal, you can dance the night away at one of Amsterdam's alternative music venues.

Recent visitors to Oud-West particularly enjoyed the less touristy feel, abundance of beautiful architecture, and kid-friendly spots.

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Jordaan Jordaan free

If you love history, culture and food, then you'll want to save time for a stroll or a guided tour through Amsterdam's Jordaan area. Located a few blocks west of the city's main train station and bordered by the Brouwersgracht, Prinsengracht, Leidsegracht and Lijnbaansgracht canals, this scenic neighborhood is packed with eateries, specialty shops, bars and art galleries. Plus, you'll find the Anne Frank House and the Nine Little Streets just east of the neighborhood.

Travelers highly recommend walking around the Jordaan, adding that its cool vibe, beautiful setting and top-notch cafes and restaurants more than justify a visit. Don't forget to bring your camera, since visitors say the area offers ample photo opportunities. For a more in-depth look at the neighborhood's food scene, consider signing up for Eating Europe Food Tours ' Jordaan Food Tour. Or, visit on a Saturday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to enjoy the Jordaan's Biologische Noordermarkt (a market with vendors selling baked goods, produce, local cheeses, crepes and more).

Anne Frank House (Anne Frank Huis) Anne Frank House (Anne Frank Huis)

Inside the Anne Frank House, travelers will see the location where not so long ago the 15-year-old Anne Frank penned a journal that would become a best-seller. Frank was a Jewish girl who went into hiding after German Nazis invaded the Netherlands and began forcibly transporting Dutch Jews to concentration camps. Today, the home is a museum and travelers can imagine what it'd be like to stay hidden away from the Nazis for more than two years, only to be betrayed and taken to a concentration camp.

Artifacts inside the museum include historical documents, photographs, film images and belongings from people in hiding and those who assisted them. Frank's original diary and other notebooks are also on display, though original objects from the annex are not on display, as it was stripped of its contents during World War II. A free audio guide – available in nine languages – is included with admission.

Dam Square Dam Square free

Europe is known for its grand public squares, and Amsterdam boasts plenty. Those arriving at Amsterdam's Central Station can walk just five minutes to arrive at bustling Dam Square. The historic 13th century buildings are filled with restaurants, shops, and cafes. Food stalls are available too. Those looking for more sightseeing opportunities should note the Royal Palace , New Church and consider a visit to Madame Tussauds.

Recent visitors praised the square for its beauty and central location. While several note that it is touristy – with prices to match – they still recommend a visit. It is beautiful at night when filled with lights. Be aware of your surroundings, as the area can attract pickpockets.

Verzetsmuseum (Dutch Resistance Museum) Verzetsmuseum (Dutch Resistance Museum)

The  Verzetsmuseum  (the Dutch Resistance Museum), located by the  Artis Royal Zoo , has been called the city's best-kept secret by some. The informative – even inspiring – museum tells the stories of those who lived in the Netherlands during the Nazi occupation and explains how the atrocities of World War II transpired. Through authentic objects, photos and documents, film and sound fragments, visitors will learn how the resistance manifested in the Netherlands.

Recent travelers said the thought-provoking museum leads you to ask yourself what you would've done if the Nazis had occupied your country. They were also pleased with the audio guides that are given with the ticket price, as well as with the exhibits which are displayed in both Dutch and English.

Van Gogh Museum Van Gogh Museum

The Van Gogh Museum holds the world's largest collection of Van Gogh's paintings and drawings, including "Sunflowers" and "Almond Blossom." The museum itself is one of the most-visited museums in not only Amsterdam but in all of the Netherlands. Travelers come from near and far to see the artworks created by the tortured artist, who cut off his own ear and died by suicide due to his worries about his financial future and recurring mental illness.

Because of Van Gogh's popularity, some travelers highly recommend purchasing online tickets ahead of time to avoid lengthy museum lines. Though some were disappointed that the museum does not house some of the artist's more famous paintings (many of them are exhibited in other museums across the globe), reviewers did praise the museum's layout and its display of his earliest works.

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Leidseplein Leidseplein free

If you're looking for a tamer alternative to Amsterdam's Red Light District, Leidseplein or Leiden Square, may be for you. The center of Amsterdam's entertainment scene, Leidseplein sits southwest of the city center and is filled with nightclubs, movie theaters, concert venues, casinos and, of course, some coffee shops. For the performing arts, the Melkweg (Milky Way) concert hall and the International City Theater are of particular note.

Leidseplein is the place to be if you enjoy mixing with the masses. If crowds aren't your thing, you should steer clear of this area – definitely don't book a hotel or hostel here – or maybe head to the nearby Vondelpark instead. Travelers were also pleasantly surprised by the quantity and variety of restaurants huddled in the neighborhood, though they do warn of high prices at the bars.

Explore Amsterdam from the water on a boat tour Explore Amsterdam from the water on a boat tour

Few things are as representative of Amsterdam as its picturesque canals. Home to 165 waterways (including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed 17th-Century Canal Ring Area ), the city prides itself on its impressive canal system.

It's easy to see the canals during a bike tour or while walking around the city center, but for a closer look at the water network, sign up for a canal cruise. Many tour operators offer different kinds of boat tours around downtown Amsterdam. The following are some of the city's most popular options:

Keukenhof Keukenhof

U.S. News Insider Tip: It can be tricky to plan your visit during peak bloom. However, there are many other flower displays, like a stunning array of orchids, which make a visit worthwhile. – Jacqueline Drayer, Contributor

Originally used by Dutch royalty to grow fruits and vegetables, Keukenhof now welcomes travelers in search of Holland's famous tulips. Every year between late March and mid-May, the park – which sits about 25 miles southwest of Amsterdam in Lisse – turns vivid shades of pink, red, purple, yellow, white and orange as more than 7 million tulip bulbs bloom across 80 acres. The park also offers kid-friendly amenities like a playground, a maze and a petting zoo.

De Negen Straatjes (Nine Little Streets) De Negen Straatjes (Nine Little Streets) free

De Negen Straatjes,  or the Nine Little Streets, are exactly that – nine streets that run between the Prinsengracht and Singel canals and are lined with shops and boutiques. (For your orientation, the Singel is the first main canal that wraps around the city center.) Vintage clothing shops nestle alongside accessories stores and interior design boutiques, and hours vary by store.

Recent travelers called the area a lovely place to stroll and said it was less touristy than other parts of the city. Though you'll likely rub elbows with plenty of other travelers, you'll also encounter your fair share of locals.

De Pijp De Pijp free

De Pijp, which is also called the Latin Quarter, is known for its 19th-century architecture and its collision of different cultures. Here, you'll find ethnic restaurants, eclectic shops and the tranquil Sarphatipark. The Heineken Experience sits on the northern edge of the neighborhood. 

Travelers say that De Pijp feels less touristy and more like authentic Amsterdam. They also call it the heart of the city for young people thanks to its beatnik vibe and trendy eateries.

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Learn about Amsterdam atop a bike Learn about Amsterdam atop a bike

Biking is one of the most popular ways to get around Amsterdam. In fact, cycling is such a quintessential Amsterdam activity that the city's tourism website offers pages with free route maps and cycling safety tips .

But if you don't feel like renting a bike and exploring on your own, you'll find an array of bike tours catering to every kind of visitor. Below are several traveler-approved cycling tour companies:

I amsterdam Letters I amsterdam Letters free

Measuring more than 6 feet tall and 77-plus feet wide, the red-and-white "I amsterdam" sign is a prime place for a photo op. You'll find the main set of massive letters situated inside Amsterdam Airport Schiphol; however, multiple versions are typically on display throughout the city.

Although some previous visitors were disappointed that the main sign no longer sits in front of the Rijksmuseum , many enjoyed snapping pics of the smaller version at the airport. An additional set of letters appears at various events throughout the year, so if you plan on attending a large festival while in town, look around to see if the sign is on-site. You can also spot the letters while jogging the track by Sloterplas Lake, but some characters in this set lie flat, so it's not ideal for photographing.

Rijksmuseum (State Museum) Rijksmuseum (State Museum)

Considered one of Amsterdam's top museums (along with the  Van Gogh  and  Anne Frank  museums), the  Rijksmuseum  (or State Museum) features an impressive collection of artists, including Rembrandt and Vermeer. As befits a state museum, the ornate building contains mostly Dutch works from the 15th to 17th centuries – though its entire collection stretches across 800 years.

Visitors recommend getting to the Rijksmuseum as early as possible in the day to avoid standing in a line to enjoy both the breathtaking building, grounds and art. The busiest times are Friday, Saturday and Sunday between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. And once you've finished touring the interior, step outside and enjoy the gardens – a recommendation from past visitors. Though some reviewers griped about the museum's confusing layout, they still said it was among their top to-dos in Amsterdam.

Museum Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder Museum Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder

For a glimpse at how locals lived and worshipped during the 17th century, visit the Museum Ons' Lieve Heer op Soldier. Part-home, part-church, this historic site is the second-oldest museum in Amsterdam (behind the Telyers Museum). On the lower levels, you'll find period furnishings spread throughout living areas, kitchens and bedrooms, as well as a set of stairs that lead to the attic, where the church is located. Religious services no longer take place at the church, but the property offers various exhibits about religious tolerance in the Netherlands, as the Catholic Church had to operate in secret in its early years in the country.

History buffs and religious travelers will likely enjoy wandering around this museum. Visitors praise the property's beautiful interior and interesting exhibits, adding that the complimentary audio tour offers many informative tidbits. Keep in mind, the building's small size and multiple staircases may make some parts of the property difficult to access for those with mobility issues.

Artis Royal Zoo (Natura Artis Magistra) Artis Royal Zoo (Natura Artis Magistra)

Visitors traveling with children in tow might want to make some space in their itinerary for the Artis Royal Zoo. Lions, monkeys and penguins are housed here, along with about another 900 species, and there's also an aquarium, an insectarium, a butterfly garden and a planetarium.

Although most recent visitors described the zoo as lovely, well maintained and a great family day, some of them concede that enclosures for the animals seemed a bit small.

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Stedelijk Museum Stedelijk Museum

U.S. News Insider Tip: This museum is often far less crowded than the Rijksmuseum! Go to the Rijksmuseum at opening time and the Stedelijk later in the day. – Jacqueline Drayer, Contributor

Situated next to the world-renowned Van Gogh Museum in the Museumplein area, the Stedelijk Museum houses an impressive collection of contemporary art: It has 100,000 works. Inside its permanent exhibit, travelers will find pieces by artists like Piet Mondrian and Jackson Pollock. Additionally, the property features temporary collections that may include items like modern sculptures and documentaries.

Eating Europe Food Tours Amsterdam Eating Europe Food Tours Amsterdam

Amsterdam visitors who love learning about a destination through its food scene will likely enjoy participating in a food tour . Traveler-approved Eating Europe Food Tours offers multiple food outings, including the Amsterdam Food & Canals Tour which tacks on an hourlong boat tour to tastings throughout the city. The company's most popular experience is its Jordaan Food Tour, a 3.5-hour tour through the culturally and historically rich Jordaan neighborhood. During the excursion, foodies can try local staples which may include apple pie, raw herring, Gouda cheese and stroopwafel (a thin waffle with a caramel filling).

Previous participants raved about the Jordaan Food Tour, citing its small group size (no more than 12 people can join an outing), knowledgeable guides and large tasting portions as highlights. Several also appreciated the inclusion of a beer from a local brewery during the tour. To make the most of the excursion, past travelers suggest saving room for every dish by eating a light breakfast (or skipping it altogether).

Heineken Experience Heineken Experience

The Heineken Experience, which takes place in the old  Heineken Brouwerij  (Heineken Brewery), is a must-do for fans of the fermented beverage. Among the attractions housed in the century-old factory are a history of the Heineken brewing process and company. Plus, you'll get two Heinekens to enjoy at the end of the Experience. A downloadable app takes visitors on a historical journey through the factory (available for iPhones and Androids). You should note that only those 18 and older are allowed inside.

Although some recent travelers highly recommend taking the tour at the Heineken Experience, others described it as a marketing ploy rather than a tutorial in the beer-brewing process (the real brewery used for production sits on the outskirts of Amsterdam; this location is simply a museum).

A'DAM Lookout A'DAM Lookout

Opened in 2016, A'DAM Lookout provides some of the best views of downtown Amsterdam from its location in the southern corner of the Overhoeks neighborhood. The property's main draw is its observation deck on the 20th floor, which provides 360-degree panoramas of the city's port and canals. Before admiring the view, visitors can peruse the property's interactive exhibit. Adrenaline junkies won't want to miss Over the Edge (Europe's highest swing) on the outdoor rooftop deck, while foodies should save time for a bite to eat at Madam (an internationally-inspired eatery on the 20th floor) or Moon (the 19th floor's upscale revolving restaurant).

Visitors cannot get enough of A'DAM Lookout's breathtaking vistas. However, a few lament the extra charge required for the swing. Nevertheless, many recommend paying the additional 5 euros (about $5.50) for the fun experience. Because the swing is a popular activity, travelers suggest purchasing tickets in advance on the attraction's tickets page .

Concertgebouw Concertgebouw

Constructed in 1888, the  Concertgebouw (literally "Concert Building") hosts 900-plus shows and about 700,000 visitors per year, which makes it one of the world's busiest concert venues. Check the Concertgebouw's  website  for a list of orchestral and other performances, as well as for ticket prices, which vary by show. From time to time, the venue also offers free lunchtime performances.

Recent visitors called this one of the world's best concert halls, which offers fairly reasonable ticket prices. If you're hoping to attend one of the venue's free concerts, plan to arrive early – past visitors said the staff at Concertgebouw hands out tickets on a first-come, first-served basis.

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Royal Palace Amsterdam Royal Palace Amsterdam

Built in the 17th century by architect Jacob van Campen, the Royal Palace Amsterdam once served as Amsterdam's town hall. The grand structure held the distinction of being the largest secular building in Europe for many years. Throughout the years, it's been used by Dutch royalty for official events, such as visits by foreign leaders. Members of the public are welcome to tour the property when the building isn't in use for state visits.

Although visitors offer mixed feelings about the property's exterior, many say the palace's period furnishings and works of art are well worth checking out. Complimentary English audio guides (which travelers recommend for historical context) are available; however, a few caution that the devices are not very comfortable on their own, so consider bringing a pair of headphones to use with them.

NEMO Science Museum NEMO Science Museum

Anyone that says Amsterdam isn't for kids hasn't visited the NEMO Science Museum, housed inside the ship-like green building on the harbor. Filled with hands-on activities, kids can spend hours concocting chemistry experiences and constructing buildings while also learning how science has evolved throughout time.

Recent visitors say this is a do-not-miss attraction not only for kids but also for those young at heart, since there are interactive exhibits for all curious minds. Even if you don't have time to take a spin through the museum, past visitors said you should still go to access the free rooftop terrace, which offers panoramic views of the city and a cafe and does not charge an entrance fee.

Zandvoort Zandvoort free

U.S. News Insider Tip: To make a day out of your visit, take a quick train ride to Haarlem, a charming town located a few miles east of the beach. – Jacqueline Drayer, Contributor

You probably knew about Amsterdam's canals, but what about its beach? About 25 miles west of the city center is a place called Zandvoort, a strip of sand that borders the North Sea. Experts say Zandvoort is at its best in the summertime, though recent visitors say a trip here in the offseason is also worthwhile since it lacks the summertime crowds.

Het Scheepvaartmuseum (The National Maritime Museum) Het Scheepvaartmuseum (The National Maritime Museum)

Whether you're a boat enthusiast or want to learn more about Dutch maritime history, Amsterdam's National Maritime Museum is worth a visit. Located about halfway between the Verzetsmuseum and the NEMO Science Museum , The National Maritime Museum houses one of the world's largest maritime collections, with roughly 400,000 different items. Artifacts you'll find here include navigation instruments like compasses, the Royal Barge (an intricate royal vessel commissioned for King William I in the early 19th century) and a life-size replica of the Amsterdam (a ship that wrecked during its maiden voyage to Asia in 1749).

Several visitors raved about the exhibits, especially the one focusing on navigation. Although, a few past travelers warned the museum offers a gimmicky atmosphere, could use additional information and interactive displays, and charges high entrance fees. Many previous museumgoers recommended the virtual reality experience on the Amsterdam ship, which shows you how the city's historic harbor grew to become a bustling port.

Museum Het Rembrandthuis (Rembrandt House) Museum Het Rembrandthuis (Rembrandt House)

Rembrandt van Rijn (yep, Rembrandt is his first, not last name) once lived and worked in this restored home. So not only will you see the most complete collection of his etchings here, you'll also view his own interesting accumulation of  objets d'art , from musical instruments to Roman busts. An audio guide is included in the admission, and many travelers recommend using it. The museum reopened in March 2023 following a renovation to introduce five new museums spaces, including more etching and exhibit areas and a multimedia tour dedicated to the artist's life.

Several travelers also highly recommend watching one of the etching demonstrations, which they say gives a more comprehensive understanding of the art and takes place three times a day. However, if you're traveling with kids, you may want to skip this attraction as past visitors said there is little to interest youngsters.

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Headed to Amsterdam? Here are 14 top things to do there

Mar 12, 2024 • 8 min read

Exploring Amsterdam by bicycle is an essential experience © Harry Cooper Photography / Shutterstock

With its iconic canals lined by slender gabled buildings and spanned by arched bridges, Amsterdam  must be one of the beautiful and charming cities in the world.

Whether you’re after exceptional art and architecture, innovative design, fabulous food or thumping nightlife, you'll find it here. Amsterdam’s  condensed layout means you can fit a lot in even on a short trip, as you hit the city’s most famous attractions and discover under-the-radar surprises.

Here are 14 things to do that will show you the best of what Amsterdam has to offer.

1. Soak up history with a canal cruise 

Amsterdam is a city shaped by water. The best way to appreciate its beautiful UNESCO World Heritage–listed Canal Ring is from a boat, passing through the canals themselves. This is a delight at any time – but particularly beautiful at night, when the waters’ ripples reflect the city’s twinkling lights.

You can navigate the waterways yourself (companies such as Boaty rent zero-emission electric canal boats), or hop on a sightseeing cruise, as just about every visitor does. Non-touristy alternatives include learning first-hand about the city’s history of migration aboard Rederij Lampedusa ’s former refugee boats, or helping keep the waters clean by “plastic fishing” from Plastic Whale ’s vessels, which are made from retrieved and recycled plastic waste.

Planning tip: If you prefer to enjoy the canals from land, grab a table at De Belhamel . Situated at the head of the Herengracht, this superb restaurant’s canal-side tables are perfect for canal-watching (summer only).

2. Make like the Dutch, and get on a bike

Cling-clanging bells and whirring spokes are part of the soundtrack of a city where bicycles outnumber cars – making for perhaps the essential means for getting around town . Bike lanes crisscross every part of the city, where the terrain (as in most of the Netherlands ) is forgivingly flat and rental outlets abound. 

Beyond the built-up streets, fascinating places to explore range from the former ship-building yards of Amsterdam Noord to the rambling woodlands of Amsterdamse Bos and the pretty port of Muiden, with its storybook medieval castle.

To avoid being  the kind of tourist Amsterdam doesn’t enjoy welcoming , it’s important to follow cycling etiquette. Always use the designated bike lane rather than lanes for cars, or sidewalks; adhere to the rules of the road; signal with your arm when turning; and make sure you’ve turned on your front and back lights at night.

3. Head to Museumplein to immerse yourself in art

Amsterdam’s top three museums are handily located around the green lawns of Museumplein . The grande dame of the trio is the famous  Rijksmuseum , which occupies a palatial 1885 and contains perhaps the best collection of works by Dutch masters like Rembrandt, Vermeer and Frans Hals. The museum’s galleries also display sumptuous decorative arts as well, including blue-and-white Delftware porcelain and intricate dollhouses.

The world’s largest collection of Vincent Van Gogh’s dazzling paintings ( The Yellow House and Sunflowers , among them) hangs at the neighboring Van Gogh Museum . Modern and contemporary creations by the likes of Mondrian and De Kooning are the focus of the bright, light-filled Stedelijk Museum .

Planning tip: Invest in an  I Amsterdam City Card , a discount pass that provides access to dozens of city attractions, to gain entrance to two of the museums (the Van Gogh Museum no longer participates). The Netherlands Museum Pass includes all three (as well as hundreds of museums across the country); buy one in person at the Rijksmuseum or the Stedelijk.

4. Sip local brews at Brouwerij ’t IJ

You’ll know you’re truly in Amsterdam when you’re sip a tall, frothy beer under the sails of a windmill. Much-loved craft brewery Brouwerij ’t IJ brews in former public baths adjacent to a traditional wooden spinner. Its leafy terrace is idyllic for a pint (try its signature Zatte Tripel ). It’s often possible to see the brewing in action on a behind-the-scenes tour.

5. Find something chic yet practical at a Dutch design shop

Bike carrier straps that function as shelving. Glow-in-the-dark door stoppers. Self-adhesive lamps to stick on the wall. These are just some of the witty, inventive and above all practical Dutch designs you’ll find in Amsterdam, along with furniture, fashion and gadgets galore.

A great place to start browsing is Droog , with a garden, gallery space and restaurant where most of the tableware is also for sale. Other emporiums to check out include  X Bank , set up as a showcase for local creators, and the Gathershop , which stocks its shelves with handmade and fair-trade gift items.

6. Lie out with locals in Vondelpark

Amsterdammers’  favorite green escape is the sprawling  Vondelpark , a lush, 116-acre (37-hectare) oasis of English-style gardens with fragrant roses, winding paths, ponds and sculptures. One of the best free things to do in the city , this egalitarian space is where everyone – kids, adults, couples, joggers, picnickers, locals and tourists – hangs out in the sunshine. Within the park, there are cafes as well as an open-air theater.

Planning tip:  A short walk from the Museumplein’s institutions, Vondelpark is the perfect spot to reflect after soaking in superb art.

7. Visit the Anne Frank Huis, and never forget

When Nazi Germany invaded the Netherlands in May 1940, war came to the city for the first time in almost four centuries – and devastated its thriving Jewish community.

The war’s impact on real people’s lives might be more palpable at the Anne Frank Huis  than at any other site in the world. Behind a warehouse on Prinsengracht, the young girl hid for over two years with her family and their friends in a dark, airless “Secret Annexe” – until they were betrayed and sent to concentration camps. Only her father survived.

Anne recorded the entire experience in her diary, now a classic of Western literature. Walking through the tiny, dark rooms in which she recorded her story is a humbling experience indeed. 

Detour: Amsterdam’s occupation – which didn’t end until 1945 – is also brought to life at the museum of the Dutch Resistance, the Verzetsmuseum . 

8. Raise a class at a bruin café

No matter the weather, the best place to experience Dutch gezelligheid (conviviality and coziness) is in one of its bruin cafés (brown cafes). Dark timber and tobacco-stained walls give these traditional pubs their name.

Planning tip:  With around a thousand across the city, you’ll never be far from a bruin café. They’re especially concentrated charming neighborhoods like the former blue-collar quarter of  the Jordaan , where canalside gems with candle-topped tables include Café Papeneiland , Café Pieper and ’t Smalle .

9. Go out on the town

Awash with bars, concert venues and music-thumping clubs, Amsterdam’s renowned nightlife extends far beyond De Wallen, better known the Red Light District (and an area whose reputation authorities are looking to change).

Leidseplein , home to the famed Melkweg , is a major hub, as is nearby Rembrandtplein . Amsterdam’s LGBTIQ+ scene is found throughout the city, with popular venues like Cafe Prik  playing banging dance tunes late into the night.

Detour: Hop on a free ferry to Noord, one of the city’s coolest, most up-and-coming neighborhoods, and a haven of ultra-hip watering holes. Be sure to check out Pllek and Café de Ceuvel .

10. Snack on local specialties from street markets

Lively street markets like the Albert Cuypmarkt are lined with stalls selling delicious cheap eats like haring (herring; served chopped with diced onion on a bread roll), Vlaamse frites (“Flemish fries”: crispy, fluffy and typically smothered with mayonnaise), stroopwafels (cookie-like wafers sandwiched with caramel syrup) and poffertjes (mini pancakes), as well as Dutch cheeses such as Gouda and Edam. At bars, classic snacks include deep-fried kroketten (croquettes), including ball-shaped, meat-filled bitterballen .

11. Learn about the newest architecture trends at ARCAM

At first glance, Amsterdam’s cityscape seems scarcely changed from the era of Golden Age paintings – yet the contemporary city abounds with such tech-savvy, forward-thinking innovations as solar-paneled bike lanes, a sustainable “floating neighborhood” and the world’s first 3D-printed stainless-steel bridge. Learn about these innovations and other cutting-edge trends in design and urban studies, as well as the best in 21st-century architecture, at the Amsterdam Architecture Foundation ( ARCAM ).

Planning tip: Get out of the galleries and see Amsterdam’s newer side with a guided tour led by an ARCAM expert. Visit their website for the latest schedule (an additional fee applies).

12. Try jenever at Wynand Fockink

The local firewater, jenever (Dutch gin) is made from juniper berries and served chilled. Amsterdam has some wonderfully atmospheric tasting houses to try smooth jonge (young) and pungent oude (old) varieties, such as 17th-century Wynand Fockink .

Cultural tip: Jenever typically arrives in a tulip-shaped shot glass filled to the brim – the kopstootje  tradition dictates that you bend over the bar, with your hands behind your back, and take a deep sip.

13. Swing out over city on the top of A’DAM Tower

The craziest activity in Amsterdam is nowhere near the Red Light District – in fact, it’s far above it. At the top of A’DAM Tower , a 1970s-era high-rise, a six-seater swing sends you out over the building’s edge and 100m (328ft) in the air, as your feet dangle below

You can also ride a virtual-reality roller coaster or take in the view from the tower's 360-degree observation deck, restaurants (one revolving) or rooftop bar.

14. Celebrate at one of Amsterdam’s festivals

Your visit to this outgoing city is likely to coincide with one of its many festivals ; the occasion might involve food, drink, electronic dance music or classical concerts on barges moored on the canals. The most important date on Amsterdam's calendar is King’s Day (Koningsdag; April 27), when people don outlandish orange-colored outfits and party in the streets. And the “parade” of barges that takes to the canals during Pride Amsterdam  at the end of the July is a flotilla you’ll never forget. 

This article was first published December 2014 and updated March 2024

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The 25 best things to do in Amsterdam

Explore the best things to do in Amsterdam and get ready to fall in love with Europe’s most exciting city

Ah, Amsterdam. Our love affair with this city never ends, from its innovative food scene to its most well-known attractions. Perhaps most famous for its art galleries and museums , from the Van Gogh Museum to the Anne Frank House, Amsterdam stands proudly as one of the most culturally significant cities in Europe (and it’s got a poppin’ nightlife scene too). 

In fact, the capital’s ‘fun’ side has historically lent itself to swathes of tourist stag dos, desperate to try out Amsterdam’s notorious coffee shops and canal cruises – something its government is trying to crack down on. But as it stands, there’s no escaping its reputation as a Seriously Fun Place To Be. Whatever you’re in Amsterdam for, there are some things you simply have to do. With the help of our experts and contributors on the ground in ‘Dam, we’ve rounded up the most essential things to tick off. Happy travels!

RECOMMENDED: 🥨 The best  restaurants in Amsterdam 🕺 The best  clubs in Amsterdam ⛵ The best  day trips from Amsterdam   🏠 The  best  Airbnbs in Amsterdam 📍 An Amsterdam weekend itinerary

This guide was updated by  Callum Booth , a writer based in Amsterdam. At Time Out, all of our  travel guides  are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our  editorial guidelines . T his guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our  affiliate guidelines . 

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What to see in Amsterdam

1.  Rijksmuseum

What is it?  Amsterdam’s greatest, grandest, and most classical museum , with a huge collection of Dutch art dating back to the Golden Age. 

Why go?  There’s over 8,000 bits of art and history on display, over 1 million objects, a small but mighty Asian collection, a Michelin-starred restaurant and a café on site. Plus the guided tours are ace. Need we say more?

📍 Discover more of the best museums in Amsterdam

2.  Van Gogh Museum

What is it?  Dedicated to the works of Vincent van Gogh and his contemporaries, this Gerrit Rietveld-designed building houses the largest collection of the artist’s work in the world. It’s just around the corner from the Rijksmuseum and forms part of Amsterdam’s Holy Trinity of culture alongside the Stedelijk Museum next door.

Why go?  The post-impressionist painter is one of the most influential figures in the history of Western art, and his use of bold colours and broad, expressive brushstrokes remains as captivating today as it was in the 19th century. Browse his masterpieces side-by-side here.

3.  De Negen Straatjes (The Nine Streets)

What is it?  Smack bang in the middle of the canal belt next to Jordaan, this micro-neighbourhood of quaint and quirky streets is big on personality and full of cosy cafés, independent boutiques, vintage stores and artisanal food shops.

Why go?  Best enjoyed at a leisurely pace, there are plenty of Instagram-ready hangouts here – this is old Amsterdam at its best – plus some charming spots to sit and watch the world go by.  Eat at Ree7, get a coffee at Screaming Beans, a snack from Het Koekemannetje, or shop at Episode.

🏘️ Discover the coolest neighbourhoods in Amsterdam

4.  Albert Cuypmarkt

• Markets and fairs

What is it?  With a rich history as a trading nation, the Dutch appreciate bargaining and value for money. Albert Cuyp Markt, in the heart of De Pijp, is the place to go to observe locals at their bantering, bartering best. 

Why go?  The street-length market has an incredible range of food, clothes, knick-knacks and souvenirs. For fresh fish, chicken, meat and veg, it’s pretty hard to beat. It’s also a great place to meander, soak up the atmosphere and mingle with genuine Amsterdammers.

🥙 Discover more of the   best markets in Amsterdam

5.  Canal Tour

What is it?  One of Amsterdam’s must-do activities, though a cliché, is still the best way to explore the city. Sure, Amsterdam’s bikes are iconic, but a canal tour requires zero physical effort, so you can  finally  relax. There are many tour operators with boats, most of which depart from around Centraal.

Why go?  There’s not much difference between most operators, but it’s worth going on a longer tour that also heads out onto the IJ (the best ones are around 75 minutes). If you want to take it up a notch, there are dinner and cocktail cruises in the evenings and even one with a live jazz band on board. Classy.

6.  Vondelpark

• Attractions
• Parks and gardens

What is it?   The lungs of the city, Vondelpark was once the only public park in the world where one could legally barbecue, smoke joints, and have sex. The latter has since been outlawed (again), but there’s still a relaxed vibe to this green giant’s vast open spaces and wooded trails.

Why go?   Locals come here to run, cycle, play sports or chill, and there are plenty of activities for those looking to make a day of it. Don’t miss the beautiful rose garden or the famous open-air theatre where, if you’re lucky, you might catch an impromptu show. On a sunny day, it feels like Vondelpark is the centre of Amsterdam.

🌳 Discover more of the   best parks in Amsterdam

7.  A’dam Toren

What is it? Refurbished as part of a drive to regenerate Noord, this 22-storey tower looms over the waterfront across the River IJ from Centraal. Formerly the HQ of Shell, it’s now home to an array of young music, advertising and events companies, plus a handful of bars and restaurants (and even a hotel).

Why go? Sip a signature cocktail in the Skybar, eat in one of the two gourmet restaurants on the top floors (one of which revolves), and if you’re really brave, head to the observation deck to Over The Edge, Europe’s highest swing, and enjoy the views as you rock back and forth, 100 metres up.

8.  Begijnhof

What is it?  Just a few metres from the shopping madness of Kalverstraat, this secluded garden and courtyard is overlooked by a set of medieval houses built for the Beguines, a group of unmarried religious women who lived in a closed community under vows of chastity.

Why go?  Come here for a surreal, restorative experience and a fascinating insight into a little-known aspect of Amsterdam’s religious heritage. You can also marvel at the city’s oldest wooden house, which has stood unchanged since 1425.

9.  Flevopark

What is it? If you’re based in Oost, this giant park is the place to head for a relaxing walk, cycle or just some fresh air. There are huge grassy areas for lounging and several running trails for more energetic types.

Why go? Flevoparkbad, the city’s only outdoor swimming pool, is here, but you can also go wild swimming in the Nieuwe Diep. There’s also a tennis club, and when you’re done exercising, head to microbrewery Distillery ‘t Nieuwe Diep, bag a spot on the terrace and order a craft beer or ale. Otherwise, grab something to nibble on from Albert Heijn and lay down a blanket for the ultimate picnic.

10.  Ons’ Lieve Heer Op Solder

What is it?  The ‘ Museum of Our Lord in the Attic ’ was once Amsterdam’s best-kept secret. The reason? This former church, spread across the top three floors of a 17th-century canal house, was where Catholics would come to pray after public displays of worship were banned by the Alteration of 1578.

Why go?  The church has been beautifully preserved and offers brilliant insight into 17th-century life and religious persecution through the ages. There are several outstanding artworks, and it’s still used for the occasional service (and even weddings).

11.  Anne Frank Museum

What is it?  This 17th-Century canal house, where Anne Frank, her family and four others hid from the Nazis for two years, is now a museum and educational centre. There’s a permanent exhibition on the life and times of Anne, and you can visit the cramped ‘secret annexe’ they called home.

Why go?  The museum is a fundamental part of 17th century history, and a chance to see Anne’s words come to life. The exhibition is open all year round and guests can visit the    ‘secret annexe’ the family stayed in. The house is a   chilling reminder of the Second World War, while also being a moving testament to the her bravery and optimism. 

12.  Brouwerij ’t IJ

What is it?  Amsterdam’s original microbrewery, quaintly housed in a working windmill, is still among the city’s finest. They’ve been pulling superb blonde beers, pilsners and IPAs since 1985.

Why go?  We hate to point out the obvious, but a trip to Brouwerij ’t IJ  will lead you to beer heaven. The hoppy libations are served up in small glasses, so you should be able to taste a decent range without hitting the deck. However, be aware that some beers have an unusually high alcohol volume. If you’re visiting in warmer weather (when beer tastes best, in our opinion), grab a seat on the terrace and nibble on traditional Dutch bar snacks like boiled eggs and raw sausage. 

🍻 Discover more of the best bars in Amsterdam

13.  Blast Galaxy

What is it? This retro arcade is situated in a warehouse in Amsterdam Noord, which is easily accessible with a free ferry from behind Centraal Station. Blast Galaxy contains over 100 machines, ranging from old-school classics to new consoles, like the Nintendo Switch. In other words, it’s a gamer’s paradise.

Why go? Once you’ve paid your entry price, all the machines are free-to-play. With reasonably priced food and drink, you can either swing in here for a bit of daytime play, or spend your night lost in the digital magic of gaming. Whatever you decide, you’ll have a blast.

14.  De Hallen

What is it? What began life as an old tram depot is now known as De Hallen, a cultural hub in the heart of the Oud-West. Home to a cinema, boutique shops, a hotel, and a food hall, it’s an ideal place to go for some top-quality entertainment.

Why go? Feeling peckish? Take your pick from De Hallen ’s delectable dim sum, delicious Dutch meatballs, stupendous sushi, kick-ass smoky barbecue and much more. If the sun’s out, park yourself on a bench outside. Is it a rainy afternoon? Then catch a movie! Check out the offbeat boutiques! You’ll find yourself full, satisfied, and ready to furnish your apartment with the aesthetic of an Amsterdam influencer.

15.  Vuurtoreneiland

What is it?  If you’re after a once-in-a-lifetime dinner experience, nothing comes close to Vuurtoreneiland . A special boat takes you to this small, rugged island in the IJmeer with just a lighthouse, an old abandoned fort and a large greenhouse dining room.

Why go?  The ethos here is ‘eating in and of nature’ – a five-course set menu of the freshest regional produce, lovingly prepared and cooked entirely on open flames. The food is incredible, as is the glorious setting – all fauna, stray animals and sweeping coastlines. But be warned: booking is essential.

16.  Foam

What is it?   Situated in an old canal house, the   Foam   Photography Museum consistently hosts some of Amsterdam’s best exhibitions – all of which will make you look at the world in a different way.

Why go?   Whether it’s promoting new talent, running retrospectives on famed photographers, or creating themed exhibitions, FOAM is a place to experience art you’ve most likely never seen before. The museum is also both compact and in a central location, making it an ideal place for a quick jaunt during your day in Amsterdam.

17.  NDSM Wharf

What is it? A former shipyard on the northern banks of the IJ, NDSM  – reached by a free ferry from the back of Centraal – has blossomed into a cultural hotspot with a rich mix of arty events, bars and restaurants.

Why go? Enjoy beach-front food and drink at Pllek, Europe’s largest flea market (IJ-hallen, which takes place once a month, on weekends) and a packed programme of festivals, exhibitions and other goings-on. The city is in the process of building thousands of homes here, turning it into a ‘district for urban pioneers’, and that creative spirit makes for a refreshing escape from the more touristy areas.

18.  Lab111

What is it? Lab111 is a movie theatre, but not the sort your parents go to. Described as a ‘cult cinema,’ Lab111 specialises in playing a mix of old and new films, and you’re bound to come across something either classic, underappreciated, or interesting.

Why go? Gorgeously designed (it’s situated in an old laboratory) and with four screens, Lab111 is an ideal place to unwind and catch a classic movie. Alongside that, the venue’s bar and restaurant – named Strangelove – is a chic place to chat about the picture you’ve just seen.

19.  KattenKabinet

What is it? One of Amsterdam’s weirdest museums, and a place you’ll never forget visiting. This spot is dedicated to art works of cats, whether that’s paintings, sculptures, or, well, really anything else you can think of. If you want the full lowdown, check out our TikTok at the museum . 

Why go? Like cats? Then you’ll love this quirky shrine to our feline friends. If simply looking at representations of the popular pets isn’t enough, don’t worry, there are a number of cats strolling around the museum you can play with. On top of that, the KattenKabinet is situated in a house on one of Amsterdam’s most sought-after streets, making it a wonderful place to get an up-close glimpse of those famous Dutch buildings.

20.  EYE Film Institute

What is it?  One of Amsterdam’s modern icons, this striking building next to the A’dam Toren (the impressive tower across the water from the central station) is much more than a cinema. It also houses a film museum, a brilliant restaurant and café, temporary exhibitions and various educational activities for kids. 

Why go?  Love film? You won’t want to miss EYE . The shop offers an excellent range of quirky gifts and memorabilia for film buffs, and their programming is first-rate – expect cult classics, obscure documentaries and only the best new indie releases.

21.  Electric Ladyland

What is it?  This tiny little storefront in Jordaan bills itself as the first (and only) museum dedicated to fluorescent art in the world and is a scientific and educational shrine to minerals, stones and art that glows under ultraviolet light.

Why go?  Way more fascinating than you’d think, Electric Ladyland is a one-of-a-kind experience that never ceases to amaze first-time visitors. You can even try out some ‘participatory art’ that involves you becoming part of the piece – wacky but fun. Visits are by appointment only, so book ahead.

22.  Westergas

What is it? Although somewhat overshadowed by Vondelpark, Westergasfabriek is a prime destination in its own right. Come here for a chilled-out break after a stroll through the city centre. 

Why go? This complex of former industrial buildings on the edge of Westerpark, one of the city’s three main parks, has been turned into a cultural hub featuring an art-house cinema, coffee roastery, a microbrewery, exhibition spaces and an excellent gin and mussels joint. Plus, if you fancy some throwback fun, there’s the vibrant ‘Arcade Paradise’ where you play on an array of euphonious games machines.

23.  OT301

What is it?  Amsterdam doesn’t suffer from a lack of music venues, but OT301 , a legal squat, is the best place to catch underground, leftfield and up-and-coming talent. It’s also home to De Peper, a pay-what-you-can vegan restaurant staffed entirely by volunteers.

Why go?  The nightly gigs are just one part of OT301’s charm. Daytime is taken up by community classes and art workshops, and there’s a table tennis bar in the backroom (plus a radio station in the basement).

🪩 Discover more of the best clubs in Amsterdam

24.  Blijburg aan Zee

What is it?  Amsterdam lacks decent swimming options (there is only one open-air pool), but it does have an inner-city beach. Located on the artificial island of IJburg, Blijburg ann Zee is just a short tram ride and walk from the centre.

Why go?  If the weather’s nice, there is no better spot for swimming and sunbathing. The water’s clean, and the atmosphere is fun and relaxing (and very family-friendly). A handful of decent restaurants and cafés make it easy to spend an entire day splashing around and working on your tan here.

25.  Red Light District

• Things to do

What is it? Yes, this is ground zero for Amsterdam prostitution, where sex workers advertise themselves in the famous red-lit shop windows. It’s also party central for stag and hen-dos – things get rowdy and continue until the small hours.

Why go? Clearly, anyone of a hedonistic bent will fit right in here. But the Red Light District is also the city’s oldest neighbourhood and home to monuments, churches and quaint little squares that are well worth visiting. If that’s what you’re after, make sure to go along during the day.

More great things to do in Amsterdam

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• 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

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17 Best Things to Do in Amsterdam

By Meredith Bethune and Jennifer Ceaser

Offering everything from tranquil boat rides through tree-shaded canals to  world-class art museums  and chic boutique shopping, you’ll never be bored in this town. Once you've ticked off your biggest bucket-list items, be sure to venture outside the Canal Ring, the fan-like network of waterways that dominates the historic city center. When visiting Europe’s best-preserved 17th-century city, the real challenge is using your time wisely. Read on for our list of suggestions to get you started; these are our editor's picks for what to do in Amsterdam, and this list is full of how to make the most of each.

Read our complete Amsterdam travel guide here .

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

STRAAT Museum Arrow

Graffiti fans, rejoice: Amsterdam now has a second museum devoted to street art—and it’s a doozy. STRAAT seeks out cutting-edge and emerging talent, with more than 130 artists from 32 countries represented in its 150-plus-strong collection. Occupying a colossal warehouse in the former shipbuilding area of NDSM, STRAAT has some 86,000 square feet of exhibition space inside, while outside, its façade is plastered in murals—including a huge kaleidoscope-like portrait of a smiling Anne Frank by Brazilian street art legend Eduardo Kobra.

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The Foodhallen stands out among other food halls thanks to its top-notch offerings, serving everything from reimagined Dutch classics to Vietnamese and Mexican treats. Housed inside a former tram depot, the venue is buzzing at all hours of the day. Aggressively guard your table if you manage to get one at all. Gin & Tonic Bar makes what you’d think it would with a range of different ingredients (try the one with jenever for something a bit different). Beerbar, meanwhile, pours more than 60 different local and international beers, including two brewed specifically for Foodhallen. It’s an ideal refueling stop at any time of day, particularly in winter when you need to thaw out after a long day of sightseeing.

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Amsterdam’s free ferry system is an essential part of the city’s transportation system, shuttling pedestrians, cyclists, and mopeds across the IJ River to Amsterdam-Noord every day. There are two main routes: The most popular, to Buiksloterweg, takes less than five minutes and drops you practically at the foot of the A’DAM Tower and the architecturally striking EYE Film Institute. The other, a 15-minute journey, goes to NDSM, a former industrial shipyard that’s been transformed into one of the city’s trendiest areas. Ferries run approximately every four to six minutes, leaving from behind Centraal Station; there’s a countdown clock right next to the dock that shows the next departures. It’s all fairly straightforward, and an activity not to miss.

Brouwerij ‘t IJ Arrow

Brouwerij ‘t IJ is the pub offshoot of the namesake Amsterdam brewery, so expect to find lots of Belgian-style beers. Menu standouts include full-bodied ales brewed with organic ingredients, but the occasional seasonal brews are also winners. It’s worth stopping in on a sunny day just to unwind with a good beer beside the canal.

Jessica Puckett

Caitlin Morton

Olivia Morelli

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This street market on Albert Cuypstraat, between Ferdinand Bolstraat and Van Woustraat, has been at it for over 100 years. It’s one of the largest markets in Europe with 260 stands selling fruit, vegetables, fish, flowers, clothing, and more, open Monday through Saturday. Load up on food and assorted knick-knacks, and keep an eye out for the ultimate shopping trophy: a wheel of Gouda cheese.

