Netherland’s beautiful and charming capital, Amsterdam, is a traveler’s delight. Often called the Venice of the North, the small village-like city is lined with canals, striking architecture, and quaint neighborhoods with plenty to see and do. Its small size means you can really immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and become one of the 740,000 inhabitants of the city.
From world-class museums to stunning canals and bridges, there is a great selection of fun things to do in the Dutch capital.
1. Take a selfie at I Amsterdam Letters
Rijksmuseum Amsterdam museum with words I Amsterdam | S-F, Shutterstock
Initially installed in 2004 to celebrate the city’s diverse citizens, the huge red and white letters are considered the definitive marker that you’ve been in Amsterdam. Find the letters and get ready with your best pose. Part of the fun is trying to locate the sign! The moving letters are showcased in lesser-known neighborhoods and events to promote these to visitors.
2. Reconnect with nature at Vondelpark
People in orange celebrate King’s Day in Vondelpark, the Netherlands | lornet, Shutterstock
Spanning 120 acres, Vondelpark is the largest city park in Amsterdam. The famous park welcomes over 10 million visitors yearly, and after one visit to the park, you’ll understand why. Full of large, bright-green trees, spacious greenery, and mirror-like ponds, the green heart of Amsterdam is a refuge to all. The park is open every day from sunrise to sunset. On some days, you may catch free concerts held at the open-air theater or the park’s bandstand.
Vondelpark
Van Baerlestraat & Vondelpark Museum Quarter, Amsterdam The Netherlands
Admission: Free
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Best place to eat near Vondelpark according to locals and visitors:
• Nachos Amsterdam (5/5 stars, Delivery Restaurant, $$$)
• Restaurant Jaspers (4.7/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Restaurant Floreyn (4.7/5 stars, Dutch, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Vondelpark.
The best hotel to stay near Vondelpark based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• citizenM Amstel Amsterdam (9/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
3. Cycle around the city
Traveling around the street, the city full with bike and bicycle parking are at the city of Amsterdam city | PLOO Galary, Shutterstock
Amsterdam often tops the world’s most bike-friendly cities. With over 800,000 bicycles (more bikes than people!), well-planned cycle routes, and wide and flat streets, the city is best experienced on two wheels. Pedal on the charming streets to take in the beautiful Dutch architecture. If you’re just visiting for a day or two, bicycles are available for rent around the city.
4. Stop and smell the tulips at Keukenhof
Blooming colorful tulips flower bed in public flower garden Keukenhof with windmill | Nikolay Antonov, Shutterstock
Tulips and other bulb flowers are the pride and trademark of the Netherlands, and it’s capital does not run short of places that showcase the natural beauty of these flowers. Nearby Amsterdam is Keukenhof, a world-renowned bulb flower park attracting flower lovers from all over the globe. The park is open only during tulip season, from March to May.
If you miss the tulip season, you can gaze at these beautiful symbols of the Netherlands at the Amsterdam Tulip Museum, where you can learn more about its history and cultural impact. Or buy one for yourself at the Bloemenmarkt, a large flower market specializing in the gorgeous blooms. You are sure to fall into the tulipmania while in Amsterdam.
Keukenhof
Stationsweg 166A, 2161 AM Lisse, Netherlands
Admission: Kids (0 to 3 years) Free (4 to 17 years old) € 9.00; Adults Online € 17.50 Ticket office € 19.00; Groups (>20 people) Online € 15.75 Ticket office € 17.00
Ph: +31 252 465 555
Get directions
Best place to eat near Keukenhof according to locals and visitors:
• Trattoria Panini (4.5/5 stars, Italian, $$$)
• Trattoria da Marco (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Het Oude Dykhuys (4.5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Keukenhof.
The best hotel to stay near Keukenhof based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• Wapen van Noordwijkerhout (9/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
5. Step back in time at Jordaan
Typical street corner in the Jordaan, a well known neighborhood in the old historic center of Amsterdam | Harry Beugelink, Shutterstock
Amsterdam is a city full of charm, but no more so than Jordaan. This gorgeous and centrally located area is famous, often being called the city’s most charming neighborhood. Walking through the narrow streets and lovely buildings, you’ll notice the staggering amount of cafes and breakfast/brunch spots and antique collections, making it perfect for the hungry and the curious. Be transported back in time with the traditional and classic architecture with the modern twists here and there.
