Things to do in Amsterdam

The Dutch capital may be on the smaller side of European capital cities, but it still can pack a punch! Make sure you budget plenty of time to experience some of the best things to do in Amsterdam.

Take a canal cruise

There's a reason an Amsterdam canal cruise was ranked number one by TripAdvisor in 2022.

A relaxing cruise along the Dutch canals gets you a little bit of everything – history, architecture, sightseeing, and even wine and cheese onboard. What more can you ask for?

Anne Frank House

Uncover the darker moments of Amsterdam's history with a visit to the Anne Frank House. Once the hiding place of two Jewish families during the Nazi occupation in WWII, the Anne Frank House preserves the moment they were taken to a concentration camp and eventually perished.

The Anne Frank House serves to educate visitors about the atrocities of the Holocaust and advocates for social justice worldwide.

Rembrandt House Museum

Take a peek behind the canvas with tickets to Rembrandt House Museum in the heart of the city.

See the home where 17th-century Dutch artist Rembrandt van Rijn lived and worked and several of his masterpieces on display.

When you think of Dutch artists, Vermeer, Rembrandt, and Van Gogh should come to mind! See the masterpieces of these great artists plus historical and cultural museums in Amsterdam.

Art museums in Amsterdam:

Rijksmuseum

Spot your favorite 17th-century Dutch painters with tickets to the Rijksmuseum, the largest art collection in the Netherlands. See Vermeer's The Milkmaid and Rembrandt's Night Watch with your own eyes.

Van Gogh Museum

Known for his impressionist brushstrokes, Vincent Van Gogh is one of the greatest modern artists of our time. With your tickets to the Van Gogh Museum, you'll discover the life and works of Van Gogh, and see masterpieces like Sunflowers up close.

Other museums in Amsterdam:

National Maritime Museum

Have you wondered what it's like to be on a 17th-century vessel? Get your chance with tickets to the National Maritime Museum, featuring a life-size replica ship from time of the Dutch East India Company.

Because of its size, it's easy to explore Amsterdam if you've only got one or two days to spare.

Albert Cuyp Market

Experience a traditional European market at the Albert Cuyp Market in De Pijp neighborhood of Amsterdam. Browse a selection of fresh produce, artisan crafts, delicious bread and sweets, and local cheese.

Entrance is free, and vendors are open Monday – Saturday, all year-round (rain or shine!).

House of Bols

If you're a gin fan, it's worth checking out the Dutch version – genever.

Learn the history of this Dutch spirit, from its consumption on Dutch East India Company voyages to modern cocktails of today at House of Bols.

Heineken Experience

Pop the top of the famous green Heineken bottle and see what's in store at the Heineken Experience.

Take a brief tour of the factory and enjoy a freshly-poured Heineken (or two) as you participate in numerous immersive activities, like becoming a bottle on the production line!

Amsterdam is an evergreen destination – it is beautiful all year-round!

Like many European cities, the city is at its tourist peak between May and August – the canals transform into patios to enjoy drinks and snacks in the heat of the summer.

If you want to catch the beautiful tulips in and around Amsterdam, then plan your visit between March and May for optimal blooms.

For less crowds, plan your trip on the off-season during the fall and winter. You'll get the city (and all of its canals and beautiful Dutch-style architecture) all to yourself. Just remember to bundle up!

Giethoorn

Rent a boat and cruise through the idyllic canals of Giethoorn. You'll feel as if you've fallen into a classic fairytale even though you are only about 90 minutes from Amsterdam.

Keukenhof gardens

The months of March, April, and May are absolutely magical in the Netherlands.

Hop on a bus and take a quick trip to Keukenhof during the spring season to see over 7 million tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils in bloom.

Zaanse Schans

Get a heavy dose of Dutch culture with tickets for a day trip to Zannse Schans from Amsterdam. Windmills, cheese tastings, and a clog-making demonstration showcase the best of the Netherlands.

Springtime in the Netherlands is the best time of year! The Dutch countryside bursts into a rainbow of color when the tulip bulbs bloom.

But this floral display only lasts a few months out of the year, so make sure to plan your trip between March and May for the best views of the tulip fields.

Here are some of the best ways to experience the Dutch tulips:

Go to the Keukenhof gardens

The Keukenhof gardens host one of the most beautiful displays of tulips in the country, with 7 million bulbs in bloom from March until May. Snag an [entry ticket with transport from several cities in the Netherlands] (https://www.tiqets.com/en/lisse-attractions-c260931/tickets-for-keukenhof-entrance-and-transport-p1011368/).

Rent a bike and ride through the fields

Take your time cruising through the flower fields and rent a bike near Keukenhof. You'll be able to stop and literally smell the flowers as often as you want!

Go on a canal cruise

Get two Dutch experiences in one with a canal cruise around the flower fields of Lisse, and entry to Keukenhof gardens.

Amsterdam is full of contrasts, and none represents this juxtaposition better than in its storied red-light district. Entertainment, spirituality, and indulgence converge around every corner.

Red Light Secrets - Museum of Prostitution

Go behind the scenes of the world's oldest profession with tickets to Red Light Secrets - Museum of Prostitution. You'll find out what happens behind the windows (and pose for a picture or two).

Our Lord in the Attic Museum

Nestled in the middle of Amsterdam's red light district is an unassuming canal house with a secret. During the Protestant Reformation, Catholics worshipped in secret, and the museum of Our Lord in the Attic is one of the only surviving house-churches in the city.

Amsterdam Dungeons

This horror theater show brings 500+ years of Dutch history to life. Journey under the red light district and listen to tales of torture and treason with tickets to Amsterdam Dungeons.