Best Places to Visit in Amsterdam | Must-See Places & Attractions 2025

Wandering through Amsterdam feels like you are stepping into a living postcard with historic canal houses, cascading flower boxes, cobblestone streets, and more. The city offers you various places to visit in Amsterdam so that you can have the best time of your life. From sipping coffee in Jordaan cafes, marveling at the masterpieces at Rijksmuseum, or relaxing at Vondelpark, there is a treasure hidden. Book your flights to Amsterdam so that you can explore the century-old courtyards and canals. 

Let’s check out these top 10 places to visit in Amsterdam in detail so that you can plan your trip effortlessly. 

Top 10 Places To Visit in Amsterdam You Can't Miss 

Here’s a compiled list of the best places to visit in Amsterdam for a memorable experience. Read carefully, as we have added travel tips to make sure your trip goes smoothly. 

1. Rijksmuseum

When we talk about the best places to visit in Amsterdam then the first popular attraction to see is the Rijksmuseum. The museum houses more than 5,000 paintings, and it's a perfect place that tells you the 800 years of Dutch history. Some of the main highlights of the Rijkmuseum are Rembrandt’s “The Night Watch” and Johannes Vermeer’s “The Milkmaid”. Another exhibit that you should visit is the Doll House, which is an exact replica of a 17th-century canal house. The Netherlands is known for its deft blue pottery, and you can witness the extensive collection of this pottery in the museum. The whole museum is a treasure of Dutch paintings and history, which attracts lots of visitors throughout the year. 

Travel Tip: Rijkmuseum is one of the popular attractions, which means longer queues at the entrance. So, we recommend that you buy your tickets only in the peak season. Plan your visit before 11:00 AM or after 03:00 PM. 

• Tickets: start from 27 EUR and are free entry up to 18 years old.

• Opening Hours: opens daily from 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM 

2. Vondelpark

If you are looking for free places to visit in Amsterdam, then you cannot miss Vondelpark, which is one of the largest parks in the city. This park is 47 hectares from the last 160 years; it is the most loved space in the city. The winding paths, manicured lawns, and serene ponds make it one of the best places to unwind away from the hustle and bustle. You can also wander past 69 sculptures, which are scattered all around the park which includes Pablo Picasso’s masterpiece "Figure découpée l'Oiseau". You can enjoy various live shows at the open-air theatre in the park during the summer months. Moreover, you can rent a bike to cycle around to the best spots to sit and relax. 

3. Van Gogh Museum

If you also have been a fan of Van Gogh paintings, then you should definitely visit this one of the tourist places to visit in Amsterdam. The museum is home to one of the largest collections of artwork by world-famous painter Vincent Van Gogh. Here you can explore around 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and various letters that will tell you the story of this remarkable Dutch painter. Some of the world-famous paintings that you should definitely see are “The Potato Eaters”, “Bedroom in Arles”, and “Sunflowers”. Visiting this museum gives you a golden opportunity to know his evolution as an artist. So, if you are someone who is into art, then you should add this place to your itinerary. 

Travel Tip: Book your tickets online in advance because in high season, you will not get same-day tickets. You can also get an Amsterdam Pass, which includes Van Gogh museum tickets as well. 

• Tickets: 26 EUR for adults 

• Opening hours: Monday to Thursday - 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM; Friday - 09:00 AM to 09:00 PM & Saturday to Sunday - 09:00 AM to 06:00 PM

4. Anne Frank House

Another famous tourist places to visit in Amsterdam is the Anne Frank House, which is now converted into a museum. Anne Frank was a Jewish girl who lived in Amsterdam as a child and kept a diary, which she used to write during World War II. The diary that she wrote detailed the challenges that Jews endured under the Nazi administration. In the house, there is a secret annex which was hidden behind the revolving cupboard. It is one of the most impressive sights in Amsterdam. The house is a great example where you can witness the great history of Jews and Nazis during WWII. 

Travel Tip: We recommend that you book your tickets well in advance, as there are no same-day tickets available during the high season. 

• Tickets: 16 EUR for adults; 7 EUR for 10-17 years old and 1 EUR for 0 to 9 years old. 

• Opening hours: daily from 09:00 AM to 10:00 PM. 

5. Canal Cruises

If you are planning your trip to Amsterdam, then without experiencing a boat trip on the canals, your trip is not complete. Taking a canal cruise is an amazing way to explore the city’s iconic waterways, historic architecture, famous colorful houses, and more. There are different types of canal cruises available in Amsterdam, so make sure you check what’s included before booking. Amsterdam is synonymous with its canals crisscrossing the various parts of the city, making the landscape beautiful and unique. The row of canals in the city center is known as the Canal Belt and is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. 

Travel Tip: We suggest you avoid canal cruises between 11:00 AM to 04:00 PM, especially on weekends instead go for early morning or late afternoon to avoid the canal traffic. 

6. Keukenhof

Keukenhof is a flower park located in Lisse, South Holland. The garden got its name from the Keukenhof castle, which is located in the estate. The castle gardens still form the base of the Keukenhof gardens, making it one of the best places to visit in Amsterdam. Every year, during the summer for two months, the tulip flower bulbs get in full bloom, making an attractive landscape to witness. The Lisse village is just 48 kilometers away from Amsterdam, easily accessible by public transport. So, what are you waiting for? Book your flights to Amsterdam with ExperianAirfare and click your best photographs in this stunning location. 