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.

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Just east of the city center, in the Jewish Cultural Quarter, you’ll find one of Europe’s largest and oldest active synagogues. Its magnificent interior looks much as it did in 1675, with its original towering stone columns, vaulted timber ceiling, and wooden pews surrounding a massive Torah ark made of gleaming wood. The building still has no electricity—evening services are illuminated by hundreds of candles in the large brass chandeliers. The sheer size of the synagogue and the beauty of its interior will leave you awestruck. As it is still an active house of worship, visitors are asked to behave respectfully.

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Just west of the quaint Jordaan district lies Westerpark, a lovely green space with wide lawns, idyllic ponds, and tall shady trees, crisscrossed with cycling and walking trails. But the real draw here is Westergas, a massive former gas plant that’s been turned into a lively entertainment hub. The 19th-century red-brick buildings, classified as industrial monuments, are chock-full of trendy restaurants, brewpubs, and independent cinemas. Coolest of all is Gashouder, an old gas storage tank that now hosts techno concerts for up to 3,500 people inside its vast circular interior.

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You’ll find Amsterdam’s version of Central Park spanning about 120 acres just outside the Canal Ring. This swath of green offers a welcome visual alternative to the monochromatic sea of brick that makes up central Amsterdam. Don't miss “The Fish” statue by Pablo Picasso, and take advantage of the numerous music, dance, and cabaret performances at the open-air theater during the summer months.

Anne Frank House Arrow

The only thing that stands out about this 17th-century canal house is the infamous line outside. Entry is by online reservation only, with timed tickets released two months ahead and a limited number on the day itself. The most poignant of the city’s museums, it’s utterly worth any crowd-related hassles for the emotional exhibits—not least the attic where the Frank family hid from the Nazis, and where young Anne penned her famous diary. It takes about an hour to complete a loop of the house. No matter how much you think you know about Anne Frank’s story, you’ll come away from the house realizing you didn't know very much at all.

Rijksmuseum Arrow

Reborn in 2013 after a decade-long, $441 million revamp, this is the biggest of Amsterdam’s “big three” museums. Yes, there are plenty of galleries of Golden Age paintings, though with 8,000 masterworks on display, this isn’t a niche affair. Model ships, rich costumes, and Asian art figure into the museum’s well-paced chronological trot from the Middle Ages to Mondrian. The museum app, with its 14 themed tours, is well worth downloading for free from the Apple Store and the Wi-Fi is good enough to make wayfinding a breeze.

Café de Sluyswacht Arrow

Everything about this old-school pub—from the adorably lopsided building, to the fab canal views, to the well-priced beers—embodies Dutch gezellig: a cozy, fun, relaxing atmosphere where people feel totally at home. Part of the charm of drinking at Café de Sluyswacht is embracing its quirks: step inside, and everything—from the stone floors to the staircase to the wood-beamed ceilings—tilts to one side, making you feel like you’ve had one too many before you’ve even had your first sip. Originally built in 1695 as a residence for the sluyswacht (the person operating the neighboring lock), this canal-side watering hole offers fantastic views of the Montelbaanstoren tower to one side and the Rembrandthuis to the other.

Oude Kerk Arrow

There’s something odd about a Gothic church that’s located in the Red Light District and surrounded by brothels, but that’s Amsterdam in a nutshell. Consecrated in 1306, Oude Kerk is the oldest surviving building in the city. The artist Rembrandt was a regular visitor; in fact, his children were christened here. And while you’ll find many typical medieval church trappings—vaulted ceilings, centuries-old paintings, ancient gravestones embedded in the floor—the building officially was designated as a museum in 2016. It hosts two site-specific exhibitions annually, featuring top international contemporary artists. All in all, this is a great place for a moment of quiet reflection if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the seediness of the Red Light District.

Van Gogh Museum Arrow

This Dutch institution welcomed more than 2.1 million visitors in 2019, making it the most visited museum in the Netherlands. The Potato Eaters , Wheatfield with Crows and, yes, the postcard-perfect Sunflowers series are all among the 200-strong painting collection. But this is more than just a rundown of van Gogh’s greatest hits. Drawings and letters dive into the artist’s depression (and that ear incident), there’s a video installation charting his rise, and works by the first generation of artists to be inspired by him are on view. Save the speed-walking for elsewhere; this is one where you'll want to linger.

The 9 Streets Arrow

The western part of the Canal Ring is a labyrinthine neighborhood, known as De Negen Straatjes (the Nine Streets), filled with independent shops. The act of shopping becomes a full-on afternoon activity as you wander the brick sidewalks searching for the perfect quirky souvenir or gift. It’s full of designer and vintage boutiques, cutting-edge galleries, quaint cafes, and delightfully cluttered antique shops.

Stubbe’s Haring Arrow

You’ll probably smell this timeworn, flag-festooned fish kiosk before you even spot the queues along the Singel canal, about 550 yards from Centraal Station. Below the quirky sign—the superscript ‘s’ of Stubbe’s is appealingly slapdash—Dutch matrons in striped aprons deliver salty, slippery herring, a rite of passage for Amsterdammers. Smoked eel, anchovies, and shrimps are all on the menu, but raw herring is what you want. If you’re not so sure about eating the fish au naturel, go for the herring roll, offsetting the salt with soft white bread, chopped onions, and sweet, crunchy pickles.

Nieuwe Diep Distillery (‘t Nieuwe Diep) Arrow

Nestled alongside a tranquil pond, this distillery and tasting room is set inside a quaint 19th-century pump house, complete with rustic wood floors and old-timey black-and-white photos on the walls. But it’s the waterfront terrace, open seasonally, that’s the real draw: Surrounded by greenery with views over the tree-encircled pond, it’s the most idyllic drinking spot in the whole of Amsterdam. The drinks are almost secondary to the scenic setting, but here you can sample 100 different jenevers (Dutch gin) and liqueurs, all made on-site in the distillery. We admit, it’s one of the more off-the-beaten-track drinking destinations, but enjoying traditional Dutch spirits in this enchanting pastoral setting makes it well worth the trip.

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Home » Europe » Netherlands » Amsterdam

35 BEST Places to Visit in Amsterdam (2024)

Travelling to Amsterdam is the stuff of dreams for a lot of people. It’s foreign enough to be exciting and familiar enough to feel safe and comforting. It conjures up images of tulips and cafés with wafting smoke and charming buildings from a time gone by. Whether you enjoy world class museums, architecture, history or the nightlife, there’s definitely always something to do in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam also comes with a reputation of being a bit of a party town and a place where vices can be indulged in without fear of prosecution. Whatever you believe in with regards the stance of the Dutch government on such activities, it’s certainly an eye opening experience to explore this side of the city in which ever way you feel comfortable. As long as you stick to the rules and have your wits about you, you should have an amazing time in this city however you decide to experience it!

To help you create the trip of your dreams, we’ve created this guide to the best places to visit in this amazing city and there’s so much more to see than just the Red Light District!

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

These are the best places to visit in amsterdam, faq on the best places to visit in amsterdam.

It’s our pick for the best neighbourhood for a first-time trip to Amsterdam because it is conveniently located for hitting the sightseeing hotspots, you’re close enough to the nightlife without being put off by the red light district, and there’s a good choice of accommodation, shops, restaurants, and attractions right at your fingertips. From here you can walk to places like the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh museum, the Royal Palace, Red Light District and the Rembrandt house museum or take a canal cruise to the rest of the city.

• Admire the artistic works at Museum Het Schip.
• Go window shopping along some of the best shopping streets in the country: the Haarlemmerstraat and Haarlemmerdijk.
• Relax at Het Stenen Hoofd, an urban beach that’s popular with locals.

Not only do we have the low down on the absolute best attractions, but also which neighbourhoods boast the best hostels in Amsterdam . If hostels aren’t your cup of tea, there’s more where that came from. From quaint Airbnb’s to boutique hotels, be sure to check out the best places to stay in Amsterdam before you take a deep dive into the fun that awaits you below.

Looking forward to exploring Amsterdam, well there’s more to the city than the infamous Red Light District. There are world-class tourist attractions such as the Rembrandt House Museum and the Royal Palace or maybe you want to reflect at the Anne Frank House or catch an exhibition in Museum square after an unforgettable canal cruise! There’s something for everyone, even backpackers on a budget in Amsterdam .

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 also a perfect starting point for your travels around The Netherlands and there are plenty of other amazing cities, towns and villages to explore once you’ve finished in Amsterdam.

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#1 – The Rijksmuseum

• Make sure you check out the Night Watch by Rembrandt.
• Great for art lovers and people who enjoy looking at notable Dutch painters.
• This National Museum is a must-see while you’re in Amsterdam!

Why it’s awesome : If you’re an art lover, or just want to see some of the most amazing pieces of artwork in the world, then you need to spend some time in the National Museum. Not only will you be astounded at how different the art looks in real life versus in the pages of a book, but you might just discover a new interest in Dutch painters!

What to do there : The Rijksmuseum is contained inside of an awesome, artistic building and the works of art within are a match for it. You can literally spend hours here wandering between the displays and discover artists you’ve never heard of as well as old favourites. Just make sure you take a long look at Rembrandt’ Night Watch, it’s truly one of the most incredible paintings in the world. Some people visit Amsterdam just for the art museums (others, just for the drugs and hookers).

#2 – The Van Gogh Museum – One of the most amazing places in Amsterdam!

• The Van Gogh museum is great for art lovers.
• A place where you can take some amazing photographs!
• The Van Gogh museum is a absolutely vital part of Dutch history.

Why it’s awesome : It’s Vincent Van Gogh. The man hated and reviled in his own time and yet now almost universally loved. The pictures he painted showed life at its most beautiful and vibrant, full of light and colour in a way that ordinary people can’t see. Through the Van Gogh museum, you’ll be able to glimpse a work you will rarely get to see, and that’s definitely worth savouring. A visit to Van Gogh’s legacy is an essential thing to do in Amsterdam .

What to do there : Try to see through this artist’s eyes while you’re in the Van Gogh museum. He had a rare way of seeing the world, a way that was full of life and colour, and yet his own life was filled with so much darkness and confusion. That’s why the beauty of his artwork deserves to be honoured. So make sure you take your time when you visit the largest collection of his work in the world.

#3 – The Red Light District

• The most famous or infamous part of the city.
• A whole new world, and an important part of the culture.
• Can be a little dangerous at night, so limit the amount you drink, stay with friends, and watch your belongings.

Why it’s so awesome : Well, you know why. This is the area that makes Amsterdam famous and it’s also the area that causes the most controversy. If you have any qualms about whether Amsterdam is safe or object to some of the more permissive sides of the culture in Amsterdam, then it’s best that you avoid this area. This is also definitely not an area where you would bring children. But, if you’re curious and careful, you’ll see a whole other side of the city when you spend time in this district.

What to do there : This area is bright, colourful, and there’s always something going on. That makes it an interesting place to visit and people watch, whether you agree with Amsterdam’s pragmatic approach to the sex trade or not. Just be careful about taking photos, as you could get yourself into trouble, and use your common sense to avoid any serious issues while in the area.

#4 – The Anne Frank Museum – Possibly one of the most important places to visit in Amsterdam

• Home to one of the most famous stories from the Second World War.
• An important historical monument.
• A sad and touching place to visit.

Why it’s so important : The Anne Frank House isn’t awesome in the sense that it’s fun. Far from it. Instead, it’s a sad reminder of a dark time in the world’s history. It’s also a site that’s familiar to a lot of people. In most schools, the Diary of Anne Frank is required reading, so a lot of people know at least the basics about this girl’s sad but profound story. It’s another thing to see the house in real life, to imagine her everyday life, her fear and even her tragic ending. The Anne Frank House is something that everyone should see at least once in their lives.

What to do there : Anne Frank’s house is now a museum and educational centre. It’s not a fun place to go. It’s actually quite chilling to wander the halls of the house and to visit the secret annexe where she lived for such a short time. The Anne Frank House is an incredibly important place to visit if only to honour the memory of that brave girl and her family.

#5 – The Westertoren – One of Amsterdam’s coolest historical sites!

• Great for photographers.
• The stairs will give you a nice little bit of exercise to work off all the rich food.
• Only open in the summer, so consider what time of year you visit Amsterdam .

Why it’s awesome : There’s nothing like seeing a new city from high up and in Amsterdam, this is the best place to do that. You’ll be able to see the city in a whole new way and in a small group as well, so there won’t be any pushing or jostling for the best photography spots. It’s also one of the best historical spots in Amsterdam, which is really saying something in this city!

What to do there : This is the tallest and the prettiest tower in Amsterdam, so the views are amazing from the top. You’ll need to book a guided tour to the top, and they only take a few tourists at a time, so make sure you get there early to reserve your place. Once you’re up there, take plenty of photos of Amsterdam from this amazing bird’s eye view, so make sure that you bring your camera with you.

#6 – The Bloemenmarkt – One of the most incredible free places to go to in Amsterdam

• A free and colorful display.
• Great for photographs.
• A chance to sit back and observe real life in Amsterdam.

Why it’s awesome : Two words: floating flowers. This is a floating flower market set along the southern bank of the Singel. It actually a very practical market, which supplies fresh flowers to Amsterdam. But its popularity with tourists and locals alike have caused it to expand so there are now stalls selling other souvenirs unique to this part of the world.

What to do there : Where else can you see beautiful blooms of almost every colour you can imagine set against the river? This is a floating flower market a sight to savour and you can people-watch at the same time. You can also do some shopping while in the area and you’ll find clogs as well as other uniquely Dutch souvenirs. But if you are a traveller on a budget and don’t want to spend any money, you can just wander around the area, enjoy the sights and stay in one of Amsterdams best cheap hostels .

Wonder what to do in Amsterdam for 3 days? Head over to our  insider’s Weekend in Amsterdam guide!

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#7 – Vondelpark – A beautiful outdoor place to visit in Amsterdam

• A chance to get out in nature.
• A relaxed vibe where you can barbeque and explore wooded trails.
• Has an amazing open theater where you can catch a show.

Why it’s so awesome : Amsterdam’s permissive nature also extends to their wooded areas. This is one of the few parks in the world where you can indulge in behaviour not usually allowed in public, with a few exceptions. This park is also popular with the locals as a place to exercise or just hang out in nature. And there are trails all over the park as well as a rose garden and an outdoor theatre if you want to get even more from the experience!

What to do there : Run, cycle, explore the trails or just take some friends along and have your lunch in the park. Find out what shows are playing at the theatre if you’re interested in catching one or just soak up the beauty of nature in the middle of the city!

#8 – Albert Cuyp Markt – A nice non-touristy place to visit in Amsterdam

• A chance to mingle with the locals.
• Buy some fresh food or just wander the stalls.
• You can also find clothes and souvenirs here, just  remember to bargain!

Why it’s so awesome : Sometimes when you travel, you just want to get away from the tourist traps and experience real life. And this market is a chance to do just that. Here you’ll see the locals bargaining for their groceries and generally going about their lives. And it’s a great way to get to see another side of this famous city.

What to do there : You’ll find a vast array of foods, clothes, and souvenirs here if you’re interested in shopping. Make sure you watch the locals beforehand, so you know how much to pay for what you want and a bargain! Bargaining is considered an integral part of the experience, so don’t be embarrassed and just enjoy the process.

#9 – De Negen Straatjes (The Nine Streets)

• An amazing historical spot.
• Perfect for photographers and people who want that iconic Amsterdam shot.
• An area that’s full of personality and quirky charm.

Why it’s so awesome : The Nine Streets is a historical area that has a lot of quirky charm packed into a relatively small area. The shops here are all unique, unusual, and have a flair that isn’t often seen in these days of department stores, which makes them a joy to explore and experience. This is the kind of area that gave Amsterdam its reputation as one of the most laidback cities in the world, so it’s an absolute pleasure to spend some time exploring it in detail.

What to do there: Make sure you put aside an entire afternoon, or a day, to wander the Nine Streets. This area is filled with historical detail, quirky cafes, and boutiques with some of the most unique and interesting goods you’ll ever see. So do some shopping or just set up shop in a café and watch the world go by. After all, this relaxed and laidback vibe is what Amsterdam is really about.

#10 – The Concertgebouw

• A chance to listen to some free music!
• A beautiful building that’s been recently refurbished and looks great in photos.
• Great for culture lovers.

Why it’s so awesome : This is an incredible arts venue that’s the home of the famous and much-lauded Koninklijk Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. The acoustics here are amazing, which turns an already impressive musical performance into something that has to be heard to be believed.

What to do there : If you visit this venue at lunchtime you may be able to catch a free concert and enjoy the music without breaking the bank. Otherwise, it’s also worth going at night when you can get the full experience of listening to the remarkable orchestra the way it was meant to be heard.

#11 – NSDM Wharf – Cool place to see in Amsterdam with friends!

• A great place to go bar hopping.
• The whole area is beach front so you can eat and look out over the water.
• There is always something going on here, from festivals to exhibitions and other events.

Why it’s so awesome : The NDSM Wharf is a former shipyard that’s been turned into one of Amsterdam’s cultural hot spots. It’s come a long way from its slightly grimy roots and now is the place to see and be seen, with some amazing restaurants, bars and shops around the area. There’s an artistic vibe to this area that elevates it above the usual tourist spots and makes it well worth checking out.

What to do there : There’s always something going on in this area from the weekend flea market to festivals and exhibitions. So while you’re in Amsterdam, make sure you find a schedule of what’s on and pick out what you want to see. And even if there isn’t anything in particular happening, it’s still a great spot to eat a meal in a beachfront restaurant or to check out some bars.

#12 – Flevopark

• A giant natural area.
• There are lots of amenities here, including an outdoor pool.
• If you get tired of all the nature, head over to the brewery for a snack and a drink!

Why it’s so awesome : Flevopark is an enormous open area in the middle of Oost and it’s the perfect place to get some exercise or just lounge about in the fresh air. There’s something for everyone in this park, from running trails to a tennis club and even a brewery where you can undo all the good work you’ve just done.

What to do there : This is the type of park that has something for everyone so you can literally do whatever you want to do here. If you’re feeling energetic, go for a swim in the outdoor pool, wander the trails or play a game of tennis. And if you’re feeling lazy, just lounge about on the grass or grab a drink and some snacks at the Distillery ‘t Nieuwe Diep microbrewery.

#13 – Brouwerij ‘t IJ – A must visit place to visit in Amsterdam on the weekend!

• An iconic brewery.
• One of the first breweries in Amsterdam and still very popular.
• A must visit for beer lovers and anyone who enjoys trying a variety of brews.

Why it’s so awesome : Everyone should drink beer in a windmill at some stage in their lives and this is the perfect place to do it. This microbrewery is the original in Amsterdam and is located in a working windmill. It has a wide variety of brews as well as some traditional Dutch snacks such as boiled eggs.

What to do there : Try to visit the brewery on a sunny day so you can sit out on the terrace and enjoy the sunshine while you snack and drink. Just make sure to follow the rules of safe travel and stay aware of how much you’re drinking, the brews tend to be higher in alcohol content than you would think!

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#14 – Blijberg aan Zee

• A chance to soak up the beach vibe.
• Perfect if you want a relaxing day.
• Clean water and a relaxing atmosphere.
• Great for sunbathing and swimming.

Why it’s so awesome : Amsterdam itself doesn’t have many places to swim, which is why this location is the perfect addition to any trip. The beach is located off a man-made island called IJburg and it’s just a short tram ride from the centre of the city. The water is clean and calm and basically, it’s the perfect place to have a lazy day sunbathing and enjoying the water.

What to do there : This is a family-friendly location with clean water, bright sun, and lots of restaurants and cafes in the area that sell great food. When you visit this beach, make sure you spend your time relaxing. The beach’s laidback atmosphere encourages sunbathing, swimming, and spending time with friends, so give in to it and just have a wonderful break from the busy heart of the city.

#15 – EYE Film Institute – Cool place to see in Amsterdam with friends!

• See a movie in style.
• An amazing, architectural building.
• The shop has a lot of quirky, cinematic memorabilia and souvenirs.

Why it’s so awesome : Unlike many of the other great sites in Amsterdam, this building is a modern marvel. Quirky and eye-catching on its own, it houses a cinema, film museum, shop, restaurant and café, all of them well worth spending some time in. There are also some fun and educational displays and experiences targeted at kids, so it’s a great place to take the family.

What to do there : This is no ordinary cinema. If you love quirky, independent films, cult classics and documentaries, then this is the place for you. The cinema is open 7 days a week and specialises in these genres. And if you really enjoy these kinds of movies, then the shop is a great place to pick up some unusual memorabilia of your visit.

#16 – Foodhallen – A must-see for foodies!

• One of the best places to enjoy Amsterdam’s food scene!
• A great place to go in a group or on your own.
• A super trendy area with a quirky vibe.

Why it’s so awesome : 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.

What to do there : 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.

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#17 – Begijnhof – One of the most religious places to see in Amsterdam

• Get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
• Explore Amsterdam’s religious past.
• Take in the tranquility and contemplate your life, the world and everything.

Why it’s so awesome : Amsterdam is incredibly laidback but it’s still a city and that means that it’s busy and crowded. If you need a little break, then this garden is the perfect place to take it. The garden and courtyard are in the middle of houses that once belonged to the Beguines, a religious group that admitted only unmarried women under a vow of chastity. This has given the area a quiet, contemplative vibe.

What to do there : This is a quint, medieval corner of Amsterdam that feels worlds away from the crowded city. There’s just something about it that encourages contemplation and thought and it’s a wonderful introduction to Amsterdam’s religious past. While you’re there, make sure you take a look at the city’s oldest wooden house, which was added to the area in 1425.

#18 – Cuypers Library – A nice quiet place to see in Amsterdam

• For book lovers and art lovers.
• An incredibly gorgeous place to sit and enjoy a book.
• Almost magical surroundings.

Why it’s so awesome : If you’re a reader then you’ll love this place. The building is stunning and brings to mind books of magic where the main character is thrust into an incredible adventure after opening an unusual book. The library is attached to a museum, but few tourists venture beyond the museum into this part of the building. And that’s a shame because this is one of the largest art history libraries in the country and it’s a lovely place to sit and read for a while.

What to do there: If you love books then you’ll love this place. It will give you a chance to sit and read about all the amazing works of art you’ve experienced since landing in Amsterdam. It’s also a quiet and beautiful haven away from the busy streets and tourists. The only people you’ll see here are scholars quietly toiling away at their chosen disciplines. So if you need a quiet afternoon in a beautiful place, this is where to go.

#19 – Theatre Tuschinski

• Interesting art deco decorations.
• Includes a cinema as well as a stage for live productions.
• The building has a tragic history because the architect was Polish, and his entire family was killed at a German concentration camp.

Why it’s so awesome : This theatre is a confusing mix of styles that’s oddly beautiful and well worth seeing on their own. The imposing exterior hides bright, colourful walls and rooms on the inside, and the building has been recently refurbished so it’s looking its best. This might seem like a strange place to catch a movie, but it’s well worth going out of your way just to see and take pictures of the building’s unusual features.

What to do there : This is a functioning movie theatre so if you’re in Amsterdam for a while it’s worth seeing what movies they’re showing. And if you’re not a movie buff, you should still visit and take in the architecture. The architect combined lots of different styles when he made this building, and it’s truly an amazing mix to see and take pictures in front of.

#20 – OT301

• For anyone who’s interested in alternative cultural events.
• A truly unique venue.
• A chance to see some alternative bands and listen to some weird and wonderful music.

Why it’s so awesome : 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.

What to do there : If you visit the OT301 at night then you will experience new bands, music, and up-and-coming talent. But even if you go during the day then there’s plenty to do. During the day, the venue is host to artistic workshops and classes and the whole place is built on the ideas of diversity and inclusion. This combination makes the OT301 one of the friendliest and coolest places to spend time and soak up the atmosphere in. And if you’re really lucky, you might discover a new talent of your own too!

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#21 – Electric Ladyland – Quite the quirky place in Amsterdam!

• A quirky educational experience.
• Literally one of a kind.
• A fascinating and interactive glimpse of another world.

Why it’s so awesome : In a city full of quirky places, this is probably one of the strangest. It’s a tiny museum in Jordaan and is dedicated to fluorescent art. Well, it’s actually dedicated to a mix of art, science, and geology. This might sound a little strange, but the displays explore minerals, art and stones that glow under ultraviolet light in a way that’s both beautiful and fascinating. It’s so fascinating that you won’t even notice that you’re learning at the same time!

What to do there : You need to book ahead to get into this museum but it’s worth taking the time. Not only are the displays beautiful, but they’re also interactive. So while you’re there, make sure you take in all the lights and colours and also go the extra step and become a part of the artwork!

#22 – The Royal Palace

• Stunning architecture.
• Great for taking pictures.
• An interesting historical site.

Why it’s awesome : Everyone loves hearing about royalty and now you can see where they lived and died and everything in between! The Royal Palace in Amsterdam is the official residence of the King of Holland and was built in 1648 as a Town Hall. The rulers at the time had an unusual taste, so the architecture is modelled after the buildings in ancient Rome, which makes a fascinating statement in the modern city.

What to do there: The Royal Palace is incredibly beautiful and richly appointed, which is why it makes the perfect location for photographs. You can also tour the inside, as long as it isn’t occupied, so make sure you spend some time in the opulent staterooms. You’ll get a much better idea of just how wealthy royalty can be when you stroll around the impressive Royal Palace!

#23 – Westergasfabriek

• One of Amsterdam’s cultural centres.
• A great place to eat, watch a movie or shop!
• There’s something for everyone here.

Why it’s so awesome : This was once a slightly grimy industrial hub, but it’s been turned into the cultural center of the city. It has quirky stores and businesses, comfortable cafes and there are always events and festivals going on. So if you’re ever looking for something to do while you’re in Amsterdam, this is the place to come. Because there’s always something going on here.

What to do there : This area is so crowded with things to do that it’s easier to say what you can’t do. There are great restaurants and bars, cafes, an arthouse cinema, a microbrewery and coffee roasters. And as if that wasn’t enough, the area also plays host to events, markets and festivals on a regular basis. So, whatever you want to do, you can probably find a way to do it here.

#24 – De Pijp Neighborhood

• A window into everyday life in Amsterdam.
• A great place to shop, eat, or just relax.
• The interesting mix of cultures in the area makes for some great food.

Why it’s so awesome : This neighbourhood is a melting pot of different cultures and foods and is one of the most vibrant areas in the city. It’s also known as the Latin Quarter of Amsterdam and there are lots of pubs, cafes and restaurants in the area for you to try. It’s a great way to get a better idea of the different cultures that live in Amsterdam and how they seem to coexist in relative harmony.

What to do there : While you’re in the area, visit the shops and look for souvenirs or gifts for people back home. Make sure you visit one of the very traditional pubs in the area or have a meal in one of the many, very good restaurants. There is also a park nearby where you can have a break from the busyness and enjoy some nature before you go back to your explorations.

#25 – The Resistance Museum – A fascinating educational place to visit in Amsterdam

• An often-forgotten part of world history.
• Educational and interesting at the same time.
• Has special displays for younger visitors, so bring the kids along too!

Why it’s awesome: Most people outside of Holland don’t know about the role of the Dutch Resistance in the Second World War and this is a shame. The heroic men and women who fought against the Nazi’s regime deserve to be remembered and recognized, and this museum records their efforts with sensitivity and honesty. In 1945, there were more than 300,000 people hiding in the Netherlands, most of them Jews and anti-Nazi Dutch people. In this museum, you’ll see how they were hidden, how the Resistance protected them, and examine photographs, movie clips and documents from the time.

What to do there : There’s always something eerie about learning about the atrocities committed during the Second World War, but it’s life-affirming to learn about the people who fought against the horrors. If you want to feel sad but hopeful for humanity all at once, spend some time looking at the photos, documents and movie clips in this museum. It’s a good way to add to what you learn and feel at the House of Anne Frank.

#26 – Leidseplein – A great place to visit in Amsterdam at night

• Amsterdam’s nightlife center.
• The most popular square in the city.
• There are lots of great cafes and restaurants in the area.

Why it’s so awesome : This square is the centre of everything and a trip to Amsterdam wouldn’t be the same if you don’t explore this area. It’s great during the day or at night and is the perfect starting point for your adventures in the city. There are also a lot of great bars, restaurants and cafes in the area, so you’ll find somewhere to go that suits every taste.

What to do there : This square is a great place to start out a fun night with some friends. The most popular bars and restaurants in the city area are close by, and you can fan out from the centre until you find out what you’re looking for. It’s also a great place to visit during the day if you enjoy cosy cafes and delicious food.

#27 – Nieuwe Spiegelstraat – One of the most underrated places to see in Amsterdam!

• A glimpse of Amsterdam’s past.
• Great for people who want unusual souvenirs.
• Antique shoppers will love this area!

Why it’s so awesome : Souvenir shopping is fun, but sometimes you want to bring home something a little different and this is the perfect place to find that. This street is lined with antique shops, each of them showcasing a different, obscure part of the city’s history. Be prepared for weirdness when you shop here, and to see things you’ve never even heard of!

What to do there: If you like quirky, unusual things, then this street is a treasure trove. The shop dedicated to past medical instruments and oddities is particularly interesting as is the one that sells scientific instruments from the past. While you’re in this street, the best thing to do is just wander. Explore the different shops and what they have to offer. And be prepared to go home with an amazing story and souvenir or two!

#28 – Museum Vrolik

• One of the most bizarre collections you’ll ever see.
• A truly unique museum of past oddities.
• Definitely not for the squeamish!

Why it’s so awesome : This museum is located at the University of Amsterdam and it’s dedicated to human and animal anatomical mutations. Once held in a private collection, there are now more than 150 examples of mutations ranging from dental mutations to bone pathologies in both animals and humans held here.

What to do there : This is definitely not a collection for the kids or for anyone with a weak stomach. And if you don’t enjoy seeing strange things floating in jars, then you might want to give this a miss. But if your interests sometimes run to the macabre, then exploring this museum is a great way to spend a couple of hours. You’ll definitely leave the museum feeling grateful for how well your own body is put together!

#29 – De Poezenboot (The Cat Boat)

• For cat lovers!
• A chance to contribute to a worthwhile charity and pat some kitties at the same time!

Why it’s so awesome : This floating cat home is probably the only one of its kind. The cats who live here seem perfectly happy surrounded by water, and your visit could make their lives a little easier too. This unusual boat was set up as an animal sanctuary in 1966 and is a charity run entirely on donations. There are up to 50 cats on the boat at any one time and human visitors are welcome.

What to do there: This is a chance to combine animal cuddles with doing some good. Visitors are welcome to come aboard the boat for some cuddle time and to adopt. If you’re travelling, adopting probably isn’t practical, but the shelter welcomes donations, which all go towards feeding and taking care of the boat’s residents and the rest of Amsterdam’s cat population.

#30 – A’Dam Lookout and Over the Edge Swing

• Panoramic views over Amsterdam.
• A great place to take photographs.
• Something for adrenalin junkies too!

Why it’s so awesome : This tower is a landmark in Amsterdam and boasts an observation deck where you can sit and look out across the city. The views are absolutely stunning, especially on clear days, but if this isn’t enough excitement for you then consider trying the Over the Edge Swing. This is the highest swing in Europe and there’s nothing like swinging back and forward nearly 100 meters above the ground! It’s one of the most unique tourist attractions in Amsterdam.

What to do there : For most people, it’s enough to simply visit the observation deck and take in the views of the city And the historic buildings below. This is a great chance to take some photographs of the varied and atmospheric city below. If you’re looking for something more exciting, then pay a little extra and take a turn on the swing. It’s definitely worth the small extra fee and will really get your blood pumping!

#31 – Bibliotheca Philosophica Hermetica (the Ritman Library)

• If you enjoy Dan Brown, then make sure you visit one of the places that inspired him!
• For book lovers and especially rare book lovers.
• An interesting glimpse into different ways of thinking and living.

Why it’s so awesome : This library holds a large collection of rare books on ancient religions, mysticism and philosophy. You can find a lot of gems here from the first illustrated version of Dante’s The Divine Comedy to Cicero’s De Officiis . The collection is so varied and unusual that it inspired Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code and overall is a fascinating window into ancient and more recent schools of thought.

What to do there : This is a display for book lovers and people who are interested in learning more about the past. If you’re a reader or a student of the past, you’ll probably find some old favourites here. And who knows, maybe you’ll get inspired just as Dan Brown was!

#32 – The Homomonument

Why it’s so awesome : During the Second World War, gay men in Nazi concentration camps were forced to wear a pink triangle on their clothes. This type of marking meant only horrific things in the camps and this monument acknowledges that and remembers the men and women who lost their lives to bigotry throughout the ages. The monument was designed in 1980 after gay activists were arrested in 1970 for putting a lavender wreath on Amsterdam’s National War Memorial in Dam Square.

What to do there : This is a place to reflect and remember the horrors of World War II. To remember all the people, men and women, who lost their lives because of their sexual orientation, and to remember to do better in the future. There are three triangles in the monument. One points to Dam Square, the other to the headquarters of the oldest gay rights organisation in the world, the COC Nederland, and the third pointing to Anne Frank’s house. It’s a moving place, and people often bring flower wreaths to place on the triangle by the water in remembrance.

• A sobering but important monument to diversity.
• A reminder of how far humanity has come and how far we have to go.

#33 – Dam Square

• The centre of life in Amsterdam.
• Surrounded by amazing architecture, restaurants and cafés and the National Monument
• A great place for photos and to start out when you arrive in the city.

Why it’s so awesome : Dam Square is the centre of the city and one of the most important and well-known areas as well. It’s also the historical centre and is surrounded by examples of incredible architecture as well as important monuments to Amsterdam’s history. You can get everywhere from this spot, and it’s a great place to start out on your journey around the city. It’s home to some incredible historic buildings and many well-known tourist attractions.

What to do there : While you’re in Dam Square, you’re within walking distance of a lot of important buildings and monuments. At one end is the Royal Palace, and the other is the National Monument, which memorialises the lives lost during the Second World War. This combination of monuments and attractions has made Dam Square the centre of tourist activity in the city. It’s that mixture of cultures, from walking in the footsteps of the Dutch royal family to retelling the stories of World War II, visiting Amsterdam has so much to offer.

#34 – Science Center NEMO – Awesome place to visit in Amsterdam with kids!

• The fifth most popular museum in Amsterdam.
• Five floors of exhibits.
• Interactive, interesting displays.
• For the young and the young at heart!

Why it’s so awesome : There’s nothing like learning about science in an interactive and interesting way and this museum gives you the chance to do just that. It’s the perfect place to bring the kids if you want them to enjoy themselves and learn at the same time. And adults will enjoy it as well.

What to do there : There are five floors of exhibits in this museum so there’s no shortage of things to see and do. You can explore the universe, perform a chemistry experiment, or learn about mathematics in a way that will make you wonder why you ever hated it in school. Basically, no matter what you’re interested in, you’ll find something fun to do in this hidden gem in Amsterdam !

#35 – Our Lord in the Attic Museum

• Some awesome historical displays.
• An unusual, quirky and slightly creepy place to explore.
• Give this place a miss if you have trouble with stairs!

Why it’s so awesome : If you’re interested in the unusual, then this is the place for you. Located in the Red Light District, this four-hundred-year-old house near the canal holds a secret. The upper floors hide a richly appointed and decorated Catholic Church! The church was created in 1663, at a time when Catholics were persecuted in Holland. The then owner of the house built the church so he and his fellow Catholics could worship in peace and secrecy.

What to do there : The real draw of this tiny church is its mystery. You pass through a completely normal, albeit old house, up numerous stairs, and suddenly find yourself face to face with an altar. There is room enough for around 150 worshippers in this tiny church and the Dutch Classicist style decorations are incredibly beautiful. The tiny church is now a museum, but they still hold services there regularly. And why wouldn’t they when it’s such a beautiful place?

Get insured for your trip to 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 about the best places to visit in Amsterdam

What should I not miss in Amsterdam?

A visit to the Anne Frank Museum is a poignant and important landmark of Amsterdam that shouldn’t be missed.

Is Amsterdam safe for solo female Travellers?

You bet it is! Amsterdam is a great choice for girls wanting to go it alone, it’s super safe and has some awesome and friendly hostels too!

What are the best places to visit in Amsterdam at night?

Have an awesome and safe night out around Leidseplein. Explore the areas many amazing bars and restaurants with something for everyone.

What are some great places to visit in Amsterdam for free?

Take in the colourful action at the Bloemenmarkt. This floating flower market is a beautiful way to see local life.

Don’t let stories and news reports scare you away from Amsterdam. This city is one of the safest and the most exciting in the world, and it definitely has to be seen to be believed. We’ve now gone through a list of some of the most interesting and historically important places in Amsterdam. By exploring this list, you’ll get a good understanding of the city’s culture, its history, and what makes it so special and you’ll have a fantastic time as well!

Once you’ve done exploring the city itself then why not check out the amazing day trips in Amsterdam too and be sure to stay close to Amsterdam Central Station for the best use of your time.

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

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24 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Amsterdam

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Mar 18, 2024 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. With its universities, academies, and research institutes, along with more than 40 museums, numerous theaters, and entertainment venues, Amsterdam is also the country's leading cultural center.

In addition, the city is famous for its many well-preserved historic homes. Laid out in a pattern of concentric segments in the shape of a fan, these well-preserved heritage buildings are built on piles driven through an upper layer of mud into the firm, sandy bottom up to 18 meters below.

All told, some 6,750 buildings dating from the 16th to 18th centuries are crowded into an area of 2,000 acres that's dissected by 160 canals (grachten), themselves home to numerous houseboats. Little wonder then that Amsterdam is an awesome city to explore on foot, with many picturesque bridges linking the city's 90 islands. Eight of these are in fact old wooden bascule bridges, including the Magere Brug (Mager Bridge), one of the city's most frequently photographed.

Discover the best places to visit in this dynamic city with our list of the top attractions and fun things to do in Amsterdam.

1. See the Art Collections at the Rijksmuseum

2. visit anne frank house, 3. experience great art at the van gogh museum, 4. explore the jordaan neighborhood, 5. family fun and flowers at vondelpark, 6. people watch at dam square, 7. tour the royal palace of amsterdam, 8. west church (westerkerk), 9. rembrandt house museum, 10. visit one of the world's oldest botanical gardens, 11. go wild at artis: amsterdam royal zoo, 12. see the views from oude kerk's tower, 13. learn about dutch art at stedelijk museum amsterdam, 14. take a tranquil stroll through the begijnhof, 15. jewish historical museum, 16. nieuwe kerk (new church), 17. pay your respects at the national monument, 18. go shopping in kalverstraat and vlooienmarkt, 19. explore the city's history at the amsterdam museum, 20. get smart at nemo science museum, 21. eye film institute netherlands, 22. see the tall ships at the national maritime museum, 23. museum of the tropics, 24. hermitage amsterdam, where to stay in amsterdam for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to amsterdam, map of attractions & things to do in amsterdam, best time to visit amsterdam.

One of Amsterdam's most popular attractions — and certainly its most important art repository — the Rijksmuseum (National Museum) was founded in 1798 to house the country's huge collection of rare art and antiquities. The museum's impressive collection includes a million cultural artifacts dating from the 13th century to the modern day, among them more than 8,000 important paintings spread across 250 rooms of this sprawling building.

In addition to its paintings, the Rijksmuseum boasts a well-stocked library of more than 35,000 books and manuscripts, as well as numerous fascinating displays dealing with the development of art and culture in the Netherlands. Of special note are its collections of traditional handicrafts, medieval sculpture, and modern art styles.

A variety of themed English language guided tours are available. For a special experience, try the fun art history canal cruise taking in many of the sites represented in the Rijksmuseum's collections, or book a table at the museum's Michelin-starred restaurant .

English language guided tours are available. To avoid line-ups (nearly 2.5 million people visit each year), book tour tickets in advance online.

Address: Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam

Official site: www.rijksmuseum.nl/en

On the Prinsengracht stands Anne Frank House (Anne Frank Huis). Dedicated to the all-too-short life of one of the world's best-known Holocaust victims, this is the actual home in which Anne's family hid for much of WWII.

The Frank's were Jewish refugees from the German city of Frankfurt, and it was here that Anne wrote the diary that became an international bestseller after the war. It was published just a few years after her death at age 15, just two months before the war ended.

Much of the home has been kept as it was during Anne's time, and it serves as a poignant monument to a tragic period of history. A word of caution: tickets do sell out up to two or more months in advance, so be sure to plan ahead and purchase your tickets ahead of time online.

Address: Prinsengracht 263-267, 1016 GV Amsterdam

Official site: www.annefrank.org/en/

A must-visit for art fans and historians, the spectacular Van Gogh Museum has been one of Amsterdam's top attractions since it opened in 1972. Dedicated to the often troubled life and extraordinary artistry of one of the country's most-revered painters, this modern Gerrit Rietveld-designed structure is home to the world's largest collection of Van Gogh paintings and artifacts, much of it donated by his brother, Theo, and other family members.

Boasting an impressive 200 paintings, 500 etchings and drawings, as well as 700 letters written to (and by) friends and family, the collection is split into key periods of the artist's life: his realistic works (1880 to 1887), including the famous The Potato Eaters , and his Impressionist period from 1887 to 1890, which saw the creation of perhaps his best-known work, V ase with Sunflowers .

A highlight of a visit is the amazing "Meet Vincent Van Gogh Experience," a fascinating multimedia presentation of the painter's life and times through vivid digital reproductions of his work.

Also of interest are works by Van Gogh's contemporaries, including such leading artists as Paul Gauguin and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. If time allows, be sure to check the availability of the museum's educational workshops in such disciplines as painting and photography. A café, shop, and library are also located on-site.

Address: Museumplein 6, 1071 DJ, Amsterdam

Official site: www.vangoghmuseum.nl/en

Jordaan is the most popular of Amsterdam's neighborhoods and is well-known for its mix of residential areas with garden courtyards, lively markets, and upscale boutiques and eateries. The area is also home to plenty of fun things to do, from taking a pleasant stroll along the many picturesque streets to spending time visiting the many top-rated tourist attractions located here.

Although best known as the location of Anne Frank House , the area is also home to lesser-known treasures like the Woonboots Museum , a floating museum dedicated to houseboats, and the interesting (honestly!) Amsterdam Cheese Museum .

On Saturday mornings, Lindengracht turns into a huge open-air market, where you can find local crafts, produce, flowers, and goodies perfect for filling a picnic basket. Monday mornings, it is Westerstraat that fills with 200 vendors' stalls, this time selling a wide range of goods in a flea-market-style bazaar. Jordaan's restaurants and cafés have become the trendy place to sit and people-watch while enjoying traditional Dutch folk music.

The largest and most visited park in Amsterdam, Vondelpark occupies 120 acres and contains no end of fun things to do. In addition to expanses of green space dotted by peaceful ponds and traversed by ample paths, the park is home to a lovely rose garden featuring more than 70 different types of the flower.

It also has a variety of sculptures and statues, playgrounds, and other recreational facilities, including rollerblade rental and the Vondelpark Open Air Theater , which serves as a venue for musical and stage productions from May through September.

If you haven't packed a picnic, don't worry: the park is also full of cafés where you can enjoy a snack or a full meal.

Dam Square is one of the most tourist-packed areas of Amsterdam, and for good reason. Its most prominent feature is the 17th-century Royal Palace (Koninklijk Palace) , former home of the Dutch royal family and present-day venue for royal functions.

Dam Square is also home to top tourist attractions such as the New Church (Nieuwe Kerk) ; Madame Tussauds wax museum; and the National Memorial Statue , which is dedicated to Dutch soldiers who lost their lives in World War II.

