12 Best Things To Do in Amsterdam, Netherlands

The best things to do in Amsterdam, Netherlands, range from cruising along the UNESCO-listed canals to exploring world-class museums like the Rijksmuseum. With over 20 million visitors each year, it’s no surprise this Dutch capital is one of the most popular cities in Europe.

Amsterdam is known for its many iconic attractions, like the Rijksmuseum, and is praised for offering something for everyone. For example, partygoers can rock the night away at Leidseplein, and history buffs can explore Anne Frank House.

We created this list of 12 must-do activities using personal experiences, expert recommendations, and traveler reviews to include famous landmarks and local favorites in the City of Canals.

Table of Contents

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Amsterdam’s calling: What’s the first thing you’re doing when you land? Don’t say getting lost in canals.

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12 Famous Landmarks in the Netherlands Anne Frank House, Amsterdam

Visit Anne Frank House 1/5

12 Famous Landmarks in the Netherlands The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

Explore the Rijksmuseum 2/5

12 Best Things To Do in Amsterdam, Netherlands Enjoy a Stroll Through Vondelpark

Enjoy a Stroll Through Vondelpark 3/5

Weekend Getaways in Europe Amsterdam, Netherlands

Go on a Canal Cruise 4/5

12 Best Things To Do in Amsterdam, Netherlands Spend the Night at Leidseplein

Spend the Night at Leidseplein 5/5

Results

Visit Anne Frank House

8 8

Explore the Rijksmuseum

8 8

Enjoy a Stroll Through Vondelpark

6 10

Go on a Canal Cruise

8 8

Spend the Night at Leidseplein

6 10

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Highlights at a Glance

Luxury: The Diamond Amsterdam offers elegant rooms, a restaurant, and bike rentals, just steps from Leidseplein and the Rijksmuseum.
Mid-range: Tourist Inn Hotel Amsterdam offers budget-friendly rooms, a shared lounge, and a bar, just a short walk from Anne Frank House and Amsterdam Central Station.
Budget: Hotel Hortus offers simple, budget-friendly rooms for up to four people in Amsterdam’s east city center, just behind the Botanical Gardens.

Explore the Rijksmuseum – This is Amsterdam’s number one tourist attraction.
Visit Anne Frank House – Anne Frank House is one of the city’s most historic attractions.
Go on a canal cruise – One of the most relaxing ways to explore Amsterdam.

Explore the Rijksmuseum

Welcoming more than 2.7 million visitors yearly, exploring the Rijksmuseum is one of the most popular things to do in Amsterdam. This exciting museum is the national museum of the Netherlands. It’s dedicated to Dutch arts and history and displays over 8,000 objects.

The museum’s vast collection includes masterpieces by Van Gogh, Rembrandt, and Vermeer. Highlights include Rembrandt’s Night Watch, Van Gogh’s Wheat Field, and the Netherlands’ oldest and largest collection of art history books. The Rijksmuseum’s collection spans arts, crafts, and history from 1200 to 2000.

The Rijksmuseum is open daily from 9:00 until 17:00. Entry is free for visitors under 18, and adult tickets cost €22.50 ($24.50).

Buy Tickets Online in Advance: To avoid long queues, purchase your €22.50 tickets online well ahead of your visit. Time slots can fill quickly, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Use the Rijksmuseum App: Download the museum’s official app for free audio tours and detailed information about the exhibits.

Visit Anne Frank House

Visiting Anne Frank House is one of the best things for history lovers to do in Amsterdam. This world-famous museum was once the home of Jewish wartime diarist Anne Frank. The German-born Jewish girl documented her life in hiding during the Nazi persecution in World War II.

She wrote about everyday life for her and her family, who were forced to live in a secret annex within the house. At Anne Frank House, you can learn about Anne Frank and explore the secret annex she lived in for two years.

You can see Anne Frank’s room, observe her original diary, and look at the personal belongings her family left behind. Tickets for the Anne Frank Museum sell out fast, so we recommend buying them online well in advance.

Book Tickets Weeks in Advance: Anne Frank House is one of Amsterdam’s most visited sites, and tickets often sell out quickly. Tickets are only available online and can be booked up to six weeks in advance on the official website. Tickets cost €16.00 ( $17.23).
Use the Audio Guide: The free audio guide included with your ticket provides detailed context about Anne Frank’s life and the annex.

Go on a Canal Cruise

Amsterdam’s canals are a famous feature of the city, so it’s hardly surprising that one of the most enjoyable things to do is to go on a canal cruise. Dating back to the 17th century, the canals weave around the city, passing many iconic attractions and landmarks.

This canal cruise tour is one of the best in the city. It takes travelers on a 75-minute journey through Amsterdam’s canals, passing famous sights like the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum. Conveniently, an audio guide is included so you can learn about what you see.

The tour includes a complimentary drink and snacks. There are several pick-up and drop-off points. Is there a better way to explore Amsterdam? We doubt it!

Opt for an Evening Cruise: For a magical experience, book an evening canal cruise when the bridges and historic buildings are beautifully lit. Sunset or nighttime cruises provide a unique perspective and are generally less crowded.
Choose a Covered Boat in Cold Weather: Amsterdam’s weather can be unpredictable, so in cooler months or rainy conditions, select a cruise with a covered and heated boat.

