Top 15 things to do in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is one of the top attractions in Europe. From its long history to its stunning canals, it has a lot to offer whether you’re a new sightseer or you’ve already visited the capital several times. In 2023, the city had more than 10 million tourists, many of whom were repeat visitors. And it’s no wonder the number is so high since Amsterdam is known as the “Venice of the North” thanks to its canal area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

But even if you’re in Amsterdam for a short trip, you probably want to fit in as many activities as possible before your departure. As long as you know where to look, you’ll fall in love with the city and possibly consider returning. Let’s look at 15 fun activities you can enjoy in Amsterdam that will ensure you get a taste of the metropolis.

1. Check Out The Canals

Visiting the famous canals makes sense when this is your first venture into the city, especially if you have seen them numerous times in picture-perfect Instagram posts. It doesn’t matter if it’s cliché – when you take a well-deserved break from the daily routine, anything is permitted, and the iconic canals are just the perfect way to relax. 

Amsterdam is filled with stunning canals that you can navigate by yourself or with others on a cruise. However, you can also check them out from land by walking alongside them or sitting at a table at one of the nearby restaurants. 

Pro Tip: If you want to enjoy a stunning light spectacle, visit the canals at night. The city’s life reflects beautifully on the water’s surface, making the experience more magical and letting you take some unique photos.

2. Visit the Amsterdamse Bos

If you love walking in nature and don’t want to give up your routine while visiting Amsterdam, the Amsterdamse Bos is just what you’re looking for. This is a stunning city park that is among the largest in Europe. You have the chance to see more than 200 bird species and find out more information about 150 indigenous tree types. And don’t worry, it’s a piece of cake to get there. You don’t need a car, because you can reach the area by bike like locals do

3. Go to museum Vrolik

Using Amsterdam as an opportunity to learn more about history will reveal a lot of interesting locations. For instance, the Museum Vrolikianum is where you can find out more about the types of diseases people used to deal with in the past. This location features a private anatomical collection of Willem and Gerard Vrolik, two anatomists from Amsterdam. After they both passed away, other anatomists from the city contributed to the collection. Now, it’s a museum filled with various skeletons that reveal the effects of cyclopia, other congenital malformations, and diseases like TBC, among others. 

Pro Tip: Make sure to plan for this visit in advance because this is no 15-minute visit. It can take 1-2 hours to look at everything here, even if the skeletons are all in one big room.

4. Go Window Shopping

It’s hard to visit a new place without doing a bit of shopping, whether that’s for yourself or your loved ones. You can find real treasure pieces, even when buying second-hand items. This is why you shouldn’t pass on the opportunity to go window shopping for vintage items. You’ll be surprised to find out just how many cool things you can purchase, from unique pieces of clothing to decorations and many other trinkets. Unfortunately, you’ll have to limit yourself to what you can fit in your suitcase, but that doesn’t mean you cannot have fun browsing everything that’s for sale.

5. Try the A'DAM Lookout Swings

There’s no better way to relax after a long day of visiting Amsterdam than chilling with a drink in your hand and a nice meal in front of you – except for, maybe, swinging in the chairs at A’DAM Lookout Swings. If you’re not too tired and want to see more of what Amsterdam has to offer, stop by A’DAM Lookout Swings to swing on the two chairs. You’ll get to see a different view of Central Amsterdam, North Holland, and Rotterdam.

6. Check Out the Anne Frank Museum

Very few Amsterdam trips end without tourists visiting the Anne Frank Museum. History enthusiasts of all ages go to this famous attraction to learn more about the not-so-distant history and Anne Frank’s life. This is where Anne Frank hid from the Nazis for two years alongside her family and four other people. Not only will it make the reality and terror of the Second World War set in, but it will also make you admire Anne Frank even more. 

Pro Tip: Make sure to make the reservation well in advance for this visit. As it’s such a popular attraction, finding an available date gets harder and harder the closer you get to your trip.

7. Madame Tussauds Museum

If you’re a fan of various celebrities, you can see their wax figures at the Madame Tussauds Museum. This is a wax museum where you get to see figures of stars such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Lady Gaga, Prince Harry, Jennifer Aniston, Johnny Depp, and many others. You can take fun pictures of them to show to your friends or post on your social media platforms.

Pro Tip: Plan your visit a few weeks in advance. Tickets aren’t expensive, and they run out quickly because of how fun and famous the museum is.

8. Have Dinner at CTaste

Get ready to heighten your senses with a dinner at CTaste. This is a restaurant where customers have to eat in full darkness. The idea might sound crazy at first, but you’ll be shocked to find out how many tourists try this unusual yet unique dining experience. You’ll get to guess what ingredients each dish contains, which is the best part of the visit.

9. Try the Lightning VR Amsterdam Noord Experience

If you want to try something a bit out of the ordinary, you should know Amsterdam has the biggest free-roam virtual reality experience in Europe. Whether you’re by yourself or with family or friends, the Lightning VR Amsterdam experience will transport you to another world. If you’re a passionate gamer, then you won’t want to leave this place, and you’ll certainly put it on your list if you return to Amsterdam.

10. Consider a Segway Tour

Are you in Amsterdam for a short visit and want to see as much of the city as possible before you leave? Don’t worry – bikes aren’t your only option. You can also ride on a Segway and not only save yourself the trouble of tired legs but also explore more parts of Amsterdam in a shorter amount of time. 

Pro Tip: This activity is better in a group, so don’t hesitate to book with your family or friends. If something happens and you need to cancel, do it up to 24 hours before the experience to get a full refund.

11. Van Gogh Museum

Van Gogh Museum is worth a visit when you’re in Amsterdam, especially if you’re an art fan. The museum features the most extensive collection of works the Dutch painter blessed the world with. Some of the works you can see in real life include The Bedroom, The Potato Eaters, and Sunflowers. A tour takes around 1 to 2 hours.

Pro Tip: Be wary of scammers when booking your ticket. Only get it from the official Van Gogh Museum website to avoid unpleasant situations.

12. Buy an Antique from Kramer

Kramer is another opportunity to get your hands on a cute antique. If you have enough time and want to buy a memory or get something pretty for a loved one, Kramer is a charming place filled with high-quality antiques. You can even find pieces from a few centuries back, so don’t hesitate to stop by and buy a souvenir.

13. Check Out Ons’ Lieve Heer Op Solder

Did you know that the Alteration of 1578 banned public worship displays in the area? As a result, Catholics selected a place where they could pray, now known as the Museum of Our Lord in the Attic. It used to be a well-kept secret, but nowadays, it’s available for visits. If you decide to see it, you’ll immediately notice how well-preserved it is.

14. Visit the Portuguese Synagogue

The Portuguese Synagogue is another great attraction for history aficionados. According to visitors, this attraction also offers an audio guide and a visit to the Jewish museum as part of the ticket. You’ll have a blast checking out the entire synagogue and learning about its past.

Pro Tip: If you can, plan this visit for a sunny day. There are no electric lights and heat, and you don’t want to miss the best parts of the attraction.

15. Go to De Hallen

De Hallen is great if you want to choose your activities on the spot. This is a central hub where you will find a vast array of boutique shops, dining places, and even a cinema. You can try foods from all over the world, and the prices aren’t that high. Still, remember that it can be pretty busy, so you must choose the perfect time to go if you want to find a free table.

The Bottom Line

Amsterdam is a city filled with attractions, from historical buildings like Anne Frank’s house, the Portuguese Synagogue, and Museum Vrolik to more common attractions like the canals or De Hallen. No matter how long you’ll be in Amsterdam, trying a few activities from this list will surely turn your visit into an unforgettable one, making you want to book another trip to the city in the near future.