29 Things to Do in Amsterdam (Attractions & Activities)

Europe’s cultural and most-visited hub Amsterdam offers an infinite number of things to do, including fun and family-friendly activities. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, history buff, foodie, or someone seeking adventure, Amsterdam has something for everyone.

Your Amsterdam itinerary won’t be filled with hotel room naps, but with an endless menu of experiences, as there are so many must-see places in the city centre and all over Amsterdam, and I haven’t even mentioned the activities and food that you can try. Whether you’re an art enthusiast seeking inspiration, a history buff reliving the past, or a foodie eager to savour new flavours, Amsterdam orchestrates a symphony of experiences that will leave you breathless. This city is not just a destination; it’s a vibrant tapestry woven from history, art, and endless possibilities. So pack your sense of adventure and prepare to be swept away by the magic of Amsterdam.

1- See the City by Bike

In Amsterdam, it’s very common to use a bike to get around, and while you’re wandering around the city streets, you’re more than likely to see a lot of cyclists. Whether you’re on a larger road or an alley, you’ll see one or two bikes swishing by. There are great benefits to joining the biking community in Amsterdam as a tourist.

With a bike in Amsterdam, you can move around efficiently, and you’ll probably discover things you wouldn’t otherwise have a chance to see without a bike. Plus, it might be nice not to have to run up and down the subway or adjust to a collection of bus timetables.

There are several places to rent a bike in the city. To learn more about where to get a bike, you can ask about it at your hotel or any tourism information point.

2- Learn More About the City’s History at the Amsterdam Museum

Amsterdam has a rich history, and there’s a lot to experience as a historically interested tourist. A visit to the Amsterdam Museum might be worth it to get a comprehensive overview of the city’s history. This museum allows you to track the city’s urbanisation over several centuries and visit exhibitions to learn more about specific events in Amsterdam’s history.

The Amsterdam Museum isn’t just a repository of artefacts and dusty scrolls; it’s a vibrant tapestry woven from the threads of human experience. As you journey through its halls, you’ll encounter the stories of ordinary people who shaped the city’s destiny, from canal builders and merchants to artists and revolutionaries. Their struggles, triumphs, and everyday lives paint a poignant picture of what it means to be an Amsterdammer, past and present.

3- Visit Joods Historisch Museum and the Jewish District

The Joods Historisch Museum is a great place for tourists to learn about Amsterdam’s Jewish history. This museum consists of four synagogues detailed with images, pictures, and different objects that showcase the Jewish religion and culture in the Netherlands, The Joods Historisch Museum’s collection includes over 11,000 objects, including art, artefacts, and documents. Since the museum is located in the Jewish district, there’s a great opportunity to experience the Jewish culture out on the streets as well.

4- Unravel the Tapestry of Dutch Traditions

If you’ve ever received a postcard from the Netherlands, it might have had a picture of tulips or a windmill—the two most popular things in Amsterdam. However, it is almost impossible not to notice skilful Dutch handicrafts, tasty cheese, and the famous “klomp” clogs!

There’s an enormous selection of tulips at Bloemenmarkt, which is an absolute must for those who want to buy Dutch tulips. If you’d like to see a typical Dutch windmill, you can visit De Gooyer, which is one of eight large windmills in Amsterdam. You can taste Dutch cheese at the Reypenaer Cheese Tasting Room, and if you’re interested in handicrafts, you can visit the Zaanse Schans Museum, where you can see a “klomp” (Dutch clog) or two. Don’t worry if you do not have enough information about some of these; we will share more with you later.

5- Discover Amsterdam From the Canals

Amsterdam is almost like a labyrinth with its 165 waterways, and all the bridges create a special cityscape. You can relax from all the stress of the street in peace and just lean back on one of the city’s canal boats.

Instead of going sightseeing on foot, why not go on a canal cruise to enjoy the city from the boat? It is such a refreshing and out-of-the-box way of discovering interesting details about Amsterdam that you can’t otherwise see from land. You simply step off the boat when you’re ready to get back out into the city before returning to do some more sightseeing on the water.

