Things to do in Amsterdam

Activities, attractions and tours

A canal with boats, a bridge, and historic buildings along the water.
A historic city square with a prominent clock tower, a tram line, and classic European architecture.
A canal with historic buildings and a bridge.
A lively street with various restaurants and cafes, including a steakhouse and a sports cafe.
A cobblestone street lined with historic buildings, bicycles, and a cyclist.

Things to do

Day Trip to Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam and Marken from Amsterdam

Day Trip to Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam and Marken from Amsterdam

€35
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Day Trip to Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam and Marken from Amsterdam
Dutch Countryside Tour with Windmills, Volendam & Marken

Volendam, Marken & Windmills Day Trip from Amsterdam

€23
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Volendam, Marken & Windmills Day Trip from Amsterdam
Let's enjoy together!

Amsterdam All-Inclusive 90-Minutes Canal Cruise by Captain Jack

€35
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Amsterdam All-Inclusive 90-Minutes Canal Cruise by Captain Jack
Edam: Edam Cheese Museum Entry Ticket

Edam: Edam Cheese Museum Entry Ticket

€8
per adult
Edam: Edam Cheese Museum Entry Ticket
Brussels and Bruges from Amsterdam Guided Tour

From Amsterdam to Belgium: Discover the Wonders of Brussels and Bruges

€199
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
From Amsterdam to Belgium: Discover the Wonders of Brussels and Bruges
Amsterdam: Dutch Mini Pancakes

Amsterdam: Dutch Mini Pancakes (Poffertjes)

€9
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Amsterdam: Dutch Mini Pancakes (Poffertjes)
I amsterdam City Card

I amsterdam City Card

€67
per traveller
86% of travellers recommend
I amsterdam City Card
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Top places to visit

1. Dam Square

Amsterdam’s origins lie on Dam Square and you’ll get a sense of this history as you look at the structures here. Today the square is also a venue for mass events, fun fairs and pantomime artists. Join the locals and relax at the base of the National Monument while listening to street organs. Chase the pigeons and dodge the many cyclists when you cross the square to go shopping or explore some of the historical buildings.
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A bustling square with historic buildings, a tram, and a crowd of people.

2. Anne Frank House

A visit to the Anne Frank House is a sober yet enlightening experience. The life story of Anne Frank has become one of the most famous accounts of a Jew hiding in Nazi Germany. Anne’s diary, which she started in 1942 when she was 13, is the most translated Dutch book of all time. Its first translation was in German, in 1950.
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A riverside walkway with pedestrians, bicycles, and historic buildings.

3. Van Gogh Museum

Head to the Van Gogh Museum to see some of the works of a groundbreaking 19th-century Dutch painter. Sadly, Vincent Van Gogh only sold one of his paintings during his short life, and never dreamed of the fame he’d enjoy after his death. Here you can browse the world’s largest collection of Van Gogh’s paintings and learn about his tormented life. The museum also displays works by other master painters of his time, including Monet, Gauguin and Seurat.
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A modern circular building with a large mural of people on its facade.

4. Vondelpark

Vondelpark is a State Monument and an Amsterdam hot spot in summer. This is where locals go to sunbathe, cycle or play outside. There are also concerts or other performances on weekends. Over 10 million visitors come here every year to enjoy nature and culture, as well as order drinks and meals on the restaurant terraces.
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A gazebo surrounded by flowers and a pond.

5. Rijksmuseum

To understand how the tiny country of the Netherlands became a world superpower through both art and trade, visit the Rijksmuseum. Browse through over a million works of art and historical objects in more than 200 rooms. You’ll see famous paintings by Rembrandt and Vermeer, among hundreds of other artists, and admire the ornate building itself.
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A historic building with a large 'Open' sign, a moat, and people around.

6. Leidseplein

Delve into the many delights of buzzing Leidseplein to people-watch while enjoying a meal or just a drink after a day of sightseeing. In the warmer months, the area is packed with people gathered on the terraces of the restaurants and bars. Order a local beer and watch the street performers. In the winter, visit one of the many restaurants or clubs, or head to the ice rink surrounded by hot food and drink stalls for an atmospheric outdoor experience. If you love architecture, 17th-century Leidseplein has some interesting buildings for a walking tour.
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A street with tram tracks, historic buildings, and outdoor seating at a cafe.

