Amsterdam could be most famed for its former industrial buildings alongside canals, Purple Mild 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 lots of 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. The truth is, there are such a lot of issues to do in Amsterdam that we struggled to slender it down to simply these prime 34. Earlier than you even take into consideration the place to remain in Amsterdam or e-book flights, it’s good to take a look at which issues in Amsterdam you’d love to do. Your pursuits will dictate which neighborhood it’s finest to remain in.
On this information, we’ll offer you all of the inspiration and logistics it’s essential get pleasure from visiting ‘Dam’. Whether or not you want historical past, partying, or art work, Amsterdam has at the least 20 points of interest to squeeze into your itinerary. It’s protected to say that this well-known canal metropolis has many methods up its sleeve.
1. Rijksmuseum
In case you nonetheless surprise why Amsterdam is such a cultural hotspot, go to the Rijksmuseum. This Nineteenth-century museum homes a number of the most precious Dutch Golden Age work, together with Rembrandt’s Evening Watch. It’s an artwork lover’s paradise and is equally alluring for these with an appreciation for historical past and tradition.
You possibly 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 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, this can be 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 art work; there are letters and reveals on Van Gogh’s private life. The museum is a extremely intimate perception into the artist and his creations. Seize your tickets now..
3. Vondelpark
Searching for sunny day actions in Amsterdam? Vondelpark is without doubt one of the metropolis’s main choices and one of the best free issues to do. The park dates again to the Nineteenth century and boasts an unlimited open-air theater. It’s a low-maintenance exercise, too, with a kids’s park ultimate for touring households to go to early within the morning to let kids run off steam. There are additionally scenic ponds and picnic areas to take a seat with a takeout espresso and lunch.
Vondelpark is a stupendous place to go to in Amsterdam and an actual alternative to unwind and loosen up.
4. Our Lord within the Attic Museum
Our Lord within the Attic Museum is named Ons Lieve Heer Op in Dutch. This Seventeenth-century canal home has a barely uncommon identify, however it is best to have the ability to guess what the museum is about. It provides audio excursions of a secret – and mysteriously ornate – Catholic church hidden on the prime of a canal home. Our Lord within 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 Movie Museum
The Eye Movie Museum is principally cinematic heaven. It has every part from international 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 need to catch a ferry to achieve this museum from behind Central Station. Even this provides to the dramatic enchantment, and the Eye Movie Museum feels suitably tucked away in its personal little world throughout the water.
The colourful and fascinating reveals showcase posters, film clips, and extra. They’re like slightly time capsule devoted explicitly to the film world.
6. Bike Tour
You possibly can’t go to Amsterdam and not take a motorbike tour. Amsterdam could be the town of canals, however it’s additionally the town of bikes. In case you’ve tried to stroll down the road or cross the highway, you’ll perceive that the eco-friendly stance truly borders on hazardous pedestrians. And it isn’t an Amsterdam expertise till you’ve been yelled at by at the least one bike owner for by chance chopping them off. So, when you can’t beat them, be a part of them. Experiencing Amsterdam from two wheels is without doubt one of the most traditional and conventional methods to sightsee the town.
You possibly can e-book loads of totally different biking excursions of Amsterdam on-line, and as Amsterdam is a remarkably flat metropolis, you’ll don’t have any points maintaining.
7. Moco Museum
The Moco Museum is the place to go in Amsterdam for contemporary art work. Its abbreviation stands for the Trendy Up to date Museum Amsterdam, and it showcases an unlimited vary of items, spanning from Dali and Banksy works to native artists. Artwork fanatics will love this attraction, however equally, the sheer vary of what Moco Museum covers renders it entertaining for artwork newbies and extra common vacationers. The very fact you’ll be able to see Banksy’s art work is a draw for most individuals. And every part from road artwork to modern items will depart you scratching your head.
Whereas solely small, the Moco Museum can simply entertain you for an hour or two. It’s a massively underrated attraction, and we suggest it when visiting Amsterdam.
8. Windmill Day Journey
One other 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. Nonetheless, these days, they’re additionally a profound supply of inexperienced vitality, utilizing wind turbine buildings to assist with electrical energy. There are over 10,000 operational windmills within the Netherlands, an unlimited proportion of that are round Amsterdam. These are famed for his or her conventional design – chunky picket buildings.