Jordaan
Neighbourhood of the city of Amsterdam
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Best place to eat near Jordaan according to locals and visitors:
• Restaurant Prins van Oranje (4.5/5 stars, Dutch, $$$)
• Lazagne Store (4.6/5 stars, Italian, $$)
• Pesca – Vis restaurant – Seafood Amsterdam (4.5/5 stars, Seafood, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Jordaan.
The best hotel to stay near Jordaan based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• Conscious Hotel Westerpark (8.8/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
5. Taste delicacies at Winkel 43
Located in the lively Jordaan neighborhood, Winkel 43 is best known for its apple pie. The pie in question is a decadent treat: chunky caramelized apple contained in a smooth crumbly piecrust topped with generous dollops of whipped cream. And while some people visit the cafe for the famous pie, exclaiming its the best apple pie they’ve ever had, the cafe also offers other confectionaries and meal options.
You can enjoy the treat inside or out on the street side terrace as you people watch. The cafe often draws people, so you might have to wait in line. Settle down in the cozy, atmospheric cafe with a cup of coffee and a slice of warm apple pie.
Winkel 43
Noordermarkt 43, 1015 NA Amsterdam, Netherlands
Ph: +31 20 623 0223
Get directions
Best place to eat near Winkel 43 according to locals and visitors:
• Restaurant Daalder (4.6/5 stars, Fine dining, $$$)
• Hinata Amsterdam (4.6/5 stars, Ramen, $$)
• El pibe (4.5/5 stars, Seafood, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Winkel 43.
The best hotel to stay near Winkel 43 based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• Room Mate Aitana (8.9/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
6. Remember at the Anne Frank House
Tourists waiting in line to get in to the Anne Frank house in Amsterdam next to the Westertoren | Ivo Antonie de Rooij, Shutterstock
The Anne Frank House is one of Amsterdam’s historic landmarks. For the unacquainted, Anne Frank was a German-born Dutch-Jewish girl who wrote an esteemed and vivid memoir chronicling life under the German-occupied Netherlands during World War II and the house is where she spent her days hiding from Nazi persecution.
The museum opened on May 3, 1960, preserves the canal house, her hideaway, while showcasing her life in detail. Remember Anne Frank and the sacrifices the world sustained to give a brighter future to the younger generation at the Anne Frank House. Purchase your tickets in advance to maximize your visit.
Anne Frank House
Westermarkt 20, 1016 GV Amsterdam, Netherlands
Admission: €0.50 per child; €9.50 regular
Ph: 020 556 71 05
Get directions
Best place to eat near Anne Frank House according to locals and visitors:
• La Fiorita (4.7/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Sajj & Mezza’s (5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Vinkeles (4.5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Anne Frank House.
The best hotel to stay near Anne Frank House based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• Hotel Mercier (8.8/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
7. Celebrate Van Gogh’s legacy
Crowd in front of the new wing of the Van Gogh Museum with sunflowers in the foreground | www.hollandfoto.net, Shutterstock
Dedicated to the famous Vincent van Gogh and his contemporaries, the Van Gogh Museum is one of the most popular museums in the world. The museum has the largest collection of works by Van Gogh, with over 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and 700 of his letters.
Take an art masterclass from Van Gogh himself as you peruse his instantly recognizable impressionist-era works and see his development during the 19th century. The museum is open daily. Since it’s popular with art lovers, book a time slot online for a leisurely viewing experience.
Van Gogh Museum
Museumplein 6, 1071 DJ Amsterdam, Netherlands
Admission: Adults€ 19; Visitors under 18 free (school groups excluded); Museumkaart holders free
Ph: (020) 570 52 00
Get directions
Best place to eat near Van Gogh Museum according to locals and visitors:
• Restaurant Watergang (4.7/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• BrgrrTIME – An American diner in Amsterdam (5/5 stars, Hamburger, $$)
• Factory Girl (4.9/5 stars, Breakfast, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Van Gogh Museum.
