Amsterdam could be 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 record of points of interest and actions doesn’t cease there. There are a whole bunch 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 get together 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 slender it down to simply these high 34. Before you even take into consideration the place to keep in Amsterdam or guide 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 finest 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 at the very least 20 points of interest to squeeze into your itinerary. It’s secure to say that this well-known canal metropolis has many methods up its sleeve.
1. Rijksmuseum
If you continue to surprise why Amsterdam is such a cultural hotspot, go to the Rijksmuseum. This Nineteenth-century museum homes a few of the most beneficial 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 if you need an indoor exercise in Amsterdam, this is without doubt one of 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 record 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 paintings; 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
Looking for sunny day actions in Amsterdam? Vondelpark is without doubt one of the metropolis’s main choices and the very best 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 ultimate 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 wonderful 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 named Ons Lieve Heer Op in Dutch. This Seventeenth-century canal home has a barely uncommon title, however you need to be in a position to guess what the museum is about. It affords 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 homeowners 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 all the pieces from overseas 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 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 interesting reveals showcase posters, film clips, and extra. They are like a bit time capsule devoted explicitly to the film world.
6. Bike Tour
You can’t go to Amsterdam and not take a motorbike tour. Amsterdam could be the town of canals, nevertheless it’s additionally the town of bikes. If you’ve tried to stroll down the road or cross the highway, 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 at the very least one bicycle owner for by accident chopping them off. So, in the event you can’t beat them, be part of them. Experiencing Amsterdam from two wheels is without doubt one of the most traditional and conventional methods to sightsee the town.
You can guide loads of totally 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 possibly can see Banksy’s paintings is a draw for most individuals. And all the pieces from road artwork to up to date items will go away 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 suggest it when visiting Amsterdam.
8. Windmill Day Trip
Another vastly fashionable 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 the town middle, and it’s a working windmill and barrel-making museum. Zaanse Schans is one other frequent selection. It is reachable independently by bus in underneath 40 minutes – an enormous bonus.
9. Food Tour
Taking a meals tour is a should when visiting Amsterdam. Indulgence is an important attribute of the town, and the tradition encourages not solely artwork and liberal attitudes to hashish but in addition glorious delicacies. The metropolis middle has meals halls, the place you possibly can attempt all the pieces from stroopwafels to Indonesian delicacies. The choices are significantly beneficiant, and probably the most organized and time-efficient approach to expertise them is on a guided meals tour.
You can simply guide 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 an important 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 very best markets.
If you drive to Amsterdam or journey by way of public transport, you possibly can deliver some residence. If you’re flying, you’ll doubtless discover this too tough, however you possibly can 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 doubtless 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 thought 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 worth that solely probably the most elite and rich might afford.
It is simple to see the tulips in the event you go to on the proper time of yr. You can take a day journey to Bollenstreek or guide an organized tour.
12. Oude Kerk Amsterdam
Oude Kerk is a giant 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 repeatedly 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 reveals. Visitors can admire the artwork in its distinctive, historic setting.
Oude Kerk is without doubt one of the most budget-friendly but historic issues to do in Amsterdam. And if you need an inspiring exercise in Amsterdam, we suggest visiting.
13. Rent a SUP
If you don’t fancy the canal tour or free ferry, why not lease 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 lease an SUP from all around the metropolis in totally 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, finest skilled from the water.
Get prepared. It is about to get lively 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 carrying appropriate garments for a fast swim. A water-proof digicam can be an important shout.
14. Design Your Own Chocolate Bar
Have you 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 can create your individual 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 Company are two foremost 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 easy 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 gained’t shock you that Amsterdam has a lot maritime historical past to inform. You can even 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 may 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 full of marijuana – when visiting Amsterdam. The metropolis is known for its liberal tackle this pure drug, and it’s a large purpose for the floods of vacationers that go to annually. If you do determine to dabble, preserve in thoughts that Amsterdam’s weed is notoriously sturdy. It is finest to keep secure with a gaggle of trusted pals. Specific lodging may additionally have strict guidelines towards marijuana consumption, so examine that forward of time.
If you need to take a sober method to studying extra about Amsterdam’s marijuana, you possibly can 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 stay 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 totally different, and its Chinatown is an absolute hub of Asian delicacies. If you’re keen on Asian delicacies, then you’ve gotten to cease by. While it’s referred to as Chinatown, it contains Malaysian, Thai, and Indonesian eating places and cafes, in addition to Chinese. This means you’ve gotten 1000’s 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.
If you’re on the lookout for an affordable meal or one thing to do in Amsterdam, visiting Chinatown needs to be in your record. Whether you decide pad Thai or Indonesian meals, you’ll have a tasty time.
18. Have a Beach Day
A seashore day? From Amsterdam? Yes, you possibly can completely get pleasure from a seashore day when visiting Amsterdam. And that is exactly why it is best to take at the very least a couple of days to see the town– Amsterdam has incredible day journeys. Zandvoort aan Zee is the closest seashore to the town and is definitely 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 practice. You could be sunbathing at Zandvoort in no time.
