Planning a trip to Amsterdam and wondering which places are truly worth visiting? I’ve collected my favourite museums, neighbourhoods, markets, cafés, hidden gems, and things to do in Amsterdam.
My name is Anastasia Dudina, and I’m the person behind the project. Since moving to the Netherlands 13 years ago, I have continuously explored Amsterdam. In this article I will share my favourite places in the city. Follow me on Instagram for more tips!
Classic Amsterdam experiences
- Canal cruise
- The world famous museums
- Red Light District in Amsterdam
- Amsterdam’s markets
- Canal-side mansions with secret gardens
Local neighbourhoods & hidden gems
Food & drinks
Unique experiences in Amsterdam
- A’DAM Lookout observation deck (with the Europe’s highest swing)
- Pathé Tuschinski cinema (with a true old-Hollywood atmosphere)
- Amsterdam Public Library (OBA)
- KLM houses walk in Amsterdam
- Antiekcentrum Amsterdam
- Museum Our Lord in the Attic: a hidden church in Amsterdam
Recommmended hotels in Amsterdam:
- Hotel Estheréa
- Ambassade Amsterdam
- Banks Mansion – all inclusive boutique hotel
- De Ware Jacob boutique hotel
- Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht (on the photo below)
Tip: Even if you don’t stay at the Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht, you can still visit its secret Alice in Wonderland inspired garden (that’s one of my favourite hidden gems in Amsterdam), admire the impressive Marcel Wanders design, or have a drink or lunch at Café Prins & Aap. On my Instargam you can see some photos for inspiration.
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 an opportunity to learn about Amsterdam and decide where to head next.
Join a seasonal tulip boat canal tour or cruise like a local in an open boat in Amsterdam.
Our favourite canal cruises in Amsterdam are Lovers (black/orange boats).
- Read more about canal cruises and Amsterdam.
Taking an evening canal cruise is also a good idea. Amsterdam looks completely different after dark! You can take an evening 1-hour cruise, or combine your tour with dinner or wine arrangement on board.
We recommend timing your evening cruise around sunset. For example, if the sun sets around 20:30 – 21:00, consider taking a cruise around 21:00 – 22:00. Check the sunset times in Amsterdam and book your cruise in advance.
Tip! Here I’ve shared my best experiences with canal cruises in Amsterdam.
Visit the A’DAM Lookout for the 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 views of the historic center, Amsterdam’s port, the distinctive Dutch polder landscape, and so much more. Just look at these sunsets!
For thrill-seekers, don’t miss ‘Over the Edge’ – Europe’s highest swing, 100 meters above the ground on the edge of the A’DAM Tower. To be honest, I’ve never dared to try it myself. Would you?
Tip! Free entry to A’DAM LOOKOUT is now included in the I amsterdam City Card!
Visit Amsterdam’s most 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.
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.
- Van Gogh museum tickets are sold out: what to do?
- How to book tickets to the Anne Frank house?
- Is pre-booking required for Amsterdam museums?
Visit 70 museums and use public transport for free with the I amsterdam city card. See what is included and order it online.
Another fantastic museum is The Moco Museum, dedicated to modern art and located just a few steps from the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum.
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.
One of the most common questions I get: is it save here? The answer is yes. Just follow these simple rules – and you will be fine.
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.
Flower market in Amsterdam. Photo: Kristina Kutena, Kutena.nl
Waterlooplein flea market
Tip: If you want my honest opinion, don’t expect to find real treasures at the Waterlooplein flea market. You can find plenty of second-hand clothes here, but for real vintage items, antiques, and collectables, it’s better to visit Antiekcentrum Amsterdam.
Albert Cuypmarkt in Amsterdam
There is also an old-fashioned book market which takes place every Friday on the Spui square.
Try the famous Dutch herring
Here is a list of places where you can find it in the center of Amsterdam. Enjoy!
Check it out: Dutch food to try in Amsterdam
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 views of Amsterdam.
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:
- Museum Van Loon (Keizersgracht, 672)
- Museum of the canals (Herengracht 386)
- Museum Willet-Holthuysen (Herengracht 605) (this one is my favourite)
- FOAM museum of photography (Keizersgracht 609).
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.
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.
Walk around the Jordaan area
Here you can witness a relaxed life of Amsterdam residents. Join a guided walking food tour of the lively Jordaan district, and explore the best of it in 3 hours.
My advice: also, if it’s your first time in Amsterdam, staying in the Jordaan or nearby Nine Streets area is ideal. It’s quieter than the busy city centre but still close to major sights, with canals, cafés, boutique shops, and local restaurants right outside your door.
