Are you heading to the Netherlands and looking for some things to do in Amsterdam? Look no further!
I have a whole list of Amsterdam attractions that will leave you charmed.
The city is known for its gorgeous buildings, bicycles riding through the streets, art galleries, historical museums, canals, and yummy food — need I say more?
From stunning canal cruises along the Amstel River to the beauty of iconic artworks in the Van Gogh Museum, there is something here for everyone.
Now, there are plenty of things to see in Amsterdam, so what are you waiting for? Let’s have a look at what to do in Amsterdam, with some valuable tips along the way.
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Amsterdam Essentials
Top Experiences & Tours in Amsterdam
Amsterdam has so many incredible things to do, but if you’re short on time I recommend booking a Classic Boat Cruise with a Live Guide, Drinks and Cheese (click here!) or a Jordaan Small-Group Food Tour (click here!)
Where to Stay in Amsterdam
Amsterdam has endless options for where to stay. These are my recommendations!
($$$) Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Maurits at the Park – This is where I stayed, and it was amazing! It’s so luxurious and relaxing in the most perfect way possible. Click here to check availability!
($$) Hotel V Fizeaustraat – Highly-rated hotel with terrace views! Click here to check availability!
($) Joy Hotel – Amazing budget friendly option that’ll put you near the best things to do. Click here to check availability!
How To Get Around Amsterdam
Public Transportation
I’d suggest taking advantage of the public transport system in Amsterdam, which is excellent and reliable.
Metros, ferries, trains, trams, and buses are all popular modes of travel that you’ll be using a lot of.
It’s recommended that you get an OV-chipkaart (chip card).
This allows you to top up the card balance and easily use any mode of public transport in the city.
The card also saves you the hassle of buying tickets for each trip.
Bike
Amsterdam is well-known as the bicycle capital of the world, and cycling has become an essential part of Dutch culture.
So, bike rentals are a great way to explore and admire the city up close and exercise while you’re at it.
I’d recommend renting a bicycle at places like MacBike Amsterdam and using the designated bike lanes across the city.
Walking
Otherwise, walking through Amsterdam or using a ride-share app like Uber are also good options.
1. Admire the Sights on a Canal Cruise
The canals of Amsterdam are one of the distinctive features of the city and span over 46 miles (75km) — isn’t that crazy?
There isn’t a better way to get your first glimpse of the city than by hitching a ride on one of the many boats, whether that be a small narrowboat or a large cruiser.
You can lounge about, take stunning photos, enjoy the impressive views, and maybe have a drink and snacks on the cruise.
There are three main canals, which are the largest: Herengracht, Prinsengracht, and Keizersgracht. Each of these offers plenty of boat tours you can try.
However, Brouwersgracht is one of the most beautiful. You’ll be able to see those classic Dutch houses, trees, bridges, and other lovely scenery.
I recommend this highly-rated Classic Boat Cruise with Cheese & Wine Option. Click here to check availability on Getyourguide.
2. Hop on a Bike Ride Through the City
As I’ve already mentioned, Amsterdam is the world’s bicycle capital, so bike rentals are available almost anywhere.
The cycling city has many narrow streets and winding roads that are easy to explore on foot, but you can cover much more ground on two wheels.
Plus, it’s nice to get involved in the local culture, and cycling is a big part of that.
Riding a bike gives you a unique perspective of Amsterdam’s tourist attractions, canals, and places like the Amstel Bridge, Jordaan, and Nine Streets (but more on those later).
If you aren’t sure where to plan your route, check out some popular cycling routes around Amsterdam.
That said, some beautiful places to check out on your bike include the lush Amsterdamse Bos forest, IJburg, or the Nieuwmarkt area.
Or you can simply ride along the city’s hundreds of bridges and canals.
Want to experience the city by bike with a knowledge guide?
I recommend this highly-rated Guided Bike Tour of Central Amsterdam. Click here to check availability on Getyourguide.
3. Explore the Jordaan Neighborhood
Jordaan is a cute little neighborhood in the center of Amsterdam with a vibrant artistic culture and a whole lot of fun.
If you’re visiting Amsterdam, you must take advantage of this charming spot.
The area is packed with things to see and do, from museums and restaurants serving fantastic food to markets and churches.
