Things to do in Amsterdam

Activities, attractions and tours

Red Light District featuring a city and a river or creek
Red Light District featuring a city and a river or creek
Old Town Amsterdam showing a city and heritage architecture
Flower Market which includes a river or creek
Leidseplein which includes a city, night scenes and street scenes
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Top places to visit

1. Anne Frank House

A visit to the Anne Frank House is a sober yet enlightening experience. The life story of Anne Frank has become one of the most famous accounts of a Jew hiding in Nazi Germany. Anne’s diary, which she started in 1942 when she was 13, is the most translated Dutch book of all time. Its first translation was in German, in 1950.
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Anne Frank House which includes a river or creek

2. Dam Square

Amsterdam’s origins lie on Dam Square and you’ll get a sense of this history as you look at the structures here. Today the square is also a venue for mass events, fun fairs and pantomime artists. Join the locals and relax at the base of the National Monument while listening to street organs. Chase the pigeons and dodge the many cyclists when you cross the square to go shopping or explore some of the historical buildings.
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Dam Square in Amsterdam, top view

3. Van Gogh Museum

Head to the Van Gogh Museum to see some of the works of a groundbreaking 19th-century Dutch painter. Sadly, Vincent Van Gogh only sold one of his paintings during his short life, and never dreamed of the fame he’d enjoy after his death. Here you can browse the world’s largest collection of Van Gogh’s paintings and learn about his tormented life. The museum also displays works by other master painters of his time, including Monet, Gauguin and Seurat.
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Van Gogh Museum showing cycling

4. Rijksmuseum

To understand how the tiny country of the Netherlands became a world superpower through both art and trade, visit the Rijksmuseum. Browse through over a million works of art and historical objects in more than 200 rooms. You’ll see famous paintings by Rembrandt and Vermeer, among hundreds of other artists, and admire the ornate building itself.
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Rijksmuseum with big letters in Amsterdam, Holland (Netherlands)

5. Vondelpark

Vondelpark is a State Monument and an Amsterdam hot spot in summer. This is where locals go to sunbathe, cycle or play outside. There are also concerts or other performances on weekends. Over 10 million visitors come here every year to enjoy nature and culture, as well as order drinks and meals on the restaurant terraces.
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Pond and tulips in Vondelpark, Amsterdam; Shutterstock ID 143198530

6. Leidseplein

Delve into the many delights of buzzing Leidseplein to people-watch while enjoying a meal or just a drink after a day of sightseeing. In the warmer months, the area is packed with people gathered on the terraces of the restaurants and bars. Order a local beer and watch the street performers. In the winter, visit one of the many restaurants or clubs, or head to the ice rink surrounded by hot food and drink stalls for an atmospheric outdoor experience. If you love architecture, 17th-century Leidseplein has some interesting buildings for a walking tour.
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Leidseplein showing a city and heritage architecture

What to do in Amsterdam

Popular places to visit

Anne Frank House featuring street scenes and a city

Anne Frank House

See where this brave and famous Jewish teenager hid from the Nazis during World War II and recorded her world-famous diary.

Anne Frank House
Dam Square showing a square or plaza, a city and street scenes

Dam Square

Amsterdam’s iconic square, with its cobbled stones and grand historical buildings, is a lively gathering place and venue for protests and celebrations.

Dam Square
Van Gogh Museum which includes interior views

Van Gogh Museum

This modern museum houses the world’s largest collection of the legendary Dutch master painter who led a troubled life and never saw his work become famous.

Van Gogh Museum
Rijksmuseum which includes heritage architecture

Rijksmuseum

This palatial building full of Dutch paintings and international artifacts is the country’s largest public-funded museum.

Rijksmuseum
Amsterdam which includes picnicking, a garden and a statue or sculpture

Vondelpark

One of the oldest and largest public parks in Amsterdam is a relaxing place to rest, have lunch or watch a performance after visiting the nearby museums.

Vondelpark
Leidseplein showing a city and heritage architecture

Leidseplein

This lively square in the heart of Amsterdam’s cultural district offers dining and entertainment, with an array of theater, movie, music, comedy and street performances.

Leidseplein
Amsterdam_RAIExhibitionandCongressCentre_6160724-2

RAI Exhibition and Congress Centre

Learn about the events happening in RAI Exhibition and Congress Centre during your trip to Amsterdam. Discover the acclaimed art galleries in this vibrant area or seek out the cycling trails.

RAI Exhibition and Congress Centre
Amsterdam_ZiggoDome_6224571-14

Ziggo Dome

You can make plans for a show at Ziggo Dome during your stay in Amsterdam. Discover the great live music in this vibrant area or seek out the cycling trails.

