Amsterdam may be most famed for its former industrial buildings alongside canals, Pink Gentle District, and relaxed legal guidelines on marijuana consumption, however that doesn’t imply its listing of points of interest and actions doesn’t cease there. There are lots of of issues to do in Amsterdam, from visiting the Anne Frank Museum to taking day journeys to see tulip fields and windmills.
Amsterdam isn’t simply one other celebration metropolis, which you’ll quickly uncover with strolling excursions of this picturesque metropolis and points of interest just like the Vincent Van Gogh Museum. In actual fact, there are such a lot of issues to do in Amsterdam that we struggled to slender it down to only these prime 34. Earlier than you even take into consideration the place to remain in Amsterdam or e book flights, it’s good to take a look at which issues in Amsterdam you’d love to do. Your pursuits will dictate which neighborhood it’s greatest to remain in.
On this information, we’ll offer you all of the inspiration and logistics you’ll want to get pleasure from visiting ‘Dam’. Whether or not you want historical past, partying, or paintings, Amsterdam has at the very least 20 points of interest to squeeze into your itinerary. It’s secure to say that this well-known canal metropolis has many tips up its sleeve.
1. Rijksmuseum
For those who nonetheless surprise why Amsterdam is such a cultural hotspot, go to the Rijksmuseum. This Nineteenth-century museum homes a number of the most dear Dutch Golden Age work, together with Rembrandt’s Evening Watch. It’s an artwork lover’s paradise and is equally alluring for these with an appreciation for historical past and tradition.
You’ll be able to simply spend a couple of hours wandering the exhibition halls of the Rijksmuseum. And in order for you an indoor exercise in Amsterdam, this is likely one of the greatest issues to do on a wet day.
2. Van Gogh Museum
The Van Gogh Museum has the world’s most intensive assortment of Van Gogh’s works, and if that’s not an indication of Amsterdam being a cultural hub, who is aware of what’s? Van Gogh is a globally acknowledged artist; whether or not you’re an artwork lover or not, it is a bucket listing expertise. You should purchase tickets on-line or on arrival and rapidly spend a complete afternoon strolling between famed portray after portray.
It isn’t simply paintings; there are letters and reveals on Van Gogh’s private life. The museum is a extremely intimate perception into the artist and his creations. Seize your tickets now..
3. Vondelpark
In search of sunny day actions in Amsterdam? Vondelpark is likely one of the metropolis’s main choices and the very best free issues to do. The park dates again to the Nineteenth century and boasts an unlimited open-air theater. It’s a low-maintenance exercise, too, with a kids’s park superb for touring households to go to early within the morning to let kids run off steam. There are additionally scenic ponds and picnic areas to take a seat with a takeout espresso and lunch.
Vondelpark is an attractive place to go to in Amsterdam and an actual alternative to unwind and chill out.
4. Our Lord within the Attic Museum
Our Lord within the Attic Museum is called Ons Lieve Heer Op in Dutch. This Seventeenth-century canal home has a barely uncommon title, however you need to be capable to guess what the museum is about. It gives audio excursions of a secret – and mysteriously ornate – Catholic church hidden on the prime of a canal home. Our Lord within the Attic Museum was a private place for secret worship throughout a interval of historical past the place there was no freedom of faith. And the earlier homeowners used their hidden church to proceed their spiritual duties.
An uncommon however heartwarming ode to religion, this distinctive historic attraction is a should when visiting Amsterdam.
5. Eye Movie Museum
The Eye Movie Museum is mainly cinematic heaven. It has every little thing from overseas to Dutch museums and paperwork the evolution of movie and fictional worlds. Set alongside the waterside throughout on the northern facet of the town, you’ll should catch a ferry to achieve this museum from behind Central Station. Even this provides to the dramatic attraction, and the Eye Movie Museum feels suitably tucked away in its personal little world throughout the water.
The colourful and fascinating reveals showcase posters, film clips, and extra. They’re like just a little time capsule devoted explicitly to the film world.