The best hotel to stay near Van Gogh Museum based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• The Student Amsterdam City (9/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
8. Discover modern art at Stedelijk Museum
Stedelijk Museum, a museum for modern art and contemporary art in Amsterdam, Netherlands | Mo Wu, Shutterstock
Another popular museum in Amsterdam is the Stedelijk Museum. Housing a rich and impressive collection of modern art from the likes of Picasso, Warhol, Matisse, Pollock and more, pieces from 20th-century Dutch artists like Mondrian, and the exciting and rotating temporary exhibits, it is a must-visit for art lovers.
Be inspired by contemporary works that help shape and evolve the very definition of art and design in the modern world. Don’t forget to explore the futuristic new wing of the museum, a favorite of the visitors since its addition in 2012. The museum is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm and until 10 pm on Fridays.
Stedelijk Museum
Museumplein 10, 1071 DJ Amsterdam, Netherlands
Admission: 0 – 18 Free; 19 and over €18.50; CJP Pass €10.00
Ph: +31 20 573 2911
Get directions
Best place to eat near Stedelijk Museum according to locals and visitors:
• Dope (4.9/5 stars, Pizza, $$$)
• Yerba (4.5/5 stars, Hamburger, $$)
• Sita Djanoko Restaurant (4.5/5 stars, Indian, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Stedelijk Museum.
The best hotel to stay near Stedelijk Museum based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• XO Hotels Couture (8.8/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
9. Have a fun night out at Leidseplein
Night life at Leidseplein | Pxhere
Leidseplein is a busy square in Amsterdam serving as a major transport hub of the city. However, it comes alive at night as it serves as the center for fun night out activities. The streets become littered with talented street performers and fun-seeking individuals weaving through the many bars, dance clubs, and live music venues that have opened for the late-night crowd. Arrive at the square just before sunset, sit in front of a pub and grab a beer. It’s fascinating to watch people slowly fill out the area.
Leidseplein
Leidseplein, 1017 PS Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Best place to eat near Leidseplein according to locals and visitors:
• Umaimon (4.5/5 stars, Pizza, $$$)
• The Pantry (4.6/5 stars, Dutch, $$)
• Hollands Hap Hmm Restaurant (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Leidseplein.
The best hotel to stay near Leidseplein based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• Hotel V Fizeaustraat (9.1/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
10. See from up above at A’DAM Lookout
Young couple on the swing on the roof of tower A’dam at sunset time | Konstantin Tronin, Shutterstock
A’DAM LOOKOUT – 360 Amsterdam & Sensational Swing | A’DAM LOOKOUT, YouTube
For the best views of Amsterdam, head over to A’DAM Lookout. The relatively flat city is a stunning view from up above, and the observation deck offers 360-views of the area. The lookout has two viewing decks, indoor and outdoor. For extra Euros, the outdoor option has a swing, perfect for thrill-seekers.
See sweeping and panoramic views of the charming Dutch polder landscape! Best visited just before sunset so you can view the city in the day and at night. Book tickets online just before you plan to visit and save a couple of Euros from the admission price and get in without a queue.
A’DAM Lookout
Overhoeksplein 5, 1031 KS Amsterdam, Netherlands
Ticket Price: Child € 6,50; Adult: € 12,50
Ph:+31 20 242 0100
Get directions
Best place to eat near A’DAM Lookout according to locals and visitors:
• Ramen-Kingdom (4.8/5 stars, Ramen, $$$)
• BAK restaurant (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Restaurant Gary Loen (5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near A’DAM Lookout.
The best hotel to stay near A’DAM Lookout based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• Sir Adam Hotel (9/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
11. Wander through De Negen Straatjes
De negen straatjes of Amsterdam famous for its many restaurants shopes and cafes | fokke baarssen, Shutterstock
De Negen Straatjes, or “Nine Little Streets” in English, is a collection of nine side streets within the western Grachtengordel, or “Canal Belt”. The quaint streets are known to have a diverse and interesting selection of shops and restaurants, making it the most trendy shopping area of Amsterdam.
Walk around and explore the photogenic micro-neighborhood for your next fantastic find or your next Instagram photo! Check out Huidenstraat, one of the busiest of the nine streets, for a fun mix of eateries and shops.
De Negen Straatjes
Wolvenstraat 9, 1016 EM Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Best place to eat near De Negen Straatjes according to locals and visitors:
• Restaurant de Struisvogel (4.8/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Gartine (4.6/5 stars, Organic Restaurant, $$)
• The Seafood Bar (5/5 stars, Seafood, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near De Negen Straatjes.
