With its picturesque 17th-century canals — part of UNESCO’s World Heritage List — mighty museums and non-stop nightlife, there are plenty of fun things to do in Amsterdam. Thanks to its compact city centre, the Dutch capital is a breeze to explore too, whether that’s on foot, bike, or boat.
What are the best things to do in Amsterdam?
Using my many trips to the city as inspiration I’ve collected the 21 best things to do in Amsterdam. As Amsterdam is small you could easily fit in a selection of these – take a look and pick your favourites.
If your time is limited, check out the 1 Amsterdam City Card (from around €60 for a 24-hour pass). This allows you to access over 70 museums, attractions like the Heineken Experience, bike rental, and a canal cruise.
- Make for Museum Quarter
- Shop the 9 Streets
- Rent a bike
- Anne Frank House
- Wander in the Vondelpark
- Scope some street art
- Sample the music scene
- Try a food tour
- Enjoy epic views of the city
- Visit Rembrandt’s studio
- Hit the water
- Hang out in NDSM-Wharf
- Tour a brewery
- Albert Cuyp Market
- Explore an eccentric museum
- Eat at Foodhallen
- See a secret church
- Visit the Begijnhof
- Soak up a brown bar
- Head to Hortus Botanicus
- Escape to the country
1. Make for Museum Quarter
Handily, Amsterdam’s “big three” art museums are all in one spot — Museumplein — with the superb Rijksmuseum’s treasure trove of Golden Age paintings culminating in Rembrandt’s The Night Watch.
For fans of Van Gogh (basically everyone, then), nowhere rivals the collection at the Van Gogh Museum. Here you’ll find the iconic Sunflowers sitting alongside letters illuminating his life. Pre-booking a timed slot is essential for both museums.
For a slightly less busy experience, the Modern art and design hub the Stedelijk, whose striking extension won it the nickname “the bathtub”, has a big-hitting permanent collection featuring Picasso, Warhol, and Rothko.
2. Shop the 9 Streets
Set between the Singel and Prinsengracht canals, in the happening Jordaan district (and just a five-minute walk from the Royal Palace on Dam Square), this micro-neighbourhood draws discerning shoppers for its appealing cafes, indie boutiques, and art galleries.
In a gorgeous canal house, Huis Marseille is a must-for shows by internationally renowned photographers, while De Kaaskamer, packed with giant wheels of cheese, is the ideal spot to grab ingredients for a superior picnic on the canal.
3. Rent a bike
Given the longstanding Dutch obsession with cycling, Amsterdam is about as bike-friendly as major cities get. Just as well given that it’s home to 881,000 thousand bikes. Rental companies abound — many near Central Station — with daily bike hire a reasonable €10 or so.
If you’re nervous about navigating the winding streets, opt for a guided tour. Top-rated We Bike Amsterdam runs three-hour tours (adults around €30) combining small group sizes and a winning mix of humour and history.
4. Anne Frank House
Of all the things to see in the city, the Anne Frank House museum is for sure one of the top things to do in Amsterdam. It’s also something you’ll have to plan ahead for – tickets are released every Tuesday at 10 am EST for visits around six weeks later.
The main draw is the secret attic where young Jewish diarist Anne penned her account of life in hiding from the Nazis during World War II. The 17th-century house also includes a moving permanent exhibition on her short life.
5. Wander in the Vondelpark
Designed in the English style, this sprawling 120-acre green lung opened back in 1865. Today, you’ll find Amsterdammers out for a run, bike ride, or picnic, or taking advantage of numerous play areas and cafes.
Modernist pavilion ‘t Blauew Theehuis (the “Blue Tea House”) is a favourite for its ample terrace and fairly priced food. For a culture fix, make for the heart of Vondelpark to find Picasso’s soaring fish sculpture, or check out a show at the open-air theatre come summer.
6. Scope some street art
Amsterdam’s street art and graffiti scene is thriving — so much so that it’s the subject of two dedicated museums. Best known for its hoard of works by street-art provocateur Banksy, Moco Museum also showcases American greats like Keith Haring and Jeff Koons.
On a more vast scale, ex-welding warehouse STRAAT offers over 160 freewheeling works mostly made on-site. A highlight: Kobra’s Anne Frank portrait, which graces the museum’s entrance.
7. Sample the music scene
If you’re not up for taking advantage of Amsterdam’s 24-hour clubbing scene, a brilliant (and family-friendly) alternative is Our House.
Launched in 2021, this museum dedicated to electronic dance music tracks the story of the genre over the decades. The experience focuses on fun immersive activities. For example, why not have a go on iconic gear like the Roland TR-808 drum machine or the world’s largest analogue sequencer.
8. Try a food tour
There’s no better way to get to grips with the Jordaan district than a food tour by the award-winning Eating Amsterdam. Limited to small groups, their itineraries include a dozen tastings at delis and cafes. Here you’ll get to meet and greet local food players while discovering the influence of Surinamese and Indonesian cuisine on the Amsterdam scene.
