14 Best Things to Do in Amsterdam, 2025 (+ Map & Itinerary)
Amsterdam is one of those cities that hits the sweet spot between being effortlessly cool and unbelievably charming. Where centuries-old buildings meet neon-lit galleries, and where your biggest decision of the day is whether to have stroopwafels or bitterballen first (the answer is always stroopwafels).
This city has a way of constantly surprising you: whether it’s a hidden courtyard, an immersive art show in a converted gasworks, or a cinema so pretty it’ll make you ditch your sightseeing plans just to sit in velvet chairs for two hours.
This guide is packed with my favourite things to do in Amsterdam, from the classics like the Van Gogh Museum and canal cruises, to picnicking in tulip-filled parks. Grab a rental bike (or at least your trainers), and mentally prepare yourself to eat your body weight in cheese, drink all the Heineken, and see the city from every angle – no museum or market will be spared.
If you're looking for more practical information (such as the best time to visit Amsterdam, hotel recommendations & more), check out my Ultimate Barcelona Travel Guide.
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Amsterdam Key Info
When to visit
Anytime between April – December. Mid-April is peak tulip season.
How to get there
Fly to Schiphol Airport (AMS) or get the train to Amsterdam Centraal (Eurostar from London).
How to get around
Mostly walkable + easy-to-navigate trams. Bikes and canal cruises are a must. Uber & Bolt are both available.
IDEAL TRIP LENGTH
3-4 days
PLACES TO VISIT
Rijksmuseum
Vondelpark
Van Gogh Museum
Anne Frank House
Albert Cuyp Market
MUST-DO ACTIVITIES
Canal Boat Cruise
Fabrique des Lumières: Digital Art Show
Amsterdam City Centre Bike Tour
Giethoorn & Zaanse Schans Windmills Day Tour
brunch spots
Little Collins
Kafé Kontrast
Benji’s
Dignita Hoftuin
Bakers & Roasters
MY TOP HOTEL PICKS
Hotel Arena
The Hoxton, Herengracht
Hotel Jakarta
The July – Boat & Co
Pulitzer Amsterdam
14 Best things to do in Amsterdam
1. Visit the Van Gogh Museum
If you only visit one museum in Amsterdam, make it the Van Gogh Museum – not just because it’s a rite of passage, but because it genuinely delivers on both the art and the drama.
This place gives you the full Van Gogh experience: from his iconic brushstrokes to his chaotic letters to his brother Theo (letters which are basically the poetic and refined version of drunk texts you’d send at 2 am).
Located in the Museumplein, the building itself is sleek and modern, but once you step inside, it’s all about Vincent. The museum houses the largest collection of Van Gogh’s work in the world, including over 200 paintings, 500 drawings and honest letters from the artist himself.
You’ll want to spend a few hours browsing through his most iconic works, such as Sunflowers, Bedroom in Arles, and yes, that haunting Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear. It’s wild to see them up close – you can literally catch the texture of the paint and the passion behind each canvas.
There’s also a fantastic gift shop (I regret not buying some sunflower socks), and a lovely café if you need a moment to reflect on your newfound appreciation for 19th-century Dutch angst.
NOTE: Booking your tickets to the Van Gogh Museum in advance is essential; you can book tickets online here. (Do this at least two weeks before your trip!). Tickets cost €26.00.
2. Cycle or Stroll Through Vondelpark
If Amsterdam had a backyard, it would be Vondelpark. This sprawling green oasis in the heart of the city is where locals go to cycle, picnic, and disconnect from the 9–5 grind. There’s simply no better place to be on a sunny day in Amsterdam.
I highly recommend packing a picnic and coming here to chill by the pond. If you’re visiting during April, you’ll see lots of tulips throughout the park, as part of the annual “Tulp Festival” which is held each year in Amsterdam.
TIP: If you're wanting to explore the park by bike, you can get a FREE bike rental for 24 hours with your I Amsterdam City Card. You can pick up your bike from A-Bike Rental Vondelpark (Address: Tesselschadestraat 1E).
The park stretches over 120 acres and is dotted with cafés, sculptures, rose gardens, and even an Open Air Theatre that is active between May – September, with free performances on most weekends.
