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20 Best Things to do in Amsterdam (+ Map)

ByJess Inions

Amsterdam is one of my favourite European cities to visit. I first went in 2019 on one of my very first trips with my boyfriend, and I returned just a few weeks ago on a girls trip.

Across these two trips I’ve managed to see most of the main sights, as well as discovering some lesser known spots.

Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or if you’re just really into your food, there’s an endless list of things to keep you entertained.

From immersive art exhibitions to life-changing toasties, this is my guide to the 20 best things to do in Amsterdam.

Best things to do in Amsterdam

1. Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum is the national museum of the Netherlands.

There’s over 8,000 objects in the museum that cover 800 years of Dutch history, including model ships, furniture from palaces, toys, ceramics, sculptures, and artwork from Rembrandt and Van Gogh.

The grand façade of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam under a clear blue sky, with its iconic red-brick towers and central archway; crowds of visitors walk and bike along the entrance plaza, and a large banner advertises a photography exhibition.

Out of all the musuems I’ve been to in Amsterdam, the Rijksmuseum is my favourite. It was fascinating to see all of these pieces from Dutch history and to be able to piece together how things have changed over the years.

It’s also home to the Cuypers library, which is truly stunning and a very popular spot for photos!

An ornate, multi-level historic library with towering bookshelves, arched ceilings, a skylight roof, and a spiral staircase, flooded with natural light from tall, arched windows at the end of the hall.

Don’t forget to visit the the Rijksmuseum Gardens, located next to the museum entrance. They’re free to enter and a really peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Visitors explore the blooming gardens in front of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, where colorful tulips are neatly arranged in geometric flower beds beneath the museum’s grand brick façade and arched entrance.

You can get free entry to the Rijksmuseum and 70+ other museums, plus free public transport with an Amsterdam City Card. It also gets you a free canal cruise and 24 hour bike rental. Having this saved me so much money on my trip!

2. Van Gogh Museum

Just across the road from the Rijksmuseum is the Van Gogh museum, which is home to the world’s largest collection of Vincent Van Gogh paintings, and even if you’re not a huge art fan, it’s a must do on your trip to Amsterdam.

Vincent Van Gogh was a Dutch painter who created over 2,000 pieces of art during his lifetime. Although sadly it wasn’t until after his death that his work really took off.

The museum was founded by his nephew, who Van Gogh left his artwork to.

Here you’ll learn about Van Gogh’s life, and get to see his world famous paintings like The Bedroom and of course the iconic Sunflower.

Exterior view of the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam on a sunny day, showcasing its modern architecture with a curved stone façade and a large glass atrium, surrounded by green lawns and visitors.

Tickets for the Van Gogh museum can only be purchased online and they sell out weeks ahead of time, so make sure you book them in advance!

3. Moco Museum

If you’ve had enough of learning about the past, Moco Museum is the perfect next stop as it showcases contemporary artists like Banksy, Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin and Andy Warhol.

The Moco Museum in Amsterdam, housed in a classic brick and timber building with red trim, featuring a large front sign that reads “In art we trust” under a clear blue sky and leafy trees.

Even Robbie Williams (yes, of Angels fame) has an exhibition here and his artwork was my favourite in the museum. I won’t tell you what it’s about and ruin the surprise but it was a really thought provoking collection.

There’s also incredible digital immersive art rooms which are great for children (and adults!).

Moco Museum is a very small museum so you can see everything in around 1 hour.

The Rikjsmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Moco Museum are located next to each other in an area called Museumplein , so I’d recommend taking 1 day out of your itinerary to visit them all at the same time.

4. Vondelpark

Vondelpark is Amsterdam’s largest green space, and it’s located just a short walk from Museumplein, so it’s a great place for a stroll in between your museum visits.

There’s cafés, restaurants, lakes, ponds, and even a rose garden, and it’s just a really lovely place to relax for a few hours.

A sunny park scene with a calm pond in the foreground, where a duck swims near the center. People are scattered across the grassy area in the background, sitting or walking beneath tall trees with spring foliage; a statue on a pedestal is visible among the trees under a clear blue sky.