6. Bike Tour
You’ll be able to’t go to Amsterdam and not take a motorcycle tour. Amsterdam may be the town of canals, nevertheless it’s additionally the town of bikes. For those who’ve tried to stroll down the road or cross the street, you’ll perceive that the eco-friendly stance truly borders on hazardous pedestrians. And it isn’t an Amsterdam expertise till you’ve been yelled at by at the very least one bicycle owner for unintentionally slicing them off. So, if you happen to can’t beat them, be a part of them. Experiencing Amsterdam from two wheels is likely one of the most basic and conventional methods to sightsee the town.
You’ll be able to e book loads of totally different biking excursions of Amsterdam on-line, and as Amsterdam is a remarkably flat metropolis, you’ll don’t have any points maintaining.
7. Moco Museum
The Moco Museum is the place to go in Amsterdam for contemporary paintings. Its abbreviation stands for the Trendy Up to date Museum Amsterdam, and it showcases an unlimited vary of items, spanning from Dali and Banksy works to native artists. Artwork fanatics will love this attraction, however equally, the sheer vary of what Moco Museum covers renders it entertaining for artwork newbies and extra basic vacationers. The actual fact you may see Banksy’s paintings is a draw for most individuals. And every little thing from avenue artwork to modern items will depart you scratching your head.
Whereas solely small, the Moco Museum can simply entertain you for an hour or two. It’s a massively underrated attraction, and we suggest it when visiting Amsterdam.
8. Windmill Day Journey
One other massively well-liked factor in Amsterdam is a day journey to the windmills. Windmills have been traditionally used for water administration in Amsterdam and its surrounding areas. Nevertheless, these days, they’re additionally a profound supply of inexperienced power, utilizing wind turbine buildings to assist with electrical energy. There are over 10,000 operational windmills within the Netherlands, an unlimited proportion of that are round Amsterdam. These are famed for his or her conventional design – chunky picket buildings.
Molen Van Sloten is a well-liked day journey from the town heart, and it’s a working windmill and barrel-making museum. Zaanse Schans is one other frequent selection. It’s reachable independently by bus in beneath 40 minutes – an enormous bonus.
9. Meals Tour
Taking a meals tour is a should when visiting Amsterdam. Indulgence is an important attribute of the town, and the tradition encourages not solely artwork and liberal attitudes to hashish but in addition wonderful delicacies. Town heart has meals halls, the place you may attempt every little thing from stroopwafels to Indonesian delicacies. The choices are severely beneficiant, and essentially the most organized and time-efficient solution to expertise them is on a guided meals tour.
You’ll be able to simply e book a meals tour on-line, which can take you round designated tasting hotspots.
10. Go to the Flower Markets
The flower markets are an enormous spotlight of visiting Amsterdam. Flower buying and selling has been a significant a part of Amsterdam’s economic system for hundreds of years – wait till you hear about tulips in our subsequent part. Flower markets are the modern-day hive of this conventional buying and selling, and you should purchase dozens of various vegetation. Bloemenmarkt (a floating flower market established in 1862) and Stins Flowermarket are the very best markets.
For those who drive to Amsterdam or journey by way of public transport, you may carry some house. In case you are flying, you’ll probably discover this too tough, however you may nonetheless go to for the aesthetic and expertise.
11. Day Journey to the Tulip Fields
The tulip fields round Amsterdam are actually well-known. You’ve probably seen photos of the Dutch tulips on Instagram or in journey magazines. The height tulip season is from April to Could, after which you’ll see many tulips in flower retailers and markets from December till Could. Amsterdam is thought for its tulips because of deep cultural and historic ties to the flower, which rose so excessive within the Seventeenth century that bulbs have been traded akin to inventory on the Amsterdam Inventory Change. They have been price greater than gold and bought at a ridiculously excessive value that solely essentially the most elite and rich might afford.
It’s simple to see the tulips if you happen to go to on the proper time of 12 months. You’ll be able to take a day journey to Bollenstreek or e book an organized tour.