Visit an authentic Dutch proeflokaal
Behind the monument on Dam Square, at Pijlsteeg 31, you’ll find the Wynand Fockink 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!
When I have family or friends visiting me from abroad, we always drop by here for one or two drinks, and it’s always a success.
By the way, this building at Pijlsteeg 31 is also a prototype of KLM Delfts blue house number 11.
Tip: best private tours in Amsterdam :
- Private guided walking tour in Amsterdam, from € 175 for group up to 5
- Van Gogh museum private tour, from € 190 per person
- Private canal tour in Amsterdam, from €167 for group up to 6
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 — stylish and impressive! You don’t need a ticket to enter the Pathé Tuschinski hall. (Reguliersbreestraat 26-34).
Did you know that movies in the Netherlands are shown in their original language? This means you don’t need to know Dutch to visit a cinema in Amsterdam.
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 colours and exciting 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.
Actually, Zeedijk is one of my favourite streets in Amsterdam. The best time to visit is after 12:00, when the restaurants start cooking food, all smells, sights and colours blend, and the street becomes lively. My favourite restaurant here is Thai Bird (both restaurant and snack bar are good).
- Check more photos from Zeedijk on my Instagram
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!
De 9 Straatjes area offers a charming mixture of designer boutiques, art galleries, vintage clothing stores, and places to eat and drink.
My favourite vintage shop here is Laura Dols, Wolvenstraat 7, a cute shop specializing in fifties clothing. Unique dresses, hats, shoes, bags, accessories and an extensive collection of ballroom and wedding dresses.
Tip: SMAAK Amsterdam (at Berenstraat 39) is a great shop if you’re looking for a high-quality bag at an affordable price that will remind you of Amsterdam. I have two myself (you have probably seen them on my photos), and they’ve lasted for years!
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.
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!
Antiekcentrum Amsterdam
Do you love antiques and vintage items as much as I do? Visit Antiekcentrum Amsterdam, a huge indoor market with more than 150 dealers and thousands of items, from silverware and jewellery to furniture and old toys. Whether you are looking for a small vintage souvenir for under €10 or a unique collector’s item, there is something here for every budget.
Antiekcentrum Amsterdam is open almost every day (closed on Tuesdays). Here you can find my blog post with more information about prices, the address, and opening times.
Tip! Because it is completely indoors, Antiekcentrum Amsterdam is also one of the best rainy day activities in Amsterdam.
Museum Our Lord in the Attic: a hidden church in Amsterdam
The canal house at Oudezijds Voorburgwal 40 (the one with white window frames, just to the left of the tree) looks much like its neighbours in the Red Light District. But if you step inside, you’ll discover that it hides a little secret.
Or rather, not such a little one – a hidden Catholic church for up to 150 worshippers! It functioned for nearly 200 years. Today, it houses the museum Our Lord in the Attic (Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder).
It’s a wonderful and unique museum in Amsterdam, highly recommended if you’re looking for something interesting and off the beaten track!
Read my blog post about the museum Our Lord in the Attic and book tickets for your visit.
It’s easy to explore Amsterdam at your own pace. I hope my tips will help you plan your visit. But if you want to gain a deeper understanding of the city, joining a guided tour can also be a good idea.
Best-selling group tours in Amsterdam
- Amsterdam: Guided cultural highlights walking tour from € 25 (private tour option available)
- Jordaan district local food walking tour from € 91
- Top 10 tastings of Amsterdam: guided walking food tour from € 75
- Amsterdam hidden gems & highlights guided bike tour from € 37
- Zaanse Schans, Marken, Edam and Volendam day trip from € 45
Best private tours in Amsterdam :
- Private guided walking tour in Amsterdam, from € 175 for group up to 5
- Van Gogh museum private tour, from € 190 per person
- Private canal tour in Amsterdam, from €167 for group up to 6
- From Amsterdam: private full-day tour in the Netherlands, from €400 per person
- From Amsterdam to windmills, Edam, Volendam and Marken private tour, from €695 per group up to 4
Have a nice stay in Amsterdam!
About the author:
Related articles:
- Amsterdam with kids: things to do
- Best museums in Amsterdam: which ones to choose?
- Canal cruises in Amsterdam: tickets and prices
- KLM houses walk in Amsterdam
- I amsterdam card: what is free and how to use it?
- De 9 Straatjes – Amsterdam’s Nine streets
- Amsterdam itinerary: best of the city in 2 days
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