The capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam is a cosmopolitan city well-known for its picturesque canals, world-famous museums, colorful flower markets, and luscious parks.
From well-preserved 17th-century buildings and craft breweries to art galleries and the infamous Red Light District, there’s plenty to look forward to when visiting Amsterdam. To find the best things to do in Amsterdam, read on for my list of the best Amsterdam attractions.
Best Things to Do in Amsterdam
1. Vondelpark
Start your Amsterdam travel itinerary with a visit to the wonderful Vondelpark. With peaceful ponds, an abundance of recreational facilities, ample paths, and magnificent statues and sculptures, it’s easy to see why Vondelpark is one of the most popular green spaces in the Netherlands.
Whether you have a picnic on the green meadows, bike along pathways, or order pickled herring and a refreshing drink at one of the cafes in the park, Vondelpark is an ideal destination for nature lovers and attracts both tourists and locals.
2. The Van Gogh Museum
Opened in 1972, the Van Gogh Museum is one of the most visited attractions in the city and houses the world’s largest collection of paintings and artifacts from the famous artist, Vincent Van Gogh.
Book your entry ticket with free cancellation.
Expect to find around 200 paintings, 700 letters, and 500 drawings and etchings here at this fabulous museum. Some of his famous works include Vase with Sunflowers and The Potato Eaters.
Besides Van Gogh’s paintings and letters, you’ll find works by his contemporaries including artists like Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Millet, Daubigny, and many others.
3. Learn about De Wallen (Red Light District)
Amsterdam’s red light district, De Wallen is a neighborhood where travelers will find adult entertainment. However, there is more to this district than just windows illuminated with red lights.
Pay a visit to the Oude Kerk (Old Church) which was established in the 14th century, explore the Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder museum, or try some local cuisine at one of the district’s fine dining establishments.
As for adult entertainment, there is everything from live sex shows to the guided tour of De Wallen conducted by a former sex worker.
Book your guided red light district tour here.
4. Visit the Bloemenmarkt or Keukenhof
No visit to Amsterdam is complete without checking on the floating flower market also known as Bloemenmarkt.
Open 7 days a week and situated right between Koningsplein and Muntplein, this lovely market was founded in 1882 and boasts a complex of stalls where local florists sell all the bulbs and flowers for which Amsterdam is famous.
From tulips to daffodils and narcissus, there is plenty to choose from here at Bloemenmarkt. If you don't mind a touristy experience, pay a visit to the famous bulb flower park in Lisse called Keukenhof.
Book your ticket online to not miss out – this is a very popular activity in Amsterdam!
Otherwise, if you don't have a whole day, head to the Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam which offers dozens of spectacular plant and flower exhibits.
5. Cruise the Canals of Amsterdam
A canal tour in Amsterdam is an experience unlike any other and offers an opportunity to admire traditional Dutch architecture and see hundreds of picturesque townhouses that date back to the Renaissance period.
Staying on the canals in Amsterdam is a unique and unforgettable experience. The charming architecture, the tranquil waterways, and the lively atmosphere make it one of the best places to stay in the city.
6. The Rijksmuseum
With an impressive collection of more than 7 million rare works of art and antiquities, the Rijksmuseum is a must-visit destination for every art lover visiting Amsterdam.
The museum is spread across 250 rooms and boasts collections of traditional handicrafts, paintings, and a library that houses over 30,000 manuscripts and books.
Here, you can see the famous Rembrandt masterpiece Night Watch, as well as works by famous artists such as Johannes Vemeer and Frans Hals. Guided tours of the museum are available in various languages.
Book your ticket to enter and skip the line.
7. Dam Square
Amsterdam’s Dam Square serves as a gathering area for tourists and locals. This comes as no surprise since the square is home to a number of attractions including:
- Madame Tussauds Wax Museum – get skip-the-line tickets
- The National Memorial Statue in the centre of Amsterdam's Dam Square serves as an important Second World War memorial
- Nieuwe Kerk, the New Church located right next to the Royal Palace
However, the most famous landmark here is the 17th-century Royal Palace where the Dutch Royal family used to live. You can enter the Royal Palace for a small fee and take an audio tour around it to learn more about Dutch history.
The public square also offers plenty of entertainment including annual music festivals and street performances. In case you get hungry or wish to buy a souvenir, the square is lined with many souvenir shops, cafes, and bars.
8. Visit Anne Frank House
Visiting the Anne Frank House is an eye-opening experience! Go on an introspective journey into the life of one of history's most renowned diarists.
The house, located in Amsterdam, serves as a somber reminder of World War II and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Walking through the secret annex where Anne Frank and her family hid from the Nazis evokes a profound sense of empathy and reflection.
The preserved rooms, filled with personal belongings and Anne's own writings, will transport you back in time, offering a glimpse into the daily struggles and hopes of those who lived in hiding.
You can only book tickets online over the official site and you need to choose a specific time slot.
Another great way to learn about Anna Frank's life without going inside the house is by joining this guided tour that takes you through the Jewish Quarter.
