What are the best things to do in Amsterdam?

Nestled in the historical heart of Europe, Amsterdam is a city with no shortage of thrilling activities and unique things to do. As a must-visit destination for all budding travellers, Amsterdam has plenty of attractions ranging from world-famous museums to incredible architectural marvels, lively beer gardens and alluring canals. Read on to discover our top picks of the best things to do in Amsterdam.

Visit the Anne Frank House

A trip to Amsterdam would not be complete without a visit to one of the most emotional places in Europe, the Anne Frank House. Undoubtedly one of Amsterdam’s most popular attractions, Anne Frank’s House, is where the young Jewish girl Anne Frank and her family hid for two years during World War II. To this day her diary remains one of the most relevant documents of the Holocaust and offers a unique insight into the life of a Jewish girl during that time.

To avoid long wait times and huge crowds, it is best to purchase your tickets in advance from the official Anne Frank House website. At the museum, you’ll find remarkable exhibits showing what life was like inside the attic and video clips which explain the difficult journey of Anne’s family into hiding.

Admire Amsterdam’s canals

The world-renowned network of canals is one of the defining features that Amsterdam is known for. Even today, much of this grid-like system dates back to the city’s Golden Age. Spend an afternoon pedalling along Amsterdam’s canals, that were declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010, and let yourself be carried away by the unique atmosphere these canals offer. The glow of the street lamps, picturesque houseboats and lively restaurants create a remarkable experience.

If you hop on a canal cruise, you’ll be able to explore the city from a different perspective with access to sights like the Magere Brug and Flower Market that you wouldn’t have seen otherwise. Furthermore, canal cruises offer both day-time and night-time tours depending on your preference.

Explore the galleries of the Rijksmuseum

Standing proudly behind its beautiful neoclassical façade, the Rijksmuseum is one of Amsterdam’s most iconic places to visit. As one of the most renowned art museums in the world, its 8,000+ artifacts detail more than 800 years of Dutch art and history and offer visitors plenty to explore.

The museum’s collection is divided into two wings featuring stunning Dutch masterpieces from iconic Dutch painters like Rembrandt and Vermeer as well as some interesting Asian artifacts. Additionally, a visit to the Rijksmuseum is not complete without exploring its outdoor gardens, courtyards and galleries brimming with over 21 sculptures spread across its grounds to admire.

For those who are short on time, you can purchase tickets in advance through the Rijksmuseum website. With dedicated student guides inside the museum speaking different languages, it makes for an enjoyable tour where you can learn even more about this museum’s remarkable collection.

Experience Vondelpark

Throughout the 19th century, Vondelpark was a place where people would come together to find refuge in nature, socialise and relax. Today it remains one of Amsterdam’s most vibrant recreational areas where locals find respite from their everyday hustle and bustle. Moreover, it is one of Amsterdam’s most iconic parks not only due to its bustling atmosphere but also because it contains many beautiful spots like lily ponds, several playgrounds and an open air theatre which hosts many live performances throughout the summer season.

Visit Albert Cuyp Market

No trip to Amsterdam would be complete without a visit to Albert Cuyp Market for some food tasting or to find unique souvenirs like traditional Dutch cookie cutters or Delft blue tiles. Albert Cuyp Market has been around since 1905 and draws an incredible amount of locals and tourists everyday who come here for fresh produce, traditional goods and a variety of international cuisine from falafel stalls to Japanese noodles.

Being one of the most iconic markets in Amsterdam, Albert Cuyp Market is located in the city’s bustling de Pijp district and is home to over 300 stands selling mostly food and clothing items. A visit here takes some sorting through clothing racks as well as tasting samples of Dutch delicacies like poffertjes (mini-pancakes) or oliebollen (doughnuts).

In Conclusion

Amsterdam offers a vast array of attractions, full of culture and innovation with enough activities suitable for all kinds of travellers. Whether you choose to capture impressive views from historical monuments, take part in canal cruises with spectacular views or local markets with delicious snacks – there is definitely something for everyone in Amsterdam!