Things to Do in Amsterdam
50 curated spots from Amsterdam itineraries
Activities & Attractions
30 curated experiences
Albert Cuyp Market
Long, bustling street market where you can try fresh stroopwafels, herring, and browse clothes and household goods.
2h · Free (food purchases extra)
Rijksmuseum
See Dutch Golden Age masterpieces and choose a focused route so the visit stays comfortable.
2h 30m · €25 per adult, under-18 free
Van Gogh Museum
Focus on a curated selection of Van Gogh’s best-known works and keep the pace unhurried.
2h · €22.50 per adult, under-18 free
Anne Frank House
Museum in the canal-side house where Anne Frank hid during WWII; tours the Secret Annex and tells her story—reserve tickets in advance.[3][5]
2h · $20
Vondelpark
Stroll leafy paths, picnic spots, and ponds for relaxed couple time.
1h 30m · Free
Evening Canal Cruise
Take a 60–75 minute canal boat tour from near Centraal Station or Damrak to see illuminated bridges and canal houses at night.
1h 15m · $25-35
Heineken Experience
Interactive tour of the historic Heineken brewery with exhibits on brewing and brand history plus tastings at the end.[2]
2h · $25
Jordaan Neighborhood Wander
Explore narrow streets, canals, hofjes (courtyards), and independent shops; focus around Egelantiersgracht and Brouwersgracht.
2h · Free
Moco Museum
Visit a compact museum dedicated to modern and street art, with works by Banksy and other contemporary artists.[3][10]
1h 15m · $20-25
Rembrandt House Museum
Tour the restored home and studio where Rembrandt lived and worked, with exhibits on his techniques and life.[1][5]
1h 30m · $20
Sarphatipark
Enjoy a quieter park break and let the family slow down for a while.
1h · Free
STRAAT Museum
Take the ferry to Noord and explore large-scale street art in an easy indoor-outdoor setting.
2h · €18-20
A’DAM LOOKOUT
Observation deck with citywide views and the famous “Over the Edge” swing that arcs over the tower’s edge.
1h 30m · $18-35 per person (more with swing)
Absolutely Amsterdam Introductory Walking Tour
Join a small-group walking tour that covers key canals, architecture, and city history, starting near the center and moving through classic areas.[7]
2h · $30-40
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
Enjoy a calm riverside walk with bridges and open views.
1h · Free
Amsterdam Canal Belt Stroll
Walk along Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht near the Nine Streets to see classic canal houses and bridges.
1h 30m · Free
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
Learn the city’s story through accessible exhibits that work well for a broad age range.
1h 30m · €18-20
Amsterdam Noord Ferry & NDSM Wharf
Take the free ferry behind Centraal Station to NDSM Wharf for industrial architecture, street art, and waterfront photo spots.
2h · Free ferry, exploring free
Amsterdam Red Light District Architecture Walk
Carefully walk the area focusing on canals, leaning houses, and bridges—avoiding photos of workers and being respectful.
1h · Free
Anne Frank House (Exterior & Canal Area)
If you don’t have tickets, walk by the Anne Frank House and reflect at the canal; if you book ahead, allow time to tour the museum.
1h · $18 per person (if visiting inside) or Free to view exterior
Anne Frank House (exterior area + museum)
Visit the museum (pre-book timed entry) and quietly explore the surrounding canals and Westerkerk church.
2h · $20
Anne Frank House Exterior & Westerkerk Area
If you don’t have tickets, still visit the outside area, canals, and nearby Westerkerk; if booked, allocate more time inside.
1h · $17-20 per person (if entering museum)
Begijnhof
Step into a quiet medieval courtyard for a peaceful break from busier streets.
30m · Free
Begijnhof & Spui Area
Slip into the peaceful Begijnhof courtyard and then explore nearby bookshops and cafés around Spui.
1h · Free
Bloemenmarkt
Browse the floating flower market for tulips, small souvenirs, and a colorful canal-side stroll.
