Things to do in Amsterdam: the must-sees and our tips

In short: Amsterdam is best explored on foot, by bike or by boat, along its canals. Book the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum and the Anne Frank House in advance, wander the Jordaan, take a break in the Vondelpark and keep a day for the windmills or the tulips.

The canals

The canal ring (Grachtengordel), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lines up narrow houses, bridges and houseboats. A canal cruise gives a great overview; on foot, you discover the little bridges and the reflections at blue hour.

The Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum

On Museumplein, the Rijksmuseum shows the Dutch masters, including Rembrandt’s The Night Watch and Vermeer’s paintings. Next door, the Van Gogh Museum holds the largest collection of the painter’s work in the world. A booked time slot is required for both.

The Anne Frank House

The Anne Frank House, where the young girl wrote her diary in hiding during the war, is one of the city’s most moving visits. Tickets only online, released on Tuesdays for six weeks later.

The Jordaan

A former working-class district turned one of Amsterdam’s most charming: small streets, quiet canals, brown cafés, galleries and markets (Noordermarkt, Lindengracht).

Dam Square, the Begijnhof and the centre

Dam Square and its Royal Palace are the heart of the city. A few steps away, the Begijnhof, a peaceful courtyard surrounded by old houses, is a haven of calm.

The Vondelpark and De Pijp

The Vondelpark, a large English-style park, is ideal for a break. To the south, the De Pijp district and its Albert Cuyp market have a lively neighbourhood feel.

Across the IJ

A free ferry from Central Station crosses the IJ to Amsterdam-Noord: the A’DAM Lookout tower and its view, the EYE film museum and former shipyards turned creative spaces.

Eating in Amsterdam

Stroopwafels, raw herring from street stalls, bitterballen with a drink, fries and Dutch cheese.

Day trips from Amsterdam

• Zaanse Schans and its windmills.
• Keukenhof and the tulip fields, in spring.
• Volendam and Marken, fishing villages.
• Haarlem and Utrecht, historic towns close by train.

Getting around

• On foot, by bike or by tram; the centre is compact.
• From Schiphol, direct trains reach Central Station in about 14 minutes.
• Tourist tax: Amsterdam charges a tourist tax of 12.5% of the room price.

All the tips for the country: Travel in the Netherlands.

Where to stay in Amsterdam

The canal ring for charm, the Jordaan for a village feel, De Pijp for local life, the museum quarter for calm. Central accommodation goes fast: book early. Every area is detailed in our guide Where to stay in Amsterdam.