Language 
Things to do in Amsterdam: A local guide to the best experiences
Discover the best things to do in Amsterdam. Our local guide includes top attractions, free activities, night spots, and the best food.
The best things to do in Amsterdam include visiting the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, the Anne Frank House, exploring the Jordaan neighborhood, and cycling along the canals. Amsterdam is one of those cities where having a list of things to do works out the best.
To experience the Netherlands like a local whilst enjoying some worthy tourist attractions, we’ve put together a guide with the help of our local Holafly expert, Laura Galvao. Before you head out, make sure you’re equipped with reliable mobile internet; one way to do so is to get Holafly’s unlimited data eSIM for the Netherlands.
An eSIM you can rely on
Join over 10 million Holafly customers and get connected with our trusted, global services.
Top 10 things to do in Amsterdam
1. Van Gogh Museum
The Van Gogh Museum, located in the Museum Quarter, has the largest collection of artwork by the famous painter. This is definitely a must-visit for anyone interested in Dutch art and history.
Laura shares more on why you should visit: “I love this one because it feels really personal. It’s not just pretty paintings, but you actually get a sense of who Van Gogh was and how intense his life was because the museum follows his life chronologically.”
We recommend buying tickets in advance, since this is one of the top attractions in the Netherlands.
2. Rijksmuseum
This museum is dedicated to Dutch culture and the Golden Age. It’s within walking distance of the other world-class museum, and its architectural beauty alone makes it one of the top places to visit in Amsterdam.
Laura agrees that the Rijksmuseum is “one of the prettiest buildings in Amsterdam with a beautiful garden outside. Inside, The Night Watch is a must.”
3. Anne Frank House
Visiting this museum is a deeply moving experience, as you get to encounter the realities of a young girl during World War II. It is a must-visit on any first visit to Amsterdam, and that’s why it’s almost always sold out.
Tickets for this museum are hard to secure and sell out weeks in advance. Set a reminder to book tickets on the exact day they go on sale online.
4. Jordaan neighbourhood
The Jordaan neighborhood is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its narrow streets, wooden houses, and unbeatable canal views. It’s also one of the most romantic places to visit for couples.
Laura shares that this is her favorite area to “wander and admire how beautiful the city is. Cute and picturesque canals, tiny shops, cozy cafés. I love going here in the evening, where we can sit on a terrace and have cocktails.”
5. Amsterdam canal cruise
You can’t separate Amsterdam from its water, so a canal experience is definitely a must-do. Taking a special canal tour also gives you a crash course on how the city advanced from the Middle Ages through the Dutch Empire.
Laura highly recommends booking with Flagship Cruises: “The best way to see the city fast from the water. For only 32 euros, you get an open bar cruise tour.”
Tip: Go for an open-boat cruise rather than a closed, glass-top one if the weather allows. It is much better for photos and fresh air.
6. Vondelpark
Every city has its lively park where you can lie on the grass, read a book under a tree, or sip coffee and people-watch. Similarly, visiting Vondelpark is one of the most fun things to do in Amsterdam when the sun’s out.
Laura tells us: “Locals go here all the time, but on a sunny day, it’s the more vivid part of the city. Perfect for doing absolutely nothing: lying on the grass, biking around, or grabbing a coffee and people-watching.”
7. Albert Cuyp Market
Located in the De Pijp district, the Albert Cuyp Market is Europe’s busiest daytime market and a crucial stop for great food and Amsterdam souvenirs.
Laura’s take: “This is where I go when I want snacks, home decor, or random shopping. Fresh stroopwafels, random street food, flowers, vintage stuff. Always busy with great prices.”
8. Amsterdam Noord and the free ferry
For unusual things to do in Amsterdam that stray from the main touristy attractions, head north. Amsterdam Noord is a former industrial shipyard and is now a playground.
Laura recommends taking the “free ferry behind Centraal Station. Noord is such a modern young neighborhood.” She also recommends exploring the NDSM Wharf street art, catching the sunset at A’DAM Lookout, or dancing at Garage Noord.
9. De 9 Straatjes (The Nine Streets)
De 9 Straatjes is just a short walk from Dam Square and is basically nine beautiful canal streets, packed with independent shops, cafes, and vintage stores. According to Laura, it’s one of the “most charming neighborhoods”.
