Things to Do in Amsterdam
50 curated spots from Amsterdam itineraries
Activities & Attractions
30 curated experiences
Albert Cuyp Market
Long, bustling street market where you can try fresh stroopwafels, herring, and browse clothes and household goods.
2h · Free (food purchases extra)
Rijksmuseum
Explore Dutch masterpieces including Rembrandt’s ‘The Night Watch’ and admire the building’s grand neo-Gothic architecture.
2h · $25-30
Van Gogh Museum
See one of the world’s largest Van Gogh collections; pre-book a timed ticket and follow the chronological layout.
2h · $25
Anne Frank House
Historic canal house where Anne Frank wrote her diary, now a powerful museum about World War II and the Holocaust.
1h 30m · $18-25 per person
Vondelpark
Walk, jog, or cycle through Amsterdam’s most famous park with ponds, lawns, and tree-lined paths; pause at a terrace café inside.
1h 30m · Free
Evening Canal Cruise
Take a 60–75 minute illuminated canal cruise departing near Centraal Station or Damrak.
1h 15m · $20-30
Moco Museum
Browse modern and contemporary art for a lighter museum visit after the bigger institutions.
1h 15m · €20-22
Sarphatipark
Enjoy a quieter park break and let the family slow down for a while.
1h · Free
A’DAM LOOKOUT
Observation deck with citywide views and the famous “Over the Edge” swing that arcs over the tower’s edge.
1h 30m · $18-35 per person (more with swing)
Absolutely Amsterdam Introductory Walking Tour
Join a small-group walking tour that covers key canals, architecture, and city history, starting near the center and moving through classic areas.[7]
2h · $30-40
Albert Cuyp Market (De Pijp Local Market)
Historic local market with 260+ stalls selling produce, flowers, textiles, art, and street food. Explore independently to discover local vendors and artisans. Less touristy than Bloemenmarkt.
1h 15m · $15-30 (for sampling/purchases)
Amstel River Walk
Enjoy a calm riverside walk with bridges and open views.
1h · Free
Amsterdam Canal Belt Stroll
Walk along Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht near the Nine Streets to see classic canal houses and bridges.
1h 30m · Free
Amsterdam Food Tour with Drinks
Guided walk tasting 10 items like Gouda, stroopwafels, herring, bitterballen, and jenever across Spui, canals, and Jordaan.
3h · $20 pp or Free
Amsterdam Museum
Learn the city’s story through accessible exhibits that work well for a broad age range.
1h 30m · €18-20
Amsterdam Noord Ferry & NDSM Wharf
Take the free ferry behind Centraal Station to NDSM Wharf for industrial architecture, street art, and waterfront photo spots.
2h · Free ferry, exploring free
Amsterdam Red Light District Architecture Walk
Carefully walk the area focusing on canals, leaning houses, and bridges—avoiding photos of workers and being respectful.
1h · Free
Anne Frank House (exterior area + museum)
Visit the museum (pre-book timed entry) and quietly explore the surrounding canals and Westerkerk church.
2h · $20
Anne Frank House Exterior & Westerkerk Area
If you don’t have tickets, still visit the outside area, canals, and nearby Westerkerk; if booked, allocate more time inside.
1h · $17-20 per person (if entering museum)
Begijnhof
Step into a quiet medieval courtyard for a peaceful break from busier streets.
30m · Free
Begijnhof & Spui Area
Slip into the peaceful Begijnhof courtyard and then explore nearby bookshops and cafés around Spui.
1h · Free
Bloemenmarkt
Browse the floating flower market for tulips, small souvenirs, and a colorful canal-side stroll.
45m · Free to browse
Canal Cruise (Small, Open-Boat)
Join a one-hour guided canal cruise departing near the Jordaan or central canals; opt for a small, open-boat operator for a more intimate feel and better photos.
1h · $20-30
Canal Ring Walk (Grachtengordel)
Stroll along Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht, stopping for photos at bridges and classic canal houses.
1h 30m · Free
Climbing Session at Klimmuur Centraal
Indoor climbing gym in a converted waterside space with routes for all levels; rent shoes and harness on-site.
2h · $20-30 (day pass + rental)
Dam Square & Royal Palace (Koninklijk Paleis)
See the Royal Palace interior (when open), the National Monument, and bustling historic square.
