Best Things To Do in Amsterdam Every Traveler Needs To Do

Booking flights to Amsterdam, but still wondering what to do in Amsterdam? Then, we are here to help you make your holiday memorable. Amsterdam is one of those destinations where you will be exploring centuries-old canals and neon-lit galleries at the same time. So, we have curated a list of the best things to do in Amsterdam so that you can experience the best of the world. The list is packed with the classics, like exploring the art at Van Gogh Museum, to enjoy the thumping nightlife. 

So, let’s check out the curated list of best things to do in Amsterdam so that you can explore this vibrant city without any worry. 

Top 6 Things To Do in Amsterdam From Canals To Cafe 

Here is our list of 6 best things to do in Amsterdam, along with travelers’ tips, so that you can enjoy your trip to the fullest: 

1. Explore The Van Gogh Museum 

The very first and one of the best things to do in Amsterdam is exploring the legendary Van Gogh Museum. This place takes you on a full journey of Van Gogh from his childhood, iconic letters to his brother, to his iconic paintings. This museum in Amsterdam houses the largest collection of Van Gogh’s paintings in the world. You can spend your time admiring approx 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and actual letters of the artist. Some of the paintings that you cannot miss are “Sunflower”, “Bedroom in Arles”, “Self Portrait with Bandaged Ear”, and many more. There is also a gift shop and cafe in the museum where you can relax and talk about the famous artist. 

• Tickets: Museum tickets are slot-based; 17 EUR for adults & 13 EUR for children 5 to 17 years old. 

• Our tip: Book your tickets at least 2 weeks in advance online to skip the long queues. 

2. Take a Canal Boat Cruise 

One of the lovely things to do in Amsterdam, and which is the actual charm of the city, is to take a boat cruise through its ancient canals. These canals are 100km passing through the city like weaving in one thread. This is the most relaxing and best way to explore the whole city and its colorful architecture. There are endless canal boat cruise options available to choose from, like sunset cruises, lunch cruises, smoke-friendly lounge cruises, and many more. Our personal favourite one is to choose an open-air boat cruise with wine and a Dutch guide who tells you the ancient historical stories of Amsterdam as well. 

• Tickets: Depends on what type of cruise you are choosing as there are various rental options available. 

• Our tip: If you purchase an “I Amsterdam City Card,” then you get 1 free canal cruise with that card. 

3. Toast A Glass At A Traditional Dutch Bar

Amsterdam has these brown cafes, which are basically locally known as a pub, and it is called brown because of its dark interiors. It is one of the quirkiest things to do in Amsterdam to visit one of these pubs and enjoy the local beer with simple traditional dishes. These pubs are more relaxed places if you are looking for a place to unwind after a long day of exploration. Some of the best brown cafes in Amsterdam are Cafe Chris in Jordaan, Cafe Ruk & Pluck in Oost and In’t Aepjen next door to the Red Light district. 

• Our Tip: We recommend you enjoy beer at In’t Aepjen Cafe in the Red Light District, which is also one of the best places to visit in Amsterdam. This cafe has lots of historical significance from the golden age of the Dutch empire.  

4. Head To The Anne Frank House 

Without mentioning the visit to Anne Frank House, no list of things to do in Amsterdam is going to be complete. Anne Frank House is one of the most important buildings in the city that you must explore. Anne Frank was a German-born Jewish girl living in Amsterdam when the Nazis invaded the city. The house tells you the personal and important stories of World War II that came to light. Here, you can see the secret annex where Anne, her family, and four others were hidden for 2 years. You can actually witness all those rooms where Anne Frank wrote her diary -  The Diary of a Young Girl. 

• Tickets: 16 EUR per person 

• Our tip: Tickets can be purchased online only through the official website every Tuesday at 10:00 AM CEST which are released 6 weeks in advance. Mark your calendars, as tickets get sold out very quickly. Also, be aware of other websites, as they might scam you. 

5. Cycle Through The City Like a Local 

If you are looking to explore the city like a local, then we would suggest you rent a bicycle and cycle around the city. One of the best things to do in Amsterdam is to explore Vondelpark on a bicycle and disconnect from the world. It is one of the beautiful places in Amsterdam where you can enjoy the surreal beauty of nature and chill by the pond. Apart from this, the amazing fact about the city is that bicycles are one of the major means of transportation for getting around the city. Through bicycles, you can explore the narrow alleys and streets of Amsterdam easily, which might take you to hidden nooks and corners. 

• Tickets: vary with different rental shops

• Our Tip: If you are planning Amsterdam in April then you will see lots of Tulips around Vondelpark. Also, we recommend you get the “I Amsterdam City Card” which includes free bike rental for 24 hours. 

6. Visit The World’s Only Floating Flower Market 

Bloemenmarkt is the only floating flower market in the world, located along the Singel Canal since 1862. Visiting this place should be on your list of things to do in Amsterdam for its unique experience and charm. The markets are made up of floating stalls on the edge of barges. It is one of the best places to buy a bouquet of flowers, tulip bulbs, and more. 

• Our Tip: The market is open from 09:00 AM each day from Monday to Saturday and 11:00 AM on Sunday. We recommend that you visit early in the morning to get the fresh tulips and avoid the crowds. 

Conclusion

So, this was our recommendation for the best things to do in Amsterdam, from exploring museums to admiring the city like a local. It is better to book your entry tickets online at least 2 weeks in advance to avoid the hassle of ticket windows. Book your flights to Amsterdam with ExperianAirfare now and enjoy your trip without any worry. Also, let us know which was your favourite place in Amsterdam. 

FAQs

What are the fun things to do in Amsterdam?

One of the most fun things to do in Amsterdam is to just walk around and admire the beautiful architecture from the Dutch Empire. The best way is to download Google Maps street view to locate the best picture spots where the blue dots are clustered. Some of the spots are Skinny Bridges, 7 Bridges, and Hat Papeneiland. 

 What are the best things to do in Amsterdam?

Some of the best things to do in Amsterdam are visiting the brown cafes for local beers, visiting Jordaan for picturesque canals, and exploring the museums in Amsterdam, like the Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh Museum. Another thing which you should definitely do is take a canal cruise to witness the historical canals of Amsterdam. 

Suggest some best things to do in Amsterdam for couples?

If you are visiting Amsterdam with your partner, then we recommend you try things like cycling together around the Vondelpark and picnicking around the pond. Book a sunset canal boat cruise to spend a good quality time with your partner, passing through ancient canals. Don't forget to click some scenic photographs for your Instagram. 

Which are the best local foods to try in Amsterdam?

If you are planning to visit Amsterdam, then we recommend you try stroopwafels for sure (try to get them fresh at a market stall), poffertjes (little puffy pancakes), local cheese (if you see a market stall that sells cheese, ask if you can taste some), and more. 

What to do in Amsterdam in winter?

Amsterdam is a year-round destination, so you can explore all the major tourist attractions in winter as well. Also, Amsterdam is known for its nightlife, so you can visit some of the best clubs like De School, Paradiso, de Melkweg, etc.