We are so excited to be moving to Amsterdam— a world-class city with gorgeous green spaces, ample walking routes, and of course, bikes galore!
However, having never visited the city ourselves (yes, we are moving to a city we’ve never been to… wish us luck!) we thought it would be wise to reach out to some blogging friends for recommendations on what to do when we first arrive, and what attractions are absolute must-see’s.
Check out their recommendations below– there is truly something for everyone in this list, from parks to breweries to a wide variety of museums and cultural attractions. Enjoy!
1. The Heineken Experience
Submitted by Mark from Wyld Family Travel
There aren’t many places where a beer and a city are as intertwined as Heineken and Amsterdam. In fact, the beer itself has become so popular worldwide that Heineken launched its own “experience” at its former brewery site in the middle of the city. This is no mean feat considering the number of attractions that this amazing city has to offer.
The Heineken Experience is no normal brewery tour. From the moment you enter the building, you are immersed in everything Heineken from its history, its production, its taste and its place in popular culture.
The Heineken Experience is a multimedia sensory experience that includes beer tastings, interactive events, and more. Board a horse carriage as the Beer is delivered through the streets of 19th century Amsterdam, become part of the bottle line as the beer goes from production, into the bottle and into the pub. Heineken is a great experience for singles, couples, and families in Amsterdam alike. You will find a visit a great value, as your entry includes samples of the beer and a gift as you leave. Heineken is easily reached by trams 1, 7, 19, and 24, which stop just around the corner from the entry.
2. Brouwerij ‘t IJ
Submitted by Erin from Pina Travels
If you’re a fan of tasting craft beers, be sure to spend an afternoon or evening at Brouwerij ‘t IJ. This organic Dutch brewery is special because it is located underneath the largest windmill in Amsterdam, called Windmill De Gooyer. It’s a 16th century windmill that was originally used as a flour mill. Windmill De Gooyer is one of the few remaining wooden windmills in the city of Amsterdam, and in the Netherlands as a whole.
While it might look like the brewery is actually part of the windmill, this isn’t the case. Brouwerij ‘t IJ is a separate building and entity. Nevertheless, when you drop by Brouwerij ‘t IJ, you’ll have the unique chance to enjoy a beer and snacks in a gorgeous setting: under a windmill and along a canal!
There are many beers available to try. Brouwerij ‘t IJ has staples, like their session I.P.A. and wheat beer, but also offers a rotation of seasonal beers. If you’re hungry, be sure to order from their selection of bitterballen (a common Dutch snack!), cheese, and sausage.
Brouwerij ‘t IJ is just outside the center of Amsterdam. To reach it on foot, you’ll walk 30 minutes along beautiful canals. Or, you can take a 20 minute tram ride from the city centre (take tram #14). The brewery is open weekdays from 2:00pm to 8:00pm, and on weekends from 12:00pm to 8:00pm.
3. The 9 Streets of the Jordaan
Submitted by Renee from Dream, Plan, Experience
A delightful area of the city to stroll is The 9 Streets (or De 9 Straatjes) found in the charming Jordaan neighborhood. Sitting just behind the Dam Square and on the way from Anne Frank to Rijksmuseum, this area is literally made up of a grid pattern of 3 streets by 3 streets that are connected by side streets. They sit right in the middle of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the canal belt running between Singel, Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht. Originally, many clothing and textile entrepreneurs came to this area and set up shop. The side streets refer to the skin tanning industry, names of Huiden-, Ree-, Beren-, en Wolvenstraat meaning skin, deer, bear, and wolf.
Visit here, and fall in love with its 400-year-old canal system lined with 17th to 18th century architecture. The tall, thin, large-windowed, gable canal buildings are unlike anything else you’ll find in Europe. The city requires each townhome to be personalized and distinct from its neighbor while complementing it. That is why you see such elaborate details in the gables, brick details, plaster crests, scrolls or masks. No side-by-side building is alike, which adds to its uniqueness.
Today, the entire area is brimming over with unique shops, delicious eateries and boutique hotels. Visit here, get lost in The 9 Streets and fall in love with its charm.
4. The Anne Frank House
Submitted by Sam from My Flying Leap
A must-see attraction in Amsterdam is the Anne Frank House. You can tour the house and the attic where Anne and her Jewish family were hidden for 2 years during World War II.
Eventually, they were found and taken to a concentration camp where only Anne’s father made it out. During the tour, you’ll learn about their lives during their last few years as the Nazis rose to power. You can see how shockingly small the space is that the family lived in with a few other people.
