Amsterdam is one of the most visited cities in Europe and is somewhere you really need to add to your travel bucket list.
This city is great to visit in summer, winter and all year round, whether for a short weekend break or longer stay. There are lots of tourist attractions, places to visit and day trips, a lot of which are really fun and completely free.
The problem in Amsterdam isn’t finding something to do. With an abundance of historic sites, thriving clubs, excellent restaurants and unique architecture, the real worry is not having the time to do everything on one trip.
Amsterdam is a perfect for a city break as it has a relatively small city centre which means all the main sights are within easy reach. The city is famed for its great museums, such as the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, its canals, amazing nightlife and relaxed atmosphere. Direct flights are available from most major UK and European airports.
If you going to be visiting Amsterdam for the first time and need some inspiration for where to go check out our guide to the best things to do add to your travel itinerary.
Now go explore and fall in love with this beautiful city!
1. Canal Cruise
Book a boat tour and cruise through the network of canals that now has UNESCO status. Amsterdam’s 165 canals were built in the 17th century with the aim of improving the city’s transportation system and trade network.
Taking a boat ride is one of the most touristy things to do in Amsterdam but also one of the most enjoyable things to do and also a great way to see different areas of the city.
Some boat tours offer a hop on and off service where you can discover Amsterdam and stop at key attractions and locations. Some tours last an hour whilst others can be a whole day.
Popular places to see on route include the Rijksmuseum and the Red Light District. Some companies offer romantic night time candlelit dinner cruises whilst for families there is Pannenkoekenboot’s 75-minute cruise which include unlimited pancakes which children love!
2. Visit the Rijksmuseum
Learn the lessons of history by going to Museumplein, where you can drop into the Rijksmuseum to view their unparalleled collection of paintings by the Dutch Masters and a wealth of historical artifacts.
Located in a purpose-built neo-Gothic palace, the Rijksmuseum is one of the best destinations to see Dutch art and historical artefacts.
You can learn more about Dutch history and see over 8,000 pieces of art on display including masterpieces like The Night Watch by Rembrandt, Portrait of a Young Couple by Frans Hals and The Milkmaid by Johannes Vermeer.
The Rijksmuseum also has a beautiful garden which is open to everyone, regardless of whether or not you have paid for a ticket to the main galleries.
The garden is very pretty with flowers, fountains, summerhouses and an exhibition with works by Henry Moore Even. If you have children, they will love playing in the garden.
If you’re up for more, try the Stedelijk Museum, which has by far the best collection of modern art in the country.
3. Rent a Bike
Explore Amsterdam on two wheels and explore the city like a local. Amsterdam is one of the most cycle friendly cities in the world and there are an estimated 800,000+ bikes in the city. The purpose built roads with separate cycle lanes which make getting around the city easy and safe.
4. Bike Tour
Keen to take in some of the local sights with others? Book a cycling tour. This is a really fun way to see new places with an experienced guide and also potentially make new friends. There are lots of different itineraries available but the most trips last around 3 hours and visit the main tourist hotspots.
5. Eat Tasty Food at De Foodhallen
Founded in 2014 and located in the magnificent De Hallen cultural complex in Amsterdam’s hip Oud-West neighbourhood, Foodhallen is a classy indoor food market and bar serving high-end street food and beverages in historic surroundings. This is one of the coolest local places to eat.
6. Visit Anne Frank House
No visit to Amsterdam would be complete without a trip to Anne Frank’s House to relive the moving story of Anne Frank and her family who hid in a secret annex during World War Two.
Located on the Prinsengracht, Anne Frank House is somewhere everyone needs to visit to be aware of what happens when facsism and evil rises.
Here you can see the secret annexe where Anne Frank hid from the Nazi’s during the Second World War. There are exhibitions and information where you can learn more about Anne, her family and what people went through during this horrible period of history.
7. Explore the De Negen Neighborhood
Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes) is a pretty neighbourhood in Amsterdam, located in the Grachtengordel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Grab your camera and prepare to get some amazing iconic shots of the city
8. Rent your own boat
One of the best ways to see Amsterdam is from the water and by renting your own boat you can explore at your own pace. You can rent boats per hour or for a full day, and stop where you want when you want. Prices also aren’t as expensive as you might think.