When opting for a bus tour, you can also find those with a free canal cruise already included. But if you decide to go on a boat trip, you should consider renting a boat from Boaty Rent a Boat. Boaty Rent a Boat is one of the most popular boat rentals in Amsterdam and has (for many years in a row) been awarded the Tripadvisor “Certificate of Excellence.” Another good boat rental is Boats4rent Boat Hire. Boats4rent has great reviews both on TripAdvisor and Google reviews.

6- Relax and Wander Around in Vondelpark

Possibly the most popular park in the city is Vondelpark, which is also called “The Oasis of Amsterdam.” Here, you can wander around the greenbelts among beautiful flowers (tulips) and plants or sit down on the grass to relax for a while. The whole atmosphere is very relaxing and perfect for when you want a change of environment from Amsterdam’s central parts.

At the park, you’ll also find a playground for the kids, and if you’re in the mood for ice cream or something to eat, there are several cafeterias and restaurants. The easiest way to get here from the centre of Amsterdam is by tram.

7- See an Event at Ziggo Dome

Ziggo Dome is a large arena in central Amsterdam that annually hosts several different events, primarily consisting of concerts and musical performances. Several big artists have played here, and with room for 17,000 spectators, it’s usually very lively in the Amsterdam arena when world stars appear. There’s some sort of performance at Ziggo Dome every week, and if you’re lucky during your stay in Amsterdam, you just might manage to squeeze one of the shows in.

Tickets are often available, but not always. It’s usually sold out weeks in advance if it’s the main act. You can find what’s on the schedule on Ziggo Dome’s website.

8. Rijksmuseum

Adapted from artnews.com

To truly grasp the soul of Dutch art and history, the Rijksmuseum is an unmissable stop. Stepping through its doors is like stepping back in time, immersing yourself in the vibrant tapestry of the Dutch Golden Age. Walls adorned with masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and countless other Dutch masters whisper tales of a nation’s artistic and cultural prowess.

This national treasure trove houses not just paintings but a symphony of sculptures, artefacts, and everyday objects that weave a rich narrative of Dutch life, both grand and intimate. From the delicate brushstrokes of Vermeer’s “Girl with a Pearl Earring” to the grandeur of Frans Hals’s banquet portraits, the Rijksmuseum offers a window into the Dutch spirit, its triumphs and struggles, its joys and sorrows. So, if you seek a deeper understanding of the Netherlands, prepare to be captivated by the Rijksmuseum’s timeless treasures.

The museum is open to the public, and visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets online to avoid long lines. Guided tours, audio guides, and educational programmes are available for those seeking a more in-depth understanding of the collections.

9- Go to a Concert at Concertgebouw

The Concertgebouw in Amsterdam is one of the most famous concert halls in the world. This is especially true when it comes to acoustics, which is ranked among the world’s best, along with Boston’s Symphony Hall and the Musikverein in Vienna. You can listen to numerous concerts at this amazing concert hall, especially those in classical music from world-famous orchestras, but also jazz and pop.

The concert schedule is constantly changing, so you’ll have to check the schedule on the website or at the location. Whether you’re a seasoned music aficionado or simply seeking a unique and enriching experience, a concert at Amsterdam’s Royal Concertgebouw promises a night of unparalleled beauty and musical bliss.

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10- Visit Anne Frank House

Most people have probably heard about the young Jewish girl named Anne Frank, including her life and fate during World War II. Some have even read Anne Frank’s diary, called “Anne Frank: Diary of a Young Girl,” where you can follow her and her family’s life between June 1942 and August 1944 in detail, when they were hiding in Amsterdam from the Nazis during the Dutch occupation.

