34 Best Things to Do in Amsterdam In 2024

Amsterdam is perhaps most famed for its former industrial buildings alongside canals, Crimson Gentle District, and relaxed legal guidelines on marijuana consumption, however that doesn’t imply its record of sights and actions doesn’t cease there. There are a whole bunch 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 get together metropolis, which you’ll quickly uncover with strolling excursions of this picturesque metropolis and sights just like the Vincent Van Gogh Museum. Actually, there are such a lot of issues to do in Amsterdam that we struggled to slim it down to simply these high 34. Earlier than you even take into consideration the place to remain in Amsterdam or e book flights, it’s good to have 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 provide you with all of the inspiration and logistics it’s worthwhile to get pleasure from visiting ‘Dam’. Whether or not you want historical past, partying, or art work, Amsterdam has at the least 20 sights to squeeze into your itinerary. It’s protected to say that this well-known canal metropolis has many methods up its sleeve.

1. Rijksmuseum

In the event you nonetheless surprise why Amsterdam is such a cultural hotspot, go to the Rijksmuseum. This Nineteenth-century museum homes a few of the most precious 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 possibly can simply spend just a few hours wandering the exhibition halls of the Rijksmuseum. And if you need 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, this can be a bucket record expertise. You should buy tickets on-line or on arrival and rapidly spend a whole afternoon strolling between famed portray after portray.

It isn’t simply art work; there are letters and displays 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

On the lookout for sunny day actions in Amsterdam? Vondelpark is likely one of the metropolis’s main choices and the perfect free issues to do. The park dates again to the Nineteenth century and boasts an enormous open-air theater. It’s a low-maintenance exercise, too, with a kids’s park ideally suited 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 a stupendous place to go to in Amsterdam and an actual alternative to unwind and loosen up.

4. Our Lord within the Attic Museum

Our Lord within the Attic Museum is named Ons Lieve Heer Op in Dutch. This Seventeenth-century canal home has a barely uncommon title, however you must have the ability to guess what the museum is about. It provides audio excursions of a secret – and mysteriously ornate – Catholic church hidden on the high 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 house owners 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 principally cinematic heaven. It has every thing from international to Dutch museums and paperwork the evolution of movie and fictional worlds. Set alongside the waterside throughout on the northern aspect of 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 interesting displays showcase posters, film clips, and extra. They’re like a bit of time capsule devoted explicitly to the film world.

6. Bike Tour

You possibly can’t go to Amsterdam and not take a motorbike tour. Amsterdam is perhaps town of canals, but it surely’s additionally town of bikes. In the event you’ve tried to stroll down the road or cross the highway, you’ll perceive that the eco-friendly stance really borders on hazardous pedestrians. And it isn’t an Amsterdam expertise till you’ve been yelled at by at the least one bicycle owner for by accident reducing them off. So, should you can’t beat them, be part of them. Experiencing Amsterdam from two wheels is likely one of the most basic and conventional methods to sightsee town.

You possibly can e book loads of completely 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 move in Amsterdam for contemporary art work. Its abbreviation stands for the Fashionable Up to date Museum Amsterdam, and it showcases an enormous vary of items, spanning from Dali and Banksy works to native artists. Artwork lovers will love this attraction, however equally, the sheer vary of what Moco Museum covers renders it entertaining for artwork newbies and extra normal vacationers. The very fact you may see Banksy’s art work is a draw for most individuals. And every thing from avenue artwork to up to date 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 vastly widespread factor in Amsterdam is a day journey to the windmills. Windmills had been traditionally used for water administration in Amsterdam and its surrounding areas. Nevertheless, these days, they’re additionally a profound supply of inexperienced vitality, utilizing wind turbine constructions to assist with electrical energy. There are over 10,000 operational windmills within the Netherlands, an enormous proportion of that are round Amsterdam. These are famed for his or her conventional design – chunky picket constructions.

