Amsterdam is a city where centuries-old canals wind past colorful townhouses, bicycles outnumber cars, and world-famous museums sit just a short walk from lively markets. Whether you’re visiting for the art, the history, the flowers, or simply to wander its charming streets, there’s no shortage of unforgettable experiences.
Here’s our guide to 10 of the best things to do in Amsterdam.
How to Get There
Amsterdam is served by Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, one of Europe’s busiest international airports. From there, you can reach the city center in about 20 minutes by train, taxi, bus, or rental car.
While a car is useful for exploring the countryside, Amsterdam is best experienced on foot, by bicycle, or using its excellent public transportation system!
Things to Do
1. Ride a Bike
It isn’t a trip to Amsterdam without a bike ride along the canals. Cycling is woven into daily life here, and there are hundreds of miles of bike paths throughout the city. Whether you join a guided tour or rent a bicycle for the afternoon, you’ll experience Amsterdam the way the locals do.
Book a bike tour here!
2. Visit the Van Gogh Museum
Home to the world’s largest collection of works by Vincent van Gogh, the Van Gogh Museum offers a fascinating look into the artist’s life, faith, and creative journey.
Many people don’t know is that before becoming an artist, Van Gogh hoped to become a minister and spent time sharing the gospel among mining communities in Belgium. Walk through the museum to see how his faith shows up in his artwork—like in Café Terrace at Night, where a figure many say is Jesus serves 12 people.
Get your tickets here!
3. Take a Canal Cruise
Amsterdam’s canals are best seen from the water! From romantic evening cruises to wine-and-cheese tastings and spring tulip excursions, there’s a cruise for every type of traveler. Along the way, you’ll glide beneath historic bridges and past elegant canal houses that have lined the waterways for centuries.
Book a tour here.
For a flower cruise, book here!
A Piece from Our Collection
Amour Abroad Spiral Notebook
Capture every moment in the Amour Abroad Spiral Notebook. Shop yours below!
4. Visit the Anne Frank House
One of Amsterdam’s most meaningful historical sites, the Anne Frank House preserves the secret annex where Anne Frank and her family hid during the Second World War.
Walking through the rooms where she wrote her famous diary offers a moving reminder of courage, hope, and the importance of remembering history.
Buy your tickets here!
5. Explore the Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum is the national museum of the Netherlands and home to masterpieces by artists including Rembrandt and Johannes Vermeer.
Even if you’re not an art enthusiast, the building itself—with its grand halls, gardens, and remarkable architecture—is worth the visit.
Buy your tickets here.
6. Discover the Stedelijk Museum
If contemporary art is more your style, the Stedelijk Museum is the place to go. Featuring modern paintings, sculptures, photography, design, and multimedia exhibitions, it offers a fresh perspective on creativity and innovation.
Buy your tickets here!
7. Wander Through the Jordaan
Once a working-class neighborhood, Jordaan has become one of Amsterdam’s most beloved districts. Spend an afternoon exploring its narrow streets filled with independent boutiques, cozy cafés, art galleries, hidden courtyards, and canals. It’s also one of the city’s best places to sample traditional Dutch cuisine.
8. Shop at the Albert Cuyp Market
Stretching through the lively De Pijp neighborhood, Albert Cuyp Market has welcomed shoppers for more than a century. Browse hundreds of stalls selling Dutch cheeses, fresh flowers, clothing, leather goods, souvenirs, and local street food—including the famous stroopwafel.
A Piece from Our Collection
Amour Abroad Spiral Notebook
Capture every moment in the Amour Abroad Spiral Notebook. Shop yours below!
9. Visit Keukenhof
You’ve probably seen the photos online: endless rows of colorful tulips stretching toward the horizon.
Located just outside Amsterdam, Keukenhof is one of the world’s most famous flower gardens, blooming each spring with millions of tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. The gardens are typically open from mid-March through mid-May, making spring the perfect time to visit.
Buy your tickets here!
10. Spend an Afternoon in Vondelpark
Escape the bustle of the city in Amsterdam’s most famous park. With over 100 acres of walking paths, ponds, cafés, gardens, and open lawns, Vondelpark is a favorite gathering place for both locals and visitors. Pack a picnic, rent a bike, or simply enjoy a peaceful stroll beneath the trees.
Thanks for Reading!
Whether you’re admiring masterpieces, cycling beside the canals, wandering colorful neighborhoods, or watching tulips bloom in the Dutch countryside, Amsterdam has a way of slowing you down to appreciate its craftsmanship, history, and beauty. However you choose to spend your time here, you’ll leave with memories as timeless as the canals themselves.
What cities do you want a things to do list from? Let me know in the comments!
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