33 Best things to see & do in Amsterdam

One of the world’s great art collections, the Rijksmuseum is packed with Dutch Golden Age masterpieces, showcasing the finest works of Rembrandt, Hals and Vermeer alongside memorable dolls’ houses and Delftware.

A total of 8,000 exhibits are displayed in 80 rooms – including an Asia Pavilion – tracing 800 years of Dutch art and culture.

The Rijksmuseum is also one of the world’s oldest state museums. It first opened in 1800 before moving in 1885 to its current location in a grand neo-Renaissance building, designed by Pierre Cuypers.

Come springtime, western Holland explodes into colour, with blooming daffodils, narcissi, dahlias, lilies – and of course, tulips – blanketing the low-lying fields.

This 44-mile route, which starts in Haarlem and stretches south through Leiden to the village of Naaldwijk, takes you past vast fields dense with a glorious array of flowers – especially in and around Lisse, home to the famed Keukenhof Gardens.

Along the way, vendors set up stalls selling bunches of locally cultivated blooms. Drive or cycle all or part of the picturesque route, and give yourself plenty of time to stop and smell the flowers!

With its network of tranquil canals criss-crossing the city, an Amsterdam canal boat cruise is an excellent way to see it.

Many of the boat cruises are conducted on large, enclosed or semi-enclosed boats, with taped commentaries in several languages.

Canal Hopper run tours in open 12-seater boats with no commentary (though the skipper will chat). There are two routes: one focuses mostly on the scenic western Canal Ring, the other on the medieval centre.

The ‘Hidden Treasures’ tour, which starts at Damark near the Centraal Station, takes you through the Oudeschans, along a section of the Amstel, then back through the Red Light District.

The ‘World Heritage’ tour, starting at Leidseplein, wends its way through the Jordaan (bigger canal cruise boats don’t go this way), then along some of the most attractive stretches of the Canal Ring.

Follow the story of Van Gogh’s life through two hundred works of art, displayed chronologically to show the troubled artist’s development. The exhibition begins with gloomy Dutch scenes, before proceeding to classic, optimistic works painted in Arles (such as Sunflowers and The Bedroom).

The exhibition ends with the foreboding landscapes around Auvers-sur-Oise, painted just before his suicide. The top floor holds an extensive collection of art by other leading 19th-century painters, and a wing at the rear showcases major exhibitions.

Amsterdam has a rich artistic heritage that stretches back centuries. In the 1600s, now known as the Dutch Golden Age, wealth flowed into the city, and prosperous merchants commissioned paintings and portraits, to decorate the walls of their gabled mansions. Artists set up workshops to meet the demand, including Rembrandt in the capital and Frans Hals in nearby Haarlem.

No surprise then that the city is now home to three of the world’s leading art museums – all within walking distance of one another.

Perhaps no Dutch artist is more revered than Van Gogh, and though he lived only briefly in Amsterdam, it’s here that you can see the largest collection of his works – some 200 paintings and 400 drawings – at his namesake museum. The nearby Rijksmuseum houses an unparalleled collection of Old Masters, including Rembrandt’s celebrated ‘The Night Watch’ and four paintings by Vermeer.

The 20th century saw important Dutch art movements such as De Stijl and CoBrA, whose influence spread far beyond the country’s borders. A stellar assortment of these works – including the precise, primary-colour-blocked paintings of De Stijl founder Piet Mondrian – can be seen at the Stedelijk Museum, which also holds a first-rate modern and contemporary collection by international artists.

Just after Amsterdam resident Anne Frank’s 13th birthday in 1942, she and her family went into hiding to escape Jewish persecution under the Nazis. They lived hidden away in a cramped annexe for two years, until they were betrayed and transported to concentration camps. Only Anne’s father Otto survived.

During their period of hiding in Amsterdam, Anne Frank kept a remarkable diary, given to her as a 13th birthday present by her father. After the war, Otto Frank managed to retrieve his daughter’s diary and find a willing publisher. The book became an international sensation.

