Things to do in Amsterdam

By Robert Heaney
Published: July 18, 2024
Amsterdam canal houses and bridge reflected in a still canal

One of the most renowned cities in Europe, Amsterdam is known the world over for its wealth of unparalleled cultural, historical and social hubs. All manner of visitors flock to the Dutch capital to walk in the footsteps of world-famous artists, explore streets and squares brimming with character and to cash in on some of the best nightlife on the continent.

Unlike many other seasonal destinations, Amsterdam manages to deliver some of the most engaging activities and attractions year-round. Whether you're an art aficionado or a beer connoisseur, you'll find that there's never any shortage of great things to do in Amsterdam.

Museums & Art Galleries

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Rijksmuseum

One of the most important museums in both the Netherlands and indeed Europe as a whole, the Rijksmuseum stands as the largest museum in Amsterdam. Dominating the popular Museumplein, the museum is easily one of the most recognizable monuments in the city, most notably for its striking Renaissance- and Gothic-inspired architecture.

The grand halls of the Rijksmuseum are home to a vast collection of art pieces and historical artifacts, illustrating the art and history of the Netherlands from the Dutch Golden Age to present day. Among its more than 8,000-strong collection are priceless pieces from such renowned Dutch artists as Rembrandt and Vermeer, including the former’s famous Night Watch painting.

Amsterdam Museum

Combining both historical artifacts and striking artworks, the Amsterdam Museum stands as the Netherlands’ most complete public chronology of the Dutch capital’s history. The museum sits within the canal band, just a short walk from the Royal Palace of Amsterdam.

The museum documents the city’s growth from a thirteenth-century settlement on the banks of the River Amstel to the thriving cultural center we know today. Everything from archeological finds and historical artifacts to the works of such Dutch masters as Rembrandt help to paint a picture of life in Amsterdam and the Low Countries as a whole throughout various periods in history.

Van Gogh Museum

Having lived and worked in the Netherlands throughout his life, it’s only fitting that Amsterdam’s most significant art gallery be dedicated to the world’s most famous painter, Vincent Van Gogh. Just a brief walk from the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum stands as the most complete permanent collection of the Dutch painter’s works.

Among the gallery’s vast collection of permanent exhibits are over 200 original paintings and 500 drawings from the Post-Impressionist artist, alongside exhibitions showcasing the works of his contemporaries. The museum is separated chronologically into five periods, each exploring a different key period in his life and work.

Anne Frank House

Easily the most visited historical site in Amsterdam is the Anne Frank House. Once the original house in which the famous wartime diarist evaded German capture, the building now serves as a museum documenting her family’s more than two years in hiding, along with sobering insights into Jewish persecution under the Nazi regime throughout the Second World War.

Located on the outer banks of Amsterdam’s canal band, visitors can explore the former premises of the Frank family business, most notably the original concealed annex in which they managed to remain in hiding. While the rooms of the property now sit empty of original furniture, they still breathe the chilling atmosphere of the period.

Outdoor Spaces

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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.

Vondelpark

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

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.

Keukenhof Park

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.

Getting Around

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Bike Rental

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?

Canal Boats

While Amsterdam’s labyrinth of canals are certainly pretty to look at and make for a fantastic photo op, they also offer a brilliant alternative means of exploring the city. The capital’s huge boating industry comprises countless companies offering all manner of excursions through the canals.

If you’re looking for a unique way to explore Amsterdam, then a hop-on, hop-off boat ride could be the ideal transportation for you. But where the city’s boating industry arguably shines brightest is in its specialist 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.

Retail Therapy

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Magna Plaza

Housed within the elegant Neo-Gothic halls of a former nineteenth-century post office, the Magna Plaza is a relatively small shopping center oozing with character and class. Among its various outlets are a number of fashion retailers, along with places to buy unique souvenirs and a host of other miscellaneous vendors.

Kalverpassage

Standing as a commercial through route between Heiligeweg and Kalverstraat, the Kalverpassage offers a wholly modern shopping experience. Natural light flows from the glass ceilings throughout the mini mall, illuminating its many specialty boutiques, food outlets and art installations. The design of the space allows for those interested to shop at their leisure and those simply passing through to do so without obstruction.