12. Oude Kerk Amsterdam
Oude Kerk is a giant deal. Amsterdam’s first church and oldest constructing, Oude Kerk, dates again to the Center Ages. The 14th-century church is now a functioning Calvinist place of worship that recurrently hosts spiritual and cultural occasions. Nevertheless, it’s additionally a sought-after vacationer attraction. In 2016, Oude Kerk was partially transformed right into a museum. Since then, it has hosted a set of artwork reveals. Guests can admire the artwork in its distinctive, historic setting.
Oude Kerk is likely one of the most budget-friendly but historic issues to do in Amsterdam. And in order for you an inspiring exercise in Amsterdam, we suggest visiting.
13. Lease a SUP
For those who don’t fancy the canal tour or free ferry, why not hire a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) and go alone? This can be a extra unorthodox factor to do in Amsterdam, however who cares? Life is about journey, proper? You’ll be able to hire an SUP from everywhere in the metropolis in numerous shops and water sports activities facilities, particularly round Amsteldijk. Lease a stand-up paddleboard for a couple of hours and take it to the water. You might have 165 canals at your disposal, greatest skilled from the water.
Prepare. It’s about to get lively and thrilling. For those who haven’t gone paddle boarding earlier than, know that there’s a excessive chance you’re coming off sooner or later. So that you’ll must be carrying appropriate garments for a fast swim. A water-resistant digicam can be a fantastic shout.
14. Design Your Personal Chocolate Bar
Have you ever ever questioned concerning the technique of designing chocolate bars? This weird area of interest expertise is a should for anybody with a candy tooth. You’ll be able to create your individual chocolate bar at a lot of Amsterdam’s chocolate shops and points of interest – sure, there are a number of. Tony’s Chocolonely Superstore and the Chocolate Firm are two foremost choices. Amsterdam is famed for Milka and Droste chocolate, and chocolate is particularly made across the western harbor space of the town.
Dutch chocolate is famously clean tasting due to the alkaline therapy that it makes use of within the chocolate-making course of. So head all the way down to one of many shops and test it out.
15. The Nationwide Maritime Museum
Subsequent up is the Nationwide Maritime Museum. This interactive museum is scenically set alongside the waterfront in a former storehouse. It introduces you to Amsterdam’s naval and ocean historical past. As a canal metropolis, it received’t shock you that Amsterdam has a lot maritime historical past to inform. You can even stand up near a duplicate of an 18th-century service provider ship, which helps to carry the tales to life.
The Nationwide Maritime Museum is massively interactive and nice enjoyable to go to. There are even digital voyages which you can take. Its entrance charge is modest, too, making it one of many cheaper issues to do in Amsterdam.
16. Smoke Some Weed
Relying in your beliefs and values, it’s possible you’ll need to smoke some weed or attempt an area cake – aka desserts full of marijuana – when visiting Amsterdam. Town is known for its liberal tackle this pure drug, and it’s a large purpose for the floods of vacationers that go to every year. For those who do determine to dabble, understand that Amsterdam’s weed is notoriously robust. It’s best to remain secure with a bunch of trusted buddies. Particular lodging may also have strict guidelines in opposition to marijuana consumption, so examine that forward of time.
If you wish to take a sober method to studying extra about Amsterdam’s marijuana, you may go to the Hash Marijuana & Hemp Museum. Self-designated because the world’s first museum devoted to the hashish plant, it takes you thru the historical past and tales round weed, even showcasing a dwell backyard.
17. Go to Chinatown
Each good metropolis has a fair higher Chinatown – we don’t make the principles; that is only a reality of life. Amsterdam is not any totally different, and its Chinatown is an absolute hub of Asian delicacies. For those who love Asian delicacies, then it’s important to cease by. Whereas it’s known as Chinatown, it consists of Malaysian, Thai, and Indonesian eating places and cafes, in addition to Chinese language. This implies you may have hundreds of scrumptious dishes and specialties at your fingertips. And that’s earlier than you even take into consideration the eclectic retailers and aesthetic decorations strung alongside these slender canal streets.
In case you are searching for an inexpensive meal or one thing to do in Amsterdam, visiting Chinatown must be in your listing. Whether or not you decide pad Thai or Indonesian meals, you’ll have a tasty time.
