5 days in Amsterdam: must-see experiences and hidden gems

Moco Museum Amsterdam is a leading museum dedicated to making art accessible to everyone, located in the heart of the Museumplein.  Discover an eye-opening and inspiring collection of modern, contemporary, digital and immersive art, featuring world-famous artists such as Banksy, Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Yayoi Kusama and more. Explore over 100 bold artworks by over 35 visionary artists, spanning paintings, sculptures, installations and immersive digital spaces. Every ticket includes a free audio guide in 6 languages so you can fully experience the stories behind the art. Looking for unforgettable things to do in Amsterdam? Moco Museum is one of the coolest art museums. Don’t miss this truly unmissable art experience when in Amsterdam. 

Dive into The Upside Down Amsterdam, where an immersive social media paradise awaits! Here, you can snap incredible photos in mind-bending optical illusions, dive into funky ball pits, and explore interactive installations that will make your feed pop.Every corner is designed to be a visual playground, with playful settings and vibrant backdrops perfect for capturing the ultimate shot. Whether you're posing in gravity-defying rooms or getting lost in kaleidoscopic environments, The Upside Down offers an unforgettable experience thats tailor-made for sharing and sparking creativity.Feeling snacky? Pay a visit to The Upside Down Caf where the fun continues in their quirky menu! Enjoy extravagant milkshakes, fun food and sweet treats (vegetarian and vegan options available!)

Starting with a 20-minute drive to the windmill village of Zaanse Schans, this outdoor conservation area is situated on the banks of the River Zaan and is home to original 18th and 19th-century architecture, including several still-functioning windmills and wooden houses. Watch live demonstrations of craftsmen at work, including a clog maker crafting the famous wooden shoes of the Netherlands. Enjoy free time to explore the village and visit a windmill before traveling through picturesque Polder-landscapes (reclaimed land from the water).Set off on the journey of a lifetime, with an iconic Amsterdam windmill tour. These towering symbols of Dutch ingenuity stand proudly against the landscape. As you enter into the old-world charm of Zaanse Schans, you can help but love the charm. Each windmill is a testament to a time in the past when they powered the Dutch economy.Swap the bustling cityscape for the serene rural charm as you board the bus from Amsterdam to Volendam. As quaint wooden houses and traditional windmills pass by, you’ll get to experience the enduring beauty of the Netherlands. When you reach Volendam, you’ll be able to try traditional Dutch cheese, stroll along the harbor, or take a photo of classic buildings.Finally, the tour will stop in the beautiful seaside village of Volendam. A traditional village with a bustling harbor, it has been a major tourist attraction since as early as 1875. People come from all over the world to explore Volendam's traditional buildings and learn about local culture and historic Dutch costumes. A guide will take you on a short walk through the oldest parts of the village, exploring a labyrinth of twists and turns to sites such as St. Vincent’s Church, the wooden Stolphoevekerk, and the Visafslag (Fish Auction). You can also enjoy a walk on top of the Dike with a stunning view of IJssel Lake.

The Rijksmuseum is a Dutch national museum dedicated to arts and history in Amsterdam and the collections illustrate the history of Holland from the Middle Ages to the present day. Travel through time with over 8,000 objects and paintings for you to uncover.Take a look at this welcome video on the Rijksmuseum website.Explore Amsterdam's RijksmuseumIf you're interested in a world filled with history and art, Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum is the place to be. With your ticket in hand, you're one step closer to centuries-old masterpieces and cultural treasures. It's not just a museum, it's a living timeline of creativity and innovation.Discover famous masterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age, including Frans Hals, Jan Steen plus the world famous crowd pleasers 'Night Watch' by Rembrandt and Johannes Vermeer’s 'The Milkmaid'. Whether you're an avid art enthusiast or simply want to visit Amsterdam's most talked about tourist attraction, it's the perfect day out for the whole family.If you'd like to find out more information for yourself why not download the free Rijksmuseum app and enjoy a multimedia tour through the museum. You can even create your own route and pick the famous works you want to see the most.Plus, after your visit, you'll recieve a free Rijksmuseum tote bag. A great little souvenir to remember your visit!

This incredible experience will have you soaring over iconic sights such as its tulip fields and windmills. Special effects like mist and wind will ensure you see and feel the Netherlands like never before. Conveniently located in Amsterdam.The total experience lasts an hour and contains four shows, including a 9-minute flight. This must-see attraction will give you a new perspective of and information about the Netherlands while providing a great time for the whole family.

The Heineken Experience in Amsterdam is the beer giant's first built brewery. Don't miss the chance to learn all about the beer that was born in Amsterdam and get a taste of the freshly-brewed tipple.In the heart of Amsterdam lies the Heineken Brewery, a place where tradition meets innovation. With your Heineken Experience tickets, you can explore the brewing process up close and an get insight into their process. See, touch, and taste what goes into making the world's favorite beer. From hops to the final bottle, the Heineken Amsterdam tour is an engaging, educational, and tasty experience!Hear the story of Heineken's heritage, discover its unique brewing process, and be the first to hear about future plans and innovations. The tour will end in the tasting room where you'll get to enjoy two free glasses of Heineken!

Get your cameras at the ready as you pass the likes of Anne Frank's House, the Westerkerk, traditional canal houses from the Golden Age plus loads more, it's not only a great introduction to the city but a relaxing one.It is also a much better when there is some context behind all the sights and attractions you're looking at, so thats why 100 Highlights Cruise provides an audio guide in 19 languages.The available languages are: English, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Polish, Turkish, Russian, Japanese, Mandarin, Cantonese, Arabic, Korean, Indonesian, Thai, Hindi and Hebrew.

When you enter the Amsterdam Dungeon, there's no turning back.Experience a unique, terrifying, blood-curdling attraction that whisks you back 750 years into the Netherlands' most perilous past. See, hear, feel and smell the foul wrongdoings played out by chillingly amusing characters of the 'bad old days' as they come to life before your very eyes!Watch your step. Keep your eyes peeled. You never know what could be lurking around the corner. Will you survive to the end?

Step into the spotlight at Madame Tussauds Amsterdam, the world’s greatest wax museum!Take centre stage on the red carpet alongside global superstars like Zendaya and Harry Styles and feel the glitz and glam of a true A-lister.Snap the ultimate selfie with legend Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson or join MARVEL’s Avengers with a power pose.Dive into Dutch culture and history with Masters from the Golden Age or today’s YouTubers, DJs, football stars or the Princess of Orange.Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime experience to get up close and personal with your favourite icons in wax form! Madame Tussauds Amsterdam is waiting to roll out the red carpet just for you.

Hop aboard for an unforgettable journey through Amsterdam's charming waterways with the Open Boat Cruise from Stromma. With small group sizes, you'll feel the personal touch from your knowledgeable skipper, who not only navigates the canals but also shares fun stories and little anecdotes. You’ll discover hidden gems and lesser-known spots, along with big landmarks, all from the comfort of a fully electric boat. This eco-friendly option ensures a serene cruise, allowing you to absorb the city's beauty and charm without the distraction of loud engines.The tour takes you through narrow, quiet canals lined with historic buildings that date back to the Golden Age, where you can see Amsterdam as it was meant to be seen—up close and personal. You can also purchase light refreshments on board, all the while enjoying stunning views. Each bend in the canal reveals something new…