Best things to do in Amsterdam

Planning a trip to Amsterdam and want to make the most of your stay? Here’s our top 15 list of must-see attractions and things to do in Amsterdam.

1. Canal cruise
2. A’DAM Lookout observation deck
3. Visit the world famous museums
4. Red Light District in Amsterdam
5. Amsterdam’s markets
6. Famous Dutch herring
7. Coffee with a view in Amsterdam
8. Canal-side mansions
9. The Jordaan area
10. Authentic Dutch proeflokaal
11. Pathé Tuschinski cinema
12. Amsterdam Chinatown
13. De 9 Straatjes (The Nine Streets)
14. Amsterdam Public Library (OBA)
15. KLM houses walk in Amsterdam

1. Take a canal cruise

Hop aboard a boat and see Amsterdam from the water! If it’s your first time in the city, this is the perfect way to begin. Most boats offer audio guides in multiple languages, giving you a great opportunity to learn about Amsterdam and decide where to head next.

Our favourite canal cruises in Amsterdam are Lovers (you will see their black/orange boats everywhere in the city).

Canal cruises in Amsterdam

Check out my top picks of things to do in Amsterdam on GetYourGuide.com >>

2. Visit the A’DAM Lookout for panoramic view

The A’DAM LOOKOUT (Overhoeksplein 5) is an observation deck with a 360° panoramic view of Amsterdam. From the rooftop, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the historic center, Amsterdam’s port, the distinctive Dutch polder landscape, and so much more!

For thrill-seekers, don’t miss ‘Over the Edge’ – Europe’s highest swing, soaring 100 meters above the ground at the edge of the A’DAM Tower.

Tip! Free entry to A’DAM LOOKOUT is now included in the I amsterdam City Card!

ADAM lookout swing on the roof


3. Visit the world famous museums

A visit to Amsterdam won’t be complete without a visit to the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. Both museums are very popular, so be sure to make a time-slot reservation in advance.

Rijksmuseum is one of the best museums in Amsterdam

Please note: tickets to the Van Gogh museum are usually sold out 2-3 weeks in advance. We recommend booking tickets as soon as you start planning your visit to Amsterdam.

Another fantastic museum is The Moco Museum, dedicated to modern art and located just a few steps from the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum.

Tip! Visit the secret pink room on top of the Moco museum. It’s a VIP area based on a design by resident artist Six N. Five for the Art Basel 2022. Since recently you can visit this space, get curated introduction to the world of Moco and enjoy bubbles and bites in privacy. Book the Pink cloud experience in advance >>

4. Explore the Red Light District in Amsterdam

The Red Light District is the oldest area of Amsterdam. It’s famous worldwide for its lively atmosphere and the red-lit windows where sex workers offer their services. This unique part of Amsterdam is open to all who wish to explore it!

Red Light districs Amsterdam's best things to do

The Bulldog coffeeshop

5. Browse the markets

The floating Flower Market (Bloemenmarkt), the Waterlooplein Market – Amsterdam’s most famous flea market, and the renowned Albert Cuypmarkt food market are three fantastic options to explore.

Flowermarket (Bloemenmarkt) Amsterdam, Things to do in Amsterdam, photo: Kristina KutenaFlower market in Amsterdam. Photo: Kristina Kutena, Kutena.nl

Waterlooplein flea market, Amsterdam things to doWaterlooplein flea market in Amsterdam

Albert Cuypmarkt in Amsterdam, things to do in AmsterdamAlbert Cuypmarkt in Amsterdam

6. Try the famous Dutch herring

Here is a list of places where you can find it in the center of Amsterdam. Enjoy!

Herring in Amsterdam

7. Drink a cup of a coffee with a panoramic view of Amsterdam

While exploring Amsterdam, you wouldn’t want to miss a single moment. In need of a quick break? Head to a spot with the best panoramic views of the city! We’ve handpicked five cafés and restaurants where you can drink coffee, enjoy lunch, and take in stunning views of Amsterdam.

Blue Amsterdam view
Photo: Kristina Kutena

8. Visit a 17th century canal-side mansion

Once the residences of wealthy Amsterdammers, some canal houses are now open to the public as museums. Here, you can explore the historic interiors and discover a wide range of collections, from archaeological artifacts to modern art.

Here are some canal house museums you can visit:

Tip 1: canal house museums also have great gardens, where you can enjoy peace and silence after long walks though Amsterdam. You can see the Van Loon museum garden on the photo below.

Van Loon museum

Tip 2. A single ticket to the canal house museums costs €15 – €17,50. But with I amsterdam city card you can visit them for free.

9. Walk around the Jordaan area

Here you can witness a relaxed life of Amsterdam residents.

Things to do in Amsterdam, visit Jordaan

Jordan is one of the nicest neighbourhoods in Amsterdam

10. Visit an authentic Dutch proeflokaal

Behind the monument on Dam Square, at Pijlsteeg 31, you’ll find the Wynand Focking tasting room. In around 1679 it started as a liqueur distillery. Soon a tasting tavern was added. To this day all liqueurs and genevers here are still being made using the same 17th century traditional craft methods. Experience it yourself!

Wynand Fockink Proeflokaal

Wynand Focking Amsterdam

By the way, this building at Pijlsteeg 31 is also a prototype of KLM Delfts blue house number 11.

11. Visit the Pathé Tuschinski cinema

Even if you don’t have time to watch a movie, be sure to visit the cinema hall, which has preserved its antique interiors. It’s like stepping back in time—stunning and impressive! You don’t need a ticket to enter the Pathé Tuschinski hall. (Reguliersbreestraat 26-34).

12. Visit the Amsterdam Chinatown

It’s a lively, compact neighborhood nestled between Zeedijk and Geldersekade streets and Nieuwmarkt Square. What makes this place truly special isn’t just the vibrant coluors and enticing food smells.

There is a story behind nearly every door here, from ‘t Aepjen cafe (Zeedijk 1), one of the oldest wooden buildings in Amsterdam, to the He Hua temple (Zeedijk 106-118) Buddhist temple.

Amsterdam 't Aepjen cafe

Amsterdam, best things to do, Chinatown

14. Visit De 9 Straatjes (The Nine Streets)

De 9 Straatjes, which in Dutch means the nine streets, is an authentic neighbourhood near the most beautiful canals (Herengracht, Keizersgracht, Prinsengracht) in the city centre. You’ll definitely enjoy a walk through these picturesque little streets!

Amsterdam best things to do, shopping in 9 straatjes

De 9 Straatjes area offers a charming mixture of designer boutiques, art galleries, vintage clothing stores, and places to eat and drink. My favourite shop here is Laura Dols, Wolvenstraat 7, a cute vintage shop specializing in fifties clothing. Unique dresses, hats, shoes, bags, accessories and an extensive collection of ballroom and wedding dresses.

Things to do in Amsterdam, Laura Dols vintage

14. Visit The Amsterdam Public Library (OBA)

OBA (Oosterdokskade 143) is very popular among the locals and the tourists, especially with children. The entrance to the library is free. You can stroll in, find a comfortable seat, explore the book collection, or simply enjoy a moment of peace and quiet.

Things to do in Amsterdam, OBA library, free entrance

15. KLM houses walk in Amsterdam

There are hunderds of popular walking routes and day itineraries in Amsterdam (we also have a few!). But how about a creative one? You have probably heard about KLM Delft Blue houses. Each of them is a miniature replica of a real Dutch house. Curious what they look like in real life? Let’s take a walk in Amsterdam and find the KLM houses in the city!

Have a nice stay in Amsterdam!

About the author:

Holland Explorer online travel guide about the author Anastasia Dudina

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