The 32 Best Things to See and Do in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is known as a party city, full of wild nights and all kinds of questionable debauchery. It’s a fun, eclectic, and party-focused destination popular with young backpackers looking to let loose.

I’ve visited Amsterdam more times than I can count (it’s one of my favorite cities in the world) and I’m never disappointed. But there’s more to the city than just a fun night out.

Amsterdam as we know it dates to the 12th century and is home to all kinds of Medieval and Renaissance buildings, most of which date to the Dutch Golden Age, a time from 1588-1672 when Amsterdam was the center of the world economy. Many of the canals themselves are hundreds of years old as well and have UNESCO World Heritage status.

Today, Amsterdam is a city filled with more history than you know what to do with, a lot of art museums, chill cafes, loads of outdoor activities, and a wild nightlife. There’s plenty to see and do no matter what you’re interested in.

To help you have fun, save money, and make the most of your trip, here’s my list of the best things to do in Amsterdam:

 

1. Take a Walking Tour

Whenever I arrive in a new city I start off by taking a free walking tour. They help you get oriented and give you an overview of the city, culture, and the main sights worth seeing. You learn some history and can ask a local guide all the questions you have, which is the best way to get insider tips.

Free Walking Tours Amsterdam and New Europe both offer daily free walking tours. They last 2-3 hours and give you the perfect introduction to the city. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!

If you’re not on a tight budget and want an in-depth (paid) tour, these are my favorite walking tours in the city. And for even more tours (walking tours, museum tours, food tours), check out Get Your Guide. They have a ton of different tours so there’s something for everybody! I use them a lot.
 

2. Visit the Van Gogh Museum

This museum is home to many of Van Gogh’s best works. It’s also the largest collection of Van Gogh’s works in the entire world. The museum does an excellent job of outlining his life, chronicling his works from beginning to end so you can better understand and appreciate his style and evolution (as well as his life beyond painting).

Opened in 1973, it’s one of the most popular (read: crowded) sites in the city, but don’t let that stop you from visiting. The museum also has paintings by other famous artists of the period, like Monet, Manet, and Matisse as well as by artists who inspired Van Gough or were inspired by him.

Museumplein 6, +31 20 570 5200, vangoghmuseum.nl. Open daily 9am–6pm in the summer (9pm on Fridays) with reduced hours in the spring, fall, and winter. Book your ticket ahead in advance and skip the very long line to get in! Admission is 24 EUR.
 

3. Attend a Candlelight Concert

If you want to experience live classical music during your visit, check out Candlelight Concerts. It’s a series of original music concerts played by local musicians in all kinds of different and unique venues around the city. What makes them really interesting is that the space (and performers) are illuminated by thousands of candles. The series originally focused on classical music by artists like Vivaldi and Mozart, but has since branched out, so their events cover a lot more genres now (jazz, soul, opera, contemporary, movie soundtracks) — but all played by classical musicians (think string quartets).

It’s also a multi-sensory experience that features different elements, such as ballet dancers or aerial performers. It’s super unique and a cool way to experience live music while supporting local artists. Check out their website to see what’s on during your visit.
 

4. Explore Jordaan

Jordaan is a trendy residential area. While it’s become more popular in recent years, it’s still one of the most overlooked parts of the city. The area is full of cozy shops and boutiques, bars and pubs, and hip restaurants. It’s also the area of the city where the Dutch painter Rembrandt (1606-1669) lived during the final years of his life. It’s a quiet place to explore away from the crowds if you want to get a better feel for the city outside its main tourist areas.

In addition to eating and drinking there, you can shop at the Westerstraat Market (Monday mornings) or the Lindengracht Market (on Saturdays).
 

5. Take a Canal Tour

Amsterdam is a beautiful, picturesque city thanks to the scenic canals that break up the city’s sprawl. You can’t visit and not take a canal tour. There are tons of different tour options to choose from depending on your taste. Hop on a pizza cruise, a wine and cheese float, or a lively booze cruise with unlimited drinks. There are large tour boats that can take you up and down the waterways, but you can also rent your own boat for a self-guided tour (if you’re comfortable driving a boat). Prices start around 17–20 EUR.
 

