Amsterdam is one of those cities that wins you over at first sight. Narrow brick houses with gables, picturesque canals threaded with bridges, hundreds of bikes leaning against the railings and cafés with the smell of fresh coffee drifting out – all of it together creates a unique atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else in Europe.
Whether you’re drawn by the history of the Golden Age, the art of Rembrandt and Van Gogh, a cruise along the canals, or simply wandering the Jordaan and De Pijp quarters, Amsterdam has something to offer at every step.
We’ve put together an overview of the 37 best places and experiences you definitely shouldn’t miss on a visit to the Dutch capital.
What to see in Amsterdam – map
Iconic places in Amsterdam you have to visit
1. The house of Anne Frank (Anne Frank Huis)
One of the most powerful and most moving places in Amsterdam. During the Second World War, the Jewish girl Anne Frank hid in this house with her family for two years. You’ll walk through the hidden annexe behind the bookcase, where Anne wrote her famous diary. It’s a quiet and powerful reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust.
Practical tip: Tickets are sold ONLINE ONLY and are released on the first Tuesday of the month for the whole of the following month. You have to be extremely quick, they tend to sell out within a few hours.
2. The Royal Palace (Koninklijk Paleis)
This imposing palace on Dam Square was originally built in the 17th century as the town hall, which symbolised the power and wealth of Amsterdam during the Golden Age. Today it serves as the official reception palace of the royal family. When the royal family isn’t using it, it’s open to the public.
Practical tip: Don’t be put off by the austere exterior. The interior, especially the Citizens’ Hall, is magnificent and richly decorated with marble. Get your ticket here.
3. Dam Square
The historic and pulsing heart of Amsterdam. It was here that a dam was built on the river Amstel in the 13th century, giving the city its name. Today the square is surrounded by the Royal Palace, the Gothic Nieuwe Kerk church and the National Monument to the victims of the Second World War.
Practical tip: It’s a busy and touristy place, but an ideal starting point for exploring the city. There’s always something going on here.
4. Rembrandt’s house (Museum Het Rembrandthuis)
The famous painter Rembrandt van Rijn lived and worked in this house for almost 20 years. The interior has been carefully reconstructed to look as it did in the 17th century. You’ll see his studio, the living rooms and his collection of curiosities. The museum also holds demonstrations of how paints were mixed and etchings printed at the time.
Practical tip: It’s a fascinating look into the everyday life of an artist in the Golden Age. Don’t forget to take the audio guide, which is included in the price. You can get your ticket here.
5. Begijnhof – the courtyard of the beguines
A hidden oasis of calm in the middle of the busy city. This medieval courtyard was home to the beguines – unmarried Catholic women who lived in a religious community. You’ll find beautiful historic houses, a small chapel and the oldest surviving wooden house in Amsterdam here.
Practical tip: Entry is free, but be very quiet and respect the privacy of the residents who still live here. It’s a place for reflection, not for noisy groups.
6. A cruise along the canals (Grachtenrondvaart)
An absolute must for every visitor. Seeing Amsterdam from the water is a magical experience. You’ll sail under low bridges, past elegant merchants’ houses and houseboats. During the roughly hour-long cruise you’ll learn plenty about the history and architecture of the city.
Practical tip: There are many companies offering cruises. Consider a smaller, open boat (this one, for example, with drinks on board included), which offers a more intimate experience and better views than the big glass-roofed boats.
World-class museums in Amsterdam (Museumplein)
7. The Rijksmuseum (the national museum)
The largest and most important museum in the Netherlands, home to the treasures of the Dutch Golden Age. Its greatest gem is Rembrandt’s monumental “The Night Watch”. But you’ll also find works by Vermeer, Hals and thousands of other artefacts mapping 800 years of Dutch history and art.
Practical tip: The museum is huge. Download their app with the audio guide and choose one of the themed routes so that you don’t get lost. Buy your tickets online for a specific time slot – this is essential.
8. The Van Gogh Museum
The museum with the largest collection of works by Vincent van Gogh in the world. The chronologically arranged display takes you through the whole life and work of this brilliant but tragic artist – from his early dark works to the famous “Sunflowers” or “The Bedroom in Arles”.
Practical tip: This is one of the most popular museums in the city. Tickets have to be booked online well in advance (often weeks ahead), because they aren’t sold on the spot and it tends to be hopelessly sold out.
9. The Stedelijk Museum
A museum of modern and contemporary art and design. Its modern extension, nicknamed “the bathtub”, is in sharp contrast with the historic building. Inside you’ll find works by key artists of the 20th and 21st centuries, including Mondrian, Kandinsky, Warhol and Chagall.
Practical tip: It’s a great museum if you’re interested in design and art after 1870. There tend to be fewer people here than in the neighbouring museums. You’ll find tickets here.
