What 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.

Amsterdam Attractions

Amsterdam is a curious mix of the historic and the modern that manages, with consummate ease, to combine stately grandeur with alternative fripperies. Hire a bike or a boat to get around this attractive city in style. Stop off at any of the museums and galleries that boast iconic masterpieces from every era of art history. Next you may need to relax: you are in the right place and have a choice of the welcoming brown cafes. And, as nightfalls, visit any of the trendy restaurants before you head out to take in the pumping nightlife.

Areas & Neighborhoods in Amsterdam

Old Centre - In the medieval centre you will find traditional architecture, canals, shopping and the majority of the coffeeshops. Make sure you wander beyond Dam Square to explore the, arguably, more interesting areas of Nieuwmarkt and Spui. And, yes, this is where the Red Light District is.

The Canal Ring - This UNESCO World Heritage Site was dug in the 17th century and forms the heart of one of the city’s poshest neighbourhoods. Forget the clubs near the Red Light District and head to Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein for the best nightlife.

Jordaan - This gentrified working class area now offers art galleries, hip boutiques and trendy restaurants.

Plantage - This atmospheric 19th century district contains fascinating museums and expansive gardens to explore.

South Amsterdam - Essential city sights and activities cluster in this area, including the Museum Quarter, the picnic-friendly Vondelpark and the snooper’s paradise that is the Albert Cuyp Market.

Things to See in Amsterdam

The Van Gough Museum is only the most well-known of the fantastic art museums in Amsterdam. Make sure you also get to see the Rembrandts and the warped vision of medieval painter Bosch that can be found in the city. The historic houses leaning at jaunty angles over the canal are also a classic sight and there is also historic architecture to enjoy in the old centre and the Plantage district.

Things to Do in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a city that is a joy to stroll around but you may want to give your feet a rest - if so, hire a bike to get around like the locals or hire a boat to cruise along the beautiful canals. Enjoy the fine dining or shoot the breeze with locals and friends in a brown cafe or a coffee house. Take a bottle of wine to the Vondelpark and kick back for a bit as you watch the Dutch skate past. The nightlife is fantastic here, especially around Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein, but don’t stay up too late because there are so many things waiting for you to do tomorrow.

You can also book top Amsterdam hotels and great Amsterdam holiday package deals right here on Expedia.co.uk.

Things to do

Amsterdam: Van Gogh Museum Ticket

Amsterdam: Van Gogh Museum Ticket

£23
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Amsterdam: Van Gogh Museum Ticket
Dutch Countryside Tour with Windmills, Volendam & Marken

Volendam, Marken & Windmills Day Trip from Amsterdam

£33
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Volendam, Marken & Windmills Day Trip from Amsterdam
Amsterdam: Smoke and Lounge City Boat Cruise

Amsterdam: Smoke and Lounge City Boat Cruise

£21
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Amsterdam: Smoke and Lounge City Boat Cruise
Blue Boat Company - 75 minute City Canal Cruise

Blue Boat Company - 75 minute City Canal Cruise

£19
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Blue Boat Company - 75 minute City Canal Cruise
I amsterdam City Card

I amsterdam City Card

£52
per traveller
86% of travellers recommend
I amsterdam City Card
Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans 3-Hour Small Group Tour

Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans 3,5-Hour Small Group Tour

£36
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans 3,5-Hour Small Group Tour
Brussels and Bruges from Amsterdam Guided Tour

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

£153
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
From Amsterdam to Belgium: Discover the Wonders of Brussels and Bruges
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Top places to visit

1. 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 canal with a boat named 'Jorden Krabbe' and historic buildings along the riverbank.

2. 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 park with cherry blossom trees, a modern building with a glass facade, and a Van Gogh Museum sign.

3. 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 historic building with ornate architecture and a clock tower.

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 with a flower garden in the middle of a pond, surrounded by trees.

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 lively street scene with a variety of shops and cafes, including a Heineken sign and a cafe named 'Palace'.

Recommended things to do in Amsterdam

Number of things to do
999
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Amsterdam: £3
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
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What to do in Amsterdam

Stay near popular Amsterdam attractions

A park with cherry blossom trees, a modern building with a glass facade, and a Van Gogh Museum sign.
Photo by Oleg Petrenko
Open Photo by Oleg Petrenko

Van Gogh Museum

9.2/10 (10,877 reviews)
The Van Gogh Museum houses the world's largest collection of Vincent's artwork. Arrive early to immerse yourself in his artistic evolution through chronologically arranged masterpieces.
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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 Nieuwmarkt Square are major draws. Catch the metro at Nieuwmarkt Station or Waterlooplein Station to see more of the city.

A river with boats docked on the left, a bridge in the middle, and a tall tower in the background.

Jordaan

Get to know Jordaan and its many features like its breweries and churches. You might want to explore sights like Houseboat Museum and The 9 Streets, 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 De Dageraad 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 Concertgebouw, and jump on the metro at Emmastraat Tram Stop or Gerrit van der Veenstraat Stop to see more of the city.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Amsterdam

A garden with rows of colorful flowers, green grass, and trees in the background.

Hoofddorp

A cityscape at dusk with a prominent cathedral, a river reflecting lights, and modern buildings.

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 calm river reflecting buildings and a plane in the sky.

Zwanenburg

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 kms (0.30 miles) away from downtown, while Old Town Amsterdam is 0.16 kms (0.10 miles) 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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