At the Noordermarkt, you’ll find a flea market that runs every Monday until 1 PM, which sells anything from Dutch crockery to cute clothes.
The Lindenmarkt is another great choice, operating on Saturdays and selling all types of food.
Apart from that, you’ll find art galleries like Galerie Ron Mandos and even a comedy club called Boom Chicago.
There is so much to explore in Jordaan, so it’s a must-add to your itinerary.
4. Marvel at the Gorgeous Van Gogh Museum
Vincent Van Gogh is likely one of the most famous Dutch painters in history, and despite the solemn history of his life, his works still inspire millions of people to this day.
That’s why skipping out on the Van Gogh Museum would be a waste of a trip.
The museum is found in the Museumplein public square in the city and holds the most extensive collection of Van Gogh’s works from his life.
You’ll find over 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and 750 letters created by this talented artist.
From iconic paintings like The Yellow House and Sunflowers on the interior to the actual sunflowers planted on the outside of the museum, you’ll be amazed by every beautiful moment.
Plus, there’s a gift shop to purchase a few keepsakes. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind experience for any art lover.
Click here to check ticket availability on Getyourguide.
5. Munch on Some Stroopwafels
Eating some stroopwafels is an absolute must-do in Amsterdam or anywhere in the Netherlands, really.
These thin wafer biscuits are a staple in the Netherlands and are a wonderful combination of sweet, crunchy, and downright delicious.
You can get them in all sorts of varieties, like the classic plain wafer with sweet syrup in the middle or mini ones with chocolate and sprinkles.
Perhaps you enjoy a thick caramel sauce in the center. The options are endless.
When in Amsterdam, look out for small stalls throughout the streets that sell the authentic kind.
Of course, plenty of bakeries sell these, including Hans Egstorf Bakery and Van Wonderen, which offer so many different flavors you might struggle to pick just one.
I mean Smarties, strawberry, pistachio, lotus biscuit flavors — you can’t go wrong.
6. Get a Glimpse of the Past at the Anne Frank House
This next one is quite a change of pace, but no less important.
Everyone knows the story of Anne Frank, a young Jewish girl who remained hidden in this very home for two years (1942 and 1944) in an attempt to escape Nazi soldiers.
It’s a truly heartbreaking story, but one that you will benefit from knowing more about.
The Anne Frank House Museum is a must-visit for anyone looking to learn about the tragic history of Jewish people during World War II.
It has preserved the living arrangements of the Frank family during their hiding and shares educational infographics and stories about that time.
Click here to check ticket availability on Getyourguide.
7. Walk Along the Nine Streets
The Nine Streets, or De 9 Straatjes, is a set of street blocks on the UNESCO-accredited Canal Belt that boasts over 250 restaurants, galleries, and attractions in Amsterdam.
When I say you can spend all day there, I mean it.
It’s a hub for culture and history, not to mention the incredible architecture and shopping of the area.
Some of the most iconic sights here include the Huis Marseille photography museum, the Westerkerk church, the Homomonument dedicated to gay pride, and the Bible Museum.
You’ll also find a bunch of cute eateries, like Jansz, that serve modern and elegant cuisine, or Chun Café, which serves trendy food and drinks perfect for foodie Instagram posts.
Plus, the Nine Streets is home to some of the most aesthetic stores, unique boutiques, and cool vintage shops in Amsterdam!
Don’t miss ENSŌ VINTAGE, the perfect place to pick up vintage leather pieces.
8. Have a drink on a rooftop bar
Speaking of Instagrammable spots, why not have a few drinks at a rooftop bar?
Amsterdam is a gorgeous city, that much is certain, and taking it in from above is an unbeatable experience.
There are plenty of rooftop bars to try that overlook the cityscape below, which is great for taking photos or simply enjoying the view.
My favorite is Fitz’s Bar, located right on the Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel property.
(This is the hotel I actually stayed at, again I can’t recommend it enough!)
Fitz’s is a 1920’s-inspired bar that serves award-winning cocktails with an elegant ambiance.
I tried the signature Essence No. 5, a cocktail inspired by the iconic Chanel No. 5, and it was delicious!
9. Visit Bloemenmarkt
When you think of the Netherlands, tulips come to mind immediately.
So, of course, Amsterdam is filled with flower markets, the best of which are along the Singel Canal.
One in particular captures the attention of everyone who goes there, and it happens to be the only floating flower market in the world.