10. The Moco Museum
A smaller, private museum focused on modern and “street art” artists. It’s the place where you’ll find works by icons such as Banksy, Andy Warhol or Keith Haring. The museum is housed in a beautiful historic villa and is very popular with younger audiences.
Practical tip: It’s an ideal choice if you like contemporary, visually strong art. Thanks to its smaller size you’ll get through it fairly quickly. Booking online pays off here too.
The quarters and atmosphere of Amsterdam
11. The Jordaan
The most charming and picturesque quarter of Amsterdam. Originally a working-class district, today it’s a labyrinth of narrow canals, picturesque lanes, hidden courtyards (hofjes), art galleries, original boutiques and cosy pubs (the so-called “brown cafés”).
Practical tip: The best way to explore the Jordaan is to wander aimlessly. Every lane and canal hides something beautiful.
12. De Pijp and the Albert Cuyp market
A lively, multicultural and bohemian quarter, often called the “Latin Quarter” of Amsterdam. It’s full of great restaurants, bars and cafés. Its artery is the Albert Cuypmarkt, the largest and best-known street market in the Netherlands, where you can get everything from cheeses and herring to clothes and souvenirs.
Practical tip: At the market you have to taste freshly baked stroopwafels (thin waffles joined with caramel syrup) and raw herring (haring) with onion and gherkin.
13. The Red Light District (De Wallen)
The oldest and at the same time the most controversial quarter of Amsterdam. It’s known for its windows, in which sex workers offer their services, which is legal in the Netherlands. But it’s also a beautiful historic area with narrow canals and old houses.
Practical tip: Respect the local rules – photographing the women in the windows is strictly forbidden. A walk through the quarter, especially in the evening, is a unique experience, but behave considerately.
14. Houseboats (Woonboten)
More than 2,500 houseboats are moored along the canals of Amsterdam. They’re an inseparable part of the city landscape and show an alternative way of living. Some are luxurious and modern, others old and bohemian.
Practical tip: If you’re curious about what life on such a boat is like, visit the Houseboat Museum (Woonbootmuseum) on the Prinsengracht canal.
15. The Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes)
A picturesque area of nine narrow lanes connecting the main canals in the city centre. It’s a paradise for shopping in independent boutiques, vintage shops and specialist stores. You’ll also find plenty of cosy cafés and restaurants here.
Practical tip: It’s an ideal place to spend an afternoon if you want to avoid the big international chains and are looking for something original.
16. Riding a bike like a local
In Amsterdam a bike is more than just a means of transport, it’s a way of life. Hiring a bike is the best way to explore the city and feel like a part of it. Cycle paths are everywhere and they’re completely safe.
Practical tip: Remember the rules: keep right, signal with your hand and watch out for other cyclists. To the locals you’re a slow tourist, so don’t get in their way.
What to do in Amsterdam – unique experiences, flavours and parks
17. The Heineken Experience
An interactive and entertaining tour of the original Heineken brewery. You’ll learn all about the history of the brand and the beer-brewing process. It includes various multimedia attractions, virtual reality and, of course, a tasting of freshly poured beer.
Practical tip: Booking online pays off here too. At the end of the tour you can enjoy a beer in the rooftop bar with a nice view of the city.
18. A cheese tasting
The Netherlands is a cheese superpower and Amsterdam is the ideal place to taste famous cheeses such as Gouda, Edam and others. All over the city you’ll find specialist shops where they’ll let you taste dozens of varieties, from young and creamy to old and matured.
Practical tip: Visit one of the shops such as Henri Willig or Cheese & More, where you can taste for free. It’s a great and tasty souvenir.
19. The Vondelpark
The largest and best-known city park in Amsterdam, often called the “green lungs” of the city. It’s a favourite place for locals, who come here to run, cycle, picnic or simply relax on the grass. In summer concerts and theatre performances are held here.
Practical tip: Hire a bike and ride through the park. It’s a great way to take a break from the busy streets.
20. The flower market (Bloemenmarkt)
The only floating flower market in the world. The stalls are placed on houseboats moored in the Singel canal. You’ll find not only cut flowers and bouquets here, but above all a huge choice of tulip bulbs and other plants that you can take home as a souvenir.
Practical tip: Be careful when buying bulbs. Make sure they’re suitable for export and that you’re buying them in season, so that they really do flower for you.
21. The A’DAM Lookout and the swing ‘Over the Edge’
A viewing platform on the roof of the A’DAM Toren skyscraper on the other side of the river IJ. It offers the best 360-degree panoramic view of the whole of Amsterdam. For adrenaline enthusiasts there’s “Over the Edge” – the highest swing in Europe, which swings you over the edge of the building at a height of 100 metres.
Practical tip: You can get across the river on the free ferry from the back of the main railway station. The swing costs extra, but the view is amazing even without it.
