There’s definitely no shortage of things to do and see in Amsterdam. This beautiful city has so much to offer: gorgeous scenery, culture, museums, delicious food, and great hospitality.
I’m sure you can find hundreds of things to do in Amsterdam – these are my top 10!
10 Things to do in Amsterdam
1. Visit Anne Frank Museum
If you’re in Amsterdam, it goes without saying that you’re going to visit the Anne Frank Museum, one of the most important historical sites in the world. This 17th-Century canal house turned into a museum and educational centre is where Anne Frank, her family and four others hid from the Nazis. You can even visit the small ‘secret annexe’ they called home for two years.
Cost: €15 (adults) / €8 (10-17 year olds) / €2 (0-9 year olds)
2. Eat and Shop at Albert Cuyp Markt
In the center of De Pijp neighbourhood, Albery Cuyp Markt is the place to be for a great range of street food, clothing, souvenirs, fresh produce and more. You have to try the famous sweet Stroopwaffel and Raw Herring here.
Cost: No entry cost
3. Explore the artsy Jordaan neighbourhood
Made up of narrow streets and picturesque buildings, Amsterdam’s most charming neighbourhood is dotted with independent galleries, antique stores, courtyard gardens and cozy bars and restaurants.
De Negen Straatjes also known as “The Nine Streets”, is a micro-neighbourhood of quaint streets in the middle of the canal belt in Jordaan. This old Amsterdam favourite is full of cute cafes, boutiques, vintage shops and artisanal food.
4. Check out the (not so) secret library at Rijksmuseum
Not only does this classical Gothic and Renaissance building hold a grand collection of Dutch masterworks from the Golden Age, but also hosts the beautiful Cuypers Library. The largest and oldest art historical library in the Netherlands offers visitors, students and art historians use of its reading room and study as well as a wide variety of reading and research material including books, catalogues, journals and more.
Spend a few hours roaming around the museum and soaking up Dutch culture before heading to lunch at their Michelin-starred restaurant and café on site.
Cost: €20 for entire museum entry – Free for under 18 – Buy your tickets here.
5. Visit Van Gogh Museum, of course!
The Van Gogh Museum houses the largest collection of the Vincent van Gogh’s work in the world. Browse his masterpieces and captivating work and discover a selection of images from the latest exhibitions.
Cost: €19 – Free for under 18 – Get your tickets in advance here. All entrance tickets include admission to the permanent collection and the current temporary exhibitions.
6. Go on a free walking tour
The company Free Walking Tours Amsterdam offers free walking tours in Amsterdam (in case it wasn’t already clear) with professional guides who share their knowledge and passion of Amsterdam including facts, myths, and secrets you’re not going to find in any guidebook! To reserve one or more of their walks, check out this link.
Cost: FREE, but don’t forget to leave a tip 🙂
7. Have a picnic in the park
If you’re blessed with good weather during your visit, grab a bite to eat from a nearby bakery and set up a picnic on the grass. the most famous park in Amsterdam is Vondelpark. Another beautiful park you should add to your list is Westergasfabriek.
Cost: Free entry
8. Explore the bustling Red Lights District
You really can’t visit Amsterdam and not walk down the Red Lights District in the evening.
Remember to respect the ladies in the windows and it is forbidden to take photos.
9. Go on a canal tour
A canal tour is a must activity (even though it’s a bit cliché), because it’s one of the best ways to explore the city. There are many boat tour operators around; you’ll find a lot depart around Centraal. Some of these tours offer wine, dinner and even jazz on board if you wanna take it up a notch.
Tip: Pick a tour that’s around 75 minutes.
Cost: Depends which tour operator you go with but they’re roughly around €16 for a basic tour.
10. Check out more contemporary art at Moco Museum
If you’re into modern and contemporary art, then you should definitely check out Moco Museum. Discover their latest exhibitions and experiences featuring artists such as Banksy, Jean-Michel Basquiat, JR, KAWS, Keith Haring, Jeff Koons, Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin, Yayoi Kusama, Andy Warhol, Studio Irma, and so many more.
Cost: €12.50-15.50 / Get your tickets here.
How about a day trip from Amsterdam center?
See the beautiful tulip fields at Keukenhof Gardens as a fun excursion out of the city if you have time:
If you’re staying in Amsterdam for more than 2 days, then you should definitely consider a trip to Keukenhof Gardens (also known as Garden of Europe) and see over 7 million flowers, including 800 species of colourful tulips! This destination only opens 8 weeks a year, so make sure to check their opening times and plan your visit accordingly.
Tip #1: The best times to visit Keukenhof Gardens are before 10 AM and after 6 PM on weekdays when it is less crowded.
Tip #2: Choose which week to visit depending on which flowers you’d like to see. For example, crocuses, daffodils, hyacinths, and early tulips bloom at the start of the season, while lilies, roses, irises, and larger tulips bloom later in the season.
Cost: €19 for adults / €9 for kids
Best time to visit Amsterdam
The best time to visit Amsterdam largely depends on your preferences.
Spring (March to May) is popular for tulip season and blooming flowers, while summer (June to August) offers pleasant weather for outdoor activities. Fall (September to November) brings beautiful foliage and fewer crowds, while winter (December to February) can be quieter with festive markets and holiday charm, albeit colder temperatures. Ultimately, it depends on what activities and experiences you’re seeking.
COMING SOON:
Check out my Amsterdam Food Guide for things to eat in Amsterdam.
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