15 Best Things To Do in Amsterdam, Netherlands

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Looking for some awesome things to do on your trip to Amsterdam? We’ve got you covered!

Amsterdam is a beautiful city full of scenic canals, famous museums, delicious restaurants, and a rich history. With so much to explore here, we can’t help but keep coming back for more!

It would be impossible to see and do everything that Amsterdam has to offer in one trip, which is why we want to make sure you are only putting the top experiences on your to-do list. I’ve narrowed down the absolute best experiences below, which are guaranteed to make your trip amazing, so let’s get to it!

Best Things to do in Amsterdam

1. Visit the Van Gogh Museum

• Duration: 2.5 hours
• Time: 10 am, 1:30 pm, 5 pm
• Highlights: VIP priory entry to the museum, view the world’s largest Van Gogh art collection with a guide, study the paintings and learn about Van Gogh’s life, see paintings by Gauguin and Monet
• Inclusions: Exclusive guided tour, reserved skip-the-line entrance, entry fees
• Rating: 5 stars (check out the 1,400+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

Amsterdam is home to many world-renowned museums. In fact, it has over 70 museums and art galleries. My favorite is the Van Gogh Museum, which has the biggest Van Gogh art collection in the world!

When I went, I took this VIP access tour and was so happy that I did! It allowed us to skip the enormous line and enter exactly at the time indicated on our ticket. There is so much exploring to be done in Amsterdam and we didn’t want to waste any time standing in line!

Once we were inside, we were led around the museum by a knowledgeable guide. We studied Van Gogh’s most popular and lesser-known works of art from different eras and learned a lot about his life along the way. I’m not a super artsy person, but I still found the tour to be very interesting and I have a new appreciation for artists and their work.

What was neat was that we also got to see artwork from Gauguin and Monet, who we learned were big influences on Van Gogh’s unique style. The guided tour lasted around 2.5 hours and after that, we spent time wandering around on our own and went back to admire our favorite pieces some more.

You can choose to do this experience as part of a small group (8 people max) for €133, or you can do a private tour for €326 per person. Whichever option you choose, I know you won’t regret going on this tour, and I think the 1,300+ people who left 5-star reviews would agree with me!

Check availability for this popular VIP Van Gogh Museum tour here!

2. Explore the Dutch Countryside on a Guided Tour

• Duration: 6.5 hours
• Time: 8:15 am
• Highlights: Explore beautiful rural Holland, learn about Dutch culture and history, sample local food such as cheese and wine, and enjoy a canal sightseeing cruise (if option selected)
• Inclusions: Transportation from Amsterdam, professional guide, all tasting samples
• Rating: 5 stars (check out the 4,000+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

If you want to learn more about Dutch history and experience its unique culture, you must go on this full-day tour of Holland’s countryside!

This guided tour takes you out of the city to visit some of the smaller rural towns that surround Amsterdam. Over the course of 6.5 hours, you will visit Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam, and Marken, which all boast a unique charm and have something different to discover. 

Zaanse Schans is an area full of historic windmills. I don’t know about you, but whenever I pictured the Netherlands countryside, I always thought of rolling green pastures and windmills, and that is exactly what Zaanse Schans looked like – it was stunning!

My favorite part was when we visited a local cheese producer near Volendam. We got to sample some delicious Gouda and Edam cheese before doing a clog workshop where we got to see how these traditional wooden shoes are made. I tried them on and they are actually comfier than they look!

The tour also visits a quaint 17th-century fishing village and ends with the option to go on a cruise through the canal. I highly recommend doing this, it was such a fun way to sightsee around the countryside!

We love how affordable this tour is at only €35 per person. And if you add on the canal cruise it is only €20 extra. It is very popular with over 4,100 great reviews (see them all here!), so make sure you book in advance before it sells out!

Secure your spot on this highly-rated countryside tour here!

