This blog post is about best things to do in Amsterdam.
If you are visiting Amsterdam for the first time, you’ll be happy to know that there is so many amazing things to do in the city. Especially for first time visitors!
Amsterdam is one of my favorite cities in Europe.
It offers beautiful architecture, amazing vibes, and so many unique things to do in the city – from beautiful canals, historic houses, vibrant culture, delicious food – there is so much to see and do!
To help you plan the perfect trip to Amsterdam, I’ve put together this list of 13 best things to do in Amsterdam that you can’t miss out on!
Let’s get started ✈
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Best Things To Do In Amsterdam
Table of Contents
What Not to Do in Amsterdam on Your 1st Trip:
Here are some important things to avoid in Amsterdam to ensure a fun, smooth trip:
1. Don’t Walk in the Bike Lanes – this is the most important rule in Amsterdam, and especially for your physical safety. Bike lanes are usually paved with red asphalt and marked with bicycle icons.
Amsterdammers use their bikes as primary transportation; they move fast and generally won’t stop for anyone walking in the bike lane lol
Always look both ways before crossing any paved strip.
2. Know the difference between a coffeeshop and a cafe – In Amsterdam, there are three different “coffee shops”:
- Koffiehuis: A traditional place to get coffee and a sandwich.
- Café: Often a bar or “Brown Cafe” (traditional pub).
- Coffeeshop: An establishment that sells things you can smoke lol.
3. Don’t Limit Yourself to the City Center – if you want to experience the “real Amsterdam”, you won’t find it in Dam Square or in the Centraal Station.
Instead, wander around and explore areas like “The Jordaan”, “De Pijp”, and “Amsterdam Noord”.
Amsterdam Overview & Travel Tips:
Currency: Euro – €
Language: Dutch (but English is widely understood in tourist areas).
Transportation: Bicycles, Trams, Metro, Ferries, and High-speed trains (NS).
Must-Know Basics:
- 💳 Go cashless – Many shops, cafes, and even some public transport systems in Amsterdam are “Pin-only,” meaning they do not accept cash-only debit or credit cards.
- 🏛️ Museums require pre-booking – Popular spots like the Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh Museum often sell out weeks in advance; they rarely offer walk-in tickets.
- 📱 Using an eSIM for your trip to Amsterdam is a GAME CHANGER.
You can install a great, cheap Netherlands eSIM to get data on the go, without changing your phone number, while having internet the minute you land!
BEST THINGS TO DO IN AMSTERDAM:
1. Take a Canal Cruise
One of my favorite activities in Amsterdam, and one of the best ways to get a fun introduction to Amsterdam is by going on a canal cruise.
It is such a fun way to get a different perspective of Amsterdam, and see from the water historic buildings, charming bridges, beautiful architecture, and learn about the city’s history.
Of course, I highly recommend going on a sunset cruise. They feel so magical!
And an even bigger recommendation, is to join a unique canal cruise, and not just the regular cruises.
For example, there are canal cruises with cheese tastings, canal cruises for smokers, all-you-can-eat pancakes cruises, and more!
2. Try Traditional Dutch Food
The Dutch cuisine is VERY good. And it’s a huge part of experiencing Amsterdam. Here are must-try Dutch food in my opinion:
3. Visit the Bloemenmarkt (Floating Flower Market)
The Bloemenmarkt is the world’s only floating market, and it’s a beautiful area to visit in general!
It is colorful, lively, located in a beautiful neighborhood, and it’s the perfect place to explore and get some tulip souvenirs.
There are also cheese shops nearby, that you can go in and taste different cheeses and buy anything you like.
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4. Join a Guided Bike Tour
If you truly want to explore Amsterdam like a local, joining a guided bike tour is a must!
During the tour, you’ll cycle through iconic spots in Amsterdam like Vondelpark, the Anne Frank House, the famous canal ring, while also discovering hidden gems you might otherwise miss.
The tour takes around 1.5 hours, and includes bicycles and a local tour guide. There are also plenty of spots along the way, and it’s a great relaxing and interesting way to explore Amsterdam.
5. Watch the sunset at A'DAM Lookout
One of my most memorable moments in Amsterdam was seeing the beautiful sunset at the A’DAM Lookout.