9. Browse De 9 Straatjes
Browsing De 9 Straatjes, or “The 9 Streets” is one of my favourite things to do in Amsterdam. Located in the heart of Amsterdam's historic canal district, these picturesque streets offer plenty of wonderful boutique shops, cozy cafes, and unique finds.
Each of the nine streets is lined with a range of independent shops, from vintage clothing stores and artisanal craft shops to trendy boutiques and specialty food shops.
Whether you're in search of one-of-a-kind fashion pieces, handmade gifts, or delicious Dutch treats, you will find them by visiting De 9 Straatjes.
10. Heineken Experience
The Heineken Experience in Amsterdam is a must-visit attraction for beer lovers like my other half. It's located in a former Heineken brewery, now turned into an interactive museum exhibiting the Heineken beer production and brand history of one of the world's most iconic breweries.
Explore the brewing process firsthand, from ingredients to packaging, and even get a taste of freshly brewed beer. The highlight at the end is certainly the opportunity to enjoy a refreshing Heineken beer in the company's original tasting room.
Book your Heineken Experience online.
11. Explore the Trendy Jordaan District
The trendy Jordaan district in Amsterdam is a residential neighborhood with charming streets lined with boutiques, art galleries, cafes, and hidden courtyards.
This historic neighborhood is today a hub of creativity and filled with culture. I simply love wandering along the little lanes and picturesque canals to find unique shops selling everything from handmade jewelry to vintage clothing and art.
Jordaan has plenty of cozy cafes too, my favourites are the Parisian-inspired Le Petit Deli and Bruno’s Amsterdam for really good coffee!
12. Body Worlds Amsterdam
Body Worlds Amsterdam offers a fascinating and thought-provoking exploration of the human body. This innovative museum, created by anatomist Gunther von Hagens, showcases real human bodies preserved through a process called plastination.
Get your entrance ticket online.
From skeletal structures to muscular systems and the complexities of the brain, Body Worlds certainly provides a unique and educational experience and it's likely not for everyone visiting Amsterdam.
13. Explore Amsterdam by Bike
Explore Amsterdam like the locals do – by bike! It's seriously the best way to experience the city's canals and culture. Lucky, the city is pretty flat and there's a huge network of bike lanes. No wonder Amsterdam is often dubbed the “cycling capital of the world”.
Renting a bike or joining a guided bike tour allows you to experience the charming streets, scenic canals, and iconic landmarks such as the Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, and Vondelpark just like a local. You'll have the freedom to discover hidden gems, stop wherever you want along the canals, and blend in with the locals as you pedal through the beautiful Amsterdam neighborhoods.
14. Go on a Food Tour
I love joining a food tour in a new city! It's the best way to sample traditional Dutch delicacies and indulge in a variety of flavors from local markets, street vendors, and specialty eateries, that you would have never found by yourself!
From Dutch classics like stroopwafels, a caramel-filled waffle to bitterballen, which are deep-fried meatballs, to cheeses, fresh herring, and Dutch pastries, going on a food tour with a local guide is one of the best days to discover Amsterdam.
15. NEMO Science Museum
The NEMO Science Museum in Amsterdam is housed in a striking green building shaped like a ship and invites you to explore its interactive exhibits and hands-on activities.
From the wonders of science and technology to the human body and the natural world, NEMO Science Museum offers a wide range of experiences.
I personally love the rooftop terrace with its panoramic views of Amsterdam.
Book Your Trip To The Netherlands
Book Your Flight
I recommend using Skyscanner as the easiest way to find and compare the best airfares to and within the Netherlands.
Book Your Hotel
My top pick for finding the perfect accommodation is Booking.com, as they guarantee the best room rate available, plus you get free cancellation on most bookings.
Book Your Tours & Activities
I like finding and pre-booking tours with Get Your Guide and Viator. You will book with instant confirmation, great customer support, and free cancellation for many activities.
Access Money Overseas Without Hidden Fees
I highly recommend getting a Wise account to withdraw money in the Netherlands, pay for meals on the Visa card, or shop in Euros. With Wise, you always pay the real exchange, so you never pay more than you need to.
Stay Connected Anywhere
Getting an eSIM card from Airalo eliminates the need for physical SIM cards, so you can easily switch between mobile networks in over 190 countries worldwide without expensive roaming fees.
Don't Go Without Travel Insurance
Travel with confidence, knowing that Hey Mondo, my preferred travel insurance provider, has your back. Don't let illness, accidents, theft, or cancellations ruin your trip. As a Breathing Travel reader, you also get 5% off any policy purchased!
Best Things to Do in Amsterdam – Final Words
Amsterdam is worth a weekend or extended week-long trip for housesitting like I've done. From admiring the historic architecture of the Royal Palace to learning about the historic stories at Anne Frank House to cruising along the picturesque canals, the city offers an amazing blend of old-world charm and modernity and there are truly so many things to do in Amsterdam that you need to be coming back multiple time.
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