5. Hortus Botanicus

If you like Vondelpark, then you’ll absolutely love Hortus Botanicus. It opened in 1638 and it’s one of Europe’s oldest botanical gardens.

Things to see here include the Palm Greenhouse – a 20th century glasshouse full of palms and tropical trees, and the Butterfly Greenhouse, where hundreds of butterflies fly freely.

A lush botanical garden with colorful rows of blooming tulips in white, orange, yellow, and red beside a glass greenhouse filled with green plants; a gravel path leads to classic European buildings in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

6. Canal cruise

You simply can’t visit Amsterdam without doing a canal cruise. Seeing the city from the water gives you a completely different perspective and honestly, cruising along the canal on a sunny day, drink in hand, is pretty hard to beat.

I’ve done 3 canal cruises in Amsterdam, and the one I’d recommend most is this incredible tulip cruise run by Flagship.

A woman in sunglasses relaxes on a canal boat filled with colorful tulips in wooden crates, with orange cushions labeled “FLAGSHIP Amsterdam” beside her. The canal and historic buildings line the background under a sunny, clear sky.

This 1-hour cruise doesn’t just run during tulip season, it actually runs for the whole of summer and it’s such a unique experience.

Not only does it look pretty, but you’ll be guided by your expert captain who will tell you about the main sights in Amsterdam and the history of the buildings you pass by.

It’s a maximum of 8 people per tour so it doesn’t feel overcrowded either.

7. Fabrique des Lumieres

Fabrique des Lumieres is an immersive art exhibition where the art is displayed across the walls and ceiling, in time with music.

It’s basically a whole show, and you can walk around the room to see it from completely different perspectives.

Immersive art exhibit where visitors are surrounded by large-scale projections of Vincent van Gogh’s “Starry Night,” with swirling blues and vibrant yellows covering the walls and floor in a darkened room.

I went to see the Dutch Masters, which showcases work from Van Gogh, Vermeer, Rembrandt and more.

It’s one of the most amazing exhibitions I’ve been to, even if you’re not hugely in to art, you’ll enjoy this!

The Dutch Masters exhibition is only available once a day at 9:45am, and you need to book tickets in advance as it does sell out.

8. Anne Frank House

Anne Frank was a Jewish girl from Germany, who fled to the Netherlands with her family to escape the Nazis.

When the Nazis came to the Netherlands, Anne and her family hid in a secret annex next to her father’s business.

They hid there for 761 days before they were all discovered and taken to concentration camps, where only Anne’s father, Otto Frank, survived.

During their time in hiding, Anne kept a diary which is one of the most famous books in the world.

During your visit you’ll get to see Anne’s famous diary, the annex where she lived, and the bookcase that hid its entrance.

Tickets to the Anne Frank House are only available on the official website. Every Tuesday at 10am tickets are released for a date six weeks later.

This is one of the most popular things to do in Amsterdam so make sure you get your tickets in advance.

9. Wander along the canals

One of the best things to do in Amsterdam is simply to stroll along the canals with no real agenda. Just make sure you allow extra time for all of the photos you’ll be taking because this city is ridiculously pretty.

A classic Amsterdam canal scene featuring a brick building with large windows and red-and-white striped awnings over a street café; bicycles are parked along the canal railing, and a covered white boat floats in the water below.
Outdoor seating at a sunny café in Amsterdam with people enjoying drinks by a canal; the brick building has tall windows, leafy trees add shade, and an "Amstel Bier" sign hangs above the entrance.
A classic Amsterdam canal scene featuring a brick building with large windows and red-and-white striped awnings over a street café; bicycles are parked along the canal railing, and a covered white boat floats in the water below.
Outdoor seating at a sunny café in Amsterdam with people enjoying drinks by a canal; the brick building has tall windows, leafy trees add shade, and an "Amstel Bier" sign hangs above the entrance.

I’ve listed my favourite places for photos below, and if you click on them, it’ll take you to the Google maps location.