Tip: If you’re a photographer, you’ll capture beautiful shots here. Visit early in the morning before doors open to get clean shots of the storefronts.
10. Oosterpark and Amsterdam Oost
This is more of a hidden gem that tourists miss entirely. Amsterdam-Oost is one of the livelier districts, with Oosterpark as its green center.
Laure shares that, while this is a smaller neighborhood, there are plenty of local bars and shops that tourists often don’t get to explore. She highly recommends booking a table at De Tros restaurant while you are here.
Bonus mentions
- The Red Light District: Historic, but it can get quite noisy at night. Remember to keep a respectful distance when observing the work of local sex workers. Photography is strictly prohibited.
- FOAM photography museum: A must-visit for photography lovers, modern art, and visual storytelling.
- Westerpark: A green space with great food markets and cultural events.
- Remembrandtplein and Leidsplein: Perfect locations for things to do in Amsterdam at night, with lively bars and clubs and live music.
- Brouwerij ’t IJ: Grab a local craft beer at this brewery located inside a historic windmill.
- Cafe Marcella: Late-night terrace drinks right by the water.
Free things to do in Amsterdam
You do not need a massive budget to enjoy this historic city, as there are plenty of free things to do in Amsterdam. If it were up to Laura, a perfect day in Amsterdam would look something like this.
Start your morning wandering along Jordaan’s scenic canals before grabbing some coffee in the Nine Streets. From there, head to the Museum Quarter and explore world-class art galleries. If you’re hungry, you can grab snacks at Albert Cuyp Market for some of the best street food snacks in Amsterdam.
Complete the afternoon with a canal cruise. Ferries are a part of Amsterdam’s public transport system and are completely free to use! Wind down in the evening with drinks from one of the hip places in De Pijp.
Things to do in Amsterdam with kids
Amsterdam is family-friendly and offers loads of interactive experiences for all ages. Here are a couple of things you can do if you’re traveling with young ones:
- Rent family bikes: Go on a family bike ride and rent traditional bakfiets or bikes with child seats and tandems.
- Visit NEMO Science Museum: You can’t miss the boat-shaped building near Centraal Station. This museum is filled with interactive exhibits where kids can play, conduct experiments, and blow giant bubbles.
- WONDR Experience: If you have slightly older kids or teenagers, this playground is perfect. It includes Europe’s largest ball pit, colorful installations, and a teddy bear room.
- ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo: A zoo is always the perfect place to take kids, and Amsterdam’s Royal Zoo features elephants, giraffes, a planetarium, and an aquarium.
Where to eat and drink in Amsterdam
Amsterdam’s local food scene includes traditional Dutch food and modern combinations.
When exploring, especially on your visit to Albert Cuyp Market, Laura says your essentials should include stroopwafels from street markets, bitterballen at a local pub, appeltaart at Winkel 43, and thick Dutch fries (patat) served with mayo.
For a more comprehensive breakdown of recommendations, check out our guide to the best food in Amsterdam.
Getting around Amsterdam
The city’s network of trams, metros, and ferries is highly accessible, so exploring things to do in Amsterdam won’t be inconvenient. You can use the OVpay system on your contactless card or smartphone to tap in and out of all public transport.
To plan your routes and navigate like a local, read our full guide on Amsterdam’s public transport.
Stay connected in Amsterdam with an unlimited data eSIM from Holafly
Exploring the best things to do in Amsterdam depends on how reliable your data connection is. You’ll want a fast connection to help you navigate from one stop to another, find the best places to eat, and stay connected, in case you have separate plans.
Holafly’s eSIM for Amsterdam offers unlimited data, 5G speeds, and 24/7 customer support. Holafly also offers flexible plans and 1 GB of Always On monthly backup data with every eSIM. Remember to keep your eSIM installed to receive the monthly backup data at no extra cost!
Match your eSIM to your vacation
Choose a plan lasting between 1 and 90 days so you never pay for days or data you don't use.
Plans that may interest you
Born and raised in Queens, New York, I'm a Psychology graduate with a passion for writing that I've been nurturing since 2019. Over the years, I've enjoyed creating meaningful content across various niches, including sports, hospitality, and career development. At Holafly, I focus on crafting useful and inspiring pieces to make your adventures more effortless. One of the best perks of this role? Creating travel content always seems to inspire my next vacation destination!
