What to do in Amsterdam

Activities, attractions and tours

A canal with boats, a bridge, and historic buildings along the water.
A historic city square with a prominent clock tower, a tram line, and classic European architecture.
A canal with historic buildings and a bridge.
A lively street with various restaurants and cafes, including a steakhouse and a sports cafe.
A cobblestone street lined with historic buildings, bicycles, and a cyclist.

Amsterdam Attractions

Many people think the only reason why anyone visits the city of Amsterdam as a tourist is because they are a student on spring break, but the city offers way more than just a good party scene for young people. With more museums per capita than the majority of major European cities, Amsterdam is very rich in culture and history and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Holland as well as in the rest of Europe.

Amsterdam's best museums are located in the Museumplein district, but there are many fine smaller museums located in various places throughout the city. One of the must see museums in Amsterdam is the Van Gogh Museum, which is conveniently located in the edge of the Museumplein district. Other things to do in Amsterdam include attending outdoor concerts during the summer months in local parks, shopping at one of the city's many open-air markets, and enjoying world-class theater and musical performances at various venues located throughout the city. Because Amsterdam is a large city, guests are advised to procure a good map before starting out on their explorations.

If you are going to be paying a visit to Amsterdam soon, you should contact us here at Expedia for the most recent information on money-saving deals and specials you can obtain to leave you with more cash in your wallet to enjoy top Amsterdam excursions. One thing that may surprise you when you first begin to explore the city is the abundance of canals the city features. Amsterdam has so many canals that it is frequently referred to as the “Venice of the North".

Attractions in Amsterdam include the city's famous Red Light district. This area is one of the most popular visitor spots in the city, but guests should keep in mind there is much more to Amsterdam than this district. Because of the sheer abundance of Amsterdam activities available to guests, it can sometime be a challenge for those unfamiliar with the city to formulate an itinerary, which is why the professional staff here at Expedia can make your vacation go much more smoothly. We can provide you with cost-saving specials on Amsterdam tours and good deals on lodging and transportation.

Things to do

Let's enjoy together!

Amsterdam All-Inclusive 90-Minutes Canal Cruise by Captain Jack

CA $40
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Amsterdam All-Inclusive 90-Minutes Canal Cruise by Captain Jack
Dutch Countryside Tour with Windmills, Volendam & Marken

Volendam, Marken & Windmills Day Trip from Amsterdam

CA $36
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Volendam, Marken & Windmills Day Trip from Amsterdam
Brussels and Bruges from Amsterdam Guided Tour

From Amsterdam to Belgium: Discover the Wonders of Brussels and Bruges

CA $320
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
From Amsterdam to Belgium: Discover the Wonders of Brussels and Bruges
Blue Boat Company - 75 minute City Canal Cruise

Blue Boat Company - 75 minute City Canal Cruise

CA $22
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Blue Boat Company - 75 minute City Canal Cruise
Madame Tussauds Amsterdam Admission Ticket

Madame Tussauds Amsterdam Admission Ticket

CA $34
per adult
Madame Tussauds Amsterdam Admission Ticket
Amsterdam Small-Group Canal Cruise Including Snacks and Drinks

Amsterdam Small-Group Canal Cruise Including Snacks and Drinks

CA $97
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Amsterdam Small-Group Canal Cruise Including Snacks and Drinks
Rijksmuseum Amsterdam Small-Group Tour with Private Upgrade

Rijksmuseum Amsterdam Small-Group Tour with Private Upgrade

CA $103
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Rijksmuseum Amsterdam Small-Group Tour with Private Upgrade
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Top places to visit

1. Dam Square

Amsterdam’s origins lie on Dam Square and you’ll get a sense of this history as you look at the structures here. Today the square is also a venue for mass events, fun fairs and pantomime artists. Join the locals and relax at the base of the National Monument while listening to street organs. Chase the pigeons and dodge the many cyclists when you cross the square to go shopping or explore some of the historical buildings.
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A bustling square with historic buildings, a tram, and a crowd of people.

2. Van Gogh Museum

Head to the Van Gogh Museum to see some of the works of a groundbreaking 19th-century Dutch painter. Sadly, Vincent Van Gogh only sold one of his paintings during his short life, and never dreamed of the fame he’d enjoy after his death. Here you can browse the world’s largest collection of Van Gogh’s paintings and learn about his tormented life. The museum also displays works by other master painters of his time, including Monet, Gauguin and Seurat.
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A modern circular building with a large mural of people on its facade.

3. Anne Frank House

A visit to the Anne Frank House is a sober yet enlightening experience. The life story of Anne Frank has become one of the most famous accounts of a Jew hiding in Nazi Germany. Anne’s diary, which she started in 1942 when she was 13, is the most translated Dutch book of all time. Its first translation was in German, in 1950.
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A riverside walkway with pedestrians, bicycles, and historic buildings.

4. Vondelpark

Vondelpark is a State Monument and an Amsterdam hot spot in summer. This is where locals go to sunbathe, cycle or play outside. There are also concerts or other performances on weekends. Over 10 million visitors come here every year to enjoy nature and culture, as well as order drinks and meals on the restaurant terraces.
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A gazebo surrounded by flowers and a pond.