De Bijenkorf

At the beating heart of Amsterdam, De Bijenkorf – ‘The Beehive’ in English – is the Netherland’s most renowned premium department store. Established in 1870, the venue showcases the highest standard of quality throughout the stores in its roster. Luxury is the operative word here, with its five floors of outlets simply brimming with class and style.

Nightlife & Entertainment

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Heineken Experience

Historic home to one of the world’s most iconic beer brands, Amsterdam’s Heineken Experience takes visitors on a unique behind-the-scenes journey through the production and history of the popular pilsner. The tour guides beer fans through various aspects of the brewing process, from product innovation to the brand’s light-hearted marketing efforts, before rounding off with a refreshing tasting session.

Bars & Clubs

Europe’s most famous city for hedonistic pleasures gains its reputation largely from its bustling nightlife scene. Popular venues can be found throughout the city, but as a general rule of thumb, the old area of Jordaan is typically very popular with young people for its trendy bars. Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein are particularly popular for their club offerings, while the street of Nes often attracts more of an intellectual theater crowd, particularly around this period.

Specialty Venues

Few things complement a rainy day better than a steaming cup of coffee, a slice of homemade cake and an expansive collection of family favorite board games. That’s exactly the niche on which Checkpoint Charlie capitalizes. Its cozy aesthetic is bolstered by its sociable table layout, along with a variety of books and board games for customers to enjoy. The venue also hosts intimate gigs from international acts toward the end of the week.

A number of venues throughout Amsterdam offer a similarly jovial atmosphere, with somewhat more of a specialty focus. Mooie Boules, for example, gives visitors the chance to sink a few beers and chat while watching or even playing a few games of classic French boules on the impressive sand pitch at its center.

