Amsterdam is perhaps most famed for its former industrial buildings alongside canals, Red Light 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 journeys to see tulip fields and windmills.
Amsterdam isn’t simply one other occasion 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 truth, there are such a lot of issues to do in Amsterdam that we struggled to slim it down to simply these high 34. Before you even take into consideration the place to keep in Amsterdam or e book flights, it’s good to have a look at which issues in Amsterdam you’d like to do. Your pursuits will dictate which neighborhood it’s greatest to keep in.
In this information, we’ll offer you all of the inspiration and logistics you want to get pleasure from visiting ‘Dam’. Whether you want historical past, partying, or paintings, 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
If you continue to marvel why Amsterdam is such a cultural hotspot, go to the Rijksmuseum. This Nineteenth-century museum homes a few of the most dear Dutch Golden Age work, together with Rembrandt’s Night Watch. It is an artwork lover’s paradise and is equally alluring for these with an appreciation for historical past and tradition.
You can simply spend a couple of hours wandering the exhibition halls of the Rijksmuseum. And in order for you an indoor exercise in Amsterdam, this is among the greatest issues to do on a wet day.
2. Van Gogh Museum
The Van Gogh Museum has the world’s most in depth 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 listing expertise. You can purchase tickets on-line or on arrival and rapidly spend a whole afternoon strolling between famed portray after portray.
It isn’t simply paintings; there are letters and displays 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
Looking for sunny day actions in Amsterdam? Vondelpark is among the metropolis’s main choices and the most effective free issues to do. The park dates again to the Nineteenth century and boasts an enormous open-air theater. It is a low-maintenance exercise, too, with a kids’s park superb for touring households to go to early in the morning to let kids run off steam. There are additionally scenic ponds and picnic areas to sit with a takeout espresso and lunch.
Vondelpark is a good looking place to go to in Amsterdam and an actual alternative to unwind and loosen up.
4. Our Lord in the Attic Museum
Our Lord in the Attic Museum is called Ons Lieve Heer Op in Dutch. This Seventeenth-century canal home has a barely uncommon title, however try to be ready to guess what the museum is about. It presents audio excursions of a secret – and mysteriously ornate – Catholic church hidden on the high of a canal home. Our Lord in 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 Film Museum
The Eye Film Museum is mainly cinematic heaven. It has the whole lot 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 have to catch a ferry to attain this museum from behind Central Station. Even this provides to the dramatic enchantment, and the Eye Film Museum feels suitably tucked away in its personal little world throughout the water.
The colourful and fascinating displays showcase posters, film clips, and extra. They are like a bit of time capsule devoted explicitly to the film world.
6. Bike Tour
You can’t go to Amsterdam and not take a motorcycle tour. Amsterdam is perhaps town of canals, nevertheless it’s additionally town of bikes. If you’ve tried to stroll down the road or cross the street, 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 no less than one bike owner for by chance slicing 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 town.
You can e book loads of completely different biking excursions of Amsterdam on-line, and as Amsterdam is a remarkably flat metropolis, you’ll haven’t any points maintaining.
7. Moco Museum
The Moco Museum is the place to head in Amsterdam for contemporary paintings. Its abbreviation stands for the Modern Contemporary Museum Amsterdam, and it showcases an enormous vary of items, spanning from Dali and Banksy works to native artists. Art fanatics 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 truth you’ll be able to see Banksy’s paintings is a draw for most individuals. And the whole lot from avenue artwork to modern items will depart you scratching your head.
While solely small, the Moco Museum can simply entertain you for an hour or two. It is a massively underrated attraction, and we advocate it when visiting Amsterdam.
8. Windmill Day Trip
Another vastly common factor in Amsterdam is a day journey to the windmills. Windmills had been traditionally used for water administration in Amsterdam and its surrounding areas. However, these days, they’re additionally a profound supply of inexperienced power, utilizing wind turbine constructions to assist with electrical energy. There are over 10,000 operational windmills in the Netherlands, an enormous proportion of that are round Amsterdam. These are famed for his or her conventional design – chunky wood constructions.
