Are you planning to visit the Dutch city of canals but still haven’t nailed down your itinerary? In this guide, we cover all the best ways to explore the city, local cuisine you have to try, and the sights you can’t miss. Check out the top things to do in Amsterdam this year!
Top 11 Attractions and Things To See in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a city that has a lot to offer and even more to explore! There is always something happening in this vibrant city. Are you looking to discover the city, enjoy its diverse culture, or appreciate fine arts? No matter your objective, our locals have put together this list of the top things to do to have the true Amsterdam experience!
Pro Tip: Bookmarks are a great way to organize your trip so you can relax while you’re in the city. So, don’t forget to bookmark this post so you can enjoy your stay without any stress! If you’re planning a trip, check out the best places to stay in Amsterdam.
1. Do a Cycling Tour of Amsterdam
Did you know that the Netherlands is home to more bikes than people? Discover the city the same way as to how the Amsterdammers do! A fun, healthy, and affordable way to discover all that the city has to offer. There are many cycling tours within the city to try from. However, Mike Bike Tour is known for adding a very personal touch to the tours and connecting with his audience.
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our Where to Stay in Amsterdam articles
2. Van Gogh Museum
House to the largest Van Gogh collection, this museum is dedicated to the famous and world-renowned Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh containing over 200 paintings, 400 drawings, and 700 letters by the famous artist. If you are traveling to Amsterdam to enrich yourself in the culture, what better way than to tap into the mind of a famous Dutch artist and learn about the various phases of his life.
Address: Museumplein 6 | Tickets, hours, and access
3. Anne Frank’s Museum
Established in 1957, the Anne Frank Museum commemorates the loving memory of young girl Anne Frank. This museum is the house where Anne Frank and her family went into hiding during World War. Here you can learn all about Anne Frank, what her life was like, her diary, and as well as the Secret Annex.
Address: Westermarkt 20 | Tickets, hours, and access
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our Where to Stay in Amsterdam articles
4. Tulip Museum
Did you know that tulip is the national flower of the Netherlands? Today, Keukenhof in the Netherlands is famous for being the largest flower garden in the world, receiving millions of visitors a year. You can learn all about tulips and how they arrived in the Netherlands at the Tulip Museum in Amsterdam.
Address: Prinsengracht 116
5. City Canal Tour
There is truly no better way to discover the city of Amsterdam than a canal cruise. It is almost considered a crime if you’ve been to the city and have not experienced the wonder of 165 canals that the city is home to.
Whether you want to discover the beautiful city sailing through the famous sights and monuments or to learn about its history, flagship Amsterdam offers this experience with various sailing routes.
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our Where to Stay in Amsterdam articles
6 A Rijksmuseum Tour
Travel back in time to learn all about the rich culture and history that the Netherlands has to offer. Learn the story of Dutch art and history at the Rijksmuseum.
Known as the national museum of the Netherlands, at Rijksmuseum, you will learn about the greatest works of art, including works by famous Dutch masters such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Halls. Ahead of your visit, don’t forget to check out our guide to the must-see pieces at the Rijksmuseum.
Address: Museumstraat 1
Check Out Our Best Amsterdam Tours
Top Rated Tour
Amsterdam “Locals” Food Tour in the Albert Cuyp Market
Join your engaging local foodie guide on a journey through the over-century-old “Cuyp”. With over 250 stalls, the market hosts the best of Amsterdam’s street food scene. Sample dishes that represent the history and culture of the city. From Pickled Herring prepared as it has been for centuries to Indonesian fusion dishes that represent the modern face of the city, eat the best of Amsterdam on this wonderful food tour.
(5)
Starting at €49
Likely to Sell Out
Royal Rijksmuseum Tour with Skip-the-Line Access
Known for its impressive collection of over 8,000 works by the greatest Dutch artists, the Rijksmuseum is the National Museum of the Netherlands. With your expert art historian guide, see the best of the museum, including Rembrandt’s famous The Night Watch. Learn the stories and discover the hidden gems of these artists and their works on this fun and informative Rijksmuseum tour in Amsterdam.
