🇳🇱 20 Best Things to Do in Amsterdam: Ultimate Guide 2025
Amsterdam is a vibrant tapestry of history, art, waterways, and innovation. Whether you’re cycling through the canals, exploring masterpieces in world-class museums, or tasting fresh stroopwafels in a bustling market, this city blends old-world charm with a modern creative spirit. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best things to do in Amsterdam, complete with opening hours, admission fees, and insider tips.
- 1. 🎨 Rijksmuseum
- 2. 🌻 Van Gogh Museum
- 3. 🚤 Canal Cruise
- 4. 🏘️ Jordaan District
- 5. 📖 Anne Frank House
- 6. 🌳 Vondelpark
- 7. 🍺 Heineken Experience
- 8. 💐 Bloemenmarkt (Flower Market)
- 9. 🏛️ De Dam (Dam Square)
- 10. 🥙 Albert Cuyp Market
- 11. 🌆 A’DAM Lookout
- 12. 💡 Fabrique des Lumières
- 13. 👑 Royal Palace
- 14. 🍷 De Pijp District
- 15. 🛍️ Negen Straatjes
- 16. 🛍️ Kalverstraat (Shopping Street)
- 17. 🖼️ Moco Museum
- 18. 🧀 Cheese Tasting at Henri Willig
- 19. 🚲 Guided Bike Tour
- 20. 🏞️ Zaanse Schans Windmills
- 🗺️ Map of 20 Best Things to do in Amsterdam
1. 🎨 Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum is the beating heart of Dutch art and history. Inside, Rembrandt’s The Night Watch commands the room like a living drama, while Vermeer’s The Milkmaid captures quiet beauty in a single pour of milk. Beyond the paintings, you’ll find model ships that once ruled the seas, intricate Delftware, and even 17th-century dollhouses that reveal the elegance of daily life centuries ago. The building itself is a masterpiece, blending Gothic and Renaissance styles, and its grand central atrium fills with light in a way that makes every step feel like entering another chapter of history.
🕘 Daily 9:00–17:00
💸 Entrance fee: €25 (Adults), under 18 free
📍 Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam
🌟 Arrive before 10:00 to enjoy the masterpieces with fewer crowds.
🌟 The café is surprisingly good, perfect for a mid-visit recharge.
🌟 Don’t rush; plan at least 2–3 hours to explore properly.
🌟 The gift shop is museum-quality itself, especially for art books.
2. 🌻 Van Gogh Museum
Visiting the Van Gogh Museum is like tracing the artist’s footsteps through joy, struggle, and brilliance. From the earthy tones of his early works to the vivid swirls of Starry Night Over the Rhône, each gallery unfolds like pages from his diary. The letters to his brother Theo bring you closer to Vincent as a person: vulnerable, passionate, and relentless in his pursuit of beauty. By the time you leave, you’ve not only seen his art but also felt his world: the golden wheat fields, the cafés lit by starlight, and the quiet sadness that gave rise to such extraordinary color.
🕘 Daily 9:00–18:00 (Fridays until 21:00)
💸 Entrance fee: €20 (Adults), under 18 free
📍 Museumplein 6, 1071 DJ Amsterdam
🌟 Book tickets online at least two weeks in advance.
🌟 Friday evenings often feature live music and fewer crowds.
🌟 Start from the top floor and work your way down to follow his life chronologically.
🌟 The shop sells exclusive prints you won’t find elsewhere.
3. 🚤 Canal Cruise
Amsterdam’s canals are more than pretty scenery: they’re the city’s veins, carrying centuries of stories. From the water, you see gabled houses leaning into each other, hidden gardens blooming between brick walls, and bridges arching like graceful eyebrows over the rippling water. In the evening, lanterns glow in windows and the city sparkles in reflection, making you feel as if you’ve slipped into a painting. Whether you choose a historic saloon boat, an eco-friendly open sloop, or a candlelit dinner cruise, this is the moment Amsterdam reveals its most romantic self.
🕘 Vary by operator, check out Canal Cruises
💸 Entrance fee: From €17
📍 Variety of starting and end points
🌟 Choose smaller open boats for a more intimate trip.
🌟 Even summer nights can be chilly: bring a jacket.
🌟 Look for wine & cheese cruises for extra charm.
🌟 Sit right-hand side if you’re camera-happy.
