Amsterdam is a beautiful city with a rich history, culture, and art. There are many things to do and see in Amsterdam, from visiting world-class museums to exploring the charming canals and neighborhoods. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the top things to do in Amsterdam:
Visit the Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum is one of the most popular museums in Amsterdam and home to an impressive collection of Dutch art and history. The museum has over 8,000 objects on display, including works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh.
Explore the Van Gogh Museum
The Van Gogh Museum is another must-visit museum in Amsterdam, dedicated to the works of Vincent van Gogh. The museum has the largest collection of Van Gogh’s paintings and drawings in the world, as well as works by other artists who influenced him.
Take a stroll in Vondelpark
Vondelpark is the largest park in Amsterdam and a great place to relax, have a picnic, or go for a walk. The park is home to many sculptures, ponds, and gardens, as well as cafes and restaurants.
Visit the Anne Frank House
The Anne Frank House is a museum dedicated to the life and legacy of Anne Frank, the young Jewish girl who wrote a diary while hiding from the Nazis during World War II. The museum is located in the house where Anne Frank and her family hid, and visitors can see the hidden rooms where they lived.
Take a boat tour of the canals
Amsterdam is famous for its canals, and one of the best ways to see the city is by boat. There are many boat tours available, from hop-on-hop-off tours to romantic candlelit tours.
Check out the Red Light District
The Red Light District is Amsterdam’s infamous neighborhood known for its legal prostitution and coffee shops. It’s a unique experience to walk around and see the sex workers in their windows, but be respectful and don’t take photos.
Visit the Jordaan neighborhood
The Jordaan neighborhood is one of Amsterdam’s most charming areas, with narrow streets, picturesque canals, and trendy cafes and boutiques. It’s a great place to wander around and get lost.
See the tulips at Keukenhof Gardens
The Keukenhof Gardens are located just outside of Amsterdam and are famous for their tulip fields. The gardens are only open from mid-March to mid-May, so plan accordingly.
Visit the Stedelijk Museum
The Stedelijk Museum is a modern art museum with a collection of works by contemporary artists, including Mondrian, Kandinsky, and Warhol.
Go shopping in the Nine Streets
The Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes) is a trendy shopping district in Amsterdam, with many independent boutiques, vintage stores, and cafes. It’s a great place to find unique souvenirs and gifts.
Visit the Heineken Experience
The Heineken Experience is a fun and interactive museum dedicated to the history and brewing process of Heineken beer. Visitors can take a tour, sample the beer, and even bottle their own beer.
See the Windmills at Zaanse Schans
Zaanse Schans is a historic village located just outside of Amsterdam and is famous for its well-preserved windmills, traditional Dutch houses, and clog-making demonstrations.
Go on a bike tour
Amsterdam is known as the cycling capital of the world, and going on a bike tour is a great way to explore the city like a local. There are many bike rental shops and tours available.
Visit the Museum of Bags and Purses
The Museum of Bags and Purses (Tassenmuseum Hendrikje) is a unique museum in Amsterdam dedicated to the history of bags and purses. The museum has a collection of over 5,000 bags and purses, dating back to the 16th century.
Take a day trip to the beach
Amsterdam may not be known for its beaches, but there are several beaches within easy reach of the city. Zandvoort and Bloemendaal are popular beach towns, with plenty of restaurants, bars, and beach clubs.
Visit the Rembrandt House Museum
The Rembrandt House Museum is located in the house where the famous Dutch painter Rembrandt van Rijn lived and worked. The museum has a collection of Rembrandt’s etchings and paintings, as well as works by other artists.
Explore the Amsterdamse Bos
Amsterdamse Bos is a large park on the outskirts of Amsterdam, with plenty of hiking and biking trails, lakes, and picnic areas. The park also has a petting zoo, a playground, and several restaurants.
See the Royal Palace
The Royal Palace of Amsterdam is a stunning building located in the heart of the city. The palace was built in the 17th century as a city hall, but was later converted into a royal palace. Visitors can take a tour of the palace’s impressive interior.
Visit the Nemo Science Museum
The Nemo Science Museum is a fun and interactive museum dedicated to science and technology. The museum has plenty of hands-on exhibits and experiments, making it a great destination for families.
Experience the nightlife
Amsterdam is known for its vibrant nightlife, with plenty of bars, clubs, and music venues to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back pub or a high-energy dance club, there’s something for everyone.