45m · Free to browse
Bloemenmarkt (Floating Flower Market)
Browse the stalls of Amsterdam’s floating flower market along the Singel canal.[4][6]
1h · Free (shopping extra)
Canal Belt Walk (Grachtengordel)
Stroll from Museumplein toward the Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes), crossing elegant canals like Prinsengracht and Herengracht and admiring classic canal houses.
1h 30m · Free
Canal Cruise (Final Afternoon)
Take a relaxed 60–75-minute canal boat tour from near Centraal or Dam to see Amsterdam’s architecture from the water.[2][4]
1h 15m · $20-30Restaurants & Food
20 local favorites
Foodhallen
Indoor food market in a converted tram depot with multiple stalls offering Dutch snacks, Asian bites, and more.
1h 15m · $20-35 per person
Bakers & Roasters
New Zealand–Brazilian brunch café with clean lines; try the huevos rancheros or pancakes and good filter coffee.
1h · $20-30 per person
Pllek
End with a scenic waterfront dinner after the ferry ride back or before returning.
1h 15m · €20-40 per person
Blushing Amsterdam
Modern café just off Museumplein; choose a sandwich, salad, or soup with a fresh juice for a light but satisfying meal.
1h · $15-22 per person
Coffee & Coconuts
Light-filled, modern café in a former cinema; go for avocado toast or coconut pancakes and a flat white.
1h · $15-25 per person
Café Winkel 43
Famous for its thick Dutch apple pie with whipped cream; also offers simple café fare and drinks.
45m · $8-12 per person
De Struisvogel
Cozy cellar restaurant in a canal house serving a well-priced fixed menu of Dutch and European dishes.[5]
1h 15m · $25-40 per person
Moeders
Quirky spot decorated with photos of mothers, serving hearty Dutch comfort dishes like stamppot and meatballs.
1h 15m · $22-35 per person
The Avocado Show
Playful avocado‑centered dishes in a stylish setting; think avocado burgers and colorful bowls.
1h · $20-30 per person
Winkel 43
Iconic cafe famed for the city's best Dutch apple pie, plus coffee and sandwiches.
1h · $10-15 per person
Back to Black Coffee
Small, minimalist coffee bar with excellent espresso and pastries; choose simple pastries, cakes, or toast and verify no shellfish or cross-contaminated ingredients.
45m · $10-15 per person
Bakhuys
Bright bakery-cafe with excellent breads, pastries, and simple breakfast plates fresh from the oven.
45m · $10-18 per person
Café de Ceuvel
Sustainable café on the water with vegetarian-friendly options; enjoy a relaxed meal on the terrace.
1h · $20-30 per person
Café de Jaren
Waterfront café in a converted library with minimalist interior design and canal views. Serves Dutch breakfast, avocado toast, and premium coffee. Quiet morning atmosphere.
1h · $18-28 per person
Café Loetje Museumplein
Casual Dutch brasserie known for its classic biefstuk (steak), hearty sandwiches, and canal-side seating near the museums.
1h · $25-40 per person
Café Smalle
Classic brown café on the canal; sip Dutch beer or jenever and try simple Dutch bar food.[5]
1h 30m · $20-35 per person
CT Coffee & Coconuts
Trendy multi‑level café in a former cinema with good coffee, pancakes, and healthy bowls.
1h 15m · $18-28 per person
De Koffieschenkerij
Charming café in the courtyard of the Oude Kerk serving pastries, simple breakfast plates, and excellent coffee in a historic setting.
1h · $15-25 per person
Pancakes Amsterdam Centraal
Dutch and American‑style pancakes with toppings like bacon, cheese, and apple; try a savory Dutch pancake and share a sweet one.
1h · $15-25 per person
Piqniq
Cozy lunch café offering small sandwiches and salads you can mix and match or take away for a canal-side picnic.
1h · $12-20 per person