Molen Van Sloten is a well-liked day journey from town heart, and it’s a working windmill and barrel-making museum. Zaanse Schans is one other widespread alternative. It is reachable independently by bus in beneath 40 minutes – an enormous bonus.
9. Food 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 in addition glorious delicacies. The metropolis heart has meals halls, the place you’ll be able to attempt the whole lot from stroopwafels to Indonesian delicacies. The choices are significantly beneficiant, and essentially the most organized and time-efficient approach to expertise them is on a guided meals tour.
You can simply e book a meals tour on-line, which is able to take you round designated tasting hotspots.
10. Visit 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 purchase dozens of various crops. Bloemenmarkt (a floating flower market established in 1862) and Stins Flowermarket are the most effective markets.
If you drive to Amsterdam or journey by way of public transport, you’ll be able to deliver some house. If you’re flying, you’ll probably discover this too tough, however you’ll be able to nonetheless go to for the aesthetic and expertise.
11. Day Trip 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 peak tulip season is from April to May, after which you’ll see many tulips in flower retailers and markets from December till May. Amsterdam is understood for its tulips due to deep cultural and historic ties to the flower, which rose so excessive in the Seventeenth century that bulbs had been traded akin to inventory on the Amsterdam Stock Exchange. They had been value greater than gold and offered at a ridiculously excessive value that solely essentially the most elite and rich might afford.
It is straightforward to see the tulips if you happen to go to on the proper time of 12 months. You can take a day journey 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 Middle Ages. The 14th-century church is now a functioning Calvinist place of worship that recurrently hosts spiritual and cultural occasions. However, 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. Visitors 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. Rent a SUP
If you don’t fancy the canal tour or free ferry, why not hire a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) and go alone? This is a extra unorthodox factor to do in Amsterdam, however who cares? Life is about journey, proper? You can hire an SUP from everywhere in the metropolis in completely different shops and water sports activities facilities, particularly round Amsteldijk. Rent a stand-up paddleboard for a couple of hours and take it to the water. You have 165 canals at your disposal, greatest skilled from the water.
Get prepared. It is about to get energetic and thrilling. If you haven’t gone paddle boarding earlier than, know that there’s a excessive probability you’re coming off sooner or later. So you’ll want to be sporting appropriate garments for a fast swim. A water-proof digicam can also be a fantastic shout.
14. Design Your Own Chocolate Bar
Have you 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 can create your individual chocolate bar at lots of Amsterdam’s chocolate shops and points of interest – sure, there are a number of. Tony’s Chocolonely Superstore and the Chocolate Company are two foremost 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 clean tasting thanks to the alkaline therapy that it makes use of in the chocolate-making course of. So head down to one of many shops and test it out.
15. The National Maritime Museum
Next up is the National 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 also can rise up shut to a duplicate of an 18th-century service provider ship, which helps to deliver the tales to life.
The National Maritime Museum is massively interactive and nice enjoyable to go to. There are even digital voyages that you could take. Its entrance payment is modest, too, making it one of many cheaper issues to do in Amsterdam.
16. Smoke Some Weed
Depending in your beliefs and values, it’s your decision to smoke some weed or attempt an area cake – aka desserts stuffed with marijuana – when visiting Amsterdam. The metropolis is legendary for its liberal tackle this pure drug, and it’s a large cause for the floods of vacationers that go to every year. If you do resolve to dabble, hold in thoughts that Amsterdam’s weed is notoriously sturdy. It is greatest to keep secure with a gaggle of trusted buddies. Specific lodging may also have strict guidelines in opposition to marijuana consumption, so test that forward of time.
If you need to take a sober strategy 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 dwell backyard.