This huge public square is, naturally, lined with numerous cafés, restaurants, and shops, and is usually full of vendors selling food and souvenirs. Tourists will also find a Ferris wheel, perfect for getting a different perspective, as well as plenty of entertainment, ranging from street performers and buskers to first-rate music festivals.

Formerly the Town Hall, the Royal Palace of Amsterdam ( Koninklijk Paleis van Amsterdam ) serves as the King's residence when he's in the city. Its construction was a monumental task when started in 1648 and required the sinking of 13,659 piles to support the mammoth structure.

Based upon the architecture of ancient Rome, the exterior is strictly classical, while the interior is magnificently furnished, its apartments decorated with a wealth of reliefs, ornamentation, marble sculptures, and friezes. Check out the spectacular ceiling paintings by Ferdinand Bol and Govert Flinck, pupils of Rembrandt.

Other highlights include one of the finest furniture collections in the world, and the City Treasurer's room with its marble fireplace and ceiling paintings by Cornelis Holsteyn. You'll also see the Hall of the Aldermen, also containing paintings by Bol and Flinck.

The largest and most important room is the Council Hall, sumptuously decorated and one of the most beautiful staterooms in Europe. English language guided tours are available, and useful audioguides are included with admission.

Location: Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 147, 1012 RJ Amsterdam

Official site: www.paleisamsterdam.nl/en

Located next door to the Anne Frank Museum, Amsterdam's West Church (Westerkerk) is one of the most popular churches to visit in the city. It's certainly one of the most picturesque.

Completed in 1630, this attractive Renaissance church is unusual due to its many internal and external Gothic features. Its 85-meter tower, popularly known as "Langer Jan" (tall John), is the highest in the city. On the tip of its spire is a large replica of the emperor's crown, placed there in memory of Emperor Maximilian of Austria. Inside the tower, a carillon proclaims the hours.

Other highlights include a fine organ dating from 1622, along with an interesting marble column placed here in 1906 in memory of Rembrandt. The great artist was originally buried outside the church, but was later reinterred inside. A gift shop is located on-site.

Address: Prinsengracht 279, 1016 GW Amsterdam

Official site: www.westerkerk.nl/

Rembrandt, along with his wife Saskia, spent the happiest (and most successful) years of his life in the house on the Jodenbreestraat, now home to the Rembrandt House Museum (Museum Het Rembrandthuis). It was here, in the Jewish Quarter, that he found models for his Biblical themes, and where he painted the sights from his many outings along the canals.

Rembrandt lived here for 20 years, and the house has been furnished in 17th-century style with numerous etchings and personal objects. English language guided tours are available.

Just a two-minute walk away is Zuiderkerk (South Church), where three of Rembrandt's children are buried, as well as one of his pupils. Constructed between 1603 and 1611, it was the first Protestant church to be built in Amsterdam after the Reformation and was designed by architect Hendrick de Keyser, who is also buried here.

After extensive restoration, it is now a center for local cultural activities and events. Another Rembrandt-related destination in the city is Rembrandt Square , home to numerous cafés and restaurants, along with a statue of the famous painter.

Address: Jodenbreestraat 4, 1011 NK Amsterdam

Official site: www.rembrandthuis.nl/en/

Amsterdam offers a surprising dose of nature in the very heart of the city. Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam, the city's botanical garden , is one of the world's oldest and should definitely be included in your sightseeing itinerary.

Founded in 1638, this much-visited attraction began life as a humble herb garden for doctors and apothecaries. Today, it features rare plants and trees, exotic flowers, and a large hothouse encompassing different tropical zones.

Highlights of a visit include exploring the lovely old pavilion, a hexagonal structure that dates back to the late 17th century, plus the 1870s Orangery. The Palm House is also notable, in particular for its architectural style (it was designed in the Amsterdam School style).

Plant enthusiasts are also in for a treat, as the gardens are home to a wide variety of rare plant and tree species. Worth mentioning are examples of the Persian Ironwood tree, plus numerous tropical species in the historic hothouse. For those wanting to linger longer, there's an on-site café.

Address: Plantage Middenlaan 2a, 1018 DD Amsterdam

Official site: www.dehortus.nl/en/

Less than a five-minute stroll away from the botanical gardens is Artis , Amsterdam's excellent "royal zoo." This world-class attraction was established in 1838 and is one of the oldest zoos in Europe .

It spotlights a variety of creatures from around the globe in a shady garden setting dotted with numerous historical buildings. The aquarium, for example, was constructed in 1882 and features exhibits including a coral reef system and a fascinating peek under an Amsterdam canal.

Other highlights include the nocturnal animal house, zoological museum, Insectarium, Butterfly Pavilion, and Planetarium. There's also a library that features an extensive collection of historic books, prints, and artworks.

Also of interest near this fun nature-based attractions is a replica of the Normaal Amsterdams Peil, the NAP, which shows the average water level of the North Sea.

Address: Plantage Kerklaan 38-40, 1018 CZ Amsterdam

Official site: www.artis.nl/en/

The Oude Kerk (Old Church) — built in 1306 and the city's oldest structure — remains unchanged since Rembrandt's time. The first hall church in North Holland, this splendid piece of architecture became the model for many other churches in the region.

Numerous additions were added over the centuries, such as the large side chapels from the early 1500s. Also dating from this period is a portal leading to the Iron Chapel, where documents showing the city's privileges, including the freedom from tolls granted in 1275, were kept locked behind an iron door. The tower was added in the 16th century and has a carillon from 1658 that's considered one of the finest in the country. It also offers great views over the city.

The interior of the church has features dating from before the Reformation, including three magnificent windows from 1555 from the Dutch High Renaissance, and finely-carved wooden choir stalls. These days, the building is well-known as a venue for contemporary art exhibits.

After exploring this beautiful historical building, take a two-minute stroll across the bridge to Zeedijk , one of Amsterdam's oldest streets. Many houses along here lean at an angle from the vertical, and the 15th-century house at No. 1 is thought to be the oldest surviving building in the city .

Address: Oudekerksplein 23, 1012 GX Amsterdam

Official site: www.oudekerk.nl/en/

Founded in 1895, the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam — in English, the Municipal Museum Amsterdam — houses one of Europe's most impressive modern art collections. With a focus on 19th- and 20th-century Dutch and French painting, the museum features works by a number of renowned art movements, including De Stijl.

Other important works include examples from Van Doesburg, Mondrian, and Rietveld; Pop Art, with works by Rosenquist and Warhol; and painters such as Chagall, Dubuffet, De Kooning, and Matisse. The sculpture garden also contains examples by Rodin, Moore, Renoir, and Visser.

English language guided tours are available, as are fun family workshops. A shop and restaurant are also located on-site.

Address: Museumplein 10, 1071 DJ Amsterdam

Official site: www.stedelijk.nl/en

The Begijnhof is one of those rare tranquil inner-city spots that many tourists simply don't notice as they hustle from attraction to attraction. And that's a shame, as this stunning old corner of Amsterdam simply begs to be explored.

Although most of the old homes are occupied, the tiny lanes and pathways around them provide public access, so don't be shy to wander freely. You'll be rewarded with views of well-kept green lawns — the courtyards — surrounded by some of the oldest houses in Amsterdam, including its only remaining wooden house from the 14th century.

Originally occupied by a commune of pious Catholic women (begijnen), the area's small chapel is still open for services and saw the last of these women buried here in 1971.

Address: 1012 AB Amsterdam

Official site: http://begijnhofkapelamsterdam.nl/english-information/

The Jewish Historical Museum (Joods Historisch Museum) is housed in four redundant synagogues, one of which, the Grote Synagogue, dates back to 1670. Highlights include a large collection of religious artifacts, such as silver Torah containers, Torah robes, and decorated Torah headdresses, as well as hangings and ceremonial canopies (of particular interest is the white marble Holy Shrine).

The museum also has a large library, while in the Upper Synagogue, the Obbene Sjoel, there's a kosher restaurant. Be sure to check the museum's website for details of its concert program, which includes candlelight performances by renowned local and international artists .

Of note outside the museum is the Docker Monument , erected to commemorate a strike in 1941, when workers refused to co-operate with the deportation of their Jewish fellow citizens.

Also of interest is the Portuguese Synagogue , a late-17th-century temple that houses the Ets Haim Library , the oldest of its kind. For a more in-depth look at this fascinating history, join one of the special English language tours of the Jewish Historical Museum that includes the historic Jewish Quarter.

Address: Nieuwe Amstelstraat 1, 1011 PL Amsterdam

Official site: https://jck.nl/en

Nieuwe Kerk (New Church), used as the coronation church of Dutch monarchs since 1814, lies in the heart of Amsterdam next to the Royal Palace in Dam Square ("The Dam"). This historic square was built around 1270 to separate the Amstel from the IJ and gave the city its name.

Today, the square and the church are used for public functions such as antique fairs and art exhibitions. Regular organ concerts also take place in this 15th-century church. A striking feature is its magnificent pulpit from 1649, a marvel of Baroque wood carving decorated with the four evangelists and figures symbolizing Faith, Hope, Charity, Justice, and Prudence. The church also has an organ from 1670, an exceptionally beautiful choir screen cast in bronze, and fine choir stalls.

Also of interest are the tombs of famous Dutchmen including PC Hooft and Nicolaes Tulp, and the Baroque tomb of Admiral Michiel de Ruyter who died in 1679. The stained-glass windows are beautiful; one of them dates from 1650 and depicts the granting of the city's coat of arms by William IV, while the Queen's Window from 1898 commemorates the coronation of Queen Wilhelmina.

Address: Dam, 1012 NP Amsterdam

Official site: www.nieuwekerk.nl/en/

On the opposite side of The Dam, the National Monument (Nationaal Monument op de Dam), a spectacular 22-meter-high obelisk, was erected here after the Second World War as a memorial for its victims and a symbol of Liberation.

It was designed by J. J. P. Oud and decorated with sculptures by J. W. Rädeler symbolizing, among other things, War (four male figures), Peace (a woman and child), and Resistance (two men with howling dogs). Embedded in the obelisk are urns containing earth from the 11 provinces, and a 12th urn contains earth from the cemetery of honor in Indonesia.

The monument was dedicated by Queen Juliana on 4 May, 1956, the national day of remembrance. Every year on this date, wreaths are laid here and a two-minute silence is observed throughout the Netherlands.

During other times, the monument is a place where young people from all over the world meet. If you'd like to learn a little more about the history of the Netherlands during WWII, then a visit to The Resistance Museum (Verzetsmuseum) is a must. In addition to portraying the role of the resistance during the German occupation, the museum provides a great deal of information related to civilian life during this harrowing period of history.

Address: Dam, 1012 JL Amsterdam

There comes a point in every vacation when a little shopping therapy is needed. Amsterdam boasts many great places to shop, whether for high-end luxury goods, local crafts, or fun souvenirs. The best known — and usually the busiest — is the Kalverstraat with its many smart boutiques, galleries, perfumeries, cafés, and restaurants. While the crush of humanity can be a little intimidating (especially on a Saturday), it's an outing you won't soon forget.

For a completely different shopping experience, head over to the Vlooienmarkt, Amsterdam's famous flea market, held here since 1886. It's a veritable smorgasbord of wares, with everything from antiques and food to clothes, both new and used.

Most of the best shopping streets in Amsterdam fan out from the Muntplein , a city square that was once home to a sheep market in the 15th century. Rising above the square is the Munttoren (Mint Tower), which dates from 1672 when Amsterdam was the site of the mint for two years while the French occupied Utrecht.

Another unique shopping experience awaits at the Flower Market (Bloemenmarkt), a historic floating market that once sold every type of plant imaginable (while a few flower stalls remain, many of the remaining businesses are souvenir shops).

Housed in the former municipal orphanage built in 1414, the Amsterdam Museum consists of a number of spacious courtyards where visitors can learn about the constantly changing role of Amsterdam in the country and in the world. Highlights range from prehistoric finds and the town's original charter to items from the present day, as well as displays describing how the land was reclaimed from the sea.

The inner courtyards are also fun to explore and house other highlights such as the old shooting gallery. There's also an on-site café. The library possesses a rich collection of literature on the history of the city, and graphics and drawings can be viewed by prior arrangement.

English language guided tours are available, and a café is located onsite.

Address: Kalverstraat 92, 1012 PH Amsterdam

Official site: www.amsterdammuseum.nl/en

Rising high above the water like the hull of a mighty warship, this ultra-modern structure has housed the NEMO Science Museum since 1997, and more than 20 years later is no less impressive than the day it opened.

Located in the city's old eastern docks, this world-class science center is spread across five floors, each chock-a-block full of fun (and informative) interactive exhibits that appeal to families with kids of any age.

Highlights include areas dedicated to the human body and the mind, countless hands-on, high-tech gizmos and gadgets, plus a number of short movies. A playground, a museum shop, and a rooftop café are located on-site, the latter making a great spot for a break while you enjoy the views across the city.

Address: Oosterdok 2, 1011 VX Amsterdam

Official site: www.nemosciencemuseum.nl/en/

Another ultra-modern building worth taking a look at, even if it's just from the outside, is the EYE Film Institute Netherlands . With its sharp angles and ultra modern design, it almost resembles an alien spacecraft, and certainly grabs the attention.

Opened in 2012, the EYE houses the country's national film collection, along with copies of pretty much every foreign movie ever shown in the Netherlands, and it looks quite different from every angle. If you do get inside, in addition to catching one of the frequent movie screenings, you'll enjoy viewing the excellent film-related exhibits.

English language guided tours are available, as well as a variety of workshops and learning opportunities geared to specific age groups. A great restaurant is located on the premises, and there's also a gift shop on-site.

Address: IJpromenade 1, 1031 KT Amsterdam

Official site: www.eyefilm.nl/en

A must for those interested in ships and the long rich history of Dutch military and merchant fleets, the National Maritime Museum (Het Scheepvaartmuseum) is a must-visit. The museum provides a fascinating insight into the impact this small nation of seafarers had upon the world over the centuries, using its many displays to showcase its impressive collection of maritime-related artifacts.

In addition to exhibits focusing on sailing and shipping, the museum houses a vast area of model ships, historic weaponry, maps, and artwork, including many depicting some of the important sea battles involving the Netherlands.

The museum building itself boasts a long history. Built in 1656, it served for much of its life as a naval warehouse. A highlight of your visit will be exploring the impressive Amsterdam , an accurate replica of one of the country's most famous vessels. Guided tours of the ship and the museum are available, as are English-language audio guides. A restaurant and a shop are situated on-site, too.

Address: Kattenburgerplein 1, 1018 KK Amsterdam

Official site: www.hetscheepvaartmuseum.com

The Museum of the Tropics (Tropenmuseum), established in 1864, is a fascinating excursion for those with an interest in the history of the Netherlands' former colonies.

Set in a cavernous hall built especially for it, the museum contains numerous displays of art and everyday objects from tropical and subtropical areas.

It's fun to explore as you wander around the authentic bazaar and peek inside the houses of the Far East, as well as the fully stocked oriental shop. The museum also hosts regular concerts of Eastern and Asian music using traditional instruments. English language guided tours are available.

Address: Linnaeusstraat 2, 1092 CK Amsterdam

Official site: https://tropenmuseum.nl/en

Another great museum collection can be enjoyed at Hermitage Amsterdam , an outpost of the famous location in Saint Petersburg.

Opened in 2009 in a majestic old building dating from the 1680s known as the Amstelhof, the museum features permanent exhibits focusing on the long-standing relationship between Russia and the Netherlands, as well as one that portrays the history of the building itself. There's a lovely courtyard garden worth visiting, along with a good restaurant.

Address: Amstel 51, 1018 DR Amsterdam

Official site: https://hermitage.nl/en/

If you're traveling to Amsterdam for the first time, the best area to stay is in the World Heritage-listed city center, also known as the "Canal Ring." Amsterdam Central Railway Station borders this area to the north; the Leidseplein and the Museumplein (home to the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, and Stedelijk Museum) lie to the south; and the Jordaan neighborhood, with its art galleries and trendy cafés, occupies its western edge. Most of the city's top tourist attractions lie within this compact and easily walkable area. Here are some highly rated hotels in these charming neighborhoods:

Luxury Hotels:

• In a collection of 17th-century palaces on the prestigious Herengracht, in the heart of the city, Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam pampers guests with its personal concierges, Michelin-starred restaurant, spa, and elegant decor.
• Also on the Herengracht, Ambassade Hotel occupies an ensemble of 17th-century canal houses, and its plush rooms and suites feature Louis XVI-style furnishings and modern accents.
• Steps away from the Anne Frank House, The Toren is a family-run, boutique hotel in two historic canal houses, with individually decorated rooms and suites.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• A 10-minute walk to Amsterdam Central Railway Station, the pet-friendly boutique Hotel Sebastian's has chic rooms that echo the dramatic style of its luxury sister property, The Toren.
• If you plan to focus on museums, the homey Hotel Fita is steps away from Museumplein.
• Right next to its namesake station and a short stroll from the city center, the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Amsterdam Centraal Station features compact, light-filled rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and Apple iMacs.

Budget Hotels:

• Within walking distance of Museumplein and the Leidseplein, the eco-conscious Hotel La Boheme accommodates guests in clean rooms with comfy beds. Rates include breakfast.
• Adjacent to Museumplein, Hotel Museumzicht is full of character, with a steep staircase, discerning artwork, and homey guest rooms.
• Near Dam Square and the Jordaan neighborhood, Clemens Hotel also has steep stairs, which lead to cozy, compact, and comfortable guest rooms.

Amsterdam Day Trips:

• If you have time to head outside the city, there are some great tours available. To see the beautiful Dutch countryside, including the famous windmills and small fishing villages, take a Zaanse Schans Windmill, Markem and Volendam Half-Day Trip from Amsterdam . This scenic tour includes transport by coach, a short boat ride between fishing villages, a visit to a cheese factory and clog maker, and free entrance to a windmill.
• If you want to visit another city, the Bruges Day Trip is a full-day excursion with coach transport to and from Bruges in Belgium and includes five hours of free time to enjoy some sightseeing. This is an easy tour that will save you the hassle of planning, driving, and parking.

When it comes to visiting Amsterdam, the high season isn't necessarily the best time to go - aside from higher prices, you'll also have to deal with huge crowds and humid weather. Shoulder season (spring and fall) is more pleasant , more affordable, and easier to maneuver. Or you can always visit in winter to get the best deals and some charming holiday lights.

Spring : If you're coming to the Netherlands for tulips, this is the right season. April is the month for tulips , although flowering season runs from mid-March to early May. Spring is also sunnier and typically dry, with temperatures around 10 to 12 degrees Celsius during the day. It's great weather to walk around and for day trips outside Amsterdam, including a visit to the Keukenhof Gardens, where over seven million flowers bloom in spring.

Spring nights can be chilly, so bring a scarf and layers if you're visiting in March or April. King's Day on April 27th (as well as the weekend immediately before or after) is a major street celebration in Amsterdam -expect large crowds, expensive accommodations, and lots of noise if you visit around that time.

Summer : Summer has nice weather but is a very busy season in Amsterdam. If you're heading to popular attractions such as Anna Frank's house, you'll find long lines and waiting times. With canal cruises in full swing, even enjoying the water will be harder, and parks will be full of locals picnicking and enjoying the sun.

The summer months are great for bicycle rides, if that's something you want to try - especially if you're heading to the countryside and dreaming of idyllic rides with windmills in the background. A busy city means higher prices, so book your hotel early if you're looking for deals.

Summer weather is hot and often humid in Amsterdam. It's hard to predict what each month will feel like, but you can expect temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius in June and as high as 30 degrees Celsius in July, the hottest month . August is also hot but can be rainy and grey.

Fall : If you're planning on spending lots of time sightseeing, Fall is the best time to visit . Crowds thin out, prices start to go down, and the cities become more manageable.

The later you arrive in the season, the better all these conditions will be - though by early November , the weather will be cold and wet. Temperatures in November are usually in the single digits, and you'll see lots of drizzle and the occasional snow flurries.

September and October are better weather-wise, though temperatures can be unpredictable: some years you'll experience sunnier days and temperatures in the mid-teens, while other years, the temperature stays around 10 degrees Celsius with lots of grey, rainy days.

The earlier you arrive in the season, the longer and warmer the days will be, but a light jacket is always a must - evenings can be windy and chilly even in September.

Winter: Amsterdam winters are windy and cold, but the temperatures rarely dip below freezing . With average winter temperatures around 3 to 4 degrees Celsius, the city will feel much warmer than other destinations in Northern Europe, and spending time outdoors will not be too bad as long as you have the proper jacket, waterproof boots, and perhaps a scarf to bundle up.

January is the coldest and windiest month, with short, grey days where the sun sets at around 4:30pm. Although snow is rare in the Netherlands, if it's going to happen, it's likely to happen in January. Don't let that scare you off, through — the canal boats are beautiful when covered in a thin blanket of snow.

Visiting in winter does have its benefits, especially if you arrive during the Christmas Markets season. Amsterdam is home to many seasonal markets, from trendy, chic locations selling design products to Victorian-style markets where you'll find traditional crafts and sweets, like the spiced pepernoten biscuits.

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Great City Getaways : The massive port city of Rotterdam offers plenty of great things to do , from exploring the superb collection of historic vessels in the Maritime Museum and Harbor Museum, to wandering its streets and enjoying its mix of both old and new architecture. The country's capital of The Hague should also be included on your Netherlands travel itinerary and is home to no end of museums, galleries, and historic buildings. Utrecht is the fourth largest city in the country and is especially popular for the romanticism of its cathedral and cathedral square.

Small Town Attractions : The historic city of Breda is extremely popular for its well-preserved mix of historic architecture, ranging from medieval fortifications to the charming merchant's homes of its old town square. Another stop for the Allies, Eindhoven is well-known for its world-class museums and the nearby traditional villages, including one that remains largely unchanged since Van Gogh famously included it one of his paintings. Lovely Delft is another must-visit , as much for its charming public squares as it is for its famous Royal Dutch Delftware porcelain, a tradition that can still be enjoyed centuries later via factory tours.

Netherlands Vacation Ideas : The bustling city of Arnhem will forever be remembered for its roll in WWII, when it featured as the "bridge too far" for Allied troops, whose bravery is remembered in. numerous museums and monuments here. Medieval Maastricht is perfect for those wanting a smaller city experience, and is especially popular for its remarkably intact 6th-century church and treasury. Finally, the Netherlands is not without stunning scenery, some of the best of which can be enjoyed in Hoge Veluwe National Park , the country's largest nature preserve and home to everything from thick woodlands to sand dunes.

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20 Best Things to Do in Amsterdam, From Classic Art Museums to Hidden Speakeasies

Make the most of your Amsterdam visit with these itinerary suggestions from two experts.

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.

George Pachantouris/Getty Images

Amsterdam is an incredible European city; the charm of its iconic canals exceeds expectations, and beyond those, you have world-class museums and shopping and restaurant scenes to dig into. Given that it is incredibly accessible and well-connected to other parts of Europe, Amsterdam makes for the perfect stop at the beginning or end of a holiday across the pond — and it’s more than deserving of a standalone trip, too.

Whether you’re considering a quick weekend getaway or a longer stay, the Dutch capital promises to impress every type of traveler with myriad things to do. As someone who loves Amsterdam deeply, I have plenty of personal recommendations, and so does Pieter Feith, who's been a concierge at Pulitzer Amsterdam for more than a decade and is a member of the Les Clefs d'Or. Our list of the best things to do in Amsterdam is as multifaceted and magical as the city itself.

Van Gogh Museum

Michela Sieman/Travel + Leisure

This is the most patronized museum in Amsterdam , welcoming upwards of 6,000 visitors each day. Guests arrive here eager to appreciate the works of the Netherlands’ homegrown artistic hero. If you really want to admire "Sunflowers" or “Bedroom in Arles” on a specific day, be sure to buy tickets in advance.

Anne Frank House

Sjoerd van der Wal/Getty Images

One of the most popular and important cultural attractions in Amsterdam, the Anne Frank House displays writings, photos, and personal items from Anne Frank, collected during her time hiding from the Nazis. The entry line often wraps around the building and time slots book up months out, so be sure to reserve tickets long before you arrive. 

Canal Cruise

If you go to Amsterdam and don’t tour the picturesque canals — and snap photos — were you even really there? I’ve booked an excursion on the classic salon boat “Tourist" through Pulitzer Amsterdam three times; it’s a beautiful, historic vessel that even hosted Winston Churchill back in the day. And since the tour is private, you can customize the route based on your interest.

Rinze Vegelien

Among my favorite restaurants in Amsterdam, De Kas takes farm-to-table dining quite literally, with a menu that highlights ingredients from an on-site garden, plus meats and cheeses from nearby farms. Creative spins on dishes and an always-evolving menu make it a place you’ll want to return to many times over.

Museum van Loon

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While the museums mentioned above are classic Amsterdam sights, Feith prefers smaller museums like Museum van Loon , which is set in a private residence built in 1672. “Painter Ferdinand Bol, a pupil of Rembrandt, was the first resident here," Feith shares. The interiors are ornate and well-preserved, and there’s a lovely garden area and a café in the carriage house.

Vondelpark opened in 1865, and within its 47 hectares (or 116 acres) travelers will find grassy lawns, ponds, and cycling/walking paths. There's also an open-air theatre that hosts summer concerts, plus a playground. “It’s much loved by locals for a morning run, a bike ride on the way to work, or to enjoy the greenery on warm days,” says Feit.  

De Kaaskamer

De Kaaskamer is a beloved shop that stocks an impressive selection of Dutch and imported cheeses, from aged Appenzeller and raw milk gouda to Blue de Wolvega from Friesland and chèvre. You can also shop for meats, nuts, tapenades, pestos, wine, and beer here, all of which pair perfectly with fromage.

Rijksmuseum

The perenially busy Rijksmuseum , the national museum of the Netherlands, draws crowds with impressive exhibits dedicated to Dutch art, culture, and history.  On display in its many rooms are period artifacts, as well as paintings from masters such as Rembrandt.

Akasha Holistic Wellbeing

Courtesy of Akasha Holistic Wellbeing

Some travelers know Amsterdam as a party city, but visitors hoping to unwind don’t need to search far. For example, Akasha Holistic Wellbeing is an underground wellness sanctuary at the Conservatorium Hotel , complete with a pool, jacuzzi, sauna, hammam, and treatment options that range from hot stone massages to a chakra balancing experience.

Grachtenmuseum

“ Grachtenmuseum highlights the history of Amsterdam — how the city has expanded over the past 400 years, and the construction of the canal houses,” explains Feith. Fittingly, it’s set inside a 17th-century canal house on the Herengracht.

Fabel Friet

Belgium may stake its claim to fries, but the Dutch potato situation is on point, too. Join the queue outside of Fabel Friet to savor crispy, golden spuds doused in homemade sauces like truffle mayo and curry ketchup.

Pulitzer's Bar

Courtesy of Pulitzer Bar

Pulitzer's Bar oozes glamour and sophistication, with bow-tie-clad bartenders mixing some of the best cocktails in the city. Guests of the hotel love this onsite option, as do locals and travelers staying elsewhere, so do yourself a favor and make a reservation in advance.

Many consider Dam Square to be the most important venue of its kind in Amsterdam. It’s still a great place to kick off a sightseeing tour, as it’s home to notable tourist attractions, including the neoclassical Royal Palace, the National Monument, and the 15th-century Nieuwe Kerk (New Church).

Distilleerderij 't Nieuwe Diep

Distilleerderij 't Nieuwe Diep is a small brewery with a tasting room inside the old pumping station of Oetewaler Polder. “Contructed in 1880 and hidden among the greenery of the park, it’s a nice place for visitors to sip spirits and soak in the ambiance,” says Feith. 

NEMO Science Museum

Buena Vista Images/Getty Images

If you're traveling to Amsterdam with kids, I highly recommend checking out the NEMO Science Museum. Our toddler had a ball teetering around the interactive exhibits. Besides the all-ages educational fun, there's a hands-on lab for older children, where they can partake in experiments.

Fans of prohibition-era, speakeasy-style bars will love Door 74 . It’s all very hush-hush, but once inside the hidden drinking den, patrons can choose a craft cocktail from an ever-changing menu of tipples with unique flavor combinations.

Antiekcentrum Amsterdam

Antiekcentrum Amsterdam is full of vendors selling vintage jewelry, ceramics, and home decor. Even if you don't intend to buy anything, it’s interesting to browse the stalls of this large emporium of preloved items.

Dappermarkt

Open Monday through Saturday, Dappermarkt is a diverse and popular market on the east side of the city with more than 250 stalls along one street. Feith says that the market attracts both locals and out-of-towners with its goods.

Equal parts gallery, workshop, and store, 360volt is home to an eye-popping assortment of new and vintage light fixtures. On any visit, you might spot a funky retro scissor lamp, a lovingly restored old-school floodlight, or a shimmering chandelier.

Van Brienenhofje

Sir Francis Canker Photography/Getty Images

In Jordaan, you will find many “hofjes,” which is best translated as inner courtyards. “These were built centuries ago to house single women, nuns, or staff who were too old to work,” explains Feith. Some of these beautiful houses and courtyards are open to visitors today, including the very peaceful Van Brienenhofje.

Places To Visit In Amsterdam

Best places to visit in amsterdam.

Holiday offers stunning places to visit in Amsterdam; just like the daytime attractions in the city are breezy and fun, one gets electrically vibrant at night. The 17th-century capital of Holland is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and consistently tops the list of travel destinations. The city is flooded with heritage buildings and museums; it has a spectacular ambiance. As a result, the list is long regarding must-visit places in Amsterdam.

Van Gogh Museum , Rijksmuseum , Anne Frank House , etc., are some of the city's most iconic attractions. Each has its history. Walking through tourist attractions in Amsterdam will be a remarkable experience. The city’s architecture is itself an attraction. The streets bind you in a deep calmness and beauty all around. Exploring the lanes of localities like Canal Belt is like walking through an alive garden. Strolling on the streets of Flower Market and the Red Light District, tourists get a chance to interact with the city and know it better. The culture and nightlife of Amsterdam provide warmth to every visitor. The closer you get and try to feel it, the more familiar you will become.

• The museum is home to the most extensive collection of artworks by one of the greatest artists ever, Van Gogh.
• There is an end number of Tourist Attractions in Amsterdam, Van Museum offers one to explore Canal Boat Tours, House of Bols, Vondelpark, and many other spots.
• In the last stages of his life, he had become an aesthetic follower of Japanese prints, which can be seen in the museum.
• Location: Museum Square, Amsterdam South
• Timings: 9 AM - 5 PM (Monday to Thursday) 9 AM - 6 PM (Friday to Sunday)

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• Artis Royal is the oldest zoo and one of Amsterdam's major tourist attractions.
• There are over 900 animals, and the fauna has a wide variety of 250 tree species.
• The exciting part of the zoo is that visitors can even visit the kitchen where food is made for all the animals.
• Heiman Oak is one of the oldest tree species in the zoo. Besides, the zoo is segregated into multiple zones like Lemur Land, Gorilla House, Sea Lions, Insectarium, and many others.
• Location : Plantage Kerklaan 38-40, 1018 CZ Amsterdam
• Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM ( Everyday)

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• It was established in 1985, and today, it is one of the largest museums in the Dutch region.
• Always on top of an art lover, the museum is one of the finest tourist attractions in Amsterdam, offering modern art, unique design, and contemporary art.
• Museum has artworks of some of the greatest artists like Karel Appel, Edward Kienholz, Cezanne, Mondrian, Chagall, and Picasso.
• Location: Museumplein 10, 1071 DJ Amsterdam
• Timings: 10 AM - 6 PM (Saturday to Thursday) 10 AM - 10 PM ( Friday)

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• Hidden gems covered in the Dutch Royal Palace Amsterdam are a center of Attraction . Besides, the nearby places to visit, the delicious cuisines, and the luxurious staying options are an extra topping.
• This vital part of Great European History is a must while on Amsterdam sightseeing.
• It has multiple artefacts, paintings, and sculptures displaying the great dutch history.
• Its grand structure is truly a marvel of architecture and an ambassador of history.
• Currently, it is used by the Royal Family to host guests on various occasions and events.
• Location: Opposite the War Memorial
• Timings: 10 AM - 5 PM (Monday closed)

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• Rembrandt House Museum is often deemed as an art lover’s paradise.
• The museum displays some of the most delicate Rembrandt etchings and paintings.
• For most of his life, Rembrandt lived in the same house and made his paintings.
• The museum's modern wing is reserved for all the artists inspired by Rembrandt and their artwork.
• Tourists can take a full house tour and check out every corner.
• Location : Jodenbreestraat 4, 1011 NK Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Timings: 10 AM - 6 PM ( Everyday)

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• Red Light Secrets is the world’s first museum of prostitution which is a one-of-a-kind place to visit in Amsterdam.
• Though the prostitution industry is still quite visible in the red light district, multiple layers are yet to be explored.
• There are 12 free audio stories provided to every visitor to the museum
• It gives you a chance to learn about the stories from the prostitution industry
• Location : Oudezijds Achterburgwal 60h, 1012 DP Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Timings: 11 AM - 10 PM ( Open every day)

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• Oude Kerk is one of the oldest churches in Amsterdam and the finest spot among the places to see in Amsterdam.
• It is the most important church after the Nieuwl Kerk (“New Church”).
• The Oude Chruch is always sprawling with devotees and attendees of exhibitions.
• The church has at least 3-4 high-profile international exhibitions planned annually.
• Location: Main Red Light District, De Wallen, Amsterdam
• Timings: 10 AM - 6 PM ( Monday to Saturday) 1 PM - 5:30 PM ( Sunday)
• It’s closed on 24th April (King’s Day) and 25th December (Christmas) every year.

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• Visitors get the chance to witness the beer-making process of one of the finest beers in the world.
• Tourists are given 1.5 hours of the self-guided tour to discover Heineken's heritage and history.
• Each of them provides a complete walkthrough of the beer-making process and innovation.
• A special VIP tour is available in which five different beers and complimentary cheeses are provided
• Location : Stadhouderskade 78, 1072 AE Amsterdam

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• The main aim of the museum is to preserve the heritage of cinematography and films
• Apart from being a film museum, the Eye Film Museum is also an exhibition venue
• This one of the must-visit places to visit in Amsterdam has a collection of over 37,00 films
• The museum was established in 2012 and also conducts a festival every four year
• Location : IJPromenade 1, 1031 K T Amsterdam
• Timings: 10 AM - 10 PM (Sunday -Tuesday) 10 AM - 11 PM (Friday)

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• One of the best places for all the history enthusiasts to learn about the Netherlands’ history.
• Multiple rides and performances are organised through which knowledge is imparted.
• The Amsterdam Dungeon is the proper blend of fun and learning, enhancing the experience.
• Actors and other artists ensure that every emotion is appropriately conveyed and the tour becomes a wholesome experience.
• Location: 15 minutes away from the Amsterdam Central Station
• Timings: 11 AM - 6 PM (Sunday - Tuesday) 11 AM - 7 PM (Friday to Saturday)

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• Nemo Science Museum is a fascinating place for every age group that has everything from laboratory and legendary construction to eye-catching surroundings.
• The museum's structure is in the shape of the green hull of a ship.
• The overall design is a tribute to the great maritime history of the city.
• The museum has four floors in total, and the museum houses an extensive collection of types of equipment and experiments.
• Location : Oosterdok 2, 1011 VX Amsterdam
• Timings: 10 AM - 5:30 PM (Except Mondays)

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• The National Maritime Museum is yet another symbol of the rich maritime history of Amsterdam and one of the places to visit in Amsterdam.
• The rich maritime history of the Netherlands has a total period of almost 500 years.
• The museum does a perfect job of bringing alive the rich maritime history of the Dutch.
• Museum also organises numerous exhibitions for all the visitors to provide a better insight into the history.
• Location : Kattenburgerplein 1 ,1018 KK Amsterdam
• Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day

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• A fairy-tail-themed Efteling Park is the most popular Amsterdam attraction that draws visitors across the globe.
• It is a proper family entertainer, and kids love to visit this park occasionally.
• The Cursed Villas, 4D Theatre, Thai Temple, Haunted House, and much more fun rides. It is a very easy-to-reach place as it is hardly an hour's drive away and tops the list of places to visit in Amsterdam.
• Location :Kaatsheuvel, Amsterdam
• Timings: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM (Wednesday to Sunday) 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Monday)

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• Madame Tussauds Museum is known for its wax figures of different celebrities from different fields and domains.
• Tourists get a chance to click pictures with some of their favourite celebrities. Be it, Lady Gaga or Taylor Swift, you name it, and a real-life wax figure will be there.
• Its interactive IAmArt exhibition helps you explore the works of various famous Dutch artists like Van Gogh, Picasso, Escher, etc.
• Location: Dam 20, 1012 KW Amsterdam
• Timings: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM every day

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• Dam Square is known as the “Heart of Amsterdam.”
• Dam square is a wide boulevard, and being at the center of the city, it has the Royal Palace on one side and National Monument on the other.
• While taking a stroll around Dam Square, one can easily find numerous multiple events being organised.
• The capital of the Netherlands offers regular comedy shows, fire shows, live music, dance shows, etc., to entertain visitors.
• Location: Heart of Amsterdam, 750 metres away from Central Station
• Timings: 10 AM to 6 PM (Monday to Sunday)

Jordaan is the most popular neighbourhood of Amsterdam with all popular necessities such as legendary cafes, high-end boutiques, and lavish restaurants.

Amsterdam encircles the whole neighbourhood with the beautifully decorative streets that give way to the magnificent canals lined with beautiful flowers.

Jordaan is also termed as the epitome of Dutch life and culture

From being the less-expensive localities in Amsterdam, Jordaan is now the most expensive, photogenic, most visited, and charming locality.

Location: It stretches from Brouwersgracht to Leidsgracht

Timings: It’s open 24x7 and will require 2 hours to take a stroll around the neighbourhood and get the vibe of it

• Vondelpark was opened to the public in 1865 and since then has been one of the places to visit in Amsterdam.
• It is often termed the “Green Heart of Amsterdam’’ that flaunts a wide variety of 150 tree species.
• Vondelpark provides a perfect escape from the regular hustle and bustle of the city.
• Location: Heart Of Amsterdam, Near Central Station
• Timings: There are no specific timings, but most activities come to a halt by 8 PM every day.

• Amsterdam’s Canal Belt has been like the city's queen for the last 400 years.
• It’s the ambassador of the city’s culture and heritage
• The Canal Belt has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• The banks of Canal Belt have some essential attractions like FOAM, Anne Frank House, and Huis Marseille.
• The banks of the belt have the most photogenic places in the Amsterdam

Timings: Always open

• Leidseplein Square is one of the most vibrant places in the city. After Dam Square, this is the go-to place for every tourist in the city.
• The square is always busy because the pubs, restaurants, and bars are abundant here.
• From the entertainment point of view, various street performers can be found everywhere.
• It is an excellent place for tourists who want to explore the nightlife of Amsterdam.
• Location: Leidsstraat, Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Timings: Always Open

Book Now: Amsterdam Canal Cruise

Torensluis Bridge is also known as Tower Lock. It was completed in the mid- 17th century.

Considering the width of ordinary bridges, it is the widest bridge at 42 metres in Amsterdam.

It is one of the places to visit in Amsterdam and is popular because of the statue of Multatuli.

Location: 1012 HG Amsterdam

• Amsterdamse Bos is a massive patch of green land with water bodies.
• Tourists usually go on boat excursions by waterways and engage in multiple activities.
• It is a home for family-friendly activities; thus, many are found during holidays.
• It’s a well-equipped place with numerous wellness centers and food outlets.
• There’s also a fun-filled forest climbing park where kids participate in multiple activities.
• Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Timings : 12 : 00 PM - 5:00 PM

Must Checkout: Heineken Experience Tickets, Amsterdam

Muiden Castle is one of the historical monuments built in the Mediaeval period.

It was constructed on the Vecht River's shore and surrounded by a lush green landscape.

Later, the Muiden Castle was converted into a national museum.

Tourists can enjoy and learn about the rich history and heritage of the Dutch.

During winters, the place comes alive when the festive season and workshops are organised. Besides, the castle's rich interior design draws the visitor's attention.

Location : Herengracht 1, 11398 AA Muiden

Timings: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Tuesday - Sunday, Monday closed)

• The Portuguese Synagogue, also known as Esnago, serves the guests a perfect source of learning about Portuguese.
• Its construction was executed in the 17th century, and visitors from all religions and faiths are invited inside.
• It’s still one of the biggest learning centers in the city and is still considered an essential part of the Jewish quarter in Amsterdam.
• Another interesting fact about the synagogue is that its library is still the world's most enormous.

Also Checkout: Walibi Holland Tickets

Book tickets for places in Amsterdam

What is the best time to visit Amsterdam?

The best time to visit Amsterdam is generally during the off-season. The months September - November, and March- April are best suited for your trip. The hotels are available, and other prices are considerably lower than the peak season and best suited for your budget.

How many days are enough to visit Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is a vast city with many corners to explore. If explored properly, it takes a long time to explore all the places to visit in Amsterdam. But anywhere between 3 to 4 days are sufficient to explore a considerable portion of Amsterdam. So, plan your trip accordingly.

How Can I reach Amsterdam from India?

For all the travel enthusiasts in India, direct flights are available from India to Amsterdam. Some of these flights are non-stop, and some have a regular layover. As of now, after Covid, all options are open so that you can pack your bags for the great Amsterdam sightseeing.

What are the best places to visit in Amsterdam with kids?

For great adventure sports and water sports, one can visit Amsterdamse Bos. Also, you can enjoy Efteling Park rides and feel the adrenaline rush. Fun Museums like Madame Tussauds, Muiden Castle, and the Eye Film Museum are also great centers of attraction. All in all, Amsterdam attractions have a proper blend of fun and learning for the kids, and they will indeed have a great experience.

What food is famous in Amsterdam?

Multiple local and dutch delicacies can be savoured by tourists when exploring the places seen in Amsterdam. For example, tourists can try Bitterballen, Stroopwafel, Thick Dutch Fries, Dutch Pancakes, Apple Pie, Raw Herring, etc.

Top Things to Do in Amsterdam

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24 TOP Amsterdam Sights & Tourist Attractions (+Map & Tips)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: March 22, 2024

Looking for the best things to do in Amsterdam in the Netherlands and feeling overwhelmed? Deciding which of the most popular Amsterdam attractions to see is indeed not easy, especially if you are visiting for the first time and your time in the city is limited…

So to help you figure out where to go and what to see in Amsterdam, in this guide we share the  VERY BEST sights and TOP tourist attractions in Amsterdam that are worth your time the most . In addition, we also include a few fun Amsterdam experiences for those looking for that something extra beyond the ‘musts’.

We also created a map of all the top places that should help you plan your Amsterdam sightseeing itinerary. Take a look!

Top 4 Activities in Amsterdam:

• Van Gogh Museum .
• Rijksmuseum .
• Canal Boat Cruise .
• Heineken Experience (18+).

Famous for its canals, distinctive architecture, and liberal culture, the city of Amsterdam is full of interesting things to see and experience. The network of canals and narrow streets make it a wonderful place to walk or tour by boat. The city also has the highest density of museums in the world, with more than 60 to explore. And there is a natural beauty as well, with the city’s Vondelpark covered in colorful blooms in the spring.

But with so many Amsterdam attractions to choose from, it can be difficult to know which of them to visit during your visit. So in this guide, we list some of our favorite places to see and things to do in Amsterdam – all the musts, and also a few extras, fun things to do in Amsterdam, that will make your visit a bit more special.

Whether you are visiting the city for the first time and want to be sure you don’t miss any of the must-sees in Amsterdam, or are planning a repeat visit and looking to visit some sights and tourist attractions in Amsterdam that you might have missed before, this guide should give you plenty of inspiration for things to do in the capital of the Netherlands.