Travel Tip: For the best light for photography, we recommend you to visit gardens in the morning, just when the gardens open. Book your tickets in advance as the park opens for just 2 months. 

• Tickets: 20.50 EUR for adults; 9 EUR for 9 to 17-year-olds; parking fee is 15 EUR 

7. Jordaan

Jordaan is a picturesque neighborhood in Amsterdam known for its colorful houses painted in pastel colors on weathered bricks. If you are also someone who is continuously seeking hidden courtyards, cafes, and boutiques, then Jordaan is one of your best places to visit in Amsterdam.  The art galleries here share the centuries-old walls with the courtyards bursting with roses, which makes you feel like you are in a fairytale town. On Saturday morning, you can stumble upon the Noordermarkt, where you can find organic cheese, farm-fresh flowers, and whatnot! Once you are here, don't forget to stop at one of the quaint cafes along the Prinsengracht for a lovely cappuccino. 

Travel Tip: You can rent a classic Dutch bicycle and pedal along the quieter back canals to relive that Dutch magic. 

8. ARTIS 

ARTIS is an Amsterdam Royal Zoo, which is also the oldest zoo in Amsterdam. The beauty of this zoo makes it one of the best places to visit in Amsterdam with kids. Some of the top highlights of the zoo include the Giraffe Pavilion, where you can feed them at 11:30 AM, and the Planetarium, a 19th-century dome with daily astronomy shows. There is a butterfly pavilion where you can witness various free-flying tropical species. The zoo also has an aquarium with glass tunnels, which let you walk beneath the starfish and seahorses. After a full day of exploration, you can chill at the beautiful botanical gardens of the zoo. 

Travel Tip: We recommend that you arrive in the morning by 09:00 AM to join the first giraffe feeding. 

• Tickets: 25 EUR for adults and 21 EUR for 3-9 years old. 

• Opening Hours: daily 09:00 AM to 06:00 PM

9. Zaanse Schans

Zaanse Schans is an old Dutch countryside with wooden houses, centuries-old windmills, and the cheerful click of wooden clogs. Just a 20-minute train ride away from the city, this is one of the best places to visit in Amsterdam for an amazing day out. This is an open-air museum that takes you back to your childhood storybook with its postcard-perfect scenery. As you will be strolling through the fields, a fresh aroma of baked stroopwafels will fill your nose. You can peer inside those windmill workshops to check how the sails are in motion in the old-fashioned way. Don't forget to climb one of those stump mills for panoramic views of the Zaan River. Pause at the waterfront cafe for a steaming rich Dutch cocoa. 

Travel Tip: Start your tour in the early morning to avoid the crowds. For more local experience, rent a bike in Zaandam and cycle along the Zaan River. 

• Opening Hours: 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM

10. Royal Palace

Royal Palace Amsterdam is a majestic 17th-century landmark perched on the Dam Square, blending royal heritage with the bustling energy of the town. During the Dutch Golden Age, it was built as the Town Hall, and its classical facades and interiors tell the story of the Dutch empire. Here you can wander through the State Apartments, a colossal globe (the largest ever made), and polished floors. You can admire the weeping staircases carved from Belgian marble and take a pause in front of the Throne Room. It is that room from where the Kings and Queens once welcomed the foreign dignitaries. Every room of the palace has extravagant details like silk tapestries, carved wooden furniture, and more. Did you know that the palace's clock tower was once used as the city’s official timekeeper, as it used to chime every hour for Amsterdam citizens? 

Travel Tip: Download the palace’s free audio guides before you visit for any hidden anecdotes of the palace. 

• Tickets: 13.50 EUR for adults; 9 EUR for students; free for ages under 17. 

• Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily 

Conclusion

So, here is our list of the 10 best places to visit in Amsterdam for a perfect and memorable trip to this Dutch city. All you have to do is book your flights to Amsterdam with ExperianAirfare now and enjoy these places to relive the world-famous history and art. 

FAQs

Q- What are the best places to visit in Amsterdam?

Explore the Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Royal Palace. Wander the Jordaan’s canals, stroll Vondelpark, and experience the vibrant Bloemenmarkt – the world’s only floating flower market.

Q- What not to miss in Amsterdam?

Don’t miss a canal cruise at sunset, sampling Indonesian rijsttafel, exploring hidden courtyard gardens, and visiting the lively Albert Cuyp Market. Catch live music in a cozy brown cafe for true local flavor.

Q- What to do in Amsterdam for a day?

Start with a canal-side breakfast in Jordaan, tour the Van Gogh Museum, rent a bike to Vondelpark, enjoy lunch at Foodhallen, then cruise the canals before savoring evening drinks in De Pijp. 

Q- What’s the best way to get around Amsterdam?

Hop on an OV-chipkaart for trams, buses, and metros—efficient and easy. Rent a bike for authentic local vibes, or explore on foot to soak in canal-side charm.

Q- When is the ideal time to visit Amsterdam?

Spring (April–May) dazzles with tulip blooms and King’s Day festivities; early autumn (September) offers mild weather, fewer tourists, and vibrant foliage along the canals.