10 things to do in Amsterdam

Here are our travel tips for ten things to do while on an Amsterdam holiday that will ensure you have an amazing time.

Amsterdam Canal Cruise

What better way to experience Amsterdam than to cruise the canals? From boat level, you get a fascinating view of the city. This is simply a must-do and is one of our recommended ways to get around the city.

Van Gogh Museum

Art lovers will marvel at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, which has the largest collection anywhere of Van Gogh works - and apparently, it’s the most visited museum in the entire Netherlands. It's also child-friendly.

Rijksmuseum

Next door to the Van Gogh Museum is another popular Amsterdam sight, the Rijksmuseum. It’s a national museum of art and history and includes a large collection of works by Rembrandt. It's also where the famous letters "IAMSTERDAM" is located - a popular spot for Instagrammers!

Anne Frank House

Anne Frank House is the actual location where Anne Frank and her family hid, although the museum has spilled into the next-door building. It’s exceptionally well-curated with a mix of media and the advantage of an inherently interesting subject - an innocent girl who loved writing in her diary but got caught up in the anti-semitism of World War II and tragically ended up dying in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp shortly before the war ended.

You can see video of Anne’s father, the lists of “Jew transports” showing her family members after their hiding place was discovered and they were sent to concentration camps, photographs and most amazing to me, you can actually see Anne’s diary. I was moved to tears several times during my visit to the Anne Frank House.

I’ve heard that there are sometimes long queues for entry to this (understandably popular) museum. When I went, I arrived quite late in the day in summer, when the museum is open until 10.00pm, and I didn’t have to wait long, so that might be a good strategy. Anne Frank House opens every day at 9am, and the closing time depends on the month; check exact opening hours here. The cost is €8.50 for adults, which will seem very reasonable once you’ve seen what a great place it is.

Amsterdam Bos

To get into nature in Amsterdam, head to the Amsterdam Bos - a forest area within reach of the city and a great place for cycling. “Bos” means forest in Dutch, but Amsterdamse Bos is much more than that. Rarely visited by the casual tourist, this wooden oasis is an easy 30-minute cycle ride out of town but feels like it is worlds away. It's one of the largest city parks in Europe, with its 137km (85mi) of footpaths, 51km (35mi) of cycle paths and 50 bridges. A day out is not complete with a visit to the GeitenBoerderij, a goat farm where children can pet the animals and adults can enjoy an array of beverages (Dutch beers, wine, soft drinks) and purchase various goat’s milk products (ice cream, yogurt, cheese). There is also the Grote Vijver (translated as the ‘big pond’) which offers calming views as well as kayak/rowboat rental during the summer. At all entrances to the park as well as throughout paths are well signposted so you should have no troubles getting around.

Before setting off, check with your bicycle rental company to get directions (do not worry it’s not too difficult). I also suggest a picnic lunch if you do not want to eat at the goat farm.

Red Light District

Out of pure curiosity, a stroll through the famous Red Light District of Amsterdam (especially during the day) is interesting and harmless. Post-Covid, there is talk that the authorities are moving the red-light district out of the city centre, so keep tabs on the latest developments of you are planning to visit.

Cafe Americain

Amsterdam’s cafes have a certain reputation but if you’re looking for somewhere simply for a great cup of coffee and excellent atmosphere Cafe Americain is the place to go.

Bloemenmarkt

Of course you’ll want to see some tulips while in Amsterdam - head for the floating Bloemenmarkt in the southern canals - and can buy some seeds to grow your own too.

Heineken Experience

Beer lovers will find the Heineken Experience, incorporating the brewery and exhibition, a must do tour on a visit to Amsterdam. A couple of beers are included in the entry price.

Vondelpark

The Amsterdam equivalent of New York’s Central Park, Vondelpark is a great place to head when the sun comes out. The park includes an outdoor cinema and a film museum.