25 best things to do in Amsterdam

Many consider Amsterdam as one of the most charming cities in the world and compare it with Venice. With such a lot of Things to do in Amsterdam, this picturesque Dutch metropolis on the Amstel river is famous for its canals, art galleries with famous paintings or cosmopolitan atmosphere. Thanks to the many unique sights Amsterdam is among the most attractive tourist destinations in Europe.

Amsterdam, being the capital of Netherlands has established itself as one of the places in the world that should be the choice of tourists for their tours. It boasts a lot of attractions including museums and many other sights that will definitely take your breath away. Here are the Most Beautiful Places in Amsterdam:

Amsterdam night, Netherlands by Luke Ma

Things to do in Amsterdam – Top Places to visit in Amsterdam

1. Canals of Amsterdam

Make no mistake; Amsterdam has also canals that are famous. They were built around 17th century for the purpose of controlling the flow of the Amstel River.

However, a lot of people have thought of maximizing the canals to increase the popularity of their place and houses. Thus today, one can take a boat ride and go through one of the many canals of Amsterdam.

Canals of Amsterdam, Netherlands by gags9999

2. Begijnhof

Begijnhof is the place where the English Reformed Church as well as the oldest wooden house is located. Essentially, Begijnhof puts itself in the list of the places to go in Amsterdam because of a lot of significant buildings that it houses.

Furthermore, the place also has rich history, which would make it a very interesting place to visit for historians. It is a well-hidden charming garden surrounded by old houses.

Begijnhof, Things to do in Amsterdam, Netherlands by Dennis Jarvis

3. Anne Frank House

If you have ever watched the movie “The Diary of a Young Girl”, then you must have heard the story of Anne Frank and how she tried to save her life.

Relieve all of that when you visit the house where Anne Frank took refuge together with other Jewish people during the World War II. Anne Frank’s diary is one of the most impressive testimonies of the persecution of Jews during the Second World War. No wonder this is one of the most translated books.

Anne Frank House on the Prinsengracht in Amsterdam, Netherlands by Dietmar Rabich

4. Bloemenmarkt

If you want to give flowers to your loved someone and you would want it to be very special, all you have to do is to go to the Bloemenmarkt, which is the only floating flower market of the world.

However, you will have a problem to decide what flowers to buy as there are really a lot of them.

Bloemenmarkt – flower market in Amsterdam, Netherlands by ilaria

5. Vondelpark

All those walks in the busy streets of Amsterdam could be very tiring and taxing to you. That is why you need to be in a place where you can relax and rest at least for a while.

Vondelpark is the place where you can make this happen. All you have to do is to go there and sit and enjoy the rest of your day. You can even feed little bird animals there or simply lie down to the grassy lands until you have rested.

Vondelpark, Things to do in Amsterdam, Netherlands by Valdiney Pimenta

6. Skinny Bridge / Magere Brug

The most famous bridge in Amsterdam is no other than Skinny Bridge (Magere Brug), although there are roughly 1,280 other bridges in Amsterdam. It was built in 1670 to connect the banks of the Amstel River.

Magere Brug, Things to do in Amsterdam, Netherlands by Erwin Verbruggen

7. Jordaan

Once an industrial part, Jordaan is now one of the most beautiful places that Amsterdam can offer to its visitors. The former factories were beautifully rebuilt and now attract artists, students, and travellers. Among cafes, shops and art galleries you can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere enhanced by narrow streets and romantic canals.

Jordaan, Things to do in Amsterdam, Netherlands by Guilhem Vellut

8. Rembrandt Square / Rembrandtplein

Rembrandt Square is another square in Amsterdam that is full of restaurants, pubs, cafes as well as hotels. It is a popular nightlife center and is such a real magnet for younger tourists.

Older visitors can relax in the small but very nice park situated in the middle of a square.