What to do in Amsterdam

Stay near popular Amsterdam attractions

A bustling square with historic buildings, a tram, and a crowd of people.

Dam Square

8.6/10 (18,623 reviews)
Dam Square pulses as Amsterdam's historic heart, surrounded by the Royal Palace and National Monument. Stroll through this vibrant hub where centuries of Dutch heritage meets contemporary street performances.
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Where to stay in Amsterdam

Find the best Amsterdam areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Amsterdam
Learn more about Amsterdam
A canal with historic buildings and a bridge.

Amsterdam City Centre

Known for its fascinating museums, charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Amsterdam City Centre. Top attractions like Dam Square and Leidseplein are major draws. Catch the metro at Nieuwmarkt Station or Waterlooplein Station to see more of the city.

A canal with boats, a bridge, and historic buildings.

Jordaan

Get to know Jordaan and its many features like its breweries and churches. You might want to explore sights like Amsterdam Tulip Museum and Houseboat Museum, and you can jump on the metro at Bloemgracht Stop or Rozengracht Stop to get around the city.

A woman riding a bicycle on a city street lined with parked bicycles and historic buildings.

De Pijp

Known for its abundant dining options and interesting museums, there's plenty to explore in De Pijp. Top attractions like Albert Cuyp Market and Former Town Hall of Nieuwer-Amstel are major draws, and you can catch the metro at Cornelis Troostplein Stop or v. Hilligaertstraat Tram Stop to see more of the city.

A brick building with a cafe on the ground floor.

Oud-West

Known for its fascinating museums and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Oud-West. Check out top attractions like De Hallen and Foodhallen, and jump on the metro at Ten Katestraat Stop or J. P. Heijestraat Stop (7) to see more of the city.

A park with a paved walkway, trees, and a historic building with towers in the background.

Oud-Zuid

Known for its fascinating museums and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Oud-Zuid. Check out top attractions like Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum, and jump on the metro at Emmastraat Tram Stop or Gerrit van der Veenstraat Stop to see more of the city.

A modern building complex with a river in the foreground and tall skyscrapers in the background.

Hoofddorp

An aerial view of a park with a circular arrangement of trees, a central path, and surrounding grassy areas.

Amstelveen

An airplane flying over a sea of clouds with a bright sun in the background.

Badhoevedorp

A wooden bridge over a canal with people on it and houses in the background.

Zaandam

An aerial view of a river with numerous docks and boats, surrounded by residential areas and green fields.

Vinkeveen

A dense cluster of pink tulips in full bloom.

Aalsmeer

A windmill, a barn, and a fenced field with sheep.

Abcoude

A river with a boat, a bridge, a tower, and trees along the banks.

Diemen

Frequently asked questions

Is Amsterdam worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Amsterdam is visit Amsterdam Museum. Check this major sight off your to-do list, then discover more of the area's cycling and culture.
How do I spend a day in Amsterdam?
After you've checked off top attractions like Amsterdam Museum and Nemo Science Museum, spend some time exploring Amsterdam's retail and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Amsterdam?
The top tourist attraction in Amsterdam is Amsterdam Museum, so be sure to put it on your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in Amsterdam?
Three days in Amsterdam is plenty of time to visit the city's main highlights. Many travellers stay for three days on average. Amsterdam Museum, Nemo Science Museum and Royal Theatre Carre are among the most popular sights. Want to see more? Hang around a little longer to explore nearby hotspots like Schiphol.
Is Amsterdam a walkable city?
It all depends on what you want to see and do in Amsterdam. Several sights, including Amsterdam Museum and Nemo Science Museum, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Amsterdam's neighbourhoods, Amsterdam City Centre is 0.48 kilometres away from downtown, while Old Town Amsterdam is 0.16 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Amsterdam with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with young explorers or adventure-seeking teens, an itinerary filled with cool activities takes your trip to the next level. Take a look at our recommendations for what to do in Amsterdam with kids.

What to do in Amsterdam for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Amsterdam, with activities for adults of all ages. Cap off your day with a visit to Ziggo Dome or Warmoesstraat.
Are there free things to do in Amsterdam?
From enjoying parks to strolling around vibrant neighbourhoods, it's easy to find free things to do in Amsterdam. If you need new ideas, ask a local tour guide for recommendations. Moco Museum is a great spot for anyone planning to save on their travel adventures.

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