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 widespread selection. It’s reachable independently by bus in underneath 40 minutes – an enormous bonus.
9. Meals 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 wonderful delicacies. Town middle has meals halls, the place you’ll be able to attempt every part from stroopwafels to Indonesian delicacies. The choices are significantly beneficiant, and probably the most organized and time-efficient technique to expertise them is on a guided meals tour.
You possibly can simply e-book a meals tour on-line, which is able to take you round designated tasting hotspots.
10. Go to the Flower Markets
The flower markets are a large spotlight of visiting Amsterdam. Flower buying and selling has been a significant a part of Amsterdam’s economic 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 one of the best markets.
In case you drive to Amsterdam or journey through public transport, you’ll be able to carry some house. In case you are flying, you’ll seemingly discover this too tough, however you’ll be able to nonetheless go to for the aesthetic and expertise.
11. Day Journey to the Tulip Fields
The tulip fields round Amsterdam are actually well-known. You’ve seemingly seen footage of the Dutch tulips on Instagram or in journey magazines. The height tulip season is from April to Might, after which you’ll see many tulips in flower outlets and markets from December till Might. Amsterdam is understood for its tulips because of deep cultural and historic ties to the flower, which rose so excessive within the Seventeenth century that bulbs had been traded akin to inventory on the Amsterdam Inventory Trade. They had been price greater than gold and bought at a ridiculously excessive worth that solely probably the most elite and rich might afford.
It’s straightforward to see the tulips when you go to on the proper time of yr. You possibly can take a day journey to Bollenstreek or e-book 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 Center Ages. The 14th-century church is now a functioning Calvinist place of worship that repeatedly hosts spiritual and cultural occasions. Nonetheless, 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 set of artwork reveals. Guests 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 in order for you an inspiring exercise in Amsterdam, we suggest visiting.
13. Lease a SUP
In case you don’t fancy the canal tour or free ferry, why not hire a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) and go alone? It is a extra unorthodox factor to do in Amsterdam, however who cares? Life is about journey, proper? You possibly can hire an SUP from everywhere in the metropolis in several shops and water sports activities facilities, particularly round Amsteldijk. Lease a stand-up paddleboard for a couple of hours and take it to the water. You might have 165 canals at your disposal, finest skilled from the water.
Prepare. It’s about to get lively and thrilling. In case you haven’t gone paddle boarding earlier than, know that there’s a excessive chance you’re coming off sooner or later. So that you’ll have to be carrying appropriate garments for a fast swim. A water-proof digital camera can also be a terrific shout.
14. Design Your Personal Chocolate Bar
Have you ever ever puzzled concerning the technique of designing chocolate bars? This weird area of interest expertise is a should for anybody with a candy tooth. You possibly can create your personal 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 Firm 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 clean tasting because of the alkaline remedy that it makes use of within the chocolate-making course of. So head right down to one of many shops and test it out.
15. The Nationwide Maritime Museum
Subsequent up is the Nationwide 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 may also rise up near a reproduction of an 18th-century service provider ship, which helps to carry the tales to life.
The Nationwide Maritime Museum is massively interactive and nice enjoyable to go to. There are even digital voyages that you would be able to take. Its entrance payment is modest, too, making it one of many cheaper issues to do in Amsterdam.
16. Smoke Some Weed
Relying in your beliefs and values, it’s possible you’ll need to smoke some weed or attempt an area cake – aka desserts stuffed with marijuana – when visiting Amsterdam. Town is legendary for its liberal tackle this pure drug, and it’s a huge purpose for the floods of vacationers that go to annually. In case you do determine to dabble, needless to say Amsterdam’s weed is notoriously robust. It’s best to remain protected with a gaggle of trusted buddies. Particular lodging may also have strict guidelines in opposition to marijuana consumption, so test that forward of time.
If you wish to take a sober method 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. Go to Chinatown
Each good metropolis has a good higher Chinatown – we don’t make the foundations; that is only a truth of life. Amsterdam isn’t any totally different, and its Chinatown is an absolute hub of Asian delicacies. In case you love Asian delicacies, then it’s important to cease by. Whereas it’s known as Chinatown, it consists of Malaysian, Thai, and Indonesian eating places and cafes, in addition to Chinese language. This implies you have got 1000’s of scrumptious dishes and specialties at your fingertips. And that’s earlier than you even take into consideration the eclectic outlets and aesthetic decorations strung alongside these slender canal streets.
