Top 10 things to do in Amsterdam
Since moving to Amsterdam, I have put my all into exploring the many corners of this beautiful city. Without a doubt this has to be one of the most picturesque cities in the entire world, with its stunning canals intertwined between charming dancing houses, rich cultural scene and interesting history makes it one of the most spirited and dynamic capitals out there, and you will never be left looking for things to do. After living here for 6 months, here is my ultimate list of activities and experiences to guide you through this fascinating city.
Explore the streets of the Jordaan
Once a working-class neighbourhood, now a vibrant and trendy district filled with independent, vintage and up-market boutiques, bustling canal-side bars and restaurants, aesthetic cafes, and home to some of the prettiest canals in the city. My best advice is to simply get lost amongst the narrow streets and stumble upon whatever takes your fancy. A few of my favourite bits of the Jordaan are:
Eat the best apple pie in Amsterdam at Winkel 43
Visit the Noordermarkt & Lindengrachtmarkt on Mondays & Saturdays: these markets have everything from breakfast offerings, to old vintage records, beautiful flowers, clothing stalls, fish mongers, fresh fruit & veg, and even a coat shop dedicated to second hand Burberry coats!
Immerse yourself in an independent shopping experience in the 9 Streets (starting from Prinsengracht canal): here you’ll find the streets lined with stunning boutiques, boujee cafes and cyclists rushing through the tiny streets. Cosy with fairy lights over head in the winter, littered with groups enjoying a seat on the canals in summer, its always a sparkling place to be.
Take a walk down Haarlemmerdijk: a picturesque high street famous for its vintage boutiques and trendy dining options.
Stroll along the Brouwersgracht canal: my favourite canal in the entire city, and home to one of the most popular photo spots you may have seen already. If you stand on the Papiermolensluis bridge you will see why!
Have a canalside drink at Cafe ‘t Smalle
Enjoy a nice brunch at New Dutch Amsterdam
Grab a coffee at Toki or Good Beans
Noodermarkt, Jordaan, Amsterdam
2. Take a canal boat tour
One of the most immersive ways to see the city. There are several options available which I would recommend:
Self driven boat tour: be your own captain by renting a small motorboat to cruise the canals, you don’t need a sailing licence. I would recommend Mokumboot boat rental, you can reserve your boat online for €95 for 2 hours, up to 6 people per boat. There are 7 locations for pick up all around the city, and only the captain needs to be sober for your ride…but remember, always be respectful to locals and be aware that many people actually live in house boats on the canals, so don’t be offensively loud!
Take a guided canal cruise: perhaps the more relaxing and cultural option, taking guided tour will allow you to hear about the history and background of Amsterdam as you sail past notable locations and sights, while enjoying a refreshing beverage. I would recommend Pure Boats Amsterdam for the best experience.
Aboard a Pure Boats Amsterdam canal cruise
3. Visit the Anne Frank House
One of the most important historical sites in the world, you can visit the canal house of Anne Frank and her family. It is where the family hid for 2 years from the Nazi’s during the Second World War. The museum is an interactive experience, where you can learn about the events that took place in The Netherlands, and to the Frank family. You can also enter the ‘secret annex’, and hear from survivors of the horrors that took place during this time. An extremely thought-provoking and shocking reminder of the atrocities against the Jewish people. I would advise to visit early because the museum can get busy, and its best to experience it before the crowds. You should also book tickets online prior to your visit - tickets often sell out up to 3 weeks in advance.
Inside the Anne Frank House, Amsterdam
4. Take a stroll or cycle around Vondelpark
One of my all time favourite areas of Amsterdam and the cities beating heart, Vondelpark boasts beautiful green spaces surrounded by little lakes and paths. I believe it captures the true culture of Amsterdam. You will without doubt always see something unique when wandering round - if you’re lucky, you might spot ‘the man with many dogs’ who rides his bakfiets bicycle while up to 10 pooches run alongside him. No matter what the weather, there will always be people wandering around enjoying the beautiful views and soaking up nature.
In the summer, groups will gather and play music, have picnics and spend the afternoons basking in the sun. In the winter, walkers will get wrapped up and take in the crisp cool air.
