20 Best Things to Do in Amsterdam

When I first arrived in Amsterdam, I was immediately captivated by its historic canals, vibrant culture, and the perfect blend of old-world charm and modern innovation. Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, a foodie, or just looking to soak in the city’s unique atmosphere, there are countless things to do in Amsterdam that make it one of the world’s most exciting travel destinations.

From the iconic Van Gogh Museum and the moving Anne Frank House to the lively Jordaan district and world-famous Red Light District, this city has something for everyone. But Amsterdam isn’t just about museums and nightlife—it’s also a paradise for outdoor lovers. You can rent a bike, just like the locals, and explore the scenic Vondelpark or take a canal cruise for a breathtaking view of the city’s UNESCO-listed waterways.

For those seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences, Amsterdam offers hidden gems like De Negen Straatjes (The Nine Streets) for boutique shopping, Albert Cuyp Market for street food, and the alternative NDSM Wharf, an artsy haven across the IJ River. And let’s not forget the city's world-class coffee shops, craft beer scene, and Michelin-starred dining spots.

Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or planning a longer stay, this guide will reveal the best things to do in Amsterdam, ensuring you experience the city like a true insider.

Bustling, lively, with a contagious energy, this Dutch city leaves no one indifferent.  Are you ready to discover what to see in Amsterdam ?

1. Jordaan district, the heart of Amsterdam

One of the best tips for traveling to Amsterdam is not to be afraid to wear out the soles of your sneakers to discover the different neighborhoods of the city. Jordaan is one of our favorites thanks to its bohemian atmosphere and its narrow streets full of shops and businesses. In addition, there is also an alternative free tour in Spanish for this neighborhood , sign up!

From its humble origins in the 17th century , this neighbourhood has blossomed into a hub of creativity and urban life. Today, its art galleries, bohemian cafés and street markets make it a must-see destination in Amsterdam, at least for those looking to get a taste of the city's authentic atmosphere.

2. Anne Frank House Museum 

Visiting the Anne Frank House Museum is another must-do in Amsterdam (and of course, re-read her diary). In the attic of this building, young Anne hid with her family from Nazi persecution.

The truth is that it is a hard visit , but necessary to remember their memory and never forget what happened during the terrible years of Nazism. Learning from the past is something so basic and yet, seeing what is happening in the world, it seems that it is forgotten too often.

Fun fact: Anne Frank's diary was found and published by her father, Otto Frank, the only member of the family to survive the Holocaust. The diary has been translated into more than 70 languages ​​and has become one of the most widely read books in the world.

More information to see opening hours and prices for the Anne Frank House Museum .

→ If you prefer, you can take a tour of the Jewish quarter and learn more about what happened there during World War II . It turned out to be a very educational and emotional walk as it put us in perspective and allowed us to learn a lot about those dark years.

3. Begijnhof courtyard

Come and see the Begijnhof Courtyard , one of the most curious (and secret) places to see in Amsterdam. It is a huge courtyard that once housed an association of Beguines . Do you know who they were? A group of women who dedicated their lives to others , without belonging to any religious order.

The visit will take you no more than 10 minutes and we think it is one of the coolest curiosities of Amsterdam , and it is also a place full of history. The former convent courtyard is now a (not so) secret garden. Around it you will see a few houses. Can you imagine living here?

4. Church of Our Lady of the Attic

Another site to see in Amsterdam that hides a few mysteries is the Church of Our Lady in the Attic , one of the first secret Catholic churches . Here, during the Reformation, Catholics could pray without being persecuted. Where? In a clandestine chapel located in the attic of a building, hence the name.

→ It is located at 40 Oudezijds Voorburgwal Street .

Note: a visit to the Church of Our Lady of the Attic is quite expensive ( Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder Museum: €16.5 ), so if you are travelling on a budget , we would not include it among the must-sees in Amsterdam, but if you already know the main tourist sites and don't mind spending money, it is definitely worth it.

5. Boat ride through the canals, a must-do in Amsterdam

We do include the boat trip through the canals of Amsterdam among the top 3 tourist attractions and we can say loud and clear that it is quite an experience: from the water you will have another point of view of the city and we assure you that it will be one of the best. In addition, you will be given an audio guide with which you will learn a lot about the history, curiosities and peculiarities of Amsterdam.

We did it at sunset and it was beautiful. It lasts an hour and is cheap (of course, backpackers always). However, if you want to go all out *well, it's not that expensive either* take a look at this romantic candlelight cruise . It includes a ride along the canals, a cheese board, nuts and a drink.

6. Brokerage 't IJ

Did you know that there are 8 windmills in Amsterdam ? Next to one of these (De Gooyer) is Brouwerij 't IJ , a small brewery where you can toast and try many types of beer or do a tasting of 5 beers (small ones, of course). A nice thing is that they bring out cheese and sausage boards so you can have a snack.