The Dancing Houses – These titled houses lean into each other and look as though they’re dancing

This photo shows a classic row of narrow, gabled buildings along an Amsterdam canal, with houseboats floating in the foreground. The architecture features traditional Dutch stepped and bell-shaped façades, and the scene is brightened by springtime trees and calm canal reflections.

Atlas Fiscalisten – A tax consultancy is the last place you’d expect to be photogenic, but this building, located just behind the Rijksmuseum, is absolutely beautiful.

Elegant canal-side mansions in Amsterdam with ornate architecture and curved rooftops, bathed in sunlight; boats float on the calm water below a clear blue sky and leafy trees.

Staalmeesterburg – A peaceful bridge with beautiful views

This image captures a peaceful Amsterdam canal scene, framed by rows of narrow Dutch houses and leafy trees with the Zuiderkerk (Southern Church) tower prominently centered in the background. Small boats line the canal, bicycles are parked along the edges, and the water reflects the soft spring greenery.

Damrak – One of the most iconic photo locations in Amsterdam, located just across the road from the train station

A row of narrow, historic canal houses in Amsterdam reflects on the calm water at golden hour. Docked canal tour boats and a small white boat labeled "Prins Hendrik" are in the foreground, capturing a peaceful moment along the waterfront.

10. Van der Linde ice cream

Van der Linde was recommended by the hotel I was staying at in Amsterdam and I’ve got to admit when I read they only sold vanilla ice cream I was a little underwhelmed by the idea of it.

But it was only a short walk from the hotel so I decided to give it a try anyway. And now I totally get the hype.

This family-run ice cream shop is famous for its unique recipe, which is made up of one scoop vanilla ice cream, topped with a scoop of freshly whipped cream.

Is it slightly sickening? Yes. Will I be running straight back here when I go back to Amsterdam? Also yes.

And what’s even better is you can get an ice cream here for less than €2.00! Just make sure you have cash as this place doesn’t accept card.

A hand holding a single scoop of vanilla ice cream in a waffle cone, with a tiled floor and decorative glass window in the background, showcasing green and gold wavy patterns.

11. Body Worlds

You’re either going to find this absolutely fascinating or think I’m an absolute weirdo for recommending it to you but I visited Body Worlds on my first trip to Amsterdam and it definitely left a lasting impression on me.

Body Worlds is a museum where you can see real human bodies that have been preserved through a process called plastination.

The exhibition looks into how lifestyle choices like smoking, stress, and even emotions effect our health, and if nothing else, it’s a really unique experience!

12. LuminAir

Amsterdam doesn’t have a lot of rooftop bars, mostly due to strict building regulations along the canal belt.

But there are a handful scattered across the city, including LuminAir, located on the 11th floor of the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel, near the train station.

There’s a spacious indoor area, seating around the bar, as well as a large terrace with views across the city.

I’d recommend visiting around sunset and enjoying one of their delicious cocktails at the end of a busy day exploring.

This image shows a stylish rooftop bar at sunset, featuring cozy seating, wooden flooring, and string lights creating a warm ambiance. People are casually mingling under shaded canopies with panoramic city views in the background and a fully stocked outdoor bar on the right.

13. Monty’s toasties

Amsterdam is a foodie city, there’s so many incredible restaurants here that you simply won’t begin to scratch the surface on a short trip.

But one place you HAVE to make time for is Monty’s Toasties. They serve delicious sourghdough toasties made with award-winning cheeses.

There’s only 3 to choose from, I went for the Monty’s Red Onion Chutney and it was pretty lifechanging. Don’t forget to order truffle mayo on the side.

A hand holds a tray with a golden, crispy grilled cheese sandwich and a small cup of dipping sauce, with vibrant green plants and rose leaves in the sunlit background.
Cozy interior of a café featuring green and white decor, wooden floors, bar seating with cushioned stools, wall art of animals, and a counter area lined with snacks and drinks.
A hand holds a tray with a golden, crispy grilled cheese sandwich and a small cup of dipping sauce, with vibrant green plants and rose leaves in the sunlit background.
Cozy interior of a café featuring green and white decor, wooden floors, bar seating with cushioned stools, wall art of animals, and a counter area lined with snacks and drinks.

