Adventurous Things to do in Amsterdam

UPDATED JULY 2024
By Dom Bewley
adventure amsterdam

Calling all adventurers! Are you a brave soul that faces the extreme with a smile? Do death-defying feats fill you with a lust for life like no other? Well then, you've come to the right place. Amsterdam might not seem like the city to cater to your needs at first, but look beneath the surface, and you'll find plenty of adventurous things to do in Amsterdam. Don't believe us? Shame on you. Here, we'll prove it to you. Here are our picks for the most adventurous things to do in Amsterdam! You are very welcome.

Including:

  • THIS IS HOLLAND
  • A'DAM LOOKOUT
  • Bungee jumping
  • Cycle far and wide
  • Kayak on the canal
  • and more!
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Jump, go ahead and jump

To adventurous types like yourself, heights probably aren't too much of an issue. After all, there are adventures to be had high above the pathetic sea level, right?

Well, how do you feel about jumping off a crane? At Faralda Crane Hotel, you can do just that. This crane/hotel, something that was strange even to write, you don't just have to stay the night in one of the most stylish yet strange hotels in the city. You can also scale the building and bungee jump from the crane itself. Madness.

And this isn't your usual head-first affair. Oh no, this is feet-first bungee, devoid of the usual blood rush to the head of your standard jump. So go on, prove how adventurous you really are, and jump from a crane! Definitely one of the craziest things to do in Amsterdam.

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5D Thrills

When reality doesn't quite cut it for your adventurous side, why not try another dimension? At THIS IS HOLLAND, you'll fly through the skies of Amsterdam, feeling the wind in your hair. Sea spray will patter your face as you glide across the city's rivers. All of that, and you won't even leave your seat.

This thrill ride is composed of four shows, each giving you fantastic and unique views of the city. You'll learn about Amsterdam's past and present as you soar through the air. All the while, your seat mimics the show's motions, and you'll feel the wind, rain, and much more as advanced technology throws everything at you. Sublime.

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Wheely good

Sometimes, the best adventures are the ones we make ourselves. After all, what we think is adventurous might not quite align with the offerings of a city. So, why not set out on your own and cycle out of town?

The Netherlands is a gloriously pretty country, with rolling hills, flower-filled fields, and more windmills than you can shake a turbine at. And best of all, many of the country's freeways have dedicated cycle lanes safely slotted beside them. So, get on your bike, and go explore! The Flower Strip is around 25 miles south of the city, making it the perfect picturesque getaway for you adventurous creatures.

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Tread water

Visitors to Amsterdam will soon discover the city's affinity to water. It's literally everywhere, with canals and river estuaries snaking their way through the city. You'll likely spend much of your vacation crossing these by bridge, or walking beside them as you get about. You can even take boat tours of the city. But where's the adventure in that?

You know what you have to do. You have to conquer these waters yourself! So get out there, hire a kayak, and take to the waters like a modern-day, solo pirate. Just with less of the plundering and more of the water mastery. Easily one of the most adventurous things to do in Amsterdam, and one of the best ways to see the city in all its beautiful glory.

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Lick a shot

Picture the scene - you're deep in enemy territory. Your opponents have you pinned down, and it's looking dicey. But then, as the fear begins to wash over you like a claustrophobic blanket of terror, you breathe out, shake it off, and bravely stand to face your foe. As you return fire, you're peppered with invisible bullets. Your battered suit lets out an exhausted set of beeps. You've been shot one too many times, and it's getting tired of keeping score. But you are unharmed. And better yet, you're ready to enact revenge on the scallywags. Now that's an adventure.

That scene is just a microcosm of fun at Lasertag Amsterdam. Inside, between 2 and 24 people will, run, gun, and have ultimate fun during 30-minute battles. Do you have what it takes to top the scoreboard? You'll just have to find out for yourself, you adventurous wonder.

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Look out below!

Heights mean nothing to adventurers like you. So why not test your mettle at A'DAM LOOKOUT? This innocuous-looking observation deck might not seem too daring at first. Sure, the view of the city is one-of-a-kind. But it's safe. Perhaps too safe.

