Things to Do in Amsterdam
50 curated spots from Amsterdam itineraries
Activities & Attractions
30 curated experiences
Albert Cuyp Market
Wander this long street market for local snacks like stroopwafels and fresh herring, everyday shopping, and casual photography.
1h · $10-25 depending on snacks
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
Focus on a curated selection of Van Gogh’s best-known works and keep the pace unhurried.
2h · €22.50 per adult, under-18 free
Anne Frank House
Museum in the canal-side house where Anne Frank hid during WWII; tours the Secret Annex and tells her story—reserve tickets in advance.[3][5]
2h · $20
Vondelpark
Spend your afternoon unwinding in Amsterdam’s largest park—stroll shaded paths, sit by a pond, or relax at a café like Blauwe Theehuis inside the park.[2][7][13]
2h · Free
Evening Canal Cruise
Take a 60–75 minute canal boat tour from near Centraal Station or Damrak to see illuminated bridges and canal houses at night.
1h 15m · $25-35
Heineken Experience
Take a lighter, interactive visit if the adults in the group want a classic Amsterdam brand experience.
1h 30m · €25-30
Jordaan Neighborhood Wander
Explore narrow streets, hidden courtyards, and independent shops in this charming historic district; no fixed route needed.[3][5]
2h · Free
Moco Museum
Browse modern and contemporary art for a lighter museum visit after the bigger institutions.
1h 15m · €20-22
Rembrandt House Museum
Visit the artist’s former home and studio for a focused art-and-history stop.
1h 30m · €21
Sarphatipark
Enjoy a quieter park break and let the family slow down for a while.
1h · Free
STRAAT Museum
Large street art museum in a former warehouse featuring monumental murals and graffiti from international artists.[1][5]
2h · $20
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 & Canal Area)
If you don’t have tickets, walk by the Anne Frank House and reflect at the canal; if you book ahead, allow time to tour the museum.
1h · $18 per person (if visiting inside) or Free to view exterior
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
Bloemenmarkt (Floating Flower Market)
Browse the stalls of Amsterdam’s floating flower market along the Singel canal.[4][6]
1h · Free (shopping extra)
Canal Belt Walk (Grachtengordel)
Stroll from Museumplein toward the Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes), crossing elegant canals like Prinsengracht and Herengracht and admiring classic canal houses.
1h 30m · Free
Canal Cruise (Final Afternoon)
Take a relaxed 60–75-minute canal boat tour from near Centraal or Dam to see Amsterdam’s architecture from the water.[2][4]
1h 15m · $20-30Restaurants & Food
20 local favorites
Foodhallen
Vibrant food hall with Dutch bitterballen, stroopwafels, and fresh herring stalls; grab shared plates at communal tables.
1h 15m · $25-40 per person
Bakers & Roasters
Popular New Zealand–Brazilian café; try their hearty brunch plates or pancakes with good coffee to fuel a full day.
1h · $15-22 per person
Pllek
Urban beach bar and restaurant in repurposed containers, serving organic dishes with views over the IJ.[2]
1h 15m · $25-40 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
Blushing Amsterdam
Grab a hearty breakfast close to the museums, with smoothies, eggs, and coffee.
1h · €12-22 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
De Struisvogel
Set-course Dutch lunch in a canal-house cellar, ideal for a relaxed sit-down meal.
1h 15m · €25-40 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
Winkel 43
Iconic cafe famed for the city's best Dutch apple pie, plus coffee and sandwiches.
1h · $10-15 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
Bright bakery-cafe with excellent breads, pastries, and simple breakfast plates fresh from the oven.
45m · $10-18 per person
Café de Ceuvel
Sustainable café on the water with vegetarian-friendly options; enjoy a relaxed meal on the terrace.
1h · $20-30 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
Café Loetje Museumplein
Classic Dutch café near Museumplein; order a simple breakfast with coffee or tea to start your museum day calmly.
45m · $12-18 per person
Café Smalle
Classic brown café on the canal; sip Dutch beer or jenever and try simple Dutch bar food.[5]
1h 30m · $20-35 per person
CT Coffee & Coconuts
Trendy multi‑level café in a former cinema with good coffee, pancakes, and healthy bowls.
1h 15m · $18-28 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
Pancakes Amsterdam Centraal
Canal-side spot near Centraal Station; try Dutch-style pancakes with bacon and cheese or classic poffertjes.
1h · $15-25 per person
Piqniq
Cozy lunch café offering small sandwiches and salads you can mix and match or take away for a canal-side picnic.
1h · $12-20 per person