Top 10 Things to Do in Amsterdam (From a Frequent Visitor)
Last Updated on May 9, 2025 by Lauren Allen
Looking for the top things to do in Amsterdam? Then you’ve come to the right place! Over the past few years, it’s become my second home. Despite living in the UK, I visit several times a year.
If you’re a first-timer in Amsterdam, deciding what to see can be tricky, especially if you’re short on time. Should you tick off the main landmarks or go rogue and explore hidden gems? While it’s ultimately up to you, narrowing it down can be hard if you don’t know what’s on offer.
That’s where I come in! Luckily for you, I’m an expert on Amsterdam. With 11 trips to the Netherlands under my belt, I’ve spent around two months staying in (or near) the Dutch capital in total.
I’ve been to the top attractions, discovered places that most people are unaware of and tried some totally unique pastimes. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a cultural city break or looking for general inspiration, this guide is for you!
Each spot on this list has been tried and tested by yours truly (AKA a frequent visitor). It covers some of the main hotspots and places off the typical tourist route. By the end of this post, you’ll know what things are worth doing on your upcoming holiday in Amsterdam.
1. Spend a day in Museumplein
The Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum are two of the most popular attractions in the Netherlands. Located in the heart of Museumplein, these iconic museums attract thousands a day. But, they’re not the only museums in the area.
If you’re a true art enthusiast like me, Stedelijk Museum and Moco Museum are two more spots you seriously can’t miss. Beyond art, the Diamond Museum provides an interesting look into the city’s diamond industry.
Here’s some more info about each museum:
Rijksmuseum
Home to world-famous paintings like Rembrandt’s The Night Watch and Vermeer’s The Milkmaid, you’ll find countless masterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age at the Rijksmuseum. You can also see collections of old coins, Delftware, furniture and much more.
For something a little different, go in search of The Cuypers Library – this hidden gem is one of the craziest things to see in the Dutch capital. Dating back to the 1880s, it’s full of old manuscripts, rare editions and antique books. And despite its location inside one of Amsterdam’s most visited museums, it’s not as crowded as you may think.
This museum is absolutely huge and although I’ve been a few times, I’ve barely scratched the surface. If you’re a big museum buff, you could spend a full day here.
Van Gogh Museum
To learn more about this renowned (yet troubled) artist, the Van Gogh Museum can’t be missed. It houses the largest collection of his work globally, with many of his most well-known paintings on display, such as Sunflowers, Irises and The Potato Eaters. There’s also plenty of info about his life and struggles.
While it’s not quite as big as the Rijksmuseum, you should allow 3 – 4 hours for your visit. This will ensure you can truly appreciate Van Gogh’s work before hitting up the next spot on your Amsterdam itinerary.
If you fancy going more in-depth, consider joining an insightful guided tour that covers the most important works on display.
Stedelijk Museum
The Stedelijk Museum is my favourite art gallery in Amsterdam, so much so that I return almost every time I’m in the city. If you’re into modern and contemporary art, this one’s for you! It’s bursting with intriguing displays and interactive exhibits, combined with works from big-name artists like Piet Mondrian, Yayoi Kusama and Jeff Koons.
Moco Museum
Small yet mighty, the Moco Museum showcases work from the likes of Banksy, Andy Warhol and Tracey Emin alongside rotating exhibitions.
One of the most recent exhibitions highlights the work of Robbie Williams – a famous English musician known for his part in Take That. The work explores his struggles on the important topic of mental health. I visited this exhibition myself several months ago and really appreciated the transparent approach to his art.
In the basement, you can enjoy colourful and immersive digital art from Studio Irma. Don’t forget to snap some cool Instagram photos while you’re at it.
Diamond Museum
Many people don’t know this, but Amsterdam is one of the diamond capitals of the world. At the Diamond Museum, you can delve deep into the city’s blingy past and admire some seriously stunning jewels like crowns, tiaras and The Diamond Skull.
Top tip: You can visit almost all these museums (except the Van Gogh Museum) for free with your Iamsterdam City Card.
2. Discover the story of Anne Frank
As a first-time visitor to Amsterdam, the Anne Frank House is a must-see. You’ll step inside the secret annexe and explore the rooms where Anne hid with her family and family friends all those years ago.
Although it’s incredibly sad, it offers an important insight into the Nazi occupation in the Netherlands and the horrors faced by the Jewish community. Anne’s diary is also displayed at the museum.
I’ve been there twice and it left a lasting impression both times. When I first visited in 2012, you could climb the wooden stairs to the attic. Sadly, the stairs are no longer accessible due to wear and tear, but the museum is still extremely thought-provoking.
Please note: You can only buy tickets online and this must be done six weeks in advance. Tickets go on sale for the following six weeks every Tuesday at 10am EST. Don’t forget, or you may be left disappointed!
3. Stroll through NDSM Wharf
NDSM Wharf is an old shipyard once used for ship repairs and building cargo ships. But over the years, it’s become a vibrant (and very colourful) cultural hub in Amsterdam Noord.
With its industrial vibes, bold street art and repurposed shipping containers, it’s my favourite part of the city. I’ve been there multiple times over the past few years.
There’s also lots to do, from admiring large murals at the Straat Museum to visiting artist studios at NDSM Loods, dining at hip restaurants or enjoying a beer at Pllek. It also houses the IJ-Hallen flea market once a month – the ideal spot to shop for vintage goodies in Amsterdam.
