15 Best Things To Do in Amsterdam

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

Amsterdam is a beautiful city with scenic canals, world-famous museums, delicious restaurants, and a rich history. With so much to explore here, I 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 I 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!

Amsterdam at a Glance

Amsterdam is one of my favorite cities in Europe, with its picturesque canals, historic buildings, and cozy cafés around every corner. It’s incredibly easy to explore, but there are a few things I wish I’d known before my first visit!

Watch out for bikes: If there’s one thing you’ll notice right away, it’s the sheer number of cyclists! Bike lanes are everywhere, and locals move fast, so always check both directions before crossing and avoid walking in the bike lanes. Trust me—you’ll hear a bell if you’re in the way!

The city is easy to explore on foot: Amsterdam’s city center is surprisingly compact, and many of the top attractions are within walking distance of one another. I found myself strolling along the canals for hours, but if you want to cover more ground, the city’s trams and ferries are affordable and easy to use.

Be respectful in the Red Light District: One of Amsterdam’s most famous neighborhoods is worth seeing, but remember that taking photos or videos of the workers is strictly prohibited. If someone sees you with your camera out, you will probably get yelled at or, even worse, fined by the police.

Book popular attractions early: Amsterdam’s biggest attractions, especially the Anne Frank House, often sell out well in advance. I also recommend booking popular canal cruises and museums ahead of time, particularly if you’re visiting during spring or summer.

Pack for unpredictable weather: Amsterdam’s weather can change quickly, even in summer. I always recommend bringing a light rain jacket or small umbrella, along with comfortable walking shoes, so you’re prepared for whatever the day brings.

How I would spend 3 days in Amsterdam

Most travelers spend two to three days in Amsterdam, which I think is the perfect amount of time to see the city’s highlights while soaking up its unique atmosphere. If I had three days in Amsterdam, here’s exactly how I’d spend them!

Day 1: Start your trip by learning about Amsterdam’s WWII history with a guided walking tour through the Jewish Quarter, followed by a visit to the Anne Frank House. Later, explore the city like a local on a guided bike tour before spending the evening wandering through Jordaan and De 9 Straatjes.

Day 2: Escape the city on a day trip to the Dutch countryside, where you’ll visit iconic windmills, see traditional clog-making demonstrations, and sample delicious Dutch cheese. Back in Amsterdam, discover another side of the city on an adults-only tour of the notorious Red Light District.

Day 3: Begin the day with a guided tour of the Van Gogh Museum before exploring a few more of Amsterdam’s top attractions, like the Rijksmuseum, Heineken Experience, Vondelpark, or De Pijp. End your trip with an all-inclusive canal cruise through Amsterdam’s beautiful waterways.

For even more details, check out my complete 3-day Amsterdam itinerary!

Best Things to Do in Amsterdam

1. Explore Amsterdam on a bike tour

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! 

I 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, my group 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 at only 3 hours long, it’s easy to fit into any itinerary. I think there’s no better way to orient yourself with Amsterdam than by bike (just look at the THOUSANDS of 5-star reviews!)

2. Go on a canal cruise

If you’re going to do a canal cruise in Amsterdam, make it this one! After trying it myself, I can honestly say it’s one of my favorite ways to experience the city. Seeing Amsterdam from the water gives you a completely different perspective, and this all-inclusive canal cruise makes the experience feel even more special.

What really sets this tour apart is the intimate atmosphere. Captain Lon was incredibly knowledgeable and kept the conversation flowing throughout the 90-minute cruise with stories, local insights, and fun facts about Amsterdam.

I learned that the city’s houses actually lean forward on purpose, that locals rarely close their curtains, and that an astonishing 18,000 bikes are pulled from the canals every year! Honestly, I could keep going, but I’ll leave a few surprises for you to discover on the cruise yourself.

Another thing I loved was that the smaller boat could slip into canals that the larger cruises can’t access, giving us a glimpse of quieter corners of Amsterdam that many visitors never get to see. With wine, beer, soft drinks, Dutch snacks, and cozy blankets all included, it felt less like a sightseeing tour and more like spending an evening on the water with friends (there’s a reason it has over 17,000 5-star reviews!)

One quick tip: there isn’t a bathroom onboard, so be sure to go before departure!

3. Visit the Van Gogh Museum

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

Once inside, my small group of 8 people was led around the museum by our 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, I spent time wandering around on my own and went back to admire my favorite pieces some more.

