As the Netherlands’ largest city, Amsterdam has a wide variety of activities for travelers to enjoy, from the Red Light District to its famous canals. To help you navigate the possibilities, we’ve curated this list of the best things to do in Amsterdam, from historical landmarks to lively cultural spots. Follow this guide to explore all that the city, often called the ‘Venice of the North,’ has to offer.
Admire Street Art at the STRAAT Museum
The STRAAT Museum is one of the most intriguing attractions in the city. Located in a massive warehouse in the NDSM area, it’s the world’s largest museum dedicated to street art and has a whopping 86,000 square feet of exhibition space. One of the museum’s notable exhibits is a portrait of Anne Frank by Brazilian street artist Eduardo Kobra.
Unlike other museums that focus on big-name talent, STRAAT focuses on up-and-coming talent, showcasing over 130 artists from 32 countries. The collection is displayed in a vast industrial space, with art often hanging from steel beams and scattered across the cement floor. If you’re an art lover, you’ll definitely enjoy visiting this spot.
Explore the Rijksmuseum
The city’s most famous museum is none other than the Rijksmuseum. It’s the Dutch version of the Louvre, so you definitely want to explore it! The Rijksmuseum is the biggest art museum in the Netherlands. The building is from 1885 and has a cool mix of Gothic and Renaissance styles. Since it is quite big, you might consider signing up for a guided tour to enjoy this iconic place.
Wander De Negen Straatjes (The Nine Streets)
In the heart of the canal belt near Jordaan, De Negen Straatjes is a charming neighborhood full of cozy cafes, cool shops, and great food spots. It’s perfect for taking it easy and checking out some really photogenic places. You can grab a bite at Ree7, have a coffee at Screaming Beans, pick up a snack at Het Koekemannetje, or do some shopping at Episode. The Nine Streets area is perfect for learning more about local life in Amsterdam, as you’ll get to see how people dress and behave and what kind of lifestyle they lead.
Join a Canal Tour
Exploring Amsterdam on a canal tour is another classic way to see the city without pedaling a bike. Many tour companies offer boat tours departing from around Centraal, and it is worth doing a longer tour that goes out onto the IJ, around 75 minutes. If you want to step it up, there are also dinner and cocktail cruises in the evenings and even one with a live jazz band on board.
Explore the Windmills of Amsterdam
One of the most iconic to things to do in Amsterdam is exploring the windmills along the countryside, and there are plenty of areas where you can find them. Haarlem, just a 20-minute train ride from Amsterdam, is full of history, culture, and great places to eat and shop. If you prefer something more summer-like, Amsterdam Beach has golden sands and plenty of water sports that add to its appeal. For picturesque views, head to Old Holland. However, if you only have time for one place, check out Zaanse Schans, which has an abundance of these magnificent structures.
Spend Time in Vondelpark
Vondelpark is the largest and most famous park in the city. Unsurprisingly, the park offers a variety of paths for both biking and walking. Additionally, the park features several attractive amenities, including a rose garden and picnic spots and playgrounds for families. Visitors can enjoy performances at the open-air concert venue and choose from four large outdoor cafes and restaurants spread throughout the park.
Go on a Food Tour
Amsterdam offers a wealth of experiences beyond just its popular landmarks and museums. To truly immerse yourself in the local culture, sampling the city’s diverse cuisine is a must. One of the most popular food experiences is the Jordaan Food Tour, which invites you to set aside concerns about calories and indulge in delectable treats. For about four hours, you’ll make several stops to savor delicious food and interact with the passionate artisans behind these culinary delights.
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Visit Westergasfabriek
Westergasfabriek, while not as iconic as Vondelpark, is an excellent venue for a relaxing visit in Amsterdam. Located on the edge of Westerpark, this former industrial complex has been transformed into a vibrant cultural center. Within Westergasfabriek, you’ll find an art-house cinema, a coffee roastery, exhibition spaces, and a quaint spot for enjoying gin and mussels.
Try Local Beer at Brouwerij ‘t IJ
Exploring different craft beers is an essential Amsterdam experience. Brouwerij ‘t IJ is a fantastic small brewery offering a large outdoor drinking area and short guided tasting tours. Renowned for their organic ales, which are available in numerous bars throughout Amsterdam, there’s nothing like trying the beers directly at the brewery.
Visit De Hallen
The old tram depot called De Hallen in Oud-West is now an exciting cultural center in Amsterdam. It features a cinema, a variety of unique shops, a hotel, and a food hall. For those who love good food, De Hallen offers an eclectic mix that includes delicious dim sum, Dutch meatballs, sushi, barbecue, and more—all under one roof. If the weather is nice, you can enjoy your meal on one of the outdoor benches. If the weather isn’t cooperating, the cinema is a perfect refuge for a good movie experience.
