Best things to do in Amsterdam

Amsterdam stands out as one of the most vibrant cities in Europe. It's stunning, trendy, relaxed, and offers a plethora of activities and sights to explore, along with numerous pubs, diverse cuisine from around the globe, and incredibly welcoming locals. Strolling through this gorgeous city can feel like stepping back into the 17th century, especially in the heart of Amsterdam, where you'll find delightful architecture from that era. It's a fantastic place to discover on foot or by bike. While the city is rich in 17th-century buildings, that's where the old-fashioned charm ends, as Amsterdam is anything but outdated.

This is Holland

“This is Holland” is a 5D attraction located in the northern part of Amsterdam, right next to the famous “A’DAM Lookout” swing. This experience is perfect for both children and adults, thanks to its engaging and interactive elements. With 5D technology, you can explore the rich history and culture of the Netherlands over the years. The venue offers virtual tours, a flight simulator, and films featuring effects like wind, moving seats, scents, and water.
Address:

Overhoeksplein 51, Amsterdam

Opening Hours:
Daily from 10:00 – 19:00
PHONE:

+31 020 153 008

Artis Zoo

1. Artis is the oldest zoo in the Netherlands, having opened its gates in 1838. The zoo features 27 monumental buildings, most of which date back to the 19th century, giving it a unique charm and historical dimension that modern zoos often lack. Tropical fish swim in the grand aquarium, while various birds soar freely in the impressive birdhouse. In the tropical forest, animals of many species coexist. There’s also a butterfly pavilion where butterflies flutter around. Discover the tiniest organisms at the Micropia, the world’s first museum dedicated to microbes. Take a journey through space at the planetarium. Enjoy watching giraffes alongside zebras and deer in the Savannah.
Address:

Plantage Kerklaan 38-40, Amsterdam

Opening Hours:
1 March until 31 October from 09:00–18:00

1 November until 28 February from 09:00-17:00

PHONE:

+31 020 523 3670

The Upside Down Amsterdam

Dive into the ultimate Instagram adventure with 25 unique rooms filled with interactive elements! Capture the wildest and most fun photos using your own camera or the ones provided, creating memories in spaces that your friends will have to see to believe.
Address:
Europaboulevard 5, Amsterdam
Opening Hours:
Daily from 09:30-20:00
PHONE:

+31 085 0659 225

Vondelpark

1. This park, located near Leidseplein and the Museum Square in Amsterdam, is the most famous, largest, and most popular park in the city. There’s always something to do here: you can take a stroll, rollerblade, listen to music, or simply sit back and people-watch. Designed in the style of an English landscape park by architect L.D. Zocher and his son, it was created to give the residents of 19th-century Amsterdam a true sense of nature. Today, both locals and tourists seek refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city, imagining themselves in a natural setting.
Address:
Vondelpark 1, Amsterdam

Westerkerk Amsterdam

1. The Westerkerk, located just a few steps from the Anne Frank House, is renowned for being the largest and most popular Protestant church in the Netherlands, having hosted royal weddings in the past. Built in Renaissance style with Gothic elements between 1619 and 1631, it features the tallest bell tower of any church in Amsterdam, standing at 87 meters. This tower is considered one of the city’s symbols, adorned with a crown that was gifted to the city by Emperor Maximilian. Many visitors come to see the grave of Rembrandt, who is said to be buried in the church.
Address:
Prinsengracht 281, Amsterdam
Opening Hours:
Daily from 10:00-15:00
Close on Sunday
PHONE:

+31 020 624 7766

Museumplein

The Museumplein (Museum Quarter) is home to the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, the Stedelijk Museum, Moco Museum and the Royal Concertgebouw. It serves as the vibrant cultural heart of Amsterdam. Recently renovated to world-class standards, the museum square is located in the city’s “Old South” (Oud-Zuid) district, an architectural gem from the 19th century, making it a paradise for art lovers. The open square between the buildings buzzes with activity all day long, featuring outdoor exhibitions, markets, and a large wading pool perfect for cooling off on warmer days. In the winter months, the pool transforms into a stunning outdoor ice skating rink.
Address:
Museumplein 1, Amsterdam

Royal Palace Amsterdam

One of the three royal palaces in the Netherlands, the Royal Palace in Amsterdam, is located on the western side of Dam Square in the heart of the city. This 17th-century building originally served as the city hall but was transformed into a palace during the Napoleonic Wars when Napoleon’s brother, Louis, was crowned King Louis I of the Netherlands. While the exterior was designed by Jacob van Campen using sandstone to mimic the public buildings of Rome, the interior showcases an early example of the elaborate Empire style from the early 19th century. The palace continues to be used by the Dutch royal family for royal events, yet it remains open to the public for most of the year.
Address:
Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 147, Amsterdam
Opening Hours:
Daily from 10.00-18.00
PHONE:

+31 020 522 6161

Dam Square

Just a five-minute walk from Amsterdam’s central train station, you’ll find the city’s busiest square – Dam Square. The Dam is the heart of Amsterdam, and the city even derives its name from this location. Here, you’ll see the Royal Palace, the New Church, the Madame Tussauds museum, and the National Monument, which honors Dutch soldiers and resistance members who lost their lives during World War II. The square dates back to the 13th century when a dam was built around the Amstel River to prevent flooding in the city. Historically, it served as Amsterdam’s main market, where traders sold nearly everything imaginable. Today, the square is a major tourist attraction, always buzzing with activity, from pigeons to demonstrations, street performances, city events, and more.
Address:
Dam, Amsterdam

Leidseplein

1. Leidseplein is a well-known square and entertainment area located in the southwestern part of Amsterdam’s city center. It is one of the largest and busiest squares in the city, featuring hotels, cinemas, numerous pubs, restaurants, nightclubs, and cafes with outdoor terraces, as well as coffee shops.

