Amsterdam is likely to be most famed for its former industrial buildings alongside canals, Crimson Mild District, and relaxed legal guidelines on marijuana consumption, however that doesn’t imply its listing of points of interest and actions doesn’t cease there. There are a whole lot of issues to do in Amsterdam, from visiting the Anne Frank Museum to taking day trips to see tulip fields and windmills.
Amsterdam isn’t simply one other social gathering metropolis, which you’ll quickly uncover with strolling excursions of this picturesque metropolis and points of interest just like the Vincent Van Gogh Museum. In reality, there are such a lot of issues to do in Amsterdam that we struggled to slender it down to only these prime 34. Earlier than you even take into consideration where to stay 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 finest to remain in.
On this information, we’ll provide you with all of the inspiration and logistics you have to take pleasure in visiting ‘Dam’. Whether or not you want historical past, partying, or art work, Amsterdam has no less than 20 points of interest to squeeze into your itinerary. It’s secure to say that this well-known canal metropolis has many tips up its sleeve.
1. Rijksmuseum
When you nonetheless surprise why Amsterdam is such a cultural hotspot, go to the Rijksmuseum. This Nineteenth-century museum homes among the most dear 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’ll be able to simply spend just a few hours wandering the exhibition halls of the Rijksmuseum. And in order for you an indoor exercise in Amsterdam, this is among the finest 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, it is a bucket listing expertise. You should purchase tickets on-line or on arrival and shortly spend a complete afternoon strolling between famed portray after portray.
It isn’t simply art work; there are letters and reveals on Van Gogh’s private life. The museum is a very intimate perception into the artist and his creations. Grab your tickets now..
3. Vondelpark
In search of sunny day actions in Amsterdam? Vondelpark is among the metropolis’s main choices and the very best free issues to do. The park dates again to the Nineteenth century and boasts an unlimited open-air theater. It’s a low-maintenance exercise, too, with a youngsters’s park excellent for touring households to go to early within the morning to let youngsters run off steam. There are additionally scenic ponds and picnic areas to sit down with a takeout espresso and lunch.
Vondelpark is a lovely place to go to in Amsterdam and an actual alternative to unwind and chill out.
4. Our Lord within the Attic Museum
Our Lord within the Attic Museum is called Ons Lieve Heer Op in Dutch. This Seventeenth-century canal home has a barely uncommon identify, however you must be capable to guess what the museum is about. It affords audio excursions of a secret – and mysteriously ornate – Catholic church hidden on the prime 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 homeowners used their hidden church to proceed their non secular duties.
An uncommon however heartwarming ode to religion, this distinctive historic attraction is a should when visiting Amsterdam.
5. Eye Movie Museum
The Eye Film Museum is mainly cinematic heaven. It has all the pieces from international to Dutch museums and paperwork the evolution of movie and fictional worlds. Set alongside the waterside throughout on the northern aspect of the town, you’ll need to 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 fascinating reveals showcase posters, film clips, and extra. They’re like a bit of time capsule devoted explicitly to the film world.
6. Bike Tour
You’ll be able to’t go to Amsterdam and not take a motorbike tour. Amsterdam is likely to be the town of canals, however it’s additionally the town of bikes. When you’ve tried to stroll down the road or cross the highway, you’ll perceive that the eco-friendly stance truly borders on hazardous pedestrians. And it isn’t an Amsterdam expertise till you’ve been yelled at by no less than one bike owner for by accident chopping them off. So, if you happen to can’t beat them, be a part of them. Experiencing Amsterdam from two wheels is among the most basic and conventional methods to sightsee the town.
You’ll be able to 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 go in Amsterdam for contemporary art work. Its abbreviation stands for the Trendy Up to date Museum Amsterdam, and it showcases an unlimited vary of items, spanning from Dali and Banksy works to native artists. Artwork fanatics will love this attraction, however equally, the sheer vary of what Moco Museum covers renders it entertaining for artwork newbies and extra basic vacationers. The very fact you’ll be able to see Banksy’s art work is a draw for most individuals. And all the pieces 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 advocate it when visiting Amsterdam.
8. Windmill Day Journey
One other vastly in style factor in Amsterdam is a day journey to the windmills. Windmills have 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 unlimited 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 the town heart, and it’s a working windmill and barrel-making museum. Zaanse Schans is one other frequent alternative. It’s reachable independently by bus in underneath 40 minutes – an enormous bonus.