Spend the Night at Leidseplein

Groups of friends searching for Amsterdam’s buzzing nightlife should head to Leidseplein. Leidseplein is a lively square in the city’s heart, best known for its bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. Whether you’re looking for live music, a wild party, or unique experiences, there’s something for you.

At Leidseplein, the fun starts before you step foot inside a venue. You can expect street performers entertaining visitors with exhilarating shows, including magicians, jugglers, and fire breathers. For something to eat, consider the Heineken Hoek Steakhouse. You can enjoy premium steaks, fine wines, and boozy cocktails here.

For a night of partying, dance the night away at the Ibiza Lounge Amsterdam. Alternatively, enjoy a more laid-back evening with delicious food and live music at Kopstootbar Amsterdam.

Heineken Hoek Steakhouse for Dinner: If you’re dining at the Heineken Hoek, expect to spend around €30–€40 for a meal with drinks. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.
Enjoy Street Performances: Take some time to experience the lively street entertainment before diving into the nightlife. Many magicians, musicians, and performers create a festive atmosphere in and around the square. The best shows usually start after sunset.

Enjoy a Stroll Through Vondelpark

Vondelpark is one of Amsterdam’s best outdoor attractions. Offering an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city’s busy streets, this 120-acre (47-hectare) park is the biggest in Amsterdam. It’s an excellent place to enjoy a scenic stroll, a picnic, and fresh air.

Opened in 1865, Vondelpark is filled with vibrant flower beds, grand trees, well-manicured walking paths, and lakes. It’s also home to various attractions, including Vondelpark Openluchttheater and a sculpture by Pablo Picasso.

We recommend buying food from a grocery store, strolling around the park, and finding a picturesque place to enjoy a picnic.

Alternatively, have a bite to eat and a drink at one of the park’s cafes or restaurants. Proeflokaal ‘t Blauwe Theehuis serves beers and pizzas.

Picnic Supplies Nearby: Stop by the Albert Heijn grocery store at Museumplein to grab fresh sandwiches, snacks, and drinks before heading into the park, it’s only a 5-minute walk away.
Try Proeflokaal ‘t Blauwe Theehuis: This iconic café in the heart of the park serves craft beers and thin-crust pizzas. Expect to spend around €15–€20 for a meal and drink. It’s popular, so visit in off-peak hours for quicker service.

Admire the Artwork in the Van Gogh Museum

The Van Gogh Museum is one of the best places in the world to admire Vincent Van Gogh’s masterpieces. The perfect destination for art enthusiasts, this museum is home to the world’s largest collection of Van Gogh’s art. It currently houses over 200 paintings and approximately 500 drawings by the legendary artist.

Among the collection of paintings are iconic works of art like Sunflowers (1888), the Potato Eaters (1885), and Wheatfield under Thunderclouds (1890).

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Unsurprisingly, the museum is also an excellent place to learn more about Vincent Van Gogh himself. You can read Van Gogh’s letters and learn about his early life as a young artist. There are also exhibitions dedicated to other artists, such as Paul Gauguin.

Buy Tickets Online in Advance: Tickets to the Van Gogh Museum sell out quickly and must be purchased online, as there are no on-site ticket sales. Standard entry costs €32.50 ($35.01), and time slots are strict.
Visit in the Evening on Fridays: The museum stays open until 22:00 on Fridays, plus special events like live music or workshops.

Watch AFC Ajax

Watching AFC Ajax is one of the most entertaining things for sports fans to do in Amsterdam. AFC Ajax is the most successful soccer team in the Netherlands. The club has won the Dutch first division, Eredivisie, 36 times, 11 more times than PSV Eindhoven, with 25 league titles.

In the past, iconic soccer players like Johan Cruyff, Dennis Bergkamp, and Luiz Suarez have played for AFC Ajax. The team plays at the Johan Cruyff Arena, a 56,120-seat stadium 15-20 minutes from the city center by car or public transport.

You can buy tickets to watch Ajax on the official website. You can still tour the ground even if they’re not playing during your trip.

Buy Match Tickets Early: Tickets for Ajax games at the Johan Cruyff Arena sell out fast, especially for big matches. Purchase them directly from the official AFC Ajax website to avoid resale markups. Prices typically start at €25, depending on seating and the opponent.
Amsterdamse Poort: A bustling shopping area with a mix of stores, restaurants, and cafes. It’s the perfect place for some retail therapy or grabbing a quick bite before or after a visit to the arena.

Have Fun at the Artis Zoo

Opened in 1838, Artis Zoo claims to be the oldest zoo in the Netherlands and one of the fifth oldest in the world. However, that’s not why you’ll want to visit the zoo. Instead, you’ll want to have fun watching exciting animal species like the Asian elephant, chimpanzee, Western lowland gorilla, and African lion.

There are over 5,600 animals at Artis Zoo, so you’re in for a fun-filled day of animal watching. You can explore the park freely or follow a zookeeper audio guide that tells you more about the animals you see. Furthermore, there is a daily schedule of keeper talks and feedings to follow.

