Today, I want to share with you my top 10 picks for things to do when visiting Amsterdam. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or have been before, I hope you find this helpful!
1. Get Lost in the Canal Belt
I love exploring new cities, and one of my favorite ways to do so is simply to wander around without any particular destination in mind. This is especially enjoyable in a place like Amsterdam, where the center of the city is crisscrossed by a series of canals. Strolling along the canal belt is a lovely way to spend an afternoon, admiring the beautiful 17th-century buildings that line the water.
If you want to make it even more fun, you can rent a boat and cruise through the canals like a local! It’s a great way to see the city from a different perspective and get some exercise at the same time. Plus, it’s just plain fun to zoom around in a little boat! Whether you’re exploring Amsterdam for the first time or you’ve been living here for years, I highly recommend spending some time on the water.
2. Visit the Anne Frank House
No trip to Amsterdam would be complete without paying respects at the Anne Frank House. The museum is dedicated to preserving the memory of Anne Frank, a Jewish teenager who was forced into hiding during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands.
The museum is located in the house where Anne and her family hid for nearly two years, and it offers a moving and personal look at this tragic period in history.
3 . Take a Picture with I Amsterdam Letters
I Amsterdam is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city, and it’s a must-stop for any photo op.
The giant letters spell out “I AMSTERDAM” in bright red, and they’re located right in front of the Rijksmuseum. Be sure to snap a picture with these landmarks in the background!
4. Explore Vondelpark
Vondelpark is Amsterdam’s version of Central Park, and it’s the perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon. Take a stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens, have a picnic lunch by the pond, or rent a bike and pedal your way around this vast green space.
5. Browse the Flower Market
The flower market is one of Amsterdam’s most iconic attractions, and it’s definitely worth a visit! Stretching along the Singel canal, the market is full of vibrant blooms of all kinds, from tulips to roses to lilies.
Even if you don’t plan on buying anything, it’s worth stopping by just to take in the colorful sights and smells.
6. Visit the Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum is Amsterdam’s premier art museum, and it’s home to some of the Netherlands’ most iconic paintings.
The museum houses works by Dutch masters like Rembrandt and Vermeer, as well as a vast collection of other art from the Middle Ages to present day. Even if you’re not an art lover, the Rijksmuseum is worth a visit for its stunning architecture alone.
7 . Shop at the Nine Streets
The Nine Streets is a shopping district located in Amsterdam’s canal belt, and it’s full of unique boutiques and independent shops.
This is the perfect place to pick up some souvenirs or treat yourself to a new outfit, and you’re sure to find something to your taste.
8. Sample the Local Cuisine
Amsterdam is known for its delicious food, so be sure to sample some of the local cuisines during your visit.
Some must-try dishes include Dutch pancakes, raw herring, and stroopwafels. And of course, no trip to Amsterdam would be complete without enjoying a few Heineken beers!
9 . Take a Day Trip to Keukenhof Gardens
Keukenhof Gardens is one of the Netherlands’ most popular tourist attractions, and it’s located just outside of Amsterdam.
The gardens are open for a few weeks each spring, and they’re absolutely gorgeous during that time. If you’re visiting Amsterdam during the spring, be sure to add Keukenhof Gardens to your itinerary.
10 . Spend an Evening in De Pijp
De Pijp is Amsterdam’s trendiest neighborhood, and it’s the perfect place to spend an evening.
The streets are lined with hip bars and cafes, and there’s always something going on. Whether you’re looking for a lively nightlife scene or just a relaxed evening out, De Pijp is the place to be.
Amsterdam is a city that has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to explore the history and culture, or just want to wander around and take in the beauty of the architecture, there are plenty of things to do in this amazing city.
I hope you get a chance to visit soon – it’s definitely one of my favorite places on Earth!