Well, look again, because A'DAM LOOKOUT has a terrifying secret. It's called 'Over the Edge', and its only for the most stern of heart. This giant swing careens over the edge of the observation deck 100 meters in the air. That makes it easily one of the most adventurous things to do in Amsterdam! But, if you wuss out, we won't judge you for it. There are still thrills to be had beyond the views. Safer thrills, but thrills nonetheless. Hop into the VR booth, and go on a virtual rollercoaster ride through the city's streets. Awesome.

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Monkey around

Do you ever look up at trees and wish you could swing through them as our long-lost ancestors did? Yes, evolution is real, and yes, so do we! And now you can, thanks to Fun Forest Amsterdam!

Forego the country's flatland and trade it in for a little tree climbing. Test your mettle on arduous rope courses, fly through the air on the ziplines, and clamber about on all the other tree-climbing paraphernalia. It's a one-way ticket to fun town. Population? You.

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Get wild at the beach

Amsterdam might not be known for its water sports, but what do people know? Some people believe the Earth is flat, so it's not like they can be trusted. Prove them wrong, and partake in some exciting and, dare we say it, adventurous watersports in the city!

At Amsterdam Watersports, you can take part in a myriad of exciting water-based activities, from wakeboarding, surfing, jet surfing, and even flyboarding. No, we didn't make that last one up. If you've ever seen videos of those people using water-powered jet boots to fly into the sky like Tony Stark, it's that. And it's fantastic.

And that's our list of the most adventurous things to do in Amsterdam!

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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Windmill and hot hair balloons over a field of tulips
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Outdoor Activities in Amsterdam

