3 Top Amsterdam Attractions You Can’t Miss

Ready for sky-high views, spooky thrills, and A-list selfies? Tick off these thrilling Amsterdam attractions all in one day.

By Beth Levicki
amsterdam attractions

It might be tempting to while away all your time on canal boats snacking on stroopwafels, but there are a few absolute gems you should experience on an Amsterdam adventure.  

We’ve chosen three popular haunts we reckon top the list for family-friendly sightseeing. So gather the troops, maybe grab another stroopwafel for the road, and go check out these top picks. 

THIS IS HOLLAND

THIS IS HOLLAND

THIS IS HOLLAND 

Don’t have time to visit the whole of the Netherlands on your trip? We’d recommend a visit to THIS IS HOLLAND: a 5D flying theatre experience that lets you see the Netherlands from above, complete with special effects that make it feel like you’re really soaring. This one-hour experience across four shows packs a punch, leaving you with a new perspective of this beautiful country and its history.  

Best bits:

  • The history bit  
    The experience kicks off with an overview about the history and landscape of Holland – a nice warm-up before you’re swept off your feet (literally...) 

  • Water and the Dutch 
    Find out how the Dutch turned their watery homeland into a powerhouse of innovation. 

  • The Flight Experience 
    Time for the fun bit! Soar over the sights in a 5D flight simulation and smell the roses (well, tulips actually). Special effects like scent, wind and mist enhance the sensation of flying as you pass a smattering of windmills and major landmarks.  

  • Holland Lounge 
    Once you’ve touched down, head over to the cozy Holland Lounge to get more info on your fave bits from the flight. Grab a refreshment and catch your breath after your whirlwind experience.

Things to do in the area

A'Dam Lookout tower and river

THIS IS HOLLAND is on the edge of the vibrant Amsterdam-Noord area, where you’ll get a stunning view of the IJ River. Plus, A'DAM LOOKOUT is right next door, should you be craving more panoramic views. The area is kind of a must for your social feeds. 

The Amsterdam Dungeon

amsterdam dungeon scene

Hop on the ferry back into the city centre, where Amsterdam Dungeon awaits. The scare factor very much depends on the person – you might get away with the slight heebie jeebies, but if you’re anything like us you’ll need a stress ball and a night light close to hand – either way it’s not recommended for kids under 10 so just bear that in mind.  

Your journey begins in the heart of Amsterdam around 500 years ago. Descend into the dungeon and prepare for a truly terrifying experience. If you’re a fan of theatrics, you’ll enjoy interactions with scarily good actors. If that isn’t your style, skulk near back and enjoy from afar! 

The whole tour takes around 60 minutes across multiple shows. Come face-to-face with Golden Age punishment in The Torture Chamber, discover the truth behind the urban legend of The Flying Dutchman, meet the murderous Helena in Murder on the Zeedijk, plus many more frightful scenes.

Things to do in the area

Stroopwafel and houses

The Amsterdam Dungeon is right in the thick of it, smack in the city centre of Amsterdam, so there are countless eateries, sightseeing opps, and attractions to fill up your day. In fact, the last spot on our list is right next door... 

Madame Tussauds

Harry Styles wax figure

Walk five minutes from the Amsterdam Dungeon and meet your fave celebs! Well, not really, sorry. You’ll have to settle for their waxy counterparts, but a visit to Madame Tussauds can be as exciting as a stroll on the red carpet.  

Create unforgettable memories with popular lifelike wax figures across multiple themed zones including A-list, music, MARVEL© AVENGERS, and movies. Get up close and personal (and snap all the selfies you like) with the likes of Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, Lady Gaga, Harry Styles and plenty more famous faces. 

Done playing meet-the-celebs? Take it one step further with a couple of immersive experiences. Step into a movie and recreate that iconic bike-flying scene from E.T.—yes, with the little guy in the basket. Hop on the saddle and snap that legendary pic. Fancy being a world-class footballer? Take a shot and celebrate with Ronaldo—you’ll practically hear the crowd roar. The stage is yours to make dreams reality. 

Things to do in the area

Dam Sqaure

Relax with a drink in Madame Tussaud’s pub Café De Gouden Bitterbal while rubbing shoulders with some of Holland’s biggest icons. When your visit is over, don’t forget you’re in Amsterdam’s famous Dam Square! Shop ‘til you drop, soak up the sights, and reflect on a day well spent. 

Enjoyed this?  

Find out what the best times of the year to visit Amsterdam or check out how to easily navigate the city.

Step up your sightseeing with Go City® We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.   

See more, do more, and experience more with Go City® – just choose a pass to get started!

Beth Levicki
Content Executive

Beth is a Content Executive at Go City and a casual writer of many things. She particularly loves songwriting and has written over 50 original songs since childhood. She loves travelling, especially to the US to see her friends, and enjoys more scenic destinations like hiking in upstate New York or Washington. When she’s not writing, she enjoys playing video games, watching Formula 1, and trying to stop her dog Odin from stealing her socks.