But there’s something else that you’ll notice as well—something so striking that it’s what sticks with you during the tour and after. It’s the strength of hope and the beauty of youthful optimism. Anne lived a nightmare, and yet, echoing through the house is her vibrance, passion, will to live, and hope for the future.
Throughout the tour, you begin to see her less as a victim and more as a beautiful flame extinguished too soon. And you’re left to imagine what would have become of the world had Anne remained in it. There’s no doubt she was someone special capable of great things.
It’s a beautiful and touching memorial to an incredible young woman from her loving father. And, it’s such an important story to tell. Though the outcome is quite sad, it’s such a powerful story about a beautiful soul that makes you think about the impact you could have with your own life on those around you.
Please note photography is not allowed inside the house.
5. Vondelpark
Submitted by Anukrati from Bulbul on the Wing
Named after the Dutch playwright and writer Joost van den Vondel, Vondelpark is located in the heart of Amsterdam. There is a large statue of Joost at the beginning of the park.
Vondelpark offers an escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. This scenic park is the most popular city park in Amsterdam. One can enjoy a walk or a cycle for free in Vondelpark or simply relax on the grass or benches by the lakes. There are beautiful cozy cafes around the park.
Vondelpark attracts over 10 million visitors every year. This impressive statistic is partly due to the park’s fascinating history and enduring place within Dutch culture. Due to its historical and cultural significance, Vondelpark has been declared as a national monument.
The best part about Vondelpark is probably the Vondelpark Festival. Each weekend in summer, there is live music, theatre, and dance for free at the Open Air Theatre in Vondelpark.
One interesting fact about Vondelpark is that most of the trees in the Vondelpark get chopped off before they reach old age. That is because the soil of the park is very wet, like a swamp. To keep our feet dry, the groundwater level in the park is kept low artificially. Unfortunately, the level is too low for the roots of the trees. After about 50 years, the trees fall ill. Before the trees fall over, they must be chopped.
When temperatures rise in Amsterdam, the Vondelpark is the place to be.
6. Explore Amsterdam’s canals
Submitted by Victoria from Guide Your Travel
Amsterdam is a city on the water and you’ll absolutely fall in love with the hundreds of canals that are spread around the city. The best thing is that you can simply walk around and explore and will most likely come across some of the most beautiful canals by accident.
An absolute must-see is the Herengracht which is a favorite among local tourists. The canal is stunningly beautiful, but the houses around it are almost more eye-catching. They are hundreds of years old, with intricate details and all unique in their own way. The Brouwersgracht and Prinsengracht were also great choices.
Amsterdam’s canals were actually named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010, making them a significant part of the city’s heritage and beauty. Walking around the centre of Amsterdam is a great way of exploring the canals but of course, you can also see them from the water. Take a cruise around the city centre of Amsterdam and enjoy the beautiful canals from another perspective– read more about this below!
7. The Cheese Museum
Submitted by Ummi from Ummi Goes Where?
Once you’re done with the cycling tours and canal cruises in Amsterdam, there’s one more thing that you must not miss: sampling Dutch cheese.
Being the fourth-largest cheese producer in Europe, the Netherlands has a huge selection of cheeses to offer, most of them named after the different cities in the country, such as Gouda, Edam, Leyden, and Maasdam.
Fortunately, you don’t have to travel to all these cities to try them all; you can do it right here in Amsterdam — at the Amsterdam Cheese Museum.
Located just across the canal from the Anne Frank House, the museum introduces you to the rich history of cheese production in the Netherlands, which — according to archeological findings — has been around since prehistoric times.
Don’t forget to check out the most expensive cheese slicer in the world, and dress up like a traditional Dutch cheese farmer at the photo corner.
But that’s not all — the museum also doubles as a cheese shop, where you’ll get to sample different types of cheese… for free!
From the milky and buttery Edam to the sweet and nutty Leerdammer, it will be difficult to decide which one you like best, so you might as well pick a few. These can then be vacuum-sealed for you to take on your flight home.
8. Visit the Rijksmuseum
Submitted by Frans from Ask The Dutch Guy
When you ask an Amsterdam local to recommend a museum, you bet they’ll point you to the Rijksmuseum. After all, it is the grandest museum in the city, as it is home to a wide collection of artworks and artifacts that represent the Golden Age beginnings of the city.
The museum is home to 80 galleries and 8,000 objects on display. One day may not be enough to view the whole collection, but you need to be aware of the treasures you shouldn’t miss.