If you’re lucky enough to find yourself in Amsterdam on a particularly clear day, you’ll want to make the very most of the situation. As a city known for its gorgeous waterside architecture and iconic canals, no trip would be complete without giving yourself the chance to really explore its unique streets and squares. What’s more, there’s a plethora of outdoor activities in Amsterdam to help you make the most of a pleasant day. Whether you’re keen to explore some quaint Dutch markets or take a tour upon the city’s famous canals, there’s plenty to do for all types of visitors. Cycle Across the City Home to more bicycles than people, Amsterdam is a city literally built for cycling. With over 470 miles of cycle lanes making up the Amsterdam Bicycle Network, cycling can often be the easiest means of getting around. What’s more, it doesn’t get much more authentically Dutch than exploring the capital on your own pair of wheels. If you’d like to make your visit a more active one, then you can pick up a bike at one of the many rental shops spread throughout the city. You can expect to pay somewhere in the region of €10/day at most shops, while some may also offer weekly or hourly packages. Once you’re up and running, why not choose one of the city’s many stunning routes to follow for the day? Cruise Along the Canals Second only to the prevalence of bikes, Amsterdam’s canals are one of the most central symbols of the Dutch capital. Having been built originally for water management, defense and trade purposes, this labyrinth of canals makes up 25% of the city’s total surface area. While they’re certainly pretty to look at and make for a fantastic (if somewhat overdone) photo op, Amsterdam’s waterways are best experienced on the water itself. Naturally, the city is home to a huge boating industry, with countless companies offering all manner of excursions through the canals. If you’re looking for a unique way to explore the city, then a hop-on, hop-off boat could be the ideal transportation for you. But where the city’s boating industry arguably shines brightest is in its canal tours, offering visitors an overview of many of Amsterdam’s top attractions, complete with audio commentary to provide unique insights into their cultural and historical significance. Discover the ARTIS Royal Zoo One of the oldest zoos in Europe, the Natura Artis Magistra was established in the mid-1800s and has since continued to offer an enchanting escape from the busy streets of Amsterdam for families and nature lovers alike. Commonly known simply as ARTIS, the location comprises both a botanical garden and zoological garden. Home to over 200 unique species of trees – many on the brink of extinction – alongside over 900 animals from all manner of habitats around the world, the zoo serves to educate visitors as to the vital role that every living creature plays in nature. The site is also home to an aquarium, a planetarium and an impressive art and sculpture collection. Spare a Moment in Nature For a brief escape from the bustling streets of the Dutch capital, Amsterdam is home to a wide selection of beautifully serene green spaces. Most popular among these is the Vondelpark, whose 120-acre footprint houses ancient trees, scenic lakes, charming gardens and a variety of delightful bars and cafés. Westerpark is another popular choice as, connecting to the Westergasfabriek complex, it serves as a home to some of the city’s most hip bars and restaurants, along with an arthouse cinema. Visitors can hire a boat to cruise along the Haarlemmerweg canal into the city, or attend some of the great food and music festivals hosted in the park throughout the year. If you happen to visit Amsterdam during the spring, then you should definitely consider a trip to the nearby town of Lisse. Only an hour’s train ride from Amsterdam, Lisse is home to Keukenhof Park, sometimes known as the Garden of Europe, where you’ll find the Netherlands’ best display of tulips and other flowers punctuated by the ever so iconic Dutch windmills. Grab Yourself a Bargain Those with a penchant for finding a bargain can rejoice at the fact that Amsterdam is home to over 20 regularly occurring markets. Whether you’re looking for fresh produce, antiques or simple bric-a-brac, chances are one of these markets should scratch that shopping itch. For all things food, the Albert Cuyp Market takes place every weekday, as does the Marqt Farmer’s Market (excluding Fridays), while the Nieuwmarkt and Noordermarkt Farmers’ Markets take over on Saturdays with their selection of organic goods. Also popular is the Flower Market, which runs Monday to Saturday and offers a wide selection of rare flowers, seeds, bulbs and gardening equipment. Held each Wednesday and Saturday, the Postzegelmarkt is one for the history buffs, stocking all manner of old coins, medals, stamps and postcards. The Waterlooplein Flea Market is the best stop for antiques and second-hand clothes, open Monday to Saturday and very much open to bartering. For a unique gift, be sure to visit the Boekenmarkt op het Spui, stocking various books, maps, cards and engravings. Explore Another City If you find yourself with a spare day or two and want to see a little more than just Amsterdam, then there are plenty of nearby cities to explore. With most destinations throughout the Netherlands easily reachable within a couple hours by train, it’s perfectly doable to slot some excursions into your itinerary. The fourth-largest city in the Netherlands, Utrecht is often considered Europe’s most beautiful canal city – even overtaking Amsterdam! Known for mixing big city amenities with a provincial atmosphere, the city is home to both medieval architecture and one of the Netherlands’ largest shopping malls, Hoog Catherijne. Utrecht also serves as the embodiment of European café culture, with a vast selection of quirky bars and terraces. Rotterdam is the Netherlands’ chief port town and second-largest city, serving as the country’s main departure and arrival destination for international cruises and cargo ships. Having been heavily bombed during the Second World War, the city is now famous for its wealth of modern architecture, from its cube-shaped houses to its spaceship-like market hall. Particularly popular with younger groups is the city’s thriving nightlife scene, complete with many quirky nightclubs and bars. Home to both the Netherlands’ monarchy, the parliament and many major Dutch companies such as Royal Dutch Shell, The Hague is truly the seat of Dutch business and politics. The city is home to a wealth of royal architecture and palaces, alongside art galleries showcasing the works of Vermeer, Rembdrandt and Andy Warhol.
Robert Heaney
Panoramic view of Amsterdam's canal houses
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Amsterdam in June