Visit the Tropenmuseum
The Tropenmuseum is a museum dedicated to the cultures of the world, with exhibits on Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. The museum has a collection of over 200,000 objects, including textiles, photographs, and musical instruments.
Go on a food tour
Amsterdam has a diverse culinary scene, with many international restaurants and street food vendors. Going on a food tour is a great way to try traditional Dutch dishes like stroopwafels, bitterballen, and herring, as well as international cuisine.
Visit the Hermitage Amsterdam
The Hermitage Amsterdam is a satellite museum of the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia. The museum has a collection of art and artifacts from Russia and the Netherlands, including works by Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and Fabergé.
Take a tour of the Amsterdam Museum
The Amsterdam Museum is a museum dedicated to the history and culture of Amsterdam. The museum has exhibits on the city’s architecture, art, and politics, as well as a collection of historical artifacts.
Visit the NDSM Wharf
The NDSM Wharf is a former shipyard turned cultural hotspot, with art galleries, music venues, and restaurants. The area is also known for its street art and graffiti, making it a great destination for urban explorers.
Go on a cheese tasting tour
The Netherlands is known for its cheese, and Amsterdam has plenty of cheese shops and markets. Going on a cheese tasting tour is a great way to try different types of Dutch cheese, like Gouda, Edam, and Leerdammer.
See a show at the Concertgebouw
The Concertgebouw is a famous concert hall in Amsterdam, known for its excellent acoustics and world-class performances. The hall hosts classical music concerts, as well as jazz and pop performances.
Visit the Hortus Botanicus
The Hortus Botanicus is a botanical garden in Amsterdam, with a collection of over 4,000 plant species. The garden also has several greenhouses, including a tropical rainforest and a desert oasis.
Take a trip to the Amsterdamse School
The Amsterdamse School is a style of architecture that was popular in the early 20th century, characterized by its expressive use of brickwork and decorative elements. Taking a tour of the Amsterdamse School buildings is a great way to see the city’s architectural heritage.
Visit the Moco Museum
The Moco Museum is a contemporary art museum located in a historic townhouse in Amsterdam. The museum has a collection of works by Banksy, Andy Warhol, and other contemporary artists.
Explore the Amsterdam Canals
Amsterdam’s canals are one of the city’s most iconic features, and exploring them on foot or by boat is a must-do activity. Walk or cycle along the canals to see the historic houses and bridges, or take a boat tour to see the city from a different perspective.
Visit the Dutch Resistance Museum
The Dutch Resistance Museum is dedicated to the history of the Dutch resistance during World War II. The museum has exhibits on the resistance movement, including personal stories and artifacts.
Go to the Tuschinski Theatre
The Tuschinski Theatre is a stunning art deco movie theater in Amsterdam, known for its ornate interior and luxurious seating. The theater hosts film screenings, as well as special events and concerts.
Take a day trip to Haarlem
Haarlem is a charming Dutch city located just a short train ride from Amsterdam. The city has a beautiful historic center, with plenty of cafes, boutiques, and museums to explore.
Visit the Eye Film Museum
The Eye Film Museum is a museum dedicated to the history of film and cinema. The museum has a collection of films, posters, and artifacts, as well as screening rooms and interactive exhibits.
See the Museumplein
The Museumplein is a public square in Amsterdam, surrounded by some of the city’s most famous museums. The square has plenty of green space, as well as cafes and restaurants, making it a great place to relax and people-watch.
Visit the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam
The Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam is a modern and contemporary art museum, with a collection of works by artists from around the world. The museum has a mix of paintings, sculptures, and multimedia installations.
Take a trip to the Zuidas
The Zuidas is Amsterdam’s business district, known for its modern architecture and high-end shops and restaurants. The area is a great destination for architecture enthusiasts, with many striking buildings to see.
See the Amsterdam Light Festival
The Amsterdam Light Festival is an annual winter event that showcases light sculptures and installations throughout the city. The festival takes place from late November to mid-January and is a great way to see the city in a new light.
Visit the Dutch National Opera & Ballet
The Dutch National Opera & Ballet is a world-class performing arts venue, with productions of opera, ballet, and classical music. The building itself is a stunning piece of modern architecture, with a sleek glass facade and dramatic interior spaces.
Overall, Amsterdam is a vibrant and exciting city that offers a wealth of experiences for travelers. Whether you’re interested in art, history, culture, or simply having fun, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful city.