Rembrandt Square, Things to do in Amsterdam, Netherlands by Bruce Tuten

9. Leidseplein

One of the most popular nightlife venues in Amsterdam, Leidseplein is a vibrant and picturesque place with many restaurants, coffee shops, clubs, cinemas and theatres.

In the summer both locals and tourists are sitting out in the gardens and enjoy a drink. There are daily performances by musicians, jugglers and other performers.

Leidseplein, Things to do in Amsterdam, Netherlands by Ashu Mathura

10. Artis Royal Zoo

Right in the centre of Amsterdam is the oldest zoo in the Netherlands – Artis Royal Zoo. It consists of 4 parts: the Zoo, Botanical Gardens, Planetarium, and geological and zoological museum.

There are animals from around the world. Unique channel Aquarium features animals living in the canals of Amsterdam. The peaceful gardens are home to many old trees and statues of contemporary artists, as well as an impressive greenhouse with tropical rainforest.

The planetarium offers a trip through space. The geological museum shows the evolution of the planet over 4 billion years.

Artis Royal Zoo, Things to do in Amsterdam, Netherlands by roar-roar

11. De Wallen

This is the area allotted by the government for prostitution. That is right. Prostitution is indeed legal in Amsterdam and De Wallen serves as their version of a red-light district.

It is quite a sight to see, however, there is much more you can do than just to look at things and people. Of course, that would be possible if you don’t have any commitment at all.

De Wallen, Things to do in Amsterdam, Netherlands by Dani De La Cuesta

12. Koninklijk Paleis Amsterdam / Royal Palace of Amsterdam

This palace is a sight to see, with all the architectural designs it has to offer. You can just sit by outside of it and take pictures of you having it as a background.

You will have something to boast to your friends as not many people have had the privilege to see the 17th century Royal Palace of Amsterdam in their lives.

Koninklijk Paleis Amsterdam / Royal Palace of Amsterdam, Netherlands by Allie_Caulfield

13. Dam Square

Even though there are definitely nicer sights that can be found in Amsterdam, Dam Square is city’s lively heart and its center. Its history is just amazing. Dam was over the years a place of many historical dramas that you can learn about in the Amsterdam Historical Museum.

It is here where you can see great Royal Palace (Koninklijk Paleis). Unlike its turbulent history, the square now represents a peaceful part of Amsterdam that is waiting for all the visitors that need to rest.

Dam Square, Things to do in Amsterdam, Netherlands by David van der Mark

14. Beurs van Berlage

Beurs van Berlage building is the former Commodity Exchange market at the Damrak street. It was built right in the heart of Amsterdam between 1896-1903 by the architect Hendrik Petrus Berlage. It is currently used as a venue for concerts, exhibitions and conferences.

Beurs van Berlage, Things to do in Amsterdam, Netherlands by Beursvanberlage

15. Tuschinski Theater

If you like theatres, you should not miss Tuschinski Theater. Well, in fact, it is not the theatre you may know but rather a cinema, or better something in between. Tuschinski Theater is one of the most beautiful theatres in the world.

Its interiors were inspired by the Far Orient and were opened back in 1921.

Tuschinski Theater, Things to do in Amsterdam, Netherlands by Joel Bez

Things to do in Amsterdam – Churches of Amsterdam

16. Oude Kerk

Oude Kerk is the old church that can be found in the middle of the Red Light District and is surrounded by small houses. Sailors used these buildings along with the Gothic-Renaissance octagonal tower to transmit reports from their sails.

Oude Kerk – church, Things to do in Amsterdam, Netherlands by Eoghan OLionnain

17. Nieuwe Kerk

Translated into English as New Church, Nieuwe Kerk is not so new in fact, but rather quite old. Being built in the 15th century in the late Gothic style, this church can be found on Dam square.

There are many artefacts in the church that worth seeing, especially beautiful mahogany pulpit, sophisticated copper desk, cabinet or baroque organ, which is richly decorated.