14. Koninklijk Theater Tuschinski

If you’re looking for a date night activity, or something to do on a rainy day, you have to pay a visit to the Koninklijk Theater Tuschinski, an art deco cinema located in Amsterdam city centre.

Its previously been named the most beautiful cinema in the world, and it definitely beats the Odeon where I’m from.

Make sure you book a film in the main auditorium (Grote Zaal), which is the most lavishly decorated room.

If you don’t have time to watch a film, I’d still recommend paying the cinema a visit, as the facade and foyer are both stunning.

This image shows the interior of an ornate, vintage-style theater with a warm golden glow. The view is from the back of the auditorium facing a stage framed by detailed art deco architecture and a large, gold curtain, with rows of red velvet seats and illuminated balconies on either side.

15. Van Wonderen Stroopwafels

A stroopwafel is a thin waffle cookie made up of two layers filled with a delicious caramel syrup.

It’s a traditional Dutch treat and you’ll see Stroopwafel shops all over Amsterdam, but you have to pay a visit to Van Wonderen Stroopwafels.

They have a beautiful shop with an incredible window display, with loads of toppings to choose from.

This definitely isn’t the cheapest place to get stroopwafels, but it’s worth it for the experience.

The storefront of Van Wonderen Stroopwafels on Kalverstraat in Amsterdam, featuring a large window display with whimsical hot air balloon decorations and a blue-themed interior visible through the open door.
A hand holds a decorated stroopwafel from Van Wonderen Stroopwafels, topped with caramel cubes and half-dipped in chocolate, with a backdrop of vibrant red, pink, and orange tulips in full bloom.
The storefront of Van Wonderen Stroopwafels on Kalverstraat in Amsterdam, featuring a large window display with whimsical hot air balloon decorations and a blue-themed interior visible through the open door.
A hand holds a decorated stroopwafel from Van Wonderen Stroopwafels, topped with caramel cubes and half-dipped in chocolate, with a backdrop of vibrant red, pink, and orange tulips in full bloom.

16. The Bloemenmarkt

Just a 3 minute walk from Van Wonderen is the Bloemenmarket, a floating flower market located on the Singel canal.

Here you can find fresh flowers as well as bulbs for you to grow at home, all sold on stalls that sit on top of barges.

It’s quite touristy and you probably won’t find the best flowers in Amsterdam here, but it’s a really cool place for a quick wander around.

A row of glass-roofed market stalls, part of Amsterdam’s famous floating flower market, lines the edge of a canal, with modern and historic buildings reflected in the water under a clear blue sky.

17. Visit the tulip fields

If you’re visiting Amsterdam from early April to mid May, then you have to take a day trip out of the city to see the tulip fields. 

A woman in a white top and pink skirt stands with a vintage pink bicycle on a sandy path beside vibrant rows of blooming tulips in red, orange, and yellow; her bike baskets overflow with tulips, and wooden directional signs behind her point to places like “Tulip Experience” and “Flower Fields.”

➡️Read my guide on the best tulip fields in the Netherlands, which includes helpful tips for making the most of your trip

The best place to see them is in a region called Bollenstreek, about 40 minutes away from Amsterdam, and I’d recommend booking a day trip so you don’t need to worry about hiring a car.

This day trip will take you from Amsterdam to Keukenhof, one of the best places to see the tulips.

You get fast track entry and you can stay as long as you like, just catch one of the shuttle buses home (they leave every 30 minutes).

18. De Kaaskamer van Amsterdam

De Kaaskamer van Amsterdam is a specialty cheese shop in De 9 Straatjes (the 9 streets) district.

They have a collection of over 350 cheeses from all over the world, with their Dutch cheeses sourced from local farms.

It’s the perfect place to buy a souvenir, or they can help you put together a picnic box for a lunch in the Vondelpark!