4. 🏘️ Jordaan District
The Jordaan is the Amsterdam of your daydreams, narrow lanes lined with ivy-covered houses, flower boxes spilling over balconies, and cafés where locals greet each other like family. Once a working-class neighborhood, it’s now a creative hub filled with artisan boutiques, hidden courtyards, and art galleries tucked behind wooden doors. Street musicians play violins on corners, adding a gentle soundtrack to your wanderings. It’s not a place you rush: you stroll, you linger, and you let the neighborhood’s charm wrap around you like a warm scarf.
🕘 24/7 (shops vary)
💸 Free entry!
📍 Jordaan
🌟 Saturdays feature the lively Noordermarkt farmers’ market.
🌟 Stop for apple pie at Winkel 43: legendary.
🌟 Best explored on foot; wear comfy shoes.
🌟 Early mornings are magical and crowd-free.
5. 📖 Anne Frank House
Few places in the world can bring history so close you can almost hear it breathing. At the Anne Frank House, you step inside the cramped secret annex where Anne, her family, and friends hid for two years during World War II. The wooden stairs creak beneath your feet; the walls still hold pencil marks from growth measurements. Through photos, personal belongings, and Anne’s own words, the museum creates an intimate portrait of hope and humanity under the shadow of persecution. It’s not just a visit, it’s a quiet conversation with history, one that stays with you long after you leave.
🕘 Daily 9:00–22:00
💸 €16 (Adults)
📍 Westermarkt 20, 1016 GV Amsterdam
🌟 Tickets go online exactly 6 weeks ahead, set a reminder.
🌟 Read the diary before visiting for a more personal connection.
🌟 Evenings are quieter and more reflective.
🌟 No large bags; lockers available on-site.
6. 🌳 Vondelpark
Vondelpark is where Amsterdam breathes. Cyclists whiz by, children feed ducks by the ponds, and sunbathers sprawl on the grass with books and baguettes. The park shifts with the seasons: cherry blossoms in spring, golden leaves in autumn, and picnics under long summer evenings. It’s also a cultural space, hosting open-air theatre, music performances, and pop-up food stalls. Whether you’re on a morning run, a lazy afternoon picnic, or just watching the clouds drift by, Vondelpark is a gentle reminder to slow down and live in the moment.
🕘 24/7
💸 Free entry!
📍 1071 AA Amsterdam
🌟 Rent a bike to cover more ground.
🌟 Summer evenings often bring free open-air theatre.
🌟 Bring snacks and join the picnic culture.
🌟 Spring mornings mean blooming flowers and fewer people.
7. 🍺 Heineken Experience
More than just a brewery tour, the Heineken Experience is a playful celebration of Dutch beer-making. You’ll wander through the original 19th-century brewery, inhale the rich scent of hops and malt, and try your hand at pouring the perfect pint. Interactive exhibits explain the brewing process, but the highlight is tasting the finished product in the historic setting. Whether you’re a casual drinker or a craft beer devotee, the combination of history, hands-on fun, and frothy glasses makes for a cheerful, memory-making visit.
🕘 Daily 10:30–19:30
💸 €23
📍 Stadhouderskade 78, 1072 AE Amsterdam
🌟 Buy tickets online for discounts and faster entry.
🌟 The rooftop bar offers great city views.
🌟 Avoid peak times (weekends 1–3 PM).
🌟 Not ideal for under-18s, they’ll get soft drinks instead.
8. 💐 Bloemenmarkt (Flower Market)
Floating on the Singel canal, the Bloemenmarkt is a burst of color and fragrance that changes with the seasons. Stalls overflow with tulips in spring, orchids in summer, and festive evergreens in winter. You can buy everything from fresh bouquets to bulbs packaged for travel, making it as much a shopping trip as a cultural experience. Even if you’re not buying, the sight of countless flowers against the backdrop of the canal feels like pure Amsterdam magic.
🕘 Mon–Sat 9:00–17:30, Sun 11:30–17:30
💸 Free entry!
📍 Singel 630, 600 Amsterdam
🌟 Spring is peak tulip season: most vibrant displays.
🌟 Avoid midday crowds by coming before 10:00.
🌟 Buy bulbs in sealed packages for easier airport customs.
🌟 Nearby cafés have canal-view seating.
9. 🏛️ De Dam (Dam Square)
De Dam is Amsterdam’s living room: a wide, historic square that has witnessed everything from royal processions to lively protests. Surrounded by architectural landmarks like the Royal Palace, the Nieuwe Kerk, and the elegant NH Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky, it’s a place where the city’s pulse is most visible. Street performers, pigeons, and tourists mingle in a constant swirl, while trams rumble past. The National Monument at its center stands in solemn contrast to the square’s energy, honoring those lost in World War II. Whether you’re starting a walking tour, people-watching over coffee, or soaking in the sheer scale of it all, De Dam is where Amsterdam gathers to celebrate, reflect, and simply be.