The square is very close to many tourist attractions, including the Museumplein, which houses a variety of famous museums, the city theater, Holland Casino, Vondelpark, canal cruise departure points, shopping areas, and brand-name streets.

Leidseplein was established in the 17th century, specifically in 1660, during the time when the canal network surrounding the city was built. Its name comes from the Leidsepoort gate that stood there until 1862, which served as the exit point towards the city of Leiden. The square was originally created to provide parking for the horse-drawn carriages of farmers and other visitors before they entered the city center.

Many tourists who are not very familiar with Amsterdam tend to stay around Dam Square, but those who know the city well often prefer Leidseplein for its vibrant nightlife and proximity to numerous attractions.

Address:
Leidseplein, Amsterdam

Flowers Market

Between the Coin Square (Mountplein) and the King’s Square (Koiningsplein) lies the famous floating flower market (Bloemenmarkt). Established in 1862, this market originally featured flower vendors who would transport their goods via barges into the city along the Amstel River. Today, the modern market consists of permanent barges, each equipped with a mini greenhouse, similar to those found in Dutch villages, ensuring a warm environment for flowers all year round. This section of the Singel Canal in the city center bursts with vibrant colors and the delightful scents of fresh blooms throughout the week. Whether you’re searching for tulips, daffodils, snowdrops, carnations, violets, peonies, or orchids, you’re sure to find your favorites at the flower market in every season. The market street also boasts a variety of souvenir shops, cheese stalls, restaurants, and cozy cafés.
Address:
Bloemenmarkt Singel 526, Amsterdam
Opening Hours:
Daily from 09:00-17:30
Sunday from 11:00-17:30

Hortus Botanicus

The Hortus Botanicus, the botanical garden in Amsterdam, spans an area of 1.2 hectares. It is regarded as one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, having been established in 1638. The garden is home to around 6,000 plants and over 4,000 species. In addition to the outdoor garden, the Hortus Botanicus features several greenhouses that provide shelter for plants from desert regions and tropical areas. There is also a butterfly house and a monumental palm house on the premises.
Address:
Plantage Middenlaan 2a, Amsterdam
Opening Hours:
Daily from 09:00-18:00
PHONE:

+31 020 625 9021

De Oude Kerk Amsterdam

The Old Church in Amsterdam is recognized as the oldest building and church in the city. It is situated in the Red Light District and dates back to around 1213. This church played a significant role for sailors and fishermen who lived in the area. While it still functions as a church, it officially became a museum in 2016, allowing contemporary artists to showcase their work. For 800 years, the church has been an integral part of Amsterdam’s community, housing approximately 2,500 graves, with an additional 10,000 buried beneath. Rembrandt van Rijn’s wife is interred here. The name “Old Church” has been used since the 15th century, when the larger “New Church” was built in Dam Square.

Address:
Oudekerksplein 23, Amsterdam
Opening Hours:
Daily from 10:00-18:00
Sunday from 11:00-17:30
PHONE:

+31 020 625 8284

De Nieuwe Kerk Amsterdam

The new church is renowned worldwide for its stunning architecture, ever-changing exhibitions, and its special relationship with the Dutch royal family. Dating back over six hundred years to the 15th century, it is situated in the heart of the city on Dam Square. Throughout the year, the church hosts major international exhibitions covering topics related to religions, cultures, and treasures from various countries. It is also the most visited church in the Netherlands, With an average of 250,000 visitors per year.
Address:
Dam 12, Amsterdam
Opening Hours:
Daily from 10:00-17:00
PHONE:

+31 020 638 6909

Canal District of Amsterdam

Amsterdam boasts over 100 kilometers of canals, around 90 islands, and an impressive 1,500 bridges. The city’s three main canals—Herengracht, Prinsengracht, and Keizersgracht—were excavated during the Dutch Golden Age in the 17th century, forming concentric belts around the city known as the Grachtengordel. Along these picturesque canals, you can find more than 1,500 monumental buildings. In 2010, UNESCO recognized the 17th-century canal ring as a World Heritage Site, highlighting its historical significance and beauty.
Address:
All over the city center

