Top 10 Things To Do In Amsterdam 🇳🇱

Amsterdam is a city that blends history, culture, and a bit of quirky charm into a seamless experience for any traveler.

Known for its picturesque canals, fascinating museums, and laid-back lifestyle, the Dutch capital has something to offer everyone, whether you’re into art, architecture, history, or simply enjoying life at a slower pace. Having explored Amsterdam on foot, bike, and even boat, I’ve compiled my favorite top 10 things to do in this beautiful city. 😄🇳🇱

1. Explore the Canals by Boat 🛶

Amsterdam is often called the “Venice of the North” for its intricate canal system, and there’s no better way to see the city than by boat. The canals not only define the city’s layout but also offer a unique perspective of the historic buildings, bridges, and houseboats that line their edges.

Canals

I recommend starting your visit with a canal tour. Many companies offer day and night tours, some even combining the experience with dinner or drinks. If you’re like me and prefer a quieter, more intimate experience, consider renting your own boat. You can navigate through some of the smaller, less crowded canals and soak in the sights at your own pace.

While drifting down the water, you’ll notice just how peaceful it can be, with the city bustling around you but the water acting as a buffer to the chaos. The views of leaning buildings, cobblestone streets, and ivy-covered homes are simply magical from the water.

2. Visit the Anne Frank House ✡️

One of the most poignant places you can visit in Amsterdam is the Anne Frank House. This museum is the actual house where Anne Frank, her family, and others hid during World War II. Walking through the secret annex, where Anne wrote her famous diary, is a humbling and emotional experience.

Anne Frank House

The museum provides insight into not only the personal story of Anne Frank but also the larger context of the Holocaust and the horrors faced by millions of people. Visitors can see Anne’s diary in person — such a small, simple object, yet it holds such an immense weight of history.

The Anne Frank House can get busy, so I’d recommend booking tickets online in advance to avoid long lines. It’s a must-see, not just for the history it represents but for the message it carries about the human spirit and resilience.

3. Admire Art at the Rijksmuseum 🖼️

If you’re an art lover, the Rijksmuseum is an absolute must-visit. The museum is one of the finest in Europe, boasting a vast collection of Dutch art and history, with pieces ranging from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Its most famous work, The Night Watch by Rembrandt, is something you must see in person to fully appreciate its size and detail.

Rijksmuseum

The museum itself is stunning too. Even if you’re not particularly into art, walking through its galleries gives you a strong sense of Dutch culture and history. You can easily spend hours around here, admiring the intricate detail in the paintings from the Dutch Golden Age. The museum also has beautiful gardens outside, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a quick coffee break. I really enjoyed walking around this area.

4. Bike Around the City Like a Local 🚲

Amsterdam is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world. In fact, biking is a way of life for the locals. To truly experience the city like an Amsterdammer, rent a bike and pedal through the picturesque streets and along the canals. There are countless rental shops throughout the city, and biking gives you the flexibility to explore at your own pace.

Riding bikes

One of my favorite routes is through Vondelpark, Amsterdam’s largest park. It’s a perfect spot to cycle, especially on a sunny day, with locals relaxing on the grass, children playing, and small cafés dotted around the edges where you can stop for a quick snack. From there, you can venture to some of the quieter neighborhoods like Jordaan or De Pijp, where you’ll find fewer tourists and more of the city’s authentic charm.

Just be mindful of the traffic rules — locals can be pretty fast on their bikes, and you’ll want to stay out of the way if you’re still getting the hang of navigating the narrow streets!

5. Stroll Through the Bloemenmarkt (Flower Market) 🌷

Amsterdam’s Bloemenmarkt is the world’s only floating flower market, and it’s a feast for the senses. Located along the Singel canal, this vibrant market has been around since 1862 and remains one of the city’s most iconic attractions. Even if you’re not an avid gardener, the experience of walking through rows of colorful tulips, daffodils, and other blooming flowers is unforgettable.

