Amsterdam is one of Europe’s most captivating cities. With its elaborate canal system, iconic architecture, and vibrant culture, the Dutch capital has plenty to offer visitors. Here are 11 of the best things to do in Amsterdam to make the most of your time in this fascinating city.
If you are planning for an enthralling and rejuvenating holiday experience, Amsterdam is the place to be. From quaint villages to bustling markets, from picturesque places to spellbinding museums and UNESCO World Heritage sites, Amsterdam has a lot to offer. Narrowing down the best from a list of hundreds of things may get tedious for you. So, why not leave the task to us and focus on getting your Netherland Visa UK?
To help you, we have hand-picked 11 best things to do in Amsterdam. Adding these places and activities to your bucket list guarantees a memorable trip with your family. Read on to know what Amsterdam has in store for you.
The Rijksmuseum is the Netherlands’ most popular museum, attracting over 2.5 million visitors per year. This magnificent building houses an unparalleled collection of Dutch Golden Age painting masterpieces from artists like Rembrandt and Vermeer. Wandering its vast halls offers an immersive overview of Dutch history and culture. Don’t miss classics like The Night Watch and intimately sized works in the found-object-filled kitchen galleries.
Founded in 1638, the beautiful Hortus Botanicus is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world. It harbours thousands of plant species across multiple themed areas like the Palms greenhouse and butterfly garden. The lush gardens make a tranquil escape from the city bustle. The on-site seed house details the global journeys of plants that eventually wound up growing here. How to Become a Muslim – A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners.’ Navigate the path to a new beginning
Spanning over 50 hectares, Vondelpark is Amsterdam’s largest park located near the museums and leading entertainment district. On sunny days its open lawns, ponds, and winding footpaths fill up with picnickers, bicyclists, and musicians. There are several cafés and restaurants nestled throughout like the popular Blauwe Theehuis waffles stand. It’s an ideal spot to soak up some greenery without leaving the city centre!
Also see, 7-Days Travel Itinerary for the Netherlands– Fun Holiday in Europe
Beyond the city, there are charming towns and iconic sites easily reachable on day trips from Amsterdam. In the North, Zaanse Schans outdoor museum offers windmills, craft workshops, and distinctive green wooden houses. To the South, the famous Keukenhof Gardens blooms with millions of brilliantly-hued tulips and other flowers during spring. Check day tour options to sites like these for a taste of classic scenery outside the capital. Also, consider booking your Netherlands Visa appointment in advance so as to acquire your visa prior your travel and avoid end-time hassles.
Amsterdam’s food scene reflects its cultural diversity. From Indonesian rijsttafel spreads to Surinamese roti flatbreads, former colony influences shine through its food segment. Trendy eateries take advantage of seasonal Dutch produce and ingredients. For lighter bites, iconic bruin cafés (traditional pubs) dish up appetizers alongside wide beer selections. And no visit would be complete without grabbing stroopwafels (crispy caramel-filled wafers) from vendors around town.
Summertime brings long daylight hours perfect for strolling Amsterdam’s picturesque canals and waterways on foot or by boat tour. Park squares come alive with musicians and temporary cafés. Locals flock to patio bars along the Amstel River. Popular festivals showcasing food, arts, and music like July’s massive Pride Amsterdam draw energized crowds. If the weather is clear, make sure to spend time admiring Amsterdam’s lovely scenery under the summer sun. It sure is one of the incredible & replenishing things to Do in Amsterdam with your family.
Also see, Netherlands Visa Documents – Everything You Need to Know
Beyond the bustling city, quintessential Dutch villages charm visitors with traditions unchanged by time. Places like Giethoorn, Kinderdijk and Volendam offer countless photogenic scenes straight from a storybook. Wander narrow streets lined with tilt-faced brick houses, visit clinics making the famous Dutch cheese Edam, and see locals dressed in traditional costumes. Purchase wooden clogs or pose next to statuesque windmills. These rural villages offer peeks into historic Holland. To explore the serenity and breathtaking beauty of Dutch villages, you can rent a bike, use a boat-ride or wander on foot through the bridges.