The house where the family lived still stands today, and it has become a well-visited place—the Anne Frank Museum. The rooms of Anne Frank’s house are still there, and as a visitor, it’s not hard to be touched by the story and imagery of what it was like to experience the occupation. Despite it being small, everything is planned very well, and visitors walk a specified tour to see all the different parts. Bringing your children is no problem, but little ones should avoid watching the unpleasant films that are shown.

Also, make sure that you haven’t booked anything else right afterwards, as the queues may get quite long. It’s a good idea to be there early in the morning.

11- Play Mini Golf in a Different Environment

If you like to play mini-golf, you definitely shouldn’t miss a visit to GlowGolf Amsterdam. You’ll certainly have a different mini-golf experience at this place, to say the least. The courses are inside, and the entire premises are made in a 3D environment with luminescent details and UV lights that light up everything white.

Even though it costs a little bit extra, you shouldn’t miss wearing 3D glasses while playing. The 3D glasses enhance the experience and also make everyone look funny. There are fifteen holes to play in total, and everyone is welcome, regardless of age. There’s a restaurant and café on the top floor for those who’d like to stay to eat or grab a cup of coffee.

12- Send a Digital Postcard From Postcard Experience

A place that has just opened up in Amsterdam is Postcard Experience, where you can go to get a digital postcard of your design created. The process starts with you being filmed in front of a so-called “green screen” and taking directions on how to act. Later, a film is produced where you go through Amsterdam or the Netherlands in a little “clog car.” It’s similar to a personal postcard in a moving format, which is very fun to look at.

Instead of sending a traditional postcard, this is a cool alternative to emailing your acquaintances or sharing with Facebook friends.

13-Visit the Van Gogh Museum

Even if you’re not an art enthusiast, a visit to the Van Gogh Museum might prove to be very interesting. Vincent Van Gogh is one of the greatest painters in history, and most people are fascinated by his various paintings and pieces. The museum was opened in 1973 and today has the largest collection of Van Gogh paintings. In addition to this, you’ll also find paintings from other artists who were active at the same time as the world-renowned painter.

14- Enjoy a Cold One With the Heineken Experience

The Heineken Experience shares with you the story of Heineken. Heineken began as a small brewery in Amsterdam, but it grew into a world-renowned beer.  The Experience takes you on a journey that shares the story of success, sponsorships, and the brewing process. There is even an English-speaking VIP tour that gives you a beer and cheese pairing, a personalised bottle of Heineken, time in the special bar, a guided tour, and more. If you decide to go, you will get some perks by purchasing your tickets ahead of time online.

15- Learn About Amsterdam’s Unique History Through a Famous Red Light District Tour

The Red Light District Tour is a great way to experience the unique history of this area in Amsterdam. This tour will teach you about Amsterdam’s most famous sex workers and the history of why their sex district is perhaps the most famous in the entire world. Most of the tours are walking tours that show you each of the unique places you might have heard about.

If you want to know more from an insider’s perspective, some tours are given by former sex workers who share their experiences as they give you a guided tour.

16- Go See the Wind Blow on a Windmill Day Trip

One of the first things that you think about when you consider Holland might just be the windmill. There are so many windmills throughout Holland. You can take a day trip from Amsterdam, where you get to see a wide range of different windmills. These day trips will show you just how beautiful the Dutch countryside is, as well as the beauty that the windmills offer. These tours offer a great introduction to the history of the Dutch windmill. They also teach a lot about the lands and towns where you are visiting and see the windmills.

17- Experience Delicious Dutch Cheese

Being able to find some delicious Dutch cheese is one experience that you will not want to miss while you are in Holland. The Dutch have influenced so many cheesemaking practices and have been building the craft to the point where you can find the perfect cheese for your palate. The historical Reypenaer Creamery is famous for making some of the best cheeses in the entire world. They offer cheese tastings that are led by an expert cheese master. You will learn how to taste different cheeses while experiencing all of the delicious options that Reypenaer has to offer. Some tours even pair these cheeses with different cocktails and/or wines.