Bloemenmarkt

The stalls at the Bloemenmarkt are housed on houseboats, a nod to Amsterdam’s history as a canal city. The market offers a wide range of plants, seeds, and bulbs (including the famous tulip bulbs Amsterdam is known for). You can buy bulbs packaged and certified for export, making them a perfect souvenir to take home. If you visit in spring, you’ll get the added bonus of seeing the bulbs in full bloom, with tulips of every imaginable color on display.

Besides flowers, the market also sells traditional Dutch gifts and souvenirs, so it’s a great place to pick up a little something to remember your trip by. It was around this area where I purchased Dutch cheese in several flavors and varieties. I enjoyed wandering through the market, taking in the vibrant colors and fragrant smells while watching locals and tourists alike browse through the beautiful selection. Even if you’re not planning to buy anything, the Bloemenmarkt is an excellent place to immerse yourself in one of Amsterdam’s most quintessential experiences.

This change incorporates the unique charm of the famous flower market in Amsterdam!

5. Marvel at Van Gogh’s Masterpieces 🎨

Next on the list for art lovers is the Van Gogh Museum, dedicated to the life and work of the legendary Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh. This museum houses the largest collection of Van Gogh’s paintings and drawings in the world, including some of his most famous works like Sunflowers and The Bedroom.

Van Gogh Museum

The museum does an excellent job of chronicling Van Gogh’s life, from his early works to his more abstract, post-impressionist pieces. It also provides a fascinating look into his personal struggles and the relationships that shaped his life and art.

You can almost feel the intensity of Van Gogh’s emotions in his brushstrokes, which is something that photographs just can’t capture. The museum also regularly hosts temporary exhibitions, so it’s worth checking what’s there during your visit. As with many of Amsterdam’s museums, book tickets early for the best odds of availability!

6. Discover the Red Light District 🚨

Amsterdam’s Red Light District is world-famous, but it’s far more than what many people imagine. Yes, the area is known for its window displays and the legalized sex industry, but it also has a rich history and cultural significance. Visiting the district doesn’t mean you’re supporting its controversial industries; for me, it was more about understanding a different side of Amsterdam’s open-mindedness and progressive attitudes.

Red Light District

During the day, the Red Light District is surprisingly quiet. It’s a great time to wander through the narrow streets and check out the historical buildings. At night, the area comes to life, with bars, restaurants, and yes, the iconic red-lit windows.

If you’re interested in learning more about the district’s history, consider taking a guided tour. I found it fascinating to hear about the legal aspects, how the industry is regulated, and the real stories of the people who work there. It adds a layer of context to what is often sensationalized or misunderstood.

7. Wander Through Jordaan Neighborhood ☕️

Jordaan is my favorite neighborhood in Amsterdam. Originally a working-class area, it’s now one of the trendiest parts of the city, with narrow streets lined with independent boutiques, art galleries, cafés, and bars. It has a distinctly local feel, away from the more tourist-heavy parts of Amsterdam, which is perfect if you’re looking for a more laid-back atmosphere.

Jordaan

I recommend spending a few hours just wandering through the streets, popping into shops, and stopping for coffee at one of the many cozy cafés. You’ll also find some lovely hidden courtyards, known as hofjes, which were originally built as housing for elderly women. These quiet little pockets of green are perfect for escaping the bustle of the city.

If you’re there on a Saturday, don’t miss the Noordermarkt, a lively market where you can pick up everything from fresh produce to vintage goods. It’s one of the best places to get a feel for local life in Amsterdam.

8. Take a Day Trip to the Windmills of Zaanse Schans 🌬️

While there’s so much to see within Amsterdam itself, I highly recommend taking at least one day trip out of the city. Zaanse Schans is only about 30 minutes away and offers a quintessential Dutch countryside experience, complete with windmills, traditional wooden houses, and workshops.

Windmills

The area feels like stepping back in time. Many of the windmills are still operational, and you can visit them to learn about the various crafts and industries they supported, such as grinding spices or sawing wood. There are also several small museums and workshops where you can see demonstrations of cheese making, clog crafting, and more.