6. See Anne Frank House

This is one of the most popular tourist sites in the entire city. It is the house where Anne Frank’s family hid during World War II and showcases her childhood and life in the attic. Her handwritten diary is also on display. While it’s an important and somber place to visit, it’s also incredibly overcrowded. You just shuffle through the house and never really have time to digest what you’re seeing. Personally, I think the Jewish History Museum does a better job of highlighting her life, but this is still worth seeing as it is such an iconic and important site.

The museum is usually quite crowded, so if you’d like a more in-depth experience, taking this Anne Frank walking tour is an excellent alternative option as it gives you a lot of context into the time Anne Frank lived in and what the city was like during the occupation.

Prinsengracht 263–267, +31 20 556 71 05, annefrank.org. Open daily 9am-10pm. Admission is 16 EUR. Tickets are only sold online.
 

7. Visit the Rijksmuseum

Established in 1798, The Rijksmuseum is an art and history museum located right next to the Van Gogh Museum. The museum, recently renovated, features an extensive Rembrandt collection including the famous painting “The Night Watch.” In addition to works by Rembrandt, the museum is also home to a robust collection of other classic Dutch painters, like Frans Hals and Johannes Vermeer. There are over 1 million items in the collection (it’s the largest museum in the country) with over 8,000 on display, so you can easily spend a few hours here.

Museumstraat 1, +31 20 674 7000, rijksmuseum.nl. Open daily 9am–5pm. Admission is 25 EUR. Get your ticket in advance to skip the line!
 

8. Relax in Oosterpark

If you need to get away from the crowds, head to Oosterpark. It’s a relaxing green space east of the city center, perfect for lounging and enjoying a sunny day. It’s much less busy than the city’s popular Vondelpark and shows you a different, more residential part of the city. There are sculptures (including the National Slavery Monument that commemorates the abolition of slavery in 1863), playgrounds, ponds, and plenty of space to picnic or lounge. It was the city’s first large park too, dating back to the 1890s.
 

9. Try the Heineken Experience

Heineken is one of the most famous (and popular) beers in the world. You can take an interactive self-guided tour of this former brewery and learn about how the beer was made and how the company evolved over the centuries (the beer dates back to the 1870s). Admission also includes two beers, so if you’re a fan be sure to book a tour. It’s a fun way to learn some history.

You can also get a joint ticket online for both the Heineken experience and a canal cruise.

Stadhouderskade 78, +31 020 261 1323, heinekenexperience.com. Open daily 10:30am-7:30pm (9pm on Fridays and Saturdays). Admission is 24.95 EUR.
 

10. See the Erotic Museum and the Amsterdam Sex Museum

Tucked away in an old warehouse in the Red Light District, the Erotic Museum has an exhibition about eroticism in all its various forms throughout the ages. It has sculptures, paintings, drawings, photographs, and other artwork. And, of course, there is a gift shop if you want a more unique souvenir from the city.

The Amsterdam Sex Museum is a more serious museum and is much more informative than the Erotic Museum (but also a little less fun). It was the world’s first sex museum, having opened in 1985. It highlights the history of sexual views and norms, as well as the lives of some of the world’s most sexually famous individuals (like the Marquis de Sade).

Erotic Museum: Oudezijds Achterburgwal 54, +31 20 627 8954, erotisch-museum.nl. Open daily from 11am-1am. Admission is 8 EUR.

Amsterdam Sex Museum: Damrak 18, +31 20 622 8376, sexmuseumamsterdam.nl. Open daily from 10am-6pm. Admission is 10 EUR.
 

11. Wander the Red Light District

Unsurprisingly, Amsterdam’s Red Light District is one of the city’s main draws. Though much tamer than in previous years, the Red Light District manages to balance sex and seediness with being a major international tourist attraction. While it’s worth seeing, I’d keep your time here brief. It’s quite calm and quiet during the day, but at night the area is bursting with drunken revelers and gawking tourists that clog the sidewalks.

But even if it’s not your scene, I’d still make sure to see the area with your own eyes — ideally as part of a small-group walking tour so you can get a deeper understanding of the area and its turbulent past.
 

12. Visit the Jewish Historical Museum

This is the only Jewish history museum in the country, though it’s often overlooked in favor of The Anne Frank House. Personally, I think the museum does a better job when it comes to highlighting the history and struggles of Jewish people in the Netherlands. Specifically, they have an excellent exhibit on World War II that highlights the Dutch resistance, complacency, and guilt over the Holocaust. Established in 1932 (and reopened in 1955, after the war), the museum houses over 11,000 items, artifacts, and works of art.

