Amsterdam: sights and travel tips

Things to see and do in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is so much more than tulips, stroopwafels, and bicycles though you’ll certainly find plenty of those. It’s a city of beautiful contrasts, where Golden Age townhouses stand beside sleek modern architecture, where serene hidden courtyards are just steps away from vibrant cafés and buzzing nightlife. Strolling along its tree-lined canals feels like walking through a living fairytale, full of history and character.

While many come for world-famous sights like the Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum, or the vibrant brushstrokes of Van Gogh, the real soul of the city reveals itself in everyday moments: sipping a flat white in the Jordaan, browsing vintage treasures in Amsterdam Noord, or watching the city glow during the magical Amsterdam Light Festival.

Looking for a neighbourhood or hotel? Read our guide to where to stay in Amsterdam.

Best things to do in Amsterdam for first time visitors

While visiting the capital of Holland you can’t skip the following sights on your trip to Amsterdam. We made an even more elaborate page about the best things to do in Amsterdam.

1. Explore the Rijksmuseum, which is the national museum of the Netherlands and home to a world-class collection of Dutch art and artifacts. This is the must visit museum if you only have time to pick one. It is by far the biggest in The Netherlands considering art, history and culture.
2. Walk along the canals and explore the historic city center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful places in Amsterdam. Start in the 9 straatjes or on the Prinsengracht in the Jordaan.
3. Visit the Van Gogh Museum, which has the largest collection of Vincent van Gogh’s paintings in the world.
4. Get lost in the Anne Frank House, which is the home where Anne Frank and her family hid from the Nazis during World War II. It’s called “achterhuis” as it was a secret house behind a facade business.
5. Visit the Heineken Experience, which is a brewery and museum that offers a behind-the-scenes look at the famous Heineken beer. Did you know Heineken isn’t really considered a premium beer in The Netherlands? We like to drink it but nothing super special about it. We are proud on it though!
6. Visit the NEMO Science Museum, which is a fun and interactive museum that is great for kids and adults. Trust me young and old won’t be disappointed. In summer or winter head on to the roof (free access) for an nice view over the city.
7. Visit the Amsterdam Museum, whose paintings, artifacts and other objects tell the story of the city. It’s a chance to delve into Dutch culture and find inspiration for exploring more of Amsterdam and the Netherlands.
8. Visit the Amsterdam Zoo Artis, which is home to a wide range of animals, including lions, gorillas, and elephant. It might be small but has a lot to offer for kids and parents.
9. Visit the Bloemenmarkt on the Singel between the Koningsplein and Muntplein, which is the world’s only floating flower market and a great place to buy souvenirs and gifts. You can get the best tulips (also seeds) here.
10. Visit the Red Light District on the Zeedijk, which is a controversial but fascinating area of Amsterdam that is known for its adult entertainment. But you won’t find only adult entertainment here, you can also enjoy the great Chinese cuisine here, try Nam Kee if you don’t know where to start. It is somewhat of a China/Asiatown.
11. Visit the Stedelijk Museum, which is a modern and contemporary art museum that has a collection of works by artists like Andy Warhol and Vincent van Gogh. We really really like this museum! Its super hip & trendy and always has some new and inspiring exhibitions. Take your time as it is a big museum.
12. Visit the Albert Cuyp Market, which is the largest and busiest market in Amsterdam, and a great place to try some local food and drink. It’s busy every day and shows you the raw side of Amsterdam. Be sure to try some fresh herring or bitterballen!
13. Visit the Hermitage Amsterdam, which is a museum that displays a rotating selection of art and artifacts from various musea around the world. The main collection is a part of the famous Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia.
14. Visit the Jordaan neighborhood, which is a charming and picturesque area of Amsterdam that is known for its narrow streets and beautiful canal houses. Be sure to check out the Brouwersgracht, Prinsengracht and Bloemgracht. All unique in their own way. You can also take a boot tour and visit the world famous canals from the waterways.
15. Shop to your heart’s content in De 9 Straatjes, with its boutiques, vintage shops and exciting new fashion brands. You’re sure to find something to refresh your wardrobe here.
16. Drink some beers and eat some bitterballen on the Nieuwmarkt or Leidseplein. After some drinks hop on to one of the many clubs or bars around the city. We can also recommend De Pijp as a great area to go out and have some fun.