17. Visit Chinatown
Every good metropolis has an excellent higher Chinatown – we don’t make the foundations; that is only a truth of life. Amsterdam is not any completely different, and its Chinatown is an absolute hub of Asian delicacies. If you like Asian delicacies, then you’ve got to cease by. While it’s referred to as Chinatown, it consists of Malaysian, Thai, and Indonesian eating places and cafes, in addition to Chinese. This means you’ve got 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 slim canal streets.
If you’re on the lookout for an affordable meal or one thing to do in Amsterdam, visiting Chinatown must be in your listing. Whether you choose pad Thai or Indonesian meals, you’ll have a tasty time.
18. Have a Beach Day
A seaside day? From Amsterdam? Yes, you’ll be able to completely get pleasure from a seaside day when visiting Amsterdam. And that is exactly why you need to take no less than a couple of days to see town– Amsterdam has implausible day journeys. Zandvoort aan Zee is the closest seaside to town and is well accessible by way of Central Station. Zandvoort Beach is gorgeous, with lengthy golden sands and laidback bars and eating places lining its promenade. Fun and light-hearted, it’s the place to head on a sunny day in Amsterdam.
It takes lower than an hour to attain by way of sprinter prepare. You might be sunbathing at Zandvoort in no time.
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 displays and a baptism-of-fire-style immersion into the whole lot science-related. The museum spans dramatic five-floor displays, with colour and wow-factor displays at each flip.
If you need an indoor exercise in Amsterdam, undoubtedly go to the NEMO Science Museum. Similarly, you need to be aware this if you happen to see town with children.
20. Europe’s Highest Swing
How does Europe’s highest swing sound to you? A’DAM Lookout is arguably the most effective place to get pleasure from overlooking Amsterdam. The statement deck has a panoramic viewpoint, and you’ll admire the UNESCO-listed canals from a vantage level you would by no means obtain at floor degree. As such a flat metropolis, A’DAM Lookout ticks a massively wanted field. And on that statement 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 resolve. But 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 Square
Dam Square 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 environment is unparalleled, and you’ll get pleasure from views of a few of the most notable buildings in town. It is a cultural hub and hosts common occasions. At Christmas particularly, visiting this Square is a should.
Add this sq. to the listing in order for you free actions in Amsterdam. It takes simply minutes to admire, making it a very good 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 paintings, with items comparable to big pigs and partitions of Arabic typography describing the affect of abusive relationships. If you fancy an summary look into the fashionable artwork world, the museum is ideal. Arrive prepared to problem the whole lot you beforehand thought of artwork in Amsterdam.
Fun and whacky, this museum is among the high museums in Amsterdam for anybody craving quirky points of interest and artistic inspiration.
23. Torture Museum
This museum is each bit as horrific because it sounds. If you need an perception into the historic strategies of torture used in Amsterdam, that is the most effective 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 methods that date again to the Middle Ages.
While the museum is unquestionably not for the faint of coronary heart, it is a fascinating and spine-shivering historic attraction in Amsterdam. If you’re bored of the run-of-the-mill historical past museums in main European cities, this attraction will shake issues up.
24. Heineken Experience
The Heineken Experience 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 whenever you go to town, conveniently situated simply south of town heart.
25. Verzetsmuseum Amsterdam
Few museums cowl the affect of World War II in such a uncooked approach because the Verzetsmuseum Amsterdam. The Museum of WWII Resistance paperwork town’s battle in opposition to Nazi invasion and the timeline of the battle. Precious displays and artifacts showcase the expertise with photographs, movies, and private objects belonging to these impacted.
Many individuals know the historical past of the battle. Still, this museum gives a way more intimate perception into the ordeal. You’ll study all about what life was like beneath occupation and the actual individuals behind the statistics. This museum is ideally mixed with a go to to Anne Frank’s House.
26. Canal Cruise
A canal cruise is well one of many main issues in Amsterdam – you’re in town of canals, in spite of everything. Amsterdam has 165 canals in complete, all simply prepared and ready to be explored from the water. You can drift serenely together with an audio or guided tour expertise, admiring the historic buildings and Amsterdam’s distinctive surroundings.