18- Spend Time Enjoying the Beauty of the Tulips

Each year, more than seven million people visit the beautiful tulip gardens in Holland. These are some of the most beautiful tulips in the entire world. There are more than eight hundred different varieties of tulips that you can see during these tours. The bright and intense colours are something that you will always be able to remember, as they are a sight that is more beautiful than most. You will get to enjoy a vibrant landscape of colours, which includes yellows, oranges, reds, and pinks. You can also enjoy the bright and beautiful scents that they offer.

19- Learn About the Magic of the Human Body at Body Worlds Amsterdam

Body Worlds allows you to see the unique inner workings of the human body. This exhibition showcases over twenty unique human bodies that have had layers peeled apart so that you can see the inner workings. This allows you to understand your own body and what you would look like if you were to peel back your skin. It is a unique experience and one that spreads an important message of tolerance while showing us that we are all the same on the inside. Most visitors love seeing how the muscles work as well as experiencing the skeletal system and the nervous system.

20-Experience Modern, Street, and Contemporary Art at the Moco Museum

The Moco Museum features a nice collection of modern, contemporary, and street art. There are exhibits from all of these different types of art, providing a great way to experience it all. If you have already visited the Moco Museum, then you should be willing to check it out again. The exhibits are always rotating, so what you saw last time might not be there any longer, as there will probably be new things to see as well.

While visiting, try to learn something new about the artists and the art that you are viewing. This is going to help you be assured that you will have an amazing art experience.

21- Experience the Bright Lights at Electric Ladyland

Electric Ladyland is the world’s first museum dedicated to fluorescent lights. This museum is not just unique because it is the only museum of its type in the entire world, but also because the museum encourages you to be a part of the art. You can see a wide range of different fluorescent minerals from all over the world, rocks that burst with colours when under the right lights, fluorescent artwork from the 1950s, and artefacts and advertisements that date back to 1932. There are so many amazing things to see that this is one that I would simply not miss.

22- Don’t Miss Out on Trying Stroopwafels

One of the most popular Dutch treats is stroopwafels. These are cookies that are made in the style of delicious thin waffles with a creamy centre filling. They are a great combination of flavours and something that you will find yourself missing when you are back in your home country. There are many great bakeries and places where you can go to eat stroopwafels. The best way to determine which award-winning bakery has the best ones is to take the time to try them all during your stay. Here are the places where you must go to try them: Original Stroopwafels, Lanskroon, Van Wonderen Stroopwafels, and Stach.

23- Make of Day of Visiting Poezenboot

The Poezenboot is known as the catboat and is a great way to enjoy relaxing and visiting with your favourite furry creatures. The boat is open to visitors on specific dates and times each week, so check ahead before visiting. It has become such a popular destination in Amsterdam that people are often seen waiting outside before the Poezenboot opens. Make sure that you go there early if you would like to enjoy the full experience. One of the unique things is that this boat is a floating sanctuary for cats that are abandoned or stray. It keeps them from being killed in shelters and allows them to live an enjoyable life.

24- Take Time to Enjoy Life’s Finer Things at the Rembrandt House Museum

The Rembrandt House Museum is a beautifully unique historic home filled with the artwork of Rembrandt. Between 1639 and 1656, the famous painter Rembrandt van Rijn lived and worked in this home. The museum has about a quarter of a million visitors each year. It features some of the sketches and paintings that Rembrandt and his contemporaries created. It is a very popular museum and one that will give you a new perspective on art so that you can enjoy all of the beauty that this art holds. Just make sure that you are going during business hours, and look at the extra tours and additional options to check out.

25- Feel Regal at the Royal Palace

The Royal Palace, which towers over Dam Square, is more than just a stunning architectural gem; it also provides insight into the life of the Dutch monarchy. Unlike many closed-off royal residences, King Willem-Alexander opens the doors to this historic building, allowing visitors to see into his royal abode. It is one of three palaces that the monarch can choose from, each serving a different purpose, but the Royal Palace is the official seat of the Dutch crown.