9. Vincent Van Gogh Museum
Amsterdam is home to a number of world famous museums, which make it perfect if you are looking for a cultural short break. One of the best is the Vincent Van Gogh museum where you can browse more than 200 paintings and 500 drawings by Van Gogh and his contemporaries.
Check out some masterpieces by Van Gogh, you really can’t leave Amsterdam without going here. Even if you aren’t an art lover as such, it’s hard not to be impressed by the magician that was Vincent Van Gogh.
At the museum you can see art, exhibitions, events, activities and there are things to do for all ages.
10. The Heineken Experience
Love beer? Keen to discover more about Heineken or try some samples? Include a visit to The Heineken Experience located at Heineken’s first built ever brewery in Amsterdam’s city centre. You can book an interactive tour and be guided through the beer giant’s history and finish the trip with a tasting room finale.
11. Keukenhof Garden
Get close to nature at the beautiful and world-famous Keukenhof Garden. There are so many colour flowers and the park is so tranquil – a great way to escape the city.
12. Party
The Netherlands is one of the world’s biggest exponents of dance music and Amsterdam’s has a vibrant and thriving clubbing and nightlife scene which is among one of the best in Europe. There are so many incredible bars and clubs and it is easy to see why this is such a popular European stag do destination. There are so many unique bars dotted throughout the city and a lot have free live music.
If you are looking for a really unique experience check out the Ice bar and enjoy drinks in a glass made of ice, in a bar made of ice. Or if you want to dance the night away some of the best clubs to check out include Radion, Claire, Shelter, Club NYX, Crane Hotel Faralda, De School, Noorderschip and Canvas.
13. Find Home in Prinseneiland
Fall in love with Prinseneiland, a lovely little neighbourhood in the centre of Amsterdam. This isn’t really on the main tourist trail as there aren’t any big tourist attractions as such, but the streets, houses and boats make this area so special to wander through. It is very laid back, and will make you want to move here!
14. Stroll Through Vondelpark
Vondelpark is Amsterdam’s most famous park and is a popular place for tourists and locals to relax and enjoy outdoor activities like biking, hiking, jogging and picnicking. A lot of Amsterdam bike tours visit Vondelpark.
15. People Watch in Dam Square
Enjoy the atmosphere and surroundings in bustling Dam Square – one of the most popular squares in the city. This is a great place to grad something to eat, relax and people watch.
16. Explore Amsterdam Noord
Noord is a trendy neighbourhood in Amsterdam known for its redeveloped wharf area, with trendy restaurants, art galleries, and DJ events around the NDSM cultural center. Overlooking the IJ, the striking Eye Film Museum offers screenings, a poster gallery, and movie-related exhibitions, while the 20-story A’DAM Lookout has an over-the-edge swing. Noorderpark is a green space with a swimming pool, playgrounds, and guided nature walks.
17. Watch the colorful Flower Parade
Bloemencorso Bollenstreek also known as the Keukenhof Flower Parade is the most famous parade in the Netherlands and usually takes place in April. The Keukenhof Flower Parade is usually watched by more than one million people from all over the world. Expect colorful flower floats with spring flowers like Hyacinths, daffodils and tulips. Even if you aren’t huge into flowers, you can’t help but be awed by the impressive floats.
18. Chill Out in Westerpark
Close to Amsterdam city centre is the Westerpark neighbourhood which is home to the eponymous park. This park combines greenery and tranquil surroundings and there are always lots of cultural events happening throughout the year. This neighbourhood is also where you can visit lots of independent shops, street markets, restaurants and traditional cafés.
19. Get Lost
Amsterdam is an amazing city to put down your map and just explore, getting lost is sometimes the best way to find some amazing places you might never have found before. Just walking down the canals and seeing new places is such a great experience.
20. Shop for Souvenirs
Okay this might be a bit obvious and a bit boring but remember to stock up on souvenirs before you leave. There are tourist shops and street stall located throughout Amsterdam selling everything you can think of, including some of the most quirky and random things you can imagine.
