Amsterdam is a cornerstone stop on many European adventures, and with good reason. There are so many amazing things to do in Amsterdam, and this travel guide features the essential activities for a first-time visitor to the city.
We arrived in the Netherlands this summer with plans to meet up with friends, fresh off of an eight week stint in Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Travis and I both visited Amsterdam while in college, feeling like we had already been there, done that, but we were looking forward to the change of pace.
It started out as a week-long trip, but one thing led to another and we stayed in Amsterdam for one month.
And in that month, we developed a deep appreciation for the city. It was one of those places that immediately felt like home, one that as soon as we left we were already making plans to go back.
Canal houses along the Amstel River, the life-size version of The Night’s Watch at Rembrandtplein, sunflowers for sale at Dappermarkt, and a quaint city building in de Pijp
So what is it about Amsterdam that makes it so special?
For starters, the city is stunning. Amsterdam’s winding canals and quaint architecture transport you to different century.
But more than that, the Dutch people are warm, but direct. Everyone speaks English. Uber Eats is delivered by bicycle. Everyone seems to know each other.
A sunny day in Amsterdam along the Amstel River and canals in the Red Light District
Amsterdam was a sight for sore eyes for these two tired travelers.
The allure of the city far surpasses it’s stereotypes. The sinful city of Amsterdam that’s portrayed in the movies is so much more than a party destination for college kids on study abroad.
Are you intrigued yet? Read on for my picks of the essential things to do in Amsterdam.
The 8 Essential Things to Do in Amsterdam – Pin it for later!
1. Cruise through Amsterdam’s Canals
No trip to Amsterdam is complete without cruising through the iconic canals of the city.
Not only will you witness Amsterdam’s striking architecture and houseboats from the water, most cruise captains give a tour along the way. It’s the perfect chance to soak in the history of the city and see it from a different angle.
Naturally, some of the canal cruise boats are complete tourist traps. Opt for one of the smaller, open-aired boats for a more authentic experience. These boats are not only less touristy – they’ll take you through the quieter canals the big boats can’t access.
Cruising the canals of Amsterdam is one of the best ways to see the city
Looking for a lively, all-inclusive outing? Check out Boat Amsterdam – their cruises leave every hour and even serve rosé.
Feeling adventurous? Play captain for the day and rent your own boat through a company like Mokum.
Fun fact: “Mokum” is an old Yiddish nickname for Amsterdam. Keep an eye out, as you’ll see it referenced throughout the city.
2. Get Lost in Amsterdam’s Jordaan Neighborhood
Arguably the most picturesque area of the city, head to Jordaan for Amsterdam at it’s finest.
Stroll through Jordaan’s winding canals and take in the quintessential Dutch architecture. No, your mind isn’t playing tricks on you. Some of the houses actually are crooked, and many lean forward towards the street.
My advice: Enjoy a coffee or glass of wine at a cafe along the canals, and watch the world (and bikes) go by.
Quaint streets and canals in Amsterdam’s Jordaan neighborhood
The Jordaan Saturday Markets
Amsterdam is home to some of the best outdoor markets in the world, and the Saturday markets in Jordaan are no exception.
Head to the Lindengracht Market, where you’ll find everything from traditional Dutch crafts to vintage Burberry coats.
Just around the corner is the Noordermarkt, which specializes in organic food as well as eclectic clothes and interior decor.
After you’ve gotten your fill of shopping, don’t miss Winkel 43, home to the best slice of apple pie in the city.
Finds at Lindengracht Market in Jordaan, the heavenly apple pie at Winkel 43
3. Visit Amsterdam’s Museums
Amsterdam’s unique museums draw in visitors from around the world, and with good reason. If you have a few days here, any of the following are well worth your time:
The Van Gogh Museum
Art lover or not, the Vincent Van Gogh Museum is (in my humble, “I majored in Art History” opinion), one of the best museums in Europe.
Home to the world’s largest collection of Van Gogh’s work, the museum showcases it in chronological order, from the ground floor up.
Not only is the museum is visually stunning, it displays an-depth look at the artist’s life… Including all the juicy details on his feud with artist Paul Gauguin, which led up to the infamous ear-cutting-off incident.
The Rijksmuseum
Say hello to the Dutch Masters like Vermeer and Rembrandt at the Rijksmuseum, also located in the heart of Amsterdam’s Museumplein.
After you’ve beelined to The Night Watch, head to the art history Research Library. Tucked into the corner on the third floor, this striking library is a book worm (and Instagrammer’s) dream.
