Amsterdam is one of the most popular cities to visit in Europe. And for good reason. With historic buildings, 17th-century canals, fascinating museums, and a truly fun vibe, the Dutch capital certainly has a lot going for it!
If you’re visiting this amazing city for the first time and not quite sure how to spend your time, don’t worry; I’ve got you! Here’s my list of the absolute best things to do in Amsterdam after visiting the city multiple times!
Pop open a Heineken, and let’s get right to it!
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The Best Things to do in Amsterdam
Take a canal cruise
One of my absolute favorite things to do in Amsterdam is to cruise along its picturesque canals. It’s truly fun and lovely way to get a different vantage point over the city. The best part? The city literally has dozens of canal cruises to choose from!
In fact, you can find a whole bunch of companies offering tours right outside Amsterdam Centraal! While these are usually the cheaper tours, you should know that not all canal tours in the city are equal.
If you’re looking for a more in-depth tour detailing the city’s history, try one of the bigger boats that offer audio guides. Some good ones are Lovers Cruise or the Hop on Hop off boat cruise.
However, if you prefer a more intimate experience highlighting quirky tidbits about the city, the smaller boat tours are the way to go. My favorite is this canal cruise offered by Flagship, but the Friendship cruises are a close second.
Take the ferry to NDSM Wharf
If you’re into street art, another cool place to visit is NDSM Wharf—a former shipyard repurposed into a creative space.
It’s a fun place to stroll around or grab a bite, but the highlight here is visiting STRAAT. This massive shipyard warehouse turned street art and graffiti museum features over 150 artworks from artists all around the world! Beyond the museum, stroll around the harbor, pop into NDSM Loods, or catch a legendary sunset over the IJ River. If you want to grab some drinks and a snack, check out IJver Amsterdam. It’s a cool restaurant with a sunny terrace, various drinks, and yummy ‘borrel’ snacks. Try the nachos and wash it down with a zesty Bloody Mary!
Getting there: Catch the free GVB ferry to NDSM Wharf from Amsterdam Centraal at platform F4.
Visit the museums
The Netherlands has a whopping 400 museums, with around 50 of the most famous ones in Amsterdam. Even if you’re not interested in all things history or art, it would be an absolute shame not to check out at least one or two while in the city. Here are the must-visit ones:
- Anne Frank House is one of the most famous museums in the city. And if I had to pick just one that delves into history, it would be this one! Visiting the Anne Frank House offers a sobering (and rather disturbing) look into the life of a young Jewish girl and her family who lived in hiding during World War II. Advance booking is absolutely essential! Make sure you grab them directly on the official Anne Frank Museum website.
- Rijksmuseum is another classic in the city. It houses a massive collection of artwork spanning over 800 years of Dutch history, with masterpieces by Dutch Golden Age artists, such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh. Book your time slot ticket.
- If the Tate Modern or the Guggenheim Museum is your vibe, you’ll love the Moco Museum! Although much smaller, this quirky museum features a cool and impressive collection of modern and contemporary artworks by artists such as Banksy, Yayoi Kusama, and Andy Warhol. Book your ticket.
- I’m sure the Van Gogh Museum doesn’t need much introduction. So, if you’ve ever wanted to see Van Gogh’s famous Sunflowers painting up close, here’s your chance! Again, planning ahead is key. So don’t expect to rock up and get a ticket. You can book your time slot ticket here.
- Fabrique des Lumières is not your typical museum. Instead, it’s a digital art center with mind-blowing immersive experiences where art truly comes to life. The museum is currently running an exhibition of the Dutch masters. Book your ticket.
Travel tip: Visiting all of Amsterdam’s top sights and attractions is NOT cheap! If you plan to visit many touristy places, my biggest NL travel tip is to consider getting the I Amsterdam Card. The card gives access to more than 70 attractions in the city, plus free transport. Just make sure you use it well, as the card is expensive, too!
Hang out at Dam Square
One of the most iconic views of Amsterdam has to be looking out over Dam Square. Once a booming little fish market, Dam Square certainly has come a long way over its more than 400-year lifespan. Today, it is one of the most important squares in the city, and chances are you’ll pass through it at least once during your Amsterdam itinerary.
The square is also home to several of the city’s most significant landmarks. Some of the most notable ones include the Royal Palace, the National Monument commemorating World War 2, and the 14th-century gothic Nieuwe Kerk. Another popular attraction here is the famous Madame Tussauds wax museum.
Even if you don’t plan to visit the tourist attractions, it’s still a lovely spot to sit and enjoy the lively vibe. Just a heads-up, Dam Square is usually quite packed, not just with tourists and locals but also with cheeky pigeons!
