Best things to do and see in Amsterdam

There’s more to Amsterdam than the notorious red light district. This European capital is top of many travellers’ lists — and for very good reason. Packed with history, culture, and some of Europe’s best nightlife, Amsterdam truly has something for everyone. Not sure how many days to spend in Amsterdam? It’s a compact city, so it’s ideal for a long weekend city break, but if you can stretch to a full week, you’ll have more time to explore at your leisure. Check out our top tips for what to do in Amsterdam, and prepare for a holiday you’ll never forget!

Explore the canals

Yes, it’s a cliché – but no Amsterdam itinerary would be complete without taking the time to admire the city’s famous waterways. Boat tours are available for travellers who want to get closer to the canals. These offer great views of the city, and some also feature guided commentary. In winter, head for the Emperor’s Canal. A whopping 100 feet (31 m) wide, this canal often freezes in cold weather, and its surface is transformed into a spectacular ice skating rink. At any time of year, this picturesque, tree-lined canal makes the perfect backdrop for your Amsterdam photos.

Admire the world’s most famous art

Vincent Van Gogh died in poverty, but his works today are celebrated across the globe. A native Dutchman, Van Gogh has his own dedicated museum, which includes some of his most celebrated works. The Van Gogh Museum also features masterpieces by other artists like Monet and Matisse. If that’s not enough for you, you can see great works by Dutch Masters in the Rijksmuseum, such as Rembrandt and Vermeer. There is also 20th-century art by the likes of Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst, and Banksy in the trendy Moco Museum. Amsterdam is truly a city that breathes art, so be sure to take some in.

Visit the Anne Frank House

Amsterdam is often thought of as a pleasure seeker’s delight, but it also contains one of the most poignant, sobering museums you’re ever likely to visit. The Anne Frank House is the building in which young diarist Anne and her family hid from the Nazis during the Second World War. It has been painstakingly preserved and remains one of the top-rated attractions in Amsterdam. This touching museum tells Anne’s story and serves as a memorial to the Jewish people who lost their lives in the Holocaust, both in the Netherlands and beyond.

Learn how beer is made

The Heineken Experience is one of the city’s liveliest attractions and should be high on the list of what to visit in Amsterdam if you’re a beer lover! Take a tour of the brewery and see how hops are transformed into beer. There are tastings along the way, as well as an informative and fun 3D ride. At the end of the visit, you’ll be able to make your very own bottle of Heineken, complete with a personalised label – the perfect souvenir!

Take a stroll in the park

Visiting Amsterdam in summer? Then the 120-acre (47-hectare) Vondelpark is an absolute must. This is the city’s green lung, and it’s where the locals go to hang out and cool off when the summer heat gets too much. Among the lawns, you’ll find several small lakes, and there are plenty of attractions to discover, from the rose garden to the tearoom. During the summer months, the park’s open-air stage hosts all kinds of music, theatre, cabaret, dance events, and more. Hop on a bike and explore the cycle paths that wind around Vondelpark, or just sit on the grass and enjoy a picnic lunch.

Take in the majesty of Dam Square

Dam Square, which dates back to the 1400s, is Amsterdam’s central hub. Every visitor to the city should stop here, even if it’s just for a quick stroll. This is where you’ll find the stunning Royal Palace, which is open to visitors, with guided tours that show off as much of the building as possible. Dam Square is also home to the National Monument, a memorial to the Dutch soldiers who died in the war, and the historic Nieuwe Kerk church. Around the square, you’ll find some of the most exclusive eateries and shops in town. Even if they’re not in your budget, it’s a great place to go window-shopping and admire the views.

Walk through the Red Light District

Not every traveller includes the Red Light District on their list of what to visit in Amsterdam, but there’s no denying its fame. This area, known as De Wallen, is one of the most famous neighbourhoods in Amsterdam, home to brothels, cabarets, cannabis coffee shops, and a host of bizarre and unusual storefronts. Take care if you’re visiting after dark. Although the Red Light District has a strong police presence, there are still plenty of pickpockets that target tourists. This district is definitely not to everyone’s taste, but it is famous around the world.

Spend a morning in the world’s best sex museum

Even if the Red Light District’s not your cup of tea, you might still enjoy a trip to Amsterdam’s renowned Sex Museum. This surprisingly thoughtful, adults-only museum is cerebral rather than seedy and looks at both details of the human body and a history of how society has viewed sex over the centuries. Yes, there are enormous models of phalluses on display – but there’s also a fascinating, mature exploration of the evolution of sexual culture, from the goddess Venus to Marilyn Monroe and beyond.

See inside the human body

In the late twentieth century, German anatomist Gunther von Hagens invented the technique of “”plastination””, preserving human bodies and displaying them in the interests of science. His Body Worlds show has toured the world, but Amsterdam is one of the few cities with a permanent Body Worlds museum. Definitely not for the faint of heart, this museum has over 200 anatomical displays made from human cadavers. It offers a fascinating glimpse into how the body works and is an intriguing place for anyone interested in science and biology to spend an afternoon.

Pick up a bouquet at the flower market

When Amsterdam first became famous, it was for its spectacular tulips. Visit in the spring to see these beautiful flowers in bloom. Tulip season is a great time to come to Amsterdam, as you’ll find remarkable open-air displays in the parks. At any time of year, though, the floating flower market is worth a visit. Open Monday to Saturday, this market — located on Singel Street — is a natural treasure trove, bursting with colour and life. In addition to flowers, vendors sell herbs and other plants, seeds and spices. You might well find a special souvenir to take home with you.

Try an authentic taste of the Netherlands

Dutch cuisine may not have the international fame of some other European nations, but there’s still a lot to discover and enjoy. Head to just about any bar in the city to try the locally popular bar snack of bitterballen, breaded, deep-fried balls of stewed meat. They may sound odd, but they’re the perfect accompaniment to a cold beer. Another local favourite, the herring sandwich, is almost unavoidable in summer when it’s on the menu of every cafe in town. Dutch desserts may have more appeal to visitors. Try the syrup-laden stroopwafel wafers or the sugar-coated poffertje pancakes. Both of these are often available from food trucks, ready to be eaten on the go.

Lose yourself in Amsterdam’s coolest neighbourhood

De Negen Straatjes translates as the Nine Streets. This tiny neighbourhood in Jordaan is easy to miss, but it’s one of the city’s true hidden gems. Here you’ll find a taste of authentic old Amsterdam. There are quirky boutique shops instead of chain stores, unique cafés and artisan food stores, and dozens of vintage shops to explore. It’s also one of the most picturesque neighbourhoods in the city, filled with old-style row houses and tree-lined streets.

Grab a bite at the Foodhallen

This old tram depot in Oud-West has been transformed into one of Amsterdam’s top culinary destinations. Here you’ll find more than 30 different food stalls and bars selling popular Dutch snacks as well as dishes from around the world. From dim sum to tacos, there’s something for everyone here – and you’ll eat it at large, communal tables, surrounded by some of Amsterdam’s coolest crowds. There are also some stalls that specialise in amazing desserts, like gourmet doughnuts or topping-laden frozen yoghurt. While food is the main attraction at Foodhallen, there are also some fun boutique shops to explore here, too. Allow yourself enough time to do some leisurely shopping after you eat.