(8)
Starting at €59
7. A’DAM Lookout
What better view from the city than being on top? Then A’DAM Lookout is the place for you! Here you will see all of Amsterdam with a panoramic view. All in one sight, you will see the city’s canals, historical centers, and landmarks. Even more exciting! The A’DAM Lookout has one of Europe’s highest swings where you can dangle 100 meters above the ground. Talk about adrenaline!
Address: Overhoeksplein 5 | Tickets, hours, and access
8. Waterkant
Located right in the heart of the city, this modern bar and restaurant were inspired by De Waterkant in Suriname. At the Waterkant, you can enjoy some delicious Dutch and Surinamese cuisine right on a terrace on the canal!
Address: Marnixstraat 246
Coming to Amsterdam? Check out the best luxury hotels in Amsterdam, our guide to visiting the Rijksmuseum, and the top restaurants for an unforgettable trip.
9. Try Genever at Wynand Fockink
If you are unfamiliar, Genever is what is considered the “father of Gin” and is a local delicacy in the Netherlands. There is nothing I like more than trying alcohol and liquors when traveling to exotic destinations and Wynand Focking is the perfect place for just that!
They are the oldest distillery in Amsterdam which makes them one of the oldest running distilleries on Earth. They distill genever and different types of liquors which I found delicious and fun to try! This is an absolute must while in Amsterdam so make sure it’s on your list!
Address: Wynand Fockink
10. Try Dutch Cheese
The Dutch dominated the international trade when Gouda cheese became the most popular cheese that was exported between the 14th and 18th centuries.
Today, The Netherlands is known as an exporter of cheese, especially for its, you guessed it – the famous Gouda cheese. You can try this famous Dutch cheese, handmade by small local farmers across the Netherlands at Kaasbar.
Address: Kaasbar Amsterdam
11. Haring
If you’re visiting Amsterdam, your trip wouldn’t be complete without tasting the traditional and Dutch delicacy called Haring. Haring is a staple Dutch delicacy that is paired with diced raw onions. Yes, you eat it raw covered in onions which makes it a must-try dish in Amsterdam!
There are many places to try haring, or herring, while in Amsterdam but if it is your first time it is fun to try on a food tour. Why? This way you are diving into this local delicacy with other first-timers which makes it more fun. We partnered with locals from Amsterdam that run fantastic food tours which you can choose from!
Check Out Our Best Amsterdam Tours
Top Rated Tour
Amsterdam “Locals” Food Tour in the Albert Cuyp Market
Join your engaging local foodie guide on a journey through the over century-old “Cuyp”. With over 250 stalls, the market hosts the best of Amsterdam’s street food scene. Sample dishes that represent the history and culture of the city. From Pickled Herring prepared as it has been for centuries to Indonesian fusion dishes that represent the modern face of the city, eat the best of Amsterdam on this wonderful food tour.
(5)
Starting at €49
Likely to Sell Out
Royal Rijksmuseum Tour with Skip the Line Access
Known for its impressive collection of over 8,000 works by the greatest Dutch artists, the Rijksmuseum is the National Museum of the Netherlands. With your expert art historian guide, see the best of the museum including Rembrandt’s famous The Night Watch. Learn the stories and discover the hidden gems of these artists and their works on this fun and informative Rijksmuseum tour in Amsterdam.
(8)
Starting at €59
Where to Stay in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a vast city with many areas to stay in, including beyond the downtown area. Choose a hotel near the top things you want to see in this beautiful old city.
Brilliant post! Your interesting suggestions about the top things to do in Amsterdam are certainly a treat to read. My husband has already filled in the Netherlands Visa from UK application form and we hope to get the visa pretty soon once we clear all the formalities. Meanwhile, we will try to prepare an itinerary by referencing your blog and a few other interesting travel guides. Hoping to make our Dutch trip fun-filled and memorable.