Things to Do in Amsterdam
DESTINATION GUIDE

Things to Do in Amsterdam

50 curated spots from Amsterdam itineraries

Activities & Attractions

30 curated experiences

Anne Frank House
Do
afternoon

Anne Frank House

Visit the Secret Annex and keep the pace thoughtful and unrushed.

1h 30m · €16-18
Albert Cuyp Market
Do
morning

Albert Cuyp Market

Wander stalls for food, cheese, flowers, and multicultural vibes in bohemian area.

2h · Free
Rijksmuseum
Do
morning

Rijksmuseum

Explore Rembrandt and Dutch Golden Age art in grand, glamorous halls.

2h · $25 or Free
Vondelpark
Do
morning

Vondelpark

Walk, rest, or picnic in Amsterdam’s best-known park, with plenty of room for a slow family break.

2h · Free
Albert Cuyp Market (De Pijp Local Market)
Do
morning

Albert Cuyp Market (De Pijp Local Market)

Historic local market with 260+ stalls selling produce, flowers, textiles, art, and street food. Explore independently to discover local vendors and artisans. Less touristy than Bloemenmarkt.

1h 15m · $15-30 (for sampling/purchases)
Amstel River Walk
Do
morning

Amstel River Walk

Enjoy a calm riverside walk with bridges and open views.

1h · Free
Amsterdam Food Tour with Drinks
Do
morning

Amsterdam Food Tour with Drinks

Guided walk tasting 10 items like Gouda, stroopwafels, herring, bitterballen, and jenever across Spui, canals, and Jordaan.

3h · $20 pp or Free
Amsterdam Museum
Do
afternoon

Amsterdam Museum

Learn the city’s story through accessible exhibits that work well for a broad age range.

1h 30m · €18-20
Begijnhof
Do
morning

Begijnhof

Step into a quiet medieval courtyard for a peaceful break from busier streets.

30m · Free
Bloemenmarkt
Do
late morning

Bloemenmarkt

Browse the floating flower market for tulips, small souvenirs, and a colorful canal-side stroll.

45m · Free to browse
De Pijp Neighborhood Walk
Do
late morning

De Pijp Neighborhood Walk

Explore local streets, cafes, and specialty shops at an easy pace.

1h 15m · Free
Ferry to Amsterdam Noord
Do
afternoon

Ferry to Amsterdam Noord

Take the free ferry across the IJ for a final scenic city view and a change of pace.

45m · Free
Heineken Experience
Do
afternoon

Heineken Experience

Take a lighter, interactive visit if the adults in the group want a classic Amsterdam brand experience.

1h 30m · €25-30
Heineken Square Cafes and Boutiques
Do
afternoon

Heineken Square Cafes and Boutiques

Use the area around the square for a relaxed browsing and coffee break.

1h · Free
Hermitage Amsterdam Area Walk
Do
late morning

Hermitage Amsterdam Area Walk

Use the surrounding historic streets and canals for a relaxed walk and coffee stop.

1h · Free
Jordaan Canal Walk
Do
late morning

Jordaan Canal Walk

Continue through quieter residential canals and small bridges for a calmer side of the city.

1h · Free
Jordaan Neighborhood Wander: Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes)
Do
morning

Jordaan Neighborhood Wander: Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes)

Explore boutique shopping district with independent galleries, vintage shops, design studios, and hidden courtyards. UNESCO-listed Canal Ring backdrop. No specific route—follow alleyways between lined canals.

2h · Free
Leidseplein Nightlife
Do
evening

Leidseplein Nightlife

Bar-hop vibrant squares with live music, cocktail lounges, and people-watching; ends with cozy wine bar.

2h 30m · $30-50
Moco Museum
Do
afternoon

Moco Museum

Browse modern and contemporary art for a lighter museum visit after the bigger institutions.

1h 15m · €20-22
National Maritime Museum
Do
late morning

National Maritime Museum

Explore Dutch seafaring history and the harbor setting at a relaxed pace.

1h 30m · €20-22
NEMO Science Museum Rooftop
Do
morning

NEMO Science Museum Rooftop

Enjoy the rooftop views and, if desired, family-friendly science exhibits.

2h · €17.50-21
Nine Streets
Do
morning

Nine Streets

Stroll boutique-lined canal streets and stop for photos, browsing, and window-shopping.

1h 30m · Free
Nine Streets (De 9 Straatjes)
Do
morning

Nine Streets (De 9 Straatjes)

Stroll canalside boutiques, galleries, and cafes for shopping Dutch design and souvenirs; romantic photo ops.

1h 30m · Free ($20-50 shopping)
Oude Kerk
Do
morning

Oude Kerk

Visit Amsterdam’s oldest building and get oriented in the historic core before wandering nearby streets.

1h · €12-16
Red Light District Canal Walk
Do
late morning

Red Light District Canal Walk

Take a respectful daytime walk through the canals and lanes around the historic core.