18. Have a Seashore Day
A seashore day? From Amsterdam? Sure, you may completely get pleasure from a seashore day when visiting Amsterdam. And that is exactly why you need to take at the very least a couple of days to see the town– Amsterdam has unbelievable day journeys. Zandvoort aan Zee is the closest seashore to the town and is well accessible by way of Central Station. Zandvoort Seashore is gorgeous, with lengthy golden sands and laidback bars and eating places lining its promenade. Enjoyable and light-hearted, it’s the place to go on a sunny day in Amsterdam.
It takes lower than an hour to achieve by way of sprinter practice. You might be sunbathing at Zandvoort very quickly.
19. NEMO Science Museum
This is likely one of the coolest science museums you’ll ever see. The constructing is formed like an precise boat, designed so it juts out over the waterfront – wanting like an actual boat taking to the water. The edgy traits proceed indoors, too, with interactive reveals and a baptism-of-fire-style immersion into every little thing science-related. The museum spans dramatic five-floor reveals, with coloration and wow-factor reveals at each flip.
If you need an indoor exercise in Amsterdam, undoubtedly go to the NEMO Science Museum. Equally, you need to be aware this if you happen to see the town with children.
20. Europe’s Highest Swing
How does Europe’s highest swing sound to you? A’DAM Lookout is arguably the very best place to get pleasure from overlooking Amsterdam. The statement deck has a panoramic viewpoint, and you’ll admire the UNESCO-listed canals from a vantage level you can by no means obtain at floor stage. As such a flat metropolis, A’DAM Lookout ticks a massively wanted field. And on that statement deck, you may take issues one step additional with the best swing in Europe – which hangs 100 meters above the bottom and swings you over Amsterdam.
Is it courageous or silly? We’ll allow you to determine. However whether or not you watch different folks undertake the swing or have a go your self, A’DAM Lookout is a should while you go to Amsterdam.
21. Dam Sq.
Dam Sq. is gorgeous, particularly on a sunny day. The sq. has a central location and a wealthy historical past. Even if you happen to simply go to feed the pigeons, it’s a must-add to your Amsterdam itinerary. The ambiance is unparalleled, and you’ll get pleasure from views of a number of the most notable buildings within the metropolis. It’s a cultural hub and hosts common occasions. At Christmas particularly, visiting this Sq. is a should.
Add this sq. to the listing in order for you free actions in Amsterdam. It takes simply minutes to understand, making it a superb itinerary filler amongst extra time-demanding points of interest.
22. Stedelijk Museum
Stedelijk Museum is an acquired style, to say the least. The trendy artwork museum is likely one of the most uncommon and bizarrely collections of paintings, with items equivalent to big pigs and partitions of Arabic typography describing the affect of abusive relationships. For those who fancy an summary look into the trendy artwork world, the museum is ideal. Arrive able to problem every little thing you beforehand thought of artwork in Amsterdam.
Enjoyable and whacky, this museum is likely one of the prime museums in Amsterdam for anybody craving quirky points of interest and artistic inspiration.
23. Torture Museum
This museum is each bit as horrific because it sounds. If you need an perception into the historic strategies of torture utilized in Amsterdam, that is the very best place for you. Gory, ugly, and painfully detailed, it’s a particular kick for anybody who likes horror-related points of interest. The museum showcases over 40 totally different torture gadgets and methods that date again to the Center Ages.
Whereas the museum is certainly not for the faint of coronary heart, it is a fascinating and spine-shivering historic attraction in Amsterdam. In case you are bored of the run-of-the-mill historical past museums in main European cities, this attraction will shake issues up.
24. Heineken Expertise
The Heineken Expertise is a should when visiting Amsterdam. The attraction is a working brewery creating craft beer and providing tasting room experiences and excursions that final about an hour. As one of many world’s most well-known beers, it’s a fascinating expertise getting behind the scenes on the Heineken brewery. And it is a prime main exercise while you go to the town, conveniently situated simply south of the town heart.