In case you are in search of an affordable meal or one thing to do in Amsterdam, visiting Chinatown needs to be in your record. Whether or not you choose pad Thai or Indonesian meals, you’ll have a tasty time.
18. Have a Seashore Day
A seashore day? From Amsterdam? Sure, you’ll be able to completely get pleasure from a seashore day when visiting Amsterdam. And that is exactly why it is best to take at the 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 well accessible through Central Station. Zandvoort Seashore is gorgeous, with lengthy golden sands and laidback bars and eating places lining its promenade. Enjoyable and light-hearted, it’s the place to go on a sunny day in Amsterdam.
It takes lower than an hour to achieve through sprinter prepare. You might be sunbathing at Zandvoort very quickly.
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 every part science-related. The museum spans dramatic five-floor reveals, with coloration and wow-factor reveals at each flip.
In order for you an indoor exercise in Amsterdam, positively go to the NEMO Science Museum. Equally, it is best to observe this when you see the town with children.
20. Europe’s Highest Swing
How does Europe’s highest swing sound to you? A’DAM Lookout is arguably one of the 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 stage. As such a flat metropolis, A’DAM Lookout ticks a massively wanted field. And on that commentary 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 determine. However whether or not you watch different individuals undertake the swing or have a go your self, A’DAM Lookout is a should while you go to Amsterdam.
21. Dam Sq.
Dam Sq. is gorgeous, particularly on a sunny day. The sq. has a central location and a wealthy historical past. Even when you simply go to feed the pigeons, it’s a must-add to your Amsterdam itinerary. The ambiance is unparalleled, and you’ll get pleasure from views of a number of the most notable buildings within the metropolis. It’s a cultural hub and hosts common occasions. At Christmas particularly, visiting this Sq. is a should.
Add this sq. to the record in order for you free actions in Amsterdam. It takes simply minutes to understand, making it a superb 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 art work, with items comparable to big pigs and partitions of Arabic typography describing the affect of abusive relationships. In case you fancy an summary look into the trendy artwork world, the museum is ideal. Arrive able to problem every part you beforehand thought of artwork in Amsterdam.
Enjoyable and whacky, this museum is without doubt one of the prime 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. In order for you an perception into the historic strategies of torture utilized in Amsterdam, that is one of the best 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 totally different torture units and strategies that date again to the Center Ages.
Whereas the museum is certainly not for the faint of coronary heart, it is a fascinating and spine-shivering historic attraction in Amsterdam. In case you are bored of the run-of-the-mill historical past museums in main European cities, this attraction will shake issues up.
24. Heineken Expertise
The Heineken Expertise 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 prime main exercise while you go to the town, conveniently positioned simply south of the town middle.
25. Verzetsmuseum Amsterdam
Few museums cowl the affect of World Struggle II in such a uncooked approach because the Verzetsmuseum Amsterdam. The Museum of WWII Resistance paperwork the town’s battle in opposition to Nazi invasion and the timeline of the battle. Treasured reveals and artifacts showcase the expertise with pictures, movies, and private gadgets belonging to these impacted.
Many individuals know the historical past of the conflict. Nonetheless, this museum gives a way more intimate perception into the ordeal. You’ll study all about what life was like underneath occupation and the actual individuals behind the statistics. This museum is ideally mixed with a go to to Anne Frank’s Home.
26. Canal Cruise
A canal cruise is well one of many main issues in Amsterdam – you’re within the metropolis of canals, in spite of everything. Amsterdam has 165 canals in complete, all simply prepared and ready to be explored from the water. You possibly can drift serenely together with an audio or guided tour expertise, admiring the historic buildings and Amsterdam’s distinctive surroundings.
There are such a lot of 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 wish to be actually sneaky, there’s additionally a free ferry service that you would be able to catch. It is a nice, budget-friendly choice to see the canals in Amsterdam.
27. Intercourse Museum
A museum devoted to intercourse is certainly on model in the case of visiting Amsterdam. The Intercourse Museum is the world’s first and oldest museum completely 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 Intercourse Museum is hilariously misplaced on its busy Amsterdam road. And when you fancy a giggle but in addition a severe look into the town’s angle and tradition behind intercourse, this museum is a best choice to your itinerary.
