11 Best Things To Do in Amsterdam, Netherlands [with Suggested Tours]

Are you planning to travel to Amsterdam, Netherlands soon? Read our tips below on the things to do in Amsterdam with suggested tours!

With its rich heritage, narrow houses, beautiful facades, and amazing canal system, Amsterdam is truly one of the best places to visit in the Netherlands. With all the places to discover here, you’ll never run out of things to do. Exciting, thrilling, relaxing, name it, you can experience all that in Amsterdam.

List of Best Things to do in Amsterdam, Netherlands

1. Rijksmuseum

From modern to old there is something for everyone in Rijksmuseum. It is a great museum that should definitely be visited on a trip to Amsterdam, as not only the works in the museum but also the museum itself is absolutely worth seeing. It’s a large museum that traces the history of the Netherlands.

Suggested Tour: Rijksmuseum Entrance Ticket

2. Anne Frank House

Visiting the Anne Frank house is a unique experience. The place manages to bring you back in time and in the events before and during World War II. But the real beauty of the place lies in its ability to reveal the secrets, thoughts, actions, fears, and hopes of the Frank family, their friends, and above all of little Anne.

3. Van Gogh Museum

It’s impossible to visit Amsterdam without a stop at the Van Gogh Museum. Not only is this the largest collection of Van Gogh’s works, but it is also perfectly organized. To help you have a more detailed tour, an audio guide is highly recommended.

Suggested Tour: Van Gogh Museum Ticket

4. The Jordaan

Away from the massive tourist flows, the Jordaan can be described as the “real” Amsterdam. Wonderful canals, bars, restaurants, cafes, shops, and various markets invite you to stroll around. The walls of the houses are richly decorated with climbing plants. Just like what you imagine in the back streets of Amsterdam. Surely a must-visit!

5. A’dam Lookout

A great destination especially when you have little time and want to do something extraordinary. The viewpoint is spectacular, the entire building seems to be designed to visualize Amsterdam. It’s highly recommended to try the swing for a thrilling experience. However, if you’re afraid of heights, then it might not be a good idea.

6. Vondelpark

A beautiful park to walk, stroll, relax, drink coffee, etc. in the middle of the city. You can also ride your bike comfortably through the laid out paths. So if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, then this is the ideal place.

Suggested Tour: Small-Group Bike Tour of Central Amsterdam

7. Centraal Station

A beautiful train station, it is almost at the end of the city center and it looks very imposing from a distance. This important railway station is the link from the airport and with the rest of the city and its surroundings by train, subway, and boats along the river behind. The Renaissance building, which dates back to the 1800s, is the work of the same architect who designed the Rijksmuseum, Pierre Cuypers, and entertains even the non-architectural expert.

8. Museum Het Rembrandthuis (Rembrandt House)

Rembrandt van Rijn’s house where he lived and painted for many years. A modern building is connected to the house in which Rembrandt’s works and his collection of objects from all over the world are exhibited. The museum gives insights into the life and everyday life of the artist.

Suggested Tour: Rembrandt House Museum Entrance Ticket

9. Royal Palace Amsterdam

The Royal Palace is located in Dam Square. The tour with the free audio guide through the castle is highly recommended! It gives you the opportunity to explore the entire building on your own and at your own pace, while at the same time receiving the most important information about each room. The beautiful facade, the interior, and the exterior are all stunning.

10. Heineken Experience

A great tour of the brewery, very modern, digital, and entertaining. It’s a very curated tour that illustrates the history of one of the most famous brands in the world. Also excellent is a series of pastimes designed specifically to diversify the experience. At the end of the tour, there is a bar and a souvenir shop. A must during a trip to Amsterdam.

11. Dam Square

A very nice place in the middle of Amsterdam. On this square, you have the Royal Palace, the National Monument, Madame Tussauds, the Believe it or not Museum, and countless souvenir shops, restaurants, and cafes. A lot of things going on.

Where to stay in Amsterdam, Netherlands

Budget Hotel

Quentin Arrive Hotel 

Quentin Arrive Hotel is located in a historic street, a 5-minute walk from Amsterdam Central Station. This 19th-century building offers rooms for up to 4 persons, either with shared facilities or a private bathroom. Each room has a sink and a flat-screen TV. A variety of restaurants and cafés can also be found in the surrounding area.

Price: Starts at $76 per night for Twin Room with Shared Bathroom, add $12 for taxes and charges, and $18 for breakfast (optional), it’s non-refundable.

Luxury Hotel

Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam

Set along the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Herengracht, Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam consists of 6 monumental 17th-century canal palaces. It features the luxury Guerlain spa with access to the indoor swimming pool, sauna, fitness center, and three treatment rooms for relaxing and massages. The elegant, bright, and uniquely decorated guest rooms, lofts, and suites offer views of the canal and courtyard garden. Every accommodation features luxurious modern amenities, authentic Dutch-inspired design and historic details, and spacious bathrooms.

Price: Starts at $1,011 per night for Queen Deluxe Room, add $7 for taxes and charges and $48 for breakfast, but it offers a free cancellation.

These are the possible things you can do in Amsterdam, Netherlands. So if you are ready to have a fun and exciting trip, you know what to do and where to go! So pack your things now and prepare yourself for a wonderful adventure in Amsterdam.

Fun Facts About Amsterdam

• Amsterdam is built on 11 million poles. The city itself sits a meter above sea level and these 11 million wooden poles support the buildings from sinking.
• Amsterdam became the official capital of The Netherlands in 1983.
• Amsterdam has a total of 165 canals.
• There are only around 821,000 inhabitants in Amsterdam.
• If you get tired of touring around the city, you can relax at one of the 40 parks in Amsterdam.
• The busiest tram line of Amsterdam is tram number 5.

Are you on Pinterest? Pin these!

About the Writer

Hi there! I’m Fatima. My first major travel was in 2016 in the beautiful city of Cebu. After that, I got interested in traveling. Now I enjoy learning languages and other country’s cultures. My goal is to visit at least one country each year and to share my experiences with other people through writing or blogging. Witness my journey by following me on Instagram.​​​​​​