45m · Free
Rembrandt House Museum
Do
afternoon

Rembrandt House Museum

Visit the artist’s former home and studio for a focused art-and-history stop.

1h 30m · €21
Royal Palace Amsterdam
Do
afternoon

Royal Palace Amsterdam

Explore the grand palace interiors if open, or admire the exterior from Dam Square.

1h 15m · €12-15
Sarphatipark
Do
morning

Sarphatipark

Enjoy a quieter park break and let the family slow down for a while.

1h · Free
STRAAT Museum
Do
afternoon

STRAAT Museum

Take the ferry to Noord and explore large-scale street art in an easy indoor-outdoor setting.

2h · €18-20
STRAAT Museum (Street Art Gallery)
Do
afternoon

STRAAT Museum (Street Art Gallery)

Contemporary street art museum in sleek modern gallery space. Rotating exhibitions of global urban artists. Clean, minimalist curation aligned with your aesthetic.

1h 30m · $18-23 per person

Restaurants & Food

20 local favorites

Café de Jaren
Eat
evening

Café de Jaren

A comfortable canal-side dinner spot with broad seating and simple crowd-pleasing options.

1h 15m · €20-35 per person
Foodhallen
Eat
afternoon

Foodhallen

Curated food market with 20+ quality vendors in an industrial-minimal space. Browse stations for plant-based options, global cuisine, fresh juices. Communal seating available; can also take away to nearby Albert Cuyp Market.

1h 15m · $20-35 per person
Albert Cuyp Market Stall
Eat
morning

Albert Cuyp Market Stall

Fresh stroopwafels, herring, and coffee from street vendors at this bustling market.

1h · $8-12 per person
Back to Black
Eat
morning

Back to Black

Coffee, pastries, and a calm start before a more local neighborhood day.

45m · €8-15 per person
Bakers & Roasters
Eat
evening

Bakers & Roasters

Finish with a satisfying crowd-pleasing dinner, great for a final family meal in Amsterdam.

1h 15m · €18-35 per person
Bakkerij Hartog
Eat
morning

Bakkerij Hartog

Pick up fresh bread, pastries, and coffee to start a slower market-and-neighborhood day.

45m · €8-15 per person
Bakkerswinkel Westerpark
Eat
afternoon

Bakkerswinkel Westerpark

Enjoy sandwiches, soups, and pastries in a comfortable cafe setting.

1h · €12-22 per person
Blushing Amsterdam
Eat
morning

Blushing Amsterdam

Grab a hearty breakfast close to the museums, with smoothies, eggs, and coffee.

1h · €12-22 per person
Brouwerij Troost Westergas
Eat
evening

Brouwerij Troost Westergas

A comfortable brewery-restaurant with broad seating and easy choices.

1h 15m · €20-35 per person
Café 't Smalle
Eat
evening

Café 't Smalle

Gezellig brown cafe with canal views, serving bitterballen, soups, and jenever.

1h 30m · $15-22 per person
Cafe de Doelen
Eat
afternoon

Cafe de Doelen

Sit down for a straightforward lunch near the historic center.

1h · €18-30 per person
Café de L'Affiche
Eat
morning

Café de L'Affiche

Charming vintage café serving exceptional coffee and pastries. Intimate interior, quiet atmosphere. Perfect pit stop during neighborhood wandering.

45m · $8-14 per person
Café Hegeraad
Eat
afternoon

Café Hegeraad

Cozy spot for Dutch croquettes, cheese platters, and local beers near Noordermarkt.

1h 15m · $12-18 per person
Café Winkel 43
Eat
morning

Café Winkel 43

Classic apple pie stop with coffee in a lively but easygoing neighborhood.

45m · €8-15 per person
CT Coffee & Coconuts
Eat
evening

CT Coffee & Coconuts

Casual dinner in a spacious, laid-back setting with options for everyone.

1h 15m · €18-35 per person
De Ebeling
Eat
evening

De Ebeling

Casual dinner with Dutch and international comfort food in a relaxed setting.

1h 15m · €20-35 per person
De Kas
Eat
lunch

De Kas

Michelin-starred restaurant in a converted greenhouse with refined plant-forward cuisine. Menu adapts seasonally; specializes in vegetable-driven dishes with creative preparations. Extensive vegetable tasting menus available.

2h · $65-85 per person
De Koffieschenkerij
Eat
morning

De Koffieschenkerij

Start with coffee, apple cake, and a calm courtyard setting next to Amsterdam’s oldest church.

1h · €10-20 per person
De Struisvogel
Eat
afternoon

De Struisvogel

Set-course Dutch lunch in a canal-house cellar, ideal for a relaxed sit-down meal.

1h 15m · €25-40 per person
Food trucks at Museumplein
Eat
afternoon

Food trucks at Museumplein

Keep lunch easy with casual food near the museums; look for wraps, fries, soups, or sandwiches.

45m · €10-20 per person

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