3. Learn About Anne Frank On A Guided Walking Tour through Amsterdam’s Jewish Quarter

• Duration: 2 hours
• Time: Multiple departure times throughout the day
• Highlights: Small-group walking tour around the historic Jewish Quarter, learn about Amsterdam’s history during WWII and the story of Anne Frank, see important landmarks & monuments
• Inclusions: Knowledgable local guide
• Rating: 5 stars (check out the 8,600+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

Daniel and I love to travel to experience new things, but we also think it’s important to learn about the history of the places we visit. That’s why we think this 2-hour tour through Amsterdam’s Jewish Cultural District should be at the top of everyone’s to-do list!

During this guided walking tour, you will learn all about Amsterdam’s dark history during WWII when it was under Nazi control. The guide will bring you to some very important landmarks such as the Jewish Historical Museum, the Portuguese Synagogue, and the Auschwitz Monument.

We also learned the tragic story of Anne Frank. For those who don’t know, Anne Frank was a young Jewish girl who kept a detailed diary during her time hiding from Nazi persecution. This diary was published into a book and is known as one of the most powerful memoirs of the Holocaust. Walking through her footsteps and hearing her story definitely left a lasting impact on us. 

This tour is one of the most popular things to do in Amsterdam. It is also very budget-friendly at only €33. It’s important to note that this tour doesn’t include entrance into the Jewish Museum, Portuguese Synagogue, or Anne Frank House. We recommend planning to visit these places on your own time after the tour if you wish to learn more about this time in history. 

Check out the 8,600+ glowing reviews and book your spot on this tour here!

4. Go inside Anne Frank’s House

While the walking tour takes you around the Anne Frank area, it doesn’t actually go in it, and we think this is a necessary stop while in Amsterdam. But I must say, getting tickets to do so is a bit of a game, so follow along carefully or you’ll miss out!

This is a very popular sight, if not the most popular thing to do in Amsterdam. Tickets are in high demand and sell out quickly. As such, tickets are released every Tuesday at 10 am, Amsterdam time, and are only available on the official Anne Frank House website here. I recommend setting an alarm so you can purchase yours as soon as they go on sale. 

Once you secure your tickets (and fly to Amsterdam), you can explore the museum! It takes about an hour to see it all, and it’s quite an immersive and emotional experience. It’s eye-opening and truly brings history to life. Especially when we walked through the secret annex where the Frank family hid for years – that will stick with you. 

Visiting the Anne Frank House was honestly one of the most memorable parts of our trip, so it’s worth any planning or hassle to secure tickets. You simply can’t miss it!

5. Eat your way around the city

• Duration: 3.5 hours
• Time: 11 am, 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, 2 pm, 4:30 pm
• Highlights: Taste your way through the Jordaan district with an epicurean guide, enjoy 7 different food & drink samples at local hotspots, small-group tour
• Inclusions: All food and drink samples, English speaking guide, “Food Lover’s” guide
• Rating: 5 stars (check out the 1,700+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

If you enjoy trying new local dishes when you travel, this food tour is for you!

Amsterdam is truly a foodie’s dream and this 3.5-hour tour will bring you to all of the best spots to try a variety of delicious dishes. You will explore the trendy Jordaan District, which is known as the gastronomic hub of the city. It is filled with so many restaurants (the options are a bit overwhelming), so I was very glad I was visiting with an expert guide who knew exactly where to go for the best meals!

I appreciated that this was a small-group tour with a maximum of only 12 people. This made the experience feel more personalized and it was great getting to know other like-minded travelers. We had a lot of fun while we sampled a variety of amazing foods from gouda cheese to Dutch bitterballen (bite-size beef and gravy croquettes).

And for you gin lovers out there, make sure you try the jenever. It’s a delicious juniper-flavored liquor that is also known as “Dutch Gin”. I drank it for the rest of my trip!

There are two different departure points at local cafes depending on what time of day you choose. This tour costs €109 per person, which we think is a pretty great deal considering it includes all of the food and drink samples as well as a walking tour of the Jordaan area. 

Read the 1,600+ 5-star reviews and secure your spot here!

6. Explore the Jordaan and De 9 Straatjes areas

Perhaps the most charming and trendy neighborhoods in Amsterdam are Jordaan and De 9 Straatjes. You will probably pass by here while bopping around the city, but there are so many hidden gems that deserve your undivided attention. 