The house – with cramped annexe – is now Amsterdam’s most popular museum, with Anne’s original red-checked diary on display, alongside the notebooks in which she wrote short stories and quotations. A new exhibition, ‘A Room Full of Dreams’ displays the pictures and postcards she stuck on her bedroom walls.

The museum also offers a special 30-minute programme for those who want an introduction to the story of Anne Frank.

It’s a poignant, moving experience, and an Amsterdam must-see.

A 17th-century old people’s home by the Amstel River has been cleverly converted into exhibition spaces to display exquisite treasures from the vast collections of St Petersburg’s State Hermitage Museum.

Some of the collections focus on Russian history and culture, others on wider European art – recent and forthcoming exhibitions have included masterpiece Impressionist paintings. Usually, two blockbuster exhibitions take place each year.

It may seem odd that Amsterdam is home to such fine Russian art, but Amsterdam has a special relationship with Russia – Peter the Great once lived in the city, and it inspired him to build St Petersburg. He founded the original Hermitage Museum using exhibits collected while in Amsterdam.

While Heineken is now brewed elsewhere in The Netherlands, this redbrick former brewery is where the brand started, back in 1867. A 1.5-hour self-guided tour here is a high-tech interactive experience, covering the history of Heineken, the heritage building, and the brewing process.

One of the highlights is visiting the original brewing room with its enormous vintage copper vats. Along the way you’ll see displays of antique Heineken signs, coasters, and other promotional materials.

At the end of the tour, you’ll learn how to pull the perfect draught at the Best ‘Dam Bar, located underground in the former fermentation cellar of the brewery, plus try two beers (included in the price of admission). And of course, you’ll exit through the gift shop — chock-full of Heineken-embossed items, from T-shirts to keychains to bottle openers.

If you’re really into beer, consider booking a pricier 2.5-hour VIP tour featuring a live guide, behind-the-scenes access (including a visit to the roof), and tastings of multiple beers from the Heineken portfolio.

Each spring, more than 1.5 million tulip aficionados flock to Lisse, 25 miles outside Amsterdam, to see the iconic Dutch flower in its full glory. Across 79 acres of gardens – interspersed with paths, ponds, creeks, greenhouses, and even faux windmills – some seven million tulips (as well as other flowers) blossom in a vast array of colours and patterns.

This magnificent spectacle, which kicks off in March and lasts only eight weeks, is the most-visited attraction in the Netherlands.

The largest Pride festival in The Netherlands kicks off on the first weekend of August, with nine days of celebration crammed with over 300 events.

Street parties, concerts, performances, open-air movies and sporting events take place across the city and beyond — including the beaches of Zandvoort, a 45-minute train ride from Amsterdam.

The high point is the Canal Parade, where 80 creatively-decorated boats carry the flamboyantly-dressed (and undressed) through the city’s waterways, as tens of thousands gather along the banks to cheer on the colourful procession. Events are free, including the eight-hour-long closing night concert in Dam Square.

Dutch food has a reputation for being stodgy, but has undergone a renaissance in recent years.

In 2022, Amsterdam counted 19 Michelin-starred establishments, while across the board, restaurant kitchens have embraced local ingredients — from regionally grown produce to locally raised beef to fresh seafood from the North Sea.

Non-Dutch eateries predominate in multicultural Amsterdam and the diverse array of international offerings continues to grow. French, Italian, Japanese, Asian-fusion and Mediterranean are among the most popular, while the thriving immigrant communities in East Amsterdam — namely Indonesian, Ethiopian, Surinamese, and Turkish — have brought their cuisine to the capital.

Indonesian restaurants are particularly prevalent — the Dutch East India Company introduced the cuisine into Holland in the 17th century. The rijstaffel, or rice table, is a staple here; it features dozens of small plates — everything from spicy grilled satay to egg rolls to fried coconut — all served with plain white rice.