21. Wander Through the Red Light District
The Red Light District is one of the most popular destinations for tourists in the Netherlands, and it is also one of the most controversial. In the Red Light District is also called ‘De Wallen’ or ‘De Rosse Buurt’ you’ll find prostitutes offering “services”, from behind a window. The area is also where you can see live sex shows, sex shops, brothels, strip clubs, and an erotic theatre.
The Red Light District has changed a lot over the past decade and is very safe to visit especially in the day. Casa Rosso, an (in)famous erotic theatre is one of the most iconic theatres in the city dating back to around 1968. You can sit back and enjoy one of the live 18+ shows on stage if this is your type of thing.
Also if you have a curiosity to visit this area you will need to go soon, as the local council have plans to move the Red Light District to a controlled area outside the city centre.
22. Visit the Unique and Tiny Houseboat Museum
Ever wondered what it is like to live on a houseboat? Visit one of the most unique museums in Amsterdam – the Houseboat Museum and get an insight into life living on the Amsterdam Canal. The museum is located on the “Hendrika Maria”, a former cargo ship from 1914.
23. Grab Some Food at the Albert Cuyp Market
The Albert Cuypmarkt is a great place to mix with locals and eat tasty food. This is the largest outdoor market in Amsterdam open 6 days a week. There are over 250 stands offering great value food from all around the world. This market is very easy to get to, hop onboard Tram 16 for a quick connection.
24. Find Amsterdam’s Hidden Hofjes
Hofjes are hidden courtyards that are filled with trees and plants usually in residential neighbourhoods.
You can find Hofjes dotted throughout the city and although this isn’t a popular thing to do for your first trip to Amsterdam, it offers a great alternative to all the major touristy attractions on our list.
Most are open to the public and you can get lucky and randomly find Hofjes but if you do want to seek some out these are some of the most beautiful and photogenic ones to see:
• Claes Claesz Hofje – Address: Eerste Egelantiersdwarsstraat 1, 5 Amsterdam
• Begijnhof – Address: 1012 AB Amsterdam
• Hofje van Brienen – Address: Prinsengracht 89-133, 1015 DA Amsterdam
•. Zon’s Hofje – Address: Prinsengracht 159-171, 1015 DR Amsterdam
• Karthuizerhofje – Address: Karthuizersstraat 89 – 171, 1015 LN Amsterdam
25. Watch a Live Football Game
Amsterdam is home to two professional football clubs – Ajax and Amsterdamsche FC. Ajax competing in the Eredivisie, and regularly in the Champions League whilst Amsterdamsche FC compete in the Tweede Divisie.
26. Ajax Football Stadium Tour
If you are passionate about sport and there are no live games on you can take a tour of the Johan Cruijff ArenA (formerly Amsterdam ArenA) which is the home of AFC Ajax football club. This is the largest sporting stadium in the Netherlands located at the south-eastern part of the city. The stadium is open to the public for various guided tours throughout the year.
27. Coffee Shops
Sample the local cannabis, well this is Amsterdam after all. Amsterdam is famous for its “coffee shops” and these are some of the most popular tourist attractions in the city.
Buying cannabis has been legal in The Netherlands since 1976 and there are now over 100 licensed coffeeshops in Amsterdam. You are likely to see lots when wandering the streets and it’s hard to recommended the best Amsterdam coffee shop as all are different.
Please note smoking tobacco is no longer allowed in public spaces in the Netherlands, so when entering you are likely to be breathing pure cannabis in a sealed room environment.
28. Pride Festival
Visit Amsterdam during summer and schedule your trip to coincide with Pride or the Amsterdam Gay Pride, a citywide gay-festival held annually at the center of Amsterdam usually at the end of July or the first weekend of August. The festival is one of the best in the world and thousands of people take part every year.
29. Venustempel Sex Museum
Feeling inquisitive or just naughty? Check out the world’s first and oldest sex museum Sex Museum located in central Amsterdam. Find more information about love and sex through the decades, see erotic art collections, paintings, photographs and more.