TIP:  If you are planning on doing lots of sightseeing in Amsterdam, you should know that the distances between some of the best attractions are rather big. To save time and money (and give your legs some rest), consider getting an all-in public transport ticket . You can buy it for any duration from 1 to 7 days and it includes all trams, buses, metros, and even ferries in the city . If you just use a tram once or twice, you can also simply pay by debit (not credit) card on the tram itself.

Good to know:  We list the must-see places and experiences in Amsterdam first, followed by some fun things to do in Amsterdam further down the list. So if you are visiting the city for the first time, concentrate on the top 10-17 sights first. But if you are looking for more hands-on experiences and fun attractions beyond the most popular sights and must-see museums, then read further down as well.

In order to help you plan your visit, we also created a  map of all the top sights and attractions in Amsterdam . You can find it at the bottom of this article. On our blog, you can also find sample itineraries for 1 day , 2 days , 3 days , and 4 days in Amsterdam for first-time visitors.

Without further ado, these are the main landmarks, best sights, and top tourist attractions in Amsterdam:

1. Boat tour on the canals

Exploring the beautiful canals by boat is one of the absolute musts in Amsterdam that should be on top of any Amsterdam bucket list!

Mainly built at the end of the 16th – beginning of the 17th century, the city’s waterways are lined with some of its most impressive buildings. Taking a boat tour on the canals also gives you a glimpse into the ‘real’ Amsterdam. What’s more, viewing the city from the water gives you a whole new perspective and allows you to see a lot in a short amount of time.

It’s a great first introduction to the city, so I recommend taking a canal trip at the beginning of your trip.

There are lots of different canal cruises to choose from , lasting from around 1 to 1.5 hours. It’s a good idea to do your research ahead of time to find the one that’s best for you, and not just hop on the first boat you come across and get disappointed that it’s not what you expected it to be.

I also recommend booking in advance if you are visiting in the high season. This is a popular activity and the best boat tours sell out. Another bonus is that an advanced reservation allows you to go straight to the front of the line, ahead of those who haven’t reserved their spot.

The choice of canal cruises in Amsterdam can be overwhelming.  Here are some of the best options :

• City Canal Cruise (starts close to the Central Station). This is one of the most popular canal cruises, but it can get very busy. If you take a boat like this, try to get on the boat as one of the first people so that you can secure a window seat. We did it a few times and it can be a very good experience, but try to get a window seat!
• Open-Boat Canal City Cruise (several possible departure locations – Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, or Central Station). This is the cruise we recommend if you don’t mind paying a bit more. It’s well worth a small price difference for a more luxurious experience.

TIP:  Amsterdam canals are also very pretty in the evening when everything is nicely lit. So be sure to come back and see them in the dark, or do an evening canals tour as well! This evening canal cruise  is the most popular option.

LEARN MORE: Amsterdam Canal Cruise: Tips for a Better Experience

2. Grachtengordel – explore canals on foot

Amsterdam has many canals and whilst it’s fun to explore them by boat, walking beside them is a totally different experience that you shouldn’t miss either. So – in addition to taking a boat tour – be sure to explore the canals on foot as well .

Obviously, there are more canals to see in Amsterdam than you can ever manage on a single visit. So be sure to stroll along some of the best bits! These include the Grachtengordel (The Canals Belt) neighborhood – at least a few sections of the Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht , plus the Brouwersgracht and the Singel , which served as the city’s moat until 1585.

The Herengracht Canal is absolutely worth a visit too. But you are likely to see it as part of a boat tour as well. That’s also the reason why we recommend doing the boat tour first – you can then decide if you want to revisit some places on foot as well, or just focus on the areas you didn’t see from the boat yet.

3. Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum is the most visited museum in the Netherlands and one of Amsterdam’s most popular attractions. If you visit just one of the best museums in Amsterdam , make it this one.

With around 8,000 historic exhibits and works of art, the Imperial Museum features world-famous pieces such as The Milkmaid and The Night Watch. You’ll also find works by Vermeer and Rembrandt, along with important pieces by Vincent Van Gogh. There is an ever-changing rotation of temporary exhibits plus a variety of workshops, so it’s always worth a visit, even if you have been before.

The museum is very large and it is easy to spend several hours here. If you decide to visit, try coming here early in the morning before the main crowds arrive. Head straight for the Gallery of Honour , which houses some of the most important pieces. The hall is a work of art in itself and this part of the museum is the most popular, so it’s nice to see it before it gets too crowded.

Be sure to also check out the Cuypers Library , the Research Library of the Museum. It’s one of the main art libraries in the world and a very impressive place to see.

TIP: We also strongly recommend booking timed-entry tickets for the museum online in advance. It will save you from having to join the lengthy queues and will allow you to see more of the city during the time that you have.

4. Van Gogh Museum

Located close to Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum is another must on the list of Amsterdam tourist attractions. One that will appeal to visitors of all ages too. So if you are looking for things to do in Amsterdam with kids, this is a great place to be too.

Along with the chance to explore the extensive collection of Van Gogh’s masterpieces, drawings, and personal letters, you get to learn more about his life and the things that inspired him.

The museum can get very busy during the high season. But it is so spacious that you don’t feel overwhelmed by the crowds. You can rent an audio tour on arrival and the exhibits are very well laid out. You’ll need at least 1.5 to 2 hours to see the main collection.

TIP: Tickets are only available online and the numbers are limited, so it is important to book them in advance . Guided tours are also available, but quite a lot more expensive than a regular ticket. Still, it might be worth it if you want to be sure not to miss anything and learn more about Van Gogh and his masterpieces. This is one of the few guided tours of the museum that runs daily.

Good to know: Avoid bringing any very large bags with you as they are not permitted in the museum. Backpacks and umbrellas must be left in the lockers and there is a free coat check on entry. Jackets and small purses may be worn.

LEARN MORE: Info & Tips for Visiting Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam

5. Anne Frank House

The Anne Frank House is next on the list of the most popular places to visit in Amsterdam. Once the building in which a Jewish girl Anne Frank and her family concealed themselves from the Nazis during World War ll, this is now a museum honoring her memory.

Anne and her family were discovered in 1944 and deported to Hitler’s concentration camps, where all except her father died. It was he who later published her diary, which is well known across the world. Their house is very popular with visitors to the city, keen to see the place which she described in such detail in her diary.

At the Anne Frank House, it is possible to visit the exact location where they hid. Through videos, quotes, photos, and original items, you can learn more about the traumatic ordeal they endured there.

Good to know: Like many canalside houses in Amsterdam, the Anne Frank House has very steep stairs which might be challenging if you have mobility issues. There is no wheelchair access to either the Secret Annex or the old part of the museum.

TIP: Anne Frank House is very small so the number of visitors is extremely limited. It’s essential to book your tickets online in advance, and you really need to reserve them as soon as they are released (usually 6 weeks in advance). In the winter, you may be able to get tickets a week upfront, but in the high season, they sell out several weeks upfront.

Check the official website for more info and – if you absolutely want to visit – try to reserve your tickets as soon as they are released (usually about 6 weeks before the date). Please note that the museum itself is the only official supplier selling these tickets so you can’t get them anywhere else. And they always sell out!

TIP: There is now a wonderful guided tour of Jewish sights in Amsterdam that – among other highlights – includes a visit to Anne Frank House. This is the only tour that can actually take you inside this museum. It’s only available on certain days, however, so try to book asap too! You can find more details and check the availability here .

6. Royal Palace & Dam Square

As the city’s main square, Dam Square is lively and a fun place to visit. It’s a popular meeting place for locals, so it gives you a better feel for real Amsterdam. And there are lots of different events held here, from the National Tulip Day festivities to celebrations for the Chinese New Year!

In the past, funfairs were held on Dam Square as well, but the city council has decided that it’s already busy enough in the city center and decided not to allow them at this location anymore.

On one side of the square, you can see the Royal Palace Amsterdam . This is the official reception palace of the Orange-Nassau Royal Family and is often open to visitors. The King and his family live in The Hague, and not in Amsterdam.

From the outside, it may look a little grim and unappealing, especially on dull days. But it’s definitely worth a look inside if you have the time. It’s quite beautiful, with marble floors, stunning chandeliers, intricate sculptures, and impressive paintings.

TIP: If you want to visit the Royal Palace, be sure to get your tickets in advance. That way, you can immediately see if it’s open on the dates when you’re in Amsterdam (it’s normally open daily unless there are some official events in which case it can be closed for several weeks in a row).

Damrak is one of the main avenues in the city center of Amsterdam, running from the Central Station to the above-mentioned Dam Square.

It’s filled with souvenir shops, chain stores, and cheap restaurants, and can feel a bit like a tourist trap. But if you look deeper, you’ll find some stunning architecture. Indeed, more than 20 buildings on Damrak are designated as Royal Monuments, most dating from the late 18th – early 20th centuries.

The main place not to miss here for tourists is the Damrak Waterfront , part of the historic harbor in Amsterdam’s city center. This is one of the most photographed places in Amsterdam that you’ll see on many postcards and travel brochures.

And if you want to do some shopping in Amsterdam, be sure to check out Bijenkorf Amsterdam, one of the most popular department stores in the Netherlands.

8. Floating Flower Market

One of the unique Amsterdam attractions is the Floating flower market ( Bloemenmarkt ). Located on the Singel Canal and established in 1862, this is the only market of its kind in the world. As the barges are fixed, once inside, it actually feels pretty much like any other flower market.

But that’s not the only reason to visit the floating Flower Market, of course, and – since it doesn’t require much time and doesn’t cost anything – we recommend checking it out. Colorful, fun, and fragrant, it is one of the most lively spots in the city and a great place to get some truly memorable photos. It may not be an ‘authentic’ place in Amsterdam anymore, but it really is a must-see attraction nonetheless!

You can buy all sorts of things here, from flowers and flower bulbs to Dutch souvenirs like clogs and wooden tulips. If you visit Amsterdam during the peak tulip season in spring, the market will be much more impressive too. Do be aware though that the market is very much aimed at tourists and the prices reflect that.

Good to know: The flower bulbs you buy here are ready for export, so you are allowed to take them home to most destinations. Make sure that they are firm, free from mold, and with no signs of damage. It can be a nice Dutch souvenir to bring memories of your visit to Amsterdam, long after you have returned from your trip.

9. Rembrandt House Museum

Recently reopened after a significant renovation, the Rembrandt House Museum is now one of the best museums in the city!

Rembrandt van Rijn (17th century) is one of the most famous painters The Netherlands ever had. Rembrandt Museum is located on Jodenbreestraat, in the same house where he lived and worked during the peak of his career between 1639 and 1658.

The house has been restored as true to the original as possible including all the rooms where the family lived, plus artist studios, etc. It’s a great place to see what life was like in Amsterdam during the Dutch Golden Age. Of course, you can also admire many paintings by Rembrandt. But what makes a visit here really special is that you also get to know the man behind his art.

This is now one of my personal favorite museums in Amsterdam. The cozy, homey setting takes you really close to Rembrandt. Their audiovisual guide (included with your ticket) is great too, giving you a deeper understanding of the artist and his life. And because you only need 1 hour for a visit here, it’s really simple to plan a visit here, no matter how much time you have in the city. Highly recommended!

TIP: Set inside a 17-th century house, the museum is rather small, so be sure to reserve timed-entry tickets in advance!

10. Leidseplein

If you’re looking for some fun atmosphere or good nightlife in Amsterdam, head to the lively Leidseplein town square, a short walk from the Rijksmuseum, at the southern end of Leidsestraat.

By day and night, you can see street entertainers performing anything from jazz on the double bass to hip-hop dancing. The square is lined by cafes and bar terraces, which are very busy in the warmer months. In winter, the terraced area is replaced with an outdoor ice rink and there are hot food stalls dotted everywhere.

Within easy walking distance is everything you could want for a good night out, including cinemas, theatres, discos, and a casino. There are plenty of good restaurants serving international dishes, along with Holland’s best-known cocktail bar, The Bulldog Palace (not to be confused with Bulldog Coffeeshop in the Red Light District).

Be sure to check out the impressive buildings of the “Internationaal Theater Amsterdam” or the Hard Rock Hotel known as ‘Hotel Americain’. Btw, this is a really nice hotel to stay in for those who enjoy the nightlife or like being close to all the museums and the park. The location is very central indeed.

TIP: If you plan to spend the evening at the bars here, arrive early to get a table. An hour before sunset is a perfect time, as it gives you a chance to sit back and watch the square come to life!

11. Vondelpark

Just a short walk from Amsterdam’s most popular museums and Leidseplein is the beautiful Vondelpark .

The most famous park in the Netherlands, Vondelpark welcomes 10 million visitors every year. Yet it remains an oasis of calm in this vibrant city, covering 120 acres and never feeling crowded.

Here you can see lots of different plants, a scenic lake, and maybe even catch a free performance at the open-air theatre or bandstand. There is also a children’s playground at the Groot Melkhuis, a statue of the poet Vondel, and a restaurant in the historical Pavilion.

There are bikes available to rent in the park (or you can book a guided bicycle tour of the city that also visits the park). This will allow you to learn more about the park’s history and see every hidden corner.

Good to know: Springtime is the very best time to visit Vondelpark when it is covered in colorful tulips.

TIP: Because Vondelpark is so close to some of the best museums and main attractions of Amsterdam (Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Heineken Brewery, etc.), this is a nice spot to stop for lunch and take a peaceful break from the crowds at the most popular sights.

12. The Nine Streets

The Nine Streets ( De Negen Straatjes ) is the collective name of 9 old cobbled streets connecting the main canals between Leidsegracht and Raadhuisstraat, a few blocks south of the Anne Frank House. The names of the streets are: Reestraat, Berenstraat, Runstraat, Hartenstraat, Wolvenstraat, Huidenstraat, Gasthuismolensteeg, Oudespiegelstraat, and Wijde Heisteeg.

Don’t worry about remembering the names – we indicated it in our map further below. And if you wonder what they mean, some of the streets are actually named after animals – Wolf Street, Bear Street, or Deer Street. Some other names are quite special as well, such as Old Mirror Street, or Heart Street.

Despite being surrounded by some of the most popular places in Amsterdam, and located between the most famous Amsterdam canals (Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht, and Herengracht), the 9 Streets have a very different atmosphere than the busy areas around Damrak.

They are quite charming, lined with specialty stores, unique shops, and independent boutiques. This area is a nice change from the chain stores of the main shopping street, offering vintage goods and authentic items instead.

If you’re a music fan and into vinyl, be sure to check out Waxwell Records. They have a record player where you can try out their offerings and frequent sales that allow you to pick up a bargain!

TIP: For some of the best sweets and pastries you will experience in Amsterdam, visit the Chocolaterie Pompadour on Huidenstraat. It has a wonderful tearoom with marble-topped tables, and Insta-worthy arrangements of its creations in its window displays. Alternatively, drop by Het Koekemannetje bakery on Runstraat for some of the best cookies ever.

13. Jordaan Neighborhood

A network of narrow streets leading to flower-lined canals, the idyllic neighborhood of Jordaan is both peaceful and characteristically Dutch. There are lots of lovely little shops and boutiques to explore, plus artists’ studios and a nice selection of cafes and restaurants.

Located to the west of Amsterdam’s main ring of canals, it is just a short walk from the Anne Frank House or the 9 Streets.

Built early in the 17th century, it originally housed refugees and workers, attracted by its low rents. Over time it became quite run down and was scheduled for demolition after World War II. But some of its citizens begged for a reprieve, and from the 1970s onwards the neighborhood was completely regenerated. So much, in fact, that it is now one of Amsterdam’s most desirable districts to live in.

Good to know: Saturday is market day, and the perfect time to visit. The Lindengracht Market is where the local residents buy their fresh produce. Or head to the Noordermarkt on Noordermarkt Square to buy organic food and shop for bargains at the flea market.

TIP: The Jordaan neighborhood is famous for good food ! Taking a food tour is one of the best ways to explore this area and get to know the more local side of Amsterdam. Or call in for lunch at one of the local-favorite cafes. Check out Cafe de Tuin, Café Sonneveld, or ‘t Smalle (and there are many, many more).

14. West Church & Tower

Located on Prinsengracht and just next to the Anne Frank House, the West Church ( Westerkerk ) is Amsterdam’s largest church and the most important Protestant church in the city. Many of Amsterdam’s citizens consider its bell tower – the Westertoren – to be the city’s symbol.

The church was built from 1619 – 1631 and the tower was added in 1638. Rembrandt van Rijn is buried here along with other famous Dutch artists and the chimes of the clock tower were heard by Anne Frank, who mentioned them several times in her diary.

It is well worth a quick visit here if you have some time to spare in Amsterdam. The church has an austere charm and there are regular, free organ recitals to enjoy. We especially recommend visiting the tower, as the view of Amsterdam from the top is incredible.

Good to know: The climb to the top of the tower is very steep and at times little more than a ladder. It can be quite unnerving for some and definitely requires flat shoes. Free to enter, the church is open to visitors all year round, except on Sundays. The tower is normally open from April to October and requires a ticket. However, it’s now closed for renovation that’s expected to take a few years.

While the Westertoren remains closed, you could head to Zuiderkerk Tower instead. Or – for different views with less effort – visit the A’DAM Lookout (see below).

15. Central Station

Located in the heart of the city, Amsterdam Centraal train station is a bustling place with visitors and locals alike. Several of the city’s buses and trams terminate here, along with the waterfront stations of the ferry lines that take passengers to Amsterdam North. You can also find the main Amsterdam Tourist Office here.

And while it might look strange to have a railway station mentioned among some of the landmarks of Amsterdam, it’s well worth a quick peak even if you are not taking a train.

The style of the building itself is authentically Dutch and well worth a quick look while you are in Amsterdam. It originally opened in 1889 as the Netherlands’ main railway transit center. Take a walk through its 19th-century entrance hall and you’ll discover a modern shopping mall packed with trendy eateries.

Outside, you’ll find the Central Railway Station Square, with towers on either side – one a weather vane and the other a clock tower.

TIP: For a truly unique experience, check out Grand Café Restaurant 1e Klas . This restaurant is located inside the beautifully restored 19th-century elegant 1st Class waiting rooms of the station, and feels like taking a trip back in time. You can book a 3-course lunch or dinner experience here , or just go for a quick drink and the atmosphere. Hidden in plain sight, this is one of the lesser-known gems of Amsterdam.

Good to know: If you are planning on taking any day trips from Amsterdam , most tours will start in this area. This is also where you can take a train to all the bigger towns in the Netherlands, and also direct trains to Antwerp or Brussels in Belgium, or to Paris in France.

16. Red Light District & Coffeeshops

Amsterdam has a uniquely laid-back approach to drugs and prostitution which is what makes this area so fascinating to many international visitors. Its Red Light District is named after the line of windows and doors surrounded by red lights.

Here you can learn more about the city’s coffeeshop culture (not to be confused with regular coffee shops or cafes) and the use of soft drugs. You can also see women dressed in very little, waiting behind the windows for customers. Just please don’t stare at them or take pictures – that is forbidden.

This area isn’t for everyone, of course. But if you want a more authentic experience and are not easily shocked, then you may prefer to visit at night.

Amsterdam’s Red Light District has been a hot topic for years, with the city council trying to limit its appeal as a popular Amsterdam tourist attraction. Certain tours have been forbidden, and there have been talks of moving the district a bit further away from the city center…

Either way, it remains an interesting place to see in Amsterdam. But if you want to learn more about it without wondering where exactly to go or what the most interesting spots are, etc., we recommend going with one of the organized walking tours of the area .

We recently took this highly-rated tour and I can only recommend it. Despite having been to the area so many times before, we learned a lot. It gives you a much more complete picture of this unique area.

17. Heineken Experience

The award-winning Dutch Heineken beer is famous all over the world. So visiting its oldest brewery is something that’s well worth doing during your visit to Amsterdam.

The tour is very enjoyable, informative, and ideal for couples or groups of friends looking for something fun to do in Amsterdam beyond the main sights and museums.

After an introduction from the staff, you can look around the brewery by yourself. It’s interesting to learn about the process that goes into making the beer, right from reaping the hops to tasting the end result. And there are several fun, interactive elements, including the ‘Brew U’ game where you become a bottle of beer, to bottling your own personalized Heineken.

TIP: Just like all the other top sights in Amsterdam, Heineken Experience is another very popular attraction and the queues in the high season can get long. So if you absolutely want to do it, book your timed-entry tickets online in advance .

Now that we covered some of the most popular places to see and tourist attractions in Amsterdam, here are a couple more ideas of interesting places to visit and things to do in Amsterdam.

If you have more than 1-2 days in the city – or if you have seen all the ‘musts’ and are looking for more fun experiences in Amsterdam, check out the following attractions as well:

18. Albert Cuyp Street Market

Located in the lively De Pijp neighborhood, Albert Cuyp Street Market is the largest and most popular outdoor market in the Netherlands. It is also the best market to visit in Amsterdam, incomparable to the most popular Floating Flower Market.

It’s a bustling and vibrant place that offers a truly immersive local shopping experience. You will find a big variety of market stalls, offering all kinds of household goods and clothing, but also souvenirs, fruit, vegetables, Dutch cheeses, and all kinds of delicacies.

This is a great place to try some typical Dutch food, like herring sandwiches, mini-pancakes ( poffertjes ), or syrup waffles ( stroopwafels ).

A visit to this market provides a unique opportunity to soak up the vibrant atmosphere, interact with friendly locals, and discover a diverse array of traditional foods and products.

Albert Cuyp Market is a fun place to visit in Amsterdam, for both locals and tourists alike. It’s a fun experience and gives you a memorable taste of Amsterdam’s dynamic and multicultural spirit.

Good to know: The market is open daily except Sundays from 9.30 AM to 5 PM.

TIP: If you would like to taste all kinds of Dutch specialties at the market, but are not sure where to start, consider this highly-rated street food tour with a local guide.

19. ARTIS Royal Zoo

ARTIS is the oldest zoo in the Netherlands and one of the oldest zoos of mainland Europe. It was founded in 1838 and is home to 200 varieties of trees and around 700 species of animals. It also has three listed buildings on its grounds – the Large Museum (1855), the Library building (1867), and the Aquarium (1882).

There are so many interesting parts to this zoo, making it a great place for the whole family. So it will come as no surprise that ARTIS is one of the most popular family-friendly attractions in Amsterdam.

Visit the aquarium zone to see what lives in the city’s canals. See exotic plant species in the greenhouses of the Botanical Gardens and learn about another world in the zoo micropia, which is dedicated to microorganisms. There is a planetarium where you can enjoy a virtual tour of the solar system. And there is also a zoological museum with some of the 19th century’s most interesting scientific collections.

It’s a great place to spend a few hours away from the hustle and bustle of the main tourist sights. In addition to the big park, the zoo has various indoor areas as well, so it’s also a good place to visit in Amsterdam even if it rains.

Good to know: If you don’t want to buy tickets to the zoo, visit the Artisplein which is free to enter. It’s a lovely spot to sit and rest, with a water table fountain, stunning trees, and views of the Dutch polder aviary and flamingo pond.

You can bring your own food, or have lunch at one of the restaurants inside, but it tends to be very busy, with high prices too. There are lots of benches and picnic areas you can use when the weather is fine.

TIP: Buy your tickets online in advance as the zoo can get very busy, especially during weekends or school holidays. The entrance to the zoo is also included with the I Amsterdam City Card .

20. A’DAM Lookout

Located on top of the A’DAM Tower, the A’DAM Lookout used to be the headquarters for Shell. Nowadays, it’s a popular tourist attraction and one of the best spots for an amazing high-angle view of Amsterdam.

Getting up there is half the fun – you’ll travel in a glass-ceilinged elevator that takes just 22 seconds to reach the 20th floor!

The view isn’t the only reason to come here, though. A’DAM Lookout also has an interactive exhibition , with a free audio tour of the city’s history and culture. And if that rapid ascent in the elevator didn’t get your heart racing, perhaps the ‘Over The Edge’ swing will! Dangling 100 meters above the ground, it takes you to and from over the edge of the tower.

Alternatively, you can enjoy some slightly less terrifying fun in the Amsterdam VR ride , a virtual reality rollercoaster through the city.

Good to know: The Lookout also has a nice rooftop bar, and a nice restaurant for a special dinner. The restaurant – called Moon – revolves on one rotation of its axis in an hour, and all tables are next to the window. A ticket here is also included with the I Amsterdam City Card .

21. NEMO Science Museum

The largest science museum in the Netherlands, NEMO is something nice to do in Amsterdam for the whole family. While it’s fun for adults too, NEMO is an absolute must if you are visiting Amsterdam with kids and are looking for something a bit more entertaining and hands-on than the ‘regular’ museums.

Through displays, workshops, videos, and interactive exhibits you can discover more about the things you see and experience every day.

From human anatomy and behavior to discovering how mathematics influences the world around you, there really is something here to interest everyone. And who can resist the chance of trying a hands-on experiment?

Good to know: The exhibits are in Dutch and in English. The first two floors are directed mainly towards children, whilst the upper two are more suitable for adults. If time is short you may prefer to spend the majority of it on the floors that will interest you most. Be sure to visit the rooftop, too – it gives you great views of the city!

TIP: Bring some change with you. There are free lockers, but you need to pay a small returnable deposit. Also, you can visit the rooftop restaurant without having to buy a museum ticket. And talking about tickets, also here, it’s best to get a ticket in advance . Or you can use the I Amsterdam Card here too.

22. Johan Cruijff ArenA Stadium Tour

Football fans will not want to miss a chance to visit the stadium of Amsterdam’s top-tier club, AJAX . However, keep in mind that it’s located a bit outside of the city center, so count some extra time to get there and back.

The Johan Cruijff ArenA Stadium tour gives you access to the players’ areas of Amsterdam’s top-tier club. Conducted in either Dutch or English, it takes 75 minutes and includes the dugout, pitch, and official Ajax dressing room.

You can opt for the ‘ standard ‘ or ‘ VIP ‘ tour. The latter gives you access to some exclusive areas, a drink, and some other extras that die-hard fans will find more than worth it.

23. Madame Tussauds

Madame Tussauds is another popular place to visit in Amsterdam that keeps on reinventing itself and is well worth a visit.

Here, you can come face-to-face with everyone from Anne Frank to Van Gogh, and the exhibits are presented in a fun and interactive way. It’s not just about taking pictures with some wax figures anymore, but a really fun experience for all ages.

This world-famous wax museum is located in the heart of the city, on Dam Square, and you only need about 1-1.5 hours here. So it’s quite easy to add a short visit here to any Amsterdam itinerary.

Good to know: The museum is open daily, and it also stays open quite late in the evening when many other places close already. It’s also something good to do in Amsterdam when it rains. Booking your ticket for this museum online in advance not only saves you time but is also cheaper than same-day tickets.

24. Moco Museum

Moco Museum is a small independent museum of modern, contemporary, and street art.

Located on the Museumplein just in between the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, it’s often overlooked by international tourists rushing from one top landmark to another. However, it’s well worth a quick visit, especially if you like contemporary art.

The museum might be quite compact, but the artwork here is truly unique. You can see some works by the world-famous street artist Banksy, and many other modern artists from all over the world. It also includes an immersive 3D gallery on the lower floor. It’s also a nice place to get some fun and unique pictures in Amsterdam (and Instagrammers’ favorite).

Good to know: The museum is open daily, from 8 AM to 5 PM, but – unless you come very early in the morning – be prepared for it to be busy. Because it occupies a small area, this museum can get quite busy in the high season. You can find more info and get your tickets here .

Map of Amsterdam Attractions

To help you get a better idea of where all the main Amsterdam attractions are located, we created a  map  indicating all the points of interest and sights mentioned in this article.

This should help you plan your time a bit better. Just please keep in mind that you’ll need several hours for the main museums. So – if you decide to visit a few of those – plan the rest of your time around it.

Here you can find some sample itineraries to help you plan your trip:

• 1 Day in Amsterdam
• 2 Days in Amsterdam
• 3 Days in Amsterdam
• 4 Days in Amsterdam

TIP:  For more information and useful tips for your visit, please also see our guide with top travel tips for Amsterdam via the link below. It’s an essential read when planning your trip!

LEARN MORE: Top Tips for Visiting Amsterdam

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

In addition to the main sights in Amsterdam city itself, don’t forget that there’s so much more to the Netherlands than just its famous capital ! So try to plan some time to visit at least a few other places as well.

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Holland (very easy to visit from Amsterdam) is Zaanse Schans , where you can see some traditional Dutch windmills.

In the spring (March – April), the Lisse tulip fields and Keukenhof Gardens are a must too!

In the summer, check out the picturesque village of Giethoorn which has canals instead of streets… And if you want to visit a smaller town, check out Delft – it’s absolutely charming!

For more information on these and other places to visit near Amsterdam, take a look at our detailed guides via the link below.

LEARN MORE: Best Day Trips from Amsterdam & Dutch Countryside (Top Places Near Amsterdam)

Where to Stay for Sightseeing in Amsterdam

In order to make the most of your visit to Amsterdam, we recommend staying in the heart of the city. Our favorite area to stay for sightseeing in Amsterdam is in the wide surroundings around Dam Square, southwest of the station and north of Rijksmuseum.

There are some fabulous hotels in Amsterdam, but the prices are usually quite impressive too. It’s often really not easy to find a nice place to stay in the city center on a lower budget, but the longer in advance you book, the more (affordable) options you’ll have. So book your accommodation as soon as you know your travel dates !

Here are some of the best-rated hotels in central Amsterdam for different budgets:

• €€€€€  NH Collection Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky – the most popular 5* hotel in the heart of the city.
• €€€€ Hotel Estheréa – for those looking for something a bit more unique. Very central location.
• €€€+  Park Plaza Victoria – just next to the station, perfect for sightseeing.
• €€ ClinkNOORD Hostel  – one of the most popular lower-budget hotels.
• € The Flying Pig Downtown – a popular hostel with (mostly) shared facilities.

LEARN MORE: Where to Stay in Amsterdam (Best Areas & Tips)

So, these are our recommendations for some of the best places to see and things to do in Amsterdam.

I hope that this list of Amsterdam’s very best attractions and experiences will help you plan the perfect itinerary for your visit. Enjoy your stay in this tolerant, diverse, and exciting city!

More travel inspiration for your trip to the Netherlands & Belgium:

• One Day in Amsterdam
• Two Days in Amsterdam
• Three Days in Amsterdam
• Four Days in Amsterdam
• Amsterdam Travel Tips
• Best Amsterdam Museums
• Best Day Trips from Amsterdam
• Amsterdam in June: Weather & Seasonal Tips
• Amsterdam in December
• Amsterdam at Christmas
• Kinderdijk Windmills
• Alkmaar Cheese Market
• Best Tulip Fields in the Netherlands & Tips for Visiting Keukenhof Gardens
• Best Things to Do in Delft
• Best Things to Do in Brussels
• Best Things to Do in Antwerp
• Best Things to Do in Bruges
• Ypres and WWI Battlefields
• Planning a bigger trip? Be sure to read our guide with tips for traveling to Europe !

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

Photos: personal collection, Depositphotos.com, Unsplash.com. Additional image credits: Maarten_Zeehandelaar/ Depositphotos.com; littleny/ Depositphotos.com; niglaynike / Depositphotos.com; starush / Depositphotos.com; carmenmsaa / Depositphotos.com; MaykovNikita / Depositphotos.com; AGVDepositPhotos / Depositphotos.com; [email protected] /Depositphotos.com; bloodua / Depositphotos.com;

More travel inspiration for European cities:

If you are visiting other European cities and are looking for in-depth information for your trip, take a look at some of our city guides:

• Barcelona, Spain
• Bern, Switzerland
• Bologna, Italy
• Bucharest, Romania
• Colmar, France
• Edinburgh, UK
• Florence, Italy
• Geneva, Switzerland
• Krakow, Poland
• Lisbon, Portugal
• Liverpool, UK
• Lucerne, Switzerland
• Madrid, Spain
• Manchester, UK
• Milan, Italy
• Naples, Italy
• Paris, France
• Reykjavik, Iceland
• Rome, Italy
• Salzburg, Austria
• Siena, Italy
• Sintra, Portugal
• Seville, Spain
• Venice, Italy
• Verona, Italy
• For more… check our  destinations page.

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Tuesday 7th of November 2023

amazing places

AMSTERDAM: 30 Best Things to Do & Places to Visit

Close your eyes and imagine Amsterdam. What image do you have in your head?

If you’re like most people, you’ve probably painted a mental picture of tall, slender, gabled buildings towering over a flower-decorated, bicycle-lined canal! And it’s not surprising at all. You know why? Because when you’re in Amsterdam, these postcard-worthy views are everywhere!

If you look at the map of Amsterdam, one of the first things you’ll probably notice is the fan-shaped web dominating it. This web is actually the city’s network of canals linking the curve of the IJ River to many of its neighborhoods. Amsterdam is one of Europe’s catch basin zones, so these canals have played a vital role in the rise of this port city and its development as a trade hub. They are so embedded into its identity that when we think of Amsterdam, these canals immediately pop into mind.

But Amsterdam is definitely more than just its canals. In between are countless attractions that are fascinating, to say the least. Here are some of the best places to visit and things to do in the city.

We’re including some practical bits like operating hours and nearest station, in case you plan on pulling a DIY. For some attractions, we’re also providing Klook links so you could purchase tickets or book tours online easily.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

CANAL CRUISES

1. amsterdam canal cruise.

Yes, we’re still talking about canals! Let’s start there. These legendary waterways are on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list.

The construction started in the early 17th century. They serve different purposes: water management, navigation, and defense system. The sophisticated canal system which branched out from three main canals, forming over 100 kilometers of smaller canals, more or less 90 islands, and over a thousand bridges.

Today, the canals are used mainly for tourism purposes like cruises. A boat ride will take you back to the Dutch Golden Era. Some of the scenic sights are the merchant houses and churches lining the canals, the beautiful bridges, Anne Frank House, and the Westerkerk. See the city’s highlights while sailing down the Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht canals.

If you are interested in taking a boat cruise in Amsterdam, Klook has curated boat cruise packages. Here are some of them:

2. Dine and Cruise

If sightseeing from a boat isn’t enough, how about digging in to delicious food while you’re at it? Some tour agencies and travel companies offer dine-and-cruise type of experience.

Choose the package that best suits your taste. Enjoy your favorite grubs while basking in the beauty of the canal-side scenery. Here are some of the choices from Klook:

3. Van Gogh Museum

Opened in 1973, Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam currently has the record for the largest Van Gogh collection in the world.

Know the artist deeper as you gaze into his artworks and discover some personal mementos like hundreds of letters. The museum houses over about 400 drawings and sketches and over 200 paintings including the world-famous “Sunflowers”, “The Bedroom”, and his numerous self-portraits. Other than his works, it also hosts Van Gogh’s contemporaries like Monet and Gauguin.

The museum is located in the Museum District in Amsterdam Zuid (South) along with other popular museums.

Nearest Tram Station: Van Baerlestraat Station (Tram 2, 5, 12) or Museumplein Station (Tram 3, 5, 12) Nearest Bus Stop: Museumplein Stop (Bus 347, 357, 397, N47, N57, N88, N97) Opening Hours: 9:00 AM is the usual opening time, while closing time is either 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM. On special occasions, the museum closes at 9:00 PM. Please check the official website before your visit. Entrance Fee: €19 (Regular), FREE (Below 18 y/o)

The museum is one of the most visited in the Netherlands, so expect long queues for the entrance ticket. Note that you can only purchase tickets online. If you want to reserve your ticket prior to your visit, you can also book it with Klook. Another package combine Van Gogh Museum ticket and canal cruise experience.

4. Rijksmuseum

Rijksmuseum is the largest museum in the Netherlands and also one of the most visited. It holds the status of a national museum and focuses heavily on arts and history.

The museum’s roots can be traced back to the late 18th century when it was first established in Hague. It was relocated twice before settling in the present location in the late 19th century. The museum recounts 800 years of Dutch art and history, especially during the Dutch Golden Age, by showcasing about 8,000 items, including over 5,000 paintings. Notable masterpieces include the Night Watch by Rembrandt and The Milkmaid by Vermeer.

It is located at the Museum Square in Amsterdam Zuid (South), near other significant museums like Van Gogh Museum.

Nearest Tram Station: Rijksmuseum Station (Tram 2, 5, 12) or Spiegelgracht Station (Tram 1, 7, 19) Nearest Bus Stop: Rijksmuseum Stop (Bus 347, 357, 397, N47, N57, N88, N97) or Ruysdaelkade Stop (Bus N84) Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Daily) Entrance Fee: €19 (Regular), FREE (Below 18 y/o)

Like the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum is one of the most visited in the Netherlands, so expect long queues for the entrance ticket. If you want to reserve your ticket online, you can also book it with Klook. Another package combine Van Gogh Museum ticket and canal cruise experience.

5. Anne Frank House

Anne Frank ‘s story takes us to the World War II period when the Jewish people were ostracized and persecuted by the Nazi Party. She wrote her diary in a secret room called Secret Annex in a canal house along Prinsengracht, one of the three famous canals in Amsterdam.

This house was later preserved by converting it into a museum. In 1960, the museum was launched to the public. The museum hosts a permanent exhibition about the life of Anne Frank, but the highlight is the well-preserved Secret Annex, where she and her family took refuge.

The closest landmarks are the 17th-century Westerkerk Church and Anne Frank Monument .

Nearest Tram Station: Westermarkt Station (Tram 13, 17) Nearest Bus Stop: Westermarkt Stop (Bus N82, N83, N84) Opening Hours: 9:00 AM is the usual opening time, while closing time is either 5:00 PM or 7:00 PM. Please check the official website before your visit. Entrance Fee: €12.50 (Adult), €6.50 (10-17 y/o), €1 (9 y/o and below). These rates are inclusive of €1 booking fee. Tickets can only be purchased online.

6. Jewish Cultural Quarter

The Jews from Spain and Portugal came pouring into the city as early as the 16th century during the height of the Inquisition. During World War II, the Jews were subjected again to persecution by the Nazi regime, and those living in Amsterdam were not spared.

Today, the presence of Jewish buildings, memorials, and synagogues in the old Jewish Quarter speak of the plight of the Jewish people during those dark periods in history.

The notable sites within the Jewish Cultural Quarter are Jewish Historical Museum, the Children’s Museum, the Portuguese Synagogue, Hollandsche Schouwburg, and the National Holocaust Memorial. These attractions are located within Waterlooplein and the Plantage Middenlaan area.

Nearest Metro Station: Waterlooplein Station Nearest Tram Station: Waterlooplein Station or Artis Station (Tram 14) Nearest Bus Stop: Waterlooplein Stop or Artis Stop (Bus N87) Opening Hours: All sites within the JCQ are open daily except for the Portuguese Synagogue (CLOSED on Saturdays). Opening hours vary per site. The usual opening hour is either 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM, while the usual closing hour is either 4:00 PM or 5:00 PM. Entrance Fee: €17 (Adult), €8.50 (13-17 y/o), €4.25 (6-12 y/o), FREE (5 y/o and below). Tickets can only be purchased online.

If you want to visit all of the abovementioned sites, you can also get your ticket from Klook. The package covers access to Jewish Historical Museum, the Children’s Museum, the Portuguese Synagogue, Hollandsche Schouwburg, and National Holocaust Memorial using only one ticket.

7. Red Light Secrets Museum

If you are into alternative and offbeat tourism, you might want to visit Red Light Secrets , said to be the world’s only museum of its kind.

Located in the Old Town district of De Wallen, the museum is housed in a 17th-century brothel at the heart of Amsterdam’s Red Light District.

Discover how the girls go about their daily lives and routines, the history of their profession, and other secrets when you delve deeper into this industry. If you are curious, you can even try posing in front of the red-light windows. Please follow the rules and regulations and do not take photos of the girls inside the windows.

Nearest Metro Station: Nieuwmarkt Station. From the station, the museum can be reached on foot in approximately five minutes. It is close to the Chinese Quarter/Chinatown. Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Sunday – Thursday), 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM (Friday – Saturday) Entrance Fee: €12.50. Note that visitors below 18 y/o are not allowed entry.

You can book your ticket with Klook!

8. Rembrandt House Museum

Located near the Old Town center and old Jewish Quarter, the Rembrandt House Museum is another historical gem at the heart of Amsterdam.

Its roots can be traced back to 1911, when this museum was the residence and studio of the renowned Dutch artist Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn . He lived here between 1639 and 1658, producing several of his paintings, sketches, and etchings, which are showcased in the well-restored and refurbished 17th-century house-turned-museum. The museum also demonstrates the age-old process of etching using an antique press.

Nearest Metro Station: Waterlooplein Station Nearest Tram Station: Waterlooplein Station or Artis Station (Tram 14) Nearest Bus Stop: Waterlooplein Stop or Artis Stop (Bus N87) Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Tuesday – Sunday), CLOSED (Mondays) Entrance Fee: €14 (Adult), €5 (6-17 y/o), FREE (Below 6 y/o)

Reserve your ticket in advance online via Klook!

9. Moco Museum

Located in the Museum District within the same block as Van Gogh Museum, Moco Museum is an independent, privately-owned museum that aims to connect to the younger audience by exhibiting works of modernist and contemporary artists like Banksy, Jean-Michel Basquiat, JR, KAWS, Andy Warhol, and others!

The townhouse that shelters the museum dates back to the early 20th century and is now owned by the Logchies couple who are both curators and art collectors.

The museum was launched to the public in 2015.

Some of the highlights are Banksy’s “Beanfield”, “Girl with Balloon”, “Laugh Now”, and “Keep It Real”.

Nearest Tram Station: Van Baerlestraat Station (Tram 2, 5, 12) or Museumplein Station (Tram 3, 5, 12) Nearest Bus Stop: Museumplein Stop (Bus 347, 357, 397, N47, N57, N88, N97) Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Sunday – Thursday), 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Friday – Saturday) Entrance Fee: €19.50 (Adult), €16.50 (13-17 y/o), FREE (Below 13 y/o)

You can conveniently reserve your ticket prior to your visit via Klook! This also includes an audio guide.

10. Stedelijk Museum

Also located in the Museum District beside the Van Gogh Museum, Stedelijk Museum is another museum that displays and exhibits modern and contemporary art. In addition, Stedelijk also incorporates design masterpieces.

The unique structure of the museum is the result of merging the original 19th-century structure to the 21st-century wing.

The museum was founded in 1874 and has since continued to promote contemporary art displaying and exhibiting different disciplines — painting, sculpture, installation, photography, industrial design, graphic design, and more! Admire the works of contemporary artists including Warhol, Matisse, Picasso, Kandinsky, Pollock, and Koons, among others.

Nearest Tram Station: Van Baerlestraat Station (Tram 2, 5, 12) or Museumplein Station (Tram 3, 5, 12) Nearest Bus Stop: Museumplein Stop (Bus 347, 357, 397, N47, N57, N88, N97) Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Daily). It is important to reserve your time slot and day of visit through online booking. The museum is less crowded in the morning. Entrance Fee: €18.50 (Adult), €10 (Reduced). Note that ticket should be purchased online prior to your visit.

You can book your ticket in advance through Klook!

GUIDED AMSTERDAM CITY TOURS

11. anne frank tour.

If her coming-of-age story in the midst of World War II captured your heart, this tour will let you take a peek into her life — from growing up in the neighborhood of Amsterdam Zuid to the Holocaust.

You will be led to places where she spent her days as a child, including her School and the store where she bought her diary, while the English-speaking guide recounts anecdotes and stories per stop. You will also get to learn about the advanced ideas of urban planning as you stroll around the area where colonial architecture is strongly reflected by the houses and other establishments.

This tour offered by Klook is perfect for those who want a small intimate group. This is a walking tour so wear comfortable shoes and clothes. The tour is done in the afternoon.

12. Van Gogh Tour

Are you a Van Gogh fan? Or have you wondered about the stories behind his paintings?

This tour will let you into Van Gogh’s life where he spent about two years in the Nuenen Village, inspiring him to paint and sketch over 500 works during his time here.

Visit some of the places that became his subject matter and motivated him to paint. Continue knowing the artist deeper when you head back to the city and visit the Van Gogh Museum which houses the largest collection of his works.

