Top 10 Things to See and Do in Amsterdam

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Living on a houseboat has always been a wild dream of mine. That’s why Amsterdam, a city built around a network of canals over six feet below sea level, captures my heart. There’s even a houseboat there just for cats, De Poezenboot!

With over 165 canals stretching 60 miles, you could explore the capital of the Netherlands without traversing the same waterway twice. It’s a small city with just over a million people, but Amsterdam offers a lot when it comes to history and culture.

Of course, the Van Gogh masterpieces, Anne Frank House, tulips, cafes, and breweries are must-sees, but Amsterdam has even more to offer!

Why Do Tourists Love Amsterdam?

Tourists keep coming back to Amsterdam for good reason. The city is friendly and helpful, and its “Laissez-faire” attitude adds to its charm.

Museums and Nightlife

Amsterdam is a museum lover’s paradise, with top-notch art attractions in the Museum District and beyond. Just like a city that never sleeps, it has a lively nightlife with great clubs and bars.

Outdoor Activities

With over 30 parks, finding a peaceful retreat is so easy. Plus, the city’s many canals and bridges make it a true “Venice of the North.”

Amsterdam is one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the world. Its flat terrain makes it ideal for tourists to cycle through its charming streets, with bikes readily available for rent.

Food and Drinks

Craving Dutch food and drinks? Amsterdam has all the local specialties, and the Netherlands is a top beer exporter and home to Heineken, so expect nothing less from the Heineken experience.

Don’t mistake Amsterdam’s “cafés” for coffee shops. They’re more like cozy pubs where you can enjoy an “herbal refreshment,” drink a beer, or eat a tasty snack.

Location

Amsterdam’s location between Germany and Belgium makes it a great home base for exploring other European cities, such as Paris, Brussels, and London.

5 Things To See In Amsterdam

1. Van Gogh Museum

No trip to Amsterdam is complete without a visit to the Van Gogh Museum. It’s the world’s biggest collection of Vincent van Gogh’s works, featuring over 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and more than 750 letters. The museum also offers exhibitions on general 19th-century art.

Experience the infamous “Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear” up close and feel the raw emotion in “The Potato Eaters” painting.

If you love art, this is the best place to go sightseeing. Trust me, you’ll never see sunflowers the same way again after visiting!

2. Anne Frank House

Visiting the Anne Frank House will make you feel a mix of hope and sadness. This 17th-century piece of history is both moving and intense.

If you’ve read “The Diary of Anne Frank,” you’ll find this visit unforgettable. The museum shows the real spaces where Anne and her family hid during the holocaust, including their tiny living quarters and Anne’s own room. You’ll also see personal items from the people in hiding and the original red-checked diary Anne got for her 13th birthday.

You’ll need to book your ticket online for a specific time slot. There are also tickets for children and those with discount cards.

It’s a place that will stay with you long after you leave.

3. World’s Only Floating Flower Market

Amsterdam’s floating flower market is a one-of-a-kind experience that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. This unique blend of nature and urban architecture has been around since 1862, with flower stalls set up on houseboats — a nod to the days when flowers were delivered by boat.

You’ll find all sorts of flower bulbs, especially tulips, bouquets, and single flowers. Fresh tulip bulbs are only sold from late August to December, though. They say that the bulbs are older and might not produce the best tulips outside of this time.

The floating flower market is right in the city center, on the Singel Canal between Koningsplein and Muntplein. It’s open year-round and is a vibrant, colorful place to visit. You can hop on trams 2 or 12 to get to Koningsplein.

4. The Nine Streets

The Nine Streets is a shopper’s dream come true.

This lively neighborhood along Amsterdam’s grand canals is packed with photo-worthy spots. Locals call it De Negen Straatjes, and it’s famous for its charming boutiques and specialty stores, offering everything from upscale vintage finds to retro furniture. You’ll also discover amazing foodie spots, intriguing monuments, and elegant canal house museums.

Here are the must-see Nine Streets of Amsterdam:

• Gasthuismolensteeg
• Hartenstraat
• Reestraat
• Berenstraat
• Wolvenstraat
• Oude Spiegelstraat
• Wijde Heisteeg
• Huidenstraat
• Runstraat

5. Rijksmuseum

Visiting the Rijksmuseum is like traveling back in time to explore Dutch history and art.

Located in the heart of Amsterdam, this must-see museum showcases over 8,000 pieces, including famous works by Dutch masters Vermeer, Rembrandt, and Van Gogh, along with pieces by Marlene Dumas, Robert Mapplethorpe, Erwin Olaf, and Charley Toorop.

Enjoy a daily guided tour, and grab your tickets in advance!

5 Things To Do In Amsterdam

1. Wild Ride At A’DAM Tower

Bike tours and canal cruises are great when you’re in Amsterdam, but what if you want a little more adventure? Try the wild ride at A’DAM Tower!