You can choose to do this experience as part of a small group, as I did, or pay a bit extra to get a private experience. Whichever option you choose, make sure you book in advance, as this is a super popular activity that books up quickly. If you don’t believe me, just look at the 1,700+ 5-star reviews!

4. Explore the Dutch Countryside on a Guided Tour

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 Amsterdam canals. Just note that it’s an audioguided canal cruise with nothing included – so it’s a good option if you don’t have much time and aren’t planning to do one of the other all-inclusive canal cruises (keep reading to learn all about my favorite one!)

We love how affordable this tour is at only €35 per person. It is very popular with over 5,000 great reviews (see them all here!), so make sure you book in advance before it sells out!

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

I love to travel to experience new things, but I also think it’s important to learn about the history of the places I visit. That’s why I 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.

I 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 me. 

This tour is one of the most popular things to do in Amsterdam, and after going on it, I can definitely see why. It’s important to note that this tour doesn’t include entrance into the Jewish Museum, Portuguese Synagogue, or Anne Frank House (more on that below). 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. 

6. Go inside Anne Frank’s House

While the walking tour takes you around the Anne Frank House area, it doesn’t actually go in it, and I 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 at least 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 I walked through the Secret Annex where the Frank family hid for years – that is definitely something that will stick with me.

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

7. Eat your way around the city

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-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. I 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!

This tour includes all of your food and drinks, and with thousands of 5-star reviews, you’re guaranteed to have a great time!

8. 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 (I loved the Cheese Museum and the Tulip Museum!), go shopping in De 9 Straatjes, 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 I especially loved it at night with all the lights glowing and reflecting on the canals. I stopped for dinner at Moeders for some classic Dutch comfort food. It was so cozy and satisfying! 

9. Eat pancakes!!! 

Did you even go to Amsterdam if you didn’t eat the famous Dutch pancakes?! I don’t think so! Unlike fluffy American pancakes, Dutch pancakes are large and thin—somewhere between a pancake and a crepe—and can be topped with everything from fresh fruit and chocolate to bacon and cheese. You can find pancakes all over the city, but here are two of the most popular spots (and my personal favorites).

Conveniently located in the Jordaan neighborhood, The Pancake Bakery is my go-to spot for traditional Dutch pancakes and poffertjes (tiny, fluffy Dutch pancakes that are dangerously addictive!). The menu is packed with both sweet and savory options, but I still dream about the honey, nut, and mandarin poffertjes I ordered on my last visit. Just be sure to arrive early, as there’s often a queue out the door during peak brunch hours—but that’s usually the sign of a great pancake!

For another great Dutch pancake experience, head to Pancakehouse Upstairs. I stopped here on a cold morning, and the cozy atmosphere made me 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)! 

10. Take an exclusive tour of the Rijksmuseum

As I 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 I 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 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 470+ 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. 

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! I 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. 

Related Read: Need help planning the perfect Amsterdam trip? Have a look at our 3-day Amsterdam itinerary, which covers all the city’s highlights and hidden gems!

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

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 Madurodam, which is a miniature ‘city’ made up of to-scale replicas of famous Dutch landmarks and cities. 

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

13. Go on a Red Light District tour

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. I learned so many interesting facts, and they told many great stories (don’t worry, I won’t spoil any of it for you). I also saw things I never would have on my 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 select 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. 

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. I had a fun few hours just wandering around and snacking my 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

Amsterdam is all about the bikes! So do as the Dutch do, and get on a bike to explore the countryside on 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, but don’t worry, Amsterdam is the flattest country in Europe, so there aren’t many hills. 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 I did, and I highly recommend it! The route is 23 miles (37 kilometers) long, but 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 1,400+ 5-star reviews here). Make sure you book in advance, though, because this popular tour books up quickly! 

Where to Stay in Amsterdam

As you start looking at accommodation 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 my 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 Nespresso 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 – $

The Times Hotel is a fantastic budget-friendly option right along one of Amsterdam’s picturesque canals. The rooms are cozy and comfortable, and while they’re not overly fancy, the unbeatable location more than makes up for it. You’ll be within walking distance of top attractions like the Anne Frank House, Dam Square, and the Jordaan district, with plenty of cafés and restaurants nearby.

If you want to stay in the heart of the city without breaking the bank, this is a great pick! Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com.

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

Related Read: Still not sure where to stay? Have a look at our detailed Where to Stay in Amsterdam guide, which breaks down all of the best areas and hotels!

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. I am already eager to get back, and who knows, maybe I’ll see you on a tour!

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