The Bloemenmarkt is a gorgeous sight, floating on the waters between Muntplein and Koningsplein.
Besides simply being pretty, you can buy all sorts of vibrant and fragrant flowers here, from daffodils to those iconic tulips.
The best time to buy fresh tulips is at the end of August through December, so remember that when you’re planning your visit.
10. Visit Impressive Dutch Castles
If you want some ideas of what to see in Amsterdam for historians and lovers of medieval architecture, you’ll be thrilled to know there are several castles to explore.
These impressive royal structures are centuries old and spread throughout Amsterdam and near the city.
The main castle you’ll want to visit is the Royal Palace Amsterdam.
Also called Dam Palace, the impressive building is the reception building for the current monarch, King Willem-Alexander.
It’s open to visitors throughout the year, and who wouldn’t want to see the luxurious interior of the castle?
If you’re up for a trip, you should visit castles outside of Amsterdam, like Muiderslot Castle in Muiden, with its gorgeous outdoor gardens or any of the others spread across the country.
11. Take a Stroll in Vondelpark
Sometimes, it’s nice to relax and take a break from the hustle and bustle of busy, touristy areas. That’s why you should consider visiting Vondelpark.
Vondelpark is the most popular park in Amsterdam and offers a serene escape from most of the crowds.
While, yes, the park sees hundreds of visitors a day, it’s big and spacious enough for you not to notice.
The vibrant green gardens, the trees, and the fragrant rose garden in the park are absolutely stunning in the springtime and offer brilliant photo opportunities.
Apart from that, you can rent a bicycle, watch live music occasionally, visit the open-air theater, or grab a drink and a bite at the Groot Melkhuis café.
12. Experience the Exotic Plant Life at Hortus Botanicus
You already know that in Amsterdam, things to do often revolve around flowers.
How could they not when they’re such a big part of the natural landscape?
And if you love all things beautiful, the Hortus Botanicus botanical garden is right up your alley.
These ancient gardens showcase a wonderful array of exotic plants and stunning, colorful flowers.
You can spend all day walking through them and seeing the different ferns, orchids, wisteria, tulips, carnivorous plants — you name it, it’s there.
There are also butterflies, small critters, and fish in the ponds, making the experience even more magical.
Plus, there is also a store and café.
13. Take a day trip to Zaanse Schans
Taking a day trip to Zaanse Schans is a must-do when you’re in Amsterdam.
It’s just a short ride from the city and gives you a cool glimpse into old-school Dutch life.
You can wander around traditional windmills, cute wooden houses, and even see artisans making clogs and cheese the old-fashioned way.
The beautiful scenery, with its green fields and peaceful canals, makes it a great spot to relax and learn something new away from the city buzz.
If you want to visit Zaanse Schans without the stress of planning it yourself, I recommend this highly-rated Zaanse Schaans, Volendam, and Marken Day Trip. Click here to check availability on Getyourguide.
14. Visit Keukenhof Gardens in tulip season
Keukenhof Gardens is one of the world’s largest and most famous flower gardens, often referred to as the “Garden of Europe.”
Visiting Keukenhof Gardens during tulip season is one of the best things to do when you’re in Amsterdam!
It’s located in Lisse, just a 30 minute drive from Central Amsterdam, and it’s like stepping into a postcard with endless rows of vibrant tulips in every color imaginable.
This massive garden feels like a floral wonderland, perfect for taking stunning photos or just soaking in the beauty.
With over seven million flowers, charming pathways, and lovely ponds, it’s a refreshing break from the city’s hustle and a must-see for anyone who loves nature and beautiful scenery.
Keukenhof is only open to the public for just a few weeks each spring, with the tulips usually at their peak in mid-April.
This limited window makes the experience even more special, attracting visitors from all over the globe.
15. Visit an Amsterdam Beach
Strand Diemerpark, Sloterstrand, and Strand IJburg are the closest beaches to the city center, no more than a 30-minute drive away, so they’re easy to reach.
So, I’d recommend a day trip to the beach, bringing your best swimsuit, some snacks, and all your beach favorites.
Whether you want to take a dip in the cool waters, have a beach picnic, or catch a tan in the summer, you’ll find Amsterdam’s beaches are the perfect place to unwind.
So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to get packing.
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