Try the Dutch snacks
The Dutch aren’t really renowned for their food, but when in Amsterdam, there are two things you have to try: stroopwafels and friet!
Stroopwafels consist of two wafer-thin cookies joined together with hot, gooey syrup! While the normal one is amazing, there are plenty of variants, like ones dipped in chocolate and topped with nuts, marshmallows or colorful M&M’s.. Two famous spots to grab them are Hans Egstorf and Van Wonderen. But, you should know that both stores are usually super busy and quite pricey. If you’re looking for a more authentic and less touristy place, try Rudy’s or Melly’s instead.
Friet (or fries) is a staple in the Netherlands! And yes, you guessed right — every vendor claims to be the best! But don’t worry, I’ve done all the “hard” work for you! My top picks are Mannekin Pis and Fabel Friet.
Mannekin Pis, with their delicious Flemish fries, is arguably one of the most famous fries shops in the city. Their fries are crunchy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside —pure heaven! If you’re walking down the Damrak from Amsterdam Centraal, you’ll spot a long line of people before you even see the sign!
Another awesome vendor (and my fave) is Fabel Friet in Jordaan. Their signature version is the parmesan fries with truffle mayo, but my ultimate go-to is the parmesan fries topped with spicy mayo! Chef’s kiss!
Check out the markets
If you love browsing markets, you’re going to love Amsterdam! Amsterdam has a bunch of them, with the floating flower market and Albert Cuyp among the most famous.
Albert Cuyp, in particular, is a cool place to walk around and sample Dutch snacks (don’t miss the kibbeling, and if you’re more adventurous, try the pickled herring!). Another fun thing to do here is to shop for everything from fresh produce to clothes and souvenirs.
If you happen to be in the city on a Sunday and prefer a less touristy market, you’ll love the Westerpark Market. It houses a fantastic selection of stalls selling handmade jewelry, sunglasses, cheese, food, fur coats, vintage clothing, and so much more! If they’re there, try the passion fruit mojitos at Mojito Man and the loempia (spring rolls) at THO Vietnamese Street Food Truck!
Stroll through the neighborhoods
One of the best ways to really get to know Amsterdam is to wander along its charming canals and get lost in its quaint and quirky streets.
The neighborhood of Jordaan is a great starting point. It’s one of my absolute favorite areas to wander around and arguably the hippest hangout spot in the city. In Jordaan, you’ll find everything from galleries, boutique clothing stores, artisan bakeries, and cozy streetside cafes.
Another cool area to check out is De Pijp. It’s a bit more bohemian than Jordaan, but it’s home to the Albert Cuyp Market, the Heineken Experience, and an endless supply of fantastic brunch spots. My go-to is Bakers & Roasters. The food is delish, and the vibe is fantastic!
Full disclosure: I’m not really a fan of the Red Light District. It’s often crowded with tourists and gawking men. Despite my feelings about the area, it’s still one of the most famous attractions in Amsterdam. Located in the oldest part of the city, it houses some of the city’s most beautiful old buildings and winding cobblestone streets. If you want to check it out, it’s best to visit in the early morning before the crowds flood the streets.
Getting from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam
The easiest way to get from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam is by NS train. Sure, there are buses, taxis, and private transfers, but if you want the fastest option, simply hop on a train to Amsterdam Centraal. From there it’s easy to connect to other parts of the city by metro, bus or tram.
The railway station is located directly below the airport, and the journey into town takes less than 20 minutes. Check schedules and prices here on the NS website.
Travel tip: Don’t waste money buying a first-class ticket. The second-class cars are just as nice!
How to Get Around Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a big city! But thankfully, its central area is compact enough to explore on foot. And if you get tired or need to go further, there are buses, trams, and a metro to help you out. Just make sure you have a contactless debit or credit card to tap on the public transport networks.
If you want to save money on your trip, it’s worth looking at the I Amsterdam City Card. As mentioned before, it offers unlimited access to public transport and admission to some of the city’s top sights. However if the card is too pricey for you and you’re only looking to save a few euros on transport, rather check out the 1-3 day Amsterdam & Region travel pass or this 1-3 day Travel Pass with airport transfer.
Well, there you have it! My top picks for things to do in Amsterdam! Do you have any other suggestions to add to this must-do list? Let me know in the comments below.
Hey Mariza! Thank you for your magnificent article! So many helpful tips. I will definitely bookmark this article as I go to Amsterdam next month.
Awesome stuff, thanks Samantha! Have an amazing time in Amsterdam!