So now you know, if you are looking for an alternative and original plan in Amsterdam, this seems like an absolute success to us.

7. Heineken Experience

And speaking of beer, we can't forget the Heineken Experience. Heineken what ? Let's take it one step at a time... If there's a well-known brand in Amsterdam, it's Heineken. A fairly typical plan is to visit the old factory at the Heineken Experience .

During the interactive tour  you will learn all the secrets of the brand's first factory and the tour ends with a tasting . We think it's a great plan, especially if you're travelling to Amsterdam with friends.

And why not combine a visit to the Heineken Experience with a boat ride along the canals (and you've got a good half-day trip).

8. Amsterdam Red Light District

The Red Light District of Amsterdam , known in Dutch as “ De Wallen ”, is one of the most famous and controversial areas of the city and you can’t leave without having set foot in it! Today it is a safe and lively area, as it is full of bars and coffeeshops (and the occasional shop window where escort girls offer their services, as prostitution has been legal in Holland since 2000).

The history of Amsterdam's Red Light District is quite curious: it dates back to the 14th century , when the city began to flourish as an important port . It was then, when many sailors and merchants passed through the city, that the idea of ​​offering entertainment and services arose, to put it nicely :-p. If you prefer to discover this interesting neighborhood with a guide, you can always sign up for one of the free tours of Amsterdam in Spanish that we recommend .

With the Protestant Reformation, things were regulated somewhat, creating a network of “tolerated brothels” in the area. Over time, the red light district became the epicentre of nightlife, not only due to the presence of brothels, but also theatres, bars and taverns. Today , Amsterdam’s Red Light District is subject to laws and regulations aimed at controlling the sex work industry and ensuring the safety, health and protection of workers. 

9. Old Church

In the heart of the Red Light District, you will find Amsterdam's oldest church: the Oude Kerk , famous not only for its religious function, but because for centuries it was used as a kind of "living room" for the city. It is here, for example, where fishermen came to repair their nets or where Sweelinck played the organ.

Admission costs €13.50.

10. Amsterdam Museums (Museumplein)

One of the great reasons to visit Amsterdam is that this Dutch city is home to some of the best museums in Europe : the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum , the Stedelijk Museum and the new entry, the MOCO Museum . All four are located in the cultural heart of the city: the Museumplein .

We will briefly tell you about the 4:

› Rijksmuseum

This is one of Amsterdam's most highly-rated museums, with works such as Vermeer 's The Milkmaid , Rembrandt's The Night Watch and George Hendrik Breitner's The Singel Bridge.  It is a must-see for art and culture lovers, offering a unique experience exploring the Netherlands' rich artistic history. Buy your skip-the-line ticket here.

› Van Gogh Museum

How can we forget the most important museum dedicated to Van Gogh, that tormented artist who went down in history as one of the great geniuses of art. Some of the masterpieces to see in its rooms are: "The Sunflowers", "The Potato Eaters", or "The Bedroom in Arles" . If you only have time to see one museum, we recommend this one, as we think it is the best tribute to Vincent van Gogh. Dedicate at least 2 hours of time to it.

Buy your ticket in advance to avoid queues. You can do so on the official website or on sites such as Civitatis or  Tiqets . Tip: there are also combined tickets, for example this one is for the Van Gogh Museum + Boat trip on the canals .

› Stedelijk Museum

This museum will delight lovers of modern and contemporary art, as its corridors feature works by Roy Lichtenstein , Marc Chagall, Yayoi Kusama and Andy Warhol, among others. Of the three, it seems to us to be the least essential, although the truth is that ideally you should visit them all.

› MOCO Museum

MOCO Museum is a must-visit for lovers of contemporary and modern art, with its irreverent, fresh and daring edge . MOCO houses works by iconic artists such as Banksy, Andy Warhol and Salvador Dali. Exhibits include provocative graffiti and eye-catching sculptures that will make you rethink art. We love it! Get your ticket online.

→ In this post we talk in detail about the 6 best museums in Amsterdam

11. “I Amsterdam” sign

Take a selfie with the famous “I Amsterdam” sign . Beware, though: the sign used to be in front of the Rijksmuseum, but now the sign is located in a mobile location (giving priority to lesser-known areas of the capital). Here’s where it’s currently located .

Why did they change the location ? There were huge crowds in front of the museum . We think it's a great idea, really: this way, tourists who want to take a typical photo will visit lesser-known neighborhoods and get off the beaten track.

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 12. Brown coffees

Something we loved doing during our last visit to Amsterdam was to take a tour of one of the famous brown cafés, the typical Dutch taverns where you can soak up the 100% authentic atmosphere. Be careful not to confuse them with the famous coffeeshops , in these establishments, named for their wooden interior, you can toast with local beers or try jenever , a traditional liquor similar to gin.