De 9 Straatjes means “nine little streets”, and as you can guess, it’s made up of 9 adorable streets full of boutiques, vintage stores, cafes, restaurants, and more. Jordaan is right next to it and has the same historic buildings and local charm. 

Stop by a museum, take a boat ride through the canals, and gaze at the historic architecture. This area is best explored on foot and with a loose plan so you can really take it in!

It’s great during the day, but we especially loved it at night with all the lights glowing and reflecting on the canals. We stopped for dinner at Moeders for some classic Dutch comfort food. It was so cozy and satisfying! 

7. Explore Amsterdam on a bike tour

• Duration: 3 hours
• Time: 10 am or 2 pm
• Highlights: Bike around the city visiting main attractions and hidden gems, learn about Dutch history and culture, small group tour of only 12 people
• Inclusions: Bike and helmet, professional guide
• Rating: 5 stars (check out the 2,800+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

Amsterdam is one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the entire world, so it’s no surprise that the best way to see the city is on this guided bike tour! 

We love doing city tours whenever we arrive at a new destination. It’s a great way to get to know the city better and orient yourself before heading off on your own, and that’s exactly what this tour did!

Over the course of 3-hours, we biked along the canals and bridges visiting Amsterdam’s greatest highlights including the Rijksmuseum, Vondelpark, and Prinseneiland. We also visited some hidden gems such as Begijnhof, which is a secret village right in the center of the city!

Biking around the city allowed us to cover much more ground than if we had been on a walking tour. We explored so much of the city and learned so much during this tour, that I felt like I’d already been there for days by the time we were done! 

There are two departure times to choose from throughout the day, and the tour costs only €38 per person – which almost seems too good to be true for a tour this great (just look at the THOUSANDS of 5-star reviews!)

Don’t miss out on this epic city tour, secure your spot online here!

8. Go on a canal cruise

• Duration: 2 hours
• Time: Multiple departures from 10:30 am to 8:45 pm
• Highlights: Cruise through Amsterdam’s canals on a luxury boat, learn about the city’s history and culture, pass by Amsterdam’s most iconic sites, and enjoy snacks and a licensed bar onboard
• Inclusions: Guided tour and liver commentary, comfy premium boat, light snacks
• Rating: 5 stars (check out the 590+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

Biking and walking around Amsterdam are a great time, but my absolute favorite way to see the city is from the water on this luxury canal cruise!

Amsterdam’s canals are iconic and they are what makes the city so unique. Built back in the 17th century, the canals were used as a means of transportation and defense. Today, they are still used for transportation, but mainly as an exciting way to sightsee around the city and soak up some sun!

This 2-hour canal cruise will bring you through the Canal Belt (a UNESCO World Heritage site), where you will learn all about Amsterdam’s history and culture from your local guide. They will also point out some of Amsterdam’s most iconic sights along the way. Even if you’ve already seen these areas on land, seeing them from the water is even more special! My personal favorite was seeing the Basilica of Saint Nicholas all lit up at night.

The boat we were on was super luxurious and had comfortable seats for everyone on board. Plus, it never felt crowded with a maximum of only 20 guests. We were provided some delicious cheese, crackers, and fruit to snack on, and there was a fully functioning bar onboard as well (just note that drinks aren’t included in the tour price). 

Let me tell you, there is no more luxurious way to experience Amsterdam than cruising through the canals with a glass of wine in hand – I felt so fancy!

The canal cruise costs €43 per person and has multiple departures throughout the day. I recommend going at sunset if you can, the golden hues over the buildings are remarkable!

Don’t miss out – check the schedule and reserve your spot here!

9. Eat pancakes!!! 

Did you even go to Amsterdam if you didn’t eat the famous Dutch pancakes?! I don’t think so! You can find pancakes all over the city, but here are three of the most popular (and my personal favorites).

