25 Best Things To Do In Amsterdam

Mar 13

Gorgeous canal view wherever you go in Amsterdam!

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A Little Background and History

Amsterdam is the Netherlands' capital and borders the North Sea. The city of Amsterdam was founded as a small fishing village in the 13th century AD. To protect themselves from floods, the early inhabitants had to build dikes on both sides of the river, and about 1270, they built a dam between these dikes. Most of the city has been built below sea level, making this city a truly unique planned architectural wonder. The city thrives as tourists stroll along the picturesque Amsterdam canals (built in the 17th century) while watching the locals on their bikes. In 2010 the canals in Amsterdam were added as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Visit Amsterdam

I fell in love with art when I was in high school. I had a teacher who started to teach art history at my school. And my fondness for Dutch and Flemish art was born. That is how long I've wanted (and had to wait) to get to Amsterdam (let's say it's a long, long time).

Closest Airport

Getting here is easy-the Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is located less than 6 miles southwest of the city. Upon arrival, navigating the airport was easy to do. We found the airport immaculately clean and had many shops and places to grab something to eat. There is a queue to get a taxi to take you where you need to go outside the airport. All in all, this experience was very organized and straightforward (which we appreciated after a long flight from California!).

How To Save Money Travelling To Europe

The best time of year to visit Amsterdam is when the number of tourists is lower. The typical busy season occurs when schools and universities are out for the summer. I decided to go during a month in the offseason (Fall through to early Spring) to get good deals on flights and lodging and catch some nice weather. At the time, a now-defunct airline was having a massive sale on tickets to Europe, and I finally made my dreams come true.

Next up, a friend of mine had highly recommended the best place to stay in Amsterdam. My friend's recommendation for where to stay aligned with what I read online as well. I chose to look for an apartment to rent (instead of booking a hotel room) in the Jordaan neighborhood within walking distance to the city center. I rented an apartment overlooking one of the canals in an incredibly quaint location.

Planning Guide

Our goal was to stay most of our time in Amsterdam proper and take the train north and south for day trips to see more of the best places to visit in the Netherlands. I prefer not to pack up and be on the move every other night. I love to immerse myself in the city and experience the local shops, people, and culture. Seeing how traveling by train is so easy, convenient, and inexpensive, it was an easy decision to have a base camp when planning our trip. Amsterdam is a terrific starting point to start your holiday for those who like to not stay in one location for too long. There are so many places to visit in the Netherlands that it will be hard to narrow down the number of destinations you add to your holiday itinerary.

Why Amsterdam Is The Best

Most people underestimate Amsterdam attractions, activities, museums, and most extraordinary things to do, see, and experience. We had eight full days to play and explore one of the most incredible cities in Europe. We could've stayed longer. There was no part of this trip that we did not enjoy.

The architecture was spectacular and impressive. Everywhere we went, the buildings were leaning at various angles-which were baffling as to how they did not collapse! Strolling through the city with the cobblestone streets and picturesque canals was an absolute pleasure.

With regards to what to eat in Amsterdam-the food was surprisingly tasty. We especially loved those Dutch pancakes! Which are essentially large thin crepes (at least that’s what I thought). More on what and where to eat later in this post. The people were friendly to a fault and helpful when we had questions about how to get somewhere. All in all, it was the trifecta of best places to visit.

My Secret To Not Waiting In Lines (And Saving More Money)

I have a travel philosophy that I uphold religiously-I do not like to waste time in lines. Period. End of story. I'd rather spend my time enjoying myself than wait in long queues while on vacation. Wasting time in queues is not one of those things.

So I do my research on how to best avoid lines for points of interest wherever I go. I know what you're thinking, that's not possible. I am here to tell you the truth-YES, IT IS POSSIBLE. Planning is one of the keys as well as research. Most large cities have city passes that you can locally purchase to bypass long lines and typically offer discounts. These passes are also an excellent value if you plan it right. We bought a MuseumKart pass for our trip. Based on the number of things we wanted to see and do, it was a good value in more ways than one. At the Van Gogh Museum, we literally skipped the long line and walked right in the museum with our pass. Can you say-skip the line and go on in?! Yes, thank you very much!