Still undecided what to pick or where to go during your Amsterdam trip? Take a look at our district guides as they offer some more off the beaten track activities. We currently create local guides for Amsterdam North, Nieuwmarkt and the City Centre.

Our food guide to Amsterdam

Amsterdam’s food scene is a reflection of its global mindset. Yes, you can try the Dutch meal classics bitterballen, haring, kroketten, and poffertjes but you’ll also find everything from Indonesian rijsttafels to Surinamese roti and Michelin-starred innovation.

For a real local experience, try these gems:

• Café Loetje – Legendary for their buttery tenderloin steak. Can be busy but still fun!
• Foodhallen – An indoor food market called the Foodhallen in a old converted tram depot where you can try everything from dim sum to gourmet burgers. Located in the Oud-West district of the city. The market is open every day, and it’s a great place to sample some of the best street food in Amsterdam.
• FEBO – Pick up a hot snack from one of the little compartments in the vending wall. It’s a distinctly Dutch fast-food experience worth trying at least once.

One of our favorite culinary experiences in Amsterdam is a visit to the lively Albert Cuyp Market the city’s largest and most vibrant street market. With over 100 stalls brimming with fresh produce, fragrant spices, local cheeses, meats, and international delicacies, it’s a true feast for the senses. Whether you’re picking up ingredients for a home-cooked meal or grabbing a quick bite at one of the many food stands, the market offers delicious options for every palate and budget. It’s not just about the food either this bustling spot in the heart of De Pijp is a cultural gem, where the energy of Amsterdam comes alive. For a perfect taste of the city, blend your appetite with a dash of local flavor right here.

When it comes to drinks, Amsterdam is known for its beer. The city is home to a number of breweries such as the Heineken brewery and our favourite Brouwerij ‘t IJ (nice place to chill in summer!). But don’t worry you can find a wide variety of local and international beers on tap at bars and pubs throughout the city.

Getting around in Amsterdam

Amsterdam boasts a well-organized and highly efficient public transportation system that makes exploring the city a breeze. Trams are the most popular and convenient option, gliding through the city on an extensive network that covers the center and surrounding neighborhoods. Tickets can be purchased at machines at major stops or with the OV-chipkaart, a rechargeable card that works across all forms of public transport. Nowadays you can also use your debit-card for this, but it doesn’t always work that smoothly for foreigners, give it a try!

Buses and metros connect the centre with outer neighbourhoods, while ferries cross the IJ to Amsterdam Noord. Walking works well for shorter trips. If you rent a bike, take time to get used to busy junctions and keep clear of tram tracks. The city centre is not car-free.

Events and festivals in Amsterdam

Amsterdam knows how to throw a party. The city hosts an eclectic mix of festivals year-round:

• King’s Day (April 27) – The city turns orange for a full-day street party on land and water. By far the most epic party of the year. If it falls on a Sunday than it moves to the Saturday before, so don’t be fooled. Be sure to reserve a canal boat upfront, these spots are sold out very fast!
• Amsterdam Pride (August) – One of the world’s most inclusive and colorful pride celebrations, complete with a parade on the canals. Did you know the Netherlands was the first to approve same-sex marriage? Trust me, even if you aren’t Lhbtqia+ this is a party you don’t wanna mis.
• Amsterdam Dance Event (October) – The biggest electronic music conference and festival in the world. By the way did you know Martin Garrix, Hardwell, Armin van Buuren, Tiësto, Don Diablo, Afrojack and Oliver Heldens are Dutch? All in the top 10 dj rankings! Our dj’s know how to throw a party.
• Tulip Festival (April) – Though Keukenhof is nearby, the city plants thousands of tulips to bloom across parks and public spaces. You can even spot them on the back of the tourboats cruising the canals. Be sure to check out our Tulip field guide to The Netherlands for the best spots in the country to view the coloring of the landscape.
• Museum Night (November) – Participating museums open late and host special activities, music and performances. Check the programme to see which museums you can visit.