Begijnhof

This courtyard, established in the 14th century, serves as a “oasis of tranquility” amidst the bustling streets of central Amsterdam: Kalverstraat, Spuistraat, and Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal. Although the facades of the buildings were replaced in the 17th and 18th centuries, eighteen of the houses still retain their Gothic wooden frames. Historically, this space was home to women and nuns whose faith differed from the mainstream, surrounding a beautiful garden. It’s a must-visit for those who appreciate hidden gems in the heart of the city. You can enter through a wooden door located in the middle of Spui Square, making it known as the oldest courtyard in the city.
Address:

Begijnhof 30, Amsterdam

Opening Hours:
Daily from 10:00-17:00
PHONE:

+31 06 221 918

Johan Cruijff ArenA (Ajax)

Over four years in construction at a cost of over 202 million Dutch Guilders, the Amsterdam Arena is more than just a football stadium; it is a tourist destination in itself! Featuring a roof that can open fully in 20 minutes, seating for over 51,000 fans and 1700 VIP’s and over 2,000 lux of lighting, the arena is a wonderful focus for any sports fan.
Feel the beating heart of AFC Ajax while enjoying the Johan Cruijff Arena for a stadium tour in Amsterdam. See exclusive hotspots and see where only the players walk on match days with a classic tour.

Address:
Johan Cruijff Boulevard 1, Amsterdam

A'DAM Lookout Tower Amsterdam

If you’re on the lookout for a panoramic view of Amsterdam, this is definitely the spot you want to visit. The tower, located just across the IJ River from the central station, has become one of the city’s most sought-after attractions in recent years. It’s not just the stunning cityscape that draws visitors; the building features three swings perched 100 meters above the ground. Who wouldn’t want to swing over the city and capture such a unique photo for their vacation album? (Note that the minimum height requirement to use the swings is 1.30 meters).
While it may not be for the faint-hearted, even those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground can enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views from the rooftop, along with the special fast elevator and the bar that the venue offers. The name of the place is an abbreviation of Amsterdam, dance, and music, and it also houses a music school and a large event company. It’s best to visit when the weather is clear for optimal visibility.
You can also combine your visit with the attraction “This is Holland,” which you can find more information about on this page. Getting there is easy with a free five-minute ferry ride that departs from the back of the central station.

Address:
Overhoeksplein 5, Amsterdam
Opening Hours:
Daily from 10:00-22:00
PHONE:

+31 020 242 0100

FGS He Hua Tempel

In the Chinatown area of Amsterdam, right next to the famous Red-Light District, you can discover the largest Buddhist Chinese temple in Europe. This temple is designed in the style of a traditional Chinese palace, featuring a variety of symbolic elements. The entrance gate represents the gateway to mountain monasteries, while the stairs guide you step by step according to Buddhist principles, leading you to the highest point you can reach. The dragons adorning the roof serve as protectors against evil spirits. Visitors are welcome to enter the temple freely, and guided tours are also available for those interested. If you find yourself in the area and have a taste for Asian cuisine, you’ll be pleased to know there are plenty of restaurants to enjoy nearby.

Address:
Zeedijk 106-118, Amsterdam
Opening Hours:
Teusday til Saturday from 12:00-17:00
Sunday from 10:00-17:00
Close on Monday
PHONE:

+31 020 420 2357

De Waag

The Waag building is situated in the New Market square, right in the heart of Chinatown and near the iconic red-light district of Amsterdam. This historic structure dates back to 1488 when it served as the Sint Antoniespoort, one of the three main gates of Amsterdam. Following the city’s expansion in 1617, the building was transformed into a weighing house, where all goods arriving from the port were weighed. During this period, various guilds, including the surgeons’ guild, established themselves here, leading to the construction of the famous anatomical theatre where anatomy lessons were held, including public dissections of executed criminals for the citizens of the city.

From the Anatomical Theater to a Restaurant, the renowned painter Rembrandt van Rijn immortalized one of these public dissections in his famous painting ‘The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp.’ In the 19th century, the Waag took on various additional roles, serving as a city screen hall, a furniture workshop, an oil lighting workshop, a fire station, and a city archive. By the 20th century, the building housed two museums: the Amsterdam Museum from 1926 to 1932 and the Jewish Historical Museum until 1987. Today, on the ground floor, you can enjoy a delightful dinner at the café-restaurant In de Waag, set in an attractive room illuminated by three hundred candles.

Address:
Nieuwmarkt 4, Amsterdam

Holland Casino

In Amsterdam, you can find numerous casinos scattered throughout the main streets, but these are primarily establishments featuring only slot machines rather than traditional gaming tables. If you’re in search of a genuine casino experience with table games like roulette, poker, and blackjack, the place to visit is Holland Casino. This government-operated casino chain has two locations in Amsterdam, with the most well-known and central one situated near the vibrant Leidseplein entertainment area.

To enter, you must be at least 18 years old and present a valid passport. The dress code is casual, allowing for jeans, a shirt, and closed-toe shoes. There is an entrance fee, but if you hold an Iamsterdam card or an Amsterdam nightlife pass, you can enjoy free entry.

Address:
Max Euweplein 62, Amsterdam
La Guardiaweg 61, Amsterdam
Opening Hours:
Holland Casino Center Daily from 12:00-03:00
Holland Casino West Sloterdijk is open 24/7
PHONE:

+31 020 521 1111

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