A trip to Amsterdam in June offers a unique combination of a bustling city atmosphere and nightlife scene with the last remnants of a quieter period for the city. With the weather on an upward trend, the Dutch capital truly begins to come into its own throughout this period, making it an ideal time to see the city at its best. What’s more, June serves as the opening act to Amsterdam’s summertime festival season, giving you plenty of options for making your visit a truly exciting one. Visiting Amsterdam in June Average Temperature: 50 - 64°F • Average Rainfall: 9 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 7 hours/day With spring now in the past, Amsterdam prepares for its busiest period of the year. June marks the last days of the tourism shoulder season, meaning you can still benefit somewhat from the shorter queues and occasional lower accommodation rates, but the city will be quickly filling up as the month moves along. This increase in traffic feeds into Amsterdam’s famously bustling nightlife scene, giving the city a real buzz throughout this period. Likewise, the weather in Amsterdam also begins to gear up for summer during this period. Throughout June, you can expect mild to warm days, often complemented by relatively clear conditions – perfect for exploring the city’s iconic streets and squares. It’s still advisable to pack an umbrella and some waterproof layers, but if you’re lucky, you might not have to whip them out during your stay. Things to Do in June One of the best things to do in Amsterdam year-round is to explore its world-renowned cultural hubs. The Rijksmuseum proudly towers over the Museumplein, housing within its Gothic-Renaissance exterior the country’s largest collection of artworks and historical artifacts. Most notable among the museum’s art pieces are a number of celebrated works by Rembrandt and Vermeer. Serving to chronicle the Dutch capital’s diverse history, the Amsterdam Museum documents the city’s growth from as far back as the middle ages to the modern day. Most popular, however, is the Anne Frank House, originally the home where the famous wartime diarist evaded German capture and now a monument to both her life and the lives of many others like her during the Second World War. Known as a city rich with art and culture, Amsterdam is also replete with a vast selection of major art galleries. The Van Gogh Museum, for example, stands as one of the largest collections of the renowned Post-Impressionist painter’s works, while the MOCO Museum next door celebrates all manner of modern art, from Damien Hirst to Banksy. To make the most of the milder weather in June, there are few better ways to explore the city than on your own two wheels. With more bicycles than people, Amsterdam is a city literally built for cycling, complete with over 470 miles of cycle lanes throughout. You’ll find a variety of bike rental stores dotted throughout the city where you can typically grab your own bike for around €10/day. Another unique way to see the Dutch capital from a new angle is by cruising along its characteristic waterways. There are multiple agencies and organizations operating a variety of boating tours and excursions on the canals, offering a different way to get around while also providing engaging insights into the cultural and historical significance of many of Amsterdam’s key points of interest. If you find yourself looking to spend a pleasant day in the great outdoors, head over to Amsterdam’s Vondelpark where you’ll find a theater stage set up shop for the summer. Between June and September, the Vondelpark Open Air Theater offers a vast program of live performances, ranging from kids’ shows to classical music concerts to appearances from some of the latest Dutch and international pop artists. Events in June Holland Festival Running throughout June, Holland Festival is the Netherlands’ largest performing arts festival. This theatrical festival takes place across several venues throughout Amsterdam and offers a wealth of performances from multiple mediums. Acts are held to the highest artistic standards, making for an incredibly talent-rich program across the board. As a leading international theatre festival, you can expect performances in theatre alongside music, opera, film and visual arts, many of which are offered in a variety of languages. Disciplinary crossovers are highly encouraged among acts, often bringing together otherwise isolated art forms into something new and modern. Taste of Amsterdam Over four days in June each year, Amstelpark is taken over by a hearty festival of food, drink and live entertainment. The Taste of Amsterdam food festival is a paradise for foodies, bringing together top Amsterdam chefs to serve their specialty dishes across multiple categories of cuisine. This open-air feast is accompanied by an impressive program of live events, including music performances, wine tasting workshops, cooking demonstrations and, most anticipated of all, a live cook-off between the guest chefs. Amsterdam Open Air Amsterdam Open Air takes place over two days in June and serves as a combined music, arts and culinary festival. Setting up shop in Gaasperpark, the event brings together some of the city’s hottest promoters for a weekend of good food, great tunes and stunning visual aesthetics. Gaasperpark’s vast open spaces offer fantastic greenery within which to relax beside scenic rivers and among hundreds of old trees. The open-air festival makes good use of the park’s space, providing a camping area for visitors who choose to stay on site for the duration of the event. Amsterdam Roots Festival One of the biggest events focused primarily on non-western music, the Amsterdam Roots Festival brings together around 25,000 visitors each year to revel in some of the world’s best musical performances. The festival combines multiple languages and musical genres, bringing to the spotlight some of our planet’s more overlooked musical gems. Taking place across multiple different stages and areas, the event also brings in elements of circus performance, with musical performances accompanied by the talented acts of international entertainers and dancers. Visitors can also attend a wide selection of workshops, activities and presentations on a variety of themes and from a vast range of disciplines. Open Garden Days On the third weekend of June, Amsterdam’s Museum Van Loon opens up a part of Amsterdam which is otherwise invisible to tourists throughout the rest of the year. During this weekend, more than 25 of Amsterdam’s canal house gardens are opened to the public, giving tourists and locals alike the chance to freely roam some of the city’s most beautiful green spaces and floral displays.
Robert Heaney
Family cycling through flower fields in the Netherlands
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Amsterdam to Keukenhof Transport and Best Time to Visit

