15 Best Things to Do in Amsterdam

If you love art or history, Amsterdam should definitely be high on your travel list. Of course, there’s also a lot more to this capital city, ranging from quirky destinations such as the Cheese Museum to simply relaxing on the beach. No matter what you’re interested in, you’re certain to find some great options for things to do in Amsterdam!

Best Things to Do in Amsterdam

If you’re planning on visiting many museums, consider getting an iAmsterdam Card. It gives you access to many museums for free and a ticket for transportation.

There’s also Amsterdam Holland Pass that includes free public transportation within Amsterdam, access to top attractions in Amsterdam and other major cities.

Also Check: Where to Stay in Amsterdam

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Photograph the Nine Streets

Known locally as De 9 Straatjes, these aesthetically-pleasing streets are also home to an eclectic collection of shops that feature books, art, clothing, food and more.

As you stroll through the Nine Streets, you’ll find numerous picturesque scenes that truly capture the unique vibe of Amsterdam. Admire gorgeous canals with your camera in hand.

AVAILABLE TOURS:

• Amsterdam Walking Tour

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Rent a Bike

As the saying goes, when in Rome, do as the Romans do. Or, in this case, do as the Amsterdammers do – ride a bike! Residents of this city have so thoroughly embraced bicycles as their primary form of transportation that Amsterdam is proudly labeled as the world’s most bike-friendly city.

This is the best way to experience Amsterdam, and it also enables you to blend in with the locals. However, do respect the traffic rules or you’ll get yelled at.

AVAILABLE TOURS:

• Countryside Biking with Cheese Tasting

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Cruise the Canals

Taking an Amsterdam Canal Cruise is practically a rite of passage for first-time visitors. These cruises provide a unique perspective of the city, and they’re also jam-packed with local history.

As an added bonus, in case of rain, they’re covered and you can take some wonderful photographs during these tours.

AVAILABLE TOURS:

• Candlelight 4-Course Dinner Cruise on Canals
• Eat Like a Local on the Canals

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See Amsterdam from Above at Skylounge Amsterdam

The SkyLounge is 11 stories above ground level, which provides access to the stunning Amsterdam skyline. The rooftop bar is located at Doubletree by Hilton hotel, right next to Central Station.

Unlike many cities with a similar attraction, SkyLounge is also part of a restaurant and bar combo that will entertain you with music as you take in the view. It does get busy during the summer on Friday nights and weekends, but it’s not impossible to find a spot.

Use a Photo Opportunity

Many cities give tourists the opportunity to dress up in period clothing and take an old-fashioned looking photo, but Amsterdam is the only place where you can become a Rembrandt painting.

MuseumPhoto has several Dutch Era paintings to choose from. You’ll be dressed in an outfit just like the one in the painting you select. Who doesn’t want a photo as a Milkmaid?

PRE-BOOK YOUR EXPERIENCE:

• Photo Shoot in Dutch Traditional Costume

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Have a Snack from a Vending Machine

When you want a quick, inexpensive snack on the go, you can head to FEBO for a warm meal delivered via a vending machine. The menu options are similar to what you’d find at a fast-food restaurant and include hamburgers, fries and croquettes.

While FEBO isn’t something I recommend eating on a daily basis, their kaassouffle tastes really good after a party 😉

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Eat Raw Herring

Eating raw herring has been an Amsterdam tradition for more than 600 years. You’ll encounter it at several food stands around Dutch towns. As the name implies, the fish won’t be cooked.

However, it’s placed in salt for a few days, so you won’t actually be eating a fully raw fish, either. It doesn’t taste bad at all.

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Buy Bulbs at the Flower Market

Amsterdam’s Flower Market is famous for a good reason. It features one of the widest selection of tulip bulbs available. You may need to sort through the stalls to find exactly what you’re looking for, but flower enthusiasts who vacation in Amsterdam often rave about their unique purchases.

It’s a nice opportunity for those who aren’t visiting during tulip bloom season.

Check Out Zaanse Schans

Only 15 minutes outside of Amsterdam by train or 30 minutes by bus, will give you the opportunity to go back in time. See what early Dutch life was like at Zaanse Schans.

Attractions include windmills, artisan workshops, 18th-century homes, period costumes and chocolate making exhibits that invite visitors to join in. There are a lot of cheese and sweets tastings and you can see the first, original Albert Heijn – Dutch supermarket.

AVAILABLE TOURS:

• Half a Day Trip to Zaanse Schans and Volendam

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Go To a Coffee Shop

In most of the world, a coffee shop is where you go to get a caffeine buzz. In the Netherlands, these shops do serve coffee and some snacks, but their primary purpose is to offer people a different type of buzz.

Smoking marijuana is legal, and many tourists visit at least one to get the quintessential Amsterdam experience. You’ll find coffee shops everywhere, without even trying very hard to find one.