We arrived here just before sunset, and got to see a breathtaking panoramic view of the city, and while the sun went down it felt even more magical.
Also, I recommend staying here after sunset as well, because then you’ll see the city lights, and have a magical experience of seeing all the city lights from above.
6. Visit The Anne Frank House
You can’t visit Amsterdam without visiting the Anne Frank House. This is a must no matter what.
In my opinion, this is one of the most powerful and meaningful experiences you can have in Amsterdam.
Walking through the hidden rooms of the Secret Annex, where Anne Frank and her family lived in hiding during World War II, brings her story to life in a deeply moving way.
The museum is well curated, combining personal belongings, historical context, and excerpts from her diary.
Though make sure to book your tickets well in advance.
You can purchase tickets through the official website, and make sure to book them well in advance, because tickets sell out fast and even months in advance!
7. Have a Picnic at Vondelpark
Vondelpark is the Amsterdam’s most famous park, and is the perfect way to take a break from the busy city life.
In one of the mornings during our trip, we went to the grocery store and bought some bread and crackers, different cheeses, and delicious fruit, and went for a breakfast picnic in Vondelpark, and I must say that is was one of my favorite experiences!
It was so relaxing to sit down at the park, enjoy nature, and start our day in the most relaxing way possible in Amsterdam.
You don’t have to go here for breakfast only, you can do the same for lunch, or even buy some fruit, cheeses and some wine and come here for a relaxing city break in the afternoon.
8. Wander the Jordaan Neighborhood
If you want to experience the “real” Amsterdam, Dam Square ain’t it. Head to the beautiful Jordaan neighborhood and just get lost!
Jordaan is filled with beautiful narrow streets, cute boutique shops, cozy cafes, hidden courtyards, and more. It’s the perfect place to slow down, grab a coffee, and just wander without a plan.
9. Visit the Albert Cuyp Market
If you want to experience Amsterdam like a local, visiting the Albert Cuyp Market is one of the best places to experience everyday life in Amsterdam.
This market is located in the De Pijp neighborhood, and is a busy street market packed with delicious food stalls, fresh produce, clothes, souvenirs, and local goods.
It’s the perfect place to try authentic Dutch snacks, find some cute souvenirs, and just soak up the vibe.
The atmosphere alone makes visiting Albert Cuyp Market totally worth it.
10. Explore the Van Gogh Museum
If you are a true art lover, you can’t miss the Van Gogh Museum. This world class museum is home to the world’s largest collection of artwork by Van Gogh.
To guarantee your visit, make sure to book your tickets early. This is one of the most popular attractions in Amsterdam, and tickets sell out FAST.
I highly recommend booking your Van Gogh Museum tickets here!
11. Visit the Tulip Fields in Spring
If you’re visiting Amsterdam in the spring, a must-do activity is seeing the famous Dutch tulip fields!
Just outside the city, you’ll find endless rows of colorful flowers, usually from late March to early May.
The most popular place to experience this is Keukenhof.
It offers beautiful designed flower displays and walking paths, and is one of the most unique and Instagrammable places in the Netherlands!
I highly recommend booking tickets here. It includes Keukenhof entry tickets and transportation to and from the Keukenhof fields, and there’s also an optional guided tour option.
12. Discover the Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes)
De Negen Straatjes is a beautiful area in Amsterdam filled with beautiful boutiques, vintage shops, cozy cafes, and more.
It’s the perfect area to get lost in, discover new shops and cafes, and is also a great shopping area to explore during your trip to Amsterdam.
13. Take a Day Trip to Zaanse Schans
If you have an extra day in Amsterdam, I highly recommend including a day trip to Zaanse Schans in your Amsterdam itinerary.
Zaanse Schans is the perfect place to get a glimpse of traditional Dutch life.
It’s just a short drive from Amsterdam, and is a charming village that feels like you are stepping back in time, with its iconic windmills, wooden houses, and beautiful countryside views.
You can explore working windmills, watch cheese-making demonstrations (and also enjoy cheese tasting after which was my favorite part!), and see how traditional wooden clogs are made.
It’s a unique escape from Amsterdam that teaches you more about the Dutch culture and history.
That’s it for today! I hope you found some great things to add to your Amsterdam itinerary, and have an idea of what to do in Amsterdam!
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This blog post was about best things to do in Amsterdam.
