The rich history of this 700-year-old city ensures that your visit to Amsterdam will be one to remember, regardless of whether you’re there to take in the city’s ancient canals or party the night away.
Everywhere you look, you’ll discover something new and exciting. Vintage shops, hipster art galleries, and craft breweries line the canal-woven centre of the neighbourhood’s small paths. Those looking to party into the wee hours can’t miss it.
This city is a haven for art lovers, with attractions like the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum. If art isn’t your thing, there are many other compelling reasons to remain. We’ve narrowed down the top things to do in Amsterdam to get the most out of your time there.
Is winging not something you’d want to do? We’ve compiled a selection of the finest Amsterdam excursions for your convenience.
See The Countryside, Beaches, And Windmills
If you’re going to be in town for a few days or longer, consider taking a day trip to one of the many nearby sites. Located only a short distance from Amsterdam, the Dutch countryside is a veritable treasure trove of beautiful beaches, windmills, and old villages. In only 20 minutes by train from Amsterdam Central, Haarlem’s historical and cultural attractions and many shops, cafés, and restaurants await visitors.
There are many beaches in the Netherlands to choose from if you want to relax on a golden length of sand with dunes and watersports. Go no further if you’re looking for picturesque vistas of windmills, meadows, and canals. Consider visiting the Zaanse Schans, a pastoral haven so picturesque that it is mainly responsible for the creation of Instagram.
Visit The House Of Anne Frank
In the middle of the Prinsengracht, the Anne Frank House may be found (Anne Frank Huis). The house where Anne Frank and her family hid out during World War II is now a museum dedicated to her memory.
This journal, written by Jewish refugee Anne Frank while she was living in the German city of Frankfurt, became a worldwide bestseller after the war. Just two months before World War II ended, it was released just a few years after her untimely death at 15. As a heartbreaking reminder of a horrible moment in history, most of Anne’s house has been preserved as it was throughout her lifetime. It’s essential to keep in mind that tickets might sell out up to two months in advance, so make sure you buy them online as soon as possible.
Cycle Your Way Around The City
Isn’t it interesting that Amsterdam has more bikes than people? Cycling is a way of life in this city, with more than 800,000 bicycles.
Pedal power is the most excellent method to see the city because of its flat environment, short streets, and widely accessible cycling lanes. Alternatively, you might hire a bike from Bike Tours Amsterdam and ride through the canals of downtown Amsterdam with your family or friends.
It’s possible to get to Ouderker aan de Amstel, a picturesque town surrounded by acres of countryside, in a 30-minute bike ride from Amsterdam Centrum (the city centre). It’s simply a different experience riding a bike through the city of Amsterdam.
Visit A Historic Brewery To Sample Local Beers
De Gooyer in the Oostelijke Eilanden (Eastern Islands) neighbourhood is the most accessible of Amsterdam’s eight surviving windmills. Brouwerij ‘t IJ is an award-winning artisan microbrewery with an expansive outdoor drinking deck and 30-minute guided sampling tours beneath the sails of this remarkable landmark.
You’ll discover the brewery’s organic standard and seasonal ales in many Amsterdam pubs, but nothing compares to beer made right there on the premises. Just be careful not to overindulge since the city bursts at the seams with microbreweries and speciality beer establishments.
Check Out The Jordaan Area
One of Amsterdam’s best-known districts, Jordaan, consists of residential sections with garden courtyards, vibrant marketplaces, and expensive stores and restaurants. There are also numerous enjoyable activities in the neighbourhood, such as strolling around the many charming streets or visiting one of the many highly regarded tourist sites that can be found here.
The Anne Frank House is the most well-known attraction in the region, but the Woonboots Museum, a floating museum devoted to houseboats, and the Amsterdam Cheese Museum are also worth seeing.
Westerstraat fills up with 200 merchants’ booths every Monday morning, offering a wide variety of things in a bazaar-like flea market. Restaurants and cafes in the Jordaan district of Amsterdam have become popular spots to kick back, relax, and enjoy classic Dutch folk music.
The Canal Ring, the fan-like network of canals that dominates the ancient city centre, is a great place to begin your exploration of the city. Getting the most out of your visit to Europe’s best-preserved 17th-century city is difficult. To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of our editors’ favourite things to do in Amsterdam and tips on getting the most out of each.