19. NEMO Science Museum
This is without doubt one of 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 need an indoor exercise in Amsterdam, undoubtedly go to the NEMO Science Museum. Similarly, it is best to word this in the event you see the town with youngsters.
20. Europe’s Highest Swing
How does Europe’s highest swing sound to you? A’DAM Lookout is arguably the very best place to get pleasure from overlooking Amsterdam. The commentary deck has a panoramic viewpoint, and you’ll 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 possibly can 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. 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 in the event you 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 the town. It is a cultural hub and hosts common occasions. At Christmas particularly, visiting this Square is a should.
Add this sq. to the record if you need free actions in Amsterdam. It takes simply minutes to recognize, 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 trendy artwork museum is without doubt one of the most uncommon and bizarrely collections of paintings, with items similar to large pigs and partitions of Arabic typography describing the influence of abusive relationships. If you fancy an summary look into the trendy artwork world, the museum is ideal. Arrive prepared to problem all the pieces you beforehand considered artwork in Amsterdam.
Fun and whacky, this museum is without doubt one of 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 very best place for you. Gory, grotesque, and painfully detailed, it’s a particular kick for anybody who likes horror-related points of interest. The museum showcases over 40 totally different torture units and strategies 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 it is a high main exercise whenever you go to the town, conveniently situated simply south of the town middle.
25. Verzetsmuseum Amsterdam
Few museums cowl the influence of World War II in such a uncooked approach because the Verzetsmuseum Amsterdam. The Museum of WWII Resistance paperwork the town’s battle towards Nazi invasion and the timeline of the battle. Precious reveals and artifacts showcase the expertise with images, movies, and private gadgets belonging to these impacted.
Many individuals know the historical past of the struggle. Still, this museum gives 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 House.
26. Canal Cruise
A canal cruise is definitely one of many main issues in Amsterdam – you’re in the town of canals, in any case. Amsterdam has 165 canals in whole, 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 suggest 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 may catch. This is a good, budget-friendly choice 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 solely 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 business in Amsterdam.
Set in a Seventeenth-century constructing, the Sex Museum is hilariously misplaced on its busy Amsterdam road. And in the event you fancy a giggle but in addition a critical 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 prepared to embark on excursions. However, 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 coloration scheme is extremely photogenic, with deep blues, reds, and yellows. And if you need 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 practice 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 pictures. This district is the postcard picture of Amsterdam’s canal scene.
You can go to to snap your images and revel in strolling the canal banks. There are over 250 retailers in this district, so take your time, window procuring or procuring 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 previous tram depot. It is on the outskirts of the town middle, 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 fashion.
31. Red Light District
When you discuss to anybody who has visited Amsterdam, they may have a narrative or an opinion on Amsterdam’s Red Light District. Whatever your ideas on legalized intercourse work, this district is an attention-grabbing cultural phenomenon. It is fashionable amongst all vacationers, and the primary draw is simply strolling down the 2 streets, that are cut up by a canal and illuminated in tender 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 by means of the district or go to the Sex Museum in its southern nook. Many excursions additionally run by means of the Red Light District, providing informative strolling excursions and insider particulars.
32. Royal Palace Amsterdam
The Royal Palace Amsterdam is without doubt one of 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 trade in your abiding by the foundations.
If you have an interest in politics or the royal household, it is a lovely place to go to. The grandeur of the structure can be splendid, and historical past lovers can recognize all the knowledge you get on guided excursions.
33. Anne Frank House
The Anne Frank Museum is without doubt one of the hottest issues to do in the town middle. 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 pals lasted 25 months in secrecy, solely being found in 1944 once they had been tragically transported to focus camps – after which solely Otto, Anne’s father, survived.
At the museum, you possibly can stroll by means of the annex the place the group lived and consider all their possessions as they might have been displayed. There are additionally extracts and brief 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 traditional 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 the town, you’ll see a lot of them from an outsider’s perspective. This is a novel alternative to see the approach to life from an inside perspective.
Visiting Amsterdam: FAQs
So, you now know exactly what it is best to add to your Amsterdam itinerary. But how do you slender issues down? You’ll most likely have to be cutthroat until you’ve gotten limitless time in Amsterdam. These are the very best FAQs to allow you to finalize your choices and decide your dream itinerary.
Is it value going to Amsterdam for 3 days?
With three days in Amsterdam, you possibly can go to a handful of nice points of interest and style the town properly. You’ll doubtless have the opportunity 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, you can even get pleasure from 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 elements of the town’s id.
What is Amsterdam is known for?
Amsterdam is known for being a liberal metropolis, sex-positive and marijuana optimistic, 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, 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 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 in the event you 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 wonderful weekend getaway, and it’s straightforward to see why it’s thought-about one of many finest 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 received your itinerary nailed, you possibly can buy groceries in your boutique lodge or fun-loving hostel keep – get pleasure from your journey. For extra day journey concepts, you possibly can take a look at our information on the finest journeys you possibly can take from Amsterdam, which is great in the event you keep in the town longer than a couple of days. And if you need additional inspiration on visiting the Netherlands, take a look at our information right here.