Amsterdam is easy to enjoy and even easier to explore. It’s compact, walkable, and full of variety — from historic canals and world-class museums to laid-back neighborhoods and great local food.
Start with a canal cruise, visit the Rijksmuseum, and take time to wander through Jordaan. Then check out some markets, rent a bike, relax in a park, or explore the city’s creative side in Amsterdam Noord.
This list of 25 top things to do will help you see the best of Amsterdam — whether it’s your first trip or your fifth.
Amsterdam is one of those rare cities where everything just works — history, culture, and everyday life all flow together. You can spend the morning exploring famous museums, the afternoon biking along canals, and the evening relaxing at a waterside café.
It’s a place where 17th-century buildings sit next to cutting-edge design, where street markets buzz just minutes from peaceful parks. Whether you're into art, food, architecture, or simply soaking up the vibe of a beautiful, walkable city, Amsterdam offers something unforgettable around every corner.
Here are 25 of the best things to do that show exactly why Amsterdam is such a unique and rewarding city to explore:
One of the best ways to get your bearings in Amsterdam is by cruising its historic canals. Smaller, open-air boats can take you through narrower waterways that larger boats can’t reach, giving you a more intimate look at the city. Some cruises even operate on a hop-on-hop-off model, allowing you to use the canals as a relaxing way to travel between sights.
If you’ve already explored the canals by day, an evening cruise offers a completely different atmosphere. As the sun sets, the bridges and canal houses are lit with soft, golden light, and the city feels quieter and more reflective. Some night tours include dinner or drinks, and the smaller boats often create a more personal, relaxed vibe — perfect for winding down after a busy day of sightseeing.
Jordaan is one of Amsterdam’s most beloved neighborhoods — a laid-back mix of local culture, quiet canals, and hidden gems that feel worlds away from the tourist crowds. Stroll its narrow streets in the early morning when the city is just waking up, and you'll find cozy cafés opening their doors, shopkeepers setting out displays, and a peaceful calm that’s hard to find elsewhere.
If you’re here on a Saturday, don’t miss the lively Noordermarkt, where locals flock for organic produce, vintage treasures, and fresh-baked goods — it’s part farmer’s market, part antique fair, and all charm. This is the kind of place where you’ll want to linger, camera in hand and no real plan.
Home to Dutch Golden Age paintings and national treasures, the Rijksmuseum can easily take half a day to explore properly. To avoid the midday crowds, early morning or late afternoon visits are ideal. If you're short on time, the free museum app offers self-guided tours focusing on highlights like Rembrandt’s “The Night Watch” and Vermeer’s “The Milkmaid.”
The original sign was removed from Museumplein, but versions still appear temporarily around the city, like at Schiphol Airport or during festivals. If you're in Museumplein anyway, it’s still a great place to take a memorable photo, especially with the museums and open parkland providing a perfect backdrop.
Dutch-style raw herring, served with onions and pickles, is best from reputable vendors like Stubbe’s Haring near Central Station. Locals tend to eat it “straight up” by holding it by the tail, but it’s often served in a soft bun for visitors. The herring season begins in June, when the catch is freshest and mildest in flavor.
This sprawling city park is ideal for an easy walk or a casual bike ride, especially for beginners not yet ready to cycle on busy streets. In summer, you’ll find open-air theater performances and small festivals, while local cafés like 't Blauwe Theehuis are perfect for a break. The park’s southern end tends to be quieter if you’re looking for a more relaxed atmosphere.
This museum offers a chronological journey through Van Gogh’s life and includes over 200 paintings and personal letters. Thursday evenings are usually less busy, and combining it with nearby museums like Stedelijk can round out an art-focused day. For a more personal perspective, the museum's app offers audio commentary drawn from Van Gogh's own letters.
Known for its creative vibe, De Pijp is filled with great coffee spots and multicultural food options. Scandinavian Embassy and CT Coffee & Coconuts are popular cafés, and weekdays are best if you want to avoid the weekend brunch crowds. Nearby, the Albert Cuyp Market is ideal for grabbing fresh stroopwafels or browsing for souvenirs.
Amsterdam’s cycling infrastructure is excellent, but the pace is fast and rules are strict. Use a bike lane map or Google Maps in cycling mode to plan safer, quieter routes if you’re just starting out. Parks like Westerpark or the area around Oosterpark are good places to get comfortable before tackling the busier streets.
A’DAM Lookout is much more than just an observation deck. Located in Amsterdam Noord, it offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the city from 100 meters above ground. From the top floor, you can see the historic city center, the famous canals, and the surrounding Dutch landscape. The view alone is impressive, but there’s much more to do once you’re up there.
There’s Europe’s highest swing, a virtual reality rollercoaster, and a Sky Bar with food, drinks, and weekend DJs. You can get free digital photos, use interactive binoculars to explore the city, and enjoy a quick elevator ride with lights and sound. A free audio tour is included, and it’s easy to reach by a short, free ferry from behind Central Station.
The Bloemenmarkt is the world’s only floating flower market, located on the Singel canal in Amsterdam. Open daily, it offers fresh flowers like tulips, roses, and daffodils, along with bulbs, plants, local cheese, and souvenirs.
The market sits on fixed barges with greenhouse-style glass roofs, so it’s open rain or shine. Originally supplied directly by flower growers on boats, it remains a popular spot for both locals and tourists, especially in spring. You’ll find it at Singel 1012 DH, near Muntplein and Central Station.
