10 Essential Things To Do In Amsterdam

Amsterdam, the vibrant capital of the Netherlands, offers a wealth of attractions for visitors. This guide outlines 10 essential things to do in Amsterdam that showcase the best of the city’s art, history, and culture. From exploring world-renowned museums like the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum to enjoying the natural beauty of Vondelpark and the charm of a canal cruise, these activities provide a comprehensive overview of Amsterdam’s top sights and local favourites.

Rijksmuseum: Discover the masterpieces of Dutch art

A trip to Amsterdam isn’t complete without stepping into the magnificent Rijksmuseum, the crown jewel of Dutch cultural institutions. This iconic museum houses a collection of over a million artifacts and masterpieces, offering visitors the opportunity to experience a rich tapestry of Dutch art and history.

From Rembrandt’s famous “Night Watch” to Vermeer’s intimate scenes of daily life, the Rijksmuseum’s vast galleries showcase the brilliance of the Dutch Golden Age and beyond, making it an essential stop for anyone visiting the city.

A bit of history:

The Rijksmuseum was founded in 1798 in The Hague. In 1808, during Napoleon Bonaparte’s reign, it was moved to Amsterdam’s royal palace on Dam Square. After Napoleon’s fall, it found a new home in the Trippenhuis.

As the collection grew and the Trippenhuis became too small, construction of a new building began in 1876, designed by architect Pierre Cuypers. The museum settled into its current location in 1885.

Between 2003 and 2013, the museum underwent a major renovation, restoring Cuypers’ original architectural vision while adding modern amenities.

What to see during your visit:

When you visit the Rijksmuseum, you can see 800 years of Dutch history and art through various sections:

• Gallery of Honor: This is the center of the museum, featuring masterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age, including works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Frans Hals
• The Night Watch: Rembrandt’s iconic painting and the museum’s most famous piece
• The Milkmaid: Another famous masterpiece by Vermeer, also in the Gallery of Honor
• Asian Pavilion: A fascinating section with an impressive collection of art from Asia, along with European paintings and decorative arts from the 18th and 19th centuries
• Special Collection: On the ground floor, you’ll find unique and unusual items from the museum’s extensive heritage

Van Gogh Museum: Step into Van Gogh’s world

The Van Gogh Museum is one of the world’s top museums, entirely dedicated to the life and works of the famous Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh.

The museum is renowned for housing the largest collection of Van Gogh’s works, with over 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and 750 letters.

A bit of history:

The Van Gogh Museum’s origins can be traced back to the artist’s family, who diligently worked to preserve his artistic legacy. Following Vincent van Gogh’s death in 1890, his brother Theo inherited his works. After Theo’s passing, the collection was entrusted to his widow, Johanna van Gogh-Bonger, who became a passionate advocate for the artist’s work.

This dedication to preserving Van Gogh’s art was passed down through generations. In 1962, Johanna’s son, Vincent Willem van Gogh, established the Vincent van Gogh Foundation, laying the groundwork for what would become the renowned museum. His efforts came to fruition eleven years later when, on June 3, 1973, the Van Gogh Museum officially opened its doors to the public.

What to see during your visit:

When you visit the Van Gogh Museum, you can explore various sections that tell the story of Van Gogh’s life and art:

• Permanent Collection: Spread over several floors, this collection features Van Gogh’s most recognized masterpieces, organized in themes that trace his life from beginning to end
• Chronological Gallery: This section takes you through the different phases of Van Gogh’s artistic career, from his early works in the Netherlands to his final paintings in France
• Letters Area: Here, you can read excerpts from Van Gogh’s letters, offering fascinating insights into his life and creative process

Canal Cruise: Experience Amsterdam’s charm from the water

When you think of Amsterdam, one of the first things that comes to mind is its charming canals.

Often called the “Venice of the North,” the city has always connected deeply with water.

Many of these canals date back to the 17th century when Amsterdam was a global trading hub, and the canals were crucial for transporting goods, trading, and getting around the city.

Today, you can explore the canals on a cruise and see Amsterdam from a unique perspective.

Most cruises depart from Central Station or the picturesque Jordaan district, just a short walk from the Anne Frank House, and take you through the city’s heart along some of the most photogenic and beautiful canals in Amsterdam.

Day Trip to Keukenhof: Discover one of the world’s largest flower gardens 

Keukenhof, also known as the “Garden of Europe,” is one of the world’s most famous flower parks. It’s located near the town of Lisse and is easily accessible from Amsterdam in a few different ways, which we’ll get into shortly.

This spectacular garden is renowned for its breathtaking display of tulips and other spring flowers, drawing over a million visitors each year during its short 8-week opening season.