25. Verzetsmuseum Amsterdam
Few museums cowl the affect of World Struggle II in such a uncooked approach because the Verzetsmuseum Amsterdam. The Museum of WWII Resistance paperwork the town’s battle in opposition to Nazi invasion and the timeline of the battle. Treasured reveals and artifacts showcase the expertise with pictures, movies, and private gadgets belonging to these impacted.
Many individuals know the historical past of the warfare. Nonetheless, this museum gives a way more intimate perception into the ordeal. You’ll be taught all about what life was like beneath occupation and the actual folks behind the statistics. This museum is ideally mixed with a go to to Anne Frank’s Home.
26. Canal Cruise
A canal cruise is well one of many main issues in Amsterdam – you’re within the metropolis of canals, in any case. Amsterdam has 165 canals in whole, all simply prepared and ready to be explored from the water. You’ll be able to drift serenely together with an audio or guided tour expertise, admiring the historic buildings and Amsterdam’s distinctive surroundings.
There are such a lot of tour operators in Amsterdam providing canal cruises. We’d suggest simply going to the part of the canal simply earlier than Amsterdam Central Station and asking charges the place you see the boats moored.
If you wish to be actually sneaky, there’s additionally a free ferry service which you can catch. This can be a nice, budget-friendly choice to see the canals in Amsterdam.
27. Intercourse Museum
A museum devoted to intercourse is certainly on model on the subject of visiting Amsterdam. The Intercourse Museum is the world’s first and oldest museum fully devoted to documenting the historical past and nature of intercourse. There are erotic sculptures and pictures, in addition to the historical past of the intercourse trade in Amsterdam.
Set in a Seventeenth-century constructing, the Intercourse Museum is hilariously misplaced on its busy Amsterdam avenue. And if you happen to fancy a giggle but in addition a severe look into the town’s perspective and tradition behind intercourse, this museum is a best choice to your itinerary.
28. Damrak
Damrak is a bit of the canal the place you’ll discover rows of moored canal boats able to embark on excursions. Nevertheless, it’s also the place you’ll discover a social media-famous shot of a row of canal buildings. The row of canal home after canal home are all terraced and joined right into a – seemingly – unending row. The colour scheme is extremely photogenic, with deep blues, reds, and yellows. And in order for you a picture-perfect shot of Amsterdam’s buildings, Damrak is the place to go.
This can be a free exercise in Amsterdam, mixed with taking a canal boat tour or heading to the central practice station.
29. 9 Streets
9 Streets is the district acknowledged by UNESCO as Amsterdam’s canal district. ‘ This close-knit row of canal streets is the town’s most aesthetic and consultant part. It’s the place most individuals go to snap iconic canal pictures. This district is the postcard picture of Amsterdam’s canal scene.
You’ll be able to go to to snap your pictures and luxuriate in strolling the canal banks. There are over 250 retailers on this district, so take your time, window procuring or procuring if you want. And there are cafes and museums to dip out and in of. A self-guided tour of ‘De 9 Straatjes’ solely takes half-hour to an hour however is an unmissable exercise in Amsterdam.
30. Filmhallen Artwork Home Cinema
Filmhallen Artwork Home Cinema is uniquely situated in an previous tram depot. It’s on the outskirts of the town heart, within the Amsterdam Oud-West district, a brief stroll away from De 9 Straatjes. For those who fancy a laidback exercise in Amsterdam, visiting the cinema is the best wet day or low-energy exercise. And the tram depot setting makes it much more engaging. Filmhallen is the place to go to the cinema in novelty type.
31. Pink Gentle District
If you discuss to anybody who has visited Amsterdam, they are going to have a narrative or an opinion on Amsterdam’s Pink Gentle District. No matter your ideas on legalized intercourse work, this district is an attention-grabbing cultural phenomenon. It’s well-liked amongst all vacationers, and the principle draw is simply strolling down the 2 streets, that are break up by a canal and illuminated in delicate crimson lighting. It’s stated up to now again to the 14th century. Nevertheless, it established itself within the Seventeenth century – so it’s as a lot historic as something seedy.
You’ll be able to stroll via the district or go to the Intercourse Museum in its southern nook. Many excursions additionally run via the Pink Gentle District, providing informative strolling excursions and insider particulars.