Moak Pancakes is located right in the city center, making it a convenient way to start your morning. I love this specific restaurant because the pancakes are wholegrain and sugar-free, so you don’t get that crash by mid-afternoon. They are fluffy, tasty, and we love the old-school hip hop vibe – it made for an all-around unique experience!

For a more classical pancake experience, head to Pancakehouse Upstairs. We stopped here on a cold morning, and the cozy atmosphere made us feel right at home. Just wait until you see all the teapots hanging from the ceiling! You can choose to go sweet or savory, or try a unique combination like bacon and apple (which was phenomenal – trust me)! 

Conveniently located in the Jordaan neighborhood, The Pancake Bakery overlooks the canals and offers up a variety of Dutch pancakes and omelets. I highly recommend getting here early, as it frequently has a queue out the door during peak brunch hours. But that’s just a sign of a really good Dutch pancake, right? 

10. Take an exclusive tour of the Rijksmuseum

• Duration: 2.5 hours
• Time: 10 am or 1:30 pm
• Highlights: Guided tour of the iconic Rijksmuseum, skip-the-line entrance, marvel at famous works of art by Van Gogh, Rembrandt, and Vermeer, learn about Holland’s artistic heritage
• Inclusions: Expert guide, skip-the-line museum admission
• Rating: 5 stars (check out the 290+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

As we already mentioned, Amsterdam’s museum scene is no joke. You could spend weeks going to a different museum every day! But realistically, no one has time for that, so instead we recommend at least going on a guided tour of the Rijksmuseum.

This famous museum is known as “the Netherlands Louvre”. It is the national museum of the Netherlands with over 8,000 pieces of art. It’s a massive place, which is why visiting with a guide is so important. 

Our guide made sure we saw some famous pieces from names such as Rembrandt and Vermeer. We also saw some lesser-known artwork, which was equally as amazing. The best part was learning from our guide how each masterpiece specifically related to Dutch culture and history.

I came away from the experience with much more knowledge and appreciation of Holland’s people and history. And I think the 270+ people who left 5-star reviews would agree with me!

The best part is that this tour includes skip-the-line entrance, meaning you get to bypass the extremely long queue of people waiting to get in! There’s also the option to upgrade to a private tour for an even more personalized and special experience. 

Secure your tickets here and get FREE cancellation before you go!

11. Wander through Vondelpark

If you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, head to Vondelpark – the largest park in Amsterdam. This park is stunning, lined with trees and walking paths that weave around ponds and grass. You’ll forget you’re in Amsterdam!

Locals and tourists love this park. During the summer, you can catch live music at the open-air theater, watch people shredding at the skatepark (join in if you can!), or simply relax in the grass and enjoy the views. 

It’s common to see cyclists and walkers here, even some people on roller skates! We passed through the park on the bicycle tour mentioned earlier, and that was one of the most fun ways to experience Vondelpark. The park is located near the museum district, so it was the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors after spending the morning inside the museum. 

12. Take a day trip to The Hague, Delft, and Rotterdam

• Duration: 9 to 10 hours
• Time: 8 am
• Highlights: Explore 3 of the Netherland’s most interesting cities on a small-group tour, visit modern and historical attractions in The Hague, Delft, and Rotterdam
• Inclusions: Roundtrip transportation, professional guide, entrance ticket to Madurodam OR Royal Delft Factory, bottled water
• Rating: 4.5 stars  (check out the 590+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

Amsterdam is an amazing city to visit, but sometimes it can be nice to escape the big city for a while and explore some other places. This full-day tour to The Hague, Delft, and Rotterdam does exactly that!

The tour picks you up from your Amsterdam hotel and whisks you away for a day full of sightseeing. You will make 14 different stops at some of the country’s top highlights including Markthal, Delft Market, and Binnenhof & Ridderzaal (a 13th-century Gothic castle!).

What’s really neat is that you can choose between 2 of the stops on the tour. You can choose to go to the Royal Delft Blue Pottery Factory, which is the only factory that still has the iconic Delft Blue earthenware. Or you can head to the Madurodam, which is a miniature ‘city’ made up of to-scale replicas of famous Dutch landmarks and cities. 

