FOMO is real! Do you worry about overlooking something incredible when travel planning? If so, then you’re in luck because this curated list of 100 things to do in Amsterdam will ensure you create an unforgettable and personalized vacation. You will find landmarks, attractions, museums, outdoor activities, beaches, where to eat and shop, and where to get the perfect photos for lasting memories. Don’t skip the Plan Your Trip section for when to go, how long to stay, what to pack, how much to budget, where to stay, and how to get around. It’s all here, keep reading for 100 Things to Do in Amsterdam.
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100 Unforgettable Things to Do in Amsterdam Netherlands
Must Do Attractions and Activities in Amsterdam
- Take a guided tour of the UNESCO-listed Canal Ring to learn about its history and architecture.
- Tour the Royal Palace of Amsterdam, the official residence of the Dutch Royal family.
- Photograph the National Monument in Dam Square.
- Take selfies on the I Amsterdam Sign.
- See a performance at the Royal Theatre Carré.
- Tour the interactive Heineken Experience and learn about the brewing process.
- Explore the Begijnhof courtyard of old wooden homes.
- Tour the Wynand Fockink Distillery and stop by the tasting room.
- Attend Cannabis College.
- Stop in Amsterdam’s first coffee shop, The Bulldog.
- See The Night Watch sculpture in Rembrandtplein.
- Check out De Poezenboot cat sanctuary and leave a donation.
- Visit the Sint Nicolaaskerk and Westerkerk churches.
- Tour the De Gooyer Windmill.
- Swing over the edge of the A’DAM tower.
- Wander the street art in the old shipyard around NDSM.
- Wander around the famous Red Light District.
- Watch a classical concert at the Royal Concertgebouw.
- Explore the underground tunnels and interactive exhibits at the Amsterdam Dungeon.
- Check out the medieval city gate in the historic Nieuwmarkt neighborhood.
- Watch the elephants play in the water at the Artis Zoo.
- Take a guided tour of Amsterdam’s hofjes, hidden courtyards.
- Browse the art galleries in the Jordaan district.
- Take a ferry to Nieuwendammerdijk and see the chocolate box homes.
Best Museums in Amsterdam
- Tour the Anne Frank House and see the secret annex that hid the family.
- Learn about Rembrandt’s life at the Rembrandt House Museum.
- Check out the secret church at Our Lord in the Attic Museum.
- Visit the Van Gogh Museum to see the largest collection of his works, including “Sunflowers” and “Starry Night.”
- Browse the works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh at the Rijksmuseum.
- Explore contemporary art at the Stedelijk Museum.
- Visit the Museum of the Canals and learn about the history and engineering of Amsterdam’s canal system.
- Tour the Museum Van Loon 17th Century canal house museum.
- Learn about the Netherlands’ maritime history and browse the artifacts at the National Maritime Museum.
- Check out the unique exhibits at the NEMO Science Museum.
- Learn about the history of Amsterdam’s Jewish community at the Jewish Historical Museum.
- Explore the Tropenmuseum and discover cultures from around the world.
- Explore the Amsterdam Museum to better understand the city’s history.
- Learn about Dutch film history at the EYE Filmmuseum.
- See the contemporary photography exhibitions at the Foam Photography Museum.
- Visit the Verzetsmuseum, a museum dedicated to the Dutch resistance during WWII.
- Explore the Resistance Museum Junior, a museum dedicated to teaching children about WWII.
- Learn about the history and art of smoking pipes at the Amsterdam Pipe Museum.
- Check out the Torture Museum and learn about the gruesome history of punishment.
- Visit the Electric Ladyland Museum of Fluorescent Lights.
- Step inside a houseboat at the Houseboat Museum.
- Stop in the Red Light Secrets Museum and learn more about the area.
- Visit the Hash, Marihuana & Hemp Museum.
- Learn about the art of tattooing at the Tattoo Museum.
- Learn about cheese at the Amsterdam Cheese Museum.
Outdoor Activities in Amsterdam
- Take a walk through the beautiful Vondelpark, Amsterdam’s largest park.
- Wander around Hortus Botanicus, one of the world’s oldest botanical gardens.
- Relax in Amstelpark, see the miniature train, and make your way through the maze.
- Rent a pedal boat or a kayak and explore the canals at your own pace.
- Play a game of giant chess at Max Euweplein.
- Take a bike tour to explore the city like a local.
- Relax next to the water or rent a boat at Westerpark.
- Grab your morning coffee and take a walk along the Amstel River.
- Take a bike ride to Amsterdam Forest.
- Enjoy a picnic or outdoor concert at the Oosterpark.
- Take the ferry to NDSM and photograph the city.
Where to Eat in Amsterdam
- Go cheese tasting at Reypenaer.
- Stop at Wrinkle 43 for Dutch apple pie.
- Eat poffertjes, little Dutch pancakes.
- Try a stroopwafel (caramel-filled wafers) from street vendors.
- Wait in line for fries at Vleminckx.
- Eat at Foodhallen in the Oud-West neighborhood.
- Enjoy a canal-side meal at a waterfront restaurant.
- Eat herring from a herring cart (May-July).
- Stop at a FEBO and eat ‘fresh food’ from a vending machine.
- Eat sweet or savory Dutch pancakes at Pancake Bakery.
Amsterdam Nightlife: Pubs, Cocktails and Nightclubs
- Head to the House of Bols for an interactive cocktail and genever experience.
- Check out the cafes, bars, and clubs around Leidseplein Square.