If you fancy a snack, be sure to try bitterballen , meatballs that are usually served with mustard. Some of the brown coffees in Amsterdam that we liked the most were:

• Hoppe's Café
• From the Blue Parade
• Café 't Smalle
• Chris Coffee

13. Dam Square

Don't miss Dam Square , the heart of Amsterdam and one of its most monumental squares, where you can also see the Nieuwe Kerk church, the Royal Palace and the National Monument .

It is one of the busiest places in the entire city, where tourists mix with locals and street artists (unforgettable The Mask that we saw on that first trip with my friend Chiara, what memories!).

14. Leidseplein

Another square in Amsterdam that is also very lively is the Leidseplein , with its street artists, the Municipal Theatre and lots of movement, especially at night as there are several clubs in the area such as Paradiso, The Waterhole or Bourbon Street . A legendary place to have a few beers is the Bulldog Palace .

Alternative: if you prefer a more relaxing plan, you can go to Plaza Spui and have a coffee on one of its terraces. These are the two faces of Amsterdam: places full of fun and others so quiet that you could even meditate or discover how many sips it takes you to reach "caffeine" nirvana.

15. Viewpoints to see in Amsterdam

If you are passionate about photography, you should definitely go up to the A'dam Lookout , where you will enjoy the best views of the city . On the 19th floor there is a revolving restaurant where you can eat luxurious food with an enviable panoramic view. It costs about €25 (entry to the lookout + 2 drinks) and you can book here .

The bravest among you can also, for an extra fee, climb onto the highest swing in Amsterdam , which is obviously not suitable for those who suffer from vertigo.

Other good views of Amsterdam are obtained from:

• Westerkerk church tower
• Terrace of the NEMO museum
• Terrace of the Amsterdam Public Library (OBA)

16. The best flea markets in Amsterdam

Walking through the colorful stalls of the markets is another great thing to do in Amsterdam. There are quite a few around the city, but our favorites are the Waterlooplein Market , the flea market (closed on Sundays) and the Bloemenmarkt , the flower market (open every day) and the perfect place to fill your Instagram with color 😉

You can't miss the Albert Cuyp market , the largest open-air market in Europe (closed on Sundays). Here you can find almost anything: from t-shirts to cheeses and colourful clogs... it's absolutely incredible. Just be patient, because it's usually packed with people.

And watch out for bikes! Cyclists here are like ninjas on wheels, they appear out of nowhere.

17. Rembrandt House Museum

The Rembrandt House Museum in Amsterdam is the perfect place to get to know the Dutch Golden Age master in depth . It was here that Rembrandt lived and worked between 1639 and 1658, and the museum has recreated his home and workshop in incredible detail.

You will find period furniture , many of his works , and even his work tools . Entering will be like travelling in a time machine to the 17th century, but without the uncomfortable suits and the black plague.

→ Buy your Rembrandt Museum ticket online to ensure your spot and avoid queues. Extra: we haven't been there yet, but we've heard great things about the Rembrandt Amsterdam Experience.

18. Magere Bridge

There are many bridges in Amsterdam, but one of the most iconic is the Magere Brug (also called Skinny Bridge). It crosses the Amstel River and its peculiar shape, with two swinging arms and its narrowness, make it unique.

According to legend, if you kiss your partner while crossing it , you will be in love forever ! Which, depending on who you're with, can also be a curse, so be careful. At night, the bridge is lit up with 1,200 light bulbs , so it's well worth seeing.

19. Eating, one of the best things to do in Amsterdam

Don't forget to try some of the specialties of Dutch cuisine such as erwtensoep  (the famous pea soup), bitterballen (super delicious meatballs), broodje haring (a herring sandwich), and of course, gouda cheese ...

→ Here we give you a few options of restaurants where to eat in Amsterdam (good and cheap).

20. Vondelpark

Buy a bottle of wine, some snacks and enjoy a picnic in one of the many parks to visit in Amsterdam . The Vondelpark is the largest and most popular, although the Rembrandtpark and the Westerpark are also worth visiting.

In winter it may not be so appealing, but on sunny summer days, and even on extraordinarily pleasant spring and autumn days, we find it an entertaining, cheap and very cool plan to experience Amsterdam like a local.