This package by Klook includes both the Nuenen Village tour, Vincentre entrance, and Van Gogh Museum entrance. This is a full-day tour, lasting about nine hours. There are also other options like combining this tour with a canal cruise or Amsterdam city tour.

13. Red Light District Tour

Amsterdam is known for its unabashed openness. The city is quite progressive especially about prostitution as a legal profession.

Tracing its roots back to the medieval period when De Wallen was once a busy town center, the Red Light District is known to host brothels and pubs serving the sailors, travelers, and locals. This tour will guide you through its secret spots and alleyways.

If you are more comfortable exploring this part of the city with a knowledgeable guide, you can book this tour. Klook is offering a package that will also take you to Amsterdam’s oldest building and its famous pub Route 66. The tour lasts about two hours.

14. Amsterdam World War II & Jewish Quarter Tour

This tour will take you to places that will give you more insights into some key World War II events in Amsterdam and their aftermath.

Walk down memory lane as your guide leads you to historical landmarks and the Jewish Quarter. Hear stories on what life was like during the Nazi-led Amsterdam while strolling from one site to the next. Klook’s package also covers visiting war and holocaust monuments like Auschwitz Memorial, the Monument to Jewish Resistance, the Jewish WWII Memorial, and the Shadow Wall aside from other landmarks. This is a morning walking tour that may last for 2.5 hours.

15. Bike Tour

The whole city of Amsterdam is bike-friendly. The roads are tailor-fit to accommodate navigation within and around the city on two wheels. Commuting by bike is probably the most favored mode of transportation in Amsterdam. In fact, there are almost 900,000 bicycles in the city!

If you want to travel and explore like a local, you can go on a bike tour while here. Klook is offering a package that includes biking through the city and the scenic countryside. The itinerary covers the 35km-long nature reserve in the Waterland District, medieval villages, bike paths with clear waterways and windmills, and even riding five meters below sea level!

This is a mourning bike tour and the duration is about four hours. The rate is inclusive of an English-speaking guide, bicycle and lock, and insurance.

If you want to explore on your own, you can pull a D-I-Y by renting a bike. You can get your rental voucher from Klook! There are two options: 3-hour bike rental and 24-hour bike rental. The rates include two security locks for parking purposes.

16. Amsterdam Alternative Tour

If you want to take the less-traveled path, you can join an alternative walking tour that will introduce you to spots and areas that are NOT frequently visited.

During the tour, you will get to differentiate the myths and truths about the city’s liberal laws and policies. A walk along the historic canals will give you a glimpse of the houseboats while the guide relays the history of these alternative housing. Learn about the White Bicycle Plan that makes bicycles more accessible to commuters and helps lessen pollution.

The tour will end at the Museum District. You can continue exploring contemporary and modern artworks while there. The afternoon walking tour lasts about two hours.

17. Pedal Boat Tour

We know that Amsterdam is a bicycle-loving city, but did you know that you can also do sightseeing while pedaling down the historic canals?

See some of the prominent landmarks such as Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, the canalside houses, and the bridges, including the Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge) which is said to grant everlasting love for couples.

If you are booking with Klook, you can choose between the 60-minute or 90-minute rental duration.

OTHER PLACES TO VISIT IN AMSTERDAM

18. albert cuyp market.

The Albert Cuyp Market is said to be the busiest and largest day market in the Netherlands.

This iconic street market started as an ordinary street where peddlers and stalls sell their products. When the area became too busy, the government decided to organize it into a weekend market in 1905. Eventually, it evolved into a full-blown daytime pedestrian-only street market with over 260 stalls lining the stretch of the street between Ferdinand Bolstraat and Van Woustraat.

You will find a plethora of products here: clothes, fabrics, souvenirs, traditional products, accessories, electronic gadgets, and food! If you are planning to go on a food trip here, here are some of the grubs to try: pickled herring (haring), stroopwafel, poffertjes, kibbeling, and cheese.

The market can be found along Albert Cuypstraat in the Latin Quarter (De Pijp) neighborhood.

Nearest Metro Station: De Pijp Station Nearest Tram Station: Stadhouderskade Station (Tram 4) Nearest Bus Stop: Van Woustraat Stop (Bus 246, 356, N85) Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Monday – Saturday), CLOSED (Sundays and Holidays) Entrance Fee: FREE

19. Jordaan District

In the 17th century, the Jordaan was the settlement for the immigrants and the working class. Fast forward to the present, the quaint district is one of the upscale areas in Amsterdam. Characterized by the narrow and small streets and canals, the Jordaan now is dotted with several specialty shops, boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants.

The notable tourist-favorite streets are the Nine Little Streets, Westerstraat, Lindengracht, Prinsengracht, and Haarlemmerstraat. Some of the popular spots are the Westertoren, Noorderkerk, Noordermarkt, Westerker, Houseboat Museum, and the Amsterdam Cheese Museum.

Nearest Train Station: Amsterdam Central Station Nearest Metro Station: Centraal Station Nearest Tram Station: There are several tram stops plotted around the district’s border, especially on the western side. Tram 5, 7, 13, 17, and 19 ply this route. Nearest Bus Stop: There are several bus stops plotted around the district’s border, especially on the western side. Bus 397, N47, N57, N97, N82, N83, N84, and N88 run this route.

20. Amsterdamse Bos (Forest)

This 1000-hectare green space located south of Amsterdam Zuid is a landscape park that welcomes millions of visitors annually. It is said to be three times larger than New York’s Central Park and is one of the largest in Europe. It is home to many recreational spaces such as gardens and walking paths, monuments, animal parks, organic farm, tree-top adventure park, sporting clubs, camping parks, and open-water spots for activities like swimming, boat tours, canoeing, kayaking, and rowing courses.

Some areas also host various events — political, social, and entertainment. The park is well-equipped with tourist facilities and dining places.

Geographically, most of the park is situated in Amstelveen, but it is under the jurisdiction of Amsterdam. To access the park, note that the main entrance is located at the crossing of Van Nijenrodeweg and Amstelveenseweg. You will see the Tourist Office De Boswinkel on the left side of the entrance. You can travel on a bicycle from the Museum District to the park in about 20 minutes.

Nearest Bus Stop: Amsterdamse Bos Stop (Bus 242, 347, 348, 357, 358, N47, N57) Opening Hours: Tourist Office 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Tuesday – Sunday) Entrance Fee: FREE (Forest)

POPULAR DAY TRIPS

21. zaanse schans.

A few kilometers northwest of Amsterdam is the town of Zaandam , where the neighborhood of Zaanse Schans is nestled.

This residential area is unique because of its blast-from-the-past vibe where traditional structures from the 18th to 19th century mingle with iconic windmills, giving it a status of an open-air museum.

It is best known for its symbolic green wooden houses, well-preserved historic working windmills, barns, artisanal shops, and museums with interactive exhibits like the Zaanse Museum. The traditional buildings and windmills were relocated here to create this themed village. See how craftsmen make shoes, cheese, chocolate, wooden clog carving, barrel, and pewter.

Nearest Train Station: Zaandijk Zaanse Schans Station. Take the train (Sprinter) from Amsterdam Central Station to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans Station. The travel time is less than 20 minutes. From the station, Zaanse Scans can be reached in 10 minutes on foot.

If you want convenient transfers, you can join a guided half-day tour to Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam. Klook is offering a package that includes a multilingual guide and roundtrip transportation. The itinerary covers Zaanse Schans walking tour, Clog Museum, Annex Wooden Shoemaker Shop, and a farm.

If you are interested in visiting other nearby attractions, you can book this full-day tour of Zaanse Schans, Volendam, and Marken.

22. Volendam

Located in the town of Edam-Volendam , a few kilometers northeast of Amsterdam, Volendam is a picturesque lakeside fishing village noted for its old fishing boats and colorful wooden houses.

Nestled on the shore of Markermeer Lake , the harbor is probably the busiest area in the village because of the seafood vendors and the tourists who are taking the ferry to Marken (and back).

Another attraction is the Volendam Museum , hosting a collection of items that date back to the 19th century to the present: traditional outfits, paintings, sculptures, and other crafts.

Nearest Bus Stop: There are direct buses (Bus 312 & 316) operating between Amsterdam and Volendam. These buses depart from Amsterdam Central to several bus stops in Volendam. The travel time is about 35 minutes.

Volendam is included in this full-day tour package from Klook. This also includes Zaanse Schans and Marken. This covers entrance tickets to Cheese Factory Volendam and the Woltje Stroopwafel Bakery, audio guide, roundtrip transfers, traditional wooden clog making demonstration, and a River cruise between Marken and Volendam.

23. Giethoorn

Some of you might probably come across an image of a Dutch village with canals for navigation instead of roads. That picturesque village is Giethoorn in the municipality of Steenwijkerland, several kilometers northeast of Amsterdam.

It is fondly called “Little Venice” or “Venice of the Netherlands” for its boat-filled waterways and canal-side cafés and restaurants. But contrary to popular belief, the village has few car-accessible roads, but they are far from the major artery of the village where most of the establishments and settlements are located. There are also bicycle and pedestrian paths.

The village is also popular for its ancient thatched-roof houses, which you can spot in the old part of the village.

Nearest Train Station: Zwolle Station or Steenwijk Station. From Amsterdam Central or Zuid (South), the train routes require one or two change trains to either Zwolle Station (south of Giethoorn) or Steenwijk Station (north of Giethoorn). From either station, get on a bus (Bus 70) to Giethoorn village. The total travel time is about two hours.

One of the recommended ways to get to the village is by joining a group tour. This ensures your hassle-free transportation between Amsterdam and Giethoorn. Klook is offering a tour package that covers both Giethoorn and Afsluitdijk (Enclosed Dike), a 32-kilometer dike that links North Holland and Friesland provinces. You will also be accompanied by a multilingual guide.

24. Keukenhof Tulip Garden

Located in Lisse , a town southwest of Amsterdam, the idea of a garden park dates back to the mid 19th century but the present-day flower park was officially launched to the public in 1950.

As one of the largest flower gardens in the world, it boasts 32-hectare of floral landscape, nurturing over seven million vibrant flower bulbs. Among the plentiful blooms, the spotlight belongs to the tulips, which are usually in full bloom in April. The park showcases 800 kinds of tulips.

The park also features scenic hiking trails, ponds, pavilions, restaurants, statues, a playground, maze, a farm, and weekly flower shows.

The park is open all year round for private events, but only accessible to the general public from March to May — within the eight-week tulip bloom festival.

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM (Daily). The exact opening dates differ every year. For 2021, the par is open from March 20 until May 9. Entrance Fee: €19 (Adult), €9 (4-17 y/o), FREE (3 y/o and below). Note that the tickets can only be purchased online. You might also want to consider getting a combi ticket for skip-the-line ticket and roundtrip transfers via Keukenhof Express Bus. Check the park’s official website. Getting There: The easiest way is the direct route offered by Keukenhof Express Bus. From Amsterdam, the bus departs from both the Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Bus Terminal (Bus 858) and Amsterdam RAI Station (Bus 852). The travel duration is about 35 minutes.

25. Alkmaar

If you are a cheesy person — by that we mean you are a big lover of cheese — then a visit to Alkmaar will delight you. Famous for its cheese and its traditional cheese markets, Alkmaar presents the age-old cheese trading system held at town squares.

Waagplein is one of the remaining four sites for cheese trading and where demonstration of the age-old practice happens in front of an ancient weighing house, drawing throngs of tourists in the area. If you wish to buy cheese, you may do so from the stalls surrounding the square.

Other attractions in Alkmaar are the museums (especially the Holland Cheese Museum), the city’s old canals, Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk, De Molen van Piet, Alkmaar City Hall, and Oosterhout Park.

Nearest Train Station: There are two railway stations serving Alkmaar — Alkmaar Station and Alkmaar Noord Station. There are direct train routes to Alkmaar from Amsterdam Central Station. The travel duration is about 40 minutes.

If you want to delve deeper into the history of cheese trading in Alkmaar, you can join a guided tour departing from Amsterdam. Klook is offering two options: Cheese Market Tour and Cheese Cruise Tour.

OTHER FUN THINGS TO DO

26. heineken experience.

Welcome to the birthplace of Heineken beer!

The 19th-century brewery at the heart of the city is a popular tourist attraction, especially for beer enthusiasts. The old brewery started producing beer in the 1860s up until the late 1980s.

It relaunched to the public as a museum, sharing Heineken’s history and brewing process. It also features interactive displays and exhibitions. You can also enjoy playing themed games like Formula 1, UEFA Champions League, and the Rugby World Cup. Proost!

Nearest Metro Station: Vijzelgracht Station Nearest Tram Station: Marie Heinekenplein Station or Weteringcircuit Station (Tram 24) Nearest Bus Stop: Ferdinand Bolstraat Stop (Bus N84) Opening Hours: 10:30 AM – 7:30 PM (Monday – Thursday), 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM (Friday – Sunday & Daily from July to August) Entrance Fee: €18 (Adult), €14.50 (12-17 y/o), FREE (Below 12 y/o)

If you want to skip the line, you can avail of Klook’s fast-track ticket for the Heineken Experience, which also covers two complimentary glasses of beer (or soft drinks), and a small tasting glass of beer. Since this is a self-guided tour, the Heineken Experience App will be provided as well.

27. Cheese Tasting

If you are pressed for time and can’t venture outside Amsterdam, you can still taste and experience the best cheeses from the established dairy and cheese companies. Klook has curated two choices for those who are interested in knowing the history of the companies, the traditions of Dutch cheese, and the cheese production process.

The Cheese Tasting Tour by Henri Willig is a 45-minute experience that involves watching a short film on traditions of Dutch cheese and tasting five different types of cheese paired with a glass of wine or beer. You will also receive a souvenir at the end of the tour.

The Cheese Tasting Experience by Reypenaer is an hour-long activity hosted by a family-owned company that has been in the industry of cheese-making for over 100 years. It also bagged many awards for its artisan cheeses. You will be guided by an expert on how to enjoy each type of cheese as you taste six types of cheese paired with white, red, or port wine.

28. Amsterdam Nightlife

For party animals out there, Amsterdam is your big playground!

The city’s nightlife streets are teeming with lively pubs, bars, and nightclubs. Dance the night away, sing your heart out, meet new people, have fun bar-hopping, be merry, but drink responsibly.

If one night is not enough for you, you might want to consider getting the Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket , giving you two options — 2-Day Ticket or 7-Day Ticket. These are the perks:

• A welcome shot at 8 of the nightclubs
• Access to participating clubs and experiences
• 2 for 1 cocktails at Hard Rock Café Amsterdam
• 2 for 1 Laser Tagging and Glow Golf
• Bowling (avail the 1 hour for 2 hours of bowling)
• 2 for 1 dinner (burgers and dishes)
• Courtesy food/drink from Angus Burger & TopKapi
• Double-up your beer at Craft & Draft
• Free makeup touch-up for the ladies at Douglas
• First ride with UBER (free up to EUR10)
• EUR10 UBER Eats credit on your first order

No. 129, Club Paradiso, Club Amsterdamned, and Feest van Joop are just some of the many participating clubs and bars.

29. Efteling Theme Park

Opened to the public in May 1952, the Efteling Theme Park is one of the oldest theme parks in the world.

Sprawled across a 72-hectare land, it is currently the largest theme park in the Netherlands with almost 50 attractions, including six rollercoasters. It carries the mystical world of fairy tales, myths, folklore, and legends divided into five themes: Travel Realm, Fairy Realm, Adventure Realm, Other Realm, and Fantasy Realm.

The park has restaurants for sitdown meals and food kiosks for quick bites.

Efteling Theme Park is located in Kaatsheuvel village in North Brabant province, about 100 kilometers south of Amsterdam.

Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Weekdays), 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Weekends). Note that the schedule might change without prior notice so better check the calendar on the official website before your visit. Entrance Fee: €38 (Fakir Ticket), €41 (Fairy Ticket), €43 (Dragon Ticket), €45 (Giant Ticket). Rates for adults and children are the same. Children below four years old are granted FREE access to the park. Getting There: From Amsterdam Central, take a train to ‘s-Hertogenbosch (Den Bosch) Station. From there, take the bus (Bus 300, 301, 136, 800) to Efteling Bus Stop. Alternatively, take a direct Bus (Flixbus 811) from Amsterdam to Efteling Theme Park available from Friday to Monday.

Currently, tickets are only sold online. You can book your ticket on Klook! It offers a fast track ticket if you want to skip the line at the entrance gate. The ticket type for this package is the Giant Ticket.

30. Ripley’s Believe It or Not

Located in the Old Town district of De Wallen, Ripley’s Believe It or Not regales the macabre-seekers with over 500 items and activities that will surely excite them while inside the five-level building.

It also boasts 19 themed galleries and moving 5D theater! Some of the highlights are the genuine human shrunken heads, a megalodon jaw, a Space Tunnel, and a 7-meter tall robot.

Nearest Metro Station: Rokin Station Nearest Tram Station: Dam Station (Tram 4, 14) Nearest Bus Stop: Dam Stop (Bus N85, N87, N89, N91, N93) Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Daily) Entrance Fee: €19.50 (Adult), €13 (4-13 y/o), FREE (Below 4 y/o)

Reserve and book your ticket online via Klook!

Top Amsterdam Hotels & Apartments

We stayed at XO Hotel Inner , located just in the outer fringes of the museum complex (Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk, and Van Gogh Museum). It was undergoing renovation at the time, but we enjoyed our stay. I think the renovation is complete now.

Anyway, here are the top properties on Booking.com as ranked by value for money (considering review score + price) by guests.

• B&B Keizers Canal. Check Rates & Photos! ✅
• Canal House Inn. Check Rates & Photos! ✅
• Canal view suite. Check Rates & Photos! ✅
• Amsterdam B&B Barangay. Check Rates & Photos! ✅
• Prinsenhof Suite. Check Rates & Photos! ✅
• PH93 Amsterdam Central . Check Rates & Photos! ✅

Search for more Amsterdam Hotels!

Edited by Asta Alvarez

2021 • 4 • 16

More Tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️

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• 33 Best Places To Visit In Amsterdam On Your Amazing Trip In 2024

23 Mar 2023

One of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, Amsterdam is a cosmopolitan city that invites tourists to look into its charm and history. There are many places to visit in Amsterdam and a vast variety of new things that can be tried out in the city. Often referred to as “Venice of the North” for the overwhelming number of canals here , it is a true delight for tourists of different ages coming from different parts of the world. It’s more than its popular stereotype of cannabis-cafes and it’s famous red light area when it comes to Amsterdam sightseeing. Well, this is an ideal vacation destination for you  to explore. It’s popular, worthy and ensures a great time for friends and family!

33 Best Places To Visit In Amsterdam

Here’s the list of best places that you can explore in the capital city of the Netherlands. Keep scrolling down and read about these top places to visit in Amsterdam.  This capital city of the Netherlands offers the finest combination of natural and man-made marvels. Find your answer to where to go in Amsterdam  in the list down below.

• Rijksmuseum – Journey Back In The 19th Century
• Anne Frank House  – Learn All About This Jewish Girl
• Van Gogh Museum – Where Artists Find Solace
• Begijnhof – For A Peaceful Stroll
• Amsterdam’s West Church  – Enlighten Yourself Spiritually
• Vondelpark  – Learn The Culture And Lifestyle
• Heineken Brewery  – A Great Place For Beer Lovers
• Red Light District  – Explore The Nightlife
• Royal Palace Of Amsterdam  – Witness The Regal Historicity
• Bike City  – Go For Sightseeing
• EYE-Film Museum – For Dutch Film Lovers
• The Rozentheater – Watch The Actors Perform
• De Bakkerswinkel – Enjoy The View While Grabbing A Bite
• Flower Market – A Colorful & Fragrant Spot
• Canal Belt – Observe The Locality
• Keukenhof – Enjoy The Lush Greenery
• Efteling Park – For An Amusing Experience
• Dam Square – From Where Sightseeing Should Begin
• Jordaan – Shoppers’ Paradise
• Amsterdam Dungeon – For The Strong-Hearted Ones
• Leidseplein Square – For A Memorable Evening
• Torensluis Bridge – Best Spot For Afternoon Strolls
• Bloemen Market – One More Shopping Place
• Rembrandt House Museum – Witness The Art From 17th Century
• Oude Kerk – For Spiritual Seekers And History Buffs
• Muiden Castle – Observe The Royal Beauty
• Artis Zoo – Awesome Place To Visit With Kids
• Albert Cuyp Market – Mingle With The Locals
• De Negen Straatjes – A Historical Spot
• Concertgebouw – Great For Culture Lovers
• Stedelijk Museum – Witness The Blended Art
• Het Schip – Marvel At The Structure
• De Hortus Botanicus – Old Is Gold

1. Rijksmuseum – Journey Back In The 19th Century

Image Credit: Pexels

One of the most popular Amsterdam visiting places for art fanatics, this Museum goes back to 1809 when it was built to house the brilliant art and antiques of the nation in more than 250 rooms. There is also a huge library with an extensive collection of more than 35,000 books and manuscripts. Traditional handicrafts, medieval sculptures, and modern art styles are also on display here. You can hire an Amsterdam tourist guide or take a language-guided tour of this museum.

Location: Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM Entry fee: INR 1500/- per person Famous for:  Dutch exhibitions

Must Read: 25 Best Things To Do In Amsterdam: Adventure, Food, Nightlife, & More

2. Anne Frank House – Learn All About This Jewish Girl

This is one of the most popular Amsterdam tourist places . There cannot be a trip to this city without a visit to this house first. Anne Frank was a young Jewish girl who lived at the time of the Second World War. While hiding from the Nazis she left a diary that describes the hardships her community went through. This museum contains the building where Anne’s family remained in hiding. For a memorable vacation in Netherlands , do make a visit to this attraction in Amsterdam. It is definitely one of the best places to see in Amsterdam .

Location: Prinsengracht 263-267 Timings: 9 AM – 10 PM Entry fee: INR 1410 for adults | INR 617 for children | INR 88 for children below 9 Famous for:  Anne Frank’s life history

3. Van Gogh Museum – Where Artists Find Solace

Image Source

If you are wondering what to see in Amsterdam, the Van Gogh Museum is an ideal pick. 1.5 million visitors flock to the museum annually which makes it one of the most important art galleries in the world. Gogh’s tragic life and extraordinary talent make it the second most visited museum in Amsterdam. There are more than 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and 700 letters from Van Gogh that are on display here. This is easily one of the best places to go in Amsterdam .

Location: Paulus Potterstraat 7, 1071 CX Amsterdam Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM (Monday to Friday), 10 PM – 6 PM (Saturday to Sunday) Entry fee: INR 1939 per person Famous for:  Classic art tours

Suggested Read: Wish To Spend Flawless 3 Days In Amsterdam?! Here’s How To Do It!

4. Begijnhof – For A Peaceful Stroll

If you are looking for some calm and serenity, this is one of the best places to visit in Amsterdam. It was originally a Béguinage and in present times is the site of two churches, the Catholic Houten Huys and the English Reformed Church. It has a secluded garden where one can enjoy a peaceful time as well as wondrous Mondrian-designed pulpit panels. It is one of the most stunning places to visit in Amsterdam for young adults.

Location: 1012 AB Amsterdam Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM Entry fee: INR 1350 for adults Famous for:  Leisure time

5. Amsterdam’s West Church – Enlighten Yourself Spiritually

When looking for churches in the Netherlands, Amsterdam’s West Church should definitely be added to your itinerary. This became one of the most famous Amsterdam tourist attractions after the wedding of the Queen Beatrix in 1966. The church has reflections of Renaissance architecture in its constructions as well as certain elements of Gothic design. The tower is the highest in the city with a height of 85 metres. The tip of the tower has a copy of Austria’s emperor Maximilian’s crown.

Location:  Prinsengracht 281, 1016 GW Amsterdam Timings:  NA Entry fee:  INR 617 for adults Famous for:  Religious experiences

Suggested Read: Sizzling Nightlife In Amsterdam: 10 Best Clubs & Bars

6. Vondelpark – Learn The Culture And Lifestyle

Amsterdam’s most popular park, it allures thousands of tourists and residents every day. It is home to many restaurants and cafés, including the Blauwe Theehuis, Café Vertigo, Vondelpark3, De Vondeltuin, and the Groot Melkhuis. There is a skate rental shop, an open-air theatre, and a rose garden with more than 70 types of roses in the park. If you are seeking best places to visit in Amsterdam for free, Vondelpark is the ultimate spot.

Location:  North-Holland Timings: Opens throughout the day Entry fee:  No entry fee Famous for:  Leisure picnic afternoons

7. Heineken Brewery – A Great Place For Beer Lovers

Image Credit: Edward Eyer for Pexels

This is one of the best places to visit in Amsterdam in one day, especially if you are a beer buff. It started in 1864 and a tour around the brewery will help you understand the Heineken magic that works behind beer-making. We would recommend you buy a VIP tour where you can taste 5 different beer types with complimentary fromages.

Location: Stadhouderskade 78 Timings: 10:30 AM – 7:30 PM Entry fee: INR 1719 for Adults Famous for:  Beer tours

Suggested Read: 15 Best Things To Do In Netherlands For Treating The Adventurer & Nature Lover In You

8. Red Light District – Explore The Nightlife

Image Credit: Skitterphoto for Pexels

The famous Red Light area is one of the most visited places to visit in Amsterdam at night. There is a bar in every nook and corner of the Red light area. Dutch drinks, especially locally brewed beer are popular all over the world. The Old Sailor and Cafe Hill Straight Blues are other popular options.

Location:  De Wallen, Amsterdam Timings:  Till 4 AM Entry fee:  No entry fee Famous for:  Bars and leisure experiences

9. Royal Palace Of Amsterdam – Witness The Regal Historicity

Located in Dam Square, it is one of the most popular places to go in Amsterdam on every tourist’s list. It was earlier a town hall but is now in the hands of the state and used for Royal Official Dutch functions by the family. The palace remains open to visitors throughout the year who love to look at the Citizen’s Hall as one of the best Amsterdam attractions.

Location: Oudekerksplein 23 Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM Entry fee: INR 1146 for Adults | free for children Famous for:  Dutch history

Suggested Read: Top 10 Hotels In Netherlands For Those Who Want A Grand Stay While Living The Good Life

10. Bike City – Go For Sightseeing

Image Credit: kirkandmimi for Pixabay

The way to do Amsterdam sightseeing right is by renting and riding a bike and catching the lovely views of the city. Amsterdam is famous for its bike-friendly paths and it is an experience that one must take while in the city. Bike City in Jordaan is considered to be one of the best places in Amsterdam .

Location: Nieuwezijds Kolk 29 Timings: Yellow Bike Tours run daily at 1:30 PM Bike rent fee: INR 1500 per day (approximately) Famous for:  Biking tours

11. EYE-Film Museum – For Dutch Film Lovers

This is one of the most interesting places to visit in Amsterdam. It is located in a building that resembles a spaceship on the main waterfront of the city and is an expansive archive for Dutch films. Many screenings for international and Dutch films are organised here that are enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.

Location: IJpromenade 1 Timings: 10 AM – 10 PM (Sunday to Thursday), 10 AM – 11 PM (Friday to Saturday) Ticket price: INR 1102 (Standard film ticket) Famous for:  Modern art

Suggested Read: 10 Extraordinary Things To Do During Your Summer Holidays In Europe

12. The Rozentheater – Watch The Actors Perform

If you are wondering what to do in Amsterdam, head to the Rozentheater for an amazing night in the city. Here, an amazing cast will perform comedies in a fast format. Be prepared, they call people from the audience to pull their strings! Enjoy a hearty laugh at the satirical comedy theatre on your Amsterdam tour. It is definitely one of the best places to see in Amsterdam . This place is also surrounded by some of the best restaurants in the Netherlands .

Location: Rozengracht 117, 1016 LV Amsterdam, Netherlands Timings: Depending on show timings Entry fee: Tickets start at INR 1800 Famous for:  Cultural events

13. De Bakkerswinkel – Enjoy The View While Grabbing A Bite

It is the perfect little quaint cafe located on one of the oldest streets in the city. You can look at the surroundings while indulging in a cup of tea and a delicious piece of cake. The place is famous for its quiche, brioche, puddings, apple and carrot cakes, and its coffee.

Location:  Warmoesstraat 69, 1012 HX Amsterdam Timings:  NA Entry fee:  INR 800 (Average cost) Famous for:  Traditonal Dutch food

Suggested Read: Summer In Europe: Top 11 Offbeat Places For A Fabulous Vacation!

14. Flower Market – A Colorful & Fragrant Spot

It is one of the most highly rated places to visit in Amsterdam locally known as the Bloemenmarkt. This stretch on the Singel canal is filled with the vibrant colours and fragrances of fresh flowers every Monday to Saturday. Don’t forget to grab tulip bulbs for your garden or plants back home, as well as Dutch souvenirs for friends and family.

Location:  Singel, 1012 DH Amsterdam Timings:  9 AM – 5:30 PM Entry fee:  No entry fee Famous for:  Shopping floral decor

15. Canal Belt – Observe The Locality

The 17th century Canal Belt was placed on UNESCO’s World Heritage list in 2011. It is one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in the city with its houses and quaint cafes. No trip to Amsterdam can be complete without experiencing the canals and getting to know a little bit more about them, too. You can choose to explore Amsterdam’s canals from the water or on foot. If you want some peaceful time in the locality and wondering where to go in Amsterdam , then this is the place for you!

Location:  Canal Belt, Amsterdam Timings:  NA Entry fee:  NA Famous for:  Boating tours

Suggested Read: The Historic Amsterdam Bridge Houses Are Now Tiny Luxurious Suites

16. Keukenhof – Enjoy The Lush Greenery

This can be counted amongst the must-see places to go in Amsterdam . Famed as the Garden of Europe, Keukenhof is one of the largest flower gardens in the world and is situated in South Holland. When you are exploring Amsterdam, you can easily head to Keukenhof as it just 40 mins drive away from Amsterdam. If are a lover of tulips you should visit the garden in mid-April. Don’t forget to add this place to your itinerary as it will completely bewitch you! It is definitely one of the best places to go in Amsterdam .

Location:  South Holland Timings:  open 24 hours Entry fee:  No entry fee Famous for:  Floral exhibitions

17. Efteling Park – For An Amusing Experience

Efteling Park is one of the best places to visit in Amsterdam in September. The fantasy-themed amusement park attracts huge loads of tourists every day and offers them a day filled with fun and joy. Enjoy taking rides on various theme rides based on fairy tales and legends. You will find a lot of elements inspired by folklore and legend inside the park. This place in Amsterdam is truly magical.

Location: Europalaan 1, 5171 KW Kaatsheuvel, Netherlands Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM Entry Fee INR 3351 Famous for:  Theme park experiences

Suggested Read: 7 Spectacular Beaches In Amsterdam To Visit On Your Vacation To Netherlands!

18. Dam Square – From Where Sightseeing Should Begin

Like every great city in the world has a centre point, so does Amsterdam. Dam Square is one of the iconic landmarks in the city that has important buildings like the Royal Palace, New Church, and Madame Tussauds Wax Museums right here. This is one of the greatest points to start your sightseeing tour around the city and also one of the most famous must-visit places in Amsterdam city .

Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands Timings: Open 24 hours Entry Fee None Famous for:  Gin tasting places

19. Jordaan – Shoppers’ Paradise

Image Credit: djedj for Pixabay

If you want to enjoy fine dining and shopping experiences, Jordaan is the place to be. A vibrant district in Amsterdam, it is one the famous places in Amsterdam Netherlands . You will find a number of pubs, eateries, and boutiques and can spend endless hours of shopping and eating.

Location:  North Holland Timings:  open 24/7 Entry fee:  No entry fee Famous for:  Shopping

Suggested Read: 11 Best Indian Restaurants In Amsterdam To Add Some Spice To Your Holiday!

20. Amsterdam Dungeon – For The Strong-Hearted Ones

Have you heard of Amsterdam Dungeon? If not, then it should be enough excuse for you to check it out. Amsterdam Dungeon takes you inside a church where you take a turn back to 500 years olds of Amsterdam’s history. It is a reality cum fiction attraction with tunnels, labyrinths, torture chambers, mirror halls, and spine-chilling characters on display. You have got to visit one of the unique Amsterdam tourist spots .

Location: Rokin 78, 1012 KW Amsterdam, Netherlands Timings: 11 AM – 6 PM Entry Fee INR 2,028 onwards Famous for:  Leisure adventures

21. Leidseplein Square – For A Memorable Evening

Don’t forget to head to these interesting places to see in Amsterdam while holidaying here! Known for its nightlife wonders, Leidseplein Square offers you the best of evenings in Amsterdam. Explore a vast range of bars and pubs at this place with your friends and taste different European beers. You can also enjoy several theatres and stand-up comedy at this square. The street performers really relish this square too. This is one of Amsterdam’s top attractions that you should definitely add in your itinerary!

Location: 1017 PT Amsterdam, Netherlands Timings: Open 24 hours Entry Fee None Famous for:  Pubs and bars

Suggested Read: 15 Elegant Hotels In Amsterdam For A Cozy And Comfortable Stay

22. Torensluis Bridge – Best Spot For Afternoon Strolls

One of the best places to visit in Amsterdam , Torensluis Bridge offers you the most breathtaking site to behold. It is located on Singel and is one of the oldest and biggest bridges in the city with towers on both ends. Enjoy taking a stroll in the afternoon and watch exhibitions or art shows taking place on the bridge. A visit to this place is a must, for it is always counted amongst Amsterdam’s top attractions .

Location: 1012 HG Amsterdam, The Netherlands Timings: open 24 hours Entry Fee None Famous for:  Leisure eating and shopping

23. Bloemen Market – One More Shopping Place

If you are visiting Amsterdam, make sure to check out the world’s biggest floating flower market here. One of the unique places to visit in Amsterdam, it is a reflection of the city’s vibrant culture. If you think the canals in Amsterdam are already so charming, wait till you visit this one blooming with fragrances. The perfumes make it irresistible to visit this place. Not just Amsterdam, this is also one of the best places for shopping in Netherlands .

Location: Singel, 1012 DH Amsterdam, Netherlands Timings: 9 AM – 5:30 PM Entry Fee: None Famous for:  Multicultural artifact

Suggested Read: 10 Famous Winter Festivals In Europe That Are Perfect Spots Of Happiness

24. Rembrandt House Museum – Witness The Art From 17th Century

One of the most visited museums in Netherlands , Rembrandt House will leave you all surprised! If you are a lover of art, this is one of the best places to visit in Amsterdam. Rembrandt House Museum is a place where the famous Dutch painter Rembrandt lived and worked for years. The museum features some of the great works of his time and contemporary art pieces. The interiors of the museums are decorated in the style of a 17th-century home to give it a vintage feel. Do check out this place on your Amsterdam trip. It is definitely one of the best places to go in Amsterdam .

Location: Jodenbreestraat 4, 1011 NK Amsterdam, Netherlands Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM Entry Fee INR 1543 adults and INR 529 for children between 6-17, free for kids under the age of 6 Famous for:  Rembrandt’s history

25. Oude Kerk – For Spiritual Seekers And History Buffs

Visit one of the oldest buildings in the city on your Amsterdam trip and take a trip to 800 years back. The building was a Parish church in its time and of great importance to the city. It is one of the really peaceful and quiet places to visit in Amsterdam  where you can meditate for hours. You will also find some of the famous graves here. Attend a service in the ancient aisles of church which is believed to be an unforgettable experience.

Location: Oudekerksplein 23, 1012 GX Amsterdam, Netherlands Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM Entry Fee: None Famous for:  Spiritual tours

Suggested Read: 22 Chilling Winter Destinations In Europe That’ll Melt Your Heart

26. Muiden Castle – Observe The Royal Beauty

This is considered as one of the best tourist attractions in Netherlands . Another great attraction in Amsterdam, Muiden Castle is known for its quaint and picturesque beauty. This medieval castle is one of the charming places to visit in Amsterdam and offer great views of the city. To have the best experience, it is recommended to take a guided tour in the castle. The castle is open to public only on weekends. So plan your trip accordingly. This is one of the most popular places to see in Amsterdam .

Location: Herengracht 1, 1398 AA Muiden, Netherlands Timings: 10 PM – 5 PM Entry Fee INR 1543 for adults, INR 881 for kids between 4-11 years Famous for:  Historic tours

27. Artis Zoo: Awesome Place To Visit With Kids

Artis Zoo is one of the oldest zoos located in the whole of Europe and one of the fun-filled places to visit in Amsterdam . Kids are going to love it and there a lot of unique displays for kids all around. You can see all your favorite animals here including giraffes, elephants, lions and zebras. A different experience would be the Micropia and planetarium, which is a museum dedicated to microbes!

For a fun Saturday, you can visit the zoo which opens with special performances and music. Make sure that you rent a barbecue to make sure you enjoy a perfect night. For this reason, Artis Zoo is one of the best places to see in Amsterdam.

Location: Plantage Kerklaan 38-40, 1018 CZ Amsterdam, Netherlands Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM Entry Fee: INR 2400 (approximately) Famous for:  Diverse wildlife

Suggested Read: 15 Famous Festivals In Netherlands That Speak Volumes About Its Amazing Culture

28. Albert Cuyp Market: Mingle With The Locals

This is your perfect chance to buy some fresh food or wander around the stalls. There are plenty of clothes, souvenirs and local stuff to buy. You can also enjoy authentic food from the best Amsterdam restaurants . Talk to the locals and experience real life here where you see them bargaining for groceries. This is a truly unique way to experience shopping in Amsterdam, a different side of an otherwise rich city.

Location: Albert Cuypstraat, 1073 BD Amsterdam, Netherlands Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM Entry Fee:  Free Famous for:  Weekend markets

29. De Negen Straatjes: A Historical Spot

This is one of the most joyful and best places in Amsterdam. De Negen Straatjes, otherwise translated as “The Nine Streets”,  is perfect for photographers and those of you looking for iconic shots in the city. A charming destination filled with historical architecture, an old-world charm with a laid-back experience.   Here, you can also find one of the great places for shopping in Amsterdam. Take absolute pleasure in exploring the details!

Location: Wolvenstraat 9, 1016 EM Amsterdam, Netherlands Timings: Open 24 Hours Entry Fee: Free Famous for:  Canal-side experiences

Suggested Read: Experience A Spectacular New Year In Amsterdam With These 10 Exciting Activities

30. Concertgebouw: Great For Culture Lovers

The Concertgebouw is a recently refurbished building where you can get a chance to listen to some free music. An incredible venue that houses culture, with amazing acoustics and hosting impressive performances. If you are lucky enough to celebrate new year in Amsterdam , then you must plan for a trip here to get endured in orchestra music. It is indeed one of the  best places in Amsterdam. 

Location: Concertgebouwplein 10, 1071 LN Amsterdam, Netherlands Timings: 10 AM – 10 PM Entry Fee: Depends on the show Famous for:  Music events

31. Stedelijk Museum – Witness The Blended Art

One of the top places to visit in Amsterdam when we talk about the lesser known spots, Stedelijk Museum is home to some of the finest artworks. Giving both renowned and local artists a chance to showcase their talent, this museum is home to a collection of almost 90k artwork. Pieces made by Picasso, Rothko, Monet, Warhol, and such can be seen covering the floors of this spot. Apart from this, the museum holds temporary exhibitions of contemporary art where less famous and local artists can display their examples of talent.

Location: 10 Museumplein, Amsterdam-Zuid Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, 1071 DJ, The Netherlands Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM Entry Fee: INR 1940 for Adults Famous for:  Modern art

Suggested Read: Amsterdam In March: A Comprehensive Guide On The Beautiful City In Netherlands

32. Het Schip – Marvel At The Structure

If the beauty and magnificence of various structures is what excites you then Het Schip is a building that you should not miss out on. Designed by an influential architect Michel de Klerk in the year 1919, Het Schip is a low-income residential building that is located in western Amsterdam. This building was constructed in sound with the Amsterdamse School architecture movement and stands proudly as an icon in the present day. Het Schip is one of the beautiful Amsterdam tourist attractions .

Location: 45 Oostzaanstraat, Amsterdam-West Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, 1013 WG, The Netherlands Timings: 11 AM – 5 PM Entry Fee: INR 1322 (Visitors over 13 years), INR 440 (Children between 4 to 12) Famous for:  Historical culture

33. De Hortus Botanicus – Old Is Gold

Tagged as one the world’s oldest botanical garden, De Hortus Botanicus is one of the best places in Amsterdam that one can visit. The garden was opened in 1638 and is home to some fascinating structures including glass-domed palm house, numerous greenhouses and conservatories, and a seed house from the colonial-era. This Botanical Garden provides roof to more than 4k species and attracts children of all ags=es. Right from exploring the butterfly house to attending the art shows that are plant-themed, there’s plenty to do. This place is also surrounded by some of the best beaches in the Netherlands .

Location: 2a Plantage Middenlaan, Amsterdam-Centrum Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, 1018 DD, The Netherlands Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM Entry Fee: INR 1102 for Adults | INR 573 for Children (5-17 yrs) | free for Children below 4 yrs of age Famous for:  Oldest botanical garden

Further Read: Amsterdam Restaurants: 10 Restaurants You must Visit For The Sake Of Great Food

The list of places to visit in Amsterdam is endless. You will fall short of days to these attractions. There is so much to do in this city for people from all age groups. There are plenty of other places to visit in Amsterdam too apart from the ones that have been listed above. Plan a trip to Netherlands and make the most of it!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Places to Visit in Amsterdam

What is amsterdam famous for.

Often referred to as the Venice of the North, Amsterdam is famous for its canals, art, history, museums, cosy cafes, and vibrant nightlife. The destination offers a perfect holiday experience for travellers of all age groups.

What is there to see and do in Amsterdam?

There are umpteen places to explore and things to indulge in. One can explore places like Anne Frank House, Vondelpark, Canal Belt, and Heineken Brewery and if you are looking for a thrilling activity then you must indulge in cycling and golf.

Is Amsterdam easy to walk around?

If you are planning to explore Amsterdam in a car then it is highly possible that you will miss out on the churches and coffee shops on the nook and corner. Amsterdam is quite easy to explore on foot so make sure you do that.

Which are the best places to visit in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands is known for its beautiful cityscape. Here are some of the best places to visit in Amsterdam: 1. Rijksmuseum 2. Van Gogh Museum 3. Heineken Brewery 4. Anne Frank House 5. Amsterdam’s West Church 6. Vondelpark 7. Bike City 8. Begijnhof 9. The Rozentheater 10. Royal Palace of Amsterdam 11. EYE-Film Museum 12. Red Light District 13. Jordaan

What are the dos and don’ts in Amsterdam?

Some of the do’s and don’t in Amsterdam include: 1. Don’t drink in public 2. Don’t buy illegal drugs 3. Do not litter the canals

Till what time do the trams run in Amsterdam?

Most of the public transport services in Amsterdam including trams, metro and buses operate from 6 am to 12.30 am. You can also use the night bus services that are limited and start from 1 am.

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25 Best Things To do in Amsterdam

What should you see first when visiting Amsterdam? What are the best things to do in Amsterdam ? Discover the top attractions, must-see museums, cool activities and more.

Yes, Amsterdam’s relaxed attitude toward what many would consider to be vices has earned this Dutch city a hedonistic reputation.  Vice isn’t the only appeal. Amsterdam is a city of intellect by virtue of its amazing assortment of museums and galleries.

Known as the “Venice of the North” due to its intricate canals , Amsterdam offers attraction after attraction for visitors to explore throughout a chessboard of palaces, gardens and wharfs intersecting with brightly colored row houses with gabled facades dating back to the Dutch Golden Age of the 17 century. 

Of course, the city’s cannabis coffee houses, high-energy nightclubs and world-class festivals make it clear to visitors that the party never stops in the Netherlands. 

For tourists in love with the idea of biking to everything, this cycling-friendly city will truly have your gears spinning in delight while exploring the paths and lanes that web through its neighborhoods flawlessly. 