- Wander the De Pijp neighborhood and stop in a pub.
- Enjoy a cocktail with a view at SkyLounge Amsterdam.
- Have a beer in a traditional brown café at Café Hoppe.
- Relax and enjoy a cocktail on the NDSM Wharf.
- Discover the world of Dutch beer at the Brouwerij ‘t IJ or Café ‘In de Wildeman’.
- Enjoy live jazz music at the famous Bimhuis.
- Dance the night away at De School, Paradiso, Melkweg, Shelter, or Claire.
Shopping in Amsterdam
Buy tulip bulbs at Bloemenmarkt, the floating flower market on Singel Canal.
- Browse the vendors at the Albert Cuyp Street Market.
- Window shop along the Nine Streets.
- Walk through the Beurspassage and photograph the mosaic Oersoep.
- Head to the Red-Light District and buy a cheesy souvenir from a sex shop.
- Explore the boutiques in the trendy De Pijp neighborhood.
- Browse the independent shops in the Jordaan District.
- Wander through the Waterloopein Flea Market.
Instagrammable Places in Amsterdam: Lookouts, View Points and Selfies
- Check out the view from the top floor of the public library, the terrace of the NEMO, Westerkerk Tower for panoramic city views, the Zuiderkerk Tower for rooftop canal views, the A’DAM Tower’s observation deck for city views.
- Photograph the architecture of Zevenlandenhuizen, the bridges from Reguliersgracht, the Herengracht and Brouwersgracht canals, the houseboats along Prinsengracht Canal, Magere Brug (skinny bridge), the Blauwbrug Bridge and the dancing houses along the canals.
Amsterdam Festivals and Special Events
- Explore Keukenhof Gardens or the Bollenstreek tulip fields in the spring.
- Attend the Amsterdam Dance Event electronic music festival in October.
- Enjoy the Amsterdam Light Festival from late November to early January.
Check the Amsterdam Board of Tourism website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening this weekend.
Day Trips from Amsterdam
- Book a day trip to the windmill village of Zaanse Schans
- Visit the Simonehoeve cheese farm and clog factory.
- Discover the fairytale-like Muiderslot Castle just outside Amsterdam.
- Take the train to The Hague or Rotterdam for the day.
- Book a day trip to Giethoorn.
Plan your Trip to Amsterdam Netherlands
Why Visit Amsterdam Netherlands?
Amsterdam had approximately 18 million visitors last year. People are drawn by the city’s beautiful canals but there’s so much more! Amsterdam is also full of history, museums, fun attractions, and great shopping.
How Many Days in Amsterdam is Enough?
3 days in Amsterdam is enough to experience the city and take a day trip. Add another day if you plan to attend a special event or wish to take another day trip.
Is Amsterdam Safe for Solo Travelers?
According to Travel Safe Abroad, the overall risk of travel to Amsterdam is low. The risk of scams, pickpockets, mugging, and terrorist attacks is medium. Check their website for more information.
When is the Best Time to Visit Amsterdam?
The high season in the Netherlands is July and August. Expect high prices, crowds, and an average temperature of 75°F. Also, prices and crowds increase while the tulip fields bloom from April to mid-May. The shoulder season is September and October and the changing leaves next to the canals are beautiful in the fall. The low season is November to February, crowds are low and temperatures are wet, cold, and windy. It is rare for the temperature to reach freezing so do not expect to find frozen canals with people ice skating. Rain is common throughout the year.
How to Get to Amsterdam
Several airlines fly nonstop to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. A nonstop flight from LAX to Amsterdam is 10 hours, Chicago to Amsterdam is about 8 hours and Washington DC to Amsterdam is around 7.5 hours. Amsterdam is well connected by high-speed train.
How Do I Get Around in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam Airport is 15 minutes from the city by train, and tickets are about $7. Shuttle service, bus, taxi, and Uber are also available. Amsterdam is a walkable city.
Where Should I Stay in Amsterdam?
I stayed at the W Hotel in Amsterdam. The hotel has a central location but was not super convenient. However, there is a pretty rooftop pool.
What Should I Budget for Amsterdam?
According to Budget My Trip, the daily cost of travel is $192 per person per day. As always, cost is based on your travel style. Check their website for more information.
What Should I Pack for Amsterdam?
It can be hot in the Netherlands; lightweight clothing is best for travel during the summer months. Denim is common in the Netherlands. Skirts and dresses are not practical for biking. Wear shoes with cushioned soles for walking. Rain is common, so do not forget a travel umbrella. Tip: pack light, you will likely have to carry your luggage a moderate distance.
Are There Any Romantic Things to Do in Amsterdam?
Have a romantic dinner for two at Moon Revolving Restaurant, De Kas, Restaurant Ciel Bleu, or Restaurant Vinkeles. One of the most romantic things for a couple to do in Amsterdam is an evening canal cruise at night when the bridges are lit with twinkle lights.
What are Some Things to Do in Amsterdam with Young Children?
Young children will enjoy the interactive exhibits at the NEMO Science Museum, the maze and miniature train at Amstelpark, and watching the elephants play in the water at the Artis Zoo. There is also a 2.5-hour pancake boat cruise that has a pancake buffet with various toppings and a play area for children.
What are Some Things to do in Amsterdam with Young Adults?
Young adults may enjoy riding bikes through the city and the A’DAM Lookout Over the Edge swing. There is also an evening pizza canal cruise.
Visiting More Netherlands Cities?
Check out our Netherlands Travel Guide with links to must-see destinations and itineraries!
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