AVAILABLE TOURS:

• Amsterdam Coffeeshop Tour with a Local

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Explore Albert Cuyp Markt

If you want to shop with the locals, it’s a good idea to put aside some time for the Albert Cuyp Markt. You can find fresh fruits, vegetables and fish here, along with hot food that’s ready to eat.

The market is also known to offer the best fresh stroopwafels in the Netherlands. There’s also a nice selection of souvenirs and other items that can serve as great mementos from your trip.

AVAILABLE TOURS:

• Food Tour with a Local

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Stroll Through De Wallen

Commonly referred to as the Red-Light District, De Wallen is home to much more than just legalized adult entertainment. You’ll also find museums, boutiques, restaurants and medieval buildings.

If you are looking for something of a more sensual nature, head to the Erotic Museum and to see its collection of John Lennon art.

Get Out of Amsterdam

There are several fantastic day trips you can take such as the previously mentioned Zaanse Schans. Other nearby and worthwhile options include Keukenhof Gardens, where you can see more than 7 million flowers in bloom (from March until June).

The Alkmaar Cheese Market is a good destination for foodies, and most tourists also fall in love with the hip city of Rotterdam.

Check Out: Best Day Trips from Amsterdam

Listen to a Concert at VondelPark

Vondelpark is worth a visit no matter when you go to Amsterdam, but it offers something extra in the summertime. The Open-Air Theater operates on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from May through September.

Admission is free, although donations are accepted. You can join the locals on Sunday mornings for a classical music concert.

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Explore Amsterdamse Bos

This forest is so huge that you could fit New York City’s Central Park inside of it three times. Bird watchers will especially love a visit to Amsterdamse Bos because there are more than 200 bird species within the forest’s nearly 2,500 acres.

There are also 150 indigenous tree species to discover in this beautiful green space.

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Amsterdam Best Museums

Rijksmuseum

This museum takes you through the history of the Netherlands and the Dutch people. Art is on display that ranges from the Middle Ages to modern times, and there are also special exhibits that pop up throughout the year.

While most people come to Rijksmuseum to see Rembrandt’s Nightwatch or Vermeer’s works of art, the museum has way more masterpieces than that.

PRE-BOOK YOUR TICKETS:

• Skip The Line Ticket for Rijksmuseum

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Anne Frank House

The Anne Frank House biographical museum is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Amsterdam. As a result, you’ll want to purchase your tickets online two months in advance or prepare to wait in line for hours.

The subdued atmosphere inside the house is appropriate for the subject matter. You’ll see the actual house where Anne Frank and her family were hidden from the Nazis for more than two years.

You will have to climb ladders and small stairs, so keep it in mind when you visit if you have limited mobility.

Van Gogh Museum

Art lovers from around the globe flock to the Van Gogh Museum to see some of the artist’s greatest paintings. The walls of this museum are also adorned by several of Van Gogh’s contemporaries.

In total, there are five floors of artwork, and this includes the world’s largest Van Gogh collection. Usually, you can wait a bit and purchase your tickets upon arrival.

Van Gogh Museum has the longest lines in Amsterdam, so might be helpful to pre-book some skip the lines tickets for Amsterdam.

House of Bols Museum

Across the street from the Van Gogh Museum is a completely different museum experience. Anyone who enjoys a good cocktail and is interested in the history of alcohol will love this attraction.

The House of Bols provides an interactive look at cocktails and bartenders, and everyone gets to try their choice of cocktail (they’re seriously delicious and innovative!).

You’ll also learn all about Bols Amsterdam 1575, which is the oldest distilled brand in the world.

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Heineken Experience

Your journey through the history of alcohol doesn’t have to end with the House of Bols. Instead, continue on to the Heineken Experience to find out about the company’s history and the natural ingredients that go into each beer. There’s also a tasting room where you’ll get to enjoy your beer.

Rembrandt’s House

Do you want to walk in the footsteps of greatness? Rembrandt actually lived and painted in this house for more than 20 years. You’ll enter the room where he worked, see how he had it arranged and learn about his time in Amsterdam.

This tour provides a fascinating look into Rembrandt’s life and artistic process. It’s a less crowded place than top spots like Anne Frank house, so the lines are usually short.

Stedelijk Museum

Fans of modern art, design and contemporary art will feel right at home inside the Stedelijk Museum. The permanent collection includes a mixture of mediums such as paintings, digital media and sculptures from the 20th and 21st centuries.

Artists on display include Vincent van Gogh, Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol and Henri Matisse. They even had a temporary Banksy exhibit last year.

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Unless you’ll be in Amsterdam for an extended vacation, the odds are high that you won’t get to see and do everything on this list. To give yourself the best taste of life in Amsterdam, we recommend picking at least one or two items from each portion of the list.

For example, if you’ll only be in the city for a day, you could rent a bike, go to the Van Gogh Museum and then Climb Westerkerk Tower to get an unforgettable view of the city.

Of course, no matter where you decide to go, you’re virtually certain to have a good time in the quirky city of Amsterdam! Happy travels!