Molen Van Sloten is a well-liked day journey from town middle, and it’s a working windmill and barrel-making museum. Zaanse Schans is one other frequent selection. It’s reachable independently by bus in below 40 minutes – an enormous bonus.

9. Meals Tour

Taking a meals tour is a should when visiting Amsterdam. Indulgence is an important attribute of town, and the tradition encourages not solely artwork and liberal attitudes to hashish but additionally wonderful delicacies. Town middle has meals halls, the place you may strive every thing from stroopwafels to Indonesian delicacies. The choices are significantly beneficiant, and probably the most organized and time-efficient method to expertise them is on a guided meals tour.

You possibly can simply e book a meals tour on-line, which is able to 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 financial 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 buy dozens of various vegetation. Bloemenmarkt (a floating flower market established in 1862) and Stins Flowermarket are the perfect markets.

In the event you drive to Amsterdam or journey by way of public transport, you may deliver some dwelling. In case you are flying, you’ll seemingly discover this too difficult, 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 seemingly 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 outlets 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 had been traded akin to inventory on the Amsterdam Inventory Alternate. They had been price greater than gold and offered at a ridiculously excessive value that solely probably the most elite and rich may afford.

It’s simple to see the tulips should you go to on the proper time of yr. You possibly can 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 repeatedly 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 group of artwork displays. 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 if you need an inspiring exercise in Amsterdam, we suggest visiting.

13. Lease a SUP

In the event you don’t fancy the canal tour or free ferry, why not hire a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) and go alone? It is a extra unorthodox factor to do in Amsterdam, however who cares? Life is about journey, proper? You possibly can hire an SUP from everywhere in the metropolis in several shops and water sports activities facilities, particularly round Amsteldijk. Lease a stand-up paddleboard for just a few hours and take it to the water. You’ve got 165 canals at your disposal, greatest skilled from the water.

Prepare. It’s about to get energetic and thrilling. In the event you haven’t gone paddle boarding earlier than, know that there’s a excessive chance you’re coming off in some unspecified time in the future. So that you’ll should be carrying appropriate garments for a fast swim. A water-proof digital camera can also be an amazing shout.

14. Design Your Personal Chocolate Bar

Have you ever ever puzzled concerning the means of designing chocolate bars? This weird area of interest expertise is a should for anybody with a candy tooth. You possibly can create your individual chocolate bar at lots of Amsterdam’s chocolate shops and sights – sure, there are a number of. Tony’s Chocolonely Superstore and the Chocolate Firm are two essential choices. Amsterdam is famed for Milka and Droste chocolate, and chocolate is particularly made across the western harbor space of town.

Dutch chocolate is famously easy tasting because of the alkaline therapy that it makes use of within the chocolate-making course of. So head right 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 gained’t shock you that Amsterdam has a lot maritime historical past to inform. You may as well rise up near a reproduction of an 18th-century service provider ship, which helps to deliver 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, chances are you’ll need to smoke some weed or strive an area cake – aka desserts full of marijuana – when visiting Amsterdam. Town is legendary for its liberal tackle this pure drug, and it’s a large cause for the floods of vacationers that go to annually. In the event you do determine to dabble, remember the fact that Amsterdam’s weed is notoriously robust. It’s best to remain protected with a bunch of trusted mates. Particular lodging may additionally have strict guidelines towards marijuana consumption, so examine that forward of time.

If you wish to take a sober strategy 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 stay backyard.

17. Go to Chinatown

Each good metropolis has an excellent higher Chinatown – we don’t make the foundations; that is only a truth of life. Amsterdam isn’t any completely different, and its Chinatown is an absolute hub of Asian delicacies. In the event you love Asian delicacies, then it’s a must to cease by. Whereas it’s referred to as Chinatown, it contains Malaysian, Thai, and Indonesian eating places and cafes, in addition to Chinese language. This implies you have got 1000’s of scrumptious dishes and specialties at your fingertips. And that’s earlier than you even take into consideration the eclectic outlets and aesthetic decorations strung alongside these slim canal streets.

