Amsterdam's Top Things To Do: Canals, Culture, and Hidden Gems
Amsterdam, with its picturesque canals, charming gabled houses, and arched bridges, is a truly captivating city. Whether you're seeking world-class art, stunning architecture, innovative design, delectable food, or vibrant nightlife, Amsterdam has something for everyone. Its compact layout makes it easy to experience a lot, even on a short visit. For the best weather, plan your trip between June and September. Here’s a guide to the best experiences the Dutch capital has to offer.
Explore Amsterdam's Waterways and History Canal Cruises and Unique Perspectives Amsterdam's identity is deeply intertwined with its canals. A cruise along the Canal Ring, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most popular activities. The experience is particularly enchanting at night, as the city's lights reflect on the water. Opt to rent your own electric boat for a more intimate experience, or join a sightseeing cruise. For alternatives to the typical tourist options, consider learning about the city’s history of migration aboard Rederij Lampedusa’s former refugee boats, or help clean the canals with Plastic Whale's vessels made from recycled plastic waste. If you prefer to enjoy the canals from land, a table at De Belhamel restaurant offers excellent canal-side viewing, especially in the summer.
Getting Around Like a Local Biking Through the City The sound of bicycle bells is part of Amsterdam's daily life, as bikes outnumber cars. Cycling is perhaps the most essential way to navigate the city. Dedicated bike lanes crisscross every part of Amsterdam, and the terrain is notably flat. Several bike rental shops are readily available. Beyond the city center, explore areas such as the former shipyards of Amsterdam Noord, the Royal Palace, Amsterdamse Bos woodlands, or the harbor town of Muiden, with its medieval castle. To ensure a welcoming experience, follow cycling etiquette: always use designated bike lanes, adhere to traffic laws, signal turns, and use lights at night. Immersing Yourself in Culture and Flavors Local Brews and Artistic Treasures Enjoy a local craft beer at Brouwerij ’t IJ, a brewery with a leafy terrace, located under the sails of a windmill. Learn about the brewing process on a guided tour, which is available on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Amsterdam's Museumplein hosts three of the city's top museums. The Rijksmuseum showcases Dutch masters like Rembrandt and Vermeer, along with decorative arts such as Delftware porcelain. The Van Gogh Museum features the world’s largest collection of Vincent Van Gogh's paintings. The Stedelijk Museum focuses on modern and contemporary art. To save money on entrance fees, consider purchasing an I Amsterdam City Card, which provides access to dozens of city attractions. You can also purchase the Netherlands Museum Pass, which includes entrance to all three museums, at the Rijksmuseum or the Stedelijk. Booking tickets in advance is recommended. Design and Green Spaces Dutch design is witty, inventive, and practical. Browse furniture, fashion, and gadgets at Droog, X Bank (a showcase for local creators), and the Gathershop (handmade and fair-trade items). Vondelpark, a 116-acre park, is a popular green escape for locals. This English-style garden offers winding paths, ponds, sculptures, cafes, and an open-air theater. It is a great place to relax after a day of sightseeing.
Reflection and Remembrance Anne Frank House The Anne Frank House provides a profound experience. Located behind a warehouse on Prinsengracht, this is where Anne Frank and her family hid for over two years during the Nazi occupation. Her diary, a classic of Western literature, chronicles this experience. A visit to the tiny, dark rooms where she lived is a deeply moving experience. The Verzetsmuseum, or Museum of the Dutch Resistance, also vividly portrays Amsterdam’s occupation, which lasted until 1945.
Nightlife and Local Experiences Traditional Pubs and Lively Nights Experience Dutch *gezelligheid* (conviviality) in a *bruin café* (traditional Dutch pub). These pubs, with dark timber and tobacco-stained walls, offer a cozy atmosphere. You'll find them throughout the city, especially in neighborhoods like the Jordaan. Amsterdam's nightlife extends beyond the Red Light District. Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein are major hubs for bars, concert venues, and clubs. The LGBTIQ+ scene is vibrant, with venues like Cafe Prik. Consider taking a free ferry to Amsterdam Noord, a trendy neighborhood with hip bars like Pllek and Café de Ceuvel.
Food, Views, and Modernity Street Markets and Tower Views Lively street markets like the Albert Cuypmarkt in De Pijp offer local specialties, including *haring* (herring), *Vlaamse frites* (Flemish fries), *stroopwafels*, and *poffertjes*. Bars serve snacks such as *kroketten* and *bitterballen*. For a unique perspective, visit the top of A’DAM Tower, where you can experience a six-seater swing that sends you over the edge of the building. The tower also features a virtual-reality roller coaster, a 360-degree observation deck, restaurants, and a rooftop bar.
Architecture and Festivals Learn about Amsterdam's modern architecture at the Amsterdam Architecture Foundation (ARCAM). Discover innovations like solar-paneled bike lanes and a “floating neighborhood.” ARCAM also offers guided tours. Amsterdam hosts numerous festivals throughout the year. The most important date is King’s Day (April 27), when people celebrate in orange attire. Pride Amsterdam, with its canal parade in July, is another unforgettable event. Culture and Local Delights Revitalized Spaces and Gin The Westergasfabriek complex, a former gas extraction plant, has been transformed into a vibrant cultural space. Visit for art house cinema screenings, theater performances, and industrial-chic restaurants. Try *jenever* (Dutch gin) at a tasting house. It is made from juniper berries and served chilled. Shopping and Quirky Museums
Shopping Streets and Unique Museums De 9 Straatjes ("Nine Little Streets") is Amsterdam's most famous shopping area, with over 200 independent shops. Explore vintage clothes, handmade beauty products, ceramics, and antiques. Explore Amsterdam's unusual museums, including the Amsterdam Tulip Museum, the KattenKabinet (art featuring cats), and Red Light Secrets (exploring the city's history of sex work). Don't miss Het Grachtenhuis, which provides an interactive look at the Amsterdam canals and their role in urban development.