The Netherlands is such a romantic destination. Many men from around the globe bring their fiancées to this central European country to propose for marriage, and you cannot blame the place – it is really beautiful. You may also have heard stories about the Netherlands, that it is one of the most bike-friendly countries in the world, and that you can find a lot of historic windmills here. If you are thinking of traveling to the Netherlands, one of the best cities to explore is Amsterdam. There are lots of things to do in Amsterdam. 

Tilting gabled buildings lining along canals define the backdrop of many of Amsterdam’s attractions – museums of treasures, vintage stores, and hyper creative dining and drinking scenes. There’s so much to see here. Regarded as one of Europe’s treasured jewels, Amsterdam may be small, like its country, but it holds a huge reputation for everything – from astounding art and distinct architecture, to a vibrant nightlife. Even if you’re just on a short trip, you’ll enjoy several things to do in Amsterdam. 

What Are The Best Things To Do In Amsterdam?

Are you ready to find out the best things to do in Amsterdam, Netherlands?

1. Cruise Along The Famous Golden Age Canals

Without a doubt, cruising along the city’s Golden Age canals is one of the most popular things to do in Amsterdam. The city is shaped by water, just like how Egypt is to the Nile River. But the Netherlands has its own waterways. These canals are referred to as the “Golden Age” because they were dug in the 1600s during the Dutch Golden Age. Today, they are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Lining along the canals are elaborate gables designed in Dutch architecture, and hundreds of brick houses. Architecture and history enthusiasts will love Amsterdam’s Canal Ring area. As you cruise the canals – either you rent electric boats and do it yourself, or hop on a sightseeing cruise – you’ll be able to pass by Rembrandtplein – a prominent public square named after Dutch painter Rembrandt – historic warehouses, Protestant churches, and more.

2. Visit The Countryside And See Some Windmills 

The Netherlands has so many windmills because of a practical reason. These Dutch windmills were built originally to pump water out from the land since the country is literally very flat and below sea level. The land always gets flooded, making farming almost impossible, hence the need to use windmills to force out the water.

Are there windmills in the Netherlands’ bustling capital city? Well, while many of these windmills are situated outside the city, the places are just a short hop from Amsterdam that you should dare not to miss this on your things to do in Amsterdam itinerary. 

For instance, you can visit the windmills in the picturesque nearby city of Haarlem, just 20 minutes from Amsterdam Central by train. Plus, it also has a great selection of restaurants, cafés, and shops. Or, you can set your journey to Zaanse Schans, touted as a pastoral paradise so photogenic the scenes here deserve to be on your Instagram.

3. Van Gogh Museum: Celebrate The Talented Dutch Painter

Just like how there are several museums in Spain that venerate Spanish painter Pablo Picasso, the Netherlands will of course give tribute and respect to its very own, Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh. The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam holds the world’s largest collection of his works. This must-visit museum traces Van Gogh’s life and creative growth. 

Here, over 200 Van Gogh canvases and 500 drawings are on display, spanning from his earlier, bleak portraits of Dutch peasants through his later years in France, where he also produced some of his best works. 

Aside from admiring the extensive collection of his masterpiece paintings in this museum, don’t forget to also head to the various listening stations where you can hear recordings of Van Gogh’s letters to and from his younger brother, Theo, who played a huge role in his career as the latter championed his work.

Welcome to our “things to do in Amsterdam” guide! Looking to take photos of your trip, get to know the best photography spots in Amsterdam. 

4. Picnic At Vondelpark 

Vondelpark is touted as the favorite green escape among locals, so as a tourist, you should not skip this on your things to do in Amsterdam. Spanning 47 hectares, Vondelpark is a lush oasis of English-style gardens with fragrant roses, winding paths, beautiful ponds, and imposing sculptures.

You’ll love it here because many of the things to do in Amsterdam here are for free. Kids, joggers, picnickers, and couples, among others, hang out here in the sunshine. There are also coffee shops around the area should you need to relax over coffee, and an open-air theater. 

Vondelpark is also one of the best spots to reflect on Dutch art history, as this park is located nearby the trifecta of Stedelijk Museum, Van Gogh Museum, and Rijksmuseum.

5. Admire More Works From More Dutch Artists At Rijksmuseum 

The Netherlands is filled with great art. If you think that it is only about Van Gogh, think again. There are more works from Dutch artists like Rembrandt and Johannes Vermeer here at Rijksmuseum, translated to “State Museum” in English. This is one of the best things to do in Amsterdam you shouldn’t skip on your itinerary.

Since it is a state museum, this ornate building houses mostly Dutch works from the 1400s to 1600s, but the entire collection stretches across eight centuries, with around 8,000 artworks on display. 

After you are done touring inside, previous tourists recommend that you keep strolling outside and enjoy Rijksmuseum’s gardens. 

If you are enjoying the things to do in Amsterdam, for sure, you will also enjoy the various sights and things to do in Paris, another beautiful city in Europe. Click this link to read the story. 

