Top 10 things to do in Amsterdam: Amsterdam’s Top 10 Sights, Tours and Attractions
These are our picks for the best things to do in Amsterdam. If you only have a limited time, or want to see the best of the city, check out these sights and attractions.
1) Take an Amsterdam Canal Cruise
Take a tour of Amsterdam’s world famous canals in a canal boat. Amsterdam is famous for its canals and there are a number of companies that offer tours o the city in Dutch canal boats. Get a different perspective on the city, and enjoy a tour that is unique to the Netherlands! A number of companies operate tours of the city ranging from a 45 minute round trip, longer excursions by canal boat, lunch and dinner cruises and even a hop on hop off canal bus service. – Amsterdam Canal Cruises
2) Rent A Bike
See Amsterdam by bike on a Dutch push bike. Amsterdam is one of the worlds most bicycle friendly cities, with bike lanes and even traffic lights for cyclists. Even if you haven’t been on a bike in years, the flat terrain and excellent bicycle infrastructure will allow any visitor to have a wonderful day on 2 wheels! Although it might look daunting when you forst arrive, once you are on your bike you will whizz right along with the rest of the Amsterdammers. Having a bike makes Amsterdam absolutely tiny and extremely accessible, so we recommend you rent one for your entire stay. It is really the best way to get around the city. – Amsterdam Bike Rentals
3) Visit the Anne Frank House
Visit the Anne frank House, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Europe, where the Frank family hid from the nazis during World War II. This museum is visited by millions of people each year and serves as a stark reminder to the horrors of the holocaust. Best visited in the morning to avoid the crowds, the usually long line moves fast. - Anne Frank House Museum
4) Visit The Van Gogh Museum
Experience the art and life of Vincent Van Gogh at the Van Gogh Museum. Housed in a modern building on Museumplein, witness a large collection of the works of Holland’s most famous artist. Learn about his life and enjoy his own personal collection of Japanese woodcuts. – Van Gogh Museum
5) Walk Through Vondelpark
Walk through one of the world’s great parks. If you have time, spend an afternoon sitting on the grass people watching. This “central park” of Amsterdam is the jewel of the city’s green spaces. If the weather is nice it is sure to be full of locals sunbathing, cycling, skating, jogging, and socializing.
6) See the Floating Flower Market
See millions of flowers at Amsterdam’s floating flower market. A perfect place to buy souvenirs and gifts, the flower market has millions of cut and potted flowers, as well as bulbs, pots, and other gardening essentials. The market is a little touristy, but it is still really cool, and locals do go there as well. See why Holland is famous for flowers!
7) See the Begijnhof
Find a hidden refuge from the chaos of the center in the Begijnhof. This medieval courtyard was founded in the 1300s and is home to a chapel and a number of historic Dutch houses. As soon as you step inside, you are transported to another world of peace and tranquility, right in the center of one of the busiest cities in the world. - Begijnhof
Check out the ARTIS Amsterdam Zoo
Have a look at the plants and animals at the Amsterdam Zoo! With a number of restaurants and cafes, a planetarium, playgrounds, not to mention exotic plants and animals, the ARTIS is a great place for families and kids. The zoo is the biggest in the Netherlands and one of the most beautiful in Europe – Artis Royal Zoo
9) Visit A Coffeeshop
Have a smoke at one of Amsterdam’s world famous Coffeeshops, or cannabis bars. Small quantities of marijuana are tolerated by the police and may be purchased in one of the cities famous (and highly regulated) Coffeeshops. Weather you are a regular smoker, or have never seen pot, it is worth checking out. Most of the dealers will be happy to show you the different varieties and explain the effects. - Amsterdam Coffeeshops
10) Red Light District
In a city known for liberal attitudes, the Dutch outlook on prostitution is perhaps its best example. The thriving Red Light District brings the world’s oldest profession into the public eye, and places it in a neighborhood rich with history. No trip to Amsterdam would be complete without a walk through this area which, in addition to its most well-know attractions, boasts historical sights, architecture, museums and other attractions that cater to curious and the casual tourist. Despite its seedy reputation, the neighborhood is very safe and well-patrolled, so take some time to see it. – Amsterdam Red Light District