Ready to get your Amsterdam itinerary settled? Take a look at the best things to do in Amsterdam .

Get the I Amsterdam City Card and save money ( visit attractions and museums for free , enjoy a free canal cruise and unlimited access to Amsterdam´s public transport)

Table of Contents

The 25 Best Things to Do in Amsterdam

1. paint the town at the van gogh museum.

The presence of Van Gogh striking his milky canvas with color is something that’s felt all throughout Amsterdam. That’s why visiting the Van Gogh Museum early on in your visit can be a great way to shape the mood of your experience in the city. 

Designed by Gerrit Rietveld, Amsterdam’s Van Gogh Museum houses the largest Van Gogh collection in the world . The permanent collection features more than 700 works in total.

A perk of visiting the Van Gogh Museum soon after getting into the city is that the museum’s location places it in the high-profile spot of Museum Square in Amsterdam South. 

That means that treasure like the Stedelijk Museum, the Rijksmuseum and the Concertgebouw are all just short walks away. You can purchase your entry ticket here .

2. Visit the Rijksmuseum

The iconic Rijksmuseum is a national museum dedicated to history and the arts . Located in the heart of Museum Square, this museum is not to be missed when you’re in the neighborhood to check out Concertgebouw and the Van Gogh Museum. 

Featuring more than 8,000 pieces within its collection, the Rijksmuseum was founded in The Hague in 1798 before being relocated to Amsterdam in 1808. Its 2.47 million annual visitors make it the top museum in Amsterdam.

Visitors can browse a 2,000-piece collection of paintings from the Dutch Golden Age that includes masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer and Frans Hals. The Asian pavilion that was opened in 2013 to house the museum’s Asian collection is also considered a highlight.

You can book your entry ticket online or even better check out this combo: City Canal Cruise and Rijksmuseum

3. Go Wild at the ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo

The oldest zoo in the Netherlands , ARTIS is located right in the center of Amsterdam. This beautiful space is actually one of the oldest zoos in Europe. 

Visitors are treated to a beautiful landscape that is both exciting and educational as they browse the 27 historic buildings containing the zoo’s exhibits. 

The landscape is also peppered with bridges and ponds that weave through the animal enclosures. In addition to providing a traditional zoo experience, ARTIS also features a planetarium and arboretum , and there is a collection featuring art and sculptures on the property.

Book your ticket: here .

4. See the City From Above at the A’dam Lookout

The only thing higher than the view at the A’dam Lookout is the adrenaline level. That’s because this spot is both an observation deck and a swing . Zip to the observation deck by elevator for 360-degree views at 100 meters. 

All of the canals, bridges and gilded buildings of Amsterdam are on display from up high! 

For those seeking additional thrills, the Over The Edge swing is a unique feature that dangles 100 meters above the city to bring you on a back-and-forth ride suspended from the tower. 

The view from the swing is simply one of the most amazing things to see in Amsterdam !

Read also: Where to stay in Amsterdam

5. Tour the Canal Ring (Grachtengordel)

A canal is one of the first things to see in Amsterdam if you want to start falling in love with the city. It can be hard to know where to start with exploring the many intertwining canals of Amsterdam. 

Luckily, focusing on the city’s Canal Ring will let you cover lots of ground. A 17th-century district tied to the Old Centre of Amsterdam, the entire Canal Ring district is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Popular Amsterdam attractions like the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, Cat Cabinet and the Anne Frank House are all located adjacent to the Canal Ring. 

Many visitors choose to rent bikes to hop from attraction to attraction while taking in the beautiful architecture lining the canals.

6. Rent a Bike

Amsterdam is a cycling city. In fact, the Dutch capital is also known as the “Bike Capital of the World.” Exploring Amsterdam by bike allows you to see more because the city’s tight streets and canals aren’t designed for cars. Renting a bike here is a breeze. 

While you’ll find bike shops scattered through Amsterdam, renting from one of the many rental spots near Central Station or Dam Square is often easiest. 

Something that cyclists from out of town really appreciate about Amsterdam is how respected cyclists are on roads and trails. In fact, bikes are simply considered to be part of the flow of traffic here. 

While you can easily tour the whole city by bike, consider heading to some designated trail areas that offer tons of visual treats for cyclists. Oosterdok contains a system of cycling paths that allow you to weave through the docklands. 

The Amsterdamse Bos is a “planned forest” that allows you to do a little off-road cycling surrounded by artificial lakes, rivers and grasslands.

Check out this Small-Group Bike Tour of Central Amsterdam

7. Uncover Hip Amsterdam at NDSM-Werf (NDSM-Wharf)

If you want to know where hip things happen in Amsterdam, NDSM-Werf is a vibrant spot by the water that is quickly emerging as one of the city’s biggest cultural hubs . 

Once a shipyard, modern-day NDSM-Werf is a favorite spot of artists due to its industrial vibe. It is alive with music and chatter from bars and restaurants. 

The wharf area is also where many of the edgiest and coolest exhibits, performances and festivals take place just steps from the fun studios and galleries that have cropped up in the neighborhood. 

Of course, what draws most people to NDSM-Werf is the famed Botel. Botel is Amsterdam’s one-of-a-kind floating hotel that can be admired from land.

8. Pull Some Strings to Visit Concertgebouw

Considered one of the best concert halls in Europe , Concertgebouw is a busy theater that hosts up to 900 shows in a normal year. The building has been rocking strong since it was constructed back in 1888. 

It’s very common for people planning trips to Amsterdam to check ahead of time to see if any classical concerts are taking place during their anticipated travel dates. Seeing one of the many free shows here is considered one of the best things to do in Amsterdam on a budget. 

Snagging seats ahead of time can ensure that there’s an opportunity for a formal night at the theater during a vacation! 

Visitors hoping to score tickets to one of the venue’s many free concerts should know to show up early because freebies are given out at random based on who gets there first!

9. Shop the Nine Little Streets (De 9 Straatjes)

Designed as an official Amsterdam neighborhood in 1997, the Little Nine Streets district is where you’ll find some of Holland’s trendiest shops and boutiques tucked in the shadows of Amsterdam’s Singel and Prinsengracht canals. 

This is a great area to cover if you’re looking for designer shops. However, the string of elite retailers is broken up by vintage shops, antique stores, one-of-a-kind boutiques and quirky shops. 

This is also one of the best spots in the city for high-concept dining at experimental restaurants.

10. Book a Canal Cruise

While you may feel like you saw all that the glistening waterways of Amsterdam have to offer when admiring them on foot during a stroll through the Canal Ring , the truth is that you only just scratched the surface if you stayed on the surface. 

Booking a canal cruise is one of the most magical things to do in Amsterdam!

The key is to book an after-dark canal cruise to gain an entirely new perspective by watching the lights of the city pass by. The lit canals create a romantic sightseeing experience.

Most tours last between 75 minutes and 150 minutes.

11. See a Dutch Beach at Blijburg aan Zee

Considered the official swimming hole of Amsterdam, Blijburg aan Zee is a beautiful city beach with real sand . Visitors can gather with the locals to swim in the beach’s designated swimming area. 

The beach also has a few restaurants and bars with outdoor seating. Overall, Blijburg aan Zee offers an unexpected retreat experience in the last place you’d expect to find “a sea.”

12. Feast at Foodhallen

Foodhallen offers the ultimate food hau l for foodies! It’s always a great place to stop if you’re looking for things to do in Amsterdam that involve eating. 

Established in 2014, Foodhallen is a contemporary food hall that features more than 20 culinary stands to choose from. Many of the stands provide craft beers, wines and liquors. 

While you’re likely to find Dutch favorites like kibbeling (deep-fried cod fish) and poffertjes (tiny pancake puffs) in the market, you can also eat your way “around the world” with Italian, Lebanese, Mexican and Indian cuisine. 

Do look for some famed sweet-and-salty Dutch licorice before wrapping up your visit.

13. Feel the Heat in the Red Light District (De Wallen)

While many people picture the Red Light District first when they think of Amsterdam, the fact of the matter is that this neighborhood is just one strand in the vibrant tapestry that is Amsterdam. 

The Amsterdam Red Light District is located in the city’s oldest neighborhood .

This neighborhood is only intended to be appreciated by those who feel comfortable with Holland’s tolerant and receptive attitude toward activities and substances that are largely illegal in other places. 

Yes, prostitutions and drugs are the things that the Red Light District is known for around the world. However, the edgy atmosphere in the neighborhood also includes lots of interesting museums, galleries and clubs. 

For those looking for the full Red Light experience, showing up at around 11 p.m. to see the peak of the fanfare will give you a few hours to enjoy the neighborhood before shops begin shutting down at around 3 a.m. 

The list of interesting and educational things to see in Amsterdam while in the Red Light District include the University of Amsterdam’s Allard Pierson Museum, the Museum of Prostitution, the Erotic Museum and the Nieuwmarkt Market .

Walking tours are available.

14. Claw Your Way Through KattenKabinet (Cat Cabinet)

Cat lovers can’t prowl Amsterdam without making a stop at the world-famous KattenKabinet. This art museum devoted entirely to cats features works of art by many of the most iconic artists in history. 

Proving that cats have been around for far longer than nine lifetimes, the drawings, painting and sculptures in KattenKabinet come from greats like Rembrandt, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Jože and Pablo Picasso.

What adds to the allure of this museum is that it is housed inside the famed house De Kattenkabinet that was constructed in 1667 for William and Adrian van Loon. 

The house is presently the residence of five beautiful cats that will almost surely grace you with their presence during your tour!

15. Remember History at the Anne Frank House

Visiting the Anne Frank House is one of the most important things to do in Amsterdam . Located on the Prinsengracht canal in the city’s center, the Anne Frank House is where Anne Frank’s diary is housed. 

Visitors can also tour the preserved secret annex that was the hiding place of the Frank family. One of the most visited museums in the Netherlands , the Anne Frank House welcomes more than 1.2 million visitors annually.

Book your tickets in well in advance (visit spots are quite limited) in the official Anne Frank House website , and learn about Anne Frank’s life, the history of the Jewish Quarter and Second World War with this walking tour .

16. Visit Our Lord in the Attic

Considered one of the most interesting things to see in Amsterdam, Our Lord in the Attic contains a house church constructed within a 17th-century canal house . 

Built by religious dissenters during a time when the Dutch Reformed Church banned Catholic worship, this clandestine church has served as a museum since 1888. 

Visitors can tour a perfectly preserved front room, hall, church, chapel, confessional and kitchen.

17. Prance Through the Royal Palace Amsterdam

Home to the Dutch Royal House, Royal Palace Amsterdam is open to visitors for most of the year. This is the ultimate place for taking in the opulence and honor of the monarchy. 

Built during the 17th century by Jacob van Campen, the Royal Palace Amsterdam has served as the setting for town hall meetings, official events and visits from foreign dignitaries. 

Self-guided tours allow visitors to enjoy the artwork and furnishings throughout the estate.

18. Enjoy the Boho, Beatnik Vibe of the De Pijp Neighborhood

Once a hub of Amsterdam’s working class, De Pijp is now a trendy residential neighborhood within the Quartier Latin. De Pijp is where people who are “too cool” for the city’s bustling center come to enjoy restaurants and nightclubs. 

It’s also considered one of the best places located “off the beaten path” for diverse cuisine in Amsterdam. Discover dozens of restaurants serving up Moroccan, Turkish, Japanese, Syrian and Turkish flavors in this food wonderland.

19. Shop for the Rare and Beautiful at Albert Cuyp Market

If you’re in the De Pijp district, it’s an easy hop to the Albert Cuyp Market located between Ferdinand Bolstraat and Van Woustraat. Named after one of the most famous Dutch Golden Age painters, the Albert Cuyp Market is the largest outdoor market in Amsterdam . 

Founded in 1905, this market spread out over more than 250 stalls that sell everything from steaming stroopwafels to handknit scarves. Just make sure you show up between Monday and Saturday because the market is closed on Sundays!

20. Tour the Official Heineken Brewery

Holland is the birthplace of Heineken. The world-famous brewery offers something called the Heineken Experience that allows guests to take a self-guided journey through the Heineken universe. 

Considered one of the essential things to do in Amsterdam, the tour covers everything from the company’s history to the brewing process. Of course, the tasting room is considered to be the highlight of the experience for most people who complete it. 

Once you’ve found your way to the tasting room at the end of the Heineken Experience tour , you can redeem your ticket for two Heineken beverages.

21. Visit a Tasting Room

Many of Amsterdam’s tasting rooms have been in existence for hundreds of years! There’s one drink that must be on your bucket list when pouring the spirits in the Netherlands. Genever (jenever) is a style of Dutch gin that’s known for its juniper hints. 

This clear, botanical drink is usually enjoyed on its own. However, you can ask for it as part of a mixed drink if you’re not a fan of strong pours. A fun piece of trivia about genevers is that it can only be made in Holland based on European Union laws.

22. Chill in Vondelpark

Vondelpark is Amsterdam’s Central Park. Spanning 120 acres across a painting-like landscape, the park first opened to the public in 1865. It attracts more than 10 million visitors annually. 

It’s easy to relax in the grass, take a stroll along a bike path or admire the large ponds in the park while imagining all the ways that this spot has inspired some of the greatest Dutch artists and thinkers over the past 200 years. 

The Vondelpark Openluchttheater is considered the jewel of the park. This open-air theatre hosts an array of classical performances, pop concerts, dance events, cabaret shows and more throughout June, July and August.

23. See the Tulips in Keukenhof

While Keukenhof isn’t located inside Amsterdam, it can be reached easily by car in less than 30 minutes. Several of the train stations throughout the city offer bus routes from Amsterdam to Keukenhof. 

Known as the Garden of Europe, Keukenhof hosts one of the largest flower gardens in the world. While roses, irises, hyacinths, daffodils, lilies and carnations are in the mix, it’s the tulips that attract people from around the globe! 

Covering 79 acres, this beautiful space offers opportunities to see more than 800 different varieties of tulips grown from the 7 million flower bulbs that are planted annually. 

While Keukenhof Castle is open to visitors throughout the year, the best time to visit is between April and May if you wish to see the tulip gardens in bloom.

Book this combo: Fast-Track Keukenhof Ticket and Transfer

24. Visit the Stedelijk Museum

Considered one of the top museums in Europe for modern and contemporary art , the Stedelijk Museum boasts a collection featuring works from iconic artists like Van Gogh, Andy Warhol, Henri Matisse and Jackson Pollock. 

Offering a little something from every medium, the museum displays a mix of drawings, paintings, prints, photographs and films. It’s a great companion museum for visitors coming to the neighborhood to visit the Van Gogh Museum.

Buy your entry ticket online and skip the line.

25. Explore the Nightlife

Amsterdam stays up until the morning light! While this city is known for being a business center, you’ll find just as many people staying up all night as you see getting up early to trade stocks on the Euronext Amsterdam. 

There are many different hot spots for nightlife in Amsterdam. However, two specific spots stand out for providing access to the best scenes without the need to run all over the city. 

An area called Rembrandtplein (Rembrandt Square) in central Amsterdam is generally considered to be the center of the more refined nightlife scene in Amsterdam. 

When you arrive in Rembrandtplein, expect to hear live Dutch folk music spilling out of cafés. The area is especially known for its bars with packed terraces. 

The second nightlife hot spot in Amsterdam is called Leidseplein . Perched on the southern side of the central canal ring, Leidseplein is a bustling square with a carnival-like atmosphere. 

Enjoy busy bars and restaurants surrounded by fun local theaters hosting everything from classical music to comedy shows. For those looking for a classic European club experience with live DJs, iconic spots like Paradiso and Melkweg cannot be missed!

READ MORE TRAVEL TIPS

• How to get from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam City Centre
• Amsterdam in 3 days: The perfect itinerary
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Home » Travel Guides » The Netherlands » 15 Best Things to Do in Amsterdam (The Netherlands)

15 Best Things to Do in Amsterdam (The Netherlands)

Amsterdam is the thriving capital of the Netherlands and the countries most populated city with approximately 842,000 people living in the central municipality.

During its early years a major city, Amsterdam saw a great boost due to trade with the Hanseatic League and then became a centre for free press in the 16th century after the Dutch revolt and the eighty years’ war.

After a decline in fortunes and development during the 18th and 19th centuries, in modern times Amsterdam has become a modern and diverse city that is famed worldwide.

With a wide range of historical architecture, public parks, quality museums and diverse attractions, it offers endless opportunities and is one of the prime tourist destinations in Europe.

1. Anne Frank House

A trip to Amsterdam is not complete without visiting this historic house.

Anne Frank was a girl who hid from the Nazi’s during WWII and left an extensive diary that has been punished worldwide and provides a look at what it was like for the Jewish people during this troubled and dark period.

The actual building where Anne and her family hid not contains a museum dedicated to her and inside you can find reconstructed rooms, many artefacts from the time and the original house, and even a reconstructed bookcase that was used to hide the entrance to the secret annex the family hid in.

This truly is an interesting and poignant museum to visit, be wary of the queues however as you may be in for a long wait.

2. Heineken Brewery Tour

Home of the famous brew, Amsterdam presents the Heineken Experience which is a really fun filled attraction where you will both learn about the brewing process and also enjoy a couple of cheeky drinks.

The tour section takes you through the brewery and shows you how the drink is created – You get to see the large hops tanks, taste the pure alcohol and watch the beer being bottled.

There are also many cool historical artefacts from the history of Heineken such as different beer mats.

There is also a 3D ride that takes you through the creation process and is quite entertaining and surprising in places.

To top it off there is a lounge area decorated with beer bottles and cans, and a section where you can create your own Heineken bottle with a personalised label.

3. Canal Boat Tour

This might be considered a clichéd touristic thing to do, but you simply cannot go to Amsterdam without taking a boat tour on the canal system.

The canals are one of the main reasons that Amsterdam is so famous, so why not experience them first hand on a guided tour? The majestic waterway that runs through the Centrum ins Amsterdam stretches for miles and creates many stunning parts of the city such as the Emperor’s Canal and its beautiful architecture.

There are many boat tours, but the most notable one is run by Grayline and has collection points and ticket stands in the Damrak canal near the train station.

4. Emperor’s Canal

This is one of the main canals in Amsterdam and is named after Emperor Maximilian (Of Austria). The Emperor’s Canal is the central of three of the main waterways that form the semi circular ring around the Centrum and old town.

The canal is 31m wide and in winter, the waters often freeze and you can skate along the ice.

This stretch of canal is one of the most beautiful in Amsterdam; trees line the water, opulent bridges cross the water and are lined with many bicycles and the buildings that run parallel with the water have a typical Dutch style with gabled roofs and a myriad of colours.

Attractions on the canal include the House with the Heads, the Homo monument, the Syrian Orthodox Church and the Greenland Warehouses.

5. Van Gogh Museum

Vincent Van Gogh is one of the most renowned and intriguing artists in history and the museum that holds his namesake is a fantastic place to learn about the man and his works.

The museum is located not far from Vondelpark on Paulus Potterstraat and in close proximity to the Rijksmuseum.

This extensive art museum contains a huge amount of paintings from Van Gogh together with select collections from other artists such as Monet and Matisse.

Aside from the stunning artworks, there are also a selection of letters and drawings and also information about why he is such a renowned and iconic figure.

6. Rijksmuseum

Another of Amsterdam’s fine museums, the Rijksmuseum has it all – A stunning building that has a similar design and style to the Centraal station, a huge collection of crafts, art and history dating back as far as the 1200’s and also the amazing I Amsterdam sign that stands outside on the art square.

The museum contains over 1 million objects in total, of which only 8000 are on display (that’s still a large amount!). Displays include paintings from the Dutch Golden Age, the stern of the HMS Royal Charles and a dedicated Asian pavilion.

You could spend hours in this delightful and eternally interesting establishment.

7. Vondelpark

This fantastic park is an absolute pleasure to walk through on a summers day and is a haven in the centre of Amsterdam.

The park lies on the edge of the canal rings and is close to the Rijksmuseum and the Heineken Experience.

The grounds of the park are well tended and there are several small lakes surrounded by trees and sculptures that the locals and tourists of Amsterdam sit by and relax.

Free concerts are played here at the open air theatre and you can also hire a bike to cycle through the many winding paths.

If you have children, the park also has six play areas – There is something for people of all ages.

8. Dam Square

This is the main square in central Amsterdam and lies only a 10 minute walk from the Centraal Station.

The square was build in the 1400’s and has been a central point for the city ever since.

On the square you will find the amazing Royal Palace which is a brilliant destination in its own right, the National Monument that pays tribute to fallen soldiers, the Nieuwe Kerk church which often contains art exhibitions, and a selection of architecturally rich hotels and shops including a Madam Tussauds waxworks.

9. Red Light District

Although not to everyone’s taste, the Red Light District is part of what makes Amsterdam famous and it is a great idea to visit this part of the town, just to see what the fuss is about and the often bizarre shops and displays that you can find here.

Otherwise known as De Wallen, the district is located in the centre of Amsterdam around the Damrak canal.

Take a walk down the streets and see the variety of shows, shops, and the infamous cannabis cafe’s.

Always take precautions and keep your wits about you – Although this area is highly policed there are some less than reputable characters so keep a close eye on your belongings.

10. Centraal Station

This Central Station is the main railway station in Amsterdam and the largest in the Netherlands.

It is primarily a great transport hub and can provide direct transport to Schiphol Airport, but it is a stunning building in its own right.

The station was first opened in 1889 and was created with a Gothic/Renaissance style and an immense cast iron roof.

The front facade looks more like a palace or a cathedral than a station with its towers and stone reliefs.

With its central location next to the IJ lake and the Damrak canal, the station is a fantastic piece of architecture in central Amsterdam.

11. Body Worlds

The body worlds museum contains something completely different and unique compared to most museums.

In the heart of Amsterdam you will find this intriguing place that features an exciting and revealing display about the human anatomy and what makes it so special.

Find out about what makes our bodies work, and why they are so fragile but at the same time so resilient.

With over 200 anatomical displays you get a true visual insight into what’s inside our bodies.

If you are looking for something out of the ordinary and want to understand more about our special race, then the Body Worlds exhibition is the perfect place to visit.

12. Artis Zoo

The Artis Zoo is the oldest zoo in Holland and also one of the oldest in mainland Europe.

Aside from the various zoological displays, there is also an aquarium and planetarium.

There are over 700 species of animal, 200 varieties of tree, a fantastic Botanical Garden and Micropia which features a mindboggling amount of information on microorganisms.

The planetarium will provide a huge amount of vivid information on the solar system, planets and the universe.

All the animals in the zoo have spacious enclosures and are well cared for, and there is even a petting zoo for younger children together with a wealth of information on each species and its habitation etc.

13. Sex Museum

The sex museum is exactly what you think – A museum about sex, the human body and the evolution of this human interaction and how its portrayal has evolved over the years.

The museum contains various displays, statues and figures such as Venus, Mata Hari and Marilyn Monroe plus two ginormous phalluses.

The different rooms in the museum are themed according to the story or person they are detailing and you can learn about their sexual history with an accompaniment of audio backings.

This museum is more subtle than the bluntness of the Red Light District and provides an entertaining look at the nature of sex.

14. The Flower Market

The flower market is a true delight to the senses and shows a different side to Amsterdam.

This is the only floating flower market in the world and can be found on Singel street in-between Vijzelstraat and Koningsplein.

Here you will find row after row of market stalls selling flowers, seeds, spices, herbs and plants – The display of colours and the amount of different aromas is truly wonderful.

The market is open Monday to Saturday until 17:30 and even if you do not want to make a purchase, you should still walk through this marvellous place.

Expect to find plenty of tulips for sale in a myriad of different colours.

15. The Royal Palace

The Royal Palace is located in Dam Square and is an imposing structure that gives the square an air of importance and culture.

The palace was originally built as a town hall, however it was later used as a palace for the Dutch Royal house.

The striking front faced of the palace and the large central tower make for an impressive building, but the interior is even more so.

The central hall in the palace is over 100ft long and its marble floor contains a huge and detailed map of the world that shows the exploration of the Dutch East India Company.

The palace is open to the public and you can admire the various galleries containing historical works of art and the fantastic decorations of the palace rooms; guided tours are also available at certain times.

15 Best Things to Do in Amsterdam (The Netherlands):

• Anne Frank House
• Heineken Brewery Tour
• Canal Boat Tour
• Emperor’s Canal
• Van Gogh Museum
• Rijksmuseum
• Red Light District
• Centraal Station
• Body Worlds
• The Flower Market
• The Royal Palace

Netherlands Tourism

50 best things to do in amsterdam.

During a 50-year project in the 17th century Amsterdam grew to four times its previous size, becoming the 3rd largest city in the world after London and Paris. Amsterdam is the capital city of the Netherlands but the Dutch parliament is seated in The Hague .

Central to that plan was the Canal Belt, a network of concentric canals that is now UNESCO listed.

Built on reclaimed land, Amsterdam is a feat of ingenuity, and still crackles with the ambition, cultural tolerance and enterprise that drove the 17th-century Golden Age when the Netherlands led the world in trade, maritime power, culture and economic might.

This is the city of Rembrandt, Anne Frank, the Red Light District, Johan Cruyff, and the Dutch East and West India Companies; there’s a world of fascinating stories, spellbinding art and architecture that has stood the test of time.

TIP : Get the I Amsterdam City Card for free attractions, discounts and free public transport. And consider this top rated Volendam, Marken & Windmill tour

1. Museumplein

There’s more culture on this one square in the Museumkwartier than you’ll find in most other whole cities.

The Museumplein is in Amsterdam’s well-heeled Oud-Zuid district, noted for its plush properties, upmarket boutiques (Hoofstraat and Van Baerlestraat) and the city’s favourite park at Vondelpark.

So needless to say, we’ll keep coming back to this part of the capital on this list.

But your main goal has to be the grassy square and its cluster of world-beating museums.

The big ones all follow below, counting the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum and the Stedelijk Museum, as well as the Concertgebouw, one of the world’s best places to watch a classical concert.

The area took shape in the 1880s after the construction of the Rijksmuseum, and the square was re-landscaped in 1999. There are outdoor events and celebrations on the square all year, including a skating rink from November to February.

2. Van Gogh Museum

Opened in 1973, the Van Gogh Museum has the largest collection of works by Vincent Van Gogh in the world.

This includes 200 paintings, 500+ drawings and 750 letters, as well as pieces by contemporaries and influences like Rodin, Monet, Signac, Toulouse-Lautrec, Manet and Gauguin.

Van Gogh’s work is hung chronologically, presenting five different periods: Nuenen/Antwerp (1880-86), Paris (1886-88), Arles (1888-1889), Saint-Rémy (1889-90) and Auvers-sur-Oise (1890). There’s much to savour, but Sunflowers, Almond Blossoms, Bedroom in Arles and Wheatfield with Crows are indispensible.

With more than 2.1 million visitors a year, the Van Gogh Museum is the most popular museum in the Netherlands.

The advantage of booking a ticket with GetYourGuide.com is that you can skip the queue, heading straight for the blue lane at your allotted time, and spending a few hours under the spell of one of the great painters.

3. Rijksmuseum

An extraordinary showcase for Dutch art, applied art and historical artefacts, the Rijksmuseum beckons you through 800 years of Dutch history at a purpose-built neo-Gothic palace.

Some 8,000 pieces are on show at any one time, and for many people the museum’s pinnacle is the collection of Dutch Golden Age paintings.

There are masterpieces like The Milkmaid by Johannes Vermeer, The Night Watch by Rembrandt and Portrait of a Young Couple by Frans Hals.

You can embark on adventure through Dutch culture and design, via Delftware, textiles, glass, armour, costume, sculpture and stunning 17th-century dollhouses.

Two exhibits that give a sense of the Dutch Golden Age are the Hartog Plate, the oldest known artefact of European exploration in Australia, and the stern of the HMS Royal Charles, captured in the Raid on the Medway in 1667. Like the Van Gogh Museum the Rijksmuseum is almost always busy, so pre-booking with GetYourGuide.com will let you skip the line.

4. Anne Frank House

On the Prinsengracht, the Anne Frank House preserves the secret annexe where the young diarist Anne Frank hid from Nazi persecution from 1942 until she was captured along with her family and four other inhabitants in 1944. The rooms are on an enclosed courtyard behind a 17th-century canal house that served as the Dutch HQs of the spice and gelling companies Frank’s father Otto worked for.

Otto was the Frank family’s sole survivor after the Holocaust, and published his daughter’s diary in 1947. You’ll see the original copy of this defining work, as well as photographs and items belonging to the Frank family and the four other inhabitants of the annexe.

The secret rooms give a visceral sense of what it was like to live in hiding, while temporary exhibitions on persecution and fascism will inspire renewed vigilance.

Related tour :  Amsterdam Walking Tour: The Fascinating Story of Anne Frank

5. Stedelijk Museum

Open since 1895, the third of that trio of cultural giants on the Museumplein is the Stedelijk Museum, dedicated to modern and contemporary art, from Vincent van Gogh onwards.

All of the big art movements involving the Netherlands are represented, like Neo-Impressionism, De Stijl, Bauhaus, CoBrA and Pop art.

There’s painting, sculpture, installation art, video art prints, posters, graphic design and artists books.

You can feast your eyes on works by Piet Mondrian, Karel Appel, Willem de Kooning, Kandinsky, Cézanne, Chagall, Matisse, Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock and Gilbert & George, to name a small few.

The late-19th-century main building was given a modern extension in 2012, nicknamed “the bathtub”, serving as the main entrance and making a big statement on the Museumplein.

Book online :  Amsterdam Stedelijk Museum Skip-the-Line Ticket

6. Hire a Bike

At 800,000 there are as many bikes as people in the centre of Amsterdam, probably the most cycle-friendly city in the world for its easy terrain and well-planned infrastructure.

Most streets have separate bike lanes, so you can get to wherever you want to go safely and quickly, and will feel like an Amsterdammer when you do it.

All ferries over the IJ allow you to take your bike on board for free.

You will not have to look hard for a rental centre, and MacBike, whose fleet is easily spotted by its red paint and logos, is the most widespread.

If you don’t want to look like a tourist there are plenty of companies with bikes purposely designed to help you blend in.

One rule to keep in mind is to cross tram tracks at an angle, because it’s easy to get caught in those grooves.

Guided tour :  3-Hour Guided Bike Tour of Historical Amsterdam

7. Vondelpark

Amsterdam’s park of choice is a tranquil strip of ponds, undulating lawns and mature trees pushing west from the Museumplein.

A fun piece of trivia about the park, landscaped in 1865, is that it is constantly sinking, and needs to be renovated every generation to avoid it being completely inundated with water.

The Openluchttheater puts on a vibrant schedule of free live music, musical theatre and cabaret from June to August.

Although the performances cost nothing to watch, it may be worth booking online to reserve a place.

The rose garden in the centre of the Vondelpark was planted in 1936 and grows more than 70 types of rose, while the park has a sculpture, The Fish (1965) by Pablo Picasso.

A very respectable way to spend an hour or so is at the neo-Renaissance Vondelparkpaviljoen, built in 1874. There’s a cafe, Vertigo, in the basement, with seating on the terrace outside.

8. Herengracht

Patrician’s Canal in English, the Herengracht is the first of the four main canals in the city centre’s Canal Belt.

This waterway was completed along with its neighbours in the 17th century as part of an expansion project that is now UNESCO listed.

As the name may tell you, the Herengracht was where Amsterdam’s social elite built their grand gabled houses, and that sense of prestige has continued into the 21st century.

Take your time as there’s much to see, and almost every building is a work of art.

You’ll pass the former office of the Dutch West India Company at Herenmarkt and one of Amsterdam’s oldest residences (built in 1590) at 81. The magnificent Bartolotti house (1617) at 172, considered the finest of all of Amsterdam’s Golden Age merchant’s houses, while the Classical terrace of the Cromhouthuizen merits a photo at 364-70. The most desirable location for a self-respecting regent or mayor was the Gouden Bocht (Golden Bend) after Leidsegracht, developed after 1663 and now home to banks and insurance companies.

Related tour :  City Canal Cruise

9. Museum Het Rembrandthuis

Amazingly, the house at Jodenbreestraat 4 where Rembrandt lived and worked from 1639 to 1658 has been kept as a museum to one of the masters of the Dutch Golden Age.

The house first went up in 1606 and was rebuilt around 1627. Come the early 20th century the building was in bad condition, but was restored by the eminent architect Karel de Bazel and opened as a museum in 1911. A new extension was built next door in the 90s, and this houses a huge collection of Rembrandt’s drawings and etchings, while the actual Rembrandt house reconstructs the artist’s living space and workshop.

There’s even an exhibition of broken pots found during an archaeological dig and dated to Rembrandt’s stay.

In 2010 the museum received its first painting by Rembrandt with the Tronie of an Old Man with Turban (1627-1628), followed by four panels from the series The Five Senses n 2017.

Ticket :  Rembrandt House Museum Entrance Ticket

10. Jordaan District

Whether it’s your first or tenth time in Amsterdam, you have to drop by this grid of little streets and filled-in canals bordered by the Singel.

Created during that great expansion in the 17th century, the Jordaan was first inhabited by Amsterdam’s working class and an international array of migrants, like Huguenots from France and Puritans from England, seeking the city’s famous religious tolerance.

Up to the 20th century the Jordaan was firmly a neighbourhood for the salt of the earth, as well as the radical left, and was gentrified in the second half of the 20th century to become a treasured shopping and nightlife district.

Explore the tight streets and sequestered courtyards, kick back at a snug little cafe, potter around the many specialty shops and galleries and visit the Noordermarkt for its organic farmers’ market on Saturdays.

De Negen Straatjes (nine little streets) are your first stop for boutiques, design shops and stylish bars.

Related tour:  4-Hour Food Tasting Tour of Jordaan

11. Canal Cruise

A canal cruise in Amsterdam is practically a cliché, but water is such an intrinsic part of the city that you have to get on board.

You’ll be granted the best views of those 17th-century merchant and patrician houses, the innumerable bridges, historic churches and cute houseboats.

Day or night, it’s an opportunity not to pass up; the only tricky part is working out which is the best cruise for you. GetYourGuide.com has an enormous choice, catering to all tastes.

Say you prefer more of a personal trip, there’s an hour-long guided cruise on a small vessel, or you can see sights like the Skinny Bridge and Golden Bend in lights on a 90-minute evening trip.

There are semi-open boat trips, in-depth cruises for people who want to see every inch of the canals, dinner cruises, unlimited drinks cruises, cocktail cruises and no end of combined experiences.

Tip : List of available Amsterdam Canal Cruises

12. Begijnhof

Founded sometime around the early 14th century, the Begijnhof is an enclosed courtyard established as a Beguinage, a community for lay religious women (beguines). Entered down a stairway from Spuiplein, it’s an oasis of peace, with a green wooded square surrounded by fine gabled houses.

As wooden buildings were outlawed in 1521, the Begijnhof was reconstructed in brick in the 17th and 18th century.

With one exception, Het Houten Huis (1420) standing on the southwestern frontage and officially the oldest house in Amsterdam.

Another of Amsterdam’s oldest monuments, the English Reformed Church, is also on Begijnhof, with roots as a 14th-century Catholic chapel.

You can also visit a hidden church, built behind the facades of a row of houses after public Catholicism was banned in the 16th century.

The last beguine passed away as recently as 1971.

13. Keizersgracht

The widest of the three main canals on the Canal Belt, Keizersgracht is between Herengracht and Prinsengracht and named for Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor (1459-1519). If the canal freezes in winter, no boats are allowed to pass through, in order to help keep the ice intact for skaters.

As with Keizersgracht’s neighbours, it pays to be methodical as you make your way, so you don’t miss anything.

At No. 44 are the Greenland Warehouses (1620), easily identified by their three crow-stepped gables.

As many as 50,000 litres of whale blubber could be stored in the basements of these buildings, a far cry from their current role as luxury apartments! The distinguished House with the Heads (1622) at No. 123 is adorned with the heads of six Roman gods and goddesses, while Felix Meritis (1788) at No. 324 was built by the Enlightenment society of the same name and hosted performances by the likes of Mozart and Brahms.

14. Dam Square

A square for the whole nation, Dam Square is traced by the Royal Palace, the National Monument (a remembrance obelisk from 1956) and the 15th-century Nieuwe Kerk.

Dam Square is at the point where the Amstel River was dammed in the 13th century, and was the scene of Amsterdam’s central market in Medieval times.

This space has a storied history, and not all of it is savoury.

Whenever there has been civil unrest, whether it was Anabaptists in the 16th century or students protesting the Vietnam War in the 1960s and 70s, Dam Square is the place where things have boiled over.

The last outbreak of violence was at the Coronation of Queen Beatrix in 1980, while there was a massacre on the square at the end of the Second World War.

On the lighter side, there’s a funfair on Dam Square for national occasions like Kings Day (27 April) and in the build-up to Christmas.

15. Prinsengracht

The third and outermost of Amsterdam’s three main canals is also the longest, and named for William, Prince of Orange, famed for his revolt against the Spanish.

Unlike the other waterways curling around the old centre, the Prinsengracht has traditionally been quite poor, in keeping with its location beside the Jordaan.

But there’s no lack of stunning Golden Age canal houses, joined by small workshops and dwellings, as well as rows of sweet houseboats on the water.

We’ve already mentioned the Anne Frank Museum, but there are also splendid 17th-century churches like the Noorderkerk and the soaring Westerkerk.

At No. 7 stands another of Amsterdam’s 14 hidden Catholic churches.

Also keep a lookout for the exceptionally narrow house at No. 245, just 1.4 metres wide (17th-century property tax was paid according to the width of a building). Every August the classical Prinsengrachtconcert is performed from a pontoon on the canal in front of the Hotel Pulitzer.

Unlike its neighbours the Herengracht and Keizersgracht, the innermost Singel is a canal that opens onto the IJ in the north.

In Medieval times this was Amsterdam’s outer moat, and was only used for shipping goods.

But in the 16th and 17th centuries the canal was widened and developed, and there are plenty of holdovers from the Golden Age on its refined banks.

It’s hardly surprising that Singel is one of the poshest parts of the city, with continuous rows of gabled canal houses.

Look for De Dolphijn at 140-142, built in 1600 and once home to Frans Banninck Cocq, the central figure in Rembrandt’s masterpiece, The Night Watch.

The Munttoren on the Muntplein, looming over the Bloemenmarkt, once belonged to one of the main gates in Amsterdam’s city wall.

17. Red Light District

At Oudezijds Achterburgwal, amid a historic cityscape boasting the Gothic Oude Kerk and the chaotic Nieuwmarkt square, is the world’s most famous Red Light District.

A product of the Dutch tradition of tolerance, the Red Light District is a difficult place to describe.

Because on the one hand brothels, peep shows, sex shops and theatres cater for most urges, but on the other, everything is strictly regulated, video surveillance pervades the area, there’s a rigid code (no photos whatsoever) and sex workers even have their own union.

In all senses, it’s a remarkable place, and there’s an information centre to help you make sense of it.

The wider De Wallen area has much more to recommend it, like eccentric shops, galleries, international restaurants, rickety gabled houses and the oldest canals in the city.

Red Light Secrets is a museum where the area’s prostitutes tell their own funny, moving and human stories.

Recommended tour :  Red Light District 2-Hour Walking Tour

18. Heineken Experience

After Heineken moved home to a modern facility on Amsterdam’s fringes in 1988 the monolithic 19th-century brewery building in the De Pijp district reopened as a museum to one of the world’s favourite pilsners.

Over four floors, this has evolved into the Heineken Experience, which will tell you all about the brand’s origins, when a student of Louis Pasteur worked with Gerard Adriaan Heineken in 1873 to develop a special yeast.

There are brewing artefacts like vast copper vessels still in situ, as well as multimedia exhibits, a bizarre 4D ride when you’ll find out what it’s like to be brewed and bottled, and, naturally, a tasting bar.

Book online :  Heineken Experience Ticket

19. NDSM Wharf

For an antidote to the tourist trail, this former industrial shipyard the size of ten football pitches on the north bank of the IJ has emerged as a whole cultural neighbourhood.

You can get there on the 906 ferry from the Centraal station, and one reason to make the trip is for the monthly flea market in the gargantuan IJ-hallen, thought to be one of the largest in Europe.

Everywhere at the NDSM Wharf, industrial remnants have been re-evaluated.

Take the waterside Pllek, where there’s a cafe in former shipping containers by an artificial beach.

For a night you won’t soon forget you can book a room at the Faralda Crane Hotel, literally a crane, but with three scenic luxury suites inside its column.

Be sure to keep one eye on the calendar for outdoor film screenings and annual events like the DGTL underground electronic festival in March.

20. Bike Tour

For the ultimate introduction to Amsterdam you can hop on a bike and take an all-encompassing three-hour tour of the city.

With GetYourGuide.com you can book this trip past the world-renowned canals and via all the sights that you can’t leave out of a first-time trip to Amsterdam.

So the Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House and Jewish Museum are on the itinerary, but because you’ll be in the company of a knowledgeable Amsterdammer you’ll also see things and hear stories that you might otherwise have missed.

Tours are given in English, French or German.

21. Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder

We’ve mentioned how, post-Reformation, Catholicism became a more secretive practise in Amsterdam, and at this 17th-century canal house you can visit a real Schuilkerk, or clandestine church.

In English, the name is “Our Lord in the Attic”, which as you can tell makes up the top three floors of this magnificent residence.

By the 19th century it had ceased to be used as a place of worship and was preserved as a museum in 1888. So while you can peruse a refined bourgeois house, decorated with period furniture, table clocks and Delft tiles, there are also religious treasures like paintings, marble altar columns, wooden liturgical fittings and silverware on show in the church upstairs.

As a whole Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder testifies to the religious tolerance of the time, because churches like this were open secrets intentionally ignored by the authorities.

22. Leidseplein

If you’re going out in Amsterdam, you’ll surely find yourself on Leidseplein at some point.

Directly on this central square are discos, cinemas, theatres, restaurants and a casino.

The most famous of Amsterdam’s coffee shops, the Bulldog, is on Leidseplein, while De Melkweg is a concert venue of real pedigree, hosting the Beastie Boys, U2, and Prince to name a few.

In summer Leidseplein is dominated by restaurant and cafe terraces, and crowds roll up to watch a colourful cast of jugglers, living statues, break-dancers and buskers do their thing.

As sights go, the neo-Renaissance Stadsschouwburg (1894) is an attention-grabber and is the former home of the National Ballet and Opera.

If AFC Ajax win something big, there’s usually a big celebration from the steps of this monument.

There’s an unforgettable image of Johan Cruyff holding the Cup Winners’ Cup aloft over the square in 1987.

23. Tropenmuseum

A nuanced and thoughtfully presented ethnographic museum, the Tropenmuseum is tour through the various cultures of the world.

The museum started life as a platform for the Netherlands’ colonial territories, but after Indonesia gained independence the scope switched to developing regions in general.

These include Latin America, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, South Asia, West Asia and North Africa, all with an emphasis on tolerance and care for the environment.

There’s a mine of intriguing objects, photographs, sketches and footage helping to find global common ground in aspects of life like celebration, conflict, mourning and prayer.

The building is a treasure too, dating to 1926 and featuring the Lichthal (Light Hall), a massive central space with a grand stairway, all overlooked by galleries.

Book online :  Tropenmuseum Entrance Ticket

24. Westerkerk

Amsterdam’s principal protestant church dates from the 1620s and was built in the most western part of the Canal Belt, beside the Jordaan.

At that time, not long after the Reformation, it was one of the city’s first purpose-built Protestant places of worship.

Walking around Amsterdam’s old centre, the church’s 85-metre tower, the highest in the city, will occasionally hove into view.

Anne Frank could see it from her secret annexe and mentioned the tower and its carillon several times in her diary.

Looking up from street level, the 51-bell carillon is just above the clock-faces, and the 14 largest bells in the set were cast by the greatest founder of the day, François Hemony in 1658. Rembrandt is buried at the Westerkerk, although the exact location of his tomb is unknown as he was destitute when he passed.