Set in the company’s original 19th-century brewery, this interactive tour includes brewing demos, historical exhibits, and beer tastings. Lines can get long, so it’s smart to pre-book a time slot, especially on weekends. For a more in-depth experience, small group VIP tours are available and include extra tastings and behind-the-scenes access.
Amsterdam has countless cafés with canal views where you can pause your day and take in the atmosphere. Outdoor seating, or “terras,” is popular in good weather, but tables can fill up quickly, especially in peak hours. Locals often linger over drinks, so don’t expect to be rushed — it’s part of the culture to relax and stay awhile.
Source: Koen Smilde (Iamsterdam.com)
This grid of nine streets is perfect for wandering, with shops selling handmade goods, vintage clothes, and boutique Dutch brands. The area’s original 17th-century architecture has been preserved, making it one of the most photogenic parts of the city. If you go in the morning, you’ll beat the crowds and have a better shopping experience.
These traditional pubs are named for their dark wooden interiors, and many are centuries old. With cozy lighting and classic Dutch snacks like bitterballen, they’re ideal spots to escape the rain or wind. Places like Café Chris or Café Hoppe often have regulars at the bar — a great chance to see local life in action.
Amsterdam’s Red Light District is one of the city’s most well-known and controversial areas. While often associated with sex work and nightlife, it’s also a historic neighborhood featuring landmarks like the Oude Kerk, the city’s oldest church.
Guided tours are available for those who want to understand the area's complex background, including its legal framework, changing policies, and urban development. Beyond its reputation, the district is lively and diverse, with plenty of spots for late-night food like fries, waffles, and international takeout.
This preserved village showcases working windmills, a wooden shoe factory, and traditional Dutch houses. It’s free to enter, but specific activities like windmill access or cheese tasting may have small fees. Getting there is easy — just a 20-minute train from Centraal Station followed by a 10-minute walk.
Just across the IJ river, Noord is home to art hubs like NDSM Wharf and STRAAT Museum, which features massive urban murals. Former warehouses have been turned into bars, galleries, and coworking spaces, offering a different pace from the city center. The free ferry ride across is quick and provides great views of the skyline.
These warm, gooey waffles filled with caramel syrup are a popular street snack, especially at markets like Albert Cuyp or Noordermarkt. Unlike the packaged ones, fresh stroopwafels are softer and richer in flavor. Locals often warm them by placing one on top of a hot coffee cup for a minute or two.
Dutch cheese is world-famous, and spots like Reypenaer or Henri Willig offer guided tastings with aged goudas, goat cheese, and seasonal specialties. You’ll learn how cheese is made, how to pair it with wine or beer, and how to tell the difference between young and mature varieties. It’s a fun, flavorful way to dive into a different part of Dutch heritage — and you’ll likely leave with a souvenir or two.
The Eye offers a mix of mainstream and arthouse films, plus exhibits on the history and craft of cinema. Located just across the water from Centraal Station, it’s easy to combine with an evening ferry ride and dinner in Amsterdam Noord. The building’s architecture alone makes it worth a visit, even if you skip the movie.
This hidden courtyard in the center of the city is home to some of the oldest houses in Amsterdam, including one of the few remaining wooden structures. It was once a religious community for women, and you can still sense the quiet, contemplative atmosphere. Entry is free, but it’s requested that visitors respect the peace and avoid loud conversation or large groups.
Amsterdam’s food reflects its multicultural history — you’ll find Indonesian, Surinamese, Arabic, and of course, classic Dutch dishes all in one tour. A good food tour covers local bites like bitterballen, poffertjes, and aged Gouda while also explaining the roots behind them. Many tours go through neighborhoods like Jordaan or De Pijp, giving you a double benefit of food and local context.
The museum preserves the secret annex where Anne Frank and her family hid for over two years. Because entry is by timed ticket only and often books out weeks in advance, make sure to reserve online early. For extra context, visiting Westerkerk next door—mentioned in Anne’s diary—provides a deeper connection to the area and the time period.
Amsterdam has plenty of free Wi-Fi in hotels, cafés, and public spots—but if you want hassle-free connectivity while you're out and about, an eSIM is your best bet. It lets you get mobile data instantly, no physical SIM card needed.
An international eSIM is super handy for getting around, checking maps, translating on the go, and keeping in touch. And if you're heading to other European cities after Amsterdam, a Europe eSIM will keep you covered across borders too.
When it comes to staying connected specifically in Amsterdam, here are a few solid eSIM providers worth checking out:
| Provider | Pros | Cons | Price | |
 | Holafly | Unlimited data, 24/7 customer support | Data sharing unavailable | From $6.90 |
 | Saily | Affordable pricing, easy setup | No unlimited data plans, no live chat | From $3.99 |
 | Airalo | Reliable performance, user-friendly app | Unreliable customer support, no unlimited data plans | From $4.50 |
April, May, and September to October are ideal—nice weather, fewer tourists, and the city looks its best.
The tulip season usually peaks from mid-April to early May, with Keukenhof being the best place to see them.
Yes, it's easy to get around on foot—the city is compact and full of beautiful streets and canals to explore.
Our mission is simple: to make sure you never have to ask, “What’s the WiFi password?” again. All our tips come straight from personal experience — because we’d never recommend something we haven’t put to the test ourselves.
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