You’ll also find the Vondelkerk (a church-turned-event space) and the iconic Blauwe Theehuis (Blue Tea House), which is a great spot for a sunny drink.
3. The Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum isn’t just for art snobs or history buffs. It’s genuinely one of the most beautiful museums I’ve ever stepped foot in.
Set in a grand Gothic-meets-Renaissance building, it’s home to some of the most celebrated works of Dutch art, including masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Frans Hals.
Inside, you’ll find all the greats, including Rembrandt’s The Night Watch (which is as big and dramatic as everyone says), Vermeer’s The Milkmaid and hallways full of Dutch Golden Age art.
My favourite area of the museum is the Cuypers Library. It’s the oldest art history library in the Netherlands, with spiral staircases, towering bookshelves, and perfectly symmetrical rows of ancient tomes.
There are quirky corners of the museum too, like the Dollhouse Room (explain to me why I find miniature interiors weirdly addictive?) and a full room of antique weaponry and ship models. The are over 8,000 artworks and objects to discover.
Book tickets online to dodge the queue, and try to visit early in the day to enjoy the Gallery of Honour before it gets swarmed with tour groups.
Give yourself at least 3 hours to visit the Rijksmuseum, I regret not spending longer here, as I made the mistake of not realising how HUGE this museum is. Plus, you’ll also want to visit the gardens outside, which are filled with whimsical sculptures.
Tickets cost €25.00 (get them online here), or you can get FREE entry with your I Amsterdam City Card.
4. Eat a Stroopwafel
Stroopwafels are an absolute must-try when you visit Amsterdam. I’m talking about those thin, buttery waffle cookies glued together with a layer of gooey caramel syrup. Unquestionably the best sweet treat to come out of the Netherlands (because Dutch cuisine can be V questionable at times).
For the full experience, head to Van Wonderen Stroopwafels on Kalverstraat. At this whimsical biscuit shop, they serve their stroopwafels warm, oversized, and dipped in everything from pistachios and marshmallows to crushed Oreos and Daim chocolate chunks.
Warning: expect to pay €11.50 for a Mini or up to €14 for a Mega size stroopwafel here. I agree, it’s outrageous, but for the experience, I was happy to part with my euros to try one, and I wasn’t disappointed taste-wise, they were bloody delish!
If you’re looking for the best value-for-money option, skip the touristy shops and head straight to Albert Heijn – the local supermarket. You can grab a whole pack of 12 plain stroopwafels for around €2.25, and while there are no fancy toppings, they’re just as tasty. Make sure to buy a few to bring back home with you!
Try eating a stroopwafel with your morning cuppa, rest one on top of your hot drink and let the caramel melt slightly before biting in for a truly transcending experience.
5. Fabrique des Lumières: Dutch Masters Immersive Art Show
This experience completely blew me away! Fabrique des Lumières is a fully immersive digital art show where the works of Vermeer, Van Gogh and Rembrandt are blown up, brought to life, and splashed across every inch of the industrial walls, floor and ceiling. Forget hushed galleries and velvet ropes… this is Dutch art like you’ve never seen it before.
Housed inside a former gasworks in Amsterdam’s Westergasfabriek, Fabrique des Lumières has transformed into an otherworldly space.
You’re free to roam as the show plays out around you, as there’s no fixed path, no strict order. Just find a spot, soak it in, and let the epic soundtrack transport you. You can even download the Spotify playlist to listen to after your visit.
My favourite part? The hidden mirrored room that feels like stepping into a kaleidoscope with an infinite landscape of colours reflected around you. I’ve done a fair few immersive art exhibits during my travels, and this one honestly tops the list.
This exhibition is 34 minutes long, and is immediately followed by a short exhibition, Mondriaan, An Abundance of Colour – that is absolutely worth sticking around for.
There’s also a Kingdom of the Pharaohs exhibition if ancient Egypt is more your vibe, or a fascinating underwater world experience, The Sea, which kids will love too.
Tickets cost €18 (get them online here), or you can get €14 discounted tickets with your I Amsterdam City Card.
6. Anne Frank House
It’s hard to put into words how impactful a visit to the Anne Frank House is… but I’ll try.