Robert Heaney
Go City Travel Expert

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Amsterdam in August

You’d be hard pressed to find the Dutch capital thriving more than it does in August. Seeing its largest annual throughput of tourists, the city brims with life in every way, from its bustling nightlife scene to its busy squares and huge selection of events and festivals. If you can put up with busier attractions during this time, then you’re bound to find a trip to Amsterdam in August beyond rewarding. Visiting Amsterdam in August Average Temperature: 54 - 70°F • Average Rainfall: 11 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 6 hours/day There are few periods busier for Amsterdam than summer, and August truly takes the cake. At the height of peak season, you can expect the city to be packed with families and summer vacationers, resulting in busy attractions and high accommodation prices. However, that also means you’ll get to experience the Dutch capital at its best, with its veritably electric summertime atmosphere. Upholding the seasonal climate established in July, Amsterdam typically experiences bright, mild days throughout August. While you shouldn’t expect the heatwaves of more southern European destinations, you’re likely to spend some very pleasant days in August, ideal for exploring its iconic streets, squares and open spaces. That being said, it’s always smart to pack an umbrella, as rainfall is never unlikely in the Netherlands. Things to Do in August No matter the time of year, any trip to Amsterdam would be incomplete without discovering at least some of its famous cultural hubs. Taking precedence is the emblematic Rijksmuseum towering over the Museumplein, housing a vast collection of renowned artworks and historical artifacts. Where historical insight is concerned, the Anne Frank House stands as the most potent recounting of life in the Netherlands during the Second World War. As a city with more bicycles than people, there are few better ways to explore Amsterdam than on your very own pair of wheels. Over 470 miles of cycle paths make up the Amsterdam Bicycle Network, making for a fantastic excuse to take a more physically active approach to exploring the capital. Many bike rental stores offer daily rates somewhere in the region of €10. There’s no better time than summer to make the most of Amsterdam’s many sprawling green spaces. The weather in August offers a perfect opportunity to take a stroll among Vondelpark’s ancient trees and stunning lakes, and grab a seat at one of its many charming park cafés. Equally, why not have a picnic in Westerpark, make the most of its live summertime events and shows, or even catch a viewing at its very own arthouse cinema? Second only to cycling, Amsterdam’s emblematic waterways offer a uniquely alternative means of seeing the city. You can choose from a large variety of tour operators offering their own canal boat excursions, often including tours of the capital’s key landmarks accompanied by local insights into their cultural and historical significance. Amsterdam’s nightlife scene is never better than in summer, when you can expect most bars and clubs to be brimming with life. Popular venues can be found throughout the city, but as a general rule of thumb, the old area of Jordaan is typically very popular with young people for its trendy bars. Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein are particularly popular for their club offerings, while the street of Nes often attracts more of an intellectual theater crowd. Events in August Pluk de Nacht Film Festival Mid-August is prime time for sultry evenings beneath the stars, and the Pluk de Nacht (‘Seize the Night’) film festival aims to deliver just that. This event consists of an open-air cinema premiering acclaimed independent films never before released in the Netherlands. Film lovers can grab a lazy beach chair and enjoy an evening of cinema accompanied by warm blankets and cocktails. Grachtenfestival Amsterdam’s Grachtenfestival, or Canal Festival, is considered one of the country’s most charming cultural events. The event brings together talented classical musicians from both around the country and abroad to perform in a 10-day classical music marathon on the city’s world-renowned canal belt. Throughout the event, over 150 unique stages open up across private gardens, rooftop terraces, canal houses, cruise ships, hotel suites and tube tunnels. Visitors can enjoy classical music, jazz and world music concerts from international names, with many performances offered at very affordable prices or even free of charge. Amsterdam Pride As the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage, nobody knows how to celebrate Pride more than the Netherlands. Now a multi-day festival, Amsterdam’s Pride Festival typically attracts around half a million visitors each year in late July in celebration of equality, diversity and personal identity. Should you happen to visit around this time, you’ll find local bars and clubs veritably thriving with festivity. Various street parties and events bring together thousands of revelers dressed in the full color spectrum to enjoy live music performances and Amsterdam’s famous Canal Parade, during which over 80 official vessels celebrate the past, present and future of the LGBT community. Uitmarkt Late August marks the opening of the Netherlands’ cultural season, with Uitmarkt standing as its opening act. The largest cultural festival in the country, Uitmarkt draws in over half a million visitors each year to appreciate a huge selection of performances taking place throughout the city. Over 2,000 of the Netherlands’ best performers, musicians, actors, orchestras and filmmakers come together to perform across more than 30 venues. The full program of events is offered free of charge to the public and includes everything from classical music performances to dance demonstrations and everything in between in a show of the country’s vast cultural wealth. De Parade Touring the country’s five largest cities, De Parade is a traveling theater festival that transforms the open spaces of its host cities into festival venues filled with colorful carnival tents, live entertainment acts, a carousel and a variety of family activities and food stands. Beginning in Eindhoven, the event also travels to Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht before arriving at its final destination in Amsterdam. The festival typically arrives in Amsterdam in August and offers locals and visitors alike the chance to revel in fun-filled performances and the jovial carnival atmosphere. Whether you’re a fan of theater and the circus or simply want to spend an evening exploring the event grounds accompanied by live music and delicious local delicacies, De Parade is well worth a visit.
Robert Heaney
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Things to do Alone in Amsterdam