🕘 Always open
💸 Free entry!
📍 Dam, 1012 RJ Amsterdam
🌟 Visit early in the morning for fewer crowds and softer light for photography.
🌟 Keep an eye on your belongings, it’s busy and pickpockets sometimes operate here.
🌟 Combine your visit with the Royal Palace and Nieuwe Kerk, both right on the square.
🌟 During national events (like King’s Day or Remembrance Day), arrive early to get a good spot.
🌟 For the best view of the square, head to a café with an upstairs seating area.
10. 🥙 Albert Cuyp Market
Albert Cuyp Market is a feast for all the senses. The air smells of sizzling stroopwafels and fresh herring, vendors call out daily specials, and stalls burst with fresh produce, fabrics, and quirky souvenirs. It’s not just a tourist draw, locals shop here too, making it a vibrant blend of cultures, flavors, and stories.
🕘 Mon–Sat 9:00–17:00
💸 Free entry!
📍 Albert Cuypstraat 101, 1072 VV Amsterdam
🌟 Try fresh stroopwafels at Rudi’s Original Stroopwafels
🌟 Try herring sandwiches at Vishandel Albert Cuyp.
🌟 Bring cash; not all stalls take cards.
🌟 Best before noon for fresher goods.
🌟 Wear comfortable shoes, it’s a long street.
11. 🌆 A’DAM Lookout
Across the IJ river from Centraal Station, A’DAM Lookout towers above the city like a futuristic watchpost. From the top, you see the historic center, the port, and the endless flat landscape of the Netherlands stretching to the horizon. But the real adrenaline comes from “Over the Edge”, a swing that arcs you out over the edge of the tower. It’s part thrill ride, part panoramic dreamscape, and fully unforgettable.
🕘 Sun–Thu 10:00–22:00, Fri–Sat 10:00–23:00
💸 €16.50 (swing extra)
📍 IJpromenade 4, 1031 KT Amsterdam
🌟 Sunset slots are magical for photos.
🌟 Swing tickets often sell out; book ahead.
🌟 Free ferry from Central Station gets you there in minutes.
🌟 Wear secure shoes for the swing.
12. 💡 Fabrique des Lumières
Fabrique des Lumières turns art into an immersive world you can step inside. Giant projections dance across warehouse walls, accompanied by music that makes every brushstroke pulse with life. Van Gogh’s swirling skies, Klimt’s shimmering golds: here, they move, they breathe, they surround you. It’s like standing inside the artist’s mind.
🕘 Mon–Sun 10:00–22:00
💸 €16.50–€19.50
📍 Pazzanistraat 37, 1014 DB Amsterdam
🌟 Evening visits feel more atmospheric.
🌟 Move around to see how art changes from different angles.
🌟 Wear darker clothing for better photos.
🌟 Arrive early to explore the industrial setting.
13. 👑 Royal Palace
The Royal Palace is a time capsule of Amsterdam’s Golden Age. Built as a city hall and later converted into a royal residence, its marble halls and elaborate ceilings speak of wealth, power, and artistry. Standing beneath the enormous Atlas statue, you can almost hear the echoes of 17th-century merchants making deals that shaped the world.
🕘 Usually 10:00–17:00 (check online)
💸 €12.50
📍 Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 147, 1012 RJ Amsterdam
🌟 Check schedule to avoid closure days.
🌟 Audio guides give great historical context.
🌟 Look for the Atlas statue atop the building.
🌟 Combine with Dam Square exploration.
14. 🍷 De Pijp District
De Pijp hums with life from morning coffee to midnight cocktails. Streets are lined with global eateries, bohemian bars, and independent shops. It’s a neighborhood where cultures meet, flavors collide, and you can taste the whole world in a few blocks.
🕘 24/7 (venues vary)
💸 Free entry!
📍 De Pijp
🌟 Explore side streets, they hide the best cafés.
🌟 Pair with Albert Cuyp Market visit.
🌟 Nightlife here is vibrant but laid-back.
15. 🛍️ Negen Straatjes
The Nine Streets are Amsterdam’s boutique paradise: narrow lanes lined with vintage shops, design studios, and cozy cafés. Every corner seems to hold a perfect photo opportunity, from canal reflections to quirky window displays.