This isn’t your typical museum; it’s a quietly powerful, emotionally heavy space that offers a real glimpse into one of the most important personal stories to come out of World War II.
Walking through the secret annex where Anne, her family, and four others hid during the Nazi occupation is incredibly moving. It’s quiet, humbling, and completely surreal to stand in the very rooms where she wrote her diary that went on to change the world.
The museum itself is beautifully designed: sensitive, informative, and impactful. There are no flashy displays or gimmicks, just the preserved rooms, personal artefacts, and of course, her words.
It’s emotional, yes, but also a necessary reminder of the strength of the human spirit. It’s one of the most important things you can do in Amsterdam, and I’d recommend it to everyone.
Important: Tickets must be booked online in advance. Tickets are released exactly six weeks ahead, and they will sell out. So, set that calendar reminder now.
Tickets cost €16.00 and can only be purchased at annefrank.org (official website) online every Tuesday at 10 am CEST. Be careful of other websites claiming to sell tickets to avoid being scammed out of your money.
Even if all tickets have sold out, I recommend checking the website each day in the lead up to your trip. I managed to find a few available tickets in the week prior to my most recent Amsterdam visit, so you may just get lucky.
Popular activities in Amsterdam
7. Canal Boat Cruise
Taking a boat cruise in Amsterdam is the best way to start your Amsterdam trip and get your bearings. With over 100km of canals weaving through the city, cruising along them is hands down the most relaxing way to sightsee.
Prices start around €15–25 per person for group cruises, and there are endless options to choose from. There are sunset cruises, boozy cruises, lunch cruises, pizza and Dutch pancake cruises, and even smoke-friendly lounge boat tours.
TIP: You can get a FREE CANAL CRUISE with any I Amsterdam City Card purchase – it's an absolute must-have for any visit to Amsterdam.
When it comes to picking a boat tour, my personal favourite is going with a smaller, open-air boat – ideally one that comes with wine and a softly spoken Dutch guide who throws in just enough historical facts between topping up your glass.
If you’re visiting Amsterdam for a special occasion, then I highly recommend booking a private cruise with Pure Boats for the ultimate romantic experience.
During our 90-minute cruise, we were supplied with endless sparkling wine and a luxurious grazing box from Buufs Keuken, which included a curated selection of premium cheeses and charcuterie.
Canal Cruises in Amsterdam
8. Bloemenmarkt: Amsterdam’s Floating Flower Market
Most people don’t come to Amsterdam just to buy tulip bulbs, but somehow the Bloemenmarkt still ends up on everyone’s must-visit list. And for good reason. It’s the world’s only floating flower market, perched along the Singel Canal since 1862, and it’s exactly as charming as it sounds.
The markets are made up of a row of flower stalls built on floating barges, a nod to the days when flowers were delivered to the city by boat.
These days, the stalls mostly cater to tourists, which means bouquets are overpriced; however, it’s still worth coming here for a browse and to check out all the quirky souvenirs.
Come in the morning if you want to avoid the crowds and see the stalls at their freshest. It’s certainly not life-changing, but it is delightfully Dutch, and they are centrally located, so you’ll likely walk past them at some point during your trip.
The Bloemenmarkt is open daily from 9 am each Monday–Saturday and from 11 am on Sunday.
9. Moco Museum
If you’re all Gaudí’d out from Barcelona or have hit your Renaissance limit for the month, Moco Museum in Amsterdam is a refreshingly modern pick-me-up.
Located inside a 20th-century townhouse on Museumplein (just a few steps from the Van Gogh and Rijksmuseum), Moco is where modern, street and contemporary art come out to play.
Expect big-name headliners like Banksy, Keith Haring, Basquiat, Yayoi Kusama, and Andy Warhol – plus some seriously cool digital installations that make you feel like you’ve walked onto the set of Blade Runner.
One minute you’ll be admiring Banksy’s Girl with Balloon, then the next you’ll be getting lost in an immersive room filled with neon lights and mirrored floors.
If you’re planning to visit over a weekend, definitely book your tickets online in advance here. Tickets cost €19.95 to enter, or you can get them for FREE with an I Amsterdam City Card. You’ll just need to reserve your time slot before your visit.