Keukenhof opens to the general public between March and May every year. Dates vary a little year on year but, in general, we’re talking roughly March 21 to May 12. During this period, the gardens open daily from 8AM-7.30PM, with half hourly entry slots available to book in advance here. The best time to visit kind of depends on your point of view. If you’re looking to dodge the larger crowds, the official website recommends pitching up on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday when the gardens are at their quietest, though bear in mind it’s all relative and you’re unlikely to have completely unobstructed views of the exhibits at any time. Arrive before 10.30am or after 4pm for some of the least busy times and for Insta-perfect snaps courtesy of that special morning and evening light. The flowers themselves bloom when they’re ready. That means daffs, crocuses, hyacinths and some types of tulip will be at their best early in the season while others, like the bigger tulip varieties, bloom later. Keukenhof’s visitor numbers peak during the Easter holidays and in April, when you’re most likely to catch the largest selection of bulbs in full flower. There’s also a one-day flower parade in the middle of the month, when beautiful floats crammed with fragrant flowers weave their way along a 42-kilometer route between Noordwijk to Haarlem, passing Keukenhof along the way. While obviously a great time to be at Keukenhof, this does mean multiple road closures, and its recommended you’re in the park by 11am on the day of the parade. Discover more about the flower festival and parade here. How to Get to Keukenhof There’s a bewildering variety of Amsterdam to Keukenhof transport options, from straightforward coach-and-ticket packages to going it alone on two wheels. We break down the options below. Amsterdam to Keukenhof by Coach This is hands-down the most straightforward way of getting to Keukenhof from Amsterdam and it doesn’t take a Googling genius to discover that there are almost as many tour operators offering coach+entry packages as there are tulips in the bulb fields. It’s also an option to book direct via the official Keukenhof website, here. Prices are competitive, too. You’ll only pay a premium of around €2 (vs paying for your transport and ticket separately) for the priceless privilege of having someone else do all the organizing for you. All you have to do then is pitch up at the departure point (RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre) on time, and you’re good to go. It’s also worth noting that this is the only way to travel direct from central Amsterdam to Keukenhof via public transport as all other options require a combination of train and bus. There’s a coach+entry package included with the Go City Amsterdam attraction pass, which can save you money if you’re in town for a few days and plan to avail yourself of several tours, attractions and other activities, such as an Amsterdam canal cruise, the Rijksmuseum, and Madame Tussauds. Find out more about the Amsterdam pass here. Amsterdam to Keukenhof by Public Transport There are a couple of other ways to get to Keukenhof via Amsterdam’s reliable public transport system, depending where you’re traveling from. These include Keukenhof express buses from Schiphol Airport, Leiden and Haarlem, again available via the Keukenhof website. Alternatively, savvy travelers can save a euro or two by catching the 397 bus from the city center and connecting to the Keukenhof express bus at Hoofddorp, the cheapest way to make the journey. Amsterdam to Keukenhof by Car If you want to beat the morning crowds, having your own set of wheels will definitely give you the edge over your fellow flower fanatics. The 40-minute drive to Keukenhof, sandwiched between Amsterdam and The Hague, is a fairly straightforward one, and the gardens are of course well signposted. However, there’s a reason most Amsterdammers favor getting around on two wheels (or indeed legs). Parking in the city comes at a premium and it’s very easy to rack up an eye-watering bill if you have a rental car for even a few days – all of which assumes you can find a parking spot in the first place. In happier news, it's possible to pre-book a parking spot for your visit to Keukenhof via the official website, for a relatively acceptable €7. Amsterdam to Keukenhof by Bike The Netherlands is one of the world’s best countries for cycling, with an excellent infrastructure and relatively flat landscape that makes it easy and convenient to bike to most destinations. There are 400km of lanes in Amsterdam alone, where driving is positively discouraged and most of the population gets around on two wheels. That said, it’s around 25 miles from Amsterdam to Keukenhof so this option is really only for those with a working knowledge of Dutch road regulations, who are also fit and healthy enough to make the journey there and back. It’s well worth doing though: the experience of arriving in the sensory saturnalia that is the Keukenhof flower fields, the air heavy with the scent of a million blooming tulips, crocuses, orchids (and the rest), is not one you’ll forget in a hurry. There are plenty of bike rental stores dotted around Amsterdam and your hotel may also operate its own rental service. Save on Tours, Attractions and Activities in Amsterdam Save on admission to Amsterdam attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak

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