They say that 1 is the loneliest number. But what do they know? Sometimes, having the freedom to do and see whatever you want whenever you want is just what you need. So, if you're visiting Amsterdam alone, or you have a day to yourself, what are the best things to do? Well, we're going to tell you. Right now. So sit back, scroll down, and retain all this sweet information, because these are our picks for the best things to do alone in Amsterdam! Including: Museums Boat tours Bike rental Stadium tours Brewery visits   Image courtesy of Gerard Arrey/Shutterstock Artifact watching Why not go check out a museum while you're on your lonesome? You get to stay as long as you want, and no one need drag you around any museum that doesn't interest you! The Moco Museum is for the modern art enjoyer, with an unofficial 'residency' courtesy of street art legend Banksy. Inside, you'll find works from many artists besides the elusive stenciler, each with their own views on modern life, governance, and greed. Truly some eye-opening works lie within, and plenty of photo ops, should you dare ruin the moment with your need for social media attention. Or, on the more classic side of art is the Rijksmuseum. Featuring works from luminaries of the Dutch Golden Age of painting, discover well-known pieces from Rembrandt, Vermeer, and many more. The museum houses over 8,000 works of art, so good luck seeing them all in one day! Or, if science is more your jam, big and little kids will love the NEMO Science Museum. With hundreds of interactive exhibits across multiple floors, exploring everything from electricity to chemical reactions, there's something for everyone inside. Then, when you're done, head to the roof for more exhibits embedded in a luscious garden.   Bayside High Or, leave your seasick friends and family at home and go explore Amsterdam on the open ocean. Well, not the ocean per se, but certainly on the city's many canals and rivers! If you want to see Amsterdam's highlights all rolled into one waterborne trip, then why not hop on a boat tour of the city? There are multiple stops along the way, giving you the opportunity to stretch your legs, explore, and snap some sweet pics. You'll head past the Rijksmuseum, Vondelpark, Centraal Station, and the Anne Frank House. Or, if you want to see what else the country has to offer, and take a roundtrip tour of The Hague, Rotterdam, and Delft! You'll tour Rotterdam's illustrious harbor by boat, see the historic Delft town center, and then onto The Hague, the governing center of the whole country. Just make sure you set aside a day for this one, because you'll be exploring for hours on end!   Two wheels, one rider Another fantastic way to explore Amsterdam on your own is by bike. It's no secret that Amsterdam is the most cycle-friendly city on Earth, so why not rent one for yourself and see what all the fuss is about? There's pretty much no place you can't go on a bike; even many of the country's freeways have cycle lanes! It's the easiest way to make your way through Amsterdam's many winding, cobbled streets as you explore the city from top to bottom. Then, swap urban for flora at one of Amsterdam's brilliant parks, which are all cycle-friendly too! A fair warning: the cyclists that call Amsterdam's lanes home take no prisoners. If you're a bit rusty, or are getting used to the hired bike's gears, do yourself a favor and go practice in a park. There's no room for slowpokes in the fast lane, baby, and you're likely to be stared at or tutted if you fumble your way on the lanes.   Image courtesy of Vladimir Zhoga/Shutterstock Stepover into history For the soccer fans out there, you might not wish to drag your partner out to a stadium tour. Not everyone digs the beautiful game, and there probably aren't many things more boring than a non-fan to walk around a stadium staring that silverware that means nothing to them. So, leave your soccer-hating partner in the dirt, and do yourself a favor. Go take a tour of the Johan Cruijff Stadium, home of European juggernauts Ajax. Comfortably the Netherlands' best team for decades, this 75-minute tour will take you around the team's facilities, including the changing room, down the tunnel, and even pitchside. Then, explore the extensive trophy cabinet, with many domestic and European trophies won by soccer legends like Johan Cruijff, the stadium's namesake. Simply the best, and one of the most perfect things to do alone in Amsterdam if you're the only soccer fan!   Go grab a beer Of course, one of life's many pleasures is sitting out in the sun, sipping a beer, and letting the warm calmness wash over you. Just us? Surely not. Thankfully, if that sounds like paradise to you, Amsterdam's got some treats you shouldn't miss. For craft beer connoisseurs, hop on a free ferry from Centraal Station over to Amsterdam Noord. There, a short walk from the harbor, you'll find the Oedipus Taproom, a delightful brewery cum bar, with plenty of outside seating, friendly staff, and a comprehensive number of different beers on tap. You can even order a burger from the resident eatery 'The Beef Chief'. Don't worry; they do veggie and vegan burgers too, if murder isn't your acquired taste. And, as the staff and patrons are both incredibly welcoming, with conversations struck up left, right, and center, it's one of the best things to do alone in Amsterdam! Or, if you want a more touristy experience, why not take a tour of the Netherlands' favorite amber export, Heineken? At the Heineken Experience, you'll tour the very first Heineken brewery, which opened nearly 200 years ago. You'll learn about the brand's heritage, how it's brewed, and what innovations they're planning to bring to the beer game. And don't worry, when all is said and done, you'll get a chance to try a couple of glasses yourself, on the house. And those were our picks for the best things to do alone in Amsterdam!
Dom Bewley

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