In case you are searching for an inexpensive meal or one thing to do in Amsterdam, visiting Chinatown ought to be in your record. Whether or not you decide pad Thai or Indonesian meals, you’ll have a tasty time.

18. Have a Seaside Day

A seaside day? From Amsterdam? Sure, you may completely get pleasure from a seaside day when visiting Amsterdam. And that is exactly why you must take at the least just a few days to see town– Amsterdam has incredible day journeys. Zandvoort aan Zee is the closest seaside to town and is definitely accessible by way of Central Station. Zandvoort Seaside is gorgeous, with lengthy golden sands and laidback bars and eating places lining its promenade. Enjoyable and light-hearted, it’s the place to move on a sunny day in Amsterdam.

It takes lower than an hour to achieve by way of sprinter prepare. 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 displays and a baptism-of-fire-style immersion into every thing science-related. The museum spans dramatic five-floor displays, with coloration and wow-factor displays at each flip.

If you’d like an indoor exercise in Amsterdam, undoubtedly go to the NEMO Science Museum. Equally, you must notice this should you see town with children.

20. Europe’s Highest Swing

How does Europe’s highest swing sound to you? A’DAM Lookout is arguably the perfect place to get pleasure from overlooking Amsterdam. The commentary deck has a panoramic viewpoint, and you’ll admire the UNESCO-listed canals from a vantage level you possibly can by no means obtain at floor stage. As such a flat metropolis, A’DAM Lookout ticks a massively wanted field. And on that commentary deck, you may take issues one step additional with the very 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 should you 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 few 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 record if you need free actions in Amsterdam. It takes simply minutes to understand, making it a superb itinerary filler amongst extra time-demanding sights.

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 art work, with items corresponding to large pigs and partitions of Arabic typography describing the influence of abusive relationships. In the event you fancy an summary look into the trendy artwork world, the museum is ideal. Arrive able to problem every thing you beforehand thought of artwork in Amsterdam.

Enjoyable and whacky, this museum is likely one of the high museums in Amsterdam for anybody craving quirky sights and artistic inspiration.

23. Torture Museum

This museum is each bit as horrific because it sounds. If you’d like an perception into the historic strategies of torture utilized in Amsterdam, that is the perfect place for you. Gory, ugly, and painfully detailed, it’s a particular kick for anybody who likes horror-related sights. The museum showcases over 40 completely different torture gadgets and strategies that date again to the Center Ages.

Whereas the museum is certainly not for the faint of coronary heart, it is an interesting 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 this can be a high main exercise while you go to town, conveniently positioned simply south of town middle.

25. Verzetsmuseum Amsterdam

Few museums cowl the influence of World Conflict II in such a uncooked method because the Verzetsmuseum Amsterdam. The Museum of WWII Resistance paperwork town’s wrestle towards Nazi invasion and the timeline of the battle. Valuable displays and artifacts showcase the expertise with photographs, 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 below occupation and the true 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 definitely one of many main issues in Amsterdam – you’re within the metropolis of canals, in any case. Amsterdam has 165 canals in complete, all simply prepared and ready to be explored from the water. You possibly can 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. It is a nice, budget-friendly choice to see the canals in Amsterdam.

27. Intercourse Museum

A museum devoted to intercourse is certainly on model with regards to visiting Amsterdam. The Intercourse Museum is the world’s first and oldest museum solely 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 business in Amsterdam.

Set in a Seventeenth-century constructing, the Intercourse Museum is hilariously misplaced on its busy Amsterdam avenue. And should you fancy a giggle but additionally a severe look into town’s perspective and tradition behind intercourse, this museum is a best choice on 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 – endless row. The colour scheme is extremely photogenic, with deep blues, reds, and yellows. And if you need a picture-perfect shot of Amsterdam’s buildings, Damrak is the place to go.