Continue reading

Moco Amsterdam
Blog

Why Moco Museum Amsterdam is the coolest art stop

From Banksy to Basquiat, the Moco Museum brings modern art to life with message-driven works and expressive flair. Looking for cool things to do in Amsterdam or planning a cultural day with kids? Moco hits different.
Beth Levicki
Amsterdam canal houses and bridge reflected in a still canal
Blog

Things to do in Amsterdam

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 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 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 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 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 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
free things amsterdam
Blog

Free Things to do in Amsterdam

The concept of paying nothing for something intrigues many of us, like moths to a flame. So if you're visiting Amsterdam and are a little strapped for cash, you might be wondering what free things there are to do in the city. Well, wonder no more! Here are our picks for the best free things to do in Amsterdam! Including: Exploratory boat trips Park hangs Market browsing Walking tours Film fun and more! Ferried Away One of the Amsterdam's best-kept secrets is a river away. Even if you arrive in the city via Centraal Station, either by Eurostar or an airport-connecting train, you may pass right by and never even realize they exist. But they do. We're, of course, referring to the free ferries that run all day, every day, over to Amsterdam Noord. Not only is boarding a ferry fun, because ferries are fun, but it also takes you to a completely different part of the city. Pay nothing, hop off, and go explore the northern neighborhood for yourself. There are bars, restaurants, clubs, street art, breweries, parks, and much more just a free ride away. And best of all, they run until around midnight, and if you miss the last one, you can simply book a taxi to take you the long way round back to town. Explore Amsterdam's beautiful parks! Amsterdam prides itself on its fantastic green spaces. Whether you are, you're probably a 10-15 minute walk from one, so pull up your map and see what's close! Our picks are Amstelpark which has fantastic facilities for kids, including a massive playground; Westerpark, a sprawling space full of picnic spots, bars, restaurants, cafes, and entertainment; or Vondelpark, with its looping paths and live entertainment. But those are just three of the best. Really, there are too many to talk about here. So go out and explore them for yourself. Check out the city's market scene Like many modern cities, Amsterdam has a bunch of markets to choose from, no matter what you're in the mood to peruse. And yes, while none of them will give you anything for free, window shopping won't cost you a dime. If you're in the market for fresh produce to cook up a storm, try Nieuwmarkt in Central, or Noordermarkt-Boerenmarkt in Jordaan. In the market for some rare books or other paper-related artifacts? Check out Boekenmarkt. Feeling peckish and want a world of foodie goodness in one place? Foodhallen's got you covered. Or, if you're looking for something else, check out our guide to the city's best markets. Free walking tours If you're looking for informative walking tours to learn more about Amsterdam, you can even get them for free! Sanderman's offers free tours around some of the city's biggest landmarks, from the Red Light District to the Anne Frank House. Their young yet experienced guides rely on tips to pay the bills, so while these are technically free, you really should tip them. You're not a monster, after all. Unless you are, in which case no, you should still tip these fine young men and women for teaching you facts and feeding your curiosity. See, we weren't lying when we said there were free things to do in Amsterdam! Image courtesy of VanderWolf Images/Shutterstock Visit the EYE Film Institute You'll need to board one of those sweet free ferries to sample this next bite of free Amsterdam fun. You'll even see the EYE Film Institute from across the water. This strange, towering monument emerges from the ground like a robotic bird's head. Step inside, and you'll find free film goodness in the form of interactive displays about Dutch movies. And, if you like them enough or want to show your support, you can pay a small fee to see whatever arthouse wonders they've got on rotation. Or, if you need more information about the institute, you can pay to explore the main exhibitions. Despite all that, getting in is still free, so it counts. Get on your bike It's no secret that Amsterdam is a city designed around cycling. Everywhere you'll look, you'll find packed cycle lanes which help keep the air clean and the roads free from anything but the most intense traffic jams. Cycling is simply the best way to get around a city, so if you have yours handy, go out and explore on your two-wheeled wonder. You'll make quick work of Amsterdam's more compact size, whizzing and darting to every landmark imaginable in a matter of hours. Just make sure to snap some pics of your discoveries to leave all your social media 'friends' green with jealousy. Given the city's affinity for the humble bike, riding around is easily one of the best free things to do in Amsterdam. Image courtesy of Maykova Galina/Shutterstock Free museums Yes, even some of Amsterdam's museums have free areas you can explore with light pockets. While you'll be turned away from Amsterdam Museum, you will very much be welcomed into the Civic Guards Gallery, where you can gaze upon the opulent portraits of the city's elite through the centuries, as well as the wonderful sculpture depicting the biblical tale of David fighting Goliath. Or, learn more about the city's history at the Amsterdam City Archives. The Treasure Room is a splendid time capsule of city artifacts that date from the mid-1920s through to today. And yes, it's free. Free as a bird. Great views of the city Amsterdam is a city with undeniable beauty, from its many rivers and canals to its architecture. So, if you're looking for great views of the city without touching the piggy bank, then we've got you covered there too. Head to the Amsterdam Central Library (for free), make your way up to the 7th floor (free), and then enjoy amazing views of the city from the panoramic terrace (for free!). Or, scale the NEMO Science Centre, emerge onto the room, and look out upon the city, and marvel at its brilliance. There are also some free science exhibits up there, though you're missing a trick by not paying and seeing the entire museum. Cat boat! Known as Poezenboot, this floating cat sanctuary has taken care of strays since the Sixties. It's pretty self-explanatory, what with it being a boat full of cats up for adoption, but it's nonetheless a great trip for those of you with feline sensibilities. While it's free to board and browse, the sanctuary does rely on donations to keep afloat (pun intended, we'll take credit for fantastic wordplay whenever we can). So do toss them a few coins if you want to hop on. Free gigs! Yep, you can even find free gigs on most days of the week if you know where to look. If you know your tenor from your senor, you might appreciate the free Tuesday concerts courtesy of the National Opera & Ballet. Or, if you like to get a little more hands-on, Bimhuis offers at least one free evening concert, workshop, or jam session every week. And those are our picks for the best free things to do in Amsterdam!
Dom Bewley

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.