Nieuwe Kerk, Things to do in Amsterdam, Netherlands by Johan Wieland

18. Zuiderkerk

Zuiderkerk can be translated as South Church and can be found on the Zandstraat street. Built between 1603 – 1611, it is the first Protestant church in Amsterdam and combines both Gothic and Renaissance styles.

The church is architecturally interesting, although does not serve as the church anymore. Now there is the seat of the municipal housing office and a place of some exhibitions.

Zuiderkerk, Things to do in Amsterdam, The Netherlands by Dominik Bartsch

19. Noorderkerk

Noorderkerk, translated into English as North Church, is a church, which is located at the eastern end of the Westerstraat street. It is the last work of the famous Dutch architect Hendrik de Keyser.

It was completed two years before his death in the 17th century and in comparison to other parts of his work this church is considered to be rather less successful.

Noorderkerk, Things to do in Amsterdam, The Netherlands by Marcelmulder68

20. Westerkerk

Westerkerk (West Church) can be found on Prinsengracht, one of the main canals of Amsterdam. Even this church was designed by Hendrick de Keyser. In the time of construction (1631), it was the largest Protestant church in the world.

It is one of the most beautiful churches in Amsterdam at all featured with an 85-meter high tower, from where you will be amazed by the magnificent views of the surroundings.

Westerkerk, Things to do in Amsterdam, The Netherlands by Kyle Hasegawa

Things to do in Amsterdam – Museums of Amsterdam

21. Rijksmuseum

Just like many other places, Amsterdam has its own version of the most important arts and history museum and that would be the Rijksmuseum. Get a hold of the million artefacts that the museum currently houses.

This is found in the northeastern section of Museum Square in Amsterdam and is arguably one of the places not to miss on your visit to Amsterdam.

Rijksmuseum, Things to do in Amsterdam, Netherlands by Simone Richter

22. Van Gogh Museum

Van Gogh Museum serves as the place where people can see a lot of paintings and even letters. It is also one of the most important museums in all of Amsterdam.

If you want to see paintings or have a chance to read or see some of the famous letters ever written, this is one place you should not miss.

Van Gogh Museum, Things to do in Amsterdam, Netherlands by Taxiarchos228

23. Stedelijk museum

Another museum you simply have to visit while on your trip to Amsterdam is Stedelijk Museum. It can be found in the Cultureel Center building situated in Museumplein, a square or place where you can also find other major museums already mentioned above.

This building also houses a theatre and offices and was made of brick between the years of 1892 and 1895. The museum is dedicated to the modern and contemporary art and design.

Stedelijk Museum, Things to do in Amsterdam, The Netherlands by Hans Griep

24. The National Maritime Museum / Scheepvaartmuseum

Amsterdam has also rich nautical history and all artefacts that are related to rest in the Scheepvaartmusuem, the National Maritime Museum.

Get a chance to enter this naval museum which floats in a river. Transport will be through small boats that carry visitors to the museum proper.

Scheepvaartmuseum, Things to do in Amsterdam, Netherlands by Leviathan88

25. Amsterdam museum

Amsterdam Museum has been established in 1975 in the former orphanage, which was built in the 17th century. You will be welcomed by its beautiful Baroque gate that you will need to pass to enter the museum.

Amsterdam Historical Museum is focused on the development of the city and boasts even artefacts from the 13th century.

Amsterdam Museum gate, Things to do in Amsterdam, Netherlands by Christophe PINARD

How to get to Amsterdam ?

To get to Amsterdam, you can search on our partner’s website Skyscanner.

Where to stay in Amsterdam?

To find a cheap hotel in Amsterdam, you can read our file to find out in which area to stay in Amsterdam. You can also find an cheap hotel in Amsterdam by searching on this hotel aggregator. Finally, we recommend you book your parking spot in Amsterdam in advance if you went against the grain and drove your car to this cycling capital.

So these were some of the most popular Things to do in Amsterdam. If you like them, then you will also like other great cities and towns in Netherlands. If you think I have forgotten some of the best places to visit, please let me know below in the comments, so that I can correct my mistake! 🙂