Planning a trip to Amsterdam? Here are 20 must-do activities.

With its picturesque canals framed by elegant gabled buildings and charming bridges, Amsterdam ranks among the most stunning and delightful cities globally.

Whether you're in search of remarkable art, stunning architecture, cutting-edge design, delicious cuisine, or vibrant nightlife, you'll find it all here. Amsterdam's compact layout allows you to experience much, even on a brief visit, hitting both iconic sights and hidden gems.

Although Amsterdam is a fantastic destination year-round, the ideal time to enjoy pleasant weather is from June to September.

Here are 20 activities that highlight the best of what the Dutch capital has to offer.

1. Immerse yourself in history with a canal cruise

Amsterdam is a city defined by its waterways. Exploring the Canal Ring (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) by boat is one of the top attractions in the Netherlands. It's a joy at any time, but especially enchanting at night when the water reflects the city's shimmering lights.

You can take to the waterways yourself by renting a zero-emission electric canal boat from companies like Boaty, or join a sightseeing cruise, which most visitors opt for. For a less touristy experience, consider learning about the city’s migration history on Rederij Lampedusa’s former refugee boats, or help clean the waterways by “plastic fishing” from Plastic Whale’s vessels, crafted from recovered and recycled plastic waste.

Planning tip: If you’d rather enjoy the canals from solid ground, snag a table at De Belhamel. Located at the top of the Herengracht, this excellent restaurant’s canal-side seating is ideal for watching the water (available only in summer).

2. Embrace the Dutch way and hop on a bike

The sound of ringing bells and whirring wheels fills the air in a city where bicycles outnumber cars, making cycling the go-to method for getting around. Bike lanes are woven throughout the city, and the flat terrain (typical of the Netherlands) makes it easy to navigate, with plenty of rental options available.

Beyond the bustling streets, intriguing sites await—from the historic shipyards of Amsterdam Noord to the Royal Palace, and the expansive woodlands of Amsterdamse Bos to the charming port of Muiden, complete with its fairy-tale medieval castle.

To steer clear of being the type of tourist Amsterdam doesn’t want, it’s crucial to adhere to cycling etiquette. Always stick to designated bike lanes instead of car lanes or sidewalks; follow road rules; signal turns with your arm; and ensure your front and rear lights are on at night.

3. Visit Museumplein for an artistic experience

Amsterdam’s premier trio of museums are conveniently situated around the lush lawns of Museumplein. The highlight is the renowned Rijksmuseum, housed in a grand 1885 building, featuring an exceptional collection of Dutch masters like Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Frans Hals. As the largest museum in Amsterdam, it also showcases exquisite decorative arts, including blue-and-white Delftware and detailed dollhouses.

The Van Gogh Museum boasts the largest collection of Vincent Van Gogh’s stunning works, including The Yellow House and Sunflowers. Meanwhile, the bright, airy Stedelijk Museum focuses on modern and contemporary art by artists such as Mondrian and De Kooning.

Planning tip: Get yourself an I Amsterdam City Card, a discount pass that offers entry to numerous city attractions, allowing access to two of the museums (note that the Van Gogh Museum is no longer included). The Netherlands Museum Pass covers all three museums, plus hundreds more across the country; purchase one in person at the Rijksmuseum or the Stedelijk. Pre-booking your tickets is one of the essential tips for visiting Amsterdam.

4. Taste local beers at Brouwerij ’t IJ

You’ll know you’re in Amsterdam when you’re sipping a refreshing beer beneath the sails of a windmill. Beloved craft brewery Brouwerij ’t IJ operates in a former public bath next to a charming wooden windmill. Its lush terrace is perfect for enjoying a pint (be sure to try the signature Zatte Tripel). Behind-the-scenes tours often offer a glimpse of the brewing process in action.

5. Discover chic yet functional items at a Dutch design store

Bike carrier straps that double as shelves. Glow-in-the-dark doorstops. Self-adhesive lamps that stick to walls. These are just a few examples of the clever, innovative, and practical Dutch designs you can find in Amsterdam, alongside a wide array of furniture, fashion, and gadgets.

A fantastic starting point for browsing is Droog, which features a garden, gallery, and restaurant where much of the tableware is available for purchase. Other notable spots include X Bank, showcasing local creators, and Gathershop, which offers handmade and fair-trade gifts.

