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Best Things to Do in Amsterdam: Canals, Culture and More
Amsterdam is one of Europe's most captivating cities — a place where golden-lit canals cut through centuries-old neighbourhoods, world-famous museums stand shoulder to shoulder with cosy brown cafés, and cycle paths weave through a city that simply refuses to stand still. Whether you're visiting for a weekend or a full week, Amsterdam rewards every kind of traveller. Here's your complete guide to the best things to do in Amsterdam.
Explore the Iconic Canal Ring
There is no experience more quintessentially Amsterdam than drifting along its UNESCO-listed canal ring. The Grachtengordel — made up of the Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht — forms a graceful arc of 17th-century architecture, humpback bridges and bobbing houseboats that stretches across the city's heart.
- Take a boat tour: A guided canal cruise gives you front-row views of Amsterdam's most beautiful facades. Book a guided experience through GoWithGuide to find a local expert who can bring these waterways to life with real stories.
- Rent a pedalo or kayak: For a more active approach, rent a pedalo or kayak and explore at your own pace.
- Walk the canal paths at dusk: When the street lamps flicker on and reflections dance in the water, the Herengracht becomes one of the most photogenic streets in the world.
Visit World-Class Museums
Amsterdam punches well above its weight when it comes to museums. The Museumplein square alone is home to three of the most visited institutions in Europe.
The Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum is the undisputed crown jewel of Dutch culture. Housing over one million objects spanning 800 years of art and history, highlights include Rembrandt's Night Watch and Vermeer's The Milkmaid. Book your entry in advance to skip the queues — you can find skip-the-line tickets and guided experiences via GoWithGuide.
The Van Gogh Museum
Home to the world's largest collection of Vincent van Gogh's works, this museum traces the artist's turbulent life through paintings, drawings and personal letters. The Sunflowers and The Bedroom are unmissable. Pre-book here as well — demand is extremely high year-round.
Anne Frank House
One of the most moving museum experiences in Europe, the Anne Frank House on the Prinsengracht takes visitors through the hidden annexe where Anne Frank and her family hid during World War II. Tickets must be booked weeks in advance — do not leave this to chance.
Wander Through Charming Neighbourhoods
The Jordaan
Once a working-class district, the Jordaan is now Amsterdam's most beloved neighbourhood. Its narrow lanes are filled with independent boutiques, antique shops, art galleries and tiny brown cafés (bruine kroegen) where locals nurse jenever (Dutch gin) and read the newspaper. Don't miss the Noordermarkt on Saturdays for organic produce and vintage finds.
De Pijp
South of the city centre, De Pijp is Amsterdam's multicultural melting pot. The Albert Cuyp Market — one of the largest street markets in Europe — runs through its heart six days a week, selling everything from fresh stroopwafels to Indonesian spices. The neighbourhood also has some of Amsterdam's best bar terraces and craft beer pubs.
Amsterdam Noord
Cross the free ferry from Central Station and you'll reach Amsterdam Noord, a neighbourhood that has transformed from industrial wasteland into a buzzing creative district. The NDSM Wharf hosts street art, flea markets and open-air festivals, while A'DAM Lookout offers a 360-degree panorama of the city and a hair-raising rooftop swing.
Cycle Like a Local
With over 500 kilometres of dedicated cycle lanes and more bikes than people, Amsterdam is Europe's cycling capital. Renting a bicycle is not just a transport option — it's an experience in itself. Head west along the Vondelpark paths, cycle out to the Amstelpark windmills, or take a day trip to the village of Broek in Waterland just north of the city. You can book guided cycling tours through GoWithGuide for a structured ride with expert local knowledge.
Day Trips Worth Taking
Amsterdam's location makes it an ideal base for day trips across the Netherlands.
- Keukenhof Gardens: Open from March to May, this is the world's most famous flower garden — a riot of 7 million tulips, daffodils and hyacinths.
- Zaanse Schans: A living open-air museum of traditional Dutch windmills, wooden houses and working cheese farms, just 20 minutes from the city.
- Haarlem: A beautifully preserved medieval city with its own world-class museum, the Frans Hals Museum, just 15 minutes by train.
- Delft: The home of Vermeer and Delftware pottery — an elegant, canal-laced city perfect for a half-day escape.
Where to Stay in Amsterdam
Amsterdam has accommodation for every budget, from canal-house boutique hotels to budget hostels in the Leidseplein area. For the most atmospheric stay, look for hotels in the Canal Ring or the Jordaan — waking up to water views is an experience you won't forget. Browse and book your ideal stay through touriDat for competitive rates and exclusive deals tailored to your travel dates.
Whether you're after a luxury canal-house hotel or a cosy boutique room, touriDat offers a wide range of verified options to suit every travel style and budget.
Food and Drink You Must Try
Amsterdam's food scene extends far beyond the tourist-trap pancake houses (though Dutch pancakes are genuinely wonderful). Here's what to seek out:
- Bitterballen: Deep-fried ragout balls, the ultimate Dutch bar snack — order them at any brown café.
- Stroopwafels: Fresh from the Albert Cuyp Market, these caramel-filled waffle sandwiches are on another level compared to the packaged versions.
- Herring (Haring): A raw, lightly salted herring served with onions and pickles — buy it from a street stall and eat it the traditional way.
- Jenever: The original Dutch gin, best enjoyed neat in a tiny tulip-shaped glass at a traditional proeflokaal (tasting house).
- Indonesian Rijsttafel: A legacy of the Dutch colonial era, this elaborate spread of small Indonesian dishes is best experienced in the De Pijp neighbourhood.
Practical Tips for Visiting Amsterdam
- Best time to visit: April to May for tulip season and pleasant weather; September for fewer crowds and comfortable temperatures.
- Getting around: Cycling and walking are the best options in the centre. The GVB tram network covers the rest of the city efficiently.
- I Amsterdam City Card: Offers free or discounted entry to over 70 attractions plus unlimited public transport — excellent value for a multi-day visit.
- Book museums in advance: The Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum regularly sell out. Plan at least two weeks ahead in peak season.
- Respect the cyclists: The biggest rule in Amsterdam — always check both ways before crossing a cycle lane. Locals will not slow down.
Final Thoughts
Amsterdam is a city that reveals itself slowly. The first visit gives you the postcard — the canals, the tulips, the museums. But stay a little longer, wander a little further, and you'll find a city of extraordinary depth: culturally rich, architecturally stunning, and endlessly alive. Use GoWithGuide to find guided tours that help you see beyond the surface, and touriDat to secure your ideal base for exploring it all.
Amsterdam isn't just a destination — it's an experience you'll return to again and again.
Plan your trip with our trusted travel partners: touriDat for curated hotel & experience deals across Europe. Some links are affiliate links.