The top of this 1970s high-rise is where you can swing out over the city, 100 meters (328 feet) high, with your feet dangling below. For more thrills, try the virtual-reality roller coaster or soak up the views from the 360-degree observation deck, the revolving restaurant, or the rooftop bar.

2. Shop, Eat, and Watch at De Hallen

There are many places to shop in Amsterdam — cheese markets, flower markets, and more. However, De Hallen is a vibrant hub where visitors can shop ‘til they drop and satisfy their cravings.

This lively place, once a tram depot and now a national monument, is open every day and has been buzzing with style and culture since 2014.

Located in Oud-West, just behind Kinkerstraat, it’s packed with trendy fashion boutiques, unique jewelry shops like The Maker Store and The Gathershop, and the tasty Foodhallen inspired by top indoor markets from around the world. Plus, film buffs will love De Filmhallen’s nine-screen cinema.

3. Explore The World Of Cinema Through The EYE Film Museum

The EYE Film Museum in Amsterdam is a film lover’s paradise. This futuristic spot boasts four comfy cinemas showing everything from arthouse films to classic movies.

With a collection of around 40,000 movies, from silent films to the latest digital hits and Russian avant-garde to American mainstream, it’s a cinephile’s dream. You can also explore cool exhibitions and festivals and enjoy a chic restaurant with one of Amsterdam’s best terraces.

4. Visit Keukenhof Gardens

Staying in Amsterdam’s city center? Getting to Keukenhof Gardens is so easy! Keukenhof dazzles every year with over 7 million flowers and over 800 types of tulips during the Tulip Festival.

Visit the greenhouses to see a dazzling array of blooms. Watch flower arranging demos to learn how to turn tulips and other flowers into gorgeous arrangements. For an extra thrill, consider a helicopter flight over the tulip fields for a breathtaking view!

Make sure to arrive early to soak in the full beauty of Holland’s tulip fields in their glowing twilight.

5. Day Trip to Cologne or Düsseldorf

Amsterdam Centraal is your go-to spot for easy travel to Germany’s coolest cities. With frequent direct trains, you’ll zip from Amsterdam to places like Cologne or Düsseldorf without any fuss or long transfers. Just grab your tickets, take a short walk to the platform, and you’re off on a fun excursion!

The awe-inspiring Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-see, and the Rhine River views are breathtaking. Wander through the city, where historic churches and charming old towns meet modern, lively districts like the Belgian Quarter.

Düsseldorf beautifully blends old and new. Ancient buildings mix with vibrant art all along the Rhine River. The city is a fantastic mix of calm and culture. Trains from Amsterdam Centraal get you here easily.

Tips For Visiting Amsterdam

Now that you have a solid list of what to see and where to go, how do you make the most of your trip to Amsterdam?

Here are some tips:

• Choose a Central Place to Stay: If you’re traveling alone, opt for neighborhoods close to Amsterdam Centraal. These spots put you near top attractions like the Van Gogh Museum and Dam Square — all just a bike ride away!
• Learn Basic Dutch Phrases: A few Dutch phrases can help you communicate with locals and improve your experience.
• Book in Advance: Secure your accommodation and restaurant reservations ahead of time. Aim to book at least four months before your trip, especially during peak seasons.
• Pre-Purchase Tickets: For museums and galleries, buy tickets in advance to avoid long lines, especially in summer.
• Use Public Transportation or Rent a Bike: Driving in Amsterdam is tricky because of the narrow streets and expensive parking. Renting a bike is an enjoyable and convenient alternative.
• Be Aware of Canal Safety: Canals often lack barriers, so be careful near the edges.
• Know the City’s Schedule: Amsterdam isn’t a 24/7 city. Shops usually open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with supermarkets staying open until 8 p.m. Many places close on Sundays.
• Hostels Are Great for Meeting People: They’re perfect for socializing and connecting with fellow travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Amsterdam

How Do You Get To Amsterdam From Schiphol Airport?

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) is a big international hub southwest of central Amsterdam. It’s super easy to get into the city since there’s a train station right under the airport.

Taking the train is usually the cheapest and simplest option. You can also catch a bus, hop in a taxi, or rent a car. Your choice will depend on your budget, how quickly you need to get there, and how much luggage you have.

How Many Days Is Best To Visit Amsterdam?

A stay of three to five days is just right for exploring Amsterdam. The city’s compact size means you don’t need much time to see the top spots.

Three days is perfect for a quick trip to hit the main attractions, enjoy a canal cruise, and dive into the lively nightlife. If you’ve got four to five days, you’ll have extra time to wander beyond the city center, visit museums, and chill out in the parks.

Do I Need A Ticket For The Amsterdam Ferry?

The free ferry services don’t require a ticket before boarding. Just check the digital countdown boards to see when the next free ferry will arrive. It’s a simple and cheap way to get around!

This article originally appeared on Travel Binger.