Ziggo Dome
Amsterdam, Netherlands - 04 October 2022: Aerial view of the Johan Cruijff Arena, a stadium at sunset with fog in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

Johan Cruyff Arena

Catch an event at Johan Cruyff Arena and enjoy other activities in Amsterdam such as cycling.Experience the great live music and fascinating museums in this vibrant area.

Johan Cruyff Arena

Areas of Amsterdam

Flower Market showing a city, a river or creek and markets

Amsterdam City Centre

4.5/5(2,168 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums, charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Amsterdam City Centre. Top attractions like Dam Square and Nieuwmarkt Square are major draws. Catch the metro at Nieuwmarkt Station or Waterlooplein Station to see more of the city.

Amsterdam City Centre
Amsterdam Tulip Museum showing street scenes and signage as well as a small group of people

Jordaan

Get to know Jordaan and its many features like its breweries and churches. You might want to explore sights like Amsterdam Tulip Museum and Houseboat Museum, and you can jump on the metro at Bloemgracht Stop or Rozengracht Stop to get around the city.

Jordaan
After arriving at my airbnb I went out to find a good place to shoot for later. I found a spot that was literally on the corner of where I was staying and thought it would be perfect when the lights came on and got darker. I soon came to realise after searching for good Amsterdam photography spots that this was top of the list. I thought it was a nice coincidence. #BvsCities

Binnenstad

If you're spending time in Binnenstad, check out sights like Dam Square or National Monument and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Dam Stop or Paleisstraat Tram Stop.

Binnenstad
Rijksmuseum showing a city, a pond and views

Museum Quarter

4.5/5(971 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Museum Quarter. Check out top attractions like Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum, and jump on the metro at Van Baerlestraat Stop or Concertgebouw Tram Stop to see more of the city.

Museum Quarter
Dam Square showing a city, heritage architecture and street scenes

Old Town Amsterdam

Known for its fascinating museums, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries, there's plenty to explore in Old Town Amsterdam. Top attractions like Dam Square and BODY WORLDS Amsterdam are major draws. Catch the metro at Dam Stop or Nieuwezijds Kolk Stop to see more of the city.

Old Town Amsterdam
Amsterdam which includes boating, a river or creek and a city

Canal Ring

4.5/5(972 area reviews)

Visit these semi-circular canals built in the 17th century to see why Amsterdam got the nickname “The Venice of the North.”

Canal Ring
Zaanse Schans which includes a lake or waterhole, a bridge and a small town or village

Zaandam

Tulpen

Aalsmeer

This Windmill in Aboude Netherlands has been converted to a an amazing three bedroom Air B and B rental. We had the pure joy of staying 2 nights in it in April. The countryside around it is beautiful farmland and a small canal runs right across the small road from it. You can walk or bike to Abcode about 1 mile off and more then anything just relax and enjoy staying in such an amazing place.

Abcoude

Diemen - The Netherlands

Diemen

sheep graze on embankment of amstel river not far from amsterdam on sunny summer morning

Uithoorn

Road through the countryside in spring

Almere

Panorama of Weesp, view of the historical windmills along the river Vecht in the evening

Weesp

Historic Dutch mansion with trees, blue sky and white clouds

Velsen-Zuid

Frequently asked questions

Is Amsterdam worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Amsterdam is visit Amsterdam Museum. Check this major sight off your to-do list, then discover more of the area's cycling and culture.
How do I spend a day in Amsterdam?
After you've checked off top attractions like Amsterdam Museum and Nemo Science Museum, spend some time exploring Amsterdam's retail and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Amsterdam?
The top tourist attraction in Amsterdam is Amsterdam Museum, so be sure to put it on your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in Amsterdam?
Three days in Amsterdam is plenty of time to visit the city's main highlights. Many travellers stay for three days on average. Amsterdam Museum, Nemo Science Museum and Royal Theatre Carre are among the most popular sights. Want to see more? Hang around a little longer to explore nearby hotspots like Schiphol.
Is Amsterdam a walkable city?
It all depends on what you want to see and do in Amsterdam. Several sights, including Amsterdam Museum and Nemo Science Museum, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Amsterdam's neighbourhoods, Amsterdam City Centre is 0.48 kilometres away from downtown, while Old Town Amsterdam is 0.16 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Amsterdam with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with young explorers or adventure-seeking teens, an itinerary filled with cool activities takes your trip to the next level. Take a look at our recommendations for what to do in Amsterdam with kids.

What to do in Amsterdam for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Amsterdam, with activities for adults of all ages. Cap off your day with a visit to Ziggo Dome or Warmoesstraat.
Are there free things to do in Amsterdam?
From enjoying parks to strolling around vibrant neighbourhoods, it's easy to find free things to do in Amsterdam. If you need new ideas, ask a local tour guide for recommendations. Moco Museum is a great spot for anyone planning to save on their travel adventures.

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