Best things to do in Amsterdam
Find out more about those top places in Amsterdam
Amsterdam, Netherlands: Beyond the Canals - Think Hidden Hipster Havens, Techno That Rivals Berlin, and Maybe a Stroopwafel-Fueled Bike Adventure! - Your Hilariously Honest Travel Guide to This Ever-Evolving Dutch Delight!
Ah, Amsterdam! Alongside the romantic waterways of Venice and the oh-la-la charm of Paris, it stands tall as one of Europe’s most iconic cities. And let's be honest, the elegant canal-side districts of Jordaan and Centrum have been dazzling visitors for decades, a postcard-perfect vision of gabled houses and flower-decked bridges. But hold onto your clogs, because beyond the well-trodden paths, Amsterdam is bursting with lesser-known districts that are practically overflowing with hidden gems, just waiting to reward the intrepid explorer (that's you!).
Cross the IJ River (don't worry, it's easier than it sounds!) and you'll find yourself in Amsterdam-Noord, a neighborhood that has shed its industrial skin and emerged as one of Europe’s coolest and most innovative hubs. Forget your stereotypical Dutch scenes – here, the EYE Film Institute, housed in a building that looks like a space-age iceberg that crash-landed on the waterfront, offers a mesmerizing tour of Dutch cinema. Meanwhile, former industrial estates have been reborn as trendy havens, boasting organic restaurants that will make your taste buds sing, microbreweries serving up craft concoctions that rival the best in the world, and techno clubs with beats so infectious, even Berlin might get a little jealous. Exploring Noord is definitely one of the top things to do for those seeking a different side of Amsterdam.
Venture further south, and you'll stumble upon the formerly rundown neighborhood of De Pijp. Once a bit rough around the edges, this area has blossomed into an eclectic and bohemian paradise. Get ready to haggle your way through vibrant flea markets brimming with quirky finds, tantalize your taste buds with the aromatic spices of North African and Indonesian restaurants (prepare for a culinary adventure!), and soak in the wonderfully relaxed bohemian pace of life. De Pijp is a fantastic place to visit for a taste of Amsterdam's more laid-back and multicultural side.
With the resurgence of these long-neglected neighborhoods, alongside its classic charms, Amsterdam is absolutely thriving, buzzing with a renewed energy that makes now the best time to visit. This city isn't resting on its canal-lined laurels; it's constantly evolving, offering a diverse range of experiences for every type of traveler. So, ditch the tourist traps (just for a bit!), hop on a bike (it's practically the national sport!), and get ready to discover the hidden corners and exciting new vibes that make Amsterdam a truly unforgettable destination.
Our hilarious (and incredibly helpful!) travel guide is here to navigate you through the best places to visit and the most exciting things to do in this ever-evolving Dutch delight. Get ready for some truly unforgettable sightseeing, from gliding along iconic canals and exploring world-class museums to discovering trendy neighborhoods and indulging in diverse culinary experiences, all while uncovering the top attractions that make Amsterdam a truly special and hilariously hip destination.
Top Attractions: Canals, Culture, and Cutting-Edge Cool!
Amsterdam offers a captivating blend of classic charm and modern innovation:
Canal Ring (Grachtengordel): Iconic Waterways
Explore the elegant canal-side districts of Jordaan and Centrum, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-see for classic Amsterdam sightseeing.
EYE Film Institute: Cinematic Space Age
Discover the EYE Film Institute in Amsterdam-Noord, a striking architectural marvel offering a fascinating journey through Dutch cinema. A key place to visit for film buffs.
De Pijp: Bohemian Vibes and Global Flavors
Wander through the eclectic neighborhood of De Pijp, known for its flea markets, diverse restaurants, and relaxed atmosphere. A top place to visit for a taste of local life.
Anne Frank House: Poignant History
Visit the Anne Frank House, a moving reminder of World War II and a significant historical site. A must-see attraction for reflection.
Rijksmuseum: Dutch Art Grandeur
Immerse yourself in Dutch art and history at the Rijksmuseum, home to masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and other Dutch masters.1 A key place to visit for art lovers.
