Cool Things To Do in Amsterdam

Amsterdam, the well known capital of the Netherlands, is overflowing with charm in its bicycle-filled streets, unique houses, and enchanting canals. At first glance, few of its 800,000 residents seem to know the word “stress,” despite being one of Europe’s main financial centers.

Some visitors come to the city for two or three days and then return home to share what they experienced in Amsterdam, while others find themselves forever trapped in its allure. What do you think will happen to you?

Either way, don’t leave without discovering both the most iconic spots and those off the beaten path. 

The Coolest Things to Do in Amsterdam

We are in one of the most beautiful and liberating cities in all of Europe. There’s much to see in Amsterdam, from its bridges, museums, and coffee shops to its neighborhoods filled with vibrant nightlife.

We recommend exploring the city in the most fun, eco-friendly, and typical way by taking this bike tour of Amsterdam that you’ll remember forever.

1. The Canals of Amsterdam, the “Venice of the North”

 

Amsterdam is made up of over 100 kilometers of navigable canals, one thousand five hundred bridges, and around ninety islands, so it’s no surprise that it’s called the “Venice of the North.” Herengracht, Prinsengracht, and Keizersgracht are the names of the main canals in Amsterdam.

Each canal has its own charm in terms of routes, points of interest, and boats, but they all share the fact that the best way to explore them is aboard any vessel.

How about getting acquainted with them in the best way possible? A bike tour with a canal cruise might do the trick. 

2. See You at Dam Square?

 

Dam Square is one of the busiest spots in Amsterdam. It’s surrounded by cafes, bars, and charming terrace restaurants, where you’ll usually only find a table immediately if you’re very lucky.

Keep in mind that it’s a major meeting point for both locals and tourists. The former town hall, now a museum, is also located in Dam Square. Start getting familiar with the city by joining a small group, walking tour of Amsterdam in English. 

3. Anne Frank House Museum, the Most Visited in Amsterdam

 

The tragic story of Anne Frank and her family is one of the most well-known from World War II, and the house where the events narrated in her diary took place is now the most visited museum in Amsterdam, welcoming 1.3 million visitors each year.

If you don’t know the story, Anne Frank was a Jewish girl who spent two years hiding in that house with her family. After that time, they were all captured by the Nazis and sent to a concentration camp, where her father was the only one who managed to survive.

Years later, the diary that the girl wrote while hiding was found and has since become one of the most widely read books in the world. The Anne Frank House is one of the most moving and interesting visits in Amsterdam.

• Address: Westermarkt 20, 1016 GV Amsterdam

• Hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM

4. Jordaan District, the Essence of Amsterdam

 

The Jordaan neighborhood is one of the most famous in Amsterdam, thanks to its narrow streets and canals, shops, cozy bars, and trendy restaurants. In addition to the impressive Brouwergracht canal, it is also home to the highly visited Anne Frank House Museum.

Next to Anne Frank’s house is the Westerkerk church. The church is in the Renaissance style and is popular for its bell tower, which stands 85 meters tall and offers unbeatable views of Amsterdam.

To climb the tower, you will need to pay €7.50, but this can only be done between April and October as it is closed the rest of the year.

5. The Red Light District, freedom at its finest

 

The famous Red Light District, a unique place in the world, is where many activities that are prohibited elsewhere are legal in Amsterdam. Prostitution is not only tolerated but regulated and taxed.

This neighborhood is characterized by its red-lit windows, condom shops, and live sex shows, though the Red Light District is much more than that. It is also a neighborhood like any other in Amsterdam.

Discover the most diverse places in the area, such as the Oude Kerk, considered the most beautiful church in Amsterdam, the most famous coffee shops, and the most peculiar shops in the area, like the Condomerie on Warmoesstraat (the first store in the world specialized in condoms).

6. Biking in Amsterdam

 

Bicycles are the most popular mode of transportation in the Dutch capital, and experiencing a bike tour in Amsterdam or renting one yourself is a must.