Nieuwe Amstelstraat 1, +31 20 531 0310, jck.nl. Open daily from 11am-5pm (reduced hours in winter). Admission is 20 EUR.
 

13. See the Museum Amstelkring

Hidden inside a 17th-century canal house, this is one of the most interesting churches I’ve ever been to. Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder (“Our Lord in the Attic”) is a clandestine Catholic church that was secretly built during Protestant rule on the 3rd floor of a regular house (it was never really a secret, but since it was out of sight the authorities didn’t crack down on them too harshly).

Built in the 1660s, the church has a beautiful drawing room and the furnishings and artifacts make this one of the best 17th-century rooms still intact.

Oudezijds Voorburgwal 38, +31 20 624 6604, opsolder.nl. Open daily 10am-6pm. Admission is 16.95 EUR.
 

14. Visit Noord

Noord has evolved into one of the cooler and trendier districts in recent years. It’s one of the cheaper areas in the city so a lot of new bars and restaurants have opened here. The old industrial areas have been reclaimed and there is lots of green space too. It’s a fun, vibrant area with much fewer crowds than the central part of the city. Rent a bike and explore — you won’t be disappointed!
 

15. Visit the Tulip Museum

The Netherlands is known for its stunning and Insta-worthy tulip fields. This tiny museum, located in a tulip shop, does a wonderful job of telling the history of tulips in the country — including the infamous tulip craze (in the 17th century, tulips became a popular luxury item and cost a fortune…until the bubble burst and they became worthless overnight). It’s one of the best off-the-beaten-path attractions in Amsterdam. It’s never very busy and it’s only 5 EUR (which makes it one of the cheapest museums in the city).

Prinsengracht 116, +31 20 421 0095, amsterdamtulipmuseum.com. Open daily from 10am-6pm. Admission is 5 EUR.
 

16. See the FOAM

Fotografiemuseum Amsterdam is a photography museum and home to a stunning collection of incredible pictures. Surprisingly, it also sees few crowds even though it’s in the main part of the city. Opened in 2001, the museum is composed of four exhibitions that are constantly changing so you never know what you might see (check the website to see what is on display during your visit). They have a beautiful outdoor garden too. It’s a small museum and it doesn’t take long to see so don’t pass it by!

Keizersgracht 609, +31 20 551 6500, foam.org. Open daily 10am–6pm (9pm on Thursdays and Fridays). Admission is 16 EUR.
 

17. Go Windmill Spotting

The Dutch are famous for their windmills and setting out on an adventure to visit the windmills surrounding Amsterdam is a great way to take in the city. There are eight in total — most of which are in Amsterdam West. De Gooyer is the closest to the city center and also happens to be a brewery, making it the perfect place to start (and maybe never leave). It’s just a quick 20-minute train ride from Amsterdam Centraal.

Another windmill worth seeing is Sloten Mill, which is a reconstructed mill from 1847 that’s open to the public. Tours last 45 minutes and cost 8 EUR.
 

18. Take a Bike Tour

Bikes are to Amsterdam like wine is to Bordeaux. The locals love to bike everywhere and there are supposedly more bikes than people in the city. Bike usage has shot up 40% in the past two decades and locals collectively cycle over 2 million kilometers every day! If you want to explore the way the locals do, take a bike tour.

Mike’s Bike Tours is the best company to use, whether for a tour or to rent a bike on your own. Not only do they offer city tours but they also offer bike tours of the surrounding countryside as well. A 2.5-hour city tour costs 35 EUR.
 

19. Visit the Rembrandt House Museum

Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn is widely considered to be one of the greatest artists in human history (his famous painting, The Night Watch, is in the Rijksmuseum). This house, where he lived and worked between 1639 and 1658, has been converted into a museum that highlights his life and work. You can see how he painted and how his house was decorated during his life. It’s a neat snapshot into history. If you’re an avid art/art history fan, this shouldn’t be missed.

Jodenbreestraat 4, +31 20 520 0400, rembrandthuis.nl. Open daily 10am–6pm (5pm in the winter). Book your tickets online in advance to skip the line. Admission is 21.50 EUR.
 