You can visit the ‘dog park’ closest to Emmalaan street, where there will always be lots of dogs running around playing together, or you can grab a beverage from Proeflokaal ‘t Blauwe Theehuis in the centre of the park.
Vondelpark, Amsterdam
5. Delve into central Amsterdam
You couldn’t visit Amsterdam without exploring the iconic centre. Here are a few important areas to not miss:
Marvel at Damrak: perhaps one of the most photographed places in the city, Damrak is the ‘classic’ Amsterdam photo spot of chocolate box houses next to the waterfront. It wouldn’t be a trip to Amsterdam without getting a quick snap here.
Visit Amsterdam Central Station: you may have already been here if you arrived via train, but if not be sure to take a look. The stunning architecture is used by both locals and tourists alike and lies right in the centre of the city. This is also an amazing spot to catch the sunrise - if you can be bothered to get up early!
Feed pigeons in Dam Square: this square is home to the National Monument, Royal Palace and New Church. Often street performers put on a show here too.
Check out ‘The Dancing Houses’: head to the corner of Groenburgwal overlooking the Amstel river, and view the crooked houses.
Try some of Amsterdams famous Stroopwafels from Van Wonderen Stroopwafels.
Eat brunch with breathtaking views at Blue Amsterdam.
Walk over the Armburg bridge: watch canal boats sail through the narrow gap between houses - another iconic Amsterdam location (and great for photos!)
Enjoy a drink at Rembrandtplein: this energetic square is packed with bars, cafes and restaurants - making it the perfect place to take a break and enjoy a spot of people watching.
Damark, Amsterdam
6. Visit the museums and noble buildings at Museumplein
The arts and cultural centre of Amsterdam, where you can discover popular art and history museums including the following:
Rijksmuseum: A Dutch national museum, showcasing the history and arts of Amsterdam. Even if you choose not to go inside, viewing the magnificent architecture is not to be skipped. Additionally, in the winter months right outside the museum you can go ice skating with Ice Amsterdam - a truly wonderful activity!
Van Gogh Museum: pretty self explanatory, a museum dedicated to the life and work of Vincent van Gogh.
Moco Museum: discover modern, contemporary and street art including Banksy & Warhol exhibits. You will also find a magical lights display by Studio Irma (the one you’ve probably seen on Instagram).
Ice Amsterdam skating rink outside the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam
7. Get lost in artsy De Pijp
Perhaps considered the popular district for creatives and students, De Pijp is definitely one of Amsterdams coolest neighbourhoods. The streets are lined with a diverse array of eateries, terraces, cafes and beatnik charm. There’s a few places I would recommend to check out:
Albert Cuypmarkt street market: the largest and most popular outdoor market in The Netherlands, you could wander up and down for hours on end, sampling Amsterdams finest street food such as poffertjes, stroopwafels, bitterballen or fries. There’s lots of vintage style markets selling a variety of wares, it really has a warm, bustling feel to it.
Take a walk through Sarphatipark: a pretty English style park with ponds and ducks.
Enjoy breakfast at Coffee & Coconuts: boasting a relaxed, beach style vibe with good coffee, juices and tasty breakfast options.
Immerse yourself in the lively nightlife scene: bar hop across some of Amsterdams best bars!
De Pijp, Amsterdam
8. Take a day trip to see the Dutch windmills
If you have time and want to escape the city for the day, taking a day trip to see the Dutch windmills is one of the best activities I have done since moving to Amsterdam. Prepare to be surrounded by the most typically ‘Dutch’ culture you could imagine. Think lots of clogs, windmills, cheese, and everything surrounded by water. I visited the windmills at Zaanse Schans, which is the closest windmill park to Amsterdam.
How to get there?
Train: You can get there by catching a train from Amsterdam Central Station to the nearest railway station, which is Zaandijk – Zaanse Schans, it takes around 20 minutes, from there you will need to walk an additional 15 minutes to reach Zaanse Schans.
Bicycle: You could also rent a bike from a bike shop in the city (there are countless rental stores all around) and cycle to the windmills. This is a really nice activity if you are up to it, and it’s how I visited! Cycling takes around 1 hour, but the route is fairly easy and flat! You need to cycle to Amsterdam Central Station, catch the free ferry over to Noord (with your bike), and from there, use google maps to plan your route.