Artis Zoo tickets cost €29.50 ($32.20) for anyone over 13.

Plan Your Visit Around Feeding Times: Check the daily schedule of zookeeper talks and feeding sessions, which include popular species like the Asian elephants and lions.
Enjoy Lunch at the Café De Plantage: This restaurant is located near the zoo, Café De Plantage offers a relaxing atmosphere and a menu featuring light meals and coffee. It’s ideal for a break before or after exploring the zoo.

Walk Through the De Wallen District

European Countries Ranked by Pickpocketing Risk_Red Light District, Netherlands — © rh2010 / Adobe Stock

Walking through the De Wallen district is one of the most fascinating things to do in Amsterdam. More famously known as the Red Light District, De Wallen is one of Europe’s most iconic and, arguably, notorious neighborhoods.

While many travelers would associate the district with unsavory behavior and wild parties, there is much more to see.

For starters, De Wallen is Amsterdam’s oldest district. It was built in 1385 and features many traditional architectural masterpieces like the Oude Kerk Amsterdam. The district is also home to the Basilica of Saint Nicholas and the Our Lord in the Attic Museum.

Whether you want to experience Amsterdam’s wild side or explore its historic architecture, an hour or two spent walking around De Wallen is a must.

Respect Local Rules and Culture: Photography of the workers in the Red Light windows is strictly prohibited.
Grab a Drink at Café De Oude Waag: Located nearby in Nieuwmarkt Square, this café offers great snacks and drinks with a view of the city’s historic architecture.

Enjoy the City Views From the A’DAM Lookout

12 Best Things To Do in Amsterdam, Netherlands Enjoy the City Views From A'DAM Lookout — © PoppyPix / Adobe Stock

For the best city views in Amsterdam, visit the observation platform at the A’DAM Lookout. At 328 feet (100 meters) tall, the A’DAM Lookout offers unparalleled 360-degree city views. You can see most of the city from its observatory, including its historic center and scenic canals.

The lookout is located at the top of A’DAM Tower in Amsterdam North. It’s open Monday through Thursday from 11:00 to 19:00 and Friday through Sunday between 10:00 and 21:00. Tickets cost €16.50 ($18) for adults and €10.50 ($11.45) for children.

Adrenaline junkies looking for a more exhilarating experience will be pleased to hear that A’DAM Lookout also has Amsterdam’s highest swing.

EYE Film Museum: A striking modern museum dedicated to film history, with exhibitions, movie screenings, and a café offering panoramic views of the IJ River. Entry to the building and its café is free, but tickets for exhibitions and film screenings start at €11 ($11.85).
Take the Free Ferry to Amsterdam North: The A’DAM Tower is easily accessible via the free ferry from Amsterdam Central Station to Buiksloterweg. The ferry ride takes just 5 minutes and runs frequently.

Taste the Local Beer on the Heineken Experience

The Heineken Experience is an interactive tour that takes place in the brand’s oldest brewery, which closed in 1988. Beer drinkers visiting the Dutch capital will likely want to sample the local beer. Luckily, that’s not hard to do because Amsterdam is home to one of the world’s most famous beers, Heineken.

Heineken originated in Amsterdam in 1864 before becoming one of the world’s biggest beer brands.

You can learn all about the brand and, most importantly, sample the beverage on the Heineken Experience. During the experience, you’ll learn all about Heineken, discovering how the brand started and how its beer is made.

The tour culminates with a beer tasting that includes two drinks. The Heineken Experience costs €24.95 ($27.20).

Allow Around 2 Hours for the Tour: The experience is interactive and self-guided, meaning you can explore at your own pace. Plan for about 1.5–2 hours, especially if you want to enjoy your two beers at the bar afterward.
Combine With De Pijp Exploration: The brewery is located in the trendy De Pijp district. After the tour, explore nearby spots like Sarphatipark or enjoy Dutch snacks at one of the many street-side cafes.

Go on a Day Trip to Keukenhof Gardens

12 Famous Landmarks in the Netherlands Keukenhof Gardens, Lisse — © Nikolay N. Antonov / Adobe Stock

One of the best day trips from Amsterdam is a visit to Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse. Often referred to as the “Garden of Europe,” Keukenhof Gardens is one of the world’s largest flower gardens. It spans 79 acres (32 hectares) and contains over seven million flowers.

Luckily for you, the gardens are only a 40-minute drive from Amsterdam. The gardens are split into several sections, with over 100 growers creating vibrant displays. You can expect to find tulips, orchids, daffodils, roses, and more.

Spring, especially between mid-April and early May, is the best time to visit Keukenhof Gardens because the tulips are in peak bloom. To avoid large crowds, visit on a weekday, preferably in the morning. Tickets cost €20.00 ($21.80) for adults and €9 ($9.80) for children.

Plan Your Visit for Spring Mornings: Visit between mid-April and early May for peak tulip blooms. Arrive early (around 08:00) on a weekday to avoid the crowds.
Rent a Bike for the Flower Fields: For a more immersive experience, rent a bike near Keukenhof for around €10 ($10.77) and pedal through the stunning surrounding tulip fields. Bike rental stations are available at the garden entrance.