It is a free exercise in Amsterdam, mixed with taking a canal boat tour or heading to the central prepare 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 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 possibly can go to to snap your photographs and luxuriate in strolling the canal banks. There are over 250 outlets 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 positioned in an previous tram depot. It’s on the outskirts of town middle, within the Amsterdam Oud-West district, a brief stroll away from De 9 Straatjes. In the event you fancy a laidback exercise in Amsterdam, visiting the cinema is the perfect wet day or low-energy exercise. And the tram depot setting makes it much more engaging. Filmhallen is the place to move to the cinema in novelty fashion.

31. Crimson Gentle District

Whenever you discuss to anybody who has visited Amsterdam, they’ll have a narrative or an opinion on Amsterdam’s Crimson Gentle District. No matter your ideas on legalized intercourse work, this district is an attention-grabbing cultural phenomenon. It’s widespread amongst all vacationers, and the primary draw is simply strolling down the 2 streets, that are break up by a canal and illuminated in delicate purple lighting. It’s stated thus far again to the 14th century. Nevertheless, it established itself within the Seventeenth century – so it’s as a lot historic as something seedy.

You possibly can stroll by way of the district or go to the Intercourse Museum in its southern nook. Many excursions additionally run by way of the Crimson Gentle District, providing informative strolling excursions and insider particulars.

32. Royal Palace Amsterdam

The Royal Palace Amsterdam is likely one of the main metropolis sights 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 change on your abiding by the foundations.

In case you are keen on politics or the royal household, this can be a stunning place to go to. The grandeur of the structure can also be splendid, and historical past lovers can recognize 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 middle. This industrial constructing is the place Anne and her household hid within the secret annex throughout the Nazi occupation in central Amsterdam. The household and their mates lasted 25 months in secrecy, solely being found in 1944 after they had been tragically transported to focus camps – after which solely Otto, Anne’s father, survived.

On the museum, you may stroll by way of the annex the place the group lived and look at all their possessions as they might have been displayed. There are additionally extracts and brief movies taken from Anne’s Diary. The attraction is harrowing however completely important when visiting Amsterdam.

34. Houseboat Museum

Ever puzzled what life on a houseboat is like? Properly, 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 lots of them from an outsider’s perspective. It is a distinctive alternative to see the approach to life from an inside perspective.

Visiting Amsterdam: FAQs

So, you now know exactly what you must add to your Amsterdam itinerary. However how do you slim issues down? You’ll in all probability should be cutthroat except you have got limitless time in Amsterdam. These are the perfect FAQs that can assist 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 sights and style town properly. You’ll seemingly have the ability to take a canal tour and go to the Anne Frank Home, the Crimson Gentle District, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Royal Palace. If that floats your boat, you may also get pleasure from an evening out and 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 components of town’s identification.

What’s Amsterdam is legendary for?

Amsterdam is legendary for being a liberal metropolis, sex-positive and marijuana constructive, with a number of creatives and hyperlinks to the world-renowned Vincent Van Gogh. It additionally has a number of World Conflict II historical past, as an example, on the Anne Frank Museum.

Is 2 days sufficient to see Amsterdam?

You’ll be hard-pushed to see the perfect of Amsterdam in simply two days. You possibly can squeeze in 3-4 sights, just like the Anne Frank Museum, Royal Palace, and Crimson Gentle District. Nevertheless, you’ll miss out on the ‘genuine’ Amsterdam and really feel rushed. Keep in mind that should you fly to Amsterdam, you’ll additionally lose a substantial chunk of this time simply touring between the airport and permitting further time at safety.

To Conclude

Amsterdam is full of 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 a stupendous weekend getaway, and it’s simple to see why it’s thought of one of many greatest European metropolis getaways. You possibly can admire Van Gogh’s art work 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 on your boutique lodge or fun-loving hostel keep – get pleasure from your journey. For extra day journey concepts, you may try our information on the greatest journeys you may take from Amsterdam, which is great should you keep within the metropolis longer than just a few days. And if you need additional inspiration on visiting the Netherlands, try our information right here.