28. Damrak
Damrak is a bit of the canal the place you’ll discover rows of moored canal boats able to embark on excursions. Nonetheless, 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 very 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.
It is a free exercise in Amsterdam, mixed with taking a canal boat tour or heading to the central prepare station.
29. 9 Streets
9 Streets is the district acknowledged by UNESCO as Amsterdam’s canal district. ‘ This close-knit row of canal streets is the town’s most aesthetic and consultant part. It’s the place most individuals go to snap iconic canal photographs. This district is the postcard picture of Amsterdam’s canal scene.
You possibly can go to to snap your pictures and revel in strolling the canal banks. There are over 250 outlets on this district, so take your time, window buying or buying if you want. And there are cafes and museums to dip out and in 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 Artwork Home Cinema
Filmhallen Artwork Home Cinema is uniquely positioned in an outdated tram depot. It’s on the outskirts of the town middle, within the Amsterdam Oud-West district, a brief stroll away from De 9 Straatjes. In case you fancy a laidback exercise in Amsterdam, visiting the cinema is the best wet day or low-energy exercise. And the tram depot setting makes it much more attractive. Filmhallen is the place to go to the cinema in novelty model.
31. Purple Mild District
While you discuss to anybody who has visited Amsterdam, they are going to have a narrative or an opinion on Amsterdam’s Purple Mild District. No matter your ideas on legalized intercourse work, this district is an fascinating cultural phenomenon. It’s common amongst all vacationers, and the principle draw is simply strolling down the 2 streets, that are break up by a canal and illuminated in tender purple lighting. It’s stated to this point again to the 14th century. Nonetheless, it established itself within the Seventeenth century – so it’s as a lot historic as something seedy.
You possibly can stroll via the district or go to the Intercourse Museum in its southern nook. Many excursions additionally run via the Purple Mild 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 stick to strict guidelines – that is the house of the Netherlands’ royal household – however you’ll get an perception into royal life in alternate to your abiding by the foundations.
In case you are considering politics or the royal household, this can be a lovely place to go to. The grandeur of the structure can also be splendid, and historical past lovers can recognize all the knowledge you get on guided excursions.
33. Anne Frank Home
The Anne Frank Museum is without doubt one of the hottest issues to do within the metropolis middle. This industrial constructing is the place Anne and her household hid within the secret annex in the course of the Nazi occupation in central Amsterdam. The household and their buddies 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.
On the museum, you’ll be able to stroll via the annex the place the group lived and think about all their possessions as they’d 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? Nicely, 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 within the metropolis, you’ll see a lot of them from an outsider’s perspective. It is a distinctive 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. However how do you slender issues down? You’ll in all probability need to be cutthroat until you have got limitless time in Amsterdam. These are one of the best FAQs that can assist you finalize your selections and choose your dream itinerary.
Is it price 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 the town effectively. You’ll seemingly have the ability to take a canal tour and go to the Anne Frank Home, the Purple Mild 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’s Amsterdam is legendary for?
Amsterdam is legendary for being a liberal metropolis, sex-positive and marijuana constructive, with a lot of creatives and hyperlinks to the world-renowned Vincent Van Gogh. It additionally has a lot of World Struggle II historical past, as an illustration, on the Anne Frank Museum.
Is 2 days sufficient to see Amsterdam?
You’ll be hard-pushed to see one of the best of Amsterdam in simply two days. You possibly can squeeze in 3-4 points of interest, just like the Anne Frank Museum, Royal Palace, and Purple Mild District. Nonetheless, you’ll miss out on the ‘genuine’ Amsterdam and really feel rushed. Do not forget that when 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 interior flower aesthetic with a go to to its floral markets. Town is a stupendous weekend getaway, and it’s straightforward to see why it’s thought of one of many finest European metropolis getaways. You possibly can admire Van Gogh’s art work or cruise down a sedate canal. There’s simply a lot at your fingertips when visiting Amsterdam.
Now you’ve obtained your itinerary nailed, you’ll be able to buy groceries to 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 finest journeys you’ll be able to take from Amsterdam, which is great when you keep within the metropolis longer than a couple of days. And in order for you additional inspiration on visiting the Netherlands, try our information right here.