The Rijksmuseum is a cornerstone of the city, located in the heart of Museumplein.
Beyond the Rijksmuseum you’ll find the famous I Amsterdam sign. Grab a crepe at one of the local vendors and watch parents panic as their kids climb on the letters.
The Anne Frank House
Pay your respects to the girl who’s diary changed the world with a visit to the Anne Frank House.
The Frank family lived here in hiding for four years during the WWII Nazi occupation, before being deported to concentration camps across Europe. The house and attached museum will move you beyond words.
Tickets must be bought well in advance – like, a few months in advance. Definitely plan ahead on this one – click here for tickets.
4. Experience Amsterdam by Bike
They say that there are more bikes than people in Amsterdam. Join them – cycling through the city is one of the best things to do in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam is one of the greenest cities in the world, and not just that kind of “green”. The city pioneered green transportation, with bicycle-only lanes complete with traffic lights lining every street.
To get a true taste for local life, rent a bike for the day, or even for your whole stay.
Bikes are locked to the canal bridges throughout the city… Many have been there for years!
If cycling isn’t your thing, at the very least be sure to catch Amsterdam’s rush hour. Park yourself on a busy street and watch as the masses of cyclists fly by.
You’ll see people carrying all sorts of things – furniture, babies in car seats, and even large musical instruments. Nothing is off limits.
And on that note… Always look both ways before you cross the street. You’ll only make that mistake once.
READ MORE: A Beginner’s Guide to Budapest, Hungary
5. Explore Amsterdam’s De Pijp Neighborhood
De Pijp is home to some of the city’s best restaurants, markets, nightlife, shopping, parks, yoga studios… You name it, and you can find it here in the Pijp.
Pronounced “the Pipe,” this hip neighborhood is the place to be for an afternoon of exploring or evening out.
Likened to the Latin Quartier in Paris, De Pijp is also my top pick for where to stay in the city. It’s lively, central, and is the perfect place to rent an Airbnb. New to Airbnb? Here’s $40 off your first rental!
Street scenes in Amsterdam’s de Pijp neighborhood
Gerard Douplein
Located in the heart of de Pijp, the bustling square of Gerard Douplein will give you a true taste of local life in Amsterdam.
Enjoy a fresh organic breakfast at de Wasserette, then head to Penny Lane for unique vintage finds – think Barbour jackets and designer handbags at swoon-worthy prices.
On a sunny afternoon head to Het Paardje, or “the Horse,” for a beer and prime view of the square.
Vintage gems at Penny Lane, and bikes on bikes at Gerard Douplein
Albert Cuyp Market
The largest of it’s kind in Europe, the Albert Cuyp market in de Pijp is a staple on any trip to Amsterdam.
You’ll find a massive variety of items for sale, from clothes to flowers to fresh food. Definitely come hungry. Albert Cuyp is also a great place to try stroopwafel… More on that in a minute!
For hotels and accommodation options in Amsterdam, click here.
6. Wander Through Amsterdam’s Parks
Another reason Amsterdam is considered to be so green is it’s vast number of parks. Amsterdam takes city planning to another level, and the citizens take full advantage of it.
So grab a bike, make a picnic, and head to the city’s parks to absorb the ambiance of the city:
Vondelpark
Easily the most visited park in the city, no trip to Amsterdam is complete without a stroll through Vondelpark on a sunny day.
You’ll see a little bit of everything here – stop for a drink at one of the numerous beer gardens like Vondeltuin and enjoy some of the best people watching in the city.
A sunny day in Vondelpark
Oosterpark
Venture off the well-beaten tourist path, and head across the Amstel River to Amsterdam East. Oosterpark is one of the largest parks in the city, and you’ll find everything from public art exhibits to tai chi classes.
Afterwards, head across the street to Bar Bukowski, home to delicious comfort food like cheeseburgers and tomato soup.
Saraphati Park
For a relaxing break from the city, head to Saraphatipark in the Pijp.
While you’re there, drop in to Scandinavian Embassy for a cozy cup of coffee or pastry. Try the cinnamon bun – you can thank me later.
The Heineken cart making a delivery across from Saraphatipark, a breakfast dreams are made of at Scandinavian Embassy
7. Shop in the Nine Streets
Nestled in the northwestern corner of Amsterdam near Jordaan, the Nine Streets are ideal for an afternoon of shopping.
This charming neighborhood is another darling of Amsterdam, featuring uber-photogenic architecture and canals.
The Nine Streets has been a retail hot-spot for more than 400 years, and today it’s home to trendy art galleries, local boutiques, high-end vintage stores and cozy cafes.