A bit of history:

Keukenhof’s origins date back to the 15th century when the area was used as hunting grounds and a kitchen garden for the nearby Teylingen Castle.

In 1857, the baron and baroness Van Pallandt, who owned the castle at the time, hired landscape architects Jan David Zocher and his son Louis Paul Zocher to redesign the park in the English style. This design still forms the foundation of Keukenhof today.

The park as we know it was established in 1949 by a group of tulip growers who wanted to create a showcase for the Dutch flower industry.

What to see during your visit:

When you visit Keukenhof, you can admire over 7 million blooming bulbs, including 800 varieties of tulips, arranged in stunning floral displays. The park also features several themed gardens, pavilions with floral exhibits, a historic windmill, and a pond with fountains.

Here are the main exhibition pavilions to check out:

• Willem-Alexander: This is the largest pavilion in the park, hosting spectacular floral shows that change regularly throughout the season
• Oranje Nassau: This pavilion is dedicated to weekly thematic exhibits. It offers visitors the chance to see unique and creative floral arrangements, often tied to specific themes or cultural events
• Beatrix: Focused on exotic flowers like orchids and anthuriums. Here, you can see rare species and unusual varieties of tropical flowers, creating a fascinating contrast with the traditional Dutch tulips
• Juliana: This pavilion houses the “Tulipmania” exhibit, which explores the history of tulips in the Netherlands

How to get to Keukenhof:

To reach Keukenhof from Amsterdam, you have a few options. The most convenient is to take a direct shuttle bus (Keukenhof Express) from Amsterdam Central Station, which takes about 30-40 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a train to Leiden Centraal and then a bus to Keukenhof.

Moco Museum: Explore Modern and Contemporary Art

The Moco Museum is a fascinating art gallery dedicated to showcasing modern and contemporary works by both renowned and emerging artists.

Founded in 2016, the museum is located in the historic Villa Alsberg, a mansion designed in 1904 by Eduard Cuypers, the nephew of the famous architect Pierre Cuypers, who also designed Amsterdam Central Station.

What to see during your visit to the Moco Museum:

• Permanent Collection: This collection features iconic works by artists like Banksy, Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Keith Haring, reflecting contemporary art trends and pop culture
• Temporary Exhibitions: The museum regularly hosts thematic exhibitions that highlight emerging artists or explore specific art movements
• Digital Immersive Art: An area dedicated to immersive digital art, where you can experience interactive and multi-sensory installations
• The New Future: A section that explores the cutting edge of art, including NFT works and the latest digital creations
• Moco Garden: An outdoor space featuring sculptures and art installations

Rembrandthuis: Enter the world of Rembrandt

Another must-see in Amsterdam is the famous Rembrandt House Museum, dedicated to the Dutch painter Rembrandt van Rijn.

A bit of history:

This historic home is where the artist lived and worked from 1639 to 1656. It has been transformed into a museum that highlights the life of one of history’s most influential artists.

Rembrandt bought the house at the peak of his career but had to leave it due to financial troubles.

In 1911, after a thorough restoration, the building was opened to the public as a museum.

What to see during your visit:

During your visit, you can explore various parts of the house spread over four floors. Here are some of the highlights:

• Artist’s Studio: A faithful reconstruction of the space where Rembrandt created his masterpieces, complete with period tools and materials
• Print Room: This room features a collection of Rembrandt’s etchings, including 260 of his 290 known works
• Bedroom: Showcasing a typical box bed of the era, believed to be healthier for sleeping in a semi-sitting position
• Cabinet of Curiosities: A room filled with exotic and rare objects that Rembrandt collected and used as models for his paintings. It’s thought that he spared no expense to enrich this collection

A visit to this house museum offers insight into not only Rembrandt’s art but also the historical and cultural context in which this extraordinary artist lived and worked.

Heineken Experience: Learn the secrets of Amsterdam’s iconic brew

Wondering what to do in Amsterdam? Check out the Heineken Experience, a world-famous attraction dedicated to one of the most iconic beer brands.

The experience takes place in Heineken’s original historic brewery, which operated for over 120 years, from 1867 to 1988. 

In 1988, production moved to a larger, more modern facility on the outskirts of Amsterdam, and the old brewery was transformed into an interactive museum.

What to expect on the tour:

The Heineken Experience tour is designed to teach the history, and brewing process, of Heineken.

The tour lasts about 1.5 hours and guides you through different stages, starting with the original fermentation room. You’ll get to touch the ingredients used in the brewing process and learn about the evolution of the Heineken brand over the years.

You’ll also enjoy interactive experiences that will take you into the world of Heineken, including beer production simulations and various games.

The tour wraps up with a tasting session at the Best ‘Dam Bar, where you can enjoy two Heineken beers.