One of the city’s ‘Big Three’ art museums, the Stedelijk showcases an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art, highlighting international artists of the 19th to 21st centuries.

The collection features renowned artists like Van Gogh, Mondrian, and Warhol, along with innovative installations by contemporary artists. There’s a fine collection of works by Piet Mondrian. Temporary exhibitions explore various themes and artistic movements.

All housed in a striking, avant-garde design building that’s become an architectural landmark.

Amsterdam’s version of the classic London pub – brown cafés (or brown bars) – have served as traditional drinking establishments for centuries.

So named for their dark wood interiors and nicotine-stained walls, brown cafes are cosy spots for sampling local beers or shots of jenever (Dutch gin) while soaking up the historic atmosphere.

While these casual, convivial neighbourhood bars can be found across the city, some of the oldest are located in the Red Light District. Many brown cafes in the Canal Ring and Jordaan also sport lovely canalfront terraces in the warmer months.

Sandwiched between the Old Town and the Jordaan, in the western part of the Canal Ring, De Negen Straatjes (the Nine Streets) is Amsterdam’s premier boutique shopping hub. A far cry from the tacky souvenir shops and big chains found in much of city centre, its brick sidewalks are home to a lively assortment of independent stores, designer boutiques, artisan jewellers, upscale vintage fashions and edgy art galleries.

It’s a great place to discover the latest Dutch and Flemish brands and pick up locally-made soaps and luxe toiletries. Rest your feet (and your wallet) at one of the many quaint cafes and stylish bars that dot the area.

The Nine Streets are in one of the prettiest, most character-filled parts of the city – chances are you will wander down them even without meaning too.

One of Europe’s largest synagogues, this magnificent building has been in continuous use since its founding in 1675 and is still lit entirely by candlelight.

One of the few remaining ‘clandestine churches’ of the 17th century, when Catholics were forced to worship in secret, this Baroque-style jewel is tucked inside the attic of a stately Red Light District canal house.

This copper-encased science centre – designed by renowned architect Renzo Piano to resemble the hull of a giant ship – has become one of Amsterdam’s landmark buildings.

Inside, you’ll find four floors of fun (but educational) hands-on exhibits that let children experiment with water, sound, light and weight. Calmer sections on the upper floors deal with subjects suitable for older children. A must for kids, but fun for adults too.

The newest addition to Museumplein’s art attractions, this privately-owned museum specialises in contemporary art and exhibitions from famous artists such as Banksy, Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, and Salvador Dali. The museum aims to make modern art accessible to a wider audience, featuring works that are often controversial and thought-provoking.

Look out for iconic works such as Banksy’s ‘Laugh Now’ and ‘Beanfield’, as well as various temporary exhibitions that explore the latest trends in contemporary art. In addition, the museum features a unique collaboration with the Van Gogh Museum, where visitors can see some of Van Gogh’s most famous works interpreted by contemporary artists.

From April to October the Westerkerk church (Prinsengracht 281) offers guided tours up its 85m-high tower delivers knock-out views of the surrounding canals and gabled houses. Open Monday to Saturday 11am-3pm.

The unheralded but delightful Hortus Botanicus is one of the world’s oldest botanical gardens – founded in 1638. It’s just east of the city centre and well worth a visit.

This sprawling food, shopping and cultural destination is tucked inside a turn-of-the-century red-brick complex.

The biggest draw is Foodhallen, an indoor food hall with around 23 international street food stalls. Communal tables are made for mingling, or grab a stool at one of the four bars, including one dedicated exclusively to G&Ts. There’s also terrace seating in warmer weather.

Other attractions include the nine-screen De FilmHallen, which showcases arthouse films, plus a variety of concept stores and rotating art exhibitions.

Stretching a half-mile, Amsterdam’s biggest street market has over 250 stands hawking everything from fresh produce to clothing to kitchenware and small electronics. Fuel up on local delicacies like stroopwafels, kibbling (fried fish) and Gouda cheese.