Extra: more things to see in Amsterdam

Of course there are a lot of places to visit in Amsterdam that, for reasons of time, space or affinity, we left out For example:

• If you want to enjoy the best shopping, don't miss the famous ' Nine Streets ' (or Negen Straatje), full of vintage shops, cafes and places with a good vibe. Kalverstraat is not bad either, although here you will find mainly stores of large chains such as H&M, Inditex, Mango...
• Don't forget to rent a bike and tour the city on two wheels, like a local. Just be careful on the tram tracks, they are criminal. There are also guided bike tours available .
• The Straat Museum is a must-see in Amsterdam if you like urban art .
• Did you know that you can see a Buddhist temple? We are talking about the Fo Guang Shan He Hua temple located on Zeedijk street (free entrance)
• There are more than 2,000 houseboats in Amsterdam , and you can stay in them or get to know them better thanks to the ' House Boat Museum '.
• If you travel in spring you have to go to the Bollenstreek region (just 20 minutes by train from Amsterdam) to enjoy one of the best spectacles in Holland: the tulip fields.
• Are you one of those who enjoy being surrounded by greenery more than buildings? Then you should head to the city's Botanical Garden , one of the oldest and most beautiful in all of Europe.
• If, on the other hand, you are drawn to science like a mouse to cheese, visit the NEMO museum , with lots of exhibits and interactive rooms.
• Nearby is a replica of one of the East India Company's sailing ships ... curious, isn't it?

Map with the essentials of Amsterdam

Here is a map where we have noted all the places to visit in Amsterdam on a first trip. We hope you find it useful!

Excursions from Amsterdam

Take advantage of the fact that the Netherlands is a small country full of attractions: there are many beautiful day trips from Amsterdam . Some examples?

• You can visit the pretty village of Zaanse Schans to see yourself surrounded by windmills, Volendam , a very pretty fishing village and Edam with this good, nice and cheap excursion . If you only want to go to the first village, this tour to Zaanse Schans is great.
• Do you want to see yourself surrounded by gardens with thousands of tulips and windmills ? Check out the Keukenhof excursion from Amsterdam .
• Deciding to visit other Dutch cities such as The Hague, Delft and Madurodam… there are options for all tastes (and just a few kilometres away: advantages of being a small country).
• You can even change countries and visit the beautiful Belgian city of Bruges  from Amsterdam.
• Or the capital of Belgium: Brussels and the city of Antwerp , in one day.

Useful information for your trip to Amsterdam

We're leaving you with some useful information to help you organize your visit. If you need more information or have any questions, you're sure to find answers in our post on tips for traveling to Amsterdam .

✓ How to get there from the airport:

We think the best option to get to Amsterdam city centre from Schiphol Airport is to take the direct train which takes you to Central Station in just 15-20 minutes . It costs around €6 .

✓ Where to eat in Amsterdam:

While we wouldn’t call the city a foodie paradise , there are plenty of experiences worth doing. For example, you haven’t been to Amsterdam if you haven’t had Rob Wigboldus’ famous Vishandel herring , an Indonesian dish at Sari Citra , or stroopwafels, a divine local dessert that you can find almost everywhere. One place we really liked for authentic Dutch food is De Blauwe Hollander , so put it on your map.

Here are 10 restaurants where we really liked to eat in Amsterdam:

✓ Best areas to stay:

The best areas to stay in Amsterdam are those within the famous “ canal belt ”. This way you will be just a stone’s throw from the main attractions, in neighbourhoods such as Jordaan which is perfect if you are looking for a bohemian and picturesque atmosphere.

The Linden Hotel or the Amsterdam Wiechmann Hotel are good options. If you're travelling on a backpacker's budget, check out hostels like Hostel The Globe or The Flying Pig Downtown

✓ Tours and activities to book in advance:

There are a handful of tickets and tours that we recommend you book from home. Specifically, they are:

• Anne Frank House Museum
• Free tour of Amsterdam
• Van Gogh Museum
• Amsterdam canal tour (be careful, check the weather forecast before buying).

✓ 3-day itinerary in Amsterdam:

In our post about the Amsterdam itinerary in 3 days you have the detailed itinerary explained day by day, but here is a mini-summary:

• Day 1: Canal boat tour, Van Gogh Museum, Museumplein Park, Heineken Experience, Bloemenmarkt, Begijnhof, Dam Square, Red Light District.
• Day 2: Anne Frank House Museum, Rijksmuseum, Vondelpark, Albert Cuyp Market, Leidseplein, A'DAM Lookout.
• Day 3 : excursion to Zaanse Schans .

But above all, it comes back: Amsterdam is a city that captivates and deserves to be visited more times. We have already been there 3 times and there are still more to come! The truth is that we think it is an ideal, interesting and different destination for a 2-3 day trip and it is also suitable for everyone: you can go as a couple , with friends , with family and even alone , as there is always a perfect plan for anyone.

These are our ideas of 20 things to see and do in Amsterdam . We think this post is complete but we are open to more suggestions: Have we forgotten any must-sees in Amsterdam? Have you been there? What are your favourite things in the city?

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