Artis Zoo: Get up close with nature in Amsterdam

Artis Zoo is the oldest zoo in the Netherlands and is amoung the oldest and most significant in Europe.

A bit of history:

The zoo was founded on May 1, 1838, by three zoology enthusiasts: Gerard Westerman, J.W.H. Werlemann, and J.J. Wijsmuller, known as “the three W’s.” Its full name was “Natura Artis Magistra” (nature is the teacher of art), but it became commonly known as Artis.

Initially, it was only open to members of the zoological society. In 1851, it opened to the public for one month each year (September), and by 1920, it became accessible year-round.

During the Nazi occupation, the zoo served as a hiding place for about 250-300 people, including Jews and members of the resistance.

In the last 20 years, Artis has undergone a significant modernization process, aiming to become more relevant in terms of education and conservation. In 2014, Micropia, the world’s first museum dedicated to microorganisms, was opened.

What to see during your visit:

When you visit Artis Zoo, you can explore several fascinating areas:

• Aquarium: Built-in 1882, it houses many aquatic species, including tropical fish and fish typical of Amsterdam’s canals
• Planetarium: Offers immersive shows that take you on a journey through the universe and our solar system
• Micropia: The only museum in the world dedicated to microorganisms, where you can discover the invisible world of microbes
• African Savanna: An area that recreates the natural habitat of giraffes, zebras, and antelopes
• Butterfly Pavilion: A tropical pavilion where you can admire hundreds of butterflies flying freely
• Insectarium: Focused on the fascinating world of insects and other arthropods

Vondelpark: Relax and unwind in Amsterdam’s green oasis

Vondelpark is Amsterdam’s most famous and most visited urban park, attracting around 10 million visitors each year.

A bit of history:

The park’s history began when a group of wealthy citizens, led by Christiaan Pieter van Eeghen, decided to create a green space for walking and recreational activities.

Opened in 1865 as “Nieuwe Park” (New Park), it was renamed Vondelpark in 1880 in honor of the Dutch poet Joost van den Vondel.

In 1936, the park’s famous rose garden was created, and the following year the “Blue Tea House” (Blauwe Theehuis) was built.

What to see in Vondelpark:

The park features several interesting attractions, including:

• Vondelpark Pavilion: A historic Neo-Renaissance building that now houses a restaurant and bar with a scenic terrace
• Open Air Theatre: Active from June to August, offering free performances of music, dance, and theater
• Rosarium: A beautiful rose garden established in 1936, featuring over 70 different species of roses.
• Statue of Joost van den Vondel: A striking bronze monument dedicated to the poet after whom the park is named
• Blauwe Theehuis: A distinctive circular modernist building that serves as a café
• Various Sculptures Throughout the Park: Including a famous abstract work by Pablo Picasso titled “The Fish”

The Jordaan: Walk through Amsterdam’s trendiest neighborhood

Just a stone’s throw from Amsterdam’s medieval center lies the Jordaan district, a must-visit destination for any traveler to the Dutch capital. This charming neighborhood has undergone a remarkable transformation over the centuries, evolving from humble beginnings to become one of the city’s most beloved and fashionable areas.

A bit of history:

Jordaan’s story begins in the 17th century when it was built as a working-class neighborhood to accommodate immigrants and low-income workers. For many years, it was characterized by tough living conditions, overcrowding, and poor hygiene.

However, the 1970s marked a turning point for the district, initiating a dramatic revitalization that has continued to this day.

Now, the Jordaan is known for its charming streets intertwined with canals and its picturesque historic houses.

This transformation has made it a hub for art, fashion, and culinary experiences, attracting both locals and tourists with its array of art galleries, designer boutiques, trendy restaurants, and canal-side cafes.

What to see in the Jordaan District:

• Anne Frank House: Located on the edge of the district, this museum tells the powerful story of Anne Frank and her family, who hid from the Nazis for about two years during World War II
• Noordermarkt: A lively outdoor market held regularly, offering local products, antiques, and crafts
• Houseboat Museum: A unique museum set on a 1914 barge, providing a glimpse into life on Amsterdam’s iconic houseboats
• Amsterdam Tulip Museum: A small yet fascinating museum dedicated to the history and culture of tulips in the Netherlands
• Hofjes (courtyards): As you wander the streets, keep an eye out for the hidden courtyards tucked behind house facades. With about 20 of these charming spots scattered throughout the Jordaan, each offers a peaceful oasis amidst the urban landscape

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Looking to add more activities to your Amsterdam itinerary? Here are 10 Landmarks in Amsterdam You Shouldn’t Miss and 16 Ideas for What To Do When it Rains in Amsterdam.