There are so many 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 need to be actually sneaky, there’s additionally a free ferry service that you could catch. This is a good, budget-friendly possibility to see the canals in Amsterdam.
27. Sex Museum
A museum devoted to intercourse is unquestionably on model when it comes to visiting Amsterdam. The Sex 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 Sex Museum is hilariously misplaced on its busy Amsterdam avenue. And if you happen to fancy a giggle but in addition a critical 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 prepared to embark on excursions. However, additionally it is 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 extremely 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.
This is a free exercise in Amsterdam, mixed with taking a canal boat tour or heading to the central prepare station.
29. Nine Streets
Nine Streets is the district acknowledged by UNESCO as Amsterdam’s canal district. ‘ This close-knit row of canal streets is the city’s most aesthetic and consultant part. It is the place most individuals go to snap iconic canal photographs. This district is the postcard picture of Amsterdam’s canal scene.
You can go to to snap your photographs and luxuriate in strolling the canal banks. There are over 250 retailers in this district, so take your time, window buying or buying if you want. And there are cafes and museums to dip in and out 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 Art House Cinema
Filmhallen Art House Cinema is uniquely situated in an outdated tram depot. It is on the outskirts of town heart, in the Amsterdam Oud-West district, a brief stroll away from De 9 Straatjes. If 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 attractive. Filmhallen is the place to head to the cinema in novelty type.
31. Red Light District
When you discuss to anybody who has visited Amsterdam, they’ll have a narrative or an opinion on Amsterdam’s Red Light District. Whatever your ideas on legalized intercourse work, this district is an fascinating cultural phenomenon. It is common amongst all vacationers, and the principle draw is simply strolling down the 2 streets, that are cut up by a canal and illuminated in gentle purple lighting. It is claimed to date again to the 14th century. However, it established itself in the Seventeenth century – so it’s as a lot historic as something seedy.
You can stroll via the district or go to the Sex Museum in its southern nook. Many excursions additionally run via the Red Light 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 get pleasure from with a guided tour or audio tour and has a number of exhibitions to get pleasure from. You’ll have to adhere 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.
If you have an interest in 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 admire all the knowledge you get on guided excursions.
33. Anne Frank House
The Anne Frank Museum is among the hottest issues to do in town heart. This industrial constructing is the place Anne and her household hid in the key annex through the Nazi occupation in central Amsterdam. The household and their buddies 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.
At the museum, you’ll be able to stroll via the annex the place the group lived and consider 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? Well, 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 in town, you’ll see lots of them from an outsider’s perspective. This is a novel alternative to see the life-style from an inside perspective.
Visiting Amsterdam: FAQs
So, you now know exactly what you need to add to your Amsterdam itinerary. But how do you slim issues down? You’ll most likely have to be cutthroat except you’ve got limitless time in Amsterdam. These are the most effective FAQs to assist you to finalize your selections 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 town effectively. You’ll probably give you the option to take a canal tour and go to the Anne Frank House, the Red Light District, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Royal Palace. If that floats your boat, it’s also possible to 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 id.
What is 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 War 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 most effective of Amsterdam in simply two days. You can squeeze in 3-4 points of interest, just like the Anne Frank Museum, Royal Palace, and Red Light District. However, you’ll miss out on the ‘authentic’ Amsterdam and really feel rushed. Remember 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 additional 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 internal flower aesthetic with a go to to its floral markets. The metropolis is a good looking weekend getaway, and it’s simple to see why it’s thought-about one of many greatest European metropolis getaways. You can admire Van Gogh’s paintings 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 on your boutique resort or fun-loving hostel keep – get pleasure from your journey. For extra day journey concepts, you’ll be able to try our information on the greatest journeys you’ll be able to take from Amsterdam, which is superb if you happen to keep in town longer than a couple of days. And in order for you additional inspiration on visiting the Netherlands, try our information right here.