There’s a 20th-century memorial for him on the north wall, and every 15 July he is remembered with a lunchtime concert.

25. Portuguese Synagogue

If one monument could sum up just what a melting pot Amsterdam was in the 17th century it’s this Sephardic Jewish synagogue.

After being expelled from Spain and Portugal, a Sephardic Jewish community flourished in the safety of Amsterdam’s tolerant environment from the 16th century onwards.

Initially worship was confined to relative secrecy, but as the 17th century wore on, synagogues were permitted in prominent places.

Completed in 1675 the Portuguese Synagogue was the largest in the world at the time, and one of the largest monuments in the city.

Even now, you’ll be bowled over by the dimensions of this Classical building (mimicking the demure Baroque style of the Protestant churches at the time) and can visit Sunday to Friday all year round.

Note the wooden ark and tebah, and the 12 columns holding up the women’s gallery, one for each of Israel’s twelve tribes.

26. Magere Brug

This imposing bascule bridge over the Amstel, known in English as the “Skinny Bridge”, may not look so slim today.

Because the name is a holdover from a 17th-century structure that was so narrow that two pedestrians would struggle to pass each other on the crossing.

Tradition has an alternative explanation, suggesting that the name comes from the Mager sisters, who lived on opposite sides of the Amstel and used their wealth to build the bridge so they could visit each other.

The original skinny bridge was demolished in the 19th century, and its successor from 1871 was replaced by the current Magere Brug in 1934. It’s a handsome landmark, especially at night when lit up by thousands of bulbs, and Bond fans may know it from Diamonds Are Forever (1971).

27. Hermitage Amsterdam

The largest satellite attraction for Saint Petersburg’s Hermitage Museum can be found at the riverside Amstelhof.

This fine building with an elongated Classical facade was built in 1682 as a charitable retirement home for women.

The last inhabitants departed for new accommodation in 2007, and over the next couple of years the Amstelhof became a mini-Hermitage.

There’s a long connection between Amsterdam and Saint Petersburg, as Peter the Great founded the city in 1703 after visiting Amsterdam and relied on Dutch knowhow to turn swampy ground into something habitable.

There are two permanent exhibitions here; one going into the history of the Amstelhof, and the other charting Netherlands-Russia relations.

The temporary exhibitions are vital.

In the second half of 2018 there was a show for 18th-century European Neoclassicism, and a set of 30 portraits from the Dutch Golden Age.

28. Amsterdam North Ferry

Amsterdam is a city with endless inspiration for free activities, and something that always catches newcomers by surprise is the free ferry 24-hour service over the IJ from the Centraal Station terminal.

Amsterdam-Noord is green and peaceful, for a respite from the tourism honeypots on the opposite shore.

The EYE and A’Dam Toren will literally be your first ports of call as you step off the ferry.

But you may want to bring a bike and see Amsterdam’s residential side in an area described as a “village within a city”. If you’re really committed you could cycle all the way to Durgendam, a quaint old village on the water.

A little closer, Noorderpark has an award-winning swimming complex and two community centres at repurposed gas stations.

29. EYE Film Institute Netherlands

Impossible to miss on the other side of the IJ from the Centraal station, the EYE Film Institute Netherlands is in a bold white building designed by Delugan Meissl and unveiled in 2012. The institute came about after four film institutions, including the Dutch Film Museum, were rolled into one in 2009. You can get there via the free ferry across the IJ, a journey worth making, whether you want to check out the permanent and temporary exhibitions or catch some independent cinema (four screens), archive documentaries or classics from Tarkovsky to Rademakers.

The basement has a clever exhibition on the history of cinema, with interactive quizzes to keep kids on board, while there are thought-provoking multimedia art installations throughout.

The EYE’s restaurant is special, with views through floor-to-ceiling windows to the Centraal station.

30. A’Dam Lookout

Reopened and launched as the A’DAM Toren after a two-year renovation, this landmark tower was built on the north shore of the IJ for Royal Dutch Shell in 1966. With 22 floors the tower is 100 metres high and commands a supreme view of the IJ, Amsterdam’s historic centre, it’s many canals and out across North Holland’s reclaimed polder landscape.

At the top there’s a smart interactive exhibition about Amsterdam’s culture and past, while in the revolving capsule on the 19th floor is Moon, a contemporary restaurant using local, seasonal ingredients.

On the floor above, at the observation deck, Madam, is a modern French and Mediterranean eatery.

Something to try before you eat anything is, “Over the Edge”, Europe’s highest swing, off the edge of the building and 100 metres over the ground.

Book online :  A’DAM Lookout Premium Ticket Including 2 Drinks

31. Westergasfabriek

A set of late-19th-century industrial buildings on the edge of Westerpark was reworked into a cultural, shopping and dining venue in 2003. This was once Amsterdam’s gasworks, and the dignified old brick buildings are now hip restaurants, an arthouse cinema, microbrewery, design shops, fair trade food stores, a wine bar and exhibition spaces.

Even the gas holder has been repurposed, and with a capacity of 3,500 is now a spectacular space for club nights.

Any time of year there will be something going on at Westergasfabriek, whether it’s a film festival, exhibition or specialised food market.

32. Nederlands Scheepvaartmuseum

Set on some 18,000 wooden piles on an artificial island in Amsterdam’s Harbour, the National Maritime Museum is in the Dutch admiralty’s former main warehouse, constructed in 1646. Even now it’s a staggering technical feat, with an inner courtyard that has been covered with an immense glass canopy.

Since the Netherlands’ hegemony in the 17th century relied on maritime prowess, the museum inside is essential if you want to understand the dynamics of the Golden Age.

The museum shows how the sea has shaped Dutch culture over 500 years, with displays of maps by the eminent 17th-century cartographers Willem Blaeu and son, navigational instruments, maritime paintings, models of ships, weapons and lots more.

Moored beside the museum is a faithful replica of the Amsterdam, an 18th-century Dutch East India Company cargo ship wrecked in the channel in 1749 but rediscovered in 1969.

33. Royal Palace

This expansive building on Dam Square wasn’t always a palace, as it was built as Amsterdam’s city hall in the middle of the 17th century.

Composed of yellowy sandstone shipped from Bentheim in Germany, the monument captures a city full of confidence and was believed to be the largest secular building in Europe at the time.

It was Louis Napoleon who turned the building into a palace in 1806, and there are ample reminders from the city hall days.

The sculpture of Atlas crowning the pediment symbolises Amsterdam’s central role in global affairs in the Golden Age.

The Burgerzaal, for Amsterdam’s all-powerful burgomasters, is a sublime marble hall, laid with maps by the Blaeus and has figurative sculptures of the four elements on its arches.

The Empire Style sculpture, furniture, chandeliers and bronze pendulum clocks of Louis Napoleon’s court are still in place and suffused with mythological symbolism.

Book online :  Skip the Line Ticket & Audio Guide: Amsterdam Royal Palace

34. Moco Museum

The well-connected art lovers Lionel and Kim Logchies founded this boutique contemporary art museum in 2016. Two decades worth of contacts have granted the couple access to some major pieces previously hidden away from the public, so you’re sure to see something new.

In 2018 there was an exhibition of works by Banksy, the first formal collection of his art in the world.

This included icons like the Flower Thrower and Girl with Balloon, all complementing the Banksy police van, owned by the museum and on show in the garden.

At the same time there was an interactive room with the work of pop artist Roy Lichtenstein rendered in 3D, and a show for the feted Iranian street artists Icy and Sot.

A word for the venue, which is a Jugendstil townhouse on Museumplein, designed in 1904 by Eduard Cuypers.

Book online:  Moco Museum: Skip-the-Line Tickets with Banksy and More

35. Foodhallen

A former tram depot in the ultra-trendy Oud-West neighbourhood is the fitting location for an indoor food market (part of the larger De Hallen complex) with a diversity of little pop-up restaurants.

There are more than 20 in all, and the big choice means that even the pickiest eaters will find something to their taste.

People with a globetrotting palate will have to choose between Greek meze, temaki rolls, oysters shucked on the spot, American barbecue, Vietnamese summer rolls, falafel, dim sum, tapas, gourmet hot dogs, wood-fired pizzas… the list goes on.

Much of Foodhallen’s charm comes from its fun, convivial atmosphere, and things can get pretty lively here on a Friday or Saturday night.

Head up to the gallery for a great view of the hall.

Tip : List of Amsterdam Food Tours

36. Concertgebouw

On its 125th anniversary the stately Concertgebouw concert hall on the Museumplein was bestowed the Koninklijk (Royal) prefix by Queen Beatrix.

And with good reason, because the Concertgebouw is one of the world’s great concert halls with a Main Hall fabled for its finery and acoustics perfectly suited to late-Romantic classical music.

So for a bit of Mahler and Strauss, check out the programme.

But you can also attend a free lunchtime concert in the Recital Hall on Wednesdays (July and August excepted). There are guided tours of the Concertgebouw on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, taking you to parts of the building you wouldn’t otherwise see, and passing on interesting stories from this monument’s 130-year past.

37. Albert Cuyp Markt

In Oud-Zuid’s De Pijp there’s a street-length outdoor market on Albert Cuypstraat, from Ferdinand Bolstraat to Van Woustraat.

The Albert Cuyp Market came together at the turn of the 20th century to bring some order to the hordes of traders and hawkers who would set up shop here.

Originally just a Saturday night affair, the market trades Monday to Saturday during daytime hours, with 300 stalls on both sides of the street completely shutting down traffic.

You can find it all here; fresh produce, cheese, herring, spices, fabrics, cosmetics, fashion accessories, but also Surinamese, Moroccan and Antillean specialities.

The high competition keeps prices low and there may not be a better place to see real Amsterdammers going about their day.

38. Fashion for Good

Right on Rokin in the centre of Amsterdam is the world’s first museum devoted to sustainable fashion innovation.

At Fashion for Good, which only opened in October 2018, you’ll be confronted by the absurd wastefulness of the fashion industry in the 21st century.

For instance, almost 60% of all clothing ends up in landfill or being burnt within one year of production.

Using installations made with found or cradle-to-cradle materials, Fashion for Good shows off the work of some 50 innovators who aim to right some of the industry’s wrongs.

Take Mycotex, which produces fabrics using myco-proteins, or Colorfix, creating dyes from engineered microorganisms.

You’ll find out about biodegradable glitter and polyester, lifelike leather made from apples and see how blockchain technology is changing production.

Everything in the museum’s shop is sustainable, and the Design Studio lets you create your own sustainable t-shirt, printed on site.

39. Hortus Botanicus

The Plantage neighbourhood was planned as an eastern extension of the Canal Belt, but lack of demand for housing in the 17th century allowed this corner of the city to stay leafy and spacious.

There’s a surplus of visitor attractions in this corner of Amsterdam.

One of the most vital is Hortus Botanicus, founded in 1638 and among the oldest botanical gardens in the world.

In those early years the garden grew medicinal herbs for doctors and pharmacists at a time when plague outbreaks were still common.

Hortus Botanicus moved to its current location in 1682 and was soon planted with species gathered from all ends of the earth by the Dutch East India Company.

More than 6,000 plant species grow at Hortus Botanicus today, and remarkably, a single coffee plant in this collection lead to widespread plantations around the world.

Don’t miss the 17th-century hexagonal pavilion, or the cycads in the Palm House (1915), built in the style of the Amsterdam School.

40. Amsterdam Museum

You couldn’t be blamed for wanting to know more about a city built on stilts and renowned for free thought, tolerance, Johan Cruyff, the Dutch East India Company, architectural innovation, a famous Red Light District and much more.

You can pull on all of these threads and many more at the Amsterdam Museum.

The setting is a former convent that became an orphanage during the Reformation.

For a whirlwind tour through Amsterdam’s past, Amsterdam DNA is an hour-long experience using interactive stations, specially selected artefacts and ambient effects.

World – City is a new permanent exhibition exploring Amsterdam’s relationship with the rest of the world down the centuries.

One exceptional piece is the Medieval aerial map from the Middle Ages, and the painting The Dam by the leading Amsterdam Impressionist George Hendrik Breitner.

Book online :  Amsterdam Museum Entrance Ticket

41. Joods Historisch Museum

The only museum dedicated to Jewish history in the Netherlands is in a complex of four synagogues dating back to 1671, opposite the Portuguese Synagogue.

Joint tickets are sold for these attractions, and the Joods Historisch Museum gives an enthralling account of 400+ years of Judaism in Amsterdam.

These buildings had been unused by the Jewish community from the Holocaust up to the museum’s establishment in 1987. The collection of ceremonial objects, art and archaeological finds is enormous, and only a small fraction can be shown at one time, along with important exhibitions, often delving into the community’s persecution in the Second World War.

There’s also a media library, with books, music, magazines, film, brochures and photography, open to the public since 1987. A wonderful touch is the Children’s Museum, where kids can go inside a Jewish household, baking challah in the kitchen, learning to write their names in Hebrew and playing traditional musical instruments.

Included in :  Jewish Cultural Quarter Full-Day Tickets

42. ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo

Founded in 1838, this venerable institution in the Plantage neighbourhood is the oldest zoo in Amsterdam and also the oldest in the Netherlands.

So some of the charm of Artis comes from its historic buildings, like the library (1867) and aquarium (1882). Children of course will be thrilled with the animal collection, which runs to as many as 900 species.

Just to skim over a few, there are Asian elephants, chimpanzees, giraffes, caiman, a large assortment of turtles, tortoises, snakes and lizards, as well as predators like jaguars, lynxes, Alaskan wolves and lions.

Artis has a botanical appeal too, with more than 200 tree species, and an oak in the chimpanzee enclosure thought to be at least 250 years old.

Check the website for the planetarium schedule and for a timetable of keeper talks for griffon vultures, butterflies, African penguins, gorillas, red ruffed lemurs, sea lions and more.

Book online :  ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo: Skip-the-Line Admission

43. Verzetsmuseum

Facing the zoo is a museum about the Dutch Resistance in a grand building raised for the Jewish Singing Society in 1876. Neatly designed, and using lots of multimedia, exhibitions at the Verzetsmuseum recount the efforts made to disrupt German occupation.

At Risk of Explosion! you can find out about an audacious attack on the Municipal Register in 1943. A group of artists and students gained access by dressing up as police, leaving behind a bomb which partially destroyed the records of the 70,000 Jews living in Amsterdam.

There’s also a more general chronology of the Second World War in the Netherlands, and the many different ways that ordinary Dutch citizens resisted, from strikes, to espionage, helping people hide and forging documents.

44. Johan Cruyff Arena Tour

In 2018 the Amsterdam ArenA, home of AFC Ajax was renamed in honour of fabled former player and manager Johan Cruyff, who passed away in 2016. For students of the beautiful game, Ajax will always be fascinating, as the club that gave the world Total Football in the 1970s and continues to produce some the world’s most exciting young talent.

This 55,000-seater stadium was completed in 1996 and included a few innovations like a fully retractable roof.

Head here for a 75-minute all-access tour (the Ajax dressing room is off-bounds on match-days), taking you to the tunnel, dugout, the Ajax Gallery of Fame, the press conference room, the stadium’s control room and up to the highest seat.

Book online :  Johan Cruijff ArenA Stadium 75-Minute Tour

45. TonTon Club West

The Zuiverlingshal (Refinery) at Westergasfabriek houses one of three branches of a grown-up arcade concept that has taken Amsterdam by storm.

Along with old-school coin-op arcade games there’s air-hockey, pinball and token-redemption machines.

It’s like stepping into a grown-up version of an arcade from an 80s teen movie, with Japanese flourishes, ramen burgers, Dance Dance Revolution, rhythm games like Taiko no Tatsujin and no shortage of frantic button mashers.

You can order a boozy milkshake, nurse a Japanese whisky, and when the weather’s good you can hang out on the terrace.

46. Museum Het Schip

The outstanding example of the Amsterdam School of Expressionist Architecture lies just across the tracks from the Westerpark.

Designed by Michel de Klerk, Het Schip (1919) is still a thrill to behold a century later for its unconventional form.

It still fulfils its intended purpose, as social housing, but also contains a meeting hall, while its former post office became a museum to the Amsterdam School in 2001. This recalls the history of the movement, from 1910 to 1930 and explains the design and construction of the Het Schip (The Ship in English), a real architectural wonder.

After seeing the museum you’ll spot the Amsterdam School’s curving lines all over the city.

Also be sure to take a walk around the neighbourhood, for more architecture of this style and to see a side to the city not usually on tourists’ radars.

47. Give Herring a Try

As Dutch as it gets, soused herring now has a European TSG designation (Traditional Specialities Guaranteed). The flavour of young herring ripened in a brine solution may not appeal to people who haven’t grown up with it, but you won’t know if you like it until you try it.

The best herring is Hollandse Nieuwe, which is caught between mid-May and late-June at a time when the young herring is neither too thin or fat.

The Amsterdam way to enjoy this street food is in slices on a bed of diced raw onion and with pickles on the side, either on a paper plate or in a bread roll.

One of the most prominent spots is Stubbe’s Haring, on the bridge across the Singel, a moment from Amsterdam Centraal station.

48. Bloemenmarkt

On the Singel canal between Koningsplein and the Muntplein is the world’s only floating flower market.

Since 1862 traders have been selling cut flowers and bulbs here from houseboats.

In days gone by the flowers would make their way here from the countryside by boat on the Amstel River, which explains this waterborne setting.

These barges are now fixed, and have glass canopies to keep things humid.

These mirror the greenhouses right across Holland, producing daffodils, orchids, carnations, violets, geraniums, snowdrops and of course tulips, even out of season.

The Bloemenmarkt sells bulbs all year, so you can grow your own, while tulip season tends to fall between the middle of April and start of May.

This is a fine time to hop on a train to see the spectacular spring displays at the Keukenhof garden in Lisse.

49. Head for the Beach

The dense Dutch railway network means that North Sea coast resorts like Zandvoort and Scheveningen are genuine day-trip options from Amsterdam in summer.

But curiously, you can also hit the beach without leaving the city, at a host of man-made urban beaches attached to bars and restaurants.

Strand Zuid at Europaplein has more than 2,000 square metres of soft sand, where you can sip a cocktail on a hammock or sun lounger.

You can also cross the IJ once more to Pllek at NDSM in Amsterdam-Noord, which has a heart-rending view of the city and a sustainable outlook to go with it.

Three quarters of Pllek’s menu is vegetarian, and along with live music there are yoga classes, mini festivals, workshops and art exhibitions on the beach.

50. Brouwerij ‘t IJ

Founded in 1985, Brouwerij ‘t IJ came with a wave of local breweries catering to people who were dissatisfied with beer produced by the Netherlands’ corporate breweries.

It was set up on Funenkade, in the shadow of De Gooyer, the tallest windmill in the Netherlands.

The brewery makes eight highly-rated standard beers, including a pilsner, IPA, white beer and dark beer.

You may be surprised by the low price, and the portions are small enough that you might be able to try most of the range if you go slowly.

Classic Dutch pub snacks like Ossenworst (raw beef sausage) and boiled eggs make for satisfying accompaniments.

If you’re interested in how water, hops, malt and yeast combine to make this nectar, there are 20-minute brewery tours from 15:30 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

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Things to do in the Netherlands – The ultimate Top 50!

The Best Places to Visit in the Netherlands

Amsterdam tourist attractions & sights

Top 20 tourist attractions, sightseeing & things to do in amsterdam.

What are the tourist attractions in Amsterdam Netherlands? An overview of the tickets for the top 20 sightseeing, attractions, landmarks, highlights and best things to do in Amsterdam Netherlands.

Top 20 Attractions - Things to do in Amsterdam

Must See: 1. Rijksmuseum

The gigantic Rijksmuseum is Amsterdam's most popular attraction. With over 5,000 paintings, this museum tells the story of 800 years of Dutch history, including the 17th century, also known as the Dutch Golden Age. Witness world-famous paintings such as Rembrandt's 'The Night Watch' and Johannes Vermeer's 'The Milkmaid'.

• Tickets Rijksmuseum

2. Van Gogh Museum

The museum with the largest collections of paintings by Vincent van Gogh is a must do on the list of 'Best thing to do in Amsterdam'. This article will tell you everything you need to know to prepare your visit to the Van Gogh Museum. Important : Because of the visitor limit during the high season, you will always have to book your ticket in advance .

• Tickets Van Gogh Museum

3. Canal cruises

A boat trip on the canals is a must during your visit to Amsterdam. From the water, you can witness the true beauty of Amsterdam's canal houses. You can alraedy book this boat tour starting at just 16 euros. You may also opt for specially themed cruises, such as a dinner cruise or romantic candlelight cruise

• Canal cruises

4. Heineken Experience

The Heineken Experience is located in Heineken's oldest brewery. The 90-minute tour of the interactive Heineken Experience will tell you about the history, brewing process, and marketing of the Netherlands' most famous beer brand.

• Tickets Heineken Experience

Places to visit: 5. Red Light District

Amsterdam's Red Light District (‘De Wallen’ in Dutch) is the prostitution district of Amsterdam, with over 300 spots for window prostitution. The name is derived from the many red lights in these windows. The district also features plenty of sex shops, coffeeshops, sex shows, and a cannabis museum. The district has become one of the main tourist attractions in Amsterdam.

• Tips Red Light District

6. Anne Frank House

The Jewish girl Anne Frank became world famous because of the diary she kept in ‘Het Achterhuis’. This museum includes a tour of the room behind the movable bookcase where she hid. It is one of the most impressive sights in Amsterdam. You can only book tickets on the official website . Be sure to do this well in advance, as the museum is often sold out. Sold out? We can also recommend you this 2-hour walking tour which tells you the fascinating story of Anne Frank through Amsterdam (this tour doesn't include the Anne Frank House).

7. Vondelpark

The Vondelpark is the largest city park in Amsterdam . Entrance to the public and stretched-out park is free. It features ponds, fountains , statues, a rose garden, a teahouse, and more. There are also frequent concerts and open air theatre in the Vondelpark.

8. Sightseeing at The Dam

The Dam is Amsterdam's central square. Here you will find the Royal Palace of Amsterdam , the Nieuwe Kerk, and the National monument. The biggest shopping streets are directly connected to the square. In addition, the luxury department store 'De Bijenkorf' is also located on this square. Another attraction here is Madame Tussaud's wax museum.

9. Rembrandt House Museum

This is the former house and workplace of Rembrandt van Rijn, where he lived between 1639 and 1658. This beautiful and stately museum full of antique furniture, art, and objects will make you feel like you've travelled back to the 17th century. The actual Rembrandt house also contains a reconstruction of his living area and workspace.

• Tickets Rembrandt House Museum

10. The Jordaan

The Jordaan is a typical working class neighbourhood in the western part of Amsterdam's city centre. The neighbourhood was built in the 17th century and features beautiful canal houses, many restaurants, shops, and is known for its Dutch music. The 'nine little streets' shopping area is especially popular. The Jordaan is a fun neighbourhood to explore on your own during your city break in Amsterdam Netherlands.

Landmarks: 11. Concertgebouw

In part due to its excellent acoustics, the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam is one of the world's most famous concert halls . If you wish to experience this beautiful 1888 building, there are two options: A guided tour or attending a concert.

• Tickets Concertgebouw

The city zoo in the centre of Amsterdam is the oldest zoo in the Netherlands. It can make for a nice change of pace during your city break. You can easily purchase your tickets online.

• Tickets Artis

13. Museum Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder

A less touristy, but very interesting attraction is the Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder museum (Our Lord in the Attic). It is a former clandestine church, located on the Oudezijds Voorburgwal 38 in the centre of Amsterdam. Tickets for tours in this hidden gem are easily available online.

• Tickets Museum

14. Begijnhof

The Begijnhof is a courtyard left over from medieval Amsterdam. Originally these were the houses of the unmarried and devout Beguines. Most of the façades are from the 17th and 18th century. The beautiful courtyard is an oasis of tranquillity in the city centre, and access to part of the little square is free. The other part is not open to the public out of consideration for the residents' privacy.

15. NEMO Science Museum

NEMO is Amsterdam's science museum, intended to get young people excited about science and technology, for instance by offering the chance to try experiments. It is a wonderful, interactive museum. Highly recommended if you are visiting Amsterdam with your children. The striking structure on the banks of the IJ is located near the central station.

• Tickets NEMO

16. Places to visit: A’DAM Lookout

A’dam LOOKOUT is a 360° observation deck offering the most beautiful panoramic view of the Amsterdam's harbour and city centre. The Edge Swing is a very unique attraction. It's the highest swing in Europe that lets you swing on the edge of the 10-metre high building. Not much of a daredevil? Simply enjoy a cocktail from the rooftop bar or next to A'DAM Lookout you will find the This is Holland 5D Flight Experience .

17. National Maritime Museum

This museum takes you back through 500 years of Dutch maritime history, including the Dutch Golden age. It also covers the present day of this country long dependent on dykes. You will get the chance to visit the replica of the old Dutch East India Company ship, 'Amsterdam'. The collection includes paintings, model ships, weaponry, and maps.

• Tickets Maritime Museum

18. Sightseeing tours by bike

Do things as the locals do! Amsterdam is a city that has more bicycles than people. It offers the perfect way to see many sights in very little time. Rent your own bicycle or join one of the guided bicycle tours.

• Bicycle tours

19. Leidseplein & Nightlife

The Leidseplein is Amsterdam's most vibrant square. The square is surrounded by many cafes, restaurants, theatres, and music venues. Tourist nightlife largely takes place around this Leidseplein. Want to get the most out of Amsterdam's nightlife? Check out our pub crawls.

20. Amsterdam Museum

The 'Amsterdam Museum' shows the seven-century history of the city of Amsterdam. From a small settlement on the banks of the Amstel river and the Dutch Golden Age of the 17th century to the present-day metropolis. The historical city museum is located in the city's centre and offers a great way to get to know the city better.

• Tickets Amsterdam Museum

21. Keukenhof

The most popular attraction in March, April, and May is the Keukenhof. The Keukenhof is a beautiful park full of tulips and flowers. It's easy to plan a day trip from Amsterdam. You can opt for organised excursions or travel to the Keukenhof yourself using public transport.

• Tickets Keukenhof

22. Zaanse Schans

Windmills, traditional wooden houses, and Dutch shops make this one of Holland's best attractions. If you are based in Amsterdam, it is best to book this tour or this popular tour .

Zaanse Schans + Volendam

Zaanse Schans

Special things to do in Amsterdam

More tourist attractions.

Partner of: Reykjavik attractions , Porto sightseeing and Naples sightseeing

Places to visit in Amsterdam

Van Gogh Museum Tickets

Rijksmuseum Tickets

31 Epic Things to Do in Amsterdam (Perfect First Time Visit)

Things to do in amsterdam: the 30 best places to visit (all highlights).

You want to visit Amsterdam during your next trip?

Great idea!

In order to help you plan your stay, I have prepared this guide of the 31 best things to do in Amsterdam , with all points of interest and must-see attractions.

The famous Red Light District, the Rijksmuseum, the Royal Palace, the best coffee shops … I will tell your everything you need to know for an amazing stay!

In addition to my list of things to do and activities, I will also give you optimized itineraries to visit Amsterdam in 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 days (or even 1 week!) as well as my selection of the best accommodations depending on your budget.

So, what are the best things to do in Amsterdam? Where to stay?

1. Dam Square

2. the royal palace of amsterdam, 3. the rijksmuseum amsterdam, 4. amsterdam’s red light district, 5. the coffee shops, 6. amsterdam canal cruise, 7. visiting amsterdam by bike, 8. anne frank house, 9. jordaan district, 10. van gogh museum, 11. amsterdam dungeon, 12. zuiderkerk church, 13. begijnhof, 14. the flower market/bloemenmarkt, 15. a’ dam lookout, 16. nieuwmarkt, 17. vondelpark, 18. the skinny bridge, 19. the cheese museum, 20. albert cuyp market, 21. oude kerk, 22. other museums to visit in amsterdam, 23. heineken experience, 24. shopping in amsterdam, 25. zaanse schans, 26. the waterland villages, 27. keukenhof, 28. haarlem, 29. zandvoort, 30. giethoorn, things to do in amsterdam with kids, how many days to visit amsterdam, 1 day in amsterdam, 2 days in amsterdam, 3 days in amsterdam, 4, 5 or more days in amsterdam, where to stay in amsterdam, where to eat in amsterdam, getting to amsterdam, hiring a boat in amsterdam, tourist map of amsterdam, you’re traveling to the netherlands these articles will help you .

Let’s start this guide of Amsterdam with Dam Square, the historical center of the city located in the old town.

It’s also where the first dam was built on River Amstel, hence its name.

Dam Square (also known simply as ‘Dam’) is today the meeting point of all Amsterdam’s most vibrant streets and shopping areas .

On Dam Square, you can see:

• The National Monument, a column of white stones dedicated to victims of the Second World War
• Amsterdam’s Royal Palace (I tell you more about it a bit below)
• The Nieuwe Kerk or “New Church”: construction of this Gothic style church started in 1408. The Nieuwe Kerk has been the place of investiture of many Dutch monarchs, and today hosts exhibitions.
• Madame Tussauds museum
• The NH Collection Amsterdam Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky: a luxurious 5* hotel with views over the square.

If you’re visiting Amsterdam , you should purchase the I Amsterdam City Card .

This City Card includes free entry to over 70 of Amsterdam’s museums and tourist attractions such as the Rijksmuseum and the A’DAM Lookout .

You can also enjoy unlimited access to public transport, plus a canal cruise!

When booking, you can opt for a validity duration between 1 and 5 days.

You can see all the attractions and activities included and buy the City Card Amsterdam by clicking on the green button below:

If you don’t want to buy the city pass, you can also buy your fast track tickets for each tourist attraction separately. I’ll give you all the links to book your tickets throughout this article.

The Royal Palace of Amsterdam or “Paleis op de Dam” is located on Dam Square.

Built in the 17th century , it was initially used as a Town Hall before serving as a royal residence from the 19th century.

At that time, it was the largest administrative building in Europe and the city’s inhabitants were so proud of it that they nicknamed it “the eighth wonder of the world”.

Today, the palace is used by the royal family during official visits.

The rest of the time, you can visit its interior and discover the different rooms featuring numerous paintings, sculptures and period furniture.

You should buy your fast track tickets + audio guide for the Palace of Amsterdam in advance. It’s not more expensive, and it will make you save a lot of time!

You need to book your tickets by clicking on the green button below:

A good way of making sure you don’t miss out on any of Amsterdam’s tourist sites (apart from reading this article!) is to opt for a private tour with a local guide.

Lasting between 2 and 6 hours and available in English , your private tour can be fully tailored to your wishes .

You need to book your guided tour of Amsterdam by clicking here:

What’s the best thing to do in Amsterdam if you’re interested in art?

Visiting the Rijksmuseum , the national museum of the Netherlands!

You’ll be part of the 2 million visitors who flock here each year to see the biggest collection of paintings from the Dutch Golden Age.

The Rijksmuseum is one of the world’s best-known museums and houses many masterpieces. Among the most famous are:

• The Milkmaid by Vermeer
• The Night Watch by Rembrandt
• Self-Portrait with Grey Felt Hat by Van Gogh.

If you don’t have much time, the finest canvases by Frans Hals, Jan Steen, Vermeer and Rembrandt are grouped together in the Gallery of Honour on the second floor.

The museum is open every day of the year from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm.

Entrance to the Rijksmuseum is included in the I Amsterdam City Card.

If you don’t have that City Pass, you should buy your fast track tickets for the Rijksmuseum in advance by clicking on the button below . It’s the best way to avoid waiting!

And if you want to learn everything about the works exhibited, you should opt for this guided tour of the Rijksmuseum in English:

Even if you don’t want to visit the Rijksmuseum, you should still go there to admire the museum’s magnificent architecture.

If you’re planning to visit Amsterdam in winter , make the most of it by renting skates and enjoying the ice rink in front of the museum!

The Red Light District is another place you shouldn’t miss during your trip to Amsterdam , though in quite a different vein!

This unique area is one of the city’s most popular among tourists . Red Light district is the place where you will see the famous window brothels , from behind which prostitutes attract their clients.

In Amsterdam, the world’s oldest profession is completely legal , and these women are required to pay their taxes just like any other worker. Don’t think about taking photos of the windows though: it’s not allowed.

A great way to discover Red Light District and learn more about Amsterdam’s liberal attitudes towards drugs and sex work is to opt for a guided tour in English:

Other types of visit can also be arranged. Click on the orange links for more information and to book:

• Visit Amsterdam’s Museum of Prostitution
• Brothel tour with a sex worker

Together with Red Light District, coffee shops became a symbol of the city.

Don’t get me wrong, this is not the place to go to enjoy a coffee (even if they do serve it), but to smoke marijuana!

In Amsterdam, it’s allowed here as long as it stays within the coffee shop walls. Smoking in the street, for example, is very much frowned upon.

And if you’re not keen on smoking, you can also consume cannabis in many other ways : tea, water pipes, cakes or lollipops.

If you plan to go to a coffee shop while you’re in Amsterdam , here are some tips:

• It’s forbidden to smoke tobacco
• They don’t serve alcohol
• The use of hard drugs is not permitted
• You will not be admitted if you are under-age
• Look carefully at the dosages: you should ask first, because the doses may be more concentrated than in other countries.

To learn more about the history of cannabis and to visit coffee shops with a guide , you should book this 2-hour tour:

If there is just one activity you really have to do in Amsterdam, it’s for sure the canal cruise !

Amsterdam canals are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Going on a boat trip in Amsterdam is one of the best ways to see the city’s architecture, the magnificent traditional buildings and some of the historic monuments.

And don’t forget that if you have the I Amsterdam City Card , you’re entitled to a free cruise!

There are several types of cruise to choose from with different durations, boat sizes and departure points.

I’ve picked out a few of the most popular (simply click on the orange links to see the details and to book):

• 75 minute cruise exploring the historic centre + audio guide
• 90 minute evening cruise to enjoy the city lights (great!)
• Luxury cruise with drinks and snacks included (fantastic!)
• 1 hour cruise with audio guide to admire the façades of the Dutch Golden Age houses
• 1 hour cruise in a semi-open electric canal boat another great cruise to enjoy the view.

Visiting Amsterdam by bike is a great way to explore the city.

This form of transport is king here: many Dutch people get around by bike, and there are cycle lanes everywhere . If you’re on foot by the way, you need to look out for bikes as much as you do for cars!

The best way to explore the city is thus to join a guided tour of Amsterdam by bike .

The GetYourGuide Original tour is especially awesome: during this 3-hour small group guided tour in English , you’ll have the chance to explore the main points of interest in Amsterdam, as well as some very traditional spots off the beaten track .

And as always with GetYourGuide Originals, if you are not fully satisfied of your tour, you will get a full refund!

To book your Amsterdam by bike tour, simply click on the button below:

You can also rent bicycles in Amsterdam by clicking here.

You’re going to Amsterdam?

You probably know it: the hardest part of planning your trip is to find an hotel offering a good value for money!

And that’s even worse in the large European capitals 😅.

The closer you get to your travel dates, the harder it will be to get a good deal. Tens of thousands of people will be visiting Amsterdam on the same dates as you , so you can be sure that the best deals are booked extremely quickly!

Hopefully, there is a pretty simple solution to this problem: do like me and book your hotel as early as possible!

So, my best advice is to take 5 minutes (now) to have a look at the list of travelers’ favorite hotels in Amsterdam.

And if you see a good offer, book it!

Most hotels offer free cancellation, so it’s quick, easy, and you will avoid the the inconvenience of finding nothing but mediocre rooms at exorbitant prices.

To check the current best deals for your hotel in Amsterdam, simply click on the green button below 😎:

Once you’ve booked your hotel, it will be time to continue reading this guide and find out more about the best things to do in Amsterdam!

A visit to Amsterdam also means discovering a darker part of the city’s history.

For that, you should visit Anne Frank house.

Anne Frank is famous for her personal diary telling the story of the Frank family who hid in this house to escape the Jews’ persecution during the Second World War.

Today, the house had been turned into a museum, where you can wander through the different rooms containing extracts from Anne Frank’s diary, photos, and objects.

Note that entrance tickets for Anne Frank House can only be purchased online via the official website by clicking here.

80% of the tickets are made available online 2 months in advance, and the rest are released in tranches from 9.00 am each day.

Since the house is one of Amsterdam’s most popular tourist attractions, tickets go very quickly and it’s best to book in advance.

If you want to find out more about Anne Frank , you should take the really interesting guided tour in English.

Your guide will take you on a 2-hour tour of the Jewish Quarter and tell you stories about Anne Frank’s life at that time.

This guided tour is so good that it’s certified GetYourGuide Originals , which means you get a full refund if you’re not completely satisfied!

It needs to be booked by clicking on the link below:

• Anne Frank walking tour of Amsterdam.

The Jordaan is a must-see neighbourhood in Amsterdam.

This very picturesque part of Amsterdam was built in the 17th century to house craftsmen and workers .

Here are the best things to see in Jordaan neighbourhood:

• The Prinsengracht , the canal to the east
• The numerous typical red brick houses
• The vintage shops
• Anne Frank House, which I have just told you about
• Noordermarkt market
• The brown cafés which take their name from the walls blackened by cigarette smoke and their wooden interiors. These are a great place to get a beer and enjoy the really lively ambience.
• Westerkerk, the largest Protestant church in the Netherlands, with panoramic views over the whole neighbourhood from the bell tower. Entrance to the church is free but there’s a charge to visit the bell tower.

If you want to visit Jordaan district with a guide, you should book one the 2 activities below:

• Private 2-hour walking tour in English
• 3h30 guided gourmet tour in English, an amazing way to discover Dutch culinary traditions, with more than 10 tastings of local products!

Let’s continue your tour of Amsterdam with the Van Gogh Museum.

Like the Rijksmuseum, it’s located on Museumplein , Amsterdam’s Museum Square. It’s very popular, and welcomes millions of visitors each year.

As its name suggests, it’s dedicated to the famous Dutch artist and exhibits over 200 paintings as well as hundreds of his drawings and letters.

If you have bought the I Amsterdam City Card , entrance is free of charge (there’s even a separate fast entrance queue).

Without the pass, your only other option is to purchase a fast track ticket, otherwise you’ll have a long wait at the entrance.

You need to buy your ticket here:

Not far from the museum is the Concertgebouw, a world-renowned concert hall with exceptional acoustics .

You can visit the Concertgebouw or even see a performance during your holiday in Amsterdam.

Wondering what to do in Amsterdam , and wanna try something really unique?

You should go to the Amsterdam Dungeon!

Enter the torture chamber , witness a witch burning at the stake or watch a trial during the Spanish inquisition :

The dungeon offers you the chance to relive history through several shows performed by actors in period costume. You’ll of course be invited to join in and participate!

It’s very well done, and you will quickly get caught up in the slightly creepy and frightening atmosphere. Personally, I loved it!

The dungeon is one of Amsterdam’s must-see tourist attractions and there are sometimes queues of over an hour . So you should really purchase your tickets in advance by click on the button below:

The I Amsterdam City Card entitles you to a 25% discount on the entrance ticket to the dungeon.

Let’s continue your tour of Amsterdam with the Zuiderkerk church .

Built in the 17th century, this Renaissance style church is also known as “the Southern Church”.

You can’t visit the interior of the church (it’s currently undergoing renovation), but you can climb to the top of its bell tower to enjoy the view over the entire city . You must be accompanied by a guide, with tours departing every 30 minutes.

Amsterdam’s Beguinage (Begijnhof in Dutch) is one of the oldest inner courtyards in the city.

The buildings around the Begijnhof were once inhabited by the Béguines , a community made up exclusively of women, the last of whom died in 1971.

The premises are today private homes so visitors are asked to avoid making noise, and of course not to cross the fences to respect the residents’ peace and quiet.

The Begijnhof is also home to one of the oldest houses in Amsterdam. Built in wood in 1528, it’s the last wooden house still standing.

Due to fires, this type of construction was later completely banned.

The passageway that leads to the Begijnhof is open from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm.

If you want to bring tulip bulbs back home (one of the traditional souvenirs of a stay in Amsterdam) you should head to the flower market.

Located on one of the city’s oldest canals , the Singel, you’ll find tulips in every possible colour here (freshly cut, as bulbs, and even wooden tulips), as well as other flower seeds and bulbs . The market is really lovely and colourful.

There, you will also find classic souvenirs such as magnets, keychains, postcards, or Dutch traditional items such as clogs . You’ll be spoilt for choice!

Like most modern big cities in the world, Amsterdam has its own panoramic observation deck: A’DAM Lookout.

You can ascend to the top for an unobstructed view over the whole city . The most fearless among you can also enjoy a very special attraction at the top of the tower: Europe’s highest swing – adrenaline rush guaranteed!

The tower also has a revolving panoramic restaurant .

To get to the A’DAM Lookout , which is located on the other side of the river, you need to take a free ferry from Amsterdam central station to Buiksloterweg.

Entry to the A’DAM Lookout is included in the City Card Amsterdam.

Right next to the A’DAM Lookout, you can also try out “THIS IS HOLLAND” activity.

This interactive experience allows you to fly over the Dutch landscape for around ten minutes. For a fully immersive experience, the seats move and you can even smell the tulip fields, for example.

The City Card offers a discount on THIS IS HOLLAND. Otherwise, you’ll need to book your tickets online by clicking here.

The Nieuwmarkt is another famous square in Amsterdam. It’s located between Chinatown and the Red Light District.

In the centre of the square, you can see an old gateway to the city, the Waag, which looks like a small castle. Today, it has been converted into a café/restaurant.

Every morning, a traditional market is held on the square, and there is also a flea market on Sundays.

Where should you go in Amsterdam to enjoy a bit of greenery ? (and no, I’m not talking about the Coffee Shops 😋)

Head to the Vondelpark , the city’s most famous and largest public park . It’s not far from the Van Gogh Museum.

The park covers almost 45 hectares and features bars, restaurants , and children playgrounds. You can explore the very well-maintained paths on foot or by bike .

At the edge of the park, you can also take a look at Vondelkerk church, a really nice example of neo-Gothic architecture. Unfortunately, you can’t visit the inside, as it has been converted into offices.

In the summer, there are free open-air music, dance and theatre shows .

The Skinny Bridge (Magere Brug) is a bridge located in central Amsterdam.

I’ve got to admit that it doesn’t really have anything special at first sight, but it has its place in this list of top things to do in Amsterdam because of its history.

When it was built in 1670, it was so narrow that it was hard for 2 people to pass each other, hence its nickname the “Skinny Bridge” .

According to legend, it was first built to allow two sisters who each lived on a different side of the canal to see one another more often.

It was rebuilt in 1871 and then again in 1969 to allow more people to use it, and is today a traditional double leaf bascule bridge that opens to allow canal boats to pass through.

At night, it’s lit up with over 1.500 lights and becomes one of Amsterdam’s romantic hot-spots.

The bridge has been used as a set for several films, including a James Bond (“Diamonds are Forever”).

Along with tulips, the coffee shops and windmills, the traditional image of the Netherlands includes cheese.

So a visit to the Cheese Museum is a must! It’s located close to Anne Frank House , on the other side of the canal.

The museum (free of charge) is quite small and is located in the basement of a cheese shop.

On the ground floor, they are mainly Gouda of every conceivable type (pesto, truffle, chilli…) and in all possible colours, which you can taste for free.

If you’re a real food-lover, you might want to attend a cheese-tasting workshop during your visit to Amsterdam.

You’ll get to taste five cheeses made by Henri Willing who is known for his high-quality traditional cheeses , all served with local wines and beers.

Book your cheese-tasting in Amsterdam here.

Another good way to discover the local specialties in Amsterdam is to go to one of the food markets.

My favorite is Albert Cuyp Market, a local open-air market held from Monday to Saturday . The busiest Market in the Netherlands and one of the biggest in Europe takes place in De Pijp neighbourhood.