6. Relax with locals at Vondelpark

Vondelpark is Amsterdam's beloved green refuge, sprawling over 116 acres (37 hectares) and featuring English-style gardens filled with fragrant roses, meandering paths, ponds, and sculptures. This is one of the top free activities in the city, where everyone—children, adults, couples, joggers, and picnickers—comes to enjoy the sunshine. The park also hosts cafes and an open-air theater, providing a peaceful retreat from the city's hustle and bustle.

Planning tip: Just a short stroll from the Museumplein’s cultural landmarks, Vondelpark is an ideal place to unwind after experiencing remarkable art.

7. Explore the Anne Frank House and remember

When Nazi Germany invaded the Netherlands in May 1940, it marked the beginning of war in the city after nearly four centuries, leading to the devastation of its vibrant Jewish community.

The war's effect on the lives of ordinary people is perhaps most profoundly felt at the Anne Frank House, a unique site that tells a deeply personal story. Tucked away behind a warehouse on Prinsengracht, young Anne and her family, along with friends, hid for more than two years in a cramped, dark “Secret Annex” before being discovered and sent to concentration camps, with only her father surviving.

Anne chronicled her entire ordeal in her diary, which has since become a cherished piece of Western literature. Experiencing the small, dimly lit rooms where she penned her thoughts is truly humbling.

Detour: The legacy of Amsterdam’s occupation, lasting until 1945, is further explored at the Dutch Resistance Museum, known as the Verzetsmuseum.

8. Raise a glass at a bruin café

Regardless of the weather, to truly embrace Dutch gezelligheid (a sense of warmth and coziness), visit one of the bruin cafés (brown cafes). Their dark wooden interiors and tobacco-stained walls give these classic pubs their distinctive character.

Planning tip: With nearly a thousand spread throughout the city, a bruin café is always nearby. They are particularly abundant in charming areas like the historic blue-collar neighborhood of the Jordaan, where canalside gems like Café Papeneiland, Café Pieper, and ’t Smalle feature cozy, candle-lit tables.

9. Hit the town

Filled with bars, concert spots, and pulsating clubs, Amsterdam’s vibrant nightlife goes well beyond De Wallen, commonly known as the Red Light District, an area whose image the authorities aim to reshape.

Leidseplein, featuring the famous Melkweg, serves as a major nightlife hub, along with nearby Rembrandtplein. The city’s LGBTIQ+ scene thrives across various locations, with popular spots like Cafe Prik spinning energetic dance tracks until dawn.

Detour: Take a free ferry to Noord, one of the city’s trendiest neighborhoods, packed with ultra-cool bars. Don’t miss Pllek and Café de Ceuvel for a unique experience.

10. Indulge in local treats at street markets

Vibrant street markets like the Albert Cuypmarkt in the De Pijp area are filled with stalls offering tasty, affordable bites such as haring (herring served with diced onion on a bread roll), Vlaamse frites (crispy fries often topped with mayonnaise), stroopwafels (wafer cookies filled with caramel syrup), and poffertjes (mini pancakes), along with beloved Dutch cheeses like Gouda and Edam. Classic bar snacks include deep-fried kroketten (croquettes) and the meat-filled bitterballen.

11. Explore the latest in architecture at ARCAM

While Amsterdam’s skyline may appear timeless, reflecting the Golden Age, the city is filled with cutting-edge innovations like solar-paneled bike lanes, a sustainable ‘floating neighborhood,’ and the first 3D-printed stainless-steel bridge. Discover these advancements and the latest trends in design and urban studies at the Amsterdam Architecture Foundation (ARCAM).

Planning tip: Step outside the galleries and discover Amsterdam’s modern side with a guided tour from an ARCAM expert. Check their website for the current schedule (additional fees may apply).

12. Sample jenever at Wynand Fockink

This local spirit, jenever (Dutch gin), crafted from juniper berries, is best enjoyed chilled. Amsterdam boasts charming tasting houses where you can savor the smooth jonge (young) and robust oude (old) varieties, like the historic Wynand Fockink established in the 17th century.

Cultural tip: Jenever is typically served in a tulip-shaped shot glass filled to the top. According to the kopstootje tradition, you must lean over the bar with your hands behind your back to take a generous sip.

13. Swing high above the city at A’DAM Tower

The most exhilarating experience in Amsterdam isn’t found in the Red Light District—it’s soaring above it. At the top of A’DAM Tower, a 1970s skyscraper, a six-person swing sends you flying out over the edge, reaching 100 meters (328 feet) in the air while your feet dangle below.

You can also enjoy a virtual reality roller coaster ride or take in stunning views from the tower’s 360-degree observation deck, as well as its restaurants (including one that revolves) and rooftop bar.