We went to Madurodam and thought it was very neat. I felt like a giant walking through the miniature city!

This tour costs €139 per person and includes a full day (9 to 10 hours) of sightseeing. Just make sure to budget extra for lunch in Delft! 

Reserve your spot in advance here and don’t pay a thing until just before you go!

13. Go on a Red Light District tour

• Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours
• Time: 5 pm, 7 pm, 8 pm, 10 pm
• Highlights: Explore and learn about the mysterious Red Light District, stop at iconic spots and hidden gems, visit bars, coffee shops, and see a peep show (optional)
• Inclusions: Local guide, peep-show entrance (optional)
• Rating: 5 stars (check out the 120+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

Ever wondered what really goes on in Amsterdam’s legendary Red Light District? This evening tour is sure to answer all of your questions! 

Once the sun goes down, you will be led through the district by a local who has all of the insider knowledge. You will explore the area in a safe and respectful way while visiting some famous and hidden off-the-beaten-path spots. 

Walking around with a guide is hands-down the best way to see this area. We learned so many interesting facts and they told many great stories (don’t worry, I won’t spoil any of it for you). We also saw things we never would have on our own, such as the “Sexy Loo”.

This tour is for open-minded adults only, as it visits bars, coffee shops, and even stops at an optional peep show. 

The tour runs daily at multiple times in the evening and has the option to upgrade to a private tour, which is a great option if you have a group of up to 6 people. 

Check pricing and book this Red Light District tour in advance here!

14. Explore De Pijp

Ready to dive into Amsterdam’s Latin Quarter? In a city as multicultural as Amsterdam, a Latin Quarter is no surprise. This area has more of a local feel, with quiet, hidden streets and more gorgeous buildings. It should be called the King of Brunch, because there are more brunch places than you’ll have days for!

De Pijp is also famous for the Albert Cuyp Market, Amsterdam’s largest street market, which opened in 1905. You can find anything here, from clothes to flowers, and from top-rated restaurants to street vendors selling herring. We had a fun few hours just wandering around and snacking our way through – there was so much to see! The market runs Monday through Saturday from 9:30 am to 5 pm.

And for our beer fans, the Heineken Experience is a must! This was the very first Heineken brewery in Amsterdam, and is now an interactive museum (yes, beer tasting is interactive!). You can tour the museum to learn the history of this worldwide brand, the brewing process, and even take a 4D ride where you can see the brewing process through the eyes of a bottle. 

15. Countryside bike tour from Amsterdam

• Duration: 4 hours
• Time: 9:30 am or 2 pm
• Highlights: Bike through the countryside, take a ferry ride over the IJ river, stop at a cheese farm (long tour only), see a wooden clog workshop (long tour only)
• Inclusions: Local guide, bicycle (standard or e-bike), snacks, cheese farm vist (long tour), clog workshop (long tour)
• Rating: 5 stars (check out the 1,200+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

Amsterdam is all about the bikes! So do as the Dutch do, and get on a bike to explore the countryside of this fun half-day tour.

Led by a local guide, you’ll head towards the peaceful countryside where views of farmland, windmills, canals, and historic farmhouses await. You may even see some local wildlife as well!

There are two different options for this tour: a short ride on a regular bicycle or a longer ride on an e-bike. The short ride covers 14 miles (23 kilometers) in total. The scenic route passes by some medieval villages and you will get the opportunity to taste some fresh farm cheese.

The longer ride is the one we did and we highly recommend it! The route is 23 miles (37 kilometers) long, but don’t worry, you will have an electric bike to help you out! The e-bikes go faster, meaning you can cover more ground and do more in the same amount of time as the short tour. 

In fact, the long tour includes a visit to a local cheese farm and a wooden clog-making workshop – which you don’t get to do on the shorter tour. 

But, whichever tour you decide on, you are guaranteed to have a good time (just look at the 1,000+ 5-star reviews here). Make sure you book in advance though, because this popular tour books up quickly! 

Check availability for this countryside bike ride here!