Things to Do Beyond the Iconic Landmarks (and within this ever-evolving Dutch delight!):
Our travel guide wouldn't be complete without suggesting some other fantastic things to do to truly experience the Amsterdam vibe:
- Cycle Through Amsterdam-Noord: Explore the trendy neighborhood's street art, parks, and waterside views by bike.
- Browse the Albert Cuyp Market in De Pijp: Haggle for bargains and sample local treats at this bustling street market.
- Enjoy a Craft Beer at a Microbrewery in Noord: Discover the innovative brewing scene in this up-and-coming district.
- Take a Ferry Across the IJ: Enjoy free ferry rides offering fantastic views of the city skyline.
- Explore the NDSM Wharf: Discover this former shipyard turned cultural hotspot with street art, festivals, and unique venues.
So, if you're looking for places to visit that offer a vibrant mix of classic charm, cutting-edge cool, world-class culture, and a famously laid-back atmosphere, Amsterdam, Netherlands, is calling your name! Our travel guide promises an unforgettable adventure filled with incredible sightseeing and exciting things to do. Just be prepared to fall in love with its canals, its hidden gems, and maybe even develop a serious addiction to stroopwafels! Fijne reis! (Have a nice trip!)
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Rijksmuseum
With over 1.5 kilometers of galleries and 7500 art works displayed, Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum is one of the world’s largest and finest museums. Most people come for the local heroes with Rembrandt, Vermeer and Van Gogh all prominently displayed but are also enchanted by the spectacular array of Delftware, Oriental art and spectacular sculpture gardens. In short, you simply have to visit the Rijksmuseum when in the Dutch capital.
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Anne Frank House
With more than 1 million visitors per year to the Anne Frank House, the popularity of Anne Frank’s harrowing yet optimistic writing is not subsiding any time soon. Tour slots must be booked in advance and once inside the small home you can look into her perfectly preserved bedroom and explore the famed secret annex where the Frank family hid until their arrest and murder by the Nazis.
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Van Gogh Museum
Immortalized through his whimsical and phantasmagorical artworks, such as The Starry Night (1889) and Sunflowers (1889), Van Gogh is the Netherlands most famed son. At Amsterdam’s Van Gogh Museum you can explore these works and more with the exhibition detailing his life and work from tentative beginnings to his creative breakthrough towards the end of his tortured life.
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Canal Cruise
Canals are everywhere in Amsterdam so why not hop on a traditional Dutch canal boat and set sail on the city’s Canal Belt. On these tours, which can be organized at day or at night for a romantic evening adventure, you will cruise past some of the city’s iconic attractions including the bohemian district of Jordaan.
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Vondelpark
Alongside London’s Hyde Park and Berlin’s Tiergarten, Amsterdam’s Vondelpark is one of Europe’s greatest green spaces. A private park until as late as the mid-1950s, today it is where Amsterdammers come to unwind and you can explore its winding pathways, fountain peppered ponds and boisterous beer gardens freely. The park is best seen in the summer when sometimes it seems as if the whole city is there having fun.
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Amsterdam Noord
Across the water from Amsterdam’s historic center lies one of Europe’s hidden gems – Noord. Fast becoming one of the continent’s coolest hangouts, this formerly industrial district has more than its fair share of attractions with daily tours encompassing the futuristic EYE Film Institute, the artistic community of NDSM-Werf and the sky-high viewing platform atop the ADAM Tower. Once you have explored, sit back and enjoy the atmosphere in one of the area’s microbreweries.
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Heineken Experience
Tour one of the world’s best loved breweries at the Heineken Experience. On guided tours of the vast 19th century factory complex you will learn about the history of the company, how they produce their award-winning drink and get to sample various Heineken brews at a tasting.
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Royal Palace
Originally opened as a city hall in 1655, the gilded building was transformed into the Royal Palace during the 1800s. It was designed to showcase the great wealth the Netherlands had gathered from their worldwide empire and this is still displayed today with a dazzling array of gold chandeliers, frescoed ceilings and art from East Asia.