Walking through Zaanse Schans feels like being inside a postcard. The green fields, blue skies, and windmills make for an idyllic setting, and it’s a wonderful contrast to the busy city streets of Amsterdam. If you’re looking for a breath of fresh air and some insight into traditional Dutch life, this is the place to go. Depending on the time of year when you visit, you also want to bundle this with a trip to the tulip fields of Keukenhof.

9. Visit the Heineken Experience 🍺

Amsterdam is home to the famous Heineken brewery, and the Heineken Experience is one of the most popular attractions for visitors. The tour takes you through the history of the Heineken family and the brewing process, with interactive exhibits that make it a fun experience even if you’re not a beer connoisseur.

Heineken Experience

You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how one of the world’s most famous beers is made, and of course, the tour ends with a tasting session. I’m not a huge beer drinker, but there’s something special about enjoying a cold Heineken at the brewery where it all began. The tour is entertaining, informative, and a great way to spend a couple of hours.

10. Relax at Vondelpark 🦆

After days of exploring, there’s nothing better than taking a break at Vondelpark, Amsterdam’s most famous park. It’s the perfect place to unwind, especially on a sunny afternoon. The park is huge, with sprawling lawns, ponds, and plenty of paths for walking or biking.

Vondelpark

Whether you want to have a picnic, read a book, birdwatch, or just people-watch, Vondelpark is the place to do it. The atmosphere is relaxed, with locals and tourists alike enjoying the green space. I found this to be one of the most memorable spots from my vacation. I loved watching their little coots run on water: interesting birds I’d never encountered before Amsterdam.

There are also a few cafés inside the park, so you can grab a coffee or a snack while you enjoy the view. It was at one of these locations where I met up with my friend and her now-husband who both lived in Amsterdam at the time.

If you’re lucky, you might even catch an outdoor concert at the park’s open-air theater. It’s a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and a great way to wrap up your Amsterdam adventure.

Your Amsterdam Adventure Begins Here 🇳🇱

Amsterdam is a city that offers something for every type of traveler. Whether you’re interested in art, history, or simply enjoying the unique charm of the city, Amsterdam is a destination that invites exploration at every turn. From leisurely boat rides along the canals to the deep, reflective moments inside the Anne Frank House, each experience reveals a different layer of the city’s rich culture and history.

Rocky in Amsterdam

One of the best things about Amsterdam is how easy it is to navigate, making it perfect for spontaneous exploration. You can go from world-class museums to serene parks in a matter of minutes, or hop on a bike and pedal through the quieter neighborhoods to discover hidden gems like Jordaan. The people are friendly, the vibe is relaxed, and there’s a perfect balance between urban life and natural beauty.

No matter how many days you spend here, there’s always something new to uncover in this timeless city. Whether you’re a solo traveler or exploring with friends and family, Amsterdam has a way of drawing you in, ensuring that you’ll want to return again and again.

These top 10 recommendations are just a starting point, and I encourage you to dive into whatever aspect of the city excites you most. Whether it’s the art, the flowers, the history, or just the laid-back lifestyle, Amsterdam has a little something for everyone.

Happy travels, and I hope your time in Amsterdam is as unforgettable as mine was!

6 Comments

  1. I haven’t been back to Amsterdam in several years, but I recall enjoying my stay! I would’ve liked to have visited Zaanse Schans, but alas, I didn’t have time…I’ll need to return to check it out! Thanks for sharing, Rocky!

  2. I would love to see both the Van Gogh museum and Annie Frank’s house. Such strong pieces of history. Of course I am always a sucker for the beauty of nature and that flower market would be awe worthy. Looks like a spot on my bucket list.

    1. Can’t recommend Amsterdam enough. Plenty to see and do there. I felt like I had an endless list of places to choose from and that’s partially why I wanted to make this post: to try to help narrow it down! 😋 The city is very bucket list-worthy!!! 🙂

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