For one, make sure you stop by Rembrandt’s The Night Watch, his masterpiece that turned the artist’s career around. Johannes Vermeer’s The Handmaid is a sight to behold and it will captivate you, especially if you are enthralled by his Girl with a Pearl Earring at the Mauritshuis.
Take a breather and enjoy the outdoors; check out The Gardens, designed by Pierre Cuppers. Bask in the beauty of it all as intricate topiaries and magnificent water features surround you.
The museum holds a lot of quirky stuff as well, so make sure you drop by The Doll House. Rijksmuseum has three antique dolls’ houses on display that were made during the 17th century.
If you’re on a bike, pass through The Passage that connects two halves of the atrium. From here, you will be able to see the grand interior of the museum.
When you travel to Amsterdam, Rijksmuseum is certainly something you shouldn’t miss!
9. Check out the Hortus Botanicus
Submitted by Daniella from Our Soulful Travels
Most people don’t know this, but Amsterdam is actually home to one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world – De Hortus Botanicus. Head on over to the Plantage District of Amsterdam (just east of the city center) to visit this must-see attraction.
The Hortus Botanicus was originally established as Hortus Medicus in 1638 where herbs and medicinal plants were grown for the doctors of Amsterdam during the plague years. By the 17th century, the Hortus Botanicus had amassed a collection of plants that were completely unknown in Europe via traders of the Dutch East India Company. Today, the botanical garden is still a world-renowned establishment that houses some of the most unique plants in the world.
Inside, visitors can explore the large hothouse that creates the conditions for three different tropical climates. They can wander around the semicircle garden taking either The Evolution Route or The Tree Route, or marvel at butterflies in various stages of their life cycle in the popular Butterfly Room. Plus, every season the Hortus Botanicus also hosts an exhibition of plants indigenous to a specific country or unique region of the world. This beautiful place is close to a number of other Amsterdam landmarks, making it the perfect addition to any Amsterdam itinerary.
10. The Street Art Museum
Submitted by Laura from Travelers Universe
The Street Art Museum is a non-profit foundation and one of Amsterdam’s hidden gems. Located in the off-the-beaten-path residential neighborhood of Nieuw-West, this unusual attraction spreads throughout a three-kilometer area and features a collection of over 300 artworks, some tiny, some of epic proportions.
The museum opened in 2012 as a community-based project and you can either explore it on your own or you can join a guided tour. The tours start at Immanuel Kanthof 1, a small studio with walls full of life, last a couple of hours and cover the background story of some of the most important murals. Among the creators are some of the world’s most respected international contemporary street artists, such as Stinkfish, Nafir, and Bastardilla.
The idea behind the museum is to open a discussion about the most pressing social matters of our time and challenge the way we think about them. The museum was created as a response to the quick clean-up of the city center of Amsterdam where you can barely spot any street art anymore. It is a family-friendly attraction and you can easily spend anything from two hours to half a day exploring the colorful streets of an otherwise quiet yet diverse neighborhood.
11. The Ferris Wheel
Submitted by Dan from Urban Abroad
When looking for the best things to do in Amsterdam, you cannot miss the Ferris Wheel, which offers visitors to the city a chance to do a spot of sightseeing from what seems like the highest point in the city.
Located in the popular Dam Square, this Ferris Wheel is somewhat of a ‘main attraction’ for those looking for a bit of fun and to get a unique view of the city. The Ferris wheel is also one of the largest in the whole of Europe, and it is known to some as ‘The View’– any ride toward the top will quickly reveal why it’s called that! You can get some of the most sensational views of the city, including views of the top of the Royal Palace of Amsterdam.
In general, Amsterdam is a safe place to visit but when on the ground you’ll want to keep your valuables close by in this area, especially at night, because there is a lot of people and it often gets overcrowded. There is some other great architecture that surrounds the square and it also makes a great place to marvel at the local street performers as well as just sit and watch the world go by.
12. Bloemenmarkt (flower market)
Submitted by Alexander from Travel Your Memories
Amsterdam is world-famous for its canals and unique museums, but the flowers are the most beautiful things to see according to many travelers. The flowers and especially the tulips are the largest export product of the Netherlands. In Amsterdam, you have several opportunities to learn more about the flowers of the Netherlands.
The best thing is to visit the bloemenmarkt (flower market), located on the canal belt close to the Munttoren. The market dates back to the year 1862 when ships used to come to the quay to sell their flowers. Nowadays these are fixed ships, on each ship a greenhouse has been built that shows the countryside of the Netherlands. It is a perfect place to enjoy all the flowers and if you like one to buy some flower bulbs that you can plant at home. Ask the seller on the spot whether the customs of your country have any problems importing the product.