5. Rijksmuseum

To understand how the tiny country of the Netherlands became a world superpower through both art and trade, visit the Rijksmuseum. Browse through over a million works of art and historical objects in more than 200 rooms. You’ll see famous paintings by Rembrandt and Vermeer, among hundreds of other artists, and admire the ornate building itself.
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A historic building with a large 'Open' sign, a moat, and people around.

6. Leidseplein

Delve into the many delights of buzzing Leidseplein to people-watch while enjoying a meal or just a drink after a day of sightseeing. In the warmer months, the area is packed with people gathered on the terraces of the restaurants and bars. Order a local beer and watch the street performers. In the winter, visit one of the many restaurants or clubs, or head to the ice rink surrounded by hot food and drink stalls for an atmospheric outdoor experience. If you love architecture, 17th-century Leidseplein has some interesting buildings for a walking tour.
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A street with tram tracks, historic buildings, and outdoor seating at a cafe.

Recommended things to do in Amsterdam

Number of things to do
856
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Amsterdam: CA $5
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Amsterdam

Stay near popular Amsterdam attractions

A modern circular building with a large mural of people on its facade.

Van Gogh Museum

9.2/10 (10,877 reviews)
This modern museum houses the world’s largest collection of the legendary Dutch master painter who led a troubled life and never saw his work become famous.
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Where to stay in Amsterdam

Find the best Amsterdam areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Amsterdam
Learn more about Amsterdam
A canal with historic buildings and a bridge.

Amsterdam City Centre

Dam Square and Nieuwmarkt Square are a few top attractions in Amsterdam City Centre. Hop around the city on the metro at Nieuwmarkt Station or Waterlooplein Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, charming cafes, and popular shops.
A canal with boats, a bridge, and historic buildings.

Jordaan

Jordaan is well-liked for its breweries and churches. If you're hoping to get in some sightseeing, Amsterdam Tulip Museum and Houseboat Museum are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at Bloemgracht Stop or Rozengracht Stop to get around.
A woman riding a bicycle on a city street lined with parked bicycles and historic buildings.

De Pijp

Known for its abundant dining options and interesting museums, there's plenty to explore in De Pijp. Top attractions like Albert Cuyp Market and Former Town Hall of Nieuwer-Amstel are major draws, and you can catch the metro at Cornelis Troostplein Stop or v. Hilligaertstraat Tram Stop to see more of the city.
A brick building with a cafe on the ground floor.

Oud-West

Known for its fascinating museums and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Oud-West. Check out top attractions like Foodhallen and Ten Kate Markt, and jump on the metro at Ten Katestraat Stop or J. P. Heijestraat Stop (7) to see more of the city.
A park with a paved walkway, trees, and a historic building with towers in the background.

Oud-Zuid

Known for its fascinating museums and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Oud-Zuid. Check out top attractions like Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum, and jump on the metro at Emmastraat Tram Stop or Gerrit van der Veenstraat Stop to see more of the city.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Amsterdam

A modern building complex with a river in the foreground and tall skyscrapers in the background.

Hoofddorp

An aerial view of a park with a circular arrangement of trees, a central path, and surrounding grassy areas.

Amstelveen

An airplane flying over a sea of clouds with a bright sun in the background.

Badhoevedorp

A wooden bridge over a canal with people on it and houses in the background.

Zaandam

An aerial view of a river with numerous docks and boats, surrounded by residential areas and green fields.

Vinkeveen

A dense cluster of pink tulips in full bloom.

Aalsmeer

A windmill, a barn, and a fenced field with sheep.

Abcoude

A calm river reflecting buildings and a plane in the sky.

Zwanenburg

Frequently asked questions

Is Amsterdam worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Amsterdam is visit Amsterdam Museum. Check this major sight off your to-do list, then discover more of the area's cycling and culture.
How do I spend a day in Amsterdam?
After you've checked off top attractions like Amsterdam Museum and Nemo Science Museum, spend some time exploring Amsterdam's retail and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Amsterdam?
The top tourist attraction in Amsterdam is Amsterdam Museum, so be sure to put it on your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in Amsterdam?
Three days in Amsterdam is plenty of time to visit the city's main highlights. Many travellers stay for three days on average. Amsterdam Museum, Nemo Science Museum and Royal Theatre Carre are among the most popular sights. Want to see more? Hang around a little longer to explore nearby hotspots like Schiphol.
Is Amsterdam a walkable city?
It all depends on what you want to see and do in Amsterdam. Several sights, including Amsterdam Museum and Nemo Science Museum, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Amsterdam's neighbourhoods, Amsterdam City Centre is 0.48 kilometres away from downtown, while Old Town Amsterdam is 0.16 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Amsterdam with kids?
Whether you're vacationing with young explorers or adventure-seeking teens, an itinerary filled with cool activities takes your trip to the next level. Take a look at our recommendations for what to do in Amsterdam with kids.

What to do in Amsterdam for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Amsterdam, with activities for adults of all ages. Cap off your day with a visit to Ziggo Dome or Warmoesstraat.
Are there free things to do in Amsterdam?
From enjoying parks to strolling around vibrant neighbourhoods, it's easy to find free things to do in Amsterdam. If you need new ideas, ask a local tour guide for recommendations. Moco Museum is a great spot for anyone planning to save on their travel adventures.

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