14. Join the festivities at one of Amsterdam’s vibrant festivals

Your trip to this lively city is likely to align with one of its numerous festivals, featuring everything from food and drink to electronic dance music and classical concerts held on canal barges. The highlight of Amsterdam's calendar is King’s Day (Koningsdag) on April 27, when revelers don wild orange outfits and celebrate in the streets. The unforgettable parade of barges during Pride Amsterdam at the end of July is another must-see.

15. Immerse yourself in culture at Westergasfabriek

Amsterdam excels at urban renewal, and the expansive Westergasfabriek complex is a prime example. Formerly the largest gas extraction plant in the Netherlands, it has been transformed into a lively cultural hub. Enjoy arthouse film screenings, theater shows, trendy coffee shops, and stylish restaurants here.

Nearby Westerpark is one of the city’s finest parks, ideal for laid-back picnics by the canals, engaging outdoor activities, and sunbathing on sunny days. For a taste of industrial charm, don’t miss De Hallen.

16. Marvel at the classic wooden windmills in Zaandijk

Is there a more quintessentially Dutch scene than windmills set against a picturesque countryside? Zaanse Schans offers just that, making it a perfect day trip from Amsterdam. This open-air museum features historic wooden mills and houses from the surrounding region. Don’t miss the clog-making workshop, the contemporary Zaans Museum dedicated to local culture and history, and the charming cheese shop.

Take a bus or train to Zaandijk to reach Zaanse Schans; the trip is under 20 minutes.

17. Dine and unwind at the former pirate station

Amsterdam is full of remarkable experiences, and where else can you find a former North Sea platform transformed into a premier dining venue? REM Eiland is a three-story restaurant and bar located in Nieuwe Houthaven, featuring one of the city’s best rooftops at 22 meters above ground. In the 1960s, this platform was a pirate radio and television station, and now it serves as a stylish spot for fine dining, delightful cocktails, and breathtaking sunset views.

18. Enjoy the expansive sandy Zandvoort Beach

Known as 'Amsterdam Beach' due to its close proximity to the capital, Zandvoort is an excellent getaway for a day trip. The sandy stretch backed by dunes is where locals bask in the sun, stroll along the shore listening to the North Sea waves, and relax in the many beach bars.

Just 6 kilometers (4 miles) to the north lies the sprawling Zuid-Kennemerland National Park, featuring walking paths that wind through coastal dunes, where you can spot roaming fallow deer. Summer is the ideal season to explore these areas.

19. Explore unique museums

Amsterdam brims with eccentricity, and its lesser-known museums promise to entertain, astonish, and engage visitors. Discover the Amsterdam Tulip Museum, set in a canal house and dedicated entirely to the flower. Or visit the KattenKabinet, which celebrates cat-themed art. For a different experience, Red Light Secrets, located in a former brothel, offers insights into the history of the De Wallen neighborhood.

Be sure to check out the remarkable Het Grachtenhuis, housed in a 17th-century canal residence, which offers an interactive exploration of Amsterdam's canals and their significance in urban development.

20. Indulge in a shopping spree at De 9 Straatjes

Nestled between Leidsegracht and Raadhuisstraat in central Amsterdam, De 9 Straatjes ('Nine Little Streets') is the city's premier shopping destination. Home to over 200 independent boutiques, this area is where you can find vintage clothing, artisanal beauty products, ceramics, books, coffee, and antiques. The best way to enjoy it is by wandering from one charming storefront to the next.

De 9 Straatjes is also a romantic enclave of Amsterdam, featuring canalside cafes and bistros, picturesque bridges, and trendy boutique hotels.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the top attraction in Amsterdam?

Strolling along the picturesque canals is the perfect way to kick off your Amsterdam adventure.

Is three days sufficient for Amsterdam?

A three-day trip is ideal for leisurely exploring the local museums, visiting key landmarks, and enjoying a day trip.

What is Amsterdam renowned for?

Amsterdam is famous for its vast canal network, exceptional museums, masterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age, lively nightlife, and innovative design.

Which areas should families steer clear of in Amsterdam?

While it’s historically rich and generally safe, the De Wallen district (Amsterdam's Red Light District) isn't suitable for children.

What are some budget-friendly or free activities in Amsterdam?

Ferry rides across the IJ River are complimentary (board behind Central Station). Numerous museums and galleries have free or affordable entry. Daily free walking tours are available in the city center, along with various free outdoor and urban art displays throughout the city.