Here We Go…What You’ve Been Waiting For —

25 Best Things To Do And See In Amsterdam!

All of these points of interest were beyond incredible to experience, and I highly recommend trying to visit them if you get the chance!

Anne Frank House

The Anne Frank House tour was emotional, meaningful, and a must to experience. One can feel the history that took place inside those walls as you walk through their hidden living quarters. A must-see event that will make a profound impact on everyone that passes through.

Westerkerk Church

Close by to the Anne Frank House is the Westerkerk Church. The church was built in the 17th century and is a Dutch Protestant church. However, the real hidden gem is the tower with the spire. If you can, take a guided tour, which at times is steep and small width ladders. Learn the history of the famous bells and architecture. More importantly, get a rare chance at a 360-degree view of the city from the tower!

Van Gogh Museum

The Van Gogh Museum is the most extensive collection of the Dutch master's work. The layout of the artwork and the space itself were magnificent and a joy to explore. Learn about his inspiration, his brother Theo and discover his talent through his artwork. We came here twice on our stay. If you love impressionist art, you will absolutely LOVE this museum. If you are a Van Gogh fan, then, well, you’ll go twice as I did!

Rijksmuseum

Literally close by is the Rijksmuseum. This is yet another incredible art collection with various artworks on display—view artwork by famous artists such as Rembrandt his masterpiece The Night Watch or Vermeer's The Milkmaid. Roam the halls of this magnificent museum and enjoy the surroundings!

Heineken Experience

We did not know what to expect with the Heineken Experience tour that we had scheduled. It ended up being one of our favorite surprises. Neither one of us are huge beer drinkers, but the tour was fun, with some history thrown into the mix. I would totally recommend this tour as a fun stop while in Amsterdam-especially if you are into beer. Definitely make a reservation to explore this tour; otherwise, you may not get in.

Coffee Shops And Legalization of Cannibis

The Netherlands legalized weed in 1976. Amsterdam definitely has the bad boy reputation for its liberal views on drugs and sex. I had read a bit about how the city was enacting some changes to clean up the town and the dirty image foreigners had of the town. I have to say the town itself was immaculate. We thoroughly enjoyed the unique sights that can be found only in Amsterdam. The Coffee Shops, as they call them (where you can purchase cannabis and light up), are not open 24 hours a day. These businesses are opened a limited amount of time, and they are not as seedy as one may expect. They are not allowed to sell alcohol and do not allow drinking alcohol on their premises.

Red Light District

*“Roxanne, You Don’t Have To Put On The Red Light”*
The Red Light District is another part of this city's famous culture. Prostitution was legalized in 2000 and is state-regulated in the Netherlands. We walked through this area. It is odd to walk down an alleyway where professional women are sitting there trying to entice customers to come into their little room. The women were wearing the equivalent of what I've seen women wear on South Beach in Miami. It is a fascinating look at a different culture and how they embrace life with a very progressive attitude.

Canal Cruise

Take a magical cruise of the canals. This is a fabulous way to enjoy the sites, waterways, and architecture of the city. If you want to get a glimpse into the beautiful canal houses (no one believes in window coverings here), take the evening time slot.

Best Area In Central Amsterdam

Jordaan quarter is the quintessential Dutch neighborhood near the city center. Here is where I chose to book a vacation rental, and it was well worth staying in this location! Here you can enjoy the flowers, canals, restaurants, galleries, and locally owned stores. You can find gorgeous houses as you stroll the canal-lined streets.

**Ann’s Angle**

If you stay in the Jordaan, try one of the many African cuisine restaurants. It is a fun and tasty experience you will not soon forget. I recommend Restaurant Semhar.

