15 Must-Do Things In Amsterdam
Amsterdam is packed with attractions, from laneways and canals to fields of multi-colored tulips and grand galleries and museums, all wrapped up in a vibrant atmosphere.
As a frequent contender for the title of “Venice of the North”, Amsterdam retains something of a small-town feel, with an emphasis on the quality dining, great arts, and plenty of historic architecture to explore.
In this article, I have whittled down what are the top 15 Must-Do things and attractions to visit while in Amsterdam to help you get the most out of your visit to this diverse and lively capital city of Netherlands. Venture off on a Amsterdam Tour and take a stroll along all these top 15 best places to visit in Amsterdam.
15. Volendam- Holland’s best-known fishing village
You can always include Volendam in your Amsterdam tour. It’s been at the heart of the city’s history since the 13th century. It is surrounded by Royal Palace, De Nieuwe Kerk (New Church), Madame Tussauds, the Bijenkorf shopping mall, Hotel Krasnapolsky, and several other restaurants and shops. Unlike a lot of other big squares in Europe, Dam Square developed in a gradual fashion and has little in the way of architectural homogeneity.
Opening Hours: Open 24/7
14. Dam Square- from where it all started
It’s been at the heart of the city’s history since the 13th century. It is surrounded by Royal Palace, De Nieuwe Kerk (New Church), Madame Tussauds, the Bijenkorf shopping mall, Hotel Krasnapolsky, and several other restaurants and shops. Unlike a lot of other big squares in Europe, Dam Square is an architectural state which slowly developed a name and now it is a famous sight included in every Amsterdam Tour.
Opening Hours: Open 24/7
There is no specific entry fee for visiting the Dam Square.
13. Royal Palace of Amsterdam- Witness the Regal Historicity
Designed by architect Jacob van Campen, Royal Palace is one of the best places to visit and include in your Amsterdam Tour. It was the largest secular building in Europe in the 17th century. The Royal Palace of Amsterdam was originally built as the city hall for the magistrates of Amsterdam. You can also pick up a free audio tour of the place or you can see the periodic closures of the palace. Beautiful interiors and marble work is the heart of this palace.
Opening Hours: Sunday | 10:00 – 17:00
Entry Fees: €10 for adults
12. Albert Cuyp Market- Blend in with the Locals
Located in the Old Pijp area, Albert Cuyp Market is Amsterdam’s biggest street market. There are around 260 stalls, selling fresh fruits, fresh seafood like crab and lobster, flowers, jewellery, lingerie, souvenirs, handbags, shoes, cheese, and many more things you can’t do without as well as plenty of food stalls. If you have time after all that, the surrounding area lit’s up with cozy cafes (pubs) and restaurants. It is a must do in your Amsterdam Tour.
Opening Hours: Daily | 9:00 – 17:00
11. Ride a bike in Amsterdam- Go for Sightseeing
Amsterdam has been rated as the world’s 2nd most bike-friendly city, just after Copenhagen. You must always follow the traffic rules, including obeying the special cycle traffic lights. Be careful while crossing tram tracks and watch out for trams, pedestrians, and other cyclists. There are many bike rental shops that offer cycling Amsterdam tour of the city, which can be a good choice for someone who wants to rent a bicycle for sightseeing.
Bike Rent: There are many bike rental shops located near the Central Station, the Leidseplein or Dam Square. They will rent bikes starting from 3 hours to full day or even days. Average prices of Bike rental is around €8-10 for the day.
10. De Hallen- Super Trendy Gastro Palazzo
De Hallen is the coolest place to go while roaming to Amsterdam. It is a cultural complex converted from a former tram depot. De Hallen is known as a food and drinks heaven where visitors can munch from many upmarket street foods. This place has become an extremely popular and trendy spot for locals to hang out. Most of the Amsterdam tour packages would include this in your walking food tour.
Opening Hours: Daily | 7:00 – 24:00
9. Canal Cruise - Visit the Neighborhood
Can you imagine a better way to enjoy the city than from a deck of Canal Cruise? Along the one-hour-long guided tour with Amsterdam Canal Cruise, you will see famous and illustrious landmarks such as the Anne Frank House Museum and the Skinny Bridge. Your trip is incomplete without an excursion to the world-famous waters of the Amsterdam canals. Reserve your seat on the Amsterdam Canal Cruise and get ready for your next adventure.