Where to Stay in Amsterdam, Netherlands

As you start looking at accommodations in Amsterdam, you’ll quickly notice one thing: they aren’t cheap! If you’re looking for luxury – this is your city. If you’re more of a budget traveler, you’re not completely out of luck, but be prepared to spend more than usual! Here are my top three recommendations for where to stay in Amsterdam. 

Luxury – $$$

Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam is our top pick for a luxury stay! The Dutch/French design adds to the upscale amenities Sofitel brings. Each room has a rain shower and luxury suites come with a butler. There is a fine dining restaurant on site, a classy bar, a spa with all the fixings, and a garden and terrace!

This hotel is centrally located and within walking distance of Amsterdam’s top sights. Rooms range from €415 to €2,000+, depending on the level of luxury you choose. Book this stay on Booking.com.

Mid-range – $$

Fulfill your dreams of living like the rich and famous when you stay at the Banks Mansion! This all-inclusive boutique hotel offers Nsperesso machines in each room and you can choose from a pillow menu for optimal comfort. If that isn’t enough, enjoy the chef-prepared breakfast or afternoon cheese board!

You may never leave this hotel. Rooms range from €205 to €475 and can be booked on Booking.com.

Budget – $

Via Amsterdam calls itself a hybrid hostel/hotel, so it meets the needs of many travelers. If you’re looking for a budget option, dorm rooms are available for €20 to €30 a night. But if you prefer to have a private room and private bathroom, they have a lot of hotel room options ranging from €70 to €185 a night.

I love the trendy design and that they offer bike rentals. It’s a short metro ride away from downtown and other iconic attractions. Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com or Hostelworld.

For more options, browse all of Amsterdam’s hotel options here!

Renting a Car in Europe

Exploring Europe by car is a fantastic way to uncover hidden gems—think charming villages, scenic countryside, and off-the-beaten-path spots that trains and buses might miss. Driving here is generally straightforward, but it’s good to be prepared for some regional quirks.

We always use Discover Cars to book our rentals and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare prices, check company ratings, find automatic cars (which can be tricky in Europe!), and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.

Tips for Renting a Car in Europe

• Know the local rules: Most countries drive on the right, except the UK, Ireland, Cyprus, and Malta. Road signs and driving laws can vary, so do a quick check before you go.
• Practice defensive driving: In parts of Europe, especially in the south, driving can feel fast-paced and a little unpredictable. Make sure you stay alert and keep a safe following distance.
• Insurance is essential: I highly recommend adding full coverage insurance to your rental. Whether it’s a parking lot ding or a chipped windshield on a mountain road, full protection gives you peace of mind. Plus, it’s super affordable through Discover Cars!
• Pick the right vehicle: Most rentals in Europe are manual, and automatic cars are limited, so book early if that’s what you need. A compact car is also ideal for narrow roads and tight parking. On Discover Cars, you can easily filter for everything you need.
• Watch for restricted zones: Many cities have low-emission or restricted traffic zones. Driving into these without a permit can result in fines, so always check local rules if you’re heading into a city center.
• Be prepared for border crossings: While crossing borders is usually easy within the Schengen Zone, some rental companies require you to declare your travel plans in advance. Always check with Discover Cars if you’re planning to drive into another country.

What You Need to Rent a Car in Europe

• A valid driver’s license from your home country.
• If you’re from outside the EU, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended—and in some countries, it’s legally required.
• A credit card in the driver’s name is typically needed for the security deposit.
• Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. If you’re under 25, expect a young driver surcharge—and in some countries, the minimum age may be higher.

Ready to hit the road? Book your car with Discover Cars here and discover the freedom of exploring Europe on your own terms!

Thanks for reading!

Amsterdam is a remarkable city and I can’t wait for you to explore! There are tons of activities to fill your itinerary, but these top 15 are sure to show you the best that Amsterdam has to offer. We are already eager to get back and who knows, maybe we’ll see you on a tour!

If you found this blog helpful, be sure to check out our other travel guides. We’ve been all over the world and love creating guides to help fellow travelers. Here are a few related blogs you should check out!

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