Amsterdam got's it all! This city is a wild mix of history and modern vibes that'll blow your mind from world-famous museums to breathtaking canals and a nightlife that's off the chart. We get it, though, planning your itinerary can feel like a mountain to climb. But hey, no stress! We've done the hard work for you and rounded up the absolute best 18 things to do in Amsterdam.
1. Rijksmuseum
2. Heineken Experience
3. Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum
4. Keukenhof Gardens
5. The Amsterdam Dungeon
6. Ripley's Believe It or Not!
7. Amsterdam Body Worlds
8. NEMO Science Museum
9. Royal Palace Amsterdam
10. AMAZE Amsterdam
11. Our House Museum
12. Red Light Secrets: Museum of Prostitution
13. Van Gogh Museum
14. Amsterdam Wine and Cheese Evening Canal Cruise
15. Giethoorn and Enclosing Dike Tour
16. Volendam, Marken & Windmills of Zaanse Schans Tour
17. Grand Holland Full Day Tour: Rotterdam, Delft, The Hague & Madurodam Miniature Park
18. Cruise down the canals of Amsterdam
Get ready to soak up the awesomeness and make the most of your time in Amsterdam!
1. Rijksmuseum
To say that the Rijksmuseum is a famous destination would be an understatement. It’s the most-visited museum in the Netherlands, which houses 800 years of Dutch art and history with its collection of over 5,000 paintings! This must-see boasts The Night Watch by Rembrandt and The Milkmaid by Vermeer — classic pieces that every art lover must see during their visit to Amsterdam.
2. Heineken Experience
The rich brewing heritage of Amsterdam makes the city one of the most iconic destinations across the globe. Situated in the heart of the city, this former brewery was a hub of beer production until 1988. For beer aficionados, we highly recommend embarking on the self-guided tour through the historic factory. Discover Heineken’s captivating story, unravelling how this small Dutch brewery blossomed into the world's most esteemed beer brand!
3. Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum
Sit back, relax, and let the Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum take you on a trip with the rich history and culture of cannabis through its impressive collection of 9,000 items! Discover the world of hashish and marijuana, and admire the collection of smoking utensils from around the globe. This museum showcases over 8,000 years of cannabis history, making it an essential destination for anyone intrigued by the plant and its influence on society.
4. Keukenhof Gardens
Keukenhof, located just 40 minutes south of Amsterdam, is the epitome of springtime beauty. With a massive 32-hectare garden, the park is home to around 7 million flower bulbs, including the iconic tulip and other varieties like hyacinths, daffodils, carnations, and irises.
This world-renowned destination is only open for three months a year, from the end of March to mid-May, so don't miss the opportunity to witness this explosion of colours and fragrances in person.
5. The Amsterdam Dungeon
Calling all thrill-seekers and lovers of the eerie! If you're seeking spine-tingling things to do in Amsterdam, then the Amsterdam Dungeon is the place for you. Brace yourself for a haunting journey through the city's darkest moments, from torture chambers and the Great Plague to the chilling trials of the Inquisition and witch hunts. With immersive sets and talented actors, brace yourself for a bone-chilling adventure that will transport you straight to Amsterdam's haunting past.
6. Ripley's Believe It or Not!
Ripley's Believe It or Not! Amsterdam is the home of the eccentric. It houses over 500 bizarre objects collected from various parts of the world. An interactive museum with 19 galleries, you can explore all the oddities, illusions, and unusual stories. The museum is in the centre of Amsterdam, making it a convenient and entertaining sight to see for spectators of all ages.
7. Amsterdam Body Worlds
Body Worlds Amsterdam is the perfect destination for your daily unconventional adventure. As eerie as it may sound, the secrets of human anatomy are unveiled through real preserved bodies! Explore the fascinating exhibits that showcase the intricacies of the human form — all the way from the skeletal system to the complexities of the nervous system. With "The Happiness Project" as its main theme, you can explore the connection between happiness and wellness through 200 captivating real-life specimens!
Feeling overwhelmed with all these choices? Hang on tight because there are endless things to do in Amsterdam that will leave you in awe!
8. NEMO Science Museum
NEMO Science Museum is a family-friendly interactive museum that makes science more fun and easier to understand. The museum engages the visitors’ attention by making use of several games and demonstrations to explain scientific concepts, theories, and laws. It’s the perfect destination for the family where parents can learn, too, as the pursuit of knowledge knows no age limits!
9. Royal Palace Amsterdam
The Koninklijk Paleis Amsterdam is a historic landmark on the west side of Dam Square. Built in the 17th century as the city hall during the Dutch Golden Age, it was later converted into a royal palace in the 19th century. The palace is one of the four palaces in the country at the disposal of the monarch by Act of Parliament. State visits, royal receptions, and exhibitions still take place here — but tourists can definitely explore the palace's astounding architecture by taking a guided tour via Klook!