Snacks depend on the season but may include herring, or the famous (Bill Clinton-approved) apple pie at Café Papeneiland. Choose the tour that includes a wooden saloon canal cruise, and you’ll get to enjoy craft beer and delicious steaming bitterballen (meatballs).
KAYAK top tip: rather pave your own way? Some of our favourite food spots include t Smalle, Café Parlotte, Rijsel, and Winkel 43 – famous for their apple pie.
9. Enjoy epic views of the city
The observation deck at A’dam Lookout offers an unrivalled panorama of Amsterdam’s historic centre, port, and the polders beyond. To get there, take the free ferry from Central Station (bikes accepted), then zip up in the elevator, animated by a sound and light show.
For a supplement, you can brave Europe’s highest swing — free souvenir photos included — or a VR roller-coaster. There’s also a ridiculously scenic bar and restaurant.
10. Visit Rembrandt’s studio
Relaunched in 2023, Museum Rembrandthuis occupies a grand house on the edge of the Jewish Quarter that was home to the Dutch Golden Age painter from 1639 to 1658.
The perfect complement to visiting his masterpieces at the city’s Rijksmuseum, it tells the story of the artist’s life and entrepreneurial spirit, with authentic period furniture, and a convincing recreation of his studio.
The collection of his works mostly focuses on etchings, including an amusing series of miniature self-portraits.
11. Hit the water
An Amsterdam boat tour is one of the most fun things to do in Amsterdam. Less strenuous than cycling, a trip along the city’s waterways shows Amsterdam’s 17th-century (and cutting-edge contemporary) architecture in a new light.
Most operators depart near Central Station, with a mini-cruise usually lasting 1–2 hours. Many will include snacks, drinks, or (for a price) dinners and jazz. Or if you are feeling brave, rent your own and be captain for a few hours.
12. Hang out in NDSM-Wharf
Street art showcase STRAAT isn’t the only reason to head over to this former shipyard. Easily reached via the free ferry from Central Station, it’s become a major cultural hub.
Time a visit with IJ-Hallen, Europe’s biggest flea market, to dig through 500-odd stalls packed with vintage fashion, knickknacks, and homewares. Once you get hungry (or thirsty) head to Pllek. A vegetarian-friendly hotspot, Pllek is a buzzing waterside bar and restaurant made from old shipping containers and celebrated for its urban beach, live music, and open-air films.
13. Tour a brewery
The Heineken Experience might be more famous – hence the queues – but local craft brewer Brouwerij ‘t IJ, exotically located in a bathhouse by the Netherlands’ largest wooden windmill, is more fun.
To get there take tram 7 or 14 from the city centre, then enjoy a range of brews spanning five-beer samplers and seasonal beers, best sipped on the outdoor patio.
From Friday to Sunday, they run short afternoon tours in English. There are no reservations (so turn up early) and no set fee: you pay what you feel it’s worth.
14. Albert Cuyp Market
Albert Cuyp Market is the beating heart of the De Pijp district. The century-old street market is amongst Europe’s largest, and a great place to rub elbows with locals bargaining over clothes, flowers, and food.
All the Dutch snack staples are present and correct: herring, cheese, and mini-pancakes, best enjoyed at the famed Poffertjes Albert Cuyp (no. 161), where the butter-and-sugar purist option is rivalled by more decadent versions.
Walk it off on Gerard Doustraat, one street to the north of the market, and eschew tourist tat for stylish concept stores and independent boutiques.
15. Explore an eccentric museum
The Dutch aren’t known for wackiness, but when it comes to museums, there is no shortage of alternatives to the more highbrow institutions.
A three-minute walk from Anne Frank House, Electric Ladyland (by appointment only) bills itself as the “first museum of fluorescent art”, with displays spotlighting fluorescent adverts and nature’s naturally fluorescent marvels.
The posters, sculptures, and ads at KattenKabinet meanwhile celebrate the mighty feline’s role in the arts, with a few resident (real-life) cats padding between its exhibits.
16. Eat at Foodhallen
Located in Amsterdam Oud-West, industrial-chic tram depot De Hallen houses a cinema, craft-oriented boutiques, and a hotel, but it’s the decade-old food court that’s made it a headline attraction.
At Foodhallen, 20 superior stands run the gamut from Mexican street snacks to sushi and seafood, while fans of meatballs should make for De Ballenbar, launched by a Michelin-star chef. There’s no table service, so grab a selection from the various stalls and join fellow foodies at one of the lively communal tables.
17. See a secret church
Even if you aren’t a church fan, make an exception for intimate house museum Ons’ Lieve Heer Op Solder – and be ready for the 1,000 steps.
Besides immersing visitors in the life of a 17th-century canal house, the site offers a primer on local religious persecution: in the attic is an elaborate “hidden” church, dating from the Dutch Reformation, when Catholics were banned from public worship. The superb free audio guide makes that history vivid.
18. Visit the Begijnhof
One of the most serene spots in the city, just off central Spui square, this 14th-century courtyard once housed the beguines: a Catholic order of women who lived like nuns without taking vows.