Across the square from the War Memorial, the palace has a rich history dating back to the 17th century. Its grand facade and opulent interiors evoke images of royal grandeur, from lavish receptions to solemn ceremonies. However, despite the elegance, there is an undeniable sense of accessibility. This willingness to share a part of their lives with the public distinguishes the Dutch monarchy and visits the Royal Palace an unforgettable experience.

26- Grab a Cheap Lunch at Foodhallen

One of the unique things that you can do while eating in Amsterdam is to visit Foodhallen. Foodhallen is an indoor food market where you can go to pick up food that you can cook or even shop from a wide range of food vendors. It is a great place to spend lunchtime. You can even go there with picky eaters, as everyone is going to be able to find their favourites while they are there. There is a wide range of foods featured from around the globe as well. You can eat gyros, traditional Dutch fare, sushi, other Asian dishes, and more. You will leave full and will find that all of the food is available for a good value.

27- Visit Nature at Hortus Botanicus

Hortus Botanicus is a botanical garden located in Amsterdam. There are beautiful 17th-century gardens that have been maintained, and the entire experience exposes visitors to more than four thousand plants. Most visitors spend one to two hours during their visit to Hortus Botanicus. There is even a space called the Orangery, which is the historic location where citrus fruits are stored.

Guests can visit most days, and the location is open throughout the day and early evening. This is one of the best places to visit if you are looking for a unique experience in some of the oldest botanical gardens or if you love plants.

28- Get Your Shopping Done at the Albert Cuyp Market

The Albert Cuyp Market is one of the best outdoor markets in all of Amsterdam. The market has been happening for more than a century, which is why it has become a top tourist destination. One of the things that has become popular in the market is the wide range of trade goods that you can find within the different sellers’ areas. This type of product started becoming popular and available during the 1960s and 1970s. You will be able to experience a wide range of different experiences that are known for Amsterdam in an atmosphere that is truly unique and special.

29- Catch a Free Ferry to the North Of Amsterdam Central Station

Many would be pleasantly surprised to hear about a ferry that is free of charge and can transport you straight to the cultural hotspot in Amsterdam – NDSM Wharf. Spending a few hours there may not be enough if you truly want to get close to Dutch culture. There are many things to do in Amsterdam, and the renovated shipyard is a popular place to partake in various activities. You can take a bike tour through the Dutch countryside, see modern Dutch art, go dancing in a club, visit a museum dedicated to street art, or join many family-friendly festivals.

Plan Your Trip to Amsterdam With Tripplo!

When visiting Amsterdam, you can fill your trip with guided tours or arrange everything yourself. Some places require you to purchase tickets in advance while others don’t; therefore, make sure to double-check the information about them. The number of days you need for your trip depends on what you want to see, as there are so many attractions in Amsterdam, ranging from seasonal special events to courtyard gardens to a moving museum and bars with local, delicious food and craft beer.

Such a beautiful city has a lot to offer, and we suggest you stay in one of the unusual hotels for at least three days. Bursting with many attractions, the trip to the Dutch capital will be unique and unforgettable.

References

1. https://tulipfestivalamsterdam.com/bike-rental-amsterdam/
2. https://www.viator.com/Amsterdam-attractions/Jewish-Historical-Museum/
3. https://www.artnews.com/list/art-news/artists/what-to-see-rijksmuseum-amsterdam-paintings-
4. https://www.expedia.co.uk/Anne-Frank-House-Amsterdam-City-Centre
5. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vondelpark
6. https://www.archdaily.com/
7. https://www.heineken.com/
8. https://www.cheeseprofessor.com/
9. https://tulipfestivalamsterdam.com/tulip-fields-amsterdam/
10. https://www.electric-lady-land.com/
11. https://www.vanwonderenstroopwafels.nl/en-in
12. https://www.amsterdam.net/en/things-to-do-amsterdam/royal-palace-amsterdam/
13. https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hortus_Botanicus_Amsterdam