If you love tulips, a visit to the tulip museum in Amsterdam is worthwhile. For 5 euros you can visit this small museum where you learn everything about the tulips. In addition, it is a very good place to buy tulips for home because of the professional advice they give also they have more time for you compared to the flower market. You can easily buy a ticket on the website of the tulip museum.
13. The Van Gogh Museum
Submitted by Jessica from Uprooted Traveler
The Vincent Van Gogh Museum, housed in a modern glass and steel structure, offers the largest collection in the world of the troubled artist’s paintings and is the second most visited museum in Amsterdam, after the beloved Rijksmuseum. The museum is arranged so that visitors walk through the museum on a journey through Van Gogh’s life and work, from his earliest sketches through his struggles with mental illness and ultimate death, with intimate glimpses into his relationships with friends and family, and his ever evolving perception of self.
Every painting and accompanying signage in the museum has been thoughtfully arranged to help the visitor understand Van Gogh’s life and the museum’s ban on photography, which is strictly enforced, fosters an environment where visitors can focus on the paintings’ thick brushstrokes and colors, rather than capturing a selfie with his most famous works. If you’re interested in visiting, consider purchasing tickets online before your visit, as the museum sells out on almost a daily basis.
Your reserved tickets will allow you entry into the museum at a prescribed time- if you arrive half an hour before or after your time-slot, you may not be allowed to enter, so keep a close watch on the time! Once inside, pick up an audio tour of the museum for a nominal fee- it highlights the most important pieces in the museum to visitors who may be short on time and provides additional context around the artist’s thought process and work.
From the building’s stunning architecture to the thoughtfully designed flow of the museum, the Van Gogh Museum is a must-see for art lovers of all ages.
14. The Amsterdam Museum
Submitted by Natalie from Voyage Scribe
The Amsterdam Museum is an excellent history museum that is a must, especially if you’re visiting the city for the first time. It offers a look at Amsterdam’s history, from its beginnings 1000 years ago as a trading city and to present times.
While there is much more to the Netherlands than Amsterdam, and a trip to this capital should be paired with at least one day trip somewhere else in the country, Amsterdam is undeniably important not only to the country but the whole world. This museum will show you why.
With collections like paintings, archeological artifacts, models and photographs, the history of Amsterdam comes to life in this museum.
The ticket price also includes an audio tour, which will make your visit much richer, as you’ll learn much more this way.
The building itself is historical as well, once being an orphanage for children whose parents died in the plague going around at the time. There’s even a small section left preserved in the courtyard where you can learn about what life was like in that orphanage.
Also, make sure you don’t miss out on walking through the Amsterdam Gallery, which is free and located on the small, covered street leading to the museum.
15. The Red Light District
Submitted by Sydney from A World in Reach
When you think of Amsterdam, one of the first things that comes to mind is probably the city’s famous Red Light District. Amsterdam is known for its progessive attitudes towards the use of soft drugs like cannabis and sex work, and the Red Light District is the center of these activities.
Also known as De Wallen, Amsterdam’s Red Light District is the largest and most famous red light district in the world. The area is dotted with coffeeshops (that sell marijuana, not coffee), sex shops, and red-lit windows where sex workers offer their services. The neighborhood is also one of the oldest in Amsterdam and is home to some of the most picturesque buildings and canals in the city.
When visiting the Red Light District, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, do not take photos of the sex workers in the windows. They are people too, and taking photos is highly disrespectful. Additionally, if you’re caught doing so, your phone or camera might be destroyed by the bouncers. Tours of the district are now illegal.
16. The Royal Palace
Submitted by Dymphe from Dymabroad
One of the best things to do in Amsterdam is going to the Royal Palace. You find the Royal Palace at Dam Square and it is an incredible building to see. The architecture of the Palace looks wonderful and, compared with the other buildings you find in Amsterdam, it looks unique!
Moreover, it is one of the most Instagrammable places in Amsterdam. Also, you can see the building from the inside! Here you can see the interior of the palace, including the furniture and some beautiful paintings, as well as learn about the history of the building when you go inside.
The city built the Royal Palace in the year 1650, during the Dutch Golden Age. At that time, the city built it as the city hall of Amsterdam. With the building, the city wanted to show the wealth of the city to the rest of the world. The building was the largest non-religious building in the world at the time it was built. For a long time, it remained in use as the city hall of Amsterdam, until it was used as the palace by the Dutch royal house at the beginning of the 19th century. Nowadays, it is still in use by the Dutch royal house.