9. Meals Tour
Taking a meals tour is a should when visiting Amsterdam. Indulgence is a crucial attribute of the town, and the tradition encourages not solely artwork and liberal attitudes to hashish but in addition glorious delicacies. Town heart has meals halls, the place you’ll be able to strive all the pieces from stroopwafels to Indonesian delicacies. The choices are critically beneficiant, and probably the most organized and time-efficient solution to expertise them is on a guided meals tour.
You’ll be able to 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 a large spotlight of visiting Amsterdam. Flower buying and selling has been an important a part of Amsterdam’s economic 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 purchase dozens of various crops. Bloemenmarkt (a floating flower market established in 1862) and Stins Flowermarket are the very best markets.
When you drive to Amsterdam or journey through public transport, you’ll be able to carry some house. In case you are flying, you’ll probably discover this too difficult, however you’ll be able to 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 probably seen footage 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 retailers and markets from December till Could. Amsterdam is thought for its tulips as a result of deep cultural and historic ties to the flower, which rose so excessive within the Seventeenth century that bulbs have been traded akin to inventory on the Amsterdam Inventory Alternate. They have been value greater than gold and bought at a ridiculously excessive value that solely probably the most elite and rich might afford.
It’s straightforward to see the tulips if you happen to go to on the proper time of yr. You’ll be able to take a day trip to Bollenstreek or e-book an organized tour.
12. Oude Kerk Amsterdam
Oude Kerk is an enormous 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 frequently hosts non secular 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 reveals. Guests can admire the artwork in its distinctive, historic setting.
Oude Kerk is among the most budget-friendly but historic issues to do in Amsterdam. And in order for you an inspiring exercise in Amsterdam, we advocate visiting.
13. Lease a SUP
When you don’t fancy the canal tour or free ferry, why not lease 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’ll be able to lease an SUP from all around 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 could have 165 canals at your disposal, finest skilled from the water.
Prepare. It’s about to get lively and thrilling. When you haven’t gone paddle boarding earlier than, know that there’s a excessive probability you’re coming off sooner or later. So that you’ll must be sporting appropriate garments for a fast swim. A water-proof digital camera can also be an incredible shout.
14. Design Your Personal Chocolate Bar
Have you ever ever puzzled concerning the strategy of designing chocolate bars? This weird area of interest expertise is a should for anybody with a candy tooth. You’ll be able to create your personal chocolate bar at a lot of Amsterdam’s chocolate shops and points of interest – sure, there are a number of. Tony’s Chocolonely Superstore and the Chocolate Firm are two most important choices. Amsterdam is famed for Milka and Droste chocolate, and chocolate is particularly made across the western harbor space of the town.
Dutch chocolate is famously clean 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 received’t shock you that Amsterdam has a lot maritime historical past to inform. You too can stand up near a reproduction of an 18th-century service provider ship, which helps to carry the tales to life.
The Nationwide Maritime Museum is massively interactive and nice enjoyable to go to. There are even digital voyages you can take. Its entrance price 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 wish to smoke some weed or strive an area cake – aka desserts stuffed with marijuana – when visiting Amsterdam. Town is legendary for its liberal tackle this pure drug, and it’s a huge purpose for the floods of vacationers that go to annually. When you do determine to dabble, take into account that Amsterdam’s weed is notoriously sturdy. It’s best to remain secure with a bunch of trusted associates. Particular lodging may additionally have strict guidelines in opposition to marijuana consumption, so verify that forward of time.
If you wish to take a sober method to studying extra about Amsterdam’s marijuana, you’ll be able to 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 reside backyard.
17. Go to Chinatown
Each good metropolis has an excellent higher Chinatown – we don’t make the principles; that is only a truth of life. Amsterdam isn’t any completely different, and its Chinatown is an absolute hub of Asian delicacies. When you love Asian delicacies, then it’s important to cease by. Whereas it’s known as Chinatown, it consists of Malaysian, Thai, and Indonesian eating places and cafes, in addition to Chinese language. This implies you might have hundreds of scrumptious dishes and specialties at your fingertips. And that’s earlier than you even take into consideration the eclectic retailers and aesthetic decorations strung alongside these slender canal streets.
