If you want to get your fill when you visit Amsterdam, read up on all the city’s best attractions.
Whether you're a first-time visitor or pressed for time in the capital, we've put together a comprehensive travel guide to some of Amsterdam's best attractions. From historic and cultural to a sporting venue, stunning city views and more, you won't want to miss these must-see Amsterdam attractions.
Amsterdam attractions: A’DAM Lookout
If you’re looking to see all of the sights in one go, then your best bet is to head north of Amsterdam and visit the city’s tallest lookout point, A’DAM Lookout. From here you will be able to see the historic architecture of the city’s old town centre to the intricate canal system that winds its way through the wonky buildings.
Built complete with a rooftop terrace bar, A’DAM Lookout is a great place to not only see the capital’s landscape but also to unwind with a beer and if you’re lucky, see the sunset too.
Some of that may sound a bit boring to you though if you’re a thrillseeker. Well fear not, A’DAM Lookout has Europe’s highest swing on the sky deck. Titled “Over the Edge”, the swing does exactly what it says and takes any daring participant over the edge of the roof to leave your feet dangling a long way above the ground before swinging back safely to the terrace. Opens daily from 10am to 10pm.
Amsterdam attractions: The Rijksmuseum
Maybe you are more of an art connoisseur and want to enjoy seeing some of the finest paintings known to man. Well the Rijksmuseum has just the thing for you. The Neo-Renaissance building plays host to the nation’s finest paintings and artists. Names like Rembrandt, Frans Hal and Vincent Van Gogh are just some of the greats who have their works stored in the vast on-display collection of 8000.
Built just outside the city’s canal ring, it was designed to be a grand institution in 1885 and is now home to over 800 years-worth of Dutch history, totalling a staggering one millions objects stored away in the archives. However, the art is not the only luring factor with the beautifully sculptured garden being a big draw to the two million visitors every year. With its own temporary exhibitions and recently renovated layout, the museum’s garden is fine piece of art in its own right. Opens daily from 9am to 5pm.
Learn more about visiting the Rijksmuseum.
Amsterdam attractions: Johan Cruyff Stadium Tours
Amsterdam is best known for its canals, bikes and cultures but to many it is also the hunting ground of one of the most respected football clubs the world has ever seen, the Johan Cruyff Stadium.
Ajax rose to the tops of the footballing world when star player and tactician, Johan Cruyff, lead the team to three back-to-back-to-back European cups thanks to his philosophy of Total Football. To honour the feats, Ajax named their home stadium after the legendary player and here you can learn all about the historic man and the club his name represents.
With unique access to both the pitch and dressing rooms you can imagine what it is like for players past and present to don the famous red and white and play in the capital. Visitors will also get to visit the Gallery of Fame where the club’s numerous titles and other trophies are kept. Opens daily but check tour times.
Amsterdam attractions: The National Maritime Museum
Amsterdam and water go together like bread and butter. The city’s very history is attached to the murky water that wash through the canals so why not visit The National Maritime Museum.
Here Mariners and Sea Dogs can board an fully built and renowned replica of the Amsterdam, an cargo ship used by the Netherlands in the 18th century. With its full masts and elaborate decks, you can relive what it was like to be a sailor at the end of the Dutch Golden Age.
The Amsterdam is not the only eye-catching artefact on display though, with interactive exhibits and amazing historical features showing how the Dutch Admiralty travelled around the world without engines, machinery or the internet. All of this is stored in the beautifully maintained building of the former Admiralty themselves which was built way back in 1656. Opens daily from 9am to 5pm.
Amsterdam attractions: The Heineken Experience
Known to be one of the most famous beers in the world, Heineken once called the city centre of Amsterdam home at their first purpose built brewery in Stadhouderskade. Now though, the mighty building has been transformed into an entertaining museum showing the colourful history of the Dutch beer.
With over 500,000 visitors entering its doors every year, the Heineken Experience is the number one spot for beer-lovers who visit the city. Here you can learn all about the secret brewing process that the beverage must go through before it can be enjoy, as well as the iconic branding campaigns that have been seen on billboards, TVs and newspapers around the world.
With every ticket comes two free beers too, so if you’re feeling slightly parched after your two hour journey through beer history, don’t fear. Opens daily from 10:30am to 7:30pm Monday through to Thursday ad 10:30am to 9:30pm Friday through to Sunday.
Learn more about visiting the Heineken Experience.