10. Tulip Boat Cruise
The newly launched Tulip Boat Canal Tour by Flagship Amsterdam is easily one of the most scenic, charming and photogenic ways to see the city, where you’ll set sail on a boat covered with an explosion of colourful tulips.
This one-hour cruise sails through Amsterdam’s most picturesque waterways, while you float past iconic bridges, townhouses and cyclists zipping past.
What makes this tour even better is the intimate vibe – with a maximum of just 8 guests per boat, you’ve got plenty of space to relax, snap the perfect photo, and actually hear the guide without shouting over a rowdy crowd. There’s also a bar on board with drinks available to purchase too!
Best of all, this cruise runs all year round, so even if you’ve missed peak tulip season in the Netherlands (usually late March to early May), you can still enjoy this blooming beautiful set-up any time of the year.
11. Albert Cuyp Market
If the Bloemenmarkt is Amsterdam’s prettiest market, then Albert Cuyp is easily its coolest… and most chaotic in the best way possible.
Set in the heart of De Pijp (one of the city’s trendiest neighbourhoods), this bustling street market has been going strong since 1905 and is the largest in the Netherlands.
There are hundreds of stalls lining both sides of the street, selling everything from fresh stroopwafels and piping-hot fries to vintage sunglasses, knock-off designer bags, bike bells, and questionable slogan T-shirts.
The real highlight is the food. You’ll find everything here from freshly made stroopwafels to raw herring and Dutch cheeses. There’s also fab Surinamese and Indonesian street food stalls dotted along the market, if you’re craving something spicier than the mild Dutch classics.
Come hungry and cash-ready (most stalls take cards now, but some are still stubbornly old school). It’s open Monday to Saturday, but the vibe’s best mid-week when it’s busy but not too overwhelming. Pair your market crawl with a wander around De Pijp’s cafés and various vintage shops.
12. Hortus Botanicus
Tucked away in the heart of Amsterdam’s Plantage neighbourhood is Hortus Botanicus – one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world (dating all the way back to 1638). Originally created to grow medicinal herbs for plague doctors, it’s now a lush little escape from the bustle of canals and bikes.
The real showstopper here is the giant three-climate greenhouse, which has three zones representing the subtropics, the desert, and the tropics.
There’s also a butterfly greenhouse that feels like you’re Snow White – I had one land on my shoe and refused to move until it eventually fluttered away.
Spring is the best time to visit for obvious reasons, and if you’re visiting during April, this botanical garden will have a display of rare tulip species.
Hortus Botanicus is open year-round, every day from 10 am to 5 pm.
Entry is €13.50 and is worth every cent for a couple of hours of calm. You can get FREE entry with your I Amsterdam City Card. No need to book online in advance, you can easily get tickets at the door.
13. Watch a Movie at the Koninklijk Theatre Tuschinski
I wouldn’t normally recommend visiting a cinema while on holiday, BUT I am going to make one exception only and suggest a visit to the Koninklijk Theatre Tuschinski. Originally opened in 1921, this theatre has been voted the most beautiful cinema in the world – and it’s easy to see why!
If Wes Anderson designed a cinema, it would probably look like this. There are plush velvet seats, golden detailing, dramatic lighting, and a sweeping staircase that makes you feel like you’re heading to a 1920s film premiere (even if you’re just there for the latest Marvel release).
You’ll want to make sure you purchase tickets for a film that is being shown in the “large hall” (this is how it’s labelled), so that you’ll be sitting in the classic great hall (Hall 1) shown in my photo below. Add in a glass of wine from the bar, and you’ve got yourself the perfect rainy day activity in Amsterdam.
Most films play in the original language (English), but be sure to double-check this before you boo,k as some are shown in Dutch. You can see the film listings online at pathe.nl.
Tickets start from €15.50 with various seat types available, or you can get €11 discounted tickets with your I Amsterdam City Card.
14. Go Tulip Hunting
Contrary to popular belief, you won’t find endless fields of tulips in central Amsterdam – you’ll need to head outside the city for that. But if you’re staying in the city and still want your fix of florals, you’re in luck – Amsterdam goes all out in April for tulip season, and there are plenty of places to spot some tulips.
