Things to do in Amsterdam

More about Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a fantastic place to explore for the travelers, with something exciting to do in every season. In spring, the city is bright and colorful, with tulips blooming everywhere and outdoor cafes buzzing with life. Summer brings warm days, perfect for boat rides along the canals, and lively street markets. Fall offers beautiful colors in the parks, giving the city a cozy feel, while winter transforms Amsterdam with holiday lights, festive markets, and ice skating rinks.

There’s so much to enjoy, from famous spots like the Anne Frank House and Van Gogh Museum to simple pleasures like biking around and trying Dutch treats like stroopwafels. For a comfortable stay, you can easily book a place on Agoda.com, whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly hostel or a luxurious hotel. With Agoda, planning your stay in Amsterdam is simple, letting you focus on enjoying every moment of this charming city!

Best Things to Do in Amsterdam

If you're wondering what to do in Amsterdam, the city has a mix of classic sights and unique experiences. Start with a canal cruise to see Amsterdam's beautiful waterways and historic architecture from a new perspective. Then, visit the famous Rijksmuseum or Van Gogh Museum for art lovers, or explore the Anne Frank House for a powerful historical experience. You can also stroll through the vibrant Jordaan district, known for its cozy cafes, or take a bike ride through Vondelpark.

Van Gogh Museum

Explore the world of Vincent van Gogh and explore his incredible journey as an artist at the Van Gogh Museum. Home to the largest collection of his work, this museum holds over 200 pieces, including famous paintings such as Sunflowers and his striking self-portraits. You'll see how his art evolved and what inspired him. Furthermore, you can also find works by other famous artists like Gauguin and Monet, giving you a deeper look into the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist movements.

City Sightseeing Amsterdam: Hop-on Hop-off Bus + Cruise

Explore Amsterdam easily with a hop-on hop-off bus and boat ticket, covering all the city’s highlights with 30 stops to choose from. With a 24- or 48-hour pass, you can visit amazing places like the Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum, and Nine Streets at your own speed. The ticket includes entry to a diamond factory and audio guide for fun facts along the way during your trip. Just enjoy the breath-taking views, when you’re passing the canals or cruising through the city’s famous spots!

Ripley's Believe It or Not! Amsterdam

At Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Amsterdam, get ready to be amazed by over 500 strange and unique exhibits from actual shrunken human heads to a sword from the movie Braveheart. Step into 19 themed galleries filled with unusual artifacts, wax figures of fascinating people, and interactive experiences as well. Try out the dizzying vortex tunnel, test your aim at the shooting gallery, or see if you can solve the mystery gate. With so much to explore, time will go by so fast in this place!

Vondelpark

Vondelpark is Amsterdam’s largest and most famous park, ideal for a relaxing day outdoors. Here, you can enjoy picnics, rent a bike, or simply stroll along its beautiful paths and ponds. The park also has cafes, playgrounds, and open-air performances, making it a great spot for all ages to relax in the heart of the city.

Rijksmuseum

Complete your trip to the Netherlands with a visit to the Rijksmuseum, the country’s national museum! Opened in 1885, this incredible museum records 800 years of Dutch history, with over 5,000 paintings by legendary artists like Rembrandt and Van Gogh. You’ll also find historic items, from old clothing to weapons and sculptures. Don’t miss the Cuypers Library, the oldest art library in the Netherlands. Its beautiful interior is something you have to see. You can spend a full day exploring the history and remarkable art here!

Anne Frank House

This place is a powerful and historical museum that lets visitors experience the hiding place of Anne Frank and her family during World War II. Through personal items, writings, and photos, you get a sense of her life and story, that makes it a meaningful stop for anyone interested in history. It’s recommended to book your tickets in advance, as it is one of Amsterdam’s most popular sites among tourists.

Heineken Experience

Get ready for an exciting behind-the-scenes tour at the Heineken brewery! Find out the story of how Heineken became one of the world’s favorite beers. With interactive exhibits, you’ll go on a "journey" as a beer bottle, learn to pour the perfect glass, and even take a fun beer-tasting lesson. Here’s a tip: download the Heineken Experience app to get extra content or rent a device at the front desk. And of course, don’t forget to enjoy a refreshing glass at the end of this memorable tour!

Stedelijk Museum

Spend a day in a place full of incredible modern art at Amsterdam's Stedelijk Museum. This museum is home to famous works by artists like Warhol, Kandinsky, Rodin, Matisse, and Pollock, making it a must-see for art lovers. Besides its permanent collection, the museum also hosts different temporary exhibitions, giving you something new to see every time you visit this museum.