No map needed here – follow your nose, or should I say your wallet, and you won’t be disappointed.
Dreamy shop facades in the Nine Streets
8. Indulge in Traditional Dutch Food
While for many people typical Dutch food doesn’t ring many bells, in Amsterdam you’re in for a culinary treat.
It’s a good thing you’ll be doing a lot of walking in the city, because you’ve been warned: Dutch food is not light. When in Rome, right?
The Cheese
The low-lying terrain Netherlands is home to vast farmlands, and as a result Dutch cheese is some of the tastiest in the world.
For a taste of some of Amsterdam’s best cheese, head to de Kaaskamer in the Nine Streets neighborhood.
To taste the fine fromage in action, check out De Yvesbreeker. Translating to “the icebreaker,” this cozy restaurant offers a patio view of the Amstel River and the best grilled cheese I’ve had to date.
A friendly cow at Zaanse Schans, the delicious display at de Kaaskamer
The Poffertjes
Poffertjes are an Amsterdam classic – think tiny, fluffy pancakes topped with butter and powdered sugar. I’m not ashamed to admit that I enjoyed these little flapjacks from heaven on more than one occasion.
My affinity for poffertjes was heightened when we had the opportunity to make them at the Parade Festival this summer. Fortunately tastebuds are blind, and my batch tasted a bit better than they looked!
For some of the best poffertjes in town, head to De Caroussel near the Heineken Brewery… Or grab the first ones you see at one of the markets. They’re all good.
Enjoying poffertjes at Dappermarkt, and playing chef at the Parade Festival.
The Stroopwafel
Imagine an ice cream cone and a cookie had a baby… Then dipped it in chocolate.
For the best stroopwafel in town head to the Original Stroopwafels stall in the center of Albert Cuyp Market. For the Google Maps pin, click here!
The best stroopwafel in town at Albert Cuyp market in de Pijp
The Frites
The french fries in Amsterdam are next-level delicious – perfectly crispy and served shamelessly with the best mayonnaise you’ve ever tasted. Don’t fight it.
For the oldest fry house in the city, head to Wil Graanstra Friteshuis in Jordaan near the Anne Frank House.
Wil Graanstra Friteshuis in Jordaan, located just in front of the Westerkerk church
9. Take a Day Trip from Amsterdam
Surprise! I know I said I’d be talking about the eight essential things to do in Amsterdam, but since these next few aren’t technically in the city I’m giving you a few bonus tips. There are many amazing day trips to take outside of the city, including:
There are many amazing day trips to take outside of the city, including:
Zaanse Schans
Get your fill of all things Dutch at Zaanse Schans. A 20 minute train from Amsterdam Centraal, you’ll find a quaint riverside town with a line of windmills, some of which are actually still in use today.
Venturing out to Zaanse Schans is not only a great chance to catch a glimpse at the countryside, you can watch clog and cheese-making in action.
Soaking in all things Dutch at Zaanse Schans
Keukenhof Gardens
If you’re lucky enough to be in Amsterdam in the spring, don’t miss the vast flower fields at Keukenhof Gardens. The gardens are home to more than seven million tulips and daffodils.
While we didn’t catch the tulips in bloom on our visit in August, I’m already daydreaming about a trip back to the Netherlands to pay them a visit.
If a guided tour is more your speed, check out these day-trip options from GetYourGuide:
Views of the Amstel River, canal views across from Museumplein
There is so much more to Amsterdam than what meets the eye, and I hope that this guide has inspired you to visit and experience it for yourself. If we were ever to put roots down in Europe, I think this would be a top contender.
Have you been to Amsterdam, and if so, what should I add to the list?
Cheers,
Meredith
Enjoy reading about the top things to do in Amsterdam? Pin it for later!
A big thank you to my friend Cally, Amsterdam resident and the best tour guide we could have asked for!
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Thank you for this! I’m making my first trip to Amsterdam next month. I’m even more excited about my trip after reading your post. The city seems so incredibly beautiful.
Thanks for this great list! I am heading to Amsterdam in 2 weeks and was looking for a mix of “classic” tourist stops as well as a few fun ones. Did you happen to try the sardines while you were there? It’s on my husband’s list of things to do (I don’t know WHY but, when in Amsterdam!)
These are all PERFECT things to do in Amsterdam. It’s such a pretty city! Thanks for all the tips 🙂
Cameron, You are so kind! I’m so glad you loved the article, thank you so much for the feedback! 🙂
-Meredith