The Anne Frank house in one of the most-visited and best tourist attractions in Amsterdam. This 17th Century canal house is where Anne Frank wrote her world-famous diary while hiding from Nazi persecution during WWII. The house is now known as the Secret Annex. It takes you back in time as you walk through the rooms where eight people lived in secrecy. An emotional experience, it thoughtfully tells Anne’s story against the backdrop of WWII and the Holocaust. Book ahead online to skip the queues.
Housing the largest collection of Van Gogh paintings in the world, the Van Gogh Museum shouldn’t be missed. Spread over four levels, traverse through the artist’s career from his early sombre works to vivid sunflower still lifes. Make sure to visit on Fridays when it’s open till late hours.
Extra tip: Download the museum’s app to take an interactive tour. Also, getting Netherlands visa appointments has become easier with the online process. Ensure applying before your travel for hassle-free visa acquisition.
The Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes) is Amsterdam’s most charming shopping area. As the name suggests, it comprises nine narrow streets located between the city’s canals. Spend an afternoon browsing the boutiques, cafés, galleries, and specialty shops tucked away on these quaint lanes. Food-lovers shouldn’t miss a visit to the Nine Streets market. The endless options of eateries call you for a hearty lunch or a quick snack. Poke bowls, homemade cakes, fresh pressed juices, exotic salads, Dutch cheese fondue, steak tartare, hot chocolates are amongst top food options.
The world’s only floating flower market, Bloemenmarkt, is a must for nature lovers. Stroll down the small alley lined with flower-filled stalls floating atop the Singel canal. Tulip bulbs are the classic souvenir. For the best deals, visit between April and June when tulip supply peaks. Don’t forget to snap a selfie with the iconic “Amsterdam” sign!
With a huge web of neighborhoods and districts, where you stay in Amsterdam can flavor your holiday experience. Museums and nightlife surround the Centrum lodgings. The Canal Ring’s scenery and dining options are unbeatable. Jordaan hosts atmospheric cafés and shops with fewer tourists.
Tips: Consider amenities such as breakfast eateries and bike rental shops in Amsterdam when choosing a place to stay. You can leverage public transport and budget extra time when staying outside the core to optimize outings.
While not cheap, Amsterdam offers good value compared to other major European hubs.
With planning, you can uncover lots of lower-cost options. Lodging runs the gamut from hostel dorms under €30 to luxe hotels over €250 per night. Enjoy abundant free attractions from canal strolls to park relaxation.
Fork out more for special museums, or rides up A’DAM tower, for splashy Kingdom of the Netherlands experiences. Overall costs typically ring in under €100 per day per person excluding flights and hotels.
Peak tourism descends upon Amsterdam in summer when the weather is sunniest. While lively, crowds intensify during July and August. For milder temperatures, fewer people, and cheaper stays, aim for May, June or September. April showcases blooming springtime floral displays. Late fall through early winter still sees moderate visitors despite chilly, rainy weather and early nightfall. Several holiday periods like King’s Day in April and New Year’s celebrations energize the city too. Whenever you visit, the spirit of Amsterdam shines through.
The Netherlands offers a ton of things that you can do on your trip, solo or with loved ones. All you need is a Netherlands visa UK to kickstart your Dutch trip and make memories for life. Don’t wait! Apply now!
Yes, we highly recommend booking tickets for key museums like the Anne Frank House and Van Gogh Museum early especially during peak spring and summer dates to ensure entry and avoid long ticket queues.
Not really. Amsterdam’s extensive bike lanes, trams, metro system, and walkability make private car journeys uncommon. Most visitors efficiently traverse by canal transport, rental bikes or public transit instead of relying on pricey, limited taxis or Uber/Lyft options.
Euro banknotes and coins are accepted everywhere in Amsterdam and the Netherlands, so no need to exchange currency. Many places also accept debit/credit cards and mobile pay options. Some small businesses and street vendors may be cash only.
Dutch is the official language. English is extremely prevalent as an unofficial second language, especially in tourist areas. Most locals speak it conversationally well. Some city signs and transport machines offer English too. Other common languages include Indonesian, Turkish and Spanish.
Given Amsterdam’s compact size and concentration of landmarks centred around the iconic canal rings, the best way to take it all in is on foot. Canal-side paths easily link most attractions. Supplement walking with public transport like trams, metro, and bike rentals for efficiency as needed. Boat tours also showcase the beauty of Amsterdam from its veining waterways.
