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Amsterdam, Netherlands

Destination Guide

Amsterdam

Netherlands

Best things to do in Amsterdam

60 curated attractions in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

April - September

Average temp

10°C/50°F

Budget

Expensive

Safety

Generally safe

About Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a city of canals, built on an ambitious system of waterways from the 17th century, which set the tone for everything that followed. The canals are lined with narrow, gabled houses, many of which were formerly warehouses, and it’s these waterways that shape the city's unique charm. The local population has a penchant for bikes, adding to the delightful chaos of the streets while also ensuring a certain kind of freedom and accessibility. Most visitors come for the museums, with highlights including the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Anne Frank House, but the city also draws people for its lively atmosphere and outdoor spaces like Vondelpark. The compact nature of Amsterdam means that travelers can explore quite a bit on foot, provided they keep an eye out for those swift cyclists zooming past.

Who it's for

Great for those who appreciate art, culture, and a touch of quirkiness. Ideal for walkers and bikers alike, though those with mobility issues may find the cobbled streets and abundant bikes a bit of a challenge. Not the best pick for anyone seeking wide open spaces or a traditional, tranquil experience; Amsterdam has a personality that likes to be seen and heard.

Getting around

Public transport: Very Good

  • The city centre is easily walkable in under thirty minutes from end to end
  • Trams and buses run frequently and are usually on time, though the bike lanes will keep you on your toes
  • Schiphol Airport is about twenty minutes away by train, and the main train station is conveniently located
  • Be prepared to dodge bikes, especially near popular attractions
Museumplein

Museumplein

Urban Attractions
De Plantage Neighborhood

De Plantage Neighborhood

Streets & neighbourhoods
Albert Cuyp Market

Albert Cuyp Market

Local & craft markets
Optional

Optional

Festivals & celebrations
Zaanse Schans

Zaanse Schans

Traditional villages
Negen Straatjes

Negen Straatjes

Shopping and Markets
De Pijp

De Pijp

Streets & neighbourhoods
Westerpark

Westerpark

City parks
Albert Cuypmarkt

Albert Cuypmarkt

Local & craft markets
Café de Jaren

Café de Jaren

Food
Dam Square

Dam Square

Squares & plazas
Fabrique des Lumières

Fabrique des Lumières

Cultural
Jordaan

Jordaan

Streets & neighbourhoods
De Wallen (Red Light District)

De Wallen (Red Light District)

Streets & neighbourhoods
Pure Boats Amsterdam

Pure Boats Amsterdam

Adventure
Amsterdam Museum

Amsterdam Museum

History museums
Lovely Cruises

Lovely Cruises

Family-Friendly Attractions
Concertgebouw

Concertgebouw

Concert halls
Sukha Amsterdam

Sukha Amsterdam

Boutiques, bookshops & design stores
Vondelpark

Vondelpark

City parks
Rijksmuseum Gardens

Rijksmuseum Gardens

Formal & Japanese gardens
Micropia

Micropia

Science & natural history museums
Rijksmuseum

Rijksmuseum

Art museums & galleries
Amsterdam Canals

Amsterdam Canals

Canals, harbours & waterfronts
Stadsarchief Amsterdam

Stadsarchief Amsterdam

Historic libraries & universities
OBA Amsterdam Public Library

OBA Amsterdam Public Library

Historic libraries & universities
A'DAM Lookout

A'DAM Lookout

Observation decks & city views
Rembrandtplein

Rembrandtplein

Squares & plazas
Dutch Resistance Museum

Dutch Resistance Museum

History museums
Westergas

Westergas

Arts and Entertainment Venues
Museum Het Schip

Museum Het Schip

Specialty & quirky museums
Amsterdamse Bos (Amsterdam Forest)

Amsterdamse Bos (Amsterdam Forest)

City parks
Van Gogh Museum

Van Gogh Museum

Food and Drink Destinations
Royal Palace of Amsterdam

Royal Palace of Amsterdam

Castles & palaces
Paradiso

Paradiso

Arts and Entertainment Venues
The Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes)

The Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes)

Shopping streets & districts
Anne Frank House

Anne Frank House

History museums
Artis Royal Zoo

Artis Royal Zoo

Zoos
Amsterdam Dungeon

Amsterdam Dungeon

Specialty & quirky museums
Scheepvaartmuseum (National Maritime Museum)

Scheepvaartmuseum (National Maritime Museum)

History museums
NEMO Science Museum

NEMO Science Museum

Science & natural history museums
Albert Cuypstraat Delicatessen

Albert Cuypstraat Delicatessen

Shopping and Markets
Begijnhof

Begijnhof

Old towns & historic quarters
NDSM Wharf

NDSM Wharf

Street art districts
Rembrandt House Museum

Rembrandt House Museum

Historic houses & mansions
Sarphatipark

Sarphatipark

City parks
Begijnhof Chapel

Begijnhof Chapel

Churches & cathedrals
Noorderkerk Market

Noorderkerk Market

Local & craft markets
Jewish Historical Museum

Jewish Historical Museum

History museums
Amsterdam ArenA (Johan Cruyff Arena)

Amsterdam ArenA (Johan Cruyff Arena)

Stadiums & sports venues
Oude Kerk (Old Church)

Oude Kerk (Old Church)

Churches & cathedrals
Museum Willet-Holthuysen

Museum Willet-Holthuysen

Historic houses & mansions
Foodhallen

Foodhallen

Food markets & food halls
Westerkerk

Westerkerk

Churches & cathedrals
Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam

Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam

Art museums & galleries
Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam

Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam

Botanical gardens
Museum Van Loon

Museum Van Loon

Historic houses & mansions
Ripley's Amsterdam

Ripley's Amsterdam

Urban Attractions
Amsterdam Central Station

Amsterdam Central Station

Modern architecture & skyscrapers
Hermitage Amsterdam

Hermitage Amsterdam

Art museums & galleries

Where to eat in Amsterdam

The places worth planning a meal around.

The Seafood Bar

The Seafood Bar

Seafood · $$$

★ 4.7 · 18,544 reviews

The Pancake Bakery

The Pancake Bakery

Dutch · $$

★ 4.3 · 10,449 reviews

Pancakes Amsterdam

Pancakes Amsterdam

Dutch · $

★ 4.2 · 9,039 reviews

SkyLounge Amsterdam

SkyLounge Amsterdam

International · $$$

★ 4.3 · 6,493 reviews

Moeders

Moeders

Dutch · $$

★ 4.5 · 5,909 reviews

Café de Jaren

Café de Jaren

International · $$

★ 4.2 · 5,662 reviews

Things to do in Amsterdam

Tours, cruises and experiences, rather than places to visit.

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