In case you are in search of an inexpensive meal or one thing to do in Amsterdam, visiting Chinatown ought to be in your listing. Whether or not you choose pad Thai or Indonesian meals, you’ll have a tasty time.
18. Have a Seashore Day
A seaside day? From Amsterdam? Sure, you’ll be able to completely take pleasure in a seaside day when visiting Amsterdam. And that is exactly why you must take no less than just a few days to see the town– Amsterdam has unbelievable day journeys. Zandvoort aan Zee is the closest seaside to the town and is well accessible through Central Station. Zandvoort Seashore is gorgeous, with lengthy golden sands and laidback bars and eating places lining its promenade. Enjoyable and light-hearted, it’s the place to go on a sunny day in Amsterdam.
It takes lower than an hour to achieve through sprinter practice. You could be sunbathing at Zandvoort very quickly.
19. NEMO Science Museum
This is among 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 reveals and a baptism-of-fire-style immersion into all the pieces science-related. The museum spans dramatic five-floor reveals, with coloration and wow-factor reveals at each flip.
If you’d like an indoor exercise in Amsterdam, undoubtedly go to the NEMO Science Museum. Equally, you must be aware this if you happen to see the town with children.
20. Europe’s Highest Swing
How does Europe’s highest swing sound to you? A’DAM Lookout is arguably the very best place to take pleasure in overlooking Amsterdam. The commentary deck has a panoramic viewpoint, and you may admire the UNESCO-listed canals from a vantage level you possibly can by no means obtain at floor degree. As such a flat metropolis, A’DAM Lookout ticks a massively wanted field. And on that commentary deck, you’ll be able to 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 individuals undertake the swing or have a go your self, A’DAM Lookout is a should whenever 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 if you happen to simply go to feed the pigeons, it’s a must-add to your Amsterdam itinerary. The ambiance is unparalleled, and you may take pleasure in views of among 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 listing in order for you free actions in Amsterdam. It takes simply minutes to understand, making it a great itinerary filler amongst extra time-demanding points of interest.
22. Stedelijk Museum
Stedelijk Museum is an acquired style, to say the least. The fashionable artwork museum is among the most uncommon and bizarrely collections of art work, with items similar to large pigs and partitions of Arabic typography describing the influence of abusive relationships. When you fancy an summary look into the trendy artwork world, the museum is ideal. Arrive able to problem all the pieces you beforehand thought of artwork in Amsterdam.
Enjoyable and whacky, this museum is among the prime museums in Amsterdam for anybody craving quirky points of interest and inventive 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 very best place for you. Gory, ugly, and painfully detailed, it’s a particular kick for anybody who likes horror-related points of interest. 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 a fascinating 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 it is a prime main exercise whenever you go to the town, conveniently positioned simply south of the town heart.
25. Verzetsmuseum Amsterdam
Few museums cowl the influence of World Warfare II in such a uncooked method because the Verzetsmuseum Amsterdam. The Museum of WWII Resistance paperwork the town’s wrestle in opposition to Nazi invasion and the timeline of the battle. Treasured reveals and artifacts showcase the expertise with pictures, movies, and private objects belonging to these impacted.
Many individuals know the historical past of the battle. Nonetheless, this museum offers a way more intimate perception into the ordeal. You’ll study all about what life was like underneath occupation and the true individuals behind the statistics. This museum is ideally mixed with a go to to Anne Frank’s Home.
26. Canal Cruise
A canal cruise is well one of many main issues in Amsterdam – you’re within the metropolis of canals, in spite of everything. Amsterdam has 165 canals in whole, all simply prepared and ready to be explored from the water. You’ll be able to 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 advocate 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 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 in terms of visiting Amsterdam. The Intercourse Museum is the world’s first and oldest museum totally 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 trade in Amsterdam.
Set in a Seventeenth-century constructing, the Intercourse Museum is hilariously misplaced on its busy Amsterdam avenue. And if you happen to fancy a giggle but in addition a severe look into the town’s angle and tradition behind intercourse, this museum is a best choice in 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 is usually 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 – unending row. The colour scheme is very photogenic, with deep blues, reds, and yellows. And in order for you 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 practice 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 the town’s most aesthetic and consultant part. It’s the place most individuals go to snap iconic canal photographs. This district is the postcard picture of Amsterdam’s canal scene.
