Things to do in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands, in Noord-Holland. Amsterdam is a beautiful and vibrant city that has something to offer for everyone. Whether you’re interested in art, culture, history, or just want to enjoy some good food, Amsterdam has it all. In this blog, we will take a look at some of the best activities, museums, and restaurants that Amsterdam has to offer.

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Activities in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a lively and dynamic city with a lot to offer, and there are many activities that you can do to explore the city and make the most of your trip. Some of these activities include taking a canal tour or renting a bike to see the city from a different perspective, visiting museums to experience the city’s culture and history, trying new foods and drinks at food markets and local restaurants, exploring the city’s nightlife and music scene, and doing indoor activities like visiting museums or going to the movies to escape bad weather. Overall, doing activities in Amsterdam is a great way to have fun, experience the city’s vibrant culture, and make unforgettable memories.

Take a Canal Tour

One of the best ways to see Amsterdam is by taking a canal tour. Amsterdam has over 165 canals, and exploring them by boat is a must-do activity. You can choose from a wide range of canal tours, including hop-on-hop-off boats, private tours, and dinner cruises.

Rent a bike

Amsterdam is a bike-friendly city, and renting a bike is a great way to explore the city at your own pace. You can rent a bike from various locations throughout the city, and there are plenty of bike paths and bike-friendly roads.

Visit the Amsterdamse Bos

The Amsterdamse Bos is a large park located on the outskirts of Amsterdam. It’s a great place to go for a walk or bike ride, have a picnic, or rent a canoe and explore the park’s waterways.

Walk along the canals

Walking along the canals is another great activity to do in Amsterdam. Amsterdam is known as the Venice of the North because it has over 165 canals, which are lined with beautiful historic buildings, bridges, and houseboats. Walking along the canals is a great way to take in the city’s architecture and atmosphere. There are many different routes you can take, and each offers a different perspective of the city.

Check out the street art scene

Amsterdam has a vibrant street art scene, and there are many areas of the city where you can see colorful murals and graffiti. The NDSM Wharf in Amsterdam Noord and the Spuistraat in the city center are great places to start.

Explore the Red Light District

The Red Light District is a famous area of Amsterdam known for its adult entertainment. While it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, it’s a unique part of Amsterdam’s culture and history.

Visit the Albert Cuyp Market

The Albert Cuyp Market is a famous outdoor market that’s been around since 1905. You can find everything from fresh produce to clothing and souvenirs, and it’s a great place to experience Amsterdam’s local culture.

Take a day trip to a nearby town

Amsterdam is located in the heart of the Netherlands, and there are many nearby towns that are worth a visit. You can take a train or bus to towns like Haarlem, Utrecht, or The Hague and explore their historic city centers, museums, and local markets.

Visit a windmill

Windmills are an iconic part of Dutch culture, and there are many windmills located around Amsterdam. You can visit the windmills at Zaanse Schans, a nearby village that’s home to many historic windmills, or at the Molen van Sloten, a working windmill located in Amsterdam.

Attend a concert or show

Amsterdam has a vibrant music and theater scene, and there are many venues around the city where you can see live performances. The Ziggo Dome, the Royal Concertgebouw, and the Stadsschouwburg Amsterdam are just a few of the many venues in the city.

I Amsterdam sign (at current location)

Don’t forget to visit the I Amsterdam sign (I Amsterdam letters) when visiting Amsterdam. Until December 2018 the location of the I Amsterdam letters was the Museumplein, nearby the Rijksmuseum. The current location of the letters is Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, at Schiphol Plaza. Schiphol Plaza is the place where the buses can be found. Conveniently, because as a tourist there’s a good chance you’ll enter the Netherlands at this particular location. You can take a photo with the 2-meter high I Amsterdam letters at the current location right away!

Museums in Amsterdam

Amsterdam has a rich cultural and artistic heritage, and its museums provide an opportunity to explore this heritage and learn about the city’s history and culture. The museums offer a chance to discover the city’s vibrant art scene, featuring world-famous artists such as Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and Vermeer. They also cover a wide range of topics, including Amsterdam’s role in the Dutch Golden Age, its involvement in World War II, and its development as a modern city. Amsterdam is a multicultural city, and its museums offer an opportunity to experience different cultures, including African, Asian, and South American cultures. The museums are fun and educational for all ages, with many interactive exhibits that are particularly engaging for children. Additionally, visiting a museum is a great way to escape bad weather and stay dry while still enjoying the city’s culture and history.

Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum is a national museum dedicated to arts and history in Amsterdam. It is home to over 8,000 pieces of art and historical objects, including works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh.

Van Gogh Museum

The Van Gogh Museum is another popular museum in Amsterdam that should not be missed. It houses the world’s largest collection of works by Vincent van Gogh, including his famous “Sunflowers” and “The Potato Eaters.”

Anne Frank House

The Anne Frank House is a museum dedicated to the life and legacy of Anne Frank. Visitors can see the secret annex where Anne Frank and her family hid during World War II and learn about the Holocaust.

Stedelijk Museum

The Stedelijk Museum is a contemporary art museum in Amsterdam. It has a collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by Mondrian, Kandinsky, and Warhol.

Tropenmuseum

The Tropenmuseum is a museum dedicated to ethnography and world cultures. It has a collection of over 175,000 objects from different cultures and regions around the world.

NEMO Science Museum

The NEMO Science Museum is a fun and interactive museum for all ages. It has hands-on exhibits that explore science and technology.

Amsterdam Museum

The Amsterdam Museum is a museum dedicated to the history of Amsterdam. It tells the story of the city’s growth from a small fishing village to a global hub of trade and culture.

Museum Rembrandthuis

The Museum Rembrandthuis is a museum dedicated to the life and work of Rembrandt van Rijn.

Restaurants in Amsterdam

Amsterdam offers a wide variety of dining options, from cozy cafes to Michelin-starred restaurants, serving a range of cuisines, including traditional Dutch dishes and international cuisine. Eating in the heart of Amsterdam allows you to experience the city’s unique atmosphere, which is not found in the surrounding areas. The city has its own local specialties, such as raw herring, stroopwafels, and bitterballen, that are a must-try. Dining in Amsterdam is also more convenient than traveling to the outskirts of the city, and many restaurants in the city turn into lively bars and clubs after dark, making it a great place to kick off a night out. Overall, dining in Amsterdam offers a memorable experience, allowing you to try new foods, soak up the city’s atmosphere, and enjoy the convenience of being in the heart of the action.

Restaurant De Kas

De Kas is a unique restaurant located in a greenhouse in Amsterdam. It serves fresh and organic food, and the menu changes daily based on the availability of ingredients.

Café De Klos

If you’re looking for a hearty meal, head to Café De Klos. It’s a popular steakhouse that serves some of the best ribs and steaks in Amsterdam.

Bakers & Roasters

Bakers & Roasters is a brunch spot that serves delicious breakfast and brunch dishes. It’s a great place to enjoy a lazy morning with friends or family.

Restaurant C

Restaurant C is a fine dining restaurant that serves innovative and modern European cuisine. It has received a Michelin star, and the food is both delicious and beautifully presented.

Foodhallen

Foodhallen is a trendy indoor food market with various stalls serving different types of food, from sushi to burgers to vegan dishes. It’s a great place to try different foods and enjoy a casual meal.