20. Spend a Day in Haarlem

Haarlem is a walled city that dates back to the Middle Ages, located just 35 kilometers (21 miles) from Amsterdam. The city is home to around 160,000 people and it’s quite quiet and calm. It has a beautiful central church, a great outdoor market, and all the beauty of historic Amsterdam with fewer crowds. If you feel like getting out of the city, spend a few hours here just wandering about. It gives you a much better feel for the country away from the busy and tourist-heavy streets of Amsterdam. Be sure to visit the windmill too. It’s right on the water and offers tours as well as a nice view of the city.
 

21. Learn Something New at the Amsterdam Museum

This is a huge museum that offers an in-depth and insightful look at Amsterdam’s past. Formerly called the Amsterdam Historical Museum, there are a lot of artifacts, maps, paintings, and multi-media displays throughout that provide a comprehensive overview of the city and how it has evolved. museum. It’s one of the best history museums I’ve ever visited and you could easily spend 3-4 hours here. Even if you’re not a history buff like me it’s worth a visit. I can’t recommend it enough!

Kalverstraat 92, +31 20 523 1822, amsterdammuseum.nl. Open daily from 10am–5pm. Admission is 20 EUR.
 

22. Chill Out in Vondelpark

Created in 1865, this is Amsterdam’s largest (and most popular) park. Spanning over 120 acres, it’s the perfect place to walk, bike, people-watch, or relax — especially after a visit to a local coffee shop. In the summer, the park is filled with people and there are often lots of events here too. Pack a lunch, bring a book, and enjoy a picnic on a sunny afternoon!
 

23. Browse the Waterlooplein Flea Market

This is the oldest and biggest market in the city. With over 300 stalls, this open-air market is essentially a giant flea market. You can find anything and everything here if you’re willing to look. Secondhand clothing, hats and accessories, antiques, electronics, and much more can all be found here (both new and used). If there’s something you want, you’ll probably find it here so be sure to spend some time wandering and browsing. Even if you don’t plan on buying anything, it’s a fun place to explore and people-watch.

Waterlooplein 2, waterlooplein.amsterdam. Open Monday to Saturday from 9:30am-6pm.
 

24. Learn About Drugs at the Hash, Marihuana & Hemp Museum

No trip to Amsterdam is complete without learning a little bit about drugs. This museum (which has a sister museum in Barcelona) is full of information about the historical and modern use of cannabis. It covers all the medicinal, religious, and cultural uses of the plant and focuses on how hemp can be used for all sorts of beneficial agricultural, consumer, and industrial products. It’s actually really educational!

Oudezijds Achterburgwal 148, +31 20 624 8926, hashmuseum.com. Open Monday-Thursday 10am-8pm, Friday-Sunday 10am-10pm. Admission is 11.45 EUR.
 

25. Explore the Museum Van Loon

Built in 1672, this museum is located in a canal house on the Keizersgracht canal. Originally, the house was owned by the wealthy Van Loon merchant family. They collected beautiful works of art and their house is now a museum full of period furniture, the Van Loon art collection, and Van Loon family portraits. Albeit small, it’s another museum that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. There’s an immaculate garden here too.

Keizersgracht 672, +31 20 624 5255, museumvanloon.nl. Open daily from 10am–5pm. Admission is 16 EUR.
 

26. Indulge at Foodhallen

Foodhallen is an indoor food market offering all kinds of delicious food. Opened in 2014, it’s essentially like having a bunch of food trucks all in one indoor location. There are over 20 different stalls here, making it the best place in the city for foodies. Personal favorites include Viet View and Le Big Fish.

Bellamyplein 51 or Hannie Dankbaarpassage 47, foodhallen.nl. Open daily 12pm-12am (1am on Fridays and Saturdays).
 

27. Browse the Stedelijk Museum

I’ll be honest: I don’t like modern art. It’s just not my cup of tea. But if you do, this is the place in the city to see it. Opened in 1874, the museum is home to over 90,000 items including works by Jackson Pollock and Andy Warhol. The exhibitions cover paintings, drawings, graphic design, sculptures, sound, and installations. To be fair, there is a ton of variety here — it’s just not my favorite style. But definitely check it out if you’re an art fan!

Museumplein 10, +31 20 573 2911, stedelijk.nl. Open daily from 10am–6pm. Admission is 22.50 EUR.
 