The history of Amsterdam in a nutshell

Amsterdam’s story begins in the 13th century, when it was little more than a humble fishing village known as Amstelredamme, named after the dam built across the Amstel River. Its strategic location quickly transformed it into a thriving trade hub, and by the 14th and 15th centuries, Amsterdam had become a key player in European commerce.

The city’s golden chapter came in the 17th century Amsterdam’s Golden Age when it rose to global prominence as one of the wealthiest and most powerful cities in the world. This era, driven by the Dutch East India Company (VOC), saw booming trade, flourishing arts, and the birth of the world’s first stock exchange: the Amsterdam Stock Exchange, still considered the prototype of modern financial markets. (Curious? The Amsterdam Museum offers fascinating insights into this influential period.)

Over the centuries, Amsterdam evolved into a true cultural melting pot, shaped by waves of immigrants, merchants, artists, and thinkers. This diversity is deeply woven into the fabric of the city visible in its architecture, heard in its languages, and tasted in its cuisine. Even the affectionate nickname “Mokum” has roots in Yiddish, a nod to the Jewish communities that helped shape the city’s identity.

Today, Amsterdam remains a dynamic center of trade, innovation, and creativity, attracting millions of visitors each year who come to soak up its history, charm, and open-minded spirit.

Living in Amsterdam: where to live as an expat

Amsterdam is one of the most popular cities for expats in Europe, and for good reason. It’s safe, diverse, well-connected, and everyone speaks excellent English. But housing can be a challenge so knowing the neighborhoods is key.

Top neighborhoods for expats:

• De Pijp – Young, energetic, and multicultural, with plenty of food spots and parks.
• Jordaan – Charming canals, indie boutiques, and that perfect Amsterdam postcard feel.
• Amsterdam Oost – A vibrant blend of cultures with lots of new developments and green space.
• Zuid – Leafy and elegant, great for families and close to the business district.
• Amsterdam Noord – A creative hub across the IJ river with modern housing and edgy vibes.

Rental prices are steep, but options improve outside the ring road (A10), and cities like Haarlem, Amstelveen, and Zaandam offer great alternatives with quick train access.

5x Fun facts about Amsterdam

1. Amsterdam has more canals than Venice over 100 kilometers of them!
2. There are around 880,000 bicycles, which is more than the city’s population.
3. The city sits mostly below sea level, protected by an ingenious system of dikes and pumps.
4. Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport used to be the bottom of a lake.
5. The city has over 1,500 bridges that’s more than Paris and Venice combined!

Fun things to do near Amsterdam

Done with Amsterdam? Don’t worry there are many interesting things to do near Amsterdam, whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or some traditional Dutch countryside. Some of the top things to do near Amsterdam include:

• Visit the Zaanse Schans, a picturesque village just outside of Amsterdam that is known for its windmills, museums, and traditional Dutch houses. This is truely a unique place in the world if you ask me (and I travelled over 45+ countries)
• Explore the Keukenhof Gardens, the world’s largest flower garden, located in Lisse, about 30 minutes from Amsterdam. The gardens are open from mid-March to mid-May and are a must-see for anyone interested in flowers and gardening. Great to grab some fresh air but also a bit touristic. What might be more fun is bike around the area on one of the bollenroutes. These bike-routes take you along various tulips/flowerfields, it’s much fun!
• Take a boat tour through the Dutch countryside, where you can see the beautiful landscapes and historic villages of the Netherlands. Many boat tours depart from Amsterdam, and they are a great way to see the country from a different perspective. You can also rent a boat yourself!
• Visit the city of Haarlem, located just a short train (15 min) ride from Amsterdam. Haarlem is known for its charming old town, beautiful churches, and interesting museums. It’s like a mini Amsterdam and has one of the most famous breweries of The Netherlands in the Jopenkerk.
• Head to the North Sea coast, where you can enjoy the fresh air, beautiful beaches, and picturesque towns. The cities of Zandvoort, Scheveningen, Bloemendaal and Noordwijk are popular destinations for beachgoers and are easily accessible from Amsterdam.
• Dive into some serious Dutch culture by visiting Volendam just up north from Amsterdam. Traditional town with an buzzing atmosphere.
• Visit Utrecht, just 30 min away by train or car. It’s another canal city, but with unique sunken wharves and a buzzing student vibe. Much smaller and calmer than Amsterdam.