You’ll be able to go to to snap your pictures and luxuriate in strolling the canal banks. There are over 250 retailers on this district, so take your time, window purchasing or purchasing 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 outdated tram depot. It’s on the outskirts of the town heart, within the Amsterdam Oud-West district, a brief stroll away from De 9 Straatjes. When you fancy a laidback exercise in Amsterdam, visiting the cinema is the best wet day or low-energy exercise. And the tram depot setting makes it much more engaging. Filmhallen is the place to go to the cinema in novelty model.
31. Crimson Mild District
While you discuss to anybody who has visited Amsterdam, they’ll have a narrative or an opinion on Amsterdam’s Crimson Mild District. No matter your ideas on legalized intercourse work, this district is an attention-grabbing cultural phenomenon. It’s in style amongst all vacationers, and the principle draw is simply strolling down the 2 streets, that are break up by a canal and illuminated in mushy purple lighting. It’s stated up to now again to the 14th century. Nevertheless, it established itself within the Seventeenth century – so it’s as a lot historic as something seedy.
You’ll be able to stroll by means of the district or go to the Intercourse Museum in its southern nook. Many tours additionally run by means of the Crimson Mild District, providing informative strolling excursions and insider particulars.
32. Royal Palace Amsterdam
The Royal Palace Amsterdam is among the main metropolis points of interest and has been a royal residence since 1808. When it isn’t in use, it’s open to the general public to take pleasure in with a guided tour or audio tour and has a number of exhibitions to take pleasure in. 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 alternate in your abiding by the principles.
In case you are inquisitive about politics or the royal household, it is a lovely place to go to. The grandeur of the structure can also be splendid, and historical past lovers can admire all the knowledge you get on guided excursions.
33. Anne Frank Home
The Anne Frank Museum is among the hottest issues to do within the metropolis heart. This industrial constructing is the place Anne and her household hid within the secret annex in the course of the Nazi occupation in central Amsterdam. The household and their associates lasted 25 months in secrecy, solely being found in 1944 once they have been tragically transported to focus camps – after which solely Otto, Anne’s father, survived.
On the museum, you’ll be able to stroll by means of the annex the place the group lived and think about all their possessions as they might have been displayed. There are additionally extracts and quick 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? Nicely, step aboard this 1914 freighter convert and test it out. This museum lets vacationers expertise being onboard one of many basic canal boats and study extra about this conventional way of life. Canal boats are central to Amsterdam’s historical past and tradition. With 165 canals within the metropolis, you’ll see a lot 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 slender issues down? You’ll in all probability need to be cutthroat except you might have limitless time in Amsterdam. These are the very best FAQs that will help you finalize your choices and choose your dream itinerary.
Is it value going to Amsterdam for 3 days?
With three days in Amsterdam, you’ll be able to go to a handful of nice points of interest and style the town properly. You’ll probably be capable to take a canal tour and go to the Anne Frank Home, the Crimson Mild District, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Royal Palace. If that floats your boat, you may as well take pleasure in an evening out and the 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 the town’s id.
What’s Amsterdam is legendary for?
Amsterdam is legendary for being a liberal metropolis, sex-positive and marijuana constructive, with plenty of creatives and hyperlinks to the world-renowned Vincent Van Gogh. It additionally has plenty of World Warfare II historical past, for example, on the Anne Frank Museum.
Is 2 days sufficient to see Amsterdam?
You’ll be hard-pushed to see the very best of Amsterdam in simply two days. You’ll be able to squeeze in 3-4 points of interest, just like the Anne Frank Museum, Royal Palace, and Crimson Mild District. Nevertheless, you’ll miss out on the ‘genuine’ Amsterdam and really feel rushed. Do not forget that if you happen to 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 wish to fill your historical past bucket or embrace your interior flower aesthetic with a go to to its floral markets. Town is a lovely weekend getaway, and it’s straightforward to see why it’s thought of one of many best European city getaways. You’ll be able to 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 bought your itinerary nailed, you’ll be able to buy groceries in your boutique lodge or fun-loving hostel keep – take pleasure in your journey. For extra day journey concepts, you’ll be able to try our information on the best trips you can take from Amsterdam, which is great if you happen to keep within the metropolis longer than just a few days. And in order for you additional inspiration on visiting the Netherlands, try our information here.