Opening Hours: Daily | 10:00 – 17:15
Cost: The Hour tour costs €16 for adults and till go up to €60 depending on which package you pick which will either include meal or sightseeing entry fees etc. If you have already done the sightseeing and just want to soak in the canal beauty you can simply opt for budget friendly canal ride across the city and enjoy the great Amsterdam Tour.
8. Red Light District – Explore the Nightlife (SEX SHOW)
The Red Light District, also known as ‘De Wallen’, is the oldest district of Amsterdam. Built in 1385 this places is famous and known as the notorious streets. Red Light District is Amsterdam’s infamous carnival of vice, with haze-filled ‘coffee shops’, skimpily-clad commercial sex workers in brothel windows, raucous bars, strip shows, and mind-boggling museums. It’s not for everyone.
Opening Hours: Open 24/7
Cost: You can find many sex shows in the Red Light District on your Amsterdam Tour that lasts at least 30-60 minutes and cost at least €25.
7. Heineken Brewery – Do you like Beer?
A guided tour through the old brewery certainly is an experience to savor! Located in center of Amsterdam, the Heineken brewery, is an interactive museum that will take you on a behind-the-scenes tour of one of Europe’s most popular pale lager. Heineken is the biggest name and one of the most traditional Amsterdam beers. There’s also ‘Brew Your Ride’, a 4D adventure that will allow you to discover what it’s like to be a bottle of Heineken.
Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday: 10:30 – 17:30 | Friday to Sunday: 10:30 – 19:00
Cost: You can buy your tickets at the Heineken Experience Museum itself. However, if you pre-book it online, they are €3 cheaper (for an adult ticket). A walk-in ticket will cost €21 | Online ticket costs you only €18
6. A’DAM Lookout- Sky bar with Panoramic view
Looking for more excitement in the city? A’DAM Lookout is the perfect place that takes you flying back and forth over the edge of the tower. You can swing out over the edge of the 328-foot tower for a thrilling panoramic experience of the Amsterdam city. Make sure you have enough time in hand to wait in the long queue for hours if you not booked in advance. You can always ask your Amsterdam tour organizers to include this seamless experience. Or book them by yourself through their website here: https://www.adamlookout.com/
Opening Hours: Daily | 11:30 – 19:00
To enter the A’DAM Lookout you will have to buy a ticket. Ticket costs are €12.50 for adults and €6.50 for children The swing costs extra (€5)
5. Van Gogh Museum- The place for artists
Opened in 1973, Van Gogh Museum shows the largest collection of paintings and drawings of Van Gogh in the world. Van Gogh Museum, situated near the Anne Frank House is one of my favorite part in Amsterdam tour and a great place to learn about the life and work of this artist. With more than two million visitors each year, it’s wise to take guided tours to the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam and witness the beautiful paintings of Van Gogh.
Opening Hours: Daily | 9:30 – 17:00
Cost: Van Gogh Museum ticket prices: adults € 19, children under 18: free. Book tickets online to make sure you don’t miss out.
4. Anne Frank House - The Jewish Girl
Situated in the center of Amsterdam, Anne Frank House holds the hiding place where Anne Frank wrote her famous diary during World War II. The Jewish Girl, Anne Frank was a normal girl in exceptional circumstances. Anne Frank described the events of her daily life in hiding in her diary for more than two years. Anne Frank House is one of the most visited museums in The Netherlands, with over a million visitors per year and a must included in your next Amsterdam Tour.
Mumbaikichori.com suggests pre-booking the Anne Frank House ticket almost a month ahead if you do not want to stand in long queues.
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday | 9:30 – 19:00
Entry Fees: € 12.50 for adults | € 6.50 – € 1.00 kids https://www.annefrank.org/en/museum/tickets/
3. Stroll through the Flower Market
It is the world’s only floating flower market, filled with the vibrant colors and fragrances of fresh flowers. It is known locally as the Bloemenmarkt, located on the Singel canal between the Koningsplein and the Muntplein. Not only during the spring but in all seasons every day, you can find here the most colorful flowers, plants, and pots. It is definitely a must-see while touring Amsterdam.
This market has more than just Tulips. You are bound to find your favourite flower while visiting this flower market in Amsterdam. Strolling around the flower market is always recommended even if you do not plan to buy them. Do not miss to include in your 1 day Amsterdam tour.