There are hundreds of stalls selling all sorts of cheeses , fruits and vegetables , fresh fish (if you’re feeling really brave, try the herring served with gherkins!).

You’ll also find flowers, clothing, souvenirs (a bit cheaper than elsewhere) and food stalls if you feel hungry.

You want to taste Dutch typical food while visiting the city?

The you should opt for the Amsterdam Food Walking Tour.

You will have a great time discovering the city with Mona, your guide, and trying several local specialties.

To book your Food Walking Tour in Amsterdam, simply click on the button below:

The Oude Kerk, the oldest church in Amsterdam, is located in Red Light District.

It was built around 1300 as a place of Catholic worship before being converted to the Reformed faith.

You can visit the interior of the church, but unfortunately it’s quite expensive (€15), and the church often hosts quite weird contemporary exhibitions which in my opinion don’t really fit the place and are not worth it.

So you should take a look at the exterior when you’re in Red Light District and go inside only if you have the I Amsterdam City Card , which gives you free entry.

A fun way to do some sightseeing in Amsterdam is to take a Segway trip.

During this 2-hour tour , your guide will show you some of the unmissable tourist sites, including the huge Museum Square, the Oude Kerk, and the canals , while entertaining you with stories and anecdotes about the city.

To book this Segway tour of Amsterdam , you need to click on the button below:

Wondering about what to do in Amsterdam when it rains?

In addition to the 2 world-famous museums (the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum) I talked about, the city is home to several other interesting museums. The good news is that there’s something interesting for every taste and age!

Another great thing is that most of them are free if you’ve purchased the I Amsterdam City Card.

Of course, if you don’t have the City Card, you can also book your entrance tickets in advance by clicking on the name of each museum (in orange).

Here’s a list of the museums you can visit in Amsterdam:

• NEMO : Amsterdam’s interactive and fun Science Museum
• The MOCO, dedicated to exhibiting works of contemporary and street art, including an exhibition dedicated to Banksy
• The Amsterdam Museum about the history of the city
• Rembrandt House Museum where the Dutch artist lived
• Stedelijk Museum, the museum of modern and contemporary art and design
• The National Maritime Museum of Amsterdam about the maritime history of the Netherlands
• Ripley’s Believe It or Not! , a museum with countless curiosities
• Madame Tussauds , with wax replicas of famous people
• Amsterdam Diamond Museum
• Tropenmuseum, the museum of ethnography
• Body Worlds, the famous display of real human bodies preserved using the technique of plastination.
• STRAAT Museum dedicated to street art
• The Upside Down a very fun museum where you can take original photos
• Hash Marijuana & Hemp Museum , the museum of cannabis

Beer-lovers should definitely join the Heineken Experience in the capital of the Netherlands!

You will be welcomed to the former Heineken brewery, built in 1867, where you will learn about the history of the company as well as the process of making beer.

And the visit wouldn’t be complete without enjoying a pint!

Book your tickets for the Heineken Experience by clicking on the button below:

If you prefer more elaborate drinks , you should rather opt for the House of Bols Experience.

Same idea as the Heineken, but here you’ll discover the liqueurs made by the oldest spirits brand in the world. A cocktail is included in the price.

To Book your tickets for the House of Bols Experience, you just need to click here!

Wondering where to go shopping in Amsterdam?

Easy: all over the city !

There are no big shopping centers in Amsterdam, but there’s a huge choice of stores around the pedestrian streets. You’ll find the usual names (Zara, H&M) as well as luxury boutiques.

For shopping, you should head to:

• Nieuwedijk, a 1 km long pedestrian street
• Kalverstraat for shoes, handbags and perfumes
• P.C. Hooftstraat, near the Rijksmuseum and the Vondelpark, for Cartier, Vuitton, Chanel and other luxury brands
• Nine Streets (De 9 Straatjes) with its original and vintage boutiques
• The Magna Plaza behind Dam Square for designer clothes
• De Bijenkorf, a department store selling fashion and decorative items.

The 6 best things to do near Amsterdam

Now that you know what to see in Amsterdam , let’s explore the area around the city.

From Amsterdam, you can go to many easily accessible places by bus, train or on an organized day trip.

Here are some of my favorite things to do and places to visit around Amsterdam:

Zaanse Schans is certainly the best-known attraction around Amsterdam!

The waterside windmills of Zaanse Schans really are the typical Netherlands postcard image. There, you will also find a shop selling cheese, clogs and souvenirs.

You can visit the different windmills (included with the City Card Amsterdam, otherwise it’s €5 per entry), and even enjoy a 25 minutes cruise around the windmills. It needs to be booked here .

There are also 2 museums :

• Zaandam Time Museum dedicated to clock-making, a speciality of Zaandam
• Zaans Museum, to learn more about the windmills.

To get to Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam , you have 3 options:

1) Take bus no. 391 (leaves every 15 minutes) or 891 from central station. You can purchase your ticket by clicking here!

2) Take the train from central station (the journey takes 20 minutes and costs less than €5 one-way). Then, walk for about 15 minutes to get to the windmills.

3) Opt for an organized day trip that includes transport and a guide.

There are 3 main tours that include a visit to Zaanse Schans, with some small differences:

• A day trip with a visit to the windmills + 1 hour cruise + Volendam + Marken (2 Waterland villages I’ll tell you about in the next part). I think this is the best one! You need to Book it by clicking on the green button below:

And the other 2 options:

• A small group excursion of 3 hours with a guided tour/entry to the windmills/clog-making demonstration.
• Excursion to visit Edam + Volendam + Marken + Zaanse Schans + cheese-tasting .

Around Amsterdam , you should devote a day to visiting the Waterland villages.

To start exploring, simply purchase the “Waterlands Day Ticket” for 10€ from the automatic ticket machines at the central station. You can use it for all your bus journeys between Amsterdam and all the villages.

Before leaving, don’t forget to pass by the information centre at the station to get your map of the villages and bus lines.

Here’s the list of Waterland villages you should visit close to Amsterdam:

• Broek in Waterland, a picturesque village famous for its wooden houses and its church ceiling painted with angels
• Monninckendam where you can visit the Waterlands Museum and Saint Nicolas church
• Marken: a pretty small island featuring a harbour and waterfront restaurants. From there, you can take the boat ( the Marken Express ) to Volendam (one-way for €8.75/free of charge with the City Card/journey time: 30 minutes). You can also return to Monnickendam by bus and go from there to Volendam.
• Volendam: a very pretty village with lots of little shops and harbourside restaurants.
• Edam: a traditional and picturesque village with some really beautiful houses, perfect to stroll around.
• Purmerend: less traditional because this town is mainly a suburb of Amsterdam
• Beemster: a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its polder, a man-made stretch of land obtained by draining water. The Beemster lake was drained from the 17th century using 43 water mills – a true technical feat. You should also take a look at the square pyramid-roofed farmhouses.

To visit Waterland, you can also join an organized trip from Amsterdam .

Simply click on the orange link for more details and to book:

• Excursion to Edam + Volendam + Marken + Zaanse Schans + Cheese tasting .
• Visit to Volendam + Edam + Windmills

It would be a real shame to leave Amsterdam and the Netherlands without going to see the tulips (depending on the time of year).

The most famous place to admire these colourful flowers is Keukenhof Park.

Note that the period for visiting is very limited, as the park is open only from mid-March to mid-May and millions of visitors come to see the tulips.

Even if it’s super touristy, the sight of these 7 million flowers is truly magnificent and you should really go there if you’re in Amsterdam in spring. Keukenhof is the biggest tulip garden in the world , and you won’t have the opportunity to see it everyday!

Keukenhof is open from Monday to Sunday from 8.00 am to 7.30 pm. To get there, you can take one of the following buses:

• No. 852 from Amsterdam Europaplein
• No 858 from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
• No. 859 from Hoofddorp railway station.

You really do need to book your fast track tickets for the park in advance, you will save a lot of time!

The best time of day to visit the Keukenhof and get the most stunning photos is before 10.00 am or after 4.00 pm.

Haarlem is another small town you shouldn’t miss near Amsterdam.

And I have to confess, I didn’t expect it to be so beautiful!

The town is really picturesque with beautiful brick houses and a very impressive huge church (€2.50 entrance fees)

For your walk around Haarlem , you should first pass by the tourist office located on the church square. There, you can purchase a town map (50 cents) and they will also suggest walks you can do in the city .

If you only do one walk, you should opt for “Monumental Haarlem” which allows you to discover all the must-see attractions (the small leaflet also costs 50 cents).

To get to Haarlem from Amsterdam, take the train and you’ll be there in just 15 minutes.

The I Amsterdam City Card includes entrance to Frans Hals Museum and Teylers Museum as well as a canal cruise in Harlem .

Want to discover the Netherlands’coast and spend a bit of time at the beach near Amsterdam?

You should thus head to Zandvoort.

It’s just a 30 minute train ride to get to this Dutch seaside resort where you’ll find kilometres of fine sandy beaches !

It’s a great place to spend a relaxed day and an excellent opportunity to try out one of the numerous the seaside restaurants.

Another really nice place to visit in the Netherlands is the little Dutch village of Giethoorn , located about 1h30 drive from Amsterdam.

Often called the Venice of the North , this place is truly unique: there are no cars here, everyone gets around on foot, by bike or by small boat!

To explore Giethoorn, you should take a boat trip . It’s the best way to admire the thatched roof houses , bordered by large, well-maintained gardens full of flowers.

If you don’t have a car, your best bet to get there is to book a day trip from Amsterdam:

To help you plan your family holiday in Amsterdam, here are a few more things you can do with kids:

• Artis Amsterdam Royal Zoo (get billets here) : to see the giraffes, elephants, visit the planetarium, insectarium, aquarium and more. Free entry with the City Card Amsterdam.
• NEMO Science Museum which I already told you about under the museums section – The perfect museum for kids in Amsterdam!
• The Ripley’s Believe It or Not! museum
• The Lego shop located on Kalverstraat features amazing Lego reproductions and animations for kids
• Micropia, a museum dedicated to microbes and bacteria. Truly original and really well put together! It’s not far from the zoo.
• Madurodam , where you can see the main monuments of the Netherlands in miniature. A great family visit 1 hr 10 min drive from Amsterdam.
• A round of mini golf in the dark (get your tickets here) with sound and light effects.

There are so many places to visit and things to do in Amsterdam that the days will literally fly by , even though the city isn’t that big.

You should thus ideally plan at least 3 days to explore the city.

In order to help you make the most of your stay, I will now give you itineraries to visit Amsterdam in 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more days.

I’ve kept mentioning it all the way though the article, but if you want to save time and money , don’t forget to purchase the I Amsterdam City Card . It’s clearly the best solution!

You can see all the places that are included, and buy the City Card Amsterdam , by clicking on the green button below:

If you’ve decided to spend just a single day in Amsterdam , you have several options:

1) A walking tour of the city to see most of the sights from the outside.

My recommendation for you is to follow the itinerary below (starting from the very beautiful Amsterdam Centraal railway station):

• Damrak or the pedestrianized Nieuwendijk , 2 vibrant streets lined with shops
• The Jordaan district
• The flower market
• The Red Light District

2) Choose 1 or 2 of Amsterdam’s must-see museums:

• Follow the walk above until the flower market
• Reach Museumplein
• Visit the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum
• Take a stroll in Vondelpark or enjoy a canal cruise

3) If you don’t fancy walking but want to see Amsterdam’s main tourist attractions:

• Take the hop-on hop-off bus.
• Take a hop-on hop-off cruise. Same principle as the bus, but by boat.

If you’re planning to spend 2 days in Amsterdam, here is my suggested itinerary:

• Walk along Nieuwendijk to Dam Square
• Visit the Royal Palace of Amsterdam
• Now you have a choice: experience the Amsterdam Dungeon or visit the Amsterdam Museum to learn about the city’s history
• Walk through the inner courtyard of the Béguinage (Begijnhof)
• Visit the flower market
• Admire Zuiderkerk church and Nieuwmarkt square
• Explore the Red Light District and its very special shop windows
• Finish your tour with the Oude Kerk, the oldest church in Amsterdam.

If you don’t want to visit the Amsterdam Dungeon or the Amsterdam Museum, you can instead visit Body Worlds exhibition , Madame Tussauds or the Ripley’s museum . They are all located in the same area.

• Take a walk in Jordaan neighbourhood
• Have a look at the Cheese Museum
• Visit Anne Frank House (provided you’ve booked tickets in advance!)
• Head to the Museumplein
• Visit one or more of the museums located on this square: the Rijksmusem , Van Gogh Museum , MOCO or Stedelijk Museum .
• Take a stroll in Vondelpark
• End your day with a canal cruise .

If you’re planning to spend a weekend in Amsterdam (or 2 days during the week!), you should read my detailed itinerary here: 2 days in Amsterdam.

Of course you might want to take a break in a coffee shop at some point in the day if you fancy it!

You’ve got 3 in Amsterdam?

There’s still plenty for you to see in the capital! Follow the 2-day itinerary above, and on the 3rd day:

• Start with the Albert Cuyp Market, the biggest market in the city
• Right next to it, try the Heineken Experience
• Cross over the Skinny Bridge
• Visiting one or more of the museums you haven’t had time to see
• A guided bike tour for a different way to discover the city
• Amsterdam Coffee Shops and Red Light district walking tour
• Experience THIS IS HOLLAND tourist attraction
• Go to the top of the A’DAM Lookout

To plan your 72 hours in Amsterdam, you should read my detailed itinerary: 3 days in Amsterdam.

If you have kids , you can spend the afternoon at the Artis zoo , visit Micropia or enjoy a round of mini golf in the dark – it’s all in the same area.

If you’re wondering about what to do in Amsterdam in 4, 5 days, or even a week , you should take my 3-day itinerary and then devote one day to each of the excursion around Amsterdam below , depending on what you like best:

• Zaanse Schans in the morning + Haarlem in the afternoon
• Explore the villages of the Waterland
• Keukenhof, to see tulips (open between mid-March and mid-May only)
• Go to the beach at Zandvoort (in summer only – you can also combine this with a trip to Haarlem)

You can read my detailed 4-day itinerary in Amsterdam here: 4 days in Amsterdam.

And to plan a 5-day visit , you should read that article instead: 5 days in Amsterdam.

Here’s my selection of the best places to stay in Amsterdam depending on your budget:

• Hans Brinker Hostel Amsterdam: Youth hostel 400 metres from the Rijksmuseum and 10 minutes from the Vondelpark. Bed in a dormitory from 26€, including breakfast. Strong points: the location, the warm welcome, the atmosphere. An excellent choice if you’re looking for a cheap accommodation in Amsterdam!
• Motel One Amsterdam: Located 2 km from the Rikjsuseum and the Albert Cuyp Market. Clean and well-decorated double room from 110€ per night, breakfast 11.50€. Strong points: helpful staff, location 2 minutes from the metro, the good breakfast.
• Jaz Amsterdam: Situated a 15-minute metro ride from the centre. Spacious and stylish room from 110€, breakfast 16.95€. Strong points: very friendly staff, good facilities, the fabulous breakfast.
• Motel One Amsterdam-Waterlooplein: Situated close to the Zuiderkerk and a 15-minute walk from Dam Square. Modern room with comfortable bed from 154€, breakfast 11.50€. Strong points: close to the centre, delightful staff, good and varied breakfast. It’s my favourite for its excellent value for money in Amsterdam!
• Mövenpick Hotel Amsterdam City Centre: Located just a 10-minute walk from the railways station and the centre of Amsterdam. Spacious, modern and comfortable room, some with a river view, from 190€, breakfast 25€. Strong points: location, comfort, friendly staff, access to the sauna included. The best hotel for a high end stay in Amsterdam!
• NH Collection Amsterdam Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky: Located right on Dam Square, this luxury hotel offers rooms with a sleek and modern decor from 310€, breakfast included. Strong points: central location for exploring Amsterdam on foot, exceptional bed (so comfortable!), the excellent breakfast. Perfect for a romantic break in the heart of the city!
• Hyatt Regency Amsterdam: 5* hotel situated 800 metres from the zoo. Bright and elegantly decorated rooms from 360€, breakfast 28€. Strong points: the staff are concerned to ensure the well-being of their guests, the decoration, the location, the excellent restaurant. The best hotel in Amsterdam for a luxury stay!

And if you prefer to rent a luxury apartment for your stay in Amsterdam, the Keizersgracht Suite 471 is the best address in the city!

If these hotels are full or don’t suit you, you should take a look at the traveler’s favorites by clicking here : The Best Hotels in Amsterdam .

Since I had a very early flight home on the morning of my departure, I also tried out the Ibis Schiphol Amsterdam Airport, located 10 minutes from the airport (free shuttle). And I was pleasantly surprised: the rooms are modern, comfortable, and you can’t hear the planes at all.

• Foodhallen: located between the Jordaan district and the Vondelpark. A food court with a trendy and warm atmosphere where everyone can taste the cuisines of the world. The biggest problem is what to choose because it’s all really good!
• De Koperen Ketel: located 100 metres from the Rembrandtplein. Come to this small bistro decorated in typical Dutch style to taste delicious traditional cuisine. The ambience is warm, and the service impeccable. Reservation strongly recommended.
• The Happy Bull: at Hoofddorpweg 9 (to the south of the Vondelpark). If you fancy a tasty burger made from high-quality ingredients and home-made chips, you should head here! The burgers are really hearty, and excellent. If you have any room left, don’t forget to try one of their milkshakes!
• This isn’t really a specific place to go, but if you get a bit hungry during the day there are stands all over the city selling chips in a cone covered with a choice of sauces. You’ll soon see which are the most popular from the queues stretching several metres.

The only problem is the long waiting line at the entrance …

But that was before 😉.

Because yes, nowadays it’s possible to book your place in advance by paying for a menu. You will have the privilege to pass in front of all the other customers , with a big smile! (All those who haven’t read this travel tips from Voyage Tips and are standing in line! 😃)

Click on the following button to reserve your seat:

In Amsterdam, there is one of the biggest international airport in Europe, so it’s super convenient!

Flights prices for Amsterdam vary enormously so it’s a good idea to compare them as soon as possible, which you can do by using our flight comparison in partnership with Skyscanner. You’ll have the assurance of getting the best fare.

To reach the city centre from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, you can take the train to the central station or bus 397 that goes to Museumplein. You should thus first check where your hotel is located.

You should book your ticket in advance for the train or bus from Schiphol to Amsterdam .

Book your return ticket for the airport by clicking on the button below:

To view timetables, fares and book your tickets, click on the button below:

If you need to rent a car during your stay in Amsterdam , you can easily check prices from all the rental agencies on Rentalcars.com website.

If you want to rent a boat to spend a nice day on the canals while you’re staying in Amsterdam, you book it with Samboat .

Motorboats, sailboats, yachts, small boats without a license, with or without a skipper: they simply have the most complete offer for boat rental.

So what are you waiting for to book your boat trip on the canals of Amsterdam? 😊

To help you visualize the city a bit better, I’ve created a tourist map of Amsterdam for you, listing the places to visit that I’ve talked about in this top 30 things to do in Amsterdam. You can view the map legend by clicking on the button at the top left, the one with the small arrow.

And you, what do you plan to do in Amsterdam?

Discover all my articles about Amsterdam : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Amsterdam are listed there.

• Amsterdam: Top 30 best things to do
• 2 days in Amsterdam – The perfect itinerary for 48h!
• 3 Days in Amsterdam – The best 72h itinerary
• 4 Days in Amsterdam – The defitinive guide to plan your trip
• 5 Days in Amsterdam – The best itinerary discover the city and the surroundings
• Where to stay in Amsterdam? My guide to the best areas and hotels of the city

You’re using Pinterest? Here is the picture to pin!

Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

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10 Famous Places You Should Not Bother Visiting

Posted: December 29, 2023 | Last updated: December 29, 2023

Before narrowing down an itinerary to a vacation destination that’s been on your mind, you should decipher if it’s worth your time to visit in the first place. Some places are too crowded to get a taste of the true vibe. Other places are incredibly noteworthy and intriguing, but they’re far too dangerous to visit for yourself in person.

Some places have been hyped to the extreme by people around the globe — but they’re riddled with crime, bad weather, seasonal closures, or widespread prejudice. Sometimes, it’s best to admire certain locations from a distance.

For your benefit, watch an adventure movie or two before hopping on a plane somewhere new. Seeing details about certain destinations onscreen in a movie may save you from booking the wrong trip. (Click here to discover the 19 best adventure films of all time.)

To compile this list of famous places you shouldn’t bother visiting, 24/7 Tempo consulted several travel websites including Pick Your Trail, The Travel, and Travel Triangle.

There’s much to do in Amsterdam. After all, it’s the capital of the Netherlands. A visit to Amsterdam means you’ll have the chance to lay eyes on the Museum District, which houses the Van Gogh Museum. Anyone who considers themselves to be an art buff likely has great appreciation for this particular travel destination.

Unfortunately, it’s so busy that it might not be worth it to bother. About 20 million tourists touch down in Amsterdam every year, according to some data . It is so overwhelming for locals that officials in the Netherlands have gone out of their way to block advertisements that describe the country as a tourist spot in hopes that the crowds will become more manageable.

Whether you watched “The Cheetah Girls 2” on Disney Channel or not, it’s obvious that Barcelona is considered one of the top tourist destinations ever. The problem here is that there are only 1.6 million people who call themselves residents of Barcelona…and about 30 million tourists head to Barcelona every year, about 10 million of which stay for longer than just a day.

With 15 times more tourists than locals in one place, is a trip to Barcelona really worth it? When there are far more tourists than locals gathered in any place, it takes away from the true vibe of an environment.

Machu Picchu

Plenty of people are attracted to Machu Picchu for the chance to admire gorgeous ancient architecture and stunning views. To be more specific, Machu Picchu is located on top of an Incan mountain in Peru. It’s a citadel that garners attention from people all over the globe.

The recommended daily limit of guests at Machu Picchu is 2,500. Recently, more than 5,000 visitors have been making their way up to Machu Picchu every single day. For this reason, it might be best to skip a vacation in Machu Picchu and choose a less populated spot. (In an effort to recoup tourism revenue lost during the beginning of the year, Peru is raising the daily limit on visitors to Machu Picchu from its previous cap to 5,600 people per day. This measure aims to account for the economic impact to the popular destination from having fewer international travelers over the past few years.)

Mount Everest

The idea of climbing Mount Everest might sound intriguing if you appreciate the great outdoors. That doesn’t mean this is a place that should be added to your list of destinations to visit, though. Mount Everest is actually quite dangerous with terrible statistics backing it up.

Around 1,200 explorers attempt to make their way up the mountain every year, but only half of them make it to the top. Some climbers have died trying to complete the mission. Hypoxia is a fierce threat while climbing Mount Everest, since there are freezing temperatures and low oxygen levels. It’s been estimated that there are over 200 dead bodies scattered around Mount Everest at this point in time.

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

Visiting the islands of Hawaii isn’t a problem if you know where to spend the majority of your time. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, in particular, isn’t the safest place to go despite how well-known and popular it might be. We already know Hawaii has a reputation for active volcanic activity. The poisonous gases floating through the air at park are way too toxic at times for anyone to safely breathe in. On top of that, there’s often smoky ash filling the air around the park.

Volusia County, Florida

There are plenty of beaches to visit in Florida, so there’s no reason to spend your time visiting Volusia county. Although Florida is known for having some of the most exquisite and wonderful beaches in the United States, there have been more than 330 shark attacks in Volusia County since 1882.

For some perspective, this number beats the number of shark attacks in South Africa. Volusia County is famous for being the “shark attack capital of the world.” For some reason, its reputation hasn’t stopped swimmers and surfers from taking a dip.

Qingdao Huiquan Beach

Qingdao Huiquan Beach is located in Qingdao, China. Checking out the beaches of China might sound like a dreamy adventure, but this particular beach is way too crowded to be much fun for anyone. Around 130,000 people make their way over to Qingdao Huiquan Beach every single day.

Since the beach is so close to the city, the proximity is one of the main reasons it’s so popular. It’s also totally free to visit this beach without any admission fees. People trying to save money while enjoying themselves will typically consider Qingdao Huiquan Beach to be a prime vacation destination. It’s not worth your time if you don’t have enough space to lay a beach towel down.

Oxford Street in London

Spending time in London means you might have a chance to pass to Oxford Street. This is the busiest and most crowded street in the United Kingdom. Since the street is full of so many random people, there’s a chance visitors will get pickpocketed by strangers bumping into them at any given moment.

You have to be highly vigilant and protective of your belongings to make sure you don’t get robbed. Since Oxford Street is bustling with folks on foot from morning tonight, it’s been projected that the street will become entirely pedestrian soon enough. This means there won’t be room for vehicle traffic including buses or taxis anywhere in the area.

Musée du Louvre in Paris, France

The Musée du Louvre in Paris, France has a reputation for being one of the most beautiful and romantic places in the world. Fortunately, there are plenty of places you can visit in Paris that are less crowded and just as beautiful and romantic. The reason this spot is so overpopulated is that some of the most beloved art pieces in the world can be admired while spending time there.

The Mona Lisa, which was painted by Leonardo da Vinci, is housed in the museum. In 2022, 7.8 million visitors went out of their way to reach this destination. Talk about a bustling place to be!

Times Square in New York

Is a trip to New York City complete without walking through Times Square? It might have to be if you’re planning to visit New York soon. Since Time Square is so overcrowded, it can be uncomfortable to get from point A to point B while you’re there. On a daily basis, over 300,000 people trek through Times Square to go shopping, take pictures, and socialize with others.

Time Square is where the ball drops on New Year’s Eve every single year. It’s full of brand-name stores that sell designer products, Broadway shows, and characters in costume for photo opportunities.

Fortunately, New York doesn’t end with Time Square and there are still plenty of different things a visitor can do without dealing with the stress of such a massive crowd. While we’re on the topic of New York, click here to find out about 19 things New York is famous for.

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The 10 Best Hotels In Amsterdam

All products and services featured are independently selected by forbes vetted contributors and editors. when you make a purchase through links on this page, we may earn a commission. learn more, astrid taran , forbes staff, forbes vetted.

W ith its scenic canals, plentiful windmills and numerous world-famous museums and attractions, Amsterdam is the cultural capital of the Netherlands and a beloved vacation destination for millions of travelers. Whether you plan to visit during its treasured tulip season or to spend time exploring the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum, the city has no shortage of things to see. The best hotels in Amsterdam are also ripe for discovery—from canal-front grand dames to hip and modern boutiques, many are housed in restored buildings that contain deep wells of fascinating Dutch history.

Our top recommendation, Pulitzer Amsterdam , is a stylish escape set inside 17th- and 18th-century houses overlooking the Prinsengracht canal, while the unique Conservatorium Hotel offers a luxurious stay in a restored former music conservatory. Those searching for a boutique-style hotel not too far from the main attractions will love The Dylan , a reimagined former theatre where Rembrandt once worked, while young creatives will want to head to Volkshotel in Amsterdam East, which once served as the headquarters of a Dutch daily newspaper. Below, our selections for the best hotels in Amsterdam in 2024.

Best Hotel In Amsterdam Overall: Pulitzer Amsterdam

Best high-end hotel in amsterdam: conservatorium hotel, best boutique hotel in amsterdam: the dylan, best value hotel in amsterdam: volkshotel, best historic hotel in amsterdam: waldorf astoria amsterdam, best hotel for romance in amsterdam: de l’europe, best hotel for families in amsterdam: hotel estheréa, best hotel for design lovers in amsterdam: hotel twentyseven, hotel with the best rooftop in amsterdam: pillows maurits at the park, best spa and wellness hotel in amsterdam: hotel okura amsterdam.

Antique Collector's Suite at Pulitzer Amsterdam.

Pulitzer Amsterdam

Who Will Love It : Travelers looking for prime views and a prime location

All-Star Amenities : Le Labo toiletries; antique rotary telephones; some rooms with canal views; bike repair kits in every room (this is Amsterdam, after all)

What Not To Miss : A jenever cocktail at the Art Deco Pulitzer’s Bar; an afternoon canal cruise on the hotel’s private boat, The Tourist

Location : Negen Straatjes (Nine Streets)

Overlooking the Prinsengracht canal in Amsterdam’s central Negen Straatjes (Nine Streets) shopping district, Pulitzer Amsterdam has a unique set-up: its rooms are spread across 25 historic canal houses from the 17th and 18th century. Despite the historic exterior, this property offers a completely modern feel—think muted colors accented by jewel tones and quirky touches like an archway built of books and a wall lined with brass trumpets. Canal view rooms offer direct views of Amsterdam’s most famous attraction, while Collector’s Suites each have their own private entrances. Luxe Le Labo toiletries and clever bike repair kits can be found in every room. Enjoy a tipple at the on-site Art Deco-style Putlizer’s Bar, followed by dinner at Jansz, named after 17th-century Dutch craftsman Volkert Jansz, who once called the space his home. The hotel owns its own private boat, The Tourist, which offers guests cruises on the canal every afternoon. A private cruise complete with a floating picnic can also be arranged.

Guest room at Conservatorium Amsterdam.

Conservatorium Hotel

Who Will Love It : Luxury loving travelers who like their hotels with a bit of musical history; culture lovers who want to stay walking distance from prime attractions

All-Star Amenities : Floris toiletries; on-site Akasha Wellbeing Center

What Not To Miss : The chandelier made of violins

Location : Museum Square

This chic stay just steps from the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum has a storied history: it was built as a bank in the 19th century before it evolved into a music school, the Sweelinck Conservatorium. The property was later reimagined by Italian architect Piero Lissoni, transforming it into one of Amsterdam’s most stylish hotels—but it hasn’t forgotten its history. Guests will find many winks to the building’s past here, such as a chandelier made of violins and stone pigs carved into the staircases to symbolize piggy banks. Rooms are sophisticated, with dark hardwood floors, travertine stone bathrooms and rainfall showers; downstairs, guests can mingle in an impressive atrium lounge. On-site dining includes a brasserie with Dutch-inspired plates and the Asian-inspired Taiko, while the superb Akasha spa is among the best in the city.

Guest room at The Dylan.

Who Will Love It : Those who want a true canal-front experience in the middle of it all, but without the party crowds

All-Star Amenities : Aesop toiletries; Illy espresso makers; Frette bathrobes; bicycles for rent

What Not To Miss : Dinner at the Michelin-starred Vinkeles

Like other hotels on this list, The Dylan lived many lives—as a theatre that employed the famed Dutch painter Rembrandt as a production assistant, then as a children’s orphanage—before it became the elegant and intimate boutique hotel it is today. Although just a few blocks away from the city’s major museums and attractions, the guest experience is here is understated, elegant and sophisticated. That same aesthetic is reflected in each room’s design, with three different themes—copper and bronze Loxura, brown and grey Serendipity and brass and marble Amber—as well as more traditional Loft suites with exposed beams. The on-site Michelin-starred restaurant, Vinkeles, is helmed by chef Dennis Kuipers, and brasserie-style bites at OCCO can be enjoyed with views of the hotel’s charming courtyard.

Miva room at Volkshotel.

Who Will Love It : Those who want a value-driven stay in one of the city’s hippest hubs

All-Star Amenities : A Finnish sauna; three rooftop hot tubs; a lobby co-working space that makes it easy to meet locals; sweeping views of the city from top floors

What Not To Miss : A cocktail at on-site Doka, open Thursdays through Sundays

Location : Amsterdam East

Amsterdam’s creative hub can be found in Amsterdam Oost—or East—and the stylish, social-forward Volkshotel is right at the center of it all. Once the headquarters of De Volkskrant, a Dutch daily newspaper, the building now houses Werkplaats, a creative co-working space, as well as a 172-key hotel that bills itself as “a place for everyone.” Those seeking an affordable stay can find rooms here beginning at less than $200 a night, with sizes varying from sleeping pods to the cozy “Miss Petite” and the family-sized “Mrs. Massive.” Despite having fewer bells and whistles (rooms don’t come with a minibar, coffee or tea makers or telephones), the stay here is still modern and sleek, with color palettes of red, black and grey and thoughtful touches, like illustrated toiletry bottles designed by artists in residence. Canvas, the hotel’s fun bar-restaurant hybrid, serves lunch, dinner and cocktails; early nighters might want to avoid booking in on the weekends, when it transforms into a dance club.

Guest room at the Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam.

Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam

Who Will Love It : Travelers looking for a spacious stay in a quiet, central location with high-end amenities and top-notch service

All-Star Amenities : Aesop toiletries; Guerlain spa with pool, sauna and steam room; a scent menu for each guest room; all-day coffee and tea service; babysitting services

What Not To Miss : A tasting of some of the world’s rarest Scotch whiskeys at The Vault Bar, the on-site speakeasy

Location : Canal Ring

Located on a quiet street overlooking the UNESCO-designated Herengracht canal, Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam was once the 17th-century home of one of Amsterdam’s most influential mayors, Hendrik Hooft, during the Dutch Golden Age of art, commerce and trade. Noble families and royalty were frequent guests, making this hotel a true slice of Dutch history. Many of the building’s historic characteristics have been preserved—think marble fireplaces, exposed beam and high ceilings—and the 93 rooms are among the city’s most spacious. Spectrum, the two Michelin-starred restaurant from chef Sidney Schutte, is on-site, as well as The Vault Bar, a basement speakeasy that was once a former bank vault and is now home to some of the world’s hardest to find Scotch whiskeys.

Suite at De L'Europe.

De L’Europe

Who Will Love It : Couples; culture lovers

All-Star Amenities : Diptyque toiletries; Le Spa by Skins Institute; gym; pool; waterfront terrace; 24-hour concierge; on-site floral studio; two Michelin-starred Restaurant Flore

What Not To Miss : A drink at Freddy’s Bar, named after Freddy Heineken of the beer dynasty

Location : Amstel River

Although the city’s canals have earned it the nickname “Venice of the North,” Amsterdam can often go overlooked when it comes to romantic European destinations. Those skeptics haven’t stayed at De L’Europe, a true grande dame offering an intimate, picturesque stay perched upon the banks of the Amstel River, walking distance from many of the city’s main attractions. Guest rooms are decked out with luscious silks and velvets, beds are dressed with satin sheets and bathrooms feature marble finishings, heated floors and Diptyque toiletries. The property’s newly renovated ’t Huys wing offers an on-site floral studio where guests can purchase fresh bouquets for their sweethearts as well as book appointments for two at the spa, highlighting products from Skins Institute. In the evening, a fine dining experience is in order at Restaurant Flore, a recipient of two Michelin stars, followed by a nightcap at Freddy’s Bar, considered one of the best bars in the city.

De Herenkamer at Hotel Estheréa.

Hotel Estheréa

Who Will Love It : Families with children; design lovers

All-Star Amenities : Library; lounge; gym; L’Occitane toiletries; bikes and scooters available for rent; breakfast is free for children under 12

What Not To Miss : The free coffee, tea, hot chocolate and snacks available all day in the lobby

Location : Old Center

It only makes sense that one of Amsterdam’s most family-friendly hotels has family history of its own, and Hotel Estheréa delivers in spades. This design-forward boutique just a short walk from Dam Square was purchased by World War II widow Maria Flieger-Gruyters in 1942 and transformed into a guesthouse named after her daughters Esther, Elly and Ria. After several expansions, the hotel still remains under the same family ownership, with Flieger-Gruyters’ eccentric and poppy style reflected by the bold patterns and bright colors that fill each room. While Hotel Estheréa would also be an excellent option for couples or fans of interior design, children will have a particularly fun time here. The service is exceptionally child-friendly, with young ones often receiving small gifts at check-in, and perks like all-day hot chocolate and sweet treats available in the lobby that are sure to please. Family-friendly room configurations are readily available for large families—including eight interconnecting rooms—and daily breakfast is free for children under 12.

Grand Dam Square Suite at Hotel TwentySeven

Hotel TwentySeven

Who Will Love It : Travelers looking for a spacious stay in a suites-only boutique; those looking to stay near Dam Square; fans of interior design

All-Star Amenities : Personal butler service; Lanvin and Lalique toiletries; each suite features a steam room, whirlpool bath and fitness equipment

What Not To Miss : The opulent décor found in each suite; dinner at Michelin-starred Bougainville

The brainchild of hotelier Eric Toren and Dutch design stars Wim van de Oudeweetering and Cris van Amsterdam, Hotel TwentySeven is a suites-only boutique hotel that fully understands and embraces the term “more is more.” Every inch of the property is draped and adorned with high-end furnishings, decorative tiling, hand-blown chandeliers, bold patterns and sumptuous fabrics. Suites feature plush velvet sofas and crystal bedside lamps alongside marble bathrooms stocked with luxe Lanvin and Lalique toiletries. The property is set on the upper floors of a landmark building across from busy Dam Square, but all suites are fully soundproof, so foot traffic will go unnoticed. While the hotel does not have a gym, spa or pool, its other on-site perks more than make up for it: third-floor restaurant Bougainville is a hot ticket and a recipient of a Michelin star, while Bar TwentySeven’s creative cocktail list has made it a favorite amongst the city’s movers and shakers.

Exterior of Pillows Maurits At The Park.

Pillows Maurits At The Park

Who Will Love It : Travelers seeking an urban oasis in the city; those looking for a great spot for drinks with a view

All-Star Amenities : Gym; sauna; guests-only lounge serving snacks and hot beverages; on-site gardens; free bike rentals; an expansive art collection with pieces by Klimt and Picasso

What Not To Miss : The views of Oosterpark at Fitz’s Bar on the hotel’s rooftop

Set on the edge of one of the city’s favorite green spaces, Amsterdam East’s leafy Oosterpark, Pillows Maurits at the Park feels like an intimate escape from the hustle and bustle while in reality being just steps away from lively shops, cafés, restaurants and bars. Occupying what was once a medical university, the hotel’s building has been completely reimagined, with guest rooms that feel airy and tranquil and a new wing built to connect the spaciousness of the property with the verdancy of the outdoors. The many on-site nesting boxes lend to frequent birdsong, and guests can choose from rooms with a bucolic view of the park or a more classic view of the famed canals. For spring and summer days that call for kicking back with a cocktail, the rooftop at on-site Fitz’s Bar—which combines park views with elegant plant-forward design—is one of the best places in the city to enjoy sunny weather with friends.

Nagomi Gym & Wellness at Hotel Okura Amsterdam.

Hotel Okura Amsterdam

Who Will Love It : Spa lovers; mothers and daughters; fans of Japanese hospitality and design

All-Star Amenities : Fragonard toiletries; rainfall shower heads; on-site Nagomi Spa & Health featuring saunas, a Turkish steam room, a sun bed, a pool and a Jacuzzi; four restaurants, three of which are Michelin-starred

What Not To Miss : A treatment at Nagomi Spa & Health; panoramic views at Twenty Third Bar

Location : De Pijp

Located on the outskirts of the trendy De Pijp neighborhood, lined with cafés, bookstores and wine bars, the serene Hotel Okura occupies a 23-story building overlooking it all. This Japanese-owned property dishes out exceptional Asian hospitality with warm, attentive service and zen-like calm; its location in one of the city’s only high-rise buildings also lends itself to ravishing panoramic views. Travelers seeking a winning combination of a great neighborhood, superb on-site dining options (three of the four on-site restaurants at Hotel Okura—Ciel Blue, Yamazato and Sazanka—are Michelin-starred) and a sublime spa experience will be more than delighted by the many offerings found here. Nagomi Spa & Health offers a long menu of both Western and Eastern treatments using products from French skincare brand Sothys; afterwards, guests can indulge in the spa’s many amenities, ranging from a tea lounge and Japanese stone garden to a Turkish steam room and a gym equipped with on-call personal trainers.

About Astrid Taran, Your Amsterdam Guide

I have covered travel for almost a full decade as both a writer and editor. Along with extensively writing about hotels and airlines, I have also written multiple destination guides as well as long-form features on luxury travel, adventure travel, wellness travel and more. As a lifelong New Yorker, I always feel happiest in an urban setting, and my favorite thing to do while traveling is to take in the art, culture and culinary gems of a new city. Amsterdam was the first European city I ever visited, and I have returned dozens of times to visit friends, take in the city’s excellent museums and indulge in fresh stroopwafel. Currently, I am the senior travel editor at Forbes Vetted, where I oversee all things hotels, cruises and travel accessories. You can read more of my Forbes Vetted stories here .

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Getting around Amsterdam

Planning to travel in Amsterdam? Whether you’re a visitor or a resident, let this guide help you make the most of your Amsterdam experience. Travel from the airport to a hotel using Uber and discover popular routes and destinations. Depending on your city, you can even use the app to get around with public transport, bikes or scooters, and more.

Plus, check out Uber rates for riders and drivers and learn how to use Uber to get paid to drive or deliver in Amsterdam.

Reserve car service in Amsterdam with Uber

Arrange your car service needs in advance with Uber in Amsterdam. Request a ride anytime up to 90 days ahead, whether you need transportation to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, you have plans to visit your favorite restaurant, or you’re going somewhere else.

Ride Sharing in Amsterdam

Getting around Amsterdam without a car is easy with Uber. Find places to visit in the area, then request a ride on any day and at any time of the week. You can request a ride in real-time or request a ride in advance so your ride is ready when you are. Whether you’re traveling in a group or alone, you can use the app to find a ride option for your needs.

Open the Uber app and enter your destination to begin exploring Amsterdam.

Amsterdam-area airport car service

When your travel in Amsterdam takes you to an airport from a neighborhood, or elsewhere, open the app and request a ride at any time of day. Tap below on the name of a nearby airport to learn how to use Uber to get car service to arrivals and departures. On the linked airport page, you’ll find out where to meet your driver for pickup, how much the trip will cost, and more.

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)

Choose the best ways to get around amsterdam, taxi in amsterdam.

Consider Uber as an alternative to taxis when getting around Amsterdam. With Uber, you can trade flagging down cabs for requesting rides on demand, no matter the time of day. Request a ride from an airport to a hotel, head to a restaurant, or visit another place. The choice is yours. Open the app and enter a destination to get started.

Public transport in Amsterdam

Getting around with public transport is an affordable way to travel. Depending on the area, you can view nearby bus or subway routes with Uber Transit to help plan your travels. Open the app to see if Uber Transit is available in your neighborhood or visit popular places in Amsterdam by ridesharing with Uber.

Bike rentals in Amsterdam

Biking is an eco-friendly way to get around the heart of a city. In select cities, you can find and ride electric bikes with Uber. Open the app to see if bikes are available in Amsterdam. If bikes are available in Amsterdam, remember to wear a helmet and follow traffic laws while riding.

Uber does not tolerate the use of alcohol or drugs by drivers using the Uber app. If you believe your driver may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, please have the driver end the trip immediately.

Commercial vehicles may be subject to additional state government taxes, which would be over and above the toll.

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GreenTech Amsterdam 2024 | Amsterdam RAI

GreenTech Amsterdam 2024 is the global meeting place for professionals involved in horticulture technology. This three-day event, held at Amsterdam RAI, will provide concrete answers to essential questions on technology and innovation for the production of vegetables, fruit, and flowers. Attendees can look forward to meeting new partners, exploring groundbreaking innovations, and participating in inspiring sessions that will update their knowledge on the latest developments in the industry. GreenTech Amsterdam 2024 will take place from June 11th to June 13th. Located at Europaplein 24, 1078 GZ Amsterdam, Netherlands, this event promises to be an invaluable opportunity for industry professionals to connect, learn, and stay ahead of the curve. Whether you are seeking insights on cutting-edge technology or looking to expand your network, GreenTech Amsterdam 2024 is the place to be. Join professionals from around the world as they gather in Amsterdam to discuss the future of horticulture technology. The event will serve as a platform for sharing ideas, showcasing innovative solutions, and fostering collaboration. Don't miss your chance to be a part of this global gathering that will shape the future of the industry. Mark your calendars and prepare to immerse yourself in a world of horticulture technology at GreenTech Amsterdam 2024.

Provided by OldriskaTalon | Published Apr 11, 2024

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