The Rembrandt House Museum

At the Rembrandt House Museum, you can explore the amazing world of the famous painter Rembrandt. Here, you'll find a wonderful collection of his sketches and discover his artistic style. You can also watch demonstrations of painting, where you’ll learn about the techniques he used. The museum features items from Rembrandt's time, including everyday objects, unique treasures, and even some weapons. This historic house was once the largest painting studio in the Netherlands, which makes you step back into the 17th century and experience the life of this great artist.

Tulip Garden Amsterdam

Also known as Keukenhof Gardens, is one of the most beautiful flower gardens in the world and is open only during springtime. Here, you can see millions of tulips in every color, along with other flowers like daffodils and hyacinths, creating a stunning view. A fun fact is that the tulip actually originated in Central Asia, but it became an important part of Dutch culture in the 17th century. Touring this garden is like stepping into a fairy tale full of colors and amazing floral scents, making it perfect for photography and a relaxing stroll.

Hard Rock Cafe Amsterdam

Hard Rock Cafe Amsterdam is a popular dining spot where tourists can enjoy classic American food with a unique rock-and-roll vibe. Located near Leidseplein, this cafe is known for its collection of music memorabilia, including guitars and outfits from famous artists. A fun fact is that the Amsterdam Hard Rock Cafe has one of the oldest electric guitars used by legends like Jimi Hendrix. It's a cool place to relax, enjoy live music, and soak up the rock history while taking in views of the nearby canal.

Amsterdam Transportations

Here’s a useful guide to getting around Amsterdam with practical information on each option:

By Plane

Schiphol Airport is one of the largest in Europe and offers flights to many cities worldwide. It’s located about 20 minutes from the city center. From the airport, you can take a train to Amsterdam Centraal Station, which is fast and affordable, running every 10-15 minutes. There are also buses and taxis available, but trains tend to be the quickest option. Alternatively, ride-hailing services like Uber operate in Amsterdam, offering more flexibility.

By Train

Amsterdam is well-connected by train to many cities across Europe, such as Paris, London, and Berlin. The main train station, Amsterdam Centraal, is located in the heart of the city. Domestic and international trains arrive frequently, making it easy to travel both within the Netherlands and beyond. Once in the city, you can use the same station for local trams, buses, and ferries, providing a seamless connection to other parts of the city.

By Bus

For budget-conscious travelers, buses are a good option. Several companies, like FlixBus, operate routes to and from Amsterdam. The primary bus station is at Amsterdam Sloterdijk, located just a few minutes by train from the city center. Long-distance buses are affordable, though they may take longer than trains. Many travelers also find buses convenient for late-night or early-morning arrivals.

By Car

Driving to Amsterdam can be an option, especially if you’re coming from nearby countries. However, parking in the city center is challenging and expensive. A smart option is to park your car at a Park and Ride (P+R) location outside the city. From there, you can use public transportation to reach your destination. Traffic can be heavy, so public transport is usually recommended for getting around the city.

Public Transport within Amsterdam

Once in Amsterdam, the city offers excellent public transportation options. Trams are the most popular and cover the main attractions. Buses and metros serve areas further from the city center. You can purchase an OV-chipkaart, a rechargeable smart card, for easy access to all forms of public transport. Ferries across the IJ river are free and connect the city center to the north side.

Cycling

Amsterdam is known as one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world. Renting a bike is easy and affordable, with rental shops scattered across the city. Biking allows you to explore the city at your own pace, with dedicated bike lanes and parking available throughout. However, be cautious of trams, pedestrians, and other cyclists, as the roads can get busy.

Walking

Amsterdam’s compact size makes it easy to explore on foot. Many attractions, such as museums and canals, are within walking distance of each other. Walking also gives you a chance to enjoy the scenic streets and historic architecture at a relaxed pace. Keep in mind that pedestrian crossings are shared with cyclists, so stay alert when crossing the roads.

Amsterdam's variety of transportation options ensures that getting around the city is easy and convenient, depending on your preferences or budget.

Recommended Amsterdam Food 

When visiting this city, there are some must-try foods in Amsterdam and where you can enjoy them:

Stroopwafels

Stroopwafels are thin waffle cookies with a caramel syrup filling. You can find them at Albert Cuyp Market or freshly made from stalls across the city. The warm, gooey syrup in the center makes these waffles especially tasty when eaten hot. Try van Wonderen Stroopwafels on Kalverstraat for a creative twist with toppings like chocolate and sprinkles.

Bitterballen

These are deep-fried meat snacks often served in bars with mustard on the side. They’re a favorite with locals when enjoying a drink. You can try them at Café de Blauwe Parade or Foodhallen, an indoor food market where you’ll also find other Dutch snacks.

