Things to Do in Amsterdam
50 curated spots from Amsterdam itineraries
Activities & Attractions
30 curated experiences
Albert Cuyp Market
Browse stalls selling stroopwafels, fresh produce, clothes, and street food; sample a fresh stroopwafel and herring.
1h 30m · Free (food extra)
Rijksmuseum
Explore Dutch Golden Age masterpieces, including works by Rembrandt and Vermeer, plus historical artifacts; book timed tickets in advance and focus on the highlights to keep the visit around two hours.
2h · $25-30
Van Gogh Museum
See one of the world’s largest Van Gogh collections; pre-book a timed ticket and follow the chronological layout.
2h · $25
Anne Frank House
Tour the historic hiding place with moving exhibits on WWII history; evening slots less crowded.
1h 15m · $20
Vondelpark
Walk, jog, or cycle through Amsterdam’s most famous park with ponds, lawns, and tree-lined paths; pause at a terrace café inside.
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
Take a lighter, interactive visit if the adults in the group want a classic Amsterdam brand experience.
1h 30m · €25-30
Jordaan Neighborhood Wander
Explore narrow streets, hidden courtyards, and independent shops in this charming historic district; no fixed route needed.[3][5]
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
Relax in a small neighborhood park, ideal for a post-lunch stroll or quick picnic.
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
Bakers & Roasters
New Zealand–Brazilian brunch spot with a modern interior; go for pancakes, eggs, or vegetarian brunch plates, confirming there is no shellfish in sauces or sides.
1h 15m · $18-25 per person
Foodhallen
Vibrant food hall with Dutch bitterballen, stroopwafels, and fresh herring stalls; grab shared plates at communal tables.
1h 15m · $25-40 per person
Pllek
Industrial-chic, waterside restaurant made from shipping containers; choose vegetarian bowls, meat mains, and salads while clearly avoiding any shellfish and affirming your allergy with staff.
1h 30m · $22-30 per person
Coffee & Coconuts
Bright, airy café in a former cinema; order shakshuka or pancakes and specialty coffee.
1h · $20-25 per person
Blushing Amsterdam
Casual spot near Museumplein with salads, sandwiches, and juices.
1h · $20-25 per person
Café Winkel 43
Classic apple pie stop with coffee in a lively but easygoing neighborhood.
45m · €8-15 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
Homey restaurant decorated with photos of mothers; try stamppot (mashed potato with vegetables and sausage) and other Dutch classics.
1h 30m · $25-35 per person
The Avocado Show
Fun, glamorous spot with creative avocado dishes and cocktails.
1h 30m · $18-25 per person
Back to Black Coffee
Specialty coffee bar with pastries and light breakfast plates; try a pour-over or cappuccino and cake.
45m · $10-15 per person
Bakhuys
Bakery‑café with fresh breads and pastries; grab a coffee and a croissant or small sandwich.
45m · $10-18 per person
Café de Ceuvel
Eco-conscious waterside café built on former shipyard land, serving seasonal plates and snacks with a creative vibe.
1h 15m · $18-25 per person
Café de Jaren
A comfortable canal-side dinner spot with broad seating and simple crowd-pleasing options.
1h 15m · €20-35 per person
Café Loetje Museumplein
Classic Dutch café near Museumplein; order a simple breakfast with coffee or tea to start your museum day calmly.
45m · $12-18 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
Casual dinner in a spacious, laid-back setting with options for everyone.
1h 15m · €18-35 per person
De Koffieschenkerij
Start with coffee, apple cake, and a calm courtyard setting next to Amsterdam’s oldest church.
1h · €10-20 per person
Pancakes Amsterdam Centraal
Canal-side spot near Centraal Station; try Dutch-style pancakes with bacon and cheese or classic poffertjes.
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
Pllek Brunch
Industrial-chic restaurant at NDSM with views over the IJ; order a hearty brunch and coffee.
1h 15m · $20-30 per person