30. See the Amsterdam Skyline from Central Library
Visiting a library whilst on holiday? Okay this isn’t everyone’s idea of fun, but, the library is free and has a panoramic terrace on the 7th floor with amazing views over the city.
31. Cannabis College
Learn more about Amsterdam’s favourite herb at the Cannabis College. Staff give talks and information about coffee shops, cannabis whilst you can try hemp-made products or vaporisers.
32. Gassan Diamond Factory Tour
If you have an interest in diamonds you might want to visit the Gassan Diamond Factory which offers a free one-hour tour. Learn more about diamonds and see skilled gem cutters and pro polishers in action. Tours run from 9 am – 5 pm and they are available in over 20 different languages.
33. Civic Guard Gallery
If you are keen to get some culture but not keen to pay, check out the Civic Guard Gallery which has Golden Age portraits on display. You can enter the Civic Guards Gallery from Amsterdam central commercial street – Kalverstraat 92 and consider it a free ‘teaser’ to the Amsterdam Museum.
34. Visit a Cat Sanctuary
The Catboat is an animal sanctuary that literally floats. This boat offers a refuge for stray and abandoned cats which, thanks to its unique location on a boat, has become an unlikely tourist attraction. All donations are welcome and if you would like to visit head to Singel 38 – G, 1015 AB Amsterdam.
35. Get in Contact with Nature at the Amsterdam Forest
Keen to escape the shops and canals? Head to the Amsterdam Forest located on the edge of the city. This is Amsterdam’s largest park and is a great place to visit for nature lovers and families. There is a goat farm, a forest gnome trail, swimming pools and a visitors’ centre with interactive exhibitions on wildlife and nature.
36. Discover History at City Archives
If you’re interested in learning about the history of Amsterdam, consider visiting the City Archives. This location is free to visit and there are a lot of interesting things to see and experience. Some items include a 1942 police report on Anne Frank’s bike theft, photos from John and Yoko’s 1969 bed-in at the Hilton, or a 1625 city map.
37. Check out Art at NDSM-werf
NDSM-werf is a derelict shipyard that has been rejuvenated into an arts community. Here you can see sculptures, graffiti and art from local artists. There is also regularly live music performances and other cultural events and lots of food available. The easiest way to get here if via the free ferry behind Central Station.
38. Nemo Science Museum
The NEMO Science Museum is one of the coolest interactive museums in the world where you can discover how fascinating science and technology are. The museum has five floors crammed full of exhibitions, experiments, demonstrations and workshops. This is a fun experience for both adults and children, and a great place to visit if it is raining or the weather is bad.
39. Go Cheese Crazy in Edam
If you love cheese, plan a day trip to Edam. This small town is located on the bank of the Markermeer, north of Amsterdam, produces a brand of cheese that’s beloved by food fans from around the world.
You can learn the art of making cheese, sample different varieties and stock up cheese while you’re there. The distance between Amsterdam and Edam is 19 km. The road distance is 24 km. The best way to get from Amsterdam to Edam without a car is by bus (line 314), which takes about 25 minutes.
40. Zaanse Schans Day Trip
Escape the city and take a trip to the historic windmills of Zaanse Schans. The easiest way to reach Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam is by train or bus.
There are 15 trains per day and a single journey costs from €3.40. Buses depart from Amsterdam Central Station every 15 minutes and it takes approximately 40 minutes to get there. You can purchase a day ticket for 1 euros for Bus 391 to Zaanse Schans.
Plan a Trip to Amsterdam
Amsterdam is one of the most visited cities in the world and over 19 million tourists venture here every year.
Amsterdam has a relatively small city centre, which makes it perfect for a short break as all the main sights are within easy reach of one another.
If you like culture, there are museums galore. If you like romance, there’s a network of pretty canals and cosy cafes and if you like a city that parties, the amazing nightlife set against a relaxed, liberal atmosphere make this city quite unique. Amsterdam city breaks really do offer something for everyone.
This city really is a special and unique place and hopefully our list has given you some ideas for how to enjoy the best trip possible