Flower Markets And More

The Markets are a fun and colorful way to explore. I enjoy walking through the stalls, sampling the food, and getting souvenirs to bring home at local markets. There are many to chose from, and some are only available certain days of the week, so make sure to check the schedule to verify before you go. A few that are worth the trip:

Waterlooplein Flea Market
Flower Market
Westerstraat Market in Jordaan

Must-Do In Amsterdam

Begijnhof is a hidden gem! Literally hidden, you enter this peaceful courtyard through a door on Spuiplein. This medieval courtyard was where women of the Catholic faith lived quietly and practiced their religion without persecution. Find the "hidden church" in plain sight here. Check out the oldest timber buildings in the city, build around 1425—a charming little reprieve in the city center.

Raw Herring

Eating raw herring is definitely a Dutch thing. Give it a try if you are feeling adventurous! There is a stall near the Rijksmuseum.

P.S. I couldn't do it.

Bicycle Tour

Hermitage Amsterdam

Hermitage Amsterdam is a branch of the Russian museum of the same name. This state-of-the-art gallery near the Amstel River is an impressive collection from the Russian state collection. Incredible exhibitions on display ranging from medieval art and armor, paintings and manuscripts, to name a few.

Dutch Resistance Museum

Dutch Resistance Museum (Verzets Resistance Museum) is a powerful display of the Dutch response to the Nazi occupation. Frequently called one of the city's best-kept secrets. Take a walk back in time to the period in history during the German occupation during World War II and how it affected Dutch everyday life.

Museumplein, Diamond Museum, Stedelijk Museum And I AMSTERDAM

Museumplein is a beautiful large park located in the city center. The major museums, Van Gogh and Rijks, are located here. You will also find other museums around the park, such as the Diamond Museum and the Stedelijk Museum (modern and contemporary artwork). Take a selfie at the I AMSTERDAM sign while you are here. I recommend either taking a picnic lunch or eating at the café by the park to enjoy the excellent afternoon and marvel at the area's beauty.

Amsterdam Museum

Amsterdam Museum is a charming museum the explores Amsterdam and its unique history. The museum building was once a former orphanage—the collection covers from medieval times to the present. The museum has permanent and special exhibitions on display.

Oude Kerk (Old Church)

Oude Kerk (Old Church) is located near the Red Light District (yes, that's right, it is the heart of it all). The church was built in the 13th century and is a beautiful sight to see. Check out the stained glass windows, the baroque organ (from 1724). Don't forget to look down-the floor is made entirely of gravestones! Take a guided tour of the tower if you have time.

Nieuwe Kerk (New Church)

This is a misnomer- because it was built in the 15th century. Located on Dam Square, this church is located next to the Royal Palace. Highlights to see here are the organ, stained glass windows, and the gravestones on the floor. The church has special exhibitions on display periodically. When I was there, I was able to walk through the *We Have A Dream: Gandhi, Luther-King, Mandela* exhibit, which was absolutely incredible!

Flower Lined Streets

Oh, the canals! Just walk through the city and enjoy the magnificent beauty and architecture as you stroll along the flower-lined streets. Stop at a pub and grab a pint or sip on a coffee. Either way, you won't be disappointed in the view!.

Fun Thing To Do In Amsterdam

Explore a different side of art by taking a Grafitti and Urban Art Tour. While walking around Amsterdam, I noticed some fantastic graffiti art (and some that genuinely made me laugh). This is a great way to see a different perspective of the beautiful Dutch city.

Unique Thing To Do While In Europe

“My mother thinks I am the best. And I was raised to always believe what my mother tells me.”

— Diego Maradona

Enjoy the most popular sport in the WORLD, by going to a soccer match (or football, depending on your part of where you live). We love live sports and decided to get the European experience full-on. We went to see AFC AJAX play, tickets were reasonably priced, getting there was easy and being in the stands with local fans was fun.

Try a Tour

Take a tour! We signed up for a World War II walking tour with a university professor. This tour did not disappoint! We got to see and delve a little deeper into the city's history. We visited some locations off the beaten path (not found in the over-the-counter tour guide books).