28. Take a Food Tour

As a foodie, one of the best parts of any trip is getting to eat my way around a new city. Food is an important part of every culture, and it’s something I’m always happy to splash out on when given the chance. If you’re looking to learn more about Amsterdam’s food scene and sample some of the city’s best offerings then I suggest taking a food tour. Not only do you get to try amazing foods but you learn a ton about their history, how they’re made, and how the food culture here has evolved.

If you’re looking to try a food tour, some companies worth checking out are:

• Amsterdam Food Tours
• Hungry Birds
• Secret Food Tours

 

29. Explore Oost

The area east of the city has an amazing park, a zoo, and lots of good eateries. Wandering around here, you’ll be hard-pressed to find more than a handful of tourists, most of whom are probably lost. It’s off-the-beaten-path and an underrated part of the city. Also, spend some time hanging out in Oosterpark. I enjoy coming here because it’s far quieter and more peaceful than Vondelpark.
 

30. Museum Vrolik

This quirky museum is home to one of the largest collections of human (and animal) deformities. The collection dates back to the 19th century and the first quarter of the 20th century and has around 150 different items, including creepy jars holding fetuses, human and animal skeletons, and even the remains of a pair of conjoined twins. With anatomical preparations, rare congenital defects, animal skeletons, and wax models, it’s one of the weirdest, offbeat things to do in Amsterdam and something very few tourists visit.

Meibergdreef 15, +31 20 566 4928, museumvrolik.nl. Open weekdays from 11am-5pm. Admission is 11 EUR.
 

31. Drink at the House of Bols

This is one of the most underrated attractions in Amsterdam. Run by the Bols distillery, this is a Dutch gin museum. The oldest distilled spirit brand in the world (since 1575), their self-guided interactive tour takes about an hour and will tickle your senses. Of course, it includes a cocktail at the end as well. It’s a must for gin drinkers and cocktail snobs! They even have cocktail workshops for 32.50 EUR.

Paulus Potterstraat 14, bols.com. Open daily from 1pm-6:30pm (8pm on Fridays and Saturdays). Tickets start at 19.50 EUR.
 

32. Visit the Royal Palace

Built in the 17th century, the Royal Palace Amsterdam is King Willem-Alexander’s official reception palace. It plays a major role during state visits and other royal occasions, (royal weddings, New Year’s receptions, gala dinners award ceremonies). The palace is one of the Netherlands’ most important monuments and was originally built as Amsterdam’s Town Hall. In 1808, it became the French Royal and Imperial Palace for King Louis Bonaparte. It has been the Palace of the House of Orange for the past 200 years.

Koninklijk Paleis Amsterdam, +31 20 522 6161, paleisamsterdam.nl. Open in the summer Monday-Sunday from 10am-6pm (5pm in the winter). Tickets are 12.50 EUR for adults and include an audio tour.
 

Where to Stay in Amsterdam

Wondering where to stay in the city? Here are a few of my favorite hostels and hotels to ensure you have a comfortable stay:

Flying Pig Downtown – This is one of my favorite hostels in the world. I always stay here when I’m in town. It may not be the cheapest hostel in the city, but the showers are good, the beds are comfy, and it’s super social and easy to meet people. Just be sure to book early as it fills up fast!

Durty Nelly’s Inn – If you want to stay at a party hostel, stay here. Located in the center of Amsterdam by the Red Light District, this is your classic fun backpacker hostel. The staff is super knowledgeable, and there’s a hearty breakfast too. Just don’t come here expecting to get a decent sleep!

Hotel Rho – Hotel Rho is located right on Dam Square at the very edge of the neighborhood De Wallen It offers simple but comfortable rooms in a gorgeous former Art Deco-style theater. You can’t beat its central location and price point.

Hotel La Bohème – This hotel features simple but clean and comfortable rooms in a homey atmosphere (there’s even a hotel cat and a hotel bar with board games). The staff are really nice and always ready to help you with whatever you need. There aren’t a lot of mid-range hotels in this part of town and I think this one is the best value for your money.

***

Amsterdam is more than just wild nights, drugs, and the Red Light District. It’s a hip, fun city with tons of museums and green space, as well as lots of history and delicious food. Plus, it’s incredibly scenic. It’s everything you want in a European capital!