The storefront of “De Kaaskamer van Amsterdam” with a bright yellow awning and stacked cheese wheels on display outside. The window reveals a well-stocked interior, and black sandwich boards advertise pairings like “Crottin de Chavignol & Sauvignon Blanc” and “Mozzarella uit Hollandse Buffelmelk.”
A cozy, warmly lit cheese shop stacked high with wheels and blocks of cheese on shelves and baskets. The shop has a rustic wood floor, globe pendant lights, and labeled cheeses including “Olde Remeker,” alongside blue bags of snacks and various packaged goods.
The storefront of “De Kaaskamer van Amsterdam” with a bright yellow awning and stacked cheese wheels on display outside. The window reveals a well-stocked interior, and black sandwich boards advertise pairings like “Crottin de Chavignol & Sauvignon Blanc” and “Mozzarella uit Hollandse Buffelmelk.”
A cozy, warmly lit cheese shop stacked high with wheels and blocks of cheese on shelves and baskets. The shop has a rustic wood floor, globe pendant lights, and labeled cheeses including “Olde Remeker,” alongside blue bags of snacks and various packaged goods.

19. Explore De Pijp

De Pijp is a neighbourhood just south of Amsterdam’s city centre.

It feels quite different to the rest of the city as there aren’t canals running through the middle of it, but it’s a must visit if you’re a foodie as it’s packed full of great restaurants and bars.

I love De Pijp’s laidback atmosphere, it feels more residential and less touristy than the centre of Amsterdam.

One place not to miss here is the Albert Cuypmarkt, a street market that’s open 6 days a week. It has a great selection of food, clothes, flowers and souvenirs.

If you go, you have to try Ranchi – they do delicious Japanese sandwiches and waffle fries (which were seriously addictive).

Street view of a café named BRIO with an orange awning and large front windows reflecting nearby buildings; the interior is dimly lit with hanging globe lights, and the outdoor seating features dark marble-top tables on a cobblestone sidewalk.
A bustling flower market stall in front of the “Simon Meijssen” bakery, showcasing a vibrant display of fresh flowers including sunflowers, tulips, and other colorful bouquets, under a banner that reads "VERSE BLOEMEN FRESH".
Street view of a café named BRIO with an orange awning and large front windows reflecting nearby buildings; the interior is dimly lit with hanging globe lights, and the outdoor seating features dark marble-top tables on a cobblestone sidewalk.
A bustling flower market stall in front of the “Simon Meijssen” bakery, showcasing a vibrant display of fresh flowers including sunflowers, tulips, and other colorful bouquets, under a banner that reads "VERSE BLOEMEN FRESH".

20. Breakfast at Little Collins

Little Collins, located in De Pijp, is one of Amsterdam’s most revered brunch spots. It’s Australian-owned, and the food takes inspiration from the country’s famous brunches.

The menu changes regularly and the dishes are always interesting. I had an 18 hour slow cooked brisket with black bean puree, quesadilla, green chili sauce and pickles and it was incredible.

It’s walk-ins only and be prepared to queue on the weekends!

A rustic round wooden table set for two at an outdoor café, topped with colorful plates of toast with toppings like red onion and pickles, green and orange juices, and a small bouquet of purple flowers in a glass vase.
Street view of the Little Collins café with outdoor seating under a yellow-and-white striped awning, surrounded by greenery and set against a modern brick building with large windows.
A rustic round wooden table set for two at an outdoor café, topped with colorful plates of toast with toppings like red onion and pickles, green and orange juices, and a small bouquet of purple flowers in a glass vase.
Street view of the Little Collins café with outdoor seating under a yellow-and-white striped awning, surrounded by greenery and set against a modern brick building with large windows.

Amsterdam Google Map

This Google Map has the locations of all the places I’ve mentioned in this post. Click on the rectangle on the right hand side to make it bigger.

Jess is the founder of Where Jess Travels, a travel blog that helps you find the best places to eat, sleep and explore around the world. She's travelled to 36 countries, sharing her adventures with a community of over 220,000 people on her social media channels. She's worked with major brands in travel like Sandals, Radisson, Small Luxury Hotels and TUI, as well as tourism boards like Travel Texas, Visit Greece, Experience Abu Dhabi, & St Kitts.