2h · $15-20 (palace) or Free to view square
De 9 Straatjes (The Nine Streets) Shopping & Wandering
If time allows on your last afternoon or early evening, pop back into the Nine Streets for souvenirs, indie shops, and canal photos.
1h · Free (plus shopping)
De Hallen & Oud‑West Stroll
Explore the renovated tram depot with shops and a cinema, then wander nearby streets for everyday local life.
1h 30m · Free (shopping/films extra)
De Pijp Evening Wander
Stroll the neighborhood’s side streets and squares, stopping at a brown café or terrace for a drink and people-watching.
1h 30m · $10-20 for drinks
De Pijp Neighborhood Walk
Explore local streets, cafes, and specialty shops at an easy pace.
1h 15m · FreeRestaurants & Food
20 local favorites
Bakers & Roasters
New Zealand–Brazilian café with hearty brunch classics, good coffee, and a friendly, buzzing atmosphere.
1h · $20-30 per person
Foodhallen
Curated food market with 20+ quality vendors in an industrial-minimal space. Browse stations for plant-based options, global cuisine, fresh juices. Communal seating available; can also take away to nearby Albert Cuyp Market.
1h 15m · $20-35 per person
Coffee & Coconuts
Bright, relaxed café in a former cinema; order the coconut pancakes or eggs on sourdough for a hearty start.
1h · $15-22 per person
Pllek
End with a scenic waterfront dinner after the ferry ride back or before returning.
1h 15m · €20-40 per person
Café Winkel 43
Famous for its Dutch apple pie; pair a slice with a light lunch plate or soup.
1h · $15-25 per person
Moeders
Quirky spot decorated with photos of mothers, serving hearty Dutch comfort dishes like stamppot and meatballs.
1h 15m · $22-35 per person
The Avocado Show
Design-forward, pastel-minimal restaurant serving creative avocado-based dishes; choose vegetarian or chicken-based bowls and toast, avoiding any shrimp or shellfish items.
1h · $18-25 per person
Back to Black Coffee
Small, minimalist coffee bar with excellent espresso and pastries; choose simple pastries, cakes, or toast and verify no shellfish or cross-contaminated ingredients.
45m · $10-15 per person
Bakhuys
Bakery‑café with fresh breads and pastries; grab a coffee and a croissant or small sandwich.
45m · $10-18 per person
Blushing Amsterdam
Casual spot near Museumplein with salads, sandwiches, and juices.
1h · $20-25 per person
Café de Ceuvel
Eco-conscious waterside café built on former shipyard land, serving seasonal plates and snacks with a creative vibe.
1h 15m · $18-25 per person
Café de Jaren
Waterfront café in a converted library with minimalist interior design and canal views. Serves Dutch breakfast, avocado toast, and premium coffee. Quiet morning atmosphere.
1h · $18-28 per person
CT Coffee & Coconuts
Casual dinner in a spacious, laid-back setting with options for everyone.
1h 15m · €18-35 per person
De Koffieschenkerij
Start with coffee, apple cake, and a calm courtyard setting next to Amsterdam’s oldest church.
1h · €10-20 per person
De Struisvogel
Intimate canal-house restaurant offering a well-priced set menu of Dutch-inspired dishes in a cozy cellar space.
1h · $30-40 per person
Piqniq
Cozy, modern café specializing in small plates and sandwiches; opt for cheese, vegetable, or chicken sandwiches and soups, checking ingredients are shellfish-free.
1h · $15-20 per person
Pllek Brunch
Industrial-chic restaurant at NDSM with views over the IJ; order a hearty brunch and coffee.
1h 15m · $20-30 per person
Albert Cuyp Market Stall
Fresh stroopwafels, herring, and coffee from street vendors at this bustling market.
1h · $8-12 per person
Aneka Rasa
Indonesian restaurant known for rijsttafel; when booking and on arrival, specify a strict shellfish allergy and ask them to curate a shellfish-free selection focusing on meat, vegetables, and tofu.[7][9]
2h · $35-50 per person
Back to Black
Coffee, pastries, and a calm start before a more local neighborhood day.
45m · €8-15 per person