22. The Foodhallen
A stylish and busy food court in a former tram depot in the Oud-West quarter. It offers more than 20 stalls with quality street food from all over the world – from tacos and pizza to Vietnamese specialities and traditional Dutch bitterballen. In the middle there’s a large bar.
Practical tip: It’s an ideal place for dinner if you can’t agree on what you fancy. Everyone will find something here.
23. A visit to a “brown café” (Bruin Café)
A traditional Dutch pub, the equivalent of the British pub. They got their name from the dark wood panelling and the walls blackened by smoke. They’re cosy, authentic places where locals go for a beer (biertje) and a glass of the juniper spirit jenever.
Practical tip: You’ll find most of them in the Jordaan quarter. Try Café ‘t Smalle or Café Chris, one of the oldest in Amsterdam.
24. Oude Kerk (the Old Church)
The oldest building in Amsterdam, paradoxically located in the middle of the Red Light District. This Gothic church with its beautiful wooden ceiling and the tomb of Rembrandt’s wife Saskia is today also an important centre for contemporary art and music.
Practical tip: The contrast between the sacred calm inside and the busy life outside is fascinating. There’s a beautiful view from the tower.
25. The Hortus Botanicus
One of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, founded in 1638. It’s a calm and beautiful oasis full of exotic plants, historic greenhouses and a butterfly house. An ideal place to escape the bustle of the city.
Practical tip: Don’t miss a visit to the three-climate greenhouse, which takes you through subtropical, tropical and desert environments.
26. The narrow houses of Amsterdam
Because of the high taxes on the width of a plot, narrow and tall houses were built in Amsterdam. Take a look at some of the narrowest – for example the house at Singel 7, which is only a little over a metre wide. Notice also the hooks on the gables of the houses, which were used for moving furniture.
Practical tip: A great example of these houses is the row on the Damrak canal right by the main railway station.
27. The Dutch national maritime museum (Het Scheepvaartmuseum)
The museum is housed in the magnificent historic building of the former naval arsenal and maps the rich maritime history of the Netherlands. Moored at the quay is a replica of the famous 18th-century sailing ship “Amsterdam”, which you can climb all over.
Practical tip: The roofed courtyard with its glass ceiling resembling a compass rose is an architectural gem.
28. The Westerkerk and the Westertoren
A Renaissance church where Rembrandt is said to be buried (his grave has never been found). Its 85-metre-tall Westertoren tower is the tallest in the centre of Amsterdam and offers a stunning view of the Jordaan quarter and the Anne Frank House, which stands right next door.
Practical tip: The climb up the tower is only possible with a guide and in a small group. You have to book it on the spot.
29. The NEMO Science Museum
A modern, interactive museum of science and technology, ideal for families with children. The building in the shape of a huge green ship, designed by Renzo Piano, is an attraction in itself. It’s full of experiments you can try out yourself.
Practical tip: The roof of the museum is a huge terrace with seating and water features, and it’s freely accessible. It offers one of the best panoramic views of the historic centre.
30. The Python Bridge (Pythonbrug)
A modern, bright red bridge in the shape of a snake, connecting the Borneo and Sporenburg islands in the eastern docklands. It’s a great example of innovative Dutch architecture and design and has become a favourite destination for photographers.
Practical tip: The best way to get here is by bike. A ride around the eastern docks is a great way to see the modern face of Amsterdam.
31. The EYE Filmmuseum
A futuristic white building on the other side of the river IJ, which is the Dutch national film museum. Inside you’ll find cinema screens, exhibition spaces and a permanent display on the history of film.
Practical tip: Even if you don’t go to an exhibition, visit the large restaurant with a terrace, which offers a beautiful view of the river and the passing boats. The ferry is free.
32. The museum of bags and purses (Tassenmuseum)
A unique museum mapping the history of women’s handbags from the Middle Ages to the present. You’ll find everything here from historic pouches to iconic models by famous designers. It’s a fascinating look at fashion and design.
Practical tip: The museum is housed in a magnificent 17th-century merchant’s house.
33. De Gooyer – a windmill in the city
Amsterdam was once full of windmills. Today only a few are left. De Gooyer is the tallest wooden mill in the Netherlands and the easiest to reach from the centre. Right next to it is the award-winning craft brewery Brouwerij ‘t IJ.
Practical tip: Combine a look at the mill with a tasting of great beer in the brewery’s outdoor garden.
34. The Albert Heijn behind the Royal Palace
A visit to a supermarket? Yes! This branch of the famous chain is housed in the beautiful historic building of the former main post office. Shopping under high, decorated ceilings is an unexpected architectural experience.
Practical tip: It’s a great place to buy Dutch specialities such as stroopwafels, cheeses or liquorice (drop) at normal prices.
35. The hidden courtyards (Hofjes)
Besides the well-known Begijnhof, many other small courtyards with almshouses are hidden away, especially in the Jordaan quarter. They were charitable dwellings for the old and the poor. Today they’re quiet oases.