🕘 Shops usually 10:00–18:00
💸 Free entry!
📍 Negen Straatjes
🌟 Wear comfy shoes, cobblestones abound.
🌟 Best in late morning before crowds.
🌟 Great spot for fashion photography.
🌟 Pair with nearby canal strolls.
16. 🛍️ Kalverstraat (Shopping Street)
Kalverstraat is Amsterdam’s busiest and most famous shopping street, a lively stretch that runs from Dam Square to Muntplein. Here, global fashion brands, Dutch retailers, and quirky boutiques compete for your attention while the aroma of fresh stroopwafels drifts from street stalls. The energy is contagious: locals dash in for quick purchases, tourists browse for souvenirs, and street performers add a soundtrack to your stroll. It’s more than just a retail destination, it’s a glimpse into the city’s modern, fast-paced heartbeat.
🕘 Varies by shop, generally 10:00-19:00
💸 Free entry!
📍 Kalverstraat
🌟 Visit on weekday mornings to avoid weekend crowds.
🌟 Wear comfortable shoes, the street is nearly 750 meters long.
🌟 Don’t miss the side alleys for hidden cafés and smaller, independent shops.
🌟 Keep an eye on seasonal sales (January and July) for big discounts.
🌟 If you need a breather, duck into the nearby Begijnhof courtyard for a moment of quiet.
17. 🖼️ Moco Museum
Moco is Amsterdam’s edgy, rebellious little art museum. Instead of gilded frames and marble halls, you’ll find Banksy’s graffiti, Warhol’s pop culture icons, and Kusama’s infinity rooms. The exhibits often tackle modern issues: consumerism, politics, and the meaning of art in the digital age, but in ways that are bold, colorful, and Instagram-ready. It’s the kind of place where you leave feeling inspired, amused, and maybe a little challenged to see the world differently.
🕘 Daily 9:00–20:00
💸 €21.95
📍 Honthorststraat 20, 1071 DE Amsterdam
🌟 Go in the morning for fewer Instagram queues.
🌟 Keep your camera ready, every wall is a photo-op.
🌟 Student discounts available.
🌟 Pair your visit with a stroll through Museumplein.
18. 🧀 Cheese Tasting at Henri Willig
For cheese lovers, Henri Willig is a pilgrimage. You’ll taste goudas infused with herbs, spices, and even truffle, all made with traditional methods. The friendly staff guide you through pairings and history, making it as educational as it is delicious.
🕘 10:00–19:00 daily
💸 Tastings from €10, book yours here
📍 Reguliersbreestraat 24, 1e verdieping, 1017 CN Amsterdam
🌟 Truffle gouda is a must-try.
🌟 Staff are generous with samples, be curious.
🌟 Buy vacuum-sealed cheese for travel.
🌟 Pairs perfectly with Dutch beer tasting tours.
19. 🚲 Guided Bike Tour
Amsterdam is best understood on two wheels. A guided bike tour takes you beyond the postcard views into quiet courtyards, hidden gardens, and local neighborhoods. Along the way, your guide shares stories, history, and little secrets that make the city come alive.
🕘 Multiple daily departures
💸 From €25, check out Mike’s Bike Tours Amsterdam
📍 Variety of starting points
🌟 Dress for unpredictable Dutch weather.
🌟 Bring water, tours last 2–3 hours.
🌟 Small groups feel more personal.
🌟 Evening tours offer a romantic, lit-up cityscape.
20. 🏞️ Zaanse Schans Windmills
Just outside the city, Zaanse Schans feels like stepping into a storybook. Windmills turn slowly against the sky, cheese makers offer samples in wooden barns, and clog workshops show the skill behind these iconic shoes. It’s the Netherlands in miniature, with a backdrop of green fields and open skies.
🕘 Most attractions 9:00–17:00
💸 Free to enter village; individual windmills €4–€5
📍 Zaanse Schans
🌟 Early mornings are quieter for photos.
🌟 Try fresh stroopwafels from local bakers.
🌟 Wear layers, it’s windier than the city.
🌟 Take the train from Centraal Station for convenience.
🗺️ Map of 20 Best Things to do in Amsterdam
Amsterdam offers an endless array of experiences, from timeless cultural treasures to quirky urban adventures. Whether it’s gazing at Golden Age masterpieces, gliding along the canals, or savoring fresh market delicacies, these best things to do in Amsterdam will ensure your trip is unforgettable. The city invites you to slow down, explore, and embrace its perfect mix of history and modern creativity!