10. AMAZE Amsterdam
Step into the world of AMAZE, a fully immersive audio-visual experience spanning 3,000 square meters in Amsterdam's West Port District. This novel attraction is in a former nightclub district with a rich history of illegal raves in the Netherlands. Today, AMAZE provides a sanctuary for ravers and free spirits to unleash their creativity through interactive exhibits and stunning visual displays! But, visitors who are sensitive to photo light or have epilepsy should watch out for potential trigger seizures.
11. Our House Museum
Our House Museum's iconic tagline, "Our movement did not begin with a bang, but a beat," captures the essence of its mission to showcase the global rise of electronic music through interactive installations and creative exhibits. The museum tells the story of the genre's evolution on film, highlighting the contributions of five famous DJ producers: Diplo, Armin van Buuren, Carl Cox, Charlotte de Witte, and Kevin Saunderson. Their journey spans four decades, from the early days of disco to the multi-million-dollar industry it has become today.
12. Red Light Secrets: Museum of Prostitution
Amsterdam's Red Light Secrets: Museum of Prostitution offers a special opportunity to understand the humanity behind the profession of sex work. Through personal stories and experiences shared behind closed curtains, you can gain a new perspective on the world's oldest profession. Located in a famous brothel at the heart of the district, Red Light Secrets is one of its kind in the world. It offers a respectful and informative way to discover the history and culture of the Red Light District, and learn about the realities of prostitution.
13. Van Gogh Museum
See the world through the eyes of Vincent Van Gogh with his art and personal letters. Discover the world's largest collection of the tortured artist’s work with over 200 paintings, drawings, and letters! Renowned paintings like "Sunflowers," "The Bedroom," and other self-portraits, each with its distinct story, are in exhibit for you to admire. The Van Gogh Museum will help you gain insight into Van Gogh's artistic influences and contemporaries, and how they impacted his work through a carefully-curated collection of paintings.
14. Amsterdam Wine and Cheese Evening Canal Cruise
Experience the enchanting beauty of Amsterdam at night with a wine and cheese canal cruise on the UNESCO Heritage canal ring that is perfect for solo travellers, couples, families, and groups of friends! Sip on your choice of white wines, reds, and roses while enjoying the city's panoramic waterways with friends. Satisfy your palate with a selection of cheeses and marvel at the city's nighttime allure as you cruise and create unforgettable memories in Amsterdam!
15. Giethoorn and Enclosing Dike Tour
Experience the enchanting charm of Giethoorn, the "Little Venice" of the Netherlands. For those tired of the urban jungle, you’ll love the tranquillity of this picturesque village! Live the laid-back lifestyle as you explore at your leisure, and treat yourself to a delightful lunch at the local dining scene. Don't miss the chance to visit the Enclosing Dike for a serene sightseeing experience.
16. Volendam, Marken & Windmills of Zaanse Schans Tour
Discover the Dutch countryside on a full-day trip to the towns of Volendam, Marken, and Zaanse Schans. Capture iconic windmill photos, savour fresh seafood in Volendam, sample Dutch cheese, and witness traditional clog-making for a trip for the books!
Tired yet? Don't let canal cruising dull your wanderlust! We have a comprehensive guide as an ultimate resource for a thrilling Euro trip. Purchase the different types of Eurail passes, unlock the convenience and flexibility of train travel, and make the most of your European adventure with this trusty guide to travel the continent by train!
17. Grand Holland Full Day Tour: Rotterdam, Delft, The Hague & Madurodam Miniature Park
For those who love to go out and about, this jam-packed tour is just for you because you’ll never run out of things to do in Amsterdam with this Grand Holland Tour! Admire the art of Delft Blue pottery at the Royal Delft Blue Experience and explore The Hague's Binnenhof district with its iconic landmarks! What’s more, you’ll get to channel your inner Goliath at the miniature world of Madurodam, where you can walk through a miniature scale model of the country. The best part is you can learn more about Dutch culture and history with the help of your own tour guide!
18. Cruise down the canals of Amsterdam
Embark on a captivating 75-minute canal cruise and see for yourself Amsterdam's beauty and charm from the water. Set sail through the striking canals, where you'll be enchanted by the breathtaking architecture and iconic landmarks that have made Amsterdam a must-visit destination!
The cruise takes you past notable landmarks like the Golden Bend, the Anne Frank House, the Westerkerk, and the Skinny Bridge. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture lover, or simply seeking a relaxing way to explore Amsterdam, this canal cruise promises an unforgettable experience you won't want to miss.
So what else are you waiting for? The Dutch capital is calling, and with a myriad of things to do in Amsterdam, it's time to pack your bags for an unforgettable summer in the city!
Written by: Grace Oktaviani