Stroopwafel…Try It, You’ll Love It

Last but not least- you must try a stroopwafel, a wafer cookie filled with a caramel filling. Stroopwafels are popular throughout the Netherlands. The best ones are found in the markets when they are freshly made-delicious!

Ann’s Angle

Our guide showed us that there are markers throughout the city - you just have to remember to look down; they are literally placed in the street.

Getting Around The City

Getting around the city and the Netherlands is straightforward to do. The trams, buses, and trains are all easy to find and navigate. Some of the passes (as mentioned earlier in this post) include public transit and other perks. See which transit pass is best for you and the length of your stay.

If you want to fit into the Dutch experience, then renting a bike is the way to go. Every native rides their bikes to get from place to place. Staying in the Jordaan district, we sometimes just walked to our destination since everything was so close.

Recommended Places to Visit Near Amsterdam

Easily reached by train, here are just a few ideas of places to visit from Amsterdam (check out my future posts on these excursions!):

Edam - known for its cheese, it a charming little village.
Gouda - visit the cheese market!
Marken - sleepy fishing town

Restaurants To Try

The Pancake Bakery – we went here multiple times; the food, service, and atmosphere made this our favorite morning stop! There are so many pancake combinations to chose from, you can't go wrong with any of your choices. Located in a historic building facing the canal, make sure to duck your head upon entering the restaurant!

Dam Good Coffee - a play on words, this cafe is located in the Dam Square new the New Church.

't Goedre e Soet - a fantastic chocolate and pastry shop. I loved their chocolate lace cookies! Stop here and get yourself a sweet treat to get you through your day.

Cafe Luxembourg - an excellent place for a casual meal and some time to relax your legs for a bit. Enjoy some people watching by sitting at one of the outdoor tables.

De Reiger - founded in 1896, is one of the oldest cafes in Amsterdam. The service is excellent, and the bar is old-school beautiful. They serve French food and use organic ingredients.

Seasons Restaurant – nestled in the Jordaan area; indeed a 5-star restaurant-everything was delicious, unique, and fresh.

Dwaze Zaken – fun and intriguing restaurant with a beautiful view.

J.D. Williams Whiskey Bar – my boyfriend, loves whiskey, and this bar made him VERY happy. The relaxed vibe and delightful experience.

Ganache – a chocolate shop for when you want something decadent-I suggest you try this place out.

Any Cheese Shop! There are plenty of cheese shops in the city, and if you love cheese (as I do), then all of them have something to try and enjoy! And yes, you can bring back blocks of cheese to the States.

Best Places To Stay

I would recommend booking an apartment or house rental vs. a hotel. You get a better sense of the culture, get to enjoy a unique location and architecture as well. Check out VRBO for great lodging in Amsterdam!

Random Ann Moment

The gentleman that met us at our rental apartment to show us in and provide the keys was a very nice fellow. We began by talking in English. The more we spoke, I asked him where he was from (I could sense a Latin accent). He was Brazilian. I said my family is Argentinian. I asked if he preferred to chat in Spanish, so we switched to Spanish. The more we talked and got to know each other, he asked if we like Peruvian food. I replied, of course, we do. It just so happens that he worked at a Peruvian restaurant and that we should come by and have dinner there. My boyfriend and I took him up on the offer, so we had him make reservations for us.

It was a small restaurant. We sit down, and my boyfriend mentions something in the case I would find interesting. I turn around, and there is a small Miami Dolphins helmet. Of all things to find in a Peruvian restaurant in Amsterdam! I am a huge Dolphins fan. So the owner comes over to ask us if we are ready to order. Instead, I ask him who the Dolphin fan is? He mentions that he went to Miami High and grew up there, and his family still lives there. Yet again, I am proven correct that it is A SMALL WORLD! He and I begin a long discussion about growing up in Miami, high school, and our beloved football team.