Practical tip: Some of them are open to the public, but always be quiet and respect people’s privacy. Look for the inconspicuous doors and gates.
36. A concert at the Concertgebouw
One of the best concert halls in the world, with perfect acoustics. If you like classical music, a concert by the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra is an unforgettable experience.
Practical tip: During the season (September–June) free lunchtime concerts are often held. Check the programme online.
37. A walk along the Seven Bridges (Reguliersgracht)
The view from the bridge on the corner of Reguliersgracht and Herengracht is unique. In good light you’ll see seven bridges lined up one behind another from here. It’s one of the most romantic and photogenic places in the city.
Practical tip: It’s most beautiful in the evening, when the bridges are lit up.
What to see around Amsterdam: ideas for trips
- Zaanse Schans: A great half-day excursion into old Holland (about 20 minutes by train). It’s an open-air museum full of iconic windmills, wooden houses and workshops where you’ll see clogs and cheese being made. You can book a tour to Zaanse Schans here.
- Haarlem: “Little Amsterdam” without the crowds (about 15 minutes by train). A beautiful historic town with a lovely square, a church and great museums. Ideal for a quieter experience.
- Keukenhof: If you come in spring (usually from the end of March to the middle of May), a visit to the largest flower park in the world is an absolute must. Millions of blooming tulips, daffodils and hyacinths create an incredible display of colour.
- Volendam and Marken: Two picturesque former fishing villages on the shore of the IJsselmeer lake. You can try on traditional costumes here, taste smoked eel and enjoy the atmosphere of old Holland.
Where to stay in Amsterdam
Accommodation in Amsterdam is expensive and it’s essential to book well in advance. Location matters, but thanks to the excellent transport you can easily get anywhere.
The centre (the Old Side & Grachtengordel) – for a first visit and maximum atmosphere
If you want to be in the heart of everything and have the canals and the sights within reach, this is the best choice. It’s the most beautiful, but also the busiest and most expensive area. Try the stylish Best Western Dam Square Inn or the more affordable Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam.
The Jordaan – for romance, quiet and boutique charm
The most charming quarter to stay in. It’s quieter than the centre, full of boutique hotels, cosy guesthouses and apartments. You’re only a few steps from the Anne Frank House and the picturesque lanes. Consider Linden Hotel – it has great ratings at a reasonable price.
De Pijp – for food lovers, young travellers and local life
A lively and bohemian quarter with dozens of great restaurants and bars and the famous market. It’s an ideal place for those who want to soak up the local, multicultural atmosphere and be close to the centre. The hostel Onefam Amstel comes out great, or Sir Albert Hotel, part of Sircle Collection for luxury accommodation.
Oud-West – for a trendy atmosphere and great value for money
This quarter right next to the Vondelpark is becoming more and more popular. You’ll find the Foodhallen and plenty of great places here, but accommodation prices are often more favourable than in the centre. Try the modern Hotel De Hallen or CityHub Amsterdam, which offers futuristic sleeping cabins.
Practical tips for travellers
- Transport: Amsterdam has an excellent network of trams, buses and metro. Buy an anonymous OV-chipkaart and top it up with credit, or consider the I amsterdam City Card, which includes transport and entry to many museums.
- Hire a bike: The best way to experience the city. But remember that cycling is a sport here. Keep right, signal and don’t block the way.
- Online booking: For all the main attractions (the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum) an online booking for a specific time is an absolute must. You’ll save hours of waiting, or get in at all.
- Payments: The Netherlands is very card-oriented. Some shops (especially the Albert Heijn supermarket) don’t accept Visa/Mastercard, only the local Maestro. Always carry a little cash with you as well.
- Coffeeshops vs. cafés: Remember that a “Coffeeshop” is a place where marijuana is legally sold. If you want a coffee, look for a place called “Koffiehuis” or “Café”.
- Weather: The weather is very changeable and often rainy. Always have a waterproof jacket or an umbrella to hand, whatever the season.
- Safety: Watch out for pickpockets in crowds and for cyclists who appear out of nowhere. Never buy drugs on the street.
- Read also our big article: What to See in the Netherlands – 37 Beautiful Places and Sights (+ map)
More tips for your travels:
We have prepared for you this comprehensive list of links, discounts, and resources for travel planning in one place. Bookmark this page and whenever you plan a vacation in the future, just open it and save yourself a lot of time.
1) Where to book accommodation?
- We prefer to find an accommodation using Booking.com.
- It's also worth it to compare with AirBnb.
- Read also our guide - How to search for the best accommodation.
2) How to find cheap flights?
- We recommend searching for flights on Skyscanner.
- Read also our complete guide - How to find cheap flights.
3) How to rent a car?
- We recommend a comparison portal RentalCars.com to compare the best offers of all available rental companies.
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