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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!
Quick Pick: Our Favorite Activity
Don’t have time to read the full article?
Our personal FAVORITE thing to do is this bicycle tour of Amsterdam! It’s such an iconic activity in this city and allows you to cover more ground than a walking tour. Check out the 2,500+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
Tip: This tour is popular, so I recommend booking it now and you’ll get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go.
- Quick Pick: Our Favorite Activity
- 10 Best Things to do in Amsterdam
- 1. Visit the Van Gogh Museum
- 2. Explore the Dutch Countryside on a Guided Tour
- 3. Learn About Anne Frank On A Guided Walking Tour through Amsterdam's Jewish Quarter
- 4. Eat your way around the city
- 5. Explore Amsterdam on a bike tour
- 6. Go on a canal cruise
- 7. Take an exclusive tour of the Rijksmuseum
- 8. Take a day trip to The Hague, Delft, and Rotterdam
- 9. Go on a Red Light District tour
- 10. Countryside bike tour from Amsterdam
- Where to Stay in Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Travel Like a Local, Not a Target.
- Travel Like a Local, Not a Target.
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
10 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. 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!
5. 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!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
6. 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!
7. 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!
8. 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!
9. 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!
10. 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!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
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 10 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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Mandy
Thursday 20th of February 2025
Thank you for this invaluable well prepared information, you’ve made it very simple to follow. I look forward to visiting Amsterdam, it will be my first time Travelling.