The center of Amsterdam boasts an impressive infrastructure of bike lanes. Additionally, it is not too large and is almost flat, making it perfect for exploring on two wheels. Don't miss out on the fun and discover all about biking in Amsterdam, the best routes and guided bike tours.

7. Leidseplein, the party spot

 

In the southern canal belt of Amsterdam, just a few minutes’ walk from Rembrandplein and Dam Square, you’ll find the vibrant nightlife revolving around Leidseplein.

Bars and restaurants packed with people, street artists and musicians, theaters offering all kinds of shows, and music venues (like the legendary clubs Paradiso and Melkweg). Leidseplein is a place you’ll love if you’re into DJs, electronic music, and concerts by alternative bands.

8. The Van Gogh Museum, impressively Impressionist

 

The Van Gogh Museum is the most important art gallery in the world dedicated to the Dutch painter. It houses a collection of over 200 paintings and around 400 drawings. Some of the most famous works it contains include The Potato Eaters, The Bedroom in Arles, Sunflowers, and Self-Portraits.

The Van Gogh Museum opened its doors in 1976, thanks to the efforts of Vincent Willem Van Gogh (a relative who inherited most of the artist’s work).

• Address: Museumplein 6, 1071 DJ Amsterdam

• Hours: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

9. Rijksmuseum, the National Museum of Amsterdam

 

The National Museum of Amsterdam houses significant works from most of the great Dutch masters of the 15th to 17th centuries, as well as several pieces from artists from other countries. It is considered the best museum in the Netherlands and receives about two million visitors annually.

The museum was founded in 1800 originally in The Hague until it was moved to Amsterdam in 1808 by order of King Louis Napoleon, brother of Napoleon Bonaparte himself.

The main attraction of the museum is 22 paintings by Rembrandt, among which The Night Watch, The Jewish Bride, and The Tree of Jesse stand out, among others.

• Address: Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam

• Hours: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

10. Begijnhof, a quiet neighborhood with a lot of history

 

Begijnhof is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Amsterdam. Originally formed by historic buildings that housed a lay Catholic sisterhood, known as the Beguines.

In modern times, Begijnhof is one of the quietest places in the city and also one of the most luxurious. In Begijnhof, you’ll find the oldest house in Amsterdam and the Begijnhof chapel, which was the first clandestine church in the city.

11. Oude Kerk

 

Oude Kerk is the oldest church and building in Amsterdam. It was consecrated in 1306 by the Bishop of Utrecht, and Saint Nicholas is its patron saint. Throughout its history, the church has undergone a series of renovations over about 15 generations.

Since the mid-16th century, the church adopted Calvinism, joining the reformist wave that swept through Europe at that time. The building covers about 3,300 square meters and features the largest medieval vault in Europe. The Estonian wood used in its construction gives the venue some of the best acoustics in the world.

• Address: Oudekerksplein 23, 1012 GX Amsterdam

• Hours: Monday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Sundays from 1:00 PM to 5:30 PM

Day Trips from Amsterdam

Volendam

 

The village of Volendam is located just 20 minutes by car from Amsterdam and is one of the prettiest towns in the Netherlands. It is a must-visit if you want to experience a typical Dutch postcard village with dikes, bridges, and old windmills that look like giants among the tulip fields.

Volendam is also one of the most popular day trips from Amsterdam. Depending on the time of year you visit, you may find yourself in the midst of a festival surrounded by thousands of people or, on the other hand, discover a peaceful retreat.

If you join our tour to Volendam, you’ll also visit the villages of Edam (the land of cheese), Marken, and Zaanse Schans. Another famous day trip near Amsterdam is the Keukenhof park, which opens its gardens covered with about 7 million tulips every spring.

Naturally, Amsterdam has many more attractions to visit: Museumplein, Vondelpark, Heineken Experience, Madame Tussauds, and the Flower Market should also be part of your itinerary while in Amsterdam.

 

And if you want us to help you, discover Amsterdam from A to Z with our list of recommended tours. Whether by boat, bike, or on foot (or a combination of all three), find the best tours and activities in Amsterdam with us: