What Are the Best Things to do for Tourists in Amsterdam?

Home to some of the world’s most vibrant and picturesque cities, Amsterdam is a destination renowned for its great mix of fun and culture. With over two million tourists flocking to the city each year, it is no surprise that hundreds of tours and experiences are now on offer. From classic canal tours to unique evening boat rides, there are plenty of things to do in Amsterdam.

From the world-famous Van Gogh Museum and the historic Anne Frank’s House to the amazing Red Light District and Xtracold Icebar, Amsterdam is bustling with activities for tourists of all ages and interests. Although it is a small city, there’s something for everyone – whether you’re a culture vulture, party animal or thrill-seeker.

To help you make the most of your trip to Amsterdam, we’ve compiled this list of the 10 best things to do in Amsterdam. Make sure you pack your walking shoes!

1. See Amsterdam’s Canals

No trip to Amsterdam would be complete without a visit to its famous canals. Whether you take a classic canal tour, or simply wander around them on your own two feet, your trip will be enriched by the experience. Home to more than 200km of canals, Amsterdam’s central canals form a network of “grachtengordels’ (literally “canal belts’), that are lined with stunning buildings from different architectural ages.

The best way to take in the beauty of the canals is to hop on one of the many canal cruises that’s available for visitors to the city. This will ensure you get an overview of the city from a unique perspective each time. Alternatively, if you’d like a slightly more active experience, why not take a leisurely bike ride around them? It’s a great way to explore the city.

2. Visit Anne Frank’s House

For anyone interested in history and culture, a visit to Anne Frank’s House is a must-see attraction in Amsterdam. Home to teen author Anne Frank – who wrote her famous diary while hiding from the Nazis during World War II – this building remains a deeply meaningful place today. Inside, you’ll find the famous secret annexe where Anne lived with her family, preserved exactly as it once was.

If you want to visit Anne Frank House, it’s best to book your tickets in advance. This is due to its popularity, and also because it can be very crowded during peak times. Tickets usually sell out fast, so make sure you plan your visit well in advance if you want to ensure your spot. For more information about visiting Anne Frank House Anne Frank’s Tours provides an official website where you can get all the information you need.

3. Stroll Around Vondelpark

If you find yourself out and about during the warmer months, then Vondelpark is one of the best things to do in Amsterdam. It’s situated in the south of the city and covers an impressive 47 hectares of beautiful grassy area, lakes and canals. This large park offers plenty of things for locals and travellers alike, from biking and rollerblading along dedicated pathways. It’s also a great spot for photography lovers; with plenty of Instagrammable backgrounds available!

4. Visit the Albert Cuyp Markt

The Albert Cuyp Market is a vibrant spot that offers an abundance of food stalls and street vendors selling everything from cheese to clothing and souvenirs. Located in one of the city’s busiest districts, this Dutch-style market has been running since 1905 and has been part of Amsterdam life ever since. With over 300 stalls selling everything from fresh flowers, fruit and veg through to antiques and fabrics, you’re sure to find something unique and interesting here!

5. Experience Dutch Art at The Van Gogh Museum

The Van Gogh Museum is home to over 200 of the greatest works by Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh. This impressive collection houses some of his most beloved pieces, including The Sunflowers and The Potato Eaters, both of which are incredibly popular with visitors. Not only does this incredible museum offer three floors of art for visitors to explore, but also an extensive library, educational resources and interactive guides as well.

6. Discover Dutch Cuisine

No visit to Amsterdam would be complete without sampling some of the city’s delicious local food dishes. Whether it’s fresh herring or warm stamppot (mashed potatoes with vegetables or meat), sampling the traditional dishes served throughout Amsterdam is certainly an activity that shouldn’t go amiss!

For those looking for something extra special, why not visit one of the city’s many Michelin-starred restaurants? From traditional Dutch dishes cooked inside historic buildings to avant-garde culinary dining experiences, there’s something for everyone in this buzzing city!

7. Visit an Authentic Dutch Coffee Shop

If you love coffee, then Amsterdam is definitely the place for you! Home to some of Europe’s best coffee shops, visitors can expect to find top-notch brews and espresso-based drinks at almost every corner throughout the city. Most coffee shops also offer delicious cakes and other snacks, making it a great place to spend some time during your morning trips around the city!

8. People-Watch At The Flower Market

Alongside all its heritage sites, churches and galleries, Amsterdam also boasts one of Europe’s most active markets – the Bloemenmarkt (flower market). Situated on Singel Canal in the centre of the city, this vibrant spot offers an array of beautifully coloured tulips alongside local favourites such as cacti, roses and gardenias. It’s a great place for people watching too – and perfect for taking pictures if you’re ever an Instagram fan!

9. Enjoy a Performance at Concertgebouw

Located in Museumplein (Museum Square), Concertgebouw is one of Amsterdam’s most prestigious music venues. Whether you’re into jazz or classical music, Concertgebouw plays host to world-class performances from artists across the globe all year round. From ballets and operas through to chamber music concerts and celebrating jazz legends – there really is something for everyone here. Be sure to check out their website before you leave on your trip so that you can book tickets ahead of time – as performances often sell out fast!

10. Sample Beer On A Private Tour

Last but not least – beer lovers shouldn’t miss out on this unique experience! With its own brewing tradition going back hundreds of years, Amsterdam is renowned for its range of beers and ales that are crafted with care by local brewers all over the city. There are plenty of great places where you can sample beers during your stay – many offer food pairings too – so why not make your trip extra special with a private beer tasting tour? A great way to discover new beer varieties and learn about their history from local brewers themselves – it will also make for fantastic Instagram photos too! Amsterdam: Private Beer Tasting Tour is a great option if you want an extra special way to sample some delicious brews while also learning more about their roots in Amsterdam’s unique brewing tradition.

Concusion

There’s no doubt that there are countless things to do in Amsterdam – whether you’re looking for culture or nightlife options – this thriving Dutch capital offers something for everyone no matter their interests or budget! We hope this guide has given you some inspiration when planning your Amsterdam getaway – but be sure to research more attractions during your stay if you want even more options! Happy travels!