Amsterdam is one of Europe’s most enchanting cities, and it’s easy to see why. With its historic canal ring, world-class museums, cozy cafés, vibrant neighborhoods, and endless stories woven into every street, the city is a dream for travelers. If you’re planning your first visit and looking for the best things to do in Amsterdam, this guide highlights the experiences you won’t want to miss.
As I’m currently planning my own visit to Amsterdam for next April, this list reflects both the city’s most beloved attractions and the timeless moments that help travelers fall in love with the Netherlands.
1. Drift Through the UNESCO Canal Belt — One of the Top Things to Do in Amsterdam
Exploring the canals is one of the most iconic things to do in Amsterdam, and a canal cruise is the perfect way to begin your trip. The 17th-century canal belt stretches more than 100 kilometers, weaving through 160+ canals and crossing over 1,700 bridges—more than in Venice! These waterways divide the city into over 90 islands, offering postcard views at every turn.
Why a Canal Cruise Is a Must
A canal cruise is relaxing, scenic, and incredibly immersive. From your boat, you’ll see:
- Elegant canal houses with traditional gables
- Charming arched bridges
- Cozy houseboats (around 3,000 of them!)
- Historic neighborhoods you might otherwise miss
Choose a day cruise for architecture and photography, or a candlelit evening cruise for a romantic European experience.
If you enjoy this section, you may also love my post on Discover Belgium or Christmas Market River Cruises.
2. Wander Through Tulip Fields — A Colorful Highlight Among the Best Things to Do in Amsterdam
If your trip is in spring, visiting the tulip fields is one of the most magical things to do in Amsterdam and beyond. Just outside the city lies the world-famous bulb region, where tulips blanket the countryside in endless stripes of color.
Visiting Keukenhof Gardens
From mid-March to mid-May, Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse becomes a floral wonderland with over 7 million blooms. Even outside of tulip season, the gardens offer stunning bulb displays and peaceful walking paths.
Fun tulip facts that travelers love:
- Van Gogh never painted a tulip
- Tulip Mania in the 1600s made some bulbs more valuable than houses
- The Netherlands exports 2 billion tulips every year
- Tulips grow in every color except true blue
This unforgettable escape is a favorite for photographers, couples, families, and anyone who loves vibrant landscapes.
3. Visit Amsterdam’s World-Class Museums — A Must for Culture Lovers
The Netherlands has produced some of the world’s greatest artists—Rembrandt, Vermeer, Van Gogh, Steen, Bosch—and their stories are beautifully preserved in Amsterdam. Exploring the museums is absolutely one of the most culturally rich things to do in Amsterdam.
Must-See Museums in Amsterdam
Rijksmuseum
Home to masterpieces like Rembrandt’s Night Watch and an extraordinary collection spanning 800 years. https://www.rijksmuseum.nl
Van Gogh Museum
The world’s largest collection of Van Gogh’s paintings and letters. A deeply emotional, beautifully curated experience. https://www.vangoghmuseum.nl/en
Anne Frank House
A deeply meaningful visit that offers insight into the Secret Annex where Anne Frank and her family lived during WWII. https://www.annefrank.org
Traveler Tip:
The Anne Frank House requires timed tickets and sells out quickly. Be sure to reserve early.
4. Explore De Wallen (The Red-Light District) — More Than Its Reputation
Walking through De Wallen is one of the most fascinating things to do in Amsterdam, offering a unique blend of old-world charm and modern culture. While known for its nightlife, this historic neighborhood has so much more to offer.
What to See in De Wallen
- Centuries-old architecture
- Independent cafés and restaurants
- Local boutiques
- Beautiful courtyards tucked between canals
- The city’s oldest buildings including Oude Kerk
For a more local experience, rent a bicycle—Amsterdam has 400 km of bike paths, making cycling one of the best ways to explore the city.
5. Taste the Flavors of the Netherlands — A Delicious Thing to Do in Amsterdam
Amsterdam’s food scene is warm, comforting, and full of surprises. Whether you’re exploring street markets or cozy cafés, tasting Dutch cuisine is one of the yummiest things to do in Amsterdam.
Dutch Foods to Try
- Stroopwafels: Especially delicious warm
- Dutch pancakes (pannenkoeken): Sweet or savory
- Bitterballen: Crispy Dutch comfort food
- Gouda cheese: One of the world’s oldest recorded cheeses
- It’s pronounced HOW-duh, not “GOO-duh”
And yes—Amsterdam’s cannabis coffee shops are a well-known cultural experience. Whether you visit or skip them, they’re part of the atmosphere that makes Amsterdam so unique.
Bonus Thing to Do in Amsterdam — Explore Dam Square
If you’re short on time, Dam Square is an easy addition to your itinerary. Just a five-minute walk from Amsterdam Centraal Station, this historic square dates back to the 13th century, when a dam was built around the Amstel River.
Today, Dam Square is lively and full of energy, offering:
- Street performers
- Trendy shops
- Restaurants and cafés
- The Royal Palace
It’s a must-see stop, especially for first-time visitors.
Final Thoughts — Planning Your Amsterdam Trip
Amsterdam blends history, art, architecture, and everyday charm in a way that few cities can. Whether you’re cruising the canals, wandering through flower gardens, sampling Dutch treats, or pedaling past centuries of architecture, you’ll discover there are endless things to do in Amsterdam—and each experience tells its own story.
If you’re dreaming of traveling to Amsterdam or building a multi-city European adventure, I would love to help you design a seamless, joy-filled itinerary.
✨ Every journey writes a story. Let’s plan yours together.
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