17. The Museum of Prostitution
Submitted by Paula from Truly Expat
The Red Light District in Amsterdam is an area known to the Dutch locals as the oldest district of Amsterdam. It first came alive around 1385, when the Dutch were known for their trading around the world. The red-light district was centred right next to its large port, making it the perfect place for its establishments to provide such services. So today, you will find these establishments dotted around this area, almost the same way you had all those years ago.
The Museum of Prostitution may not be your first choice of museums in Amsterdam, but it is worth visiting. It is not exactly what you think either; it is more about the history and how it has become an acceptable part of Amsterdam life. Tickets to the museum are either purchased online or added to your city sightseeing tour, and an audio tour is found in five languages – English, German, French, Spanish and Dutch.
The museum is the first of its kind and takes you on 12 individual journeys. Enter prostitution rooms, listen to their stories and learn about the secrets this professional holds. The museum itself was once a brothel and is in its original state. Here you can also get your chance to sit behind the brothel windows that are famous in this red-light district.
Opening hours are Daily from 12:00 noon to 8:00 pm and can be found at Oudezi. Entry is as easy as showing your e-ticket on your phone.
18. NEMO Science Museum
Submitted by Jennifer from FamilyTripGuides
When you think of things to do in Amsterdam, you might not think of a science museum but it is actually one of the best in the world! The NEMO Science Museum is located conveniently on the Oosterdok, a short walk from the main train station. The architecture of the museum itself is stunning in a boat-like structure with an incredible roof with interactive water features. You can walk across a long bridge from one side to enter the museum over the canals.
The museum is open every day except for Monday, and the fees are around 18 euros each with lots of different discount codes for various museum passes. The entire museum is interactive with English descriptions near each exhibit.
NEMO has 5 floors of exhibits from water play, science of light and sound, mathematics of shapes and an entire new exploration of humankind. There are also science experiments on the events calendar to watch and participate in.
The roof as mentioned earlier, has a cool water feature and incredible views of Amsterdam. Last but not least, the cafe is a delight with fresh foods and desserts and even an herb wall with scissors to cut your own!
19. Canal cruise
Submitted by Sinjana from Backpack & Explore
If you have only enough time to do one thing in Amsterdam, it should be the canal cruise. Yes, an audio-guided canal cruise may sound like the most touristy thing to do, but it gives any first-time visitor the much-needed orientation to the city. Even on a repeat visit, exploring the canals should always be a part of the Amsterdam itinerary.
Waterways are integral to the identity of Amsterdam. With 165 canals adorned by more than a thousand bridges, Amsterdam is rightly called the “Venice of the North”. The canal-system connecting the different parts of the city serves as a means of transport, trade, irrigation, water management as well as defense. It’s an engineering masterpiece of the Dutch golden age of 16th and 17th centuries.
The canal cruise not only offers incredible views of Amsterdam’s most famous places, but it also gives interesting insight to the history and culture of the city. You will see the leaning houses on the banks, the vibrant bike stands, the Anne Frank house and other important landmarks. Besides the most popular 1-hou audio-guided cruises, one can also choose a hop-on hop-off canal cruise or hire a boat of their own for more freedom to explore.
20. Explore lesser-known neighborhoods
Submitted by Alex from Why Not Walk Travel Guides
Every city has its touristic highlights, but often the true gems are found in lesser-visited places, outside the main hustle and bustle. Some hidden gems in Amsterdam include the “hipster” neighborhoods of de Baarsjes and Bos & Lommer, with admittedly less-cute architecture than the main canal area (fun fact: most of it was skipped in the “urban renewal” schemes of the late 20th century), but loads of Turkish and Middle Eastern eateries and easy access to Rembrandtpark, Erasmuspark, and Schipol Airport. Or perhaps head over to Nieuw-West, a newer neighborhood, or spend some time in Oud West, to see the contrasts between the two.
If you’re looking to “live how the locals do”, start in some of the more residential neighborhoods, which are vibrant with coffeeshops, families, and, of course, loads of people biking around!
Stay tuned for loads of new Amsterdam content, coming soon! We’ll be posting all about our new city and neighborhood, the peaks and valleys of expat life, and much more.
For now, you can pin this great guide on Pinterest here or here, or by clicking below.
We are so grateful to our blogging friends, who contributed such fabulous places to visit! Can’t wait to check them out ourselves. As always, let us know what you think in the comments!