The best hotel to stay near De Negen Straatjes based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• Hotel TwentySeven (9.6/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
12. Go on a boat tour of the city’s canals
Tourist Canal Boats mooring at Anne Frank House at the Prinsengracht (Prince Canal) in the Jordaan neighborhood in the historic center of Amsterdam | Harry Beugelink, Shutterstock
Amsterdam is perhaps best known for the network of over a hundred stunning canals snaking around the city. In fact, in 2010, these were declared as a UNESCO monument, a testament to their importance in the heritage and culture of the Dutch capital. These canals are not just pretty; they served as an indispensable means of the city to defend itself and transport goods and people during the 17th century.
To best experience the famous canals of Amsterdam, going on a boat tour is a must as canals are the city’s pride and one of its biggest draws. Choose the option that best matches your liking and your budget; it’s sure to be a memorable experience no matter what you choose.
13. Explore Amsterdam’s infamous red-light district
Night view of De Wallen, the famous red-light district with window prostitution in Amsterdam, Netherlands | Mo Wu, Shutterstock
De Wallen, Amsterdam’s red-light district, has appeared in movies, videos, and blogs alike, garnering international attention as a distinct icon of the city. It attracts curious tourists wanting to glimpse the novelty of sex workers out in the open and seducing from the red-lit window fronts. While De Wallen has that, there is so much more else to see in the district than what it is known for. The district is full of bustling energy all throughout the day.
De Wallen
1012 DV Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Best place to eat near De Wallen according to locals and visitors:
• Restaurant Senses by Lars Bertelsen (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• La Fucina Bloemenmarkt (4.9/5 stars, Pizza, $$)
• Restaurant GUTS (4.5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near De Wallen.
The best hotel to stay near De Wallen based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• Hotel Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam (9/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
14. Seize the Heineken Experience
Interior of the Heineken Experience center, a historic brewery for Heineken beer | Anton_Ivanov, Shutterstock
Did you know Heineken originated from a small brewery in Amsterdam? Yes, the beer with its signature green bottle and red star was brewed first in Amsterdam. Heineken offers a self-guided, interactive journey to its world in the first Heineken brewery, established in 1867.
Learn about how Heineken beer was made, its history and how it became one of the world’s most well-known beers in the interactive tour. During the tour, you get to sample the tasty Heineken beers!
Heineken Experience
Stadhouderskade 78, 1072 AE Amsterdam, Netherlands
Admission: For 18 years and above 18 Euro;
for aged 12 to 17 years is 14.50 Euro
Ph: +31 20 721 5300
Get directions
Best place to eat near Heineken Experience according to locals and visitors:
• LOKANTA Amsterdam (5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Restaurant Daghap (5/5 stars, Vegetarian, $$)
• LAFFA (4.5/5 stars, Mediterranean, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Heineken Experience.
The best hotel to stay near Heineken Experience based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• Hotel Mercier (8.8/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
15. Learn about Dutch culture at Rijksmuseum
Water and flowers, Rijksmuseum and people in front of writing, I amsterdam | Nataliya Nazarova, Shuttertsock
Interior view of the Rijksmuseum museum | Kit Leong, Shutterstock
Another famous museum in Amsterdam is Rijksmuseum, or the Museum of the Netherlands. The 19th-century building is a national museum dedicated to the arts and history in Amsterdam. Showcasing a great selection of Dutch-made art and antiquities from the Dutch Golden Ages to modern times, visitors are able to access an in-depth understanding of the city and its people.
See the present display of history and artworks in the museum as you learn about the fascinating and colorful heritage of the Dutch people. The museum is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm.
Rijksmuseum
Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam, Netherlands
Admission: €0–20
Ph: +31 20 674 7000
Get direction
Best place to eat near Rijksmuseum according to locals and visitors:
• Yerba (4.5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Vegetarisch Restaurant De Waaghals (4.5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Trattoria Olivo (4.5/5 stars, Italian, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Rijksmuseum.
The best hotel to stay near Rijksmuseum based on overall price, location and amenities according to travelers:
• Sir Adam Hotel (9/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
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