The last of the beguines, who enjoyed rare independence in their day, died in 1971, but time seems to have stood still in the square. A visit to the Begijnhof (Begijnhof 30, 1071 DN Amsterdam) is free, including its tranquil garden, gabled houses, and two churches, plus one of only two wooden houses still left in central Amsterdam (Begijnhof 34).
19. Soak up a brown bar
Named after their dark-wood décor and brown-tinted walls (supposedly stains from decades of cigarette smoke), the casual pubs known as ‘bruin cafés’ are atmospheric Amsterdam at its best.
Foremost among them, the pint-sized, legendary Café de Doktor (Rozenboomsteeg 4, 1012 PR Amsterdam), hidden in an alley, was popular with medical students back in the 1700s.
Still run by the family who founded it, the brilliantly oddball decor takes in old clocks, birdcages, and retro objects. If you’re not a beer fan, the short drinks list includes a decent array of whiskeys.
20. Head to Hortus Botanicus
Feel like you’re stepping into the desert or the jungle at this botanical garden – one of the world’s oldest – where various greenhouses support plants that thrive in different climate zones.
Star exhibits include a large array of carnivorous plants, a particular hit with kids, and a truly impressive butterfly house, where hundreds of tropical butterflies flutter about.
Afterwards, the 18th-century orangery plays host to a beautiful light-filled cafe with a reliable menu and one of the city’s nicest terraces.
21. Escape to the Country
Amsterdam is surrounded by doable day-trip destinations if you feel like escaping the centre. Amongst them, from April to mid-May the tulip fields southwest of the city is a must. At the 79-acre Keukenhof Flower Gardens, you’ll find over 800 species of brightly coloured bulbs in bloom.
Year-round, historic village Zaanshe Shans, a 15-minute train ride from Amsterdam, reveals historic windmills and clog-making workshops.
Want to get even more out of your visit to Amsterdam? We have a range of other guides to help you unlock the delights of the Dutch capital.
On the food front, Amsterdam is fast becoming a culinary force to be reckoned with: our restaurant guide offers the lowdown on where to dine. This is also a city that proudly flies the rainbow flag, as captured in our guide to LGBTQ-friendly Amsterdam.
Keen to venture further afield? Try one of the fascinating Dutch cities in our Netherlands guide.
How did we choose the best things to do in Amsterdam?
Whether you’re a solo traveller or a family of five, Amsterdam is one of the most tourist-friendly cities in the world. They even have a word, “gezelling”, for the warm feeling produced by company – a feeling I’ve experienced on my many visits to the city.
The places in this guide draw on those connections to locals, plus recommendations from KAYAK colleagues familiar with the city. This guide makes room for major tourist attractions, but also for more local, off-the-beaten-track tips.
Visiting Amsterdam: FAQs
Do I need a car in Amsterdam?
In short, you don’t need a car in Amsterdam. The city centre’s narrow streets, crowds, and expensive parking make driving a stressful experience. If you do come by car, use the Park and Ride (P+R) scheme, with parking from just €1/day if you continue into town by public transport.
Better still, rent a bike, or use the fine tram, bus, metro, and (free) ferry services. There are various day or multi-day passes on offer: the GVB website outlines which to pick, with some including travel to Schiphol airport or beyond.
You can buy tickets at Amsterdam Central, metro stations, or, for 1- or 24-hour passes, from tram and bus drivers (they don’t take cash).
When is a nice time to visit Amsterdam?
Amsterdam attracts up to 20 million tourists per year. The time of year you visit will likely have a major impact on your experience. The summer offers warmer weather and the peak of the festival scene – but why not avoid the crowds by visiting in spring or autumn?
Amsterdam’s weather can be fickle, but even in winter temperatures rarely fall far below zero, and if you’re looking for a deal, November to February is generally the cheapest. Visit from March to May and you’ll coincide with tulip time, as the coloured bulbs bloom at popular attractions like the Keukenhof Gardens.
How long should I spend in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam is compact. In two days you can visit Amsterdam’s major sights, a few museums, and a boat tour, with leisurely stops for eating and drinking. Add another 24 hours if you want to do a day trip.
Is Amsterdam safe?
It might be known for its marijuana cafes and the Red Light District, but Amsterdam was recently ranked one of the safest cities in the world. Whether alone or in a group, even at night you can feel confident strolling in the city centre.
As with most major cities, be aware of pickpockets operating in transit hubs – particularly Central Station, and Damrak, which links the station to Dam Square. If you’re bringing a bike with you, also bear in mind that the main crime in Amsterdam is bike theft.
Does Amsterdam have tourist passes?
The I Amsterdam City Card offers impressive discounts and is worth purchasing if you intend to do some real exploring. All the major highlights (70 museums, plus popular attractions), public transport, a canal cruise, and bike rental are included.
The 1- to 5-day passes (from around €60 to €125) come in digital form – buy online and use in tandem with an app – or physical form, from the I Amsterdam store at Central Station.