Stay overnight in Zaandam: If you have extra time, and would like to experience a unique place close to Amsterdam, I would recommend to stay the night in Zaandam, at Inntel Hotels Zaandam - marvel at its renowned architecture and relax in the spa before exploring the windmills the following day. You can catch the train direct from Amsterdam Central Station to Zaandam, it takes around 10 minutes and you arrive in central Zaandam, from here the hotel is just down the street.
Why visit? And what to expect:
Not only are the windmills impressive and compelling just to look at, but they have an interesting history. Its possible to go inside the windmills and see how they work. The windmills were used do things like grind spices, saw wood, and make oil. A few are actually still functioning today! There is also a number of other attractions to visit, including a cheese museum - where you can sample lots of different types of cheese - a goat farm, a clog museum, shops, a few cafes and a restaurant. It is a really fun trip and somewhere you can really experience something a bit different!
Zaans Schans Windmills
9. Walk through the Red Light District
Listen, I want to stress that the Red Light District (and the coffee shops) are most definitely not Amsterdam’s defining feature, and I think it’s a real shame that when some people hear the word ‘Amsterdam’ they immediately think about drugs and prostitution. If you have been to this city you know the magic of Amsterdam, and in my opinion if you didn’t know that these things existed, you would never even notice them here. Additionally, I have travelled all over the world and can firmly say Amsterdam is the safest city I have ever visited.
Now that we’ve got that out of the way… I do think on your trip you should take an evening or night walk down the Red Light District - don’t worry, it is very safe, in fact there is always a strong police presence in the area, mostly to ensure the sex workers are safe and being treated properly. You only need to take the same precautions you would walking around any other city at night. The Red Light District is extremely unique, and actually quite surreal in my opinion, it is a very interesting experience to see it and be immersed in that environment. Additionally to the typical thing tourists may come here to do, you could also visit a show, or enjoy its pumping nightlife scene.
Red Light District, Amsterdam
10. Take the ferry to Amsterdam Noord
Amsterdam Noord is often overlooked, but I believe it has a lot to offer. There are so many fun activities to do - some not for the faint hearted - and interesting places to visit. Not to mention, the ferry ride over takes less than 5 minutes and is completely free! You can catch the ferry by heading to Amsterdam Central Station and walking underneath through the tunnel to reach the ferry port at the other side. Here are a few things you can get up to in the Noord:
Swing over Amsterdam at the Adam Lookout Tower: Europe’s highest swim and arguably one of Amsterdam’s most thrilling activities, the Adam Lookout tower offers 360-degree views over the whole of Amsterdam. Even if you don’t want to ride the swing, its an amazing place to come and grab a drink at their rooftop bar while enjoying spectacular views of the city.
Go wine tasting at Chateaux Amsterdam: who knew you could go wine tasting in Amsterdam?! This city really has it all. A really fun experience and a really cool setting, the wine tasting takes place in a warehouse style set up with cute fairy lights and a great ambience. You can also order some tasty snacks to soak up all the wine!
Visit IJ-Hallen, Europes biggest monthly flearmarket: once a month, this flea market takes over a huge warehouse selling a large variety of vintage clothes and furniture! If you’re an Amsterdam resident - this is a must! If you’re a tourist, check out @ijhallen for updates on when the market falls each month, you might be lucky enough that it lands on the same weekend you visit!
Check out NDSM-wharf: an old shipyard turned cultural metropolitan square. Here you can find a cool skatepark, restaurants, and art galleries.
View from the ferry overlooking the Adam Lookout Tower, Amsterdam
There you have it - my top 10 things to do in Amsterdam - though I feel like I have given you a lot more than 10 things to do, oops! Amsterdam in my eyes is the most freeing and and liberating city in the world, it is where the extraordinary is the everyday, the weird, the wonderful, where you can be totally yourself without fear of being stared or laughed at. It welcomes people from every walk of life with open arms. Friendly locals, a special charm, a home. I hope this inspires you to visit this incredible city, and if you already live here, I hope it gives you a few things to do that maybe weren't on your list before!
Thank you!
If you reached the end of this blog post, thank you so much! This blog post shares a special place in my heart - I wanted to make sure I did this amazing city justice. Until next time,
Lizzy x