The Dutch were a naval superpower in the 17th century, a period of their history known as the Golden Age, when the Netherlands was the centre of international trade. During this time the Netherlands developed a reputation for tolerance, which helped to draw traders and immigrants from far and wide. The National Maritime Museum (Het Scheepvaartmuseum) traces this heritage and is the second-largest maritime collection in the world.

Highlights within include the historic terrestrial and celestial globes, navigational instruments, incredibly detailed models of ships, and high-tech displays that bring to life seafaring in the Dutch Golden Age.

The museum has an excellent range of facilities and exhibits for children of all ages, from a ‘circus at sea’ show for under 6s, to a virtual adventure complete with sea storms and battles, for older kids. Children will love exploring the replica 18th-century sailing ship, and be engaged by the instructive exhibition on whaling.

Owned by the founders of the Dutch East India Company, this beautifully preserved Canal District house museum gives you of taste of how the 19th-century aristocracy lived.

The only floating flower market in the world, this unique market has existed since 1862, with blooms, bulbs and bouquets sold directly from the houseboats.

This 111-acre park is Amsterdam’s big green lung. It encompasses meadowland and gardens, and less busy areas can feel surprisingly rural – look out for herons by the many ponds and lakes. On warm weekends, Amsterdammers converge on the park in their thousands, to rollerblade, sunbathe, smoke dope and hang out in the cafes.

Combine Vondelpark with a visit to the city’s big art museums: the park’s northern side is a short stroll from Museumplein. The concrete paths that lace the park also make it an ideal for a leisurely bike ride or roller blade.

The Netherlands’ equivalent of Harrods, De Bijenkorf is one of the oldest and grandest department stores in Amsterdam, with over 20,000 square metres of fashion, jewellery and pretty much everything else.

Amsterdam holds a massive city-wide street party every year to mark the birthday of King Willem-Alexander.

Orange-clad Dutch people (and visitors) cram the streets, parks and canals, which become clogged with boats. There is free live outdoor music everywhere, and the city becomes one giant flea market, with many an Amsterdammer trying to flog unwanted second-hand things – great for collectors. The preceding evening, King’s Night, is a big night across the city’s bars and clubs.

Wearing orange is de rigueur on King’s Day, even for visitors. Expect the whole city to be garish orange, from clothes and wigs to banners and food. The orange craze is a reference to the Dutch royal family – the House of Orange.

It’s colourful and great fun if you like to party and socialise, but for others it’s crowded, messy and noisy (and many locals flee the city until it’s over). Amsterdam is jam-packed, with some 800,000 extra visitors to the city – and be prepared for lots of inebriated Dutchmen.

Note from Matt: If you don’t like crowds, don’t go. The streets throng and it’s hard to get around. But the atmosphere is buzzing, and there are mini-concerts and entertainment all around town. My tip – find a spot you like and stay there. As the day wears on, the crowds thin and spontaneous little street parties break out all around the town, where you can dance the night away if you like to party. Anyone is welcome to stop and join in. Teens and twenties will love it.

In a spectacular new white zig-zag building by the IJ river, the EYE Film Institute Netherlands is worth visiting, if only for a drink in its dramatic café.

Alongside Tussauds’ world-famous waxworks, the revamped Amsterdam boasts multi-media exhibits, and uses real-life actors and extras to add to the celebrity illusions.

Set in two beautiful canal houses along the Keizersgracht, this museum showcases contemporary (mainly European) photographers in its permanent collection and hosts several photo exhibits annually.

Dating from 1780, small in scale, wood-panelled, with candles on the gleaming, low-slung bar, ’t Smalle ticks all the boxes of a classic brown café. The icing on the cake is its dreamy terrace, projecting out over a picturesque Jordaan canal. Though discovered by tourists, it’s still a locals’ haunt, too.