So, when can you see the tulips? I recommend visiting Amsterdam in mid-April when the tulips are usually in full bloom. The annual “Tulp Festival” is held in Amsterdam between April 1st–30th, and there are more than 100 locations around the city to discover tulips.
A few of my favourite spots to see tulips in Amsterdam include Vondelpark, where you’ll find a floating installation of tulips on the main pond, and the gardens of the Rijksmuseum, which are free to enter and full of curated tulip beds during spring.
Make sure to visit Hortus Botanicus – Amsterdam’s centuries-old botanical garden, which showcases some rare tulip species and is perfect for a slow afternoon stroll.
There’s also the Amsterdam Tulip Museum, a tiny spot near the Anne Frank House that has a cute tulip-themed shop at the entrance. And don’t miss the Bloemenmarkt, the city’s famous floating flower market that bursts into technicolour every April.
For something extra special, you can hop on a tulip-covered canal cruise with Flagship Amsterdam – available all year round for peak Instagram content.
Even if you don’t hit every official tulip hotspot, keep your eyes peeled – Amsterdam’s main squares, canal bridges, and houseboats are all dressed up with fresh flowers come spring. You’ll be spotting tulips on every corner, guaranteed.
I amsterdam City Card
The I Amsterdam City Card is a must-have for your first visit to Amsterdam. This pass includes unlimited public transport, free entry to 70+ museums, a free canal cruise + bike rental, as well as discounts across lots of restaurants & activities.
Entry to the Rijksmuseum, Moco Museum, and Hortus Botanicus are all included. Passes are available for 24 hours up to 120 hours.
Best Hotels in Amsterdam
$$
(from £150+/night)
Hotel Arena
Sir Adam Hotel
Conscious Hotel Westerpark
Volkshotel
The July – Boat & Co
Amsterdam 3 Day Itinerary
This is my recommendation on how to spend the perfect 72 hours in Amsterdam. This 3-day itinerary is the ideal combo of museums, markets, and aimless canal wandering.
DAY ONE
Morning
Visit the Van Gogh Museum – book tickets in advance and give yourself 2 hours minimum.
Go to the Moco Museum next door for Banksy, Basquiat and cool digital art installations.
Lunch
Lunch at Café Marcella – Dutch small plates and great wine in De Pijp.
Afternoon
Rent a bike (free with the I Amsterdam City Card!) and explore Vondelpark.
Evening
Take a sunset canal cruise with unlimited drinks.
Dinner at Pesca – choose your own fish from a theatrical seafood display.
DAY TWO
Morning
Grab a coffee & pastry at Margo’s
Visit the Anne Frank House – tickets must be booked 6 weeks in advance.
Mid-Morning
Head to Fabrique des Lumières for a mind-blowing immersive art show.
Lunch
Lunch at Foodhallen – an indoor food market with something for everyone.
Afternoon
Visit the Rijksmuseum – allow at least 3 hours and don’t miss the Cuypers Library.
Evening
Dinner at Nnea – voted no.1 pizza in the Netherlands.
Check out all my Amsterdam restaurant recommendations here.
DAY THREE
Morning
Brunch at Little Collins – Aussie-inspired plates and excellent coffee.
Mid-Morning
Albert Cuyp Market – browse the stalls and grab a fresh stroopwafel.
Tram to Hortus Botanicus – one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world.
Afternoon
Grab a cheese toastie from MONTY’S & explore Jordaan.
Evening
Wrap things up with drinks at LuminAir SkyBar – rooftop cocktails and epic views.
Google Map of Amsterdam
Here’s a Google Map of all the places in Amsterdam mentioned in this post (+ a few moreof my personal recommendations added).
Ultimate Amsterdam Travel Guide
This guide covers everything you need to know before visiting Amsterdam – from how to get there, when to go, where to stay, how to get around, and all the best things to see, eat and do. Whether it’s your first trip or your THIRD, my Amsterdam Travel Guide will help you plan a cool, stress-free escape with just the right balance of culture, canals and cocktails.