Poffertjes

These are fluffy mini pancakes topped with butter and powdered sugar. They’re commonly sold at markets and street stalls. Poffertjes Albert Cuyp at the Albert Cuyp Market serves some of the best poffertjes in town. They are especially popular during festivals and are a comforting treat during the colder months.

Herring

For adventurous food lovers, raw herring is a Dutch specialty. It’s traditionally eaten with onions and pickles. Head to Stubbe’s Haring, a popular herring stall near Central Station, to taste this unique dish. If you’re not sure about eating it plain, try it in a sandwich called a broodje haring (A Dutch sandwich made with raw, salt-cured herring, topped with sliced gherkins and onions, served in a soft white bun).

Indonesian Food

Amsterdam’s Indonesian food scene is vibrant, reflecting the country’s colonial history. The rijsttafel (an Indonesian meal adopted by the Dutch. It features multiple small dishes, inspired by the nasi padang tradition from West Sumatra) is a must-try, consisting of many small dishes served with rice. Kantjil & de Tijger and Sampurna are well-known restaurants offering great Indonesian dishes. These meals provide an exciting mix of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors.

Cheese

The Netherlands is famous for its cheese, with Gouda and Edam being the most well-known varieties. You’ll find cheese shops throughout Amsterdam, with some offering tastings. Visit the Cheese Museum or stop by Henri Willig Cheese & More stores to sample a wide range of cheeses. Cheese lovers can even take a cheese-making workshop to learn the craft behind it.

These food experiences offer a delicious way to explore Amsterdam's culinary scene, with a mix of traditional Dutch flavors and international influences.

Shopping in Amsterdam

If you’re a shopaholic or just want to experience shopping in Amsterdam. Here’s a guide to some of the best places for shopping in Amsterdam, from markets to malls and specialty stores: 

Albert Cuyp Market

This open-air market, located in the De Pijp neighborhood, is one of the largest and most popular in the Netherlands. It offers a mix of fresh produce, street food, clothing, and souvenirs. You can find everything from Dutch cheese to stroopwafels. The market is open six days a week (Monday to Saturday) and is a great spot to experience local culture.

Address: Albert Cuypstraat, 1073 VX Amsterdam, Netherlands

The Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes)

This area, located within the canal belt, is known for its narrow streets filled with unique boutiques, vintage shops, and independent designers. It's perfect for finding one-of-a-kind clothing, jewelry, and antiques. Many cafes and restaurants you can find, making it a pleasant area for a shopping day.

Address: Wolvenstraat 9, 1016 EM Amsterdam, Netherlands

Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat

These two streets are the go-to places for mainstream shopping areas. Kalverstraat is filled with popular international brands like H&M and Zara, while Leidsestraat offers more high-end stores. Both streets are busy shopping areas, with easy access to trams and several attractions nearby.

Magna Plaza

Located behind the Royal Palace in Dam Square, this historic building has been converted into a shopping mall. Magna Plaza houses a variety of shops, from clothing and beauty products to souvenirs. It’s a convenient place to shop if you’re in the city center and looking for a mix of local and global brands.

Address: Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 182I, 1012 SJ Amsterdam, Netherlands

The Bijenkorf

This place is a luxury department store on Dam Square, offering high-end fashion, cosmetics, and home goods. It’s a favorite spot for shoppers looking for designer brands, and the in-store cafes are a great place to take a break. The store also holds seasonal sales, including Black Friday and post-holiday discounts.

Address: Dam 1, 1012 JS Amsterdam, Netherlands

Waterlooplein Market

This is Amsterdam’s oldest flea market, with stalls selling second-hand clothes, vintage items, and antiques. It’s a fun spot for treasure hunting if you enjoy browsing through unique finds. Open from Monday to Saturday, it’s located near the Rembrandt House Museum.

Address: 1011 NZ Amsterdam (right beside Amsterdam City Hall)

Best Time to Visit Amsterdam

The best time to visit Amsterdam is during April to May or September to October. In spring, you can enjoy the blooming tulips and lively celebrations like King’s Day on April 27. The weather is mild, and the city is not as crowded as summer. Summer (June to August) offers warm temperatures and exciting events like Pride Parade, but it’s also the peak tourist season with higher prices and larger crowds. Autumn brings cooler weather and fewer tourists, making it perfect for museum visits and hop on canal cruise Amsterdam. If you visit in winter (November to March), you’ll find holiday markets and the Amsterdam Light Festival, though it will be cold. For fewer crowds and comfortable weather, spring and early autumn are the ideal times to visit.