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday | 09:00 – 17:30 & Sunday | 11:30 – 17:30
2. Lookout for I Amsterdam Sign
Here’s a riddle for you: what weighs 250 kilos, are 2 meters high, 23.5 meters wide, and feature in around 6000 selfies a day? The I Amsterdam letters of course! When you arrive at Schiphol airport, be on the lookout for the I Amsterdam motto, which is hard to miss. The huge set of letters stood proudly on Museumplein for well over a decade. Keep your camera in handy and be ready as it gets crowded during the season time.
Opening Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday | 10:00 – 18:00
1. Rijksmuseum- Dive back into the 19th century
The Rijksmuseum, the principal national museum in Holland, boasts over 8,000 objects in 80 rooms telling the story of 800 years of Dutch art and history. One of the world’s most important collections, the Rijksmuseum illustrates the art and history of Holland from the Middle Ages to the present. I was astonished to see the magnificent paintings from great masters displayed, including Jan Steen, Frans Hals, Vermeer, and Rembrandt. Even if you have only a little time to spare for a visit, this is where you can see the best of the Golden Age in one place. Amsterdam tour can be quite exhausting if you plan to do so many things in 1 day, it is always advised to plan your itinerary at least for 2 days.
Opening Hours: Daily | 9:00 – 18:00
Entry Fee: € 19.00 for adults | Entrance ages 18 and under FREE
Where to stay in Amsterdam?
You should plan your stay in Amsterdam City depending on your budget. Staying in Amsterdam City Center or Old Centrum it might get a little heavy on your pockets. But when you look at a map of Amsterdam, you’ll notice a half-circle divided by the canals, making it easy and convenient to move along.
Few budget-friendly stays in the city centre:
- Backstage Hotel Amsterdam
- Room Mate Aitana
- Mauro Mansion
- Hotel Hermitage Amsterdam
- Backstage Hotel Amsterdam
- The Flying Pig Downtown Hostel
Amsterdam is divided into separate neighbourhoods if your budget is tight than that might be the good option to look into.
- De Wallen
- Oud-Zuid
- De Pijp
- Canal Belt
- Jordaan
When to visit Amsterdam?
The best part about Amsterdam is that you can visit year-round and have great fun, but the winter months (November to March) can be too cold for walking or cycling around the city.
Personally, I would say to plan Amsterdam Tour in March month when the climate is pleasant and not too cols.
June to September are the warmest months in Amsterdam, but they are also the peak season for tourism!
Many travellers seek out during layovers and stopovers in Amsterdam when connecting flights to other destinations. As it just takes 15-minute train ride from the Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam’s Central Station.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do’s and don'ts in Amsterdam?
- Do rent a bike, and ride around the city.
- Do take a boat tour when you’re in Amsterdam
- Don’t smoke on the street
- Do try some delicious authentic Asian food
- Don’t visit a tourist-trap
- Don’t cycle whilst stoned
- Don’t drink alcohol on the streets
- Don’t take pictures in the Red Light District
- Don’t mistake a cycle lane for the pavement
- Do take time to explore
What are the sightseeings in Amsterdam?
The sightseeings in Amsterdam are the Royal Palace of Amsterdam, Dam Square, Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum, and Floating Flower Market.
What is the Red Light District in Amsterdam?
The Red Light District in Amsterdam is an area containing brothels, strip clubs, and other sex businesses.
Can you take pictures in the red light district in Amsterdam?
No, you cannot take pictures in the red light district in Amsterdam.
What are the top attractions to visit in Amsterdam?
The top attractions to visit in Amsterdam are, Rijksmuseum, I Amsterdam Sign, A’DAM Lookout, Heineken Brewery, Red Light District, Canal Cruise, De Hallen- Super-trendy gastro palazzo, Ride a bike in Amsterdam, Albert Cuyp Market, and Volendam.
What are the best outdoor activities in Amsterdam?
The best outdoor activities in Amsterdam are, cycling through the countryside, picnic in the park, horse-riding in Amstelveen, rollerblading in Vondelpark, and tandem riding along the Amstel.
What are the most popular things to do in Amsterdam with friends?
The most popular things to do in Amsterdam with friends are:
- Explore the city by bike.
- Head to the beach at Pllek
- Party on Leidseplein.
- Get the Heineken Experience.
- Walk or relax at Vondelpark.
With picturesque canal network, thrumming scenes, Dutch culture arts, 17th-century buildings, and rich history, the capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam city is one of the prime tourist attractions in Europe. I hope this article and my experience-based tips will help you get the most of your Amsterdam trip. Goede reis!
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