32. Royal Palace Amsterdam
The Royal Palace Amsterdam is likely one of the main metropolis points of interest and has been a royal residence since 1808. When it isn’t in use, it’s open to the general public to get pleasure from with a guided tour or audio tour and has a number of exhibitions to get pleasure from. You’ll have to stick to strict guidelines – that is the house of the Netherlands’ royal household – however you’ll get an perception into royal life in trade to your abiding by the principles.
In case you are concerned with politics or the royal household, it is a lovely place to go to. The grandeur of the structure can be splendid, and historical past lovers can admire all the knowledge you get on guided excursions.
33. Anne Frank Home
The Anne Frank Museum is likely one of the hottest issues to do within the metropolis heart. This industrial constructing is the place Anne and her household hid within the secret annex through the Nazi occupation in central Amsterdam. The household and their buddies lasted 25 months in secrecy, solely being found in 1944 once they have been tragically transported to focus camps – after which solely Otto, Anne’s father, survived.
On the museum, you may stroll via the annex the place the group lived and examine all their possessions as they might have been displayed. There are additionally extracts and quick movies taken from Anne’s Diary. The attraction is harrowing however completely important when visiting Amsterdam.
34. Houseboat Museum
Ever questioned what life on a houseboat is like? Nicely, step aboard this 1914 freighter convert and test it out. This museum lets vacationers expertise being onboard one of many basic canal boats and be taught extra about this conventional life-style. Canal boats are central to Amsterdam’s historical past and tradition. With 165 canals within the metropolis, you’ll see a lot of them from an outsider’s perspective. This can be a distinctive alternative to see the life-style from an inside perspective.
Visiting Amsterdam: FAQs
So, you now know exactly what you need to add to your Amsterdam itinerary. However how do you slender issues down? You’ll in all probability should be cutthroat until you may have limitless time in Amsterdam. These are the very best FAQs that will help you finalize your choices and decide your dream itinerary.
Is it price going to Amsterdam for 3 days?
With three days in Amsterdam, you may go to a handful of nice points of interest and style the town properly. You’ll probably be capable to take a canal tour and go to the Anne Frank Home, the Pink Gentle District, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Royal Palace. If that floats your boat, you may as well get pleasure from an evening out and the town’s weed tradition.
What shouldn’t be missed in Amsterdam?
You shouldn’t miss visiting the Anne Frank Museum or a canal tour in Amsterdam. These two actions are the highest actions to do in Amsterdam and actually pivotal elements of the town’s id.
What’s Amsterdam is known for?
Amsterdam is known for being a liberal metropolis, sex-positive and marijuana constructive, with a lot of creatives and hyperlinks to the world-renowned Vincent Van Gogh. It additionally has a lot of World Struggle II historical past, for example, on the Anne Frank Museum.
Is 2 days sufficient to see Amsterdam?
You’ll be hard-pushed to see the very best of Amsterdam in simply two days. You’ll be able to squeeze in 3-4 points of interest, just like the Anne Frank Museum, Royal Palace, and Pink Gentle District. Nevertheless, you’ll miss out on the ‘genuine’ Amsterdam and really feel rushed. Do not forget that if you happen to fly to Amsterdam, you’ll additionally lose a substantial chunk of this time simply touring between the airport and permitting additional time at safety.
To Conclude
Amsterdam is filled with distinctive actions and issues to do, whether or not you need to fill your historical past bucket or embrace your inside flower aesthetic with a go to to its floral markets. Town is an attractive weekend getaway, and it’s simple to see why it’s thought-about one of many greatest European metropolis getaways. You’ll be able to admire Van Gogh’s paintings or cruise down a sedate canal. There’s simply a lot at your fingertips when visiting Amsterdam.
Now you’ve received your itinerary nailed, you may buy groceries to your boutique resort or fun-loving hostel keep – get pleasure from your journey. For extra day journey concepts, you may take a look at our information on the greatest journeys you may take from Amsterdam, which is superb if you happen to keep within the metropolis longer than a couple of days. And in order for you additional inspiration on visiting the Netherlands, take a look at our information right here.