6. Bike Around Amsterdam

Amsterdam is one of the bike-friendliest cities in the world, if not the most bike-friendly. So, you are definitely missing a lot if you don’t include biking around this city on your list of things to do in Amsterdam.

If Vietnam is famous for lots of motorcycles and scooters plying its city’s roads, the Netherlands is famous for its bicycles. A lot of them are in Amsterdam. These bikes’ cling-clanging bells are part of the soundtrack of Amsterdam, where it is said that these bikes outnumber the cars. One of the reasons why the city is bike-friendly is because of the flat terrain. 

If you want to experience biking around the city, you can hop on this tour offered by Viator. In this tour, you’ll pass by the Canal Ring, Prinseneiland, Jordaan, Cafe Toussaint, and Anne Frank House. You’ll also be stopping by Rijksmuseum, Vondelpark, Concertgebouw, Begijnhof, and lastly, Van Gogh Museum. 

Should you want to cycle around Amsterdam, you have to follow the rules and etiquettes. Particularly, use the bike lane. Being on a bicycle also does not mean that you will ignore the road rules. You must also signal when turning, and turn on the front and back lights at night.

7. Take A Walking Food Tour

It’s your ultimate cheat day in this walking food tour around Amsterdam! The city may be known for its national dish, the stamppot or their twist of mashed potatoes, as well as its cheeses, but there is more to explore about its culinary scene. 

This foodie adventure will take you through the city’s most sumptuous and authentic local bites and drinks, such as cheeses, wines, poffertjes pancakes, waffles, and beer. You can enjoy these eats on the city’s canals or in the lively Jordaan area. It’s a day of treats with local food, Dutch beverages, and all the crazy Amsterdam stories rolled into one. This is among the best things to do in Amsterdam. 

Can’t get enough of this “things to do in Amsterdam” guide? Do you want to continue your journey in Europe? Read more stories from our website. 

8. Ditch The Map And Get Lost In The Artsy Jordaan 

Cited most of the time as Amsterdam’s charming neighborhood, Jordaan will take you back in time. There are so many things to do in Amsterdam while you’re here. 

The Jordaan was originally an area for the working class, but today, its narrow streets and quaint buildings already make up one of the city’s most desirable quarters, lined with independent art galleries, courtyard gardens, antique shops, and atmospheric restaurants and bars. 

If you are used to traveling with a map or Google Maps, this is the best chance to renew. You can ditch your maps and let yourself get lost to its labyrinth of narrow lanes that span eastwards from 9 Streets, one of the city’s most sensational shopping destinations. 

9. Experience Heineken, A True Dutch Brewing Brand

Heineken – you’ve heard about this a lot, and especially if you’re a drinker, this brand name will be familiar to you. But did you know that it is authentically Dutch? That’s right. Heineken was founded in 1864 by Gerard Adriaan Heineken right here in Amsterdam. So while you are in Amsterdam, you can partake in a one-of-a-kind Heineken Experience. 

Being among the most highly recommended things to do in Amsterdam, this experience happens in the old Heineken Brouwerij, or Heineken Brewery. Among the attractions in this century-old factory is the telling of Heineken’s brewing process’ history and the company. At the end of the experience, you’ll get to enjoy two Heinekens at the brewery. A perfect activity if you are traveling with your friends.

10. Listen To Live Music In High Style

Whether you fancy listening to live music in an enormous concert hall or you just want live music in an intimate dive bar, Amsterdam’s got you covered, but not just with any experience, but a high style feel. 

If you are looking to immerse yourself in live music while you’re here in Amsterdam, you can head over to Paradiso. Paradiso has hosted iconic arts such as Prince and The Rolling Stones. For a taste of excellent acoustics, world-class orchestra, and a wide range of renowned musicians, visit Concertgebouw. Should you want to have a good laugh, visit Boom Chicago, a place that has been doing comedy, sketch, and improv in English for over 25 years.

That wraps up our “things to do in Amsterdam” guide. We hope you liked it. Here’s another guide to read about Europe, this time in Italy. 

Things To Do In Amsterdam: How Much Budget Should You Have?

When it comes to touring Amsterdam in the Netherlands, you’ve got to be all out, or else, you’ll be missing out on the many things to do in Amsterdam. So to guide you on the duration of your trip, here are details on how much budget you should have when visiting this capital.

The average daily budget for a tour around Amsterdam actually varies depending on your travel style and preferences. Are you a budget traveler, or want to go all out? For budgeterian travelers, the cost would be around $65 to $87 per day. Mid-range travelers can expect to splurge around $109 to $163 per day.  

Amsterdam Is Alive

In the Netherlands, old traditions and modern innovations intertwine. Majestic masterpieces from the past, centuries-old windmills, stunning tulip fields, and romantic candlelit cafés exist with architectures of the future, cutting-edge designs, and a phenomenal nightlife. Thinking of visiting the Netherlands? You better get started in Amsterdam, though there are a lot of other Dutch cities to explore, such as Maastricht, the Hague, and Utrecht, to name a few. From going on a museum tour in the world-class Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum, to relaxing at Vondelpark, you will never run out of things to do in Amsterdam.