What To Do In Amsterdam? A Guide With the Best Experiences In The City

Every year, millions of visitors come to Amsterdam, the largest and most popular city in the Netherlands. There are so many things to do in Amsterdam: from a sightseeing boat tour to a guided bicycle tour, from visiting the many museums to exploring the canals, from shopping in the trendy stores to shopping in the oldest markets.This guide will help you decide what to do in Amsterdam, with tips on the best attractions and activities in the city. We’ll look at the most popular tourist attractions, cultural and historical sites, shopping destinations, recreational activities, and more.

Popular Attractions & Activities

Amsterdam is full of attractions and activities. Here are some of the highlights:

Rijksmuseum:

For an unforgettable experience, a visit to the grand Rijksmuseum is a must. This large museum houses an impressive collection of treasures from the Dutch Golden Age, including masterpieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer.

Anne Frank House:

Head to the Anne Frank House, original residence of Anne Frank and her family during WWII. Visitors can wander through the secret annex, learn more about World War II in Amsterdam, and reflect on this heartbreaking story.

Van Gogh Museum:

The Van Gogh Museum is a must-see in the city. This art museum contains the world’s largest collection of works by Vincent van Gogh, with over 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and 700 letters.

Heineken Experience:

The Heineken Experience tour is a fun and interactive way to learn about Amsterdam’s famous beer. The tour includes guided lessons in beer-making, free beer samples, and much more.

Canal Cruises:

Explore Amsterdam’s canals by boat on a canal cruise. These relaxing tours offer some of the best views of the city from the water, along with interesting stories from a local guide.

Dam Square:

The heart of Amsterdam is home to Dam Square, one of the largest public squares in Europe. Here, visitors will find an array of attractions, including monuments, statues, cafes, and shops.

Museumplein:

For art lovers, a visit to Museumplein is a must. This cultural hub houses some of the city’s most popular museums, such as the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum.

Red Light District:

The infamous Red Light District of Amsterdam is one of the city’s most notorious attractions. Visitors can walk around this area which is known for its vibrant nightlife and unique culture.

Cultural Sites & Historical Monuments

Royal Palace:

The Royal Palace is one of Amsterdam’s main attractions. Located on Dam Square, this majestic building was once home to Dutch royalty. Visitors can wander around the palace’s lavish rooms, courtyard gardens, and much more.

Stopera:

Located on the banks of the Amstel River, Stopera is a unique piece of architecture that combines a city hall building and an opera house into one stunning building. The interior of Stopera is breathtaking, with plenty of balconies and seating areas for visitors to explore.

Humiliated Monument:

The Humiliated Monument is one of Amsterdam’s most iconic landmarks. This iconic bronze statue commemorates the victims of torture, slavery, and war during WWII and serves as a reminder to appreciate our freedom and liberty.

Begijnhof:

The beautiful Begijnhof courtyard is a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of busy Amsterdam. This tranquil courtyard was once home to an enclosed community of Catholic nuns, but today it’s open to visitors who want to explore its gardens and religious history.

Jordaan Neighborhood:

The Jordaan Neighborhood is one of Amsterdam’s most charming districts. Here visitors can explore the cobblestone streets lined with colorful row houses and picturesque canals. It’s easy to find trendy shops, cafes, and cozy pubs here too.

Shopping Destinations

De 9 Straatjes:

De 9 Straatjes (The 9 Streets) is an area in central Amsterdam that’s home to all sorts of boutique stores, drool-worthy cafes, vintage shops and more. This is one of the city’s trendiest shopping spots for shoppers looking for something unique or off-the-beaten-path.

Albert Cuyp Market:

If you love bargain hunting then a visit to Albert Cuyp Market is a must-do when in Amsterdam. Located in the De Pijp District, this large outdoor market serves up some of best deals in town on fresh produce, cheese, clothing and much more.

Recreational Activities & Natural Wonders

Vondelpark:

Spend an afternoon relaxing in Vondelpark—Amsterdam’s largest park. Here visitor can wander around leafy pathways lined with flower beds, explore over 130 acres of lawns and ponds or even take a boat ride through the park’s canals.

Moco Museum:

The Moco Museum is an absolute must for art lovers in Amsterdam. Home to some of renowned artists like Banksy and Andy Warhol, this cool museum serves up an eclectic mix of contemporary and modern art pieces that will have you gasp in admiration at every exhibition.

Keukenhof Gardens:

Visit one of Holland’s most beautiful natural wonders at Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse. This breathtaking park with its expansive grounds features acres upon acres of tulip fields and stunning flower displays that change with each season. A great destination for outdoor enthusiasts who want to explore picturesque Dutch countryside outside of the city limits.

Conclusion

Amsterdam is an exciting destination that has something for everyone; there truly is no shortage of sites to explore or experiences to be had here. Whether you’re interested in art museums or historical monuments, canal cruises or shopping trips, amusement parks or natural wonders – it’s all here! With something new to discover around every corner, Amsterdam is certainly a place that will keep you coming back time after time!”