To get to NDSM, just jump on the free ferry from Centraal Station.
4. Try the local delicacies
I’m a strong believer that you should always try authentic food while travelling. Thankfully, there are tons of tasty dishes to try in Amsterdam. Whether you’re searching for comfort food, snacks or sweet treats, you’re in luck!
Some of my faves are bitterballen and stamppot. Bitterballen are deep-fried, crispy meatballs usually served with mustard, while stamppot is a hearty (and super delish) dish made with mashed potato, veggies and sausage.
More of a sweet tooth? Make sure you try Dutch pancakes and stroopwafels, which you can often buy still warm from places like Albert Cuypmarkt – yum!
5. Wander through Vondelpark
On the rare occasion that the sun comes out, Vondelpark is the place to be. It’s a nice spot for people watching, picnics or resting your legs after a long day of sightseeing.
Despite its location in the heart of Amsterdam, it feels like a peaceful oasis away from the hustle and bustle. I love strolling through Vondelpark with a hot choc, especially during sunset! It’s one of the best ways to wind down after a busy day.
If you’re in Amsterdam between May and September, you can even watch free shows at Vondelpark Open Air Theatre – ideal if you’re visiting the Dutch capital on a budget.
6. Cruise the canals of Amsterdam
Did you know that the historical canal ring in Amsterdam is a UNESCO World Heritage Site? Well, now ya do! And with more canals than Venice, seeing the city from the water can’t be missed.
I go on a canal cruise almost every time I visit Amsterdam, and honestly, it never gets old. Whether it’s a sunny day or a rainy afternoon, the views are always amazing!
There are countless options to choose from, including private cruises on luxury boats and more affordable public canal tours. You can even hop on themed cruises offering things like unlimited cocktails or cheese and wine. The possibilities are endless!
7. Visit less popular museums
Everyone knows about the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, but hitting up hidden gems is one of the best things to do in Amsterdam. I know from personal experience that the city boasts museums on a wide range of topics, from death to microbes and everything in between.
I share more in my guide to crazy museums in Amsterdam, but I highly recommend places like the Houseboat Museum, Straat Museum and Our Lord in the Attic.
If you’re a museum buff like me, you can save money with an Iamsterdam City Card. It grants you free access to many attractions, unlimited use of public transport and much more.
Alternatively, you could buy a Netherlands Museum Pass. It’s not really widely used by tourists, but it’s a great option if you spend a lot of time in Amsterdam (and beyond).
8. Get involved in the world-famous events
Amsterdam knows how to throw a party and I mean that quite literally. It hosts countless events each year and if you time your trip well, you can get involved in the annual festivities. Here are some of the biggest events on the calendar:
- Tulip season: You’ll find tulips all over Amsterdam, but the real magic lies just outside at Keukenhof Gardens and the surrounding flower fields.
- King’s Day: Expect street parties, canal parades and an unbeatable festive atmosphere.
- Amsterdam Pride: A celebration of love with events and parties across the city.
- Amsterdam Light Festival: Visiting Amsterdam in winter? Don’t skip the illuminated installations along the canals!
Ultimately, there’s always something happening in Amsterdam and this list is not exhaustive. To make the most of your time, check out my monthly city guides (using the search bar) for insider tips, events and seasonal must-dos.
9. Go to the local markets
Amsterdam’s markets are full of character and a chilled vibe, with Albert Cuypmarkt being the most popular in the country. Open six days a week (Monday to Saturday), it’s a fab place to buy souvenirs, clothing, yummy food and much more.
But it’s not the only market worth seeing in Amsterdam. You can also visit Waterlooplein Market, Noordermark, the IJ-Hallen Flea Market and more (depending on the time of year).
10. Experience the renowned nightlife
The capital is known for its bustling nightlife. Whether you’re in the mood for an all-night rave, a classy cocktail or a relaxed pint, Amsterdam has you covered.
Personally, I tend to skip the big nightclubs and go for something a little more laid-back. I love brown cafes for their low-lit settings and I always order a local beer and a Jenever (Dutch gin).
When I’m feeling fancy, I make my way to one of the city’s many cocktail bars. Pulitzer’s Bar is my go-to, but I also recommend Door 74 and Flying Dutchmen Cocktails.
If you do like nightclubs, Escape is one of the best-rated club nights in town.
FAQs
Of course, Amsterdam is extremely picturesque and walking around is a great way to appreciate its beauty, take in the atmosphere and discover hidden gems you wouldn’t find if you relied on public transport.
Absolutely! There are loads of ways to cut costs in Amsterdam, such as staying in a hostel, taking advantage of free activities and eating on the go.
Conclusion
As you can imagine, there are countless activities in Amsterdam and narrowing it down can be tricky. However, it becomes a lot easier if you know what you like. For example, if you’re not a huge museum fan, skip them.
Just because something is one of the top sights in the city, that doesn’t mean you need to do it. At the end of the day, planning your perfect trip to Amsterdam all comes down to your preferences.
Also, remember that you don’t need to do everything in one go as you could easily visit again in the future. Make sure you leave some time for spontaneous adventures and hidden gems, too. Trust me, there are plenty!
On the hunt for something different? This guide covers unique things to do in Amsterdam that the average tourist skips.
