Things to Do in Amsterdam
50 curated spots from Amsterdam itineraries
Activities & Attractions
30 curated experiences
Anne Frank House
Tour the historic hiding place with exhibits on WWII and Amsterdam's Jewish history.
1h 30m · $20 or Free
Rijksmuseum
Explore Dutch Golden Age art, including Rembrandt’s “The Night Watch” and Vermeer’s works, plus decorative arts.
2h 30m · $25-30
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)
Vondelpark
Walk, rest, or picnic in Amsterdam’s best-known park, with plenty of room for a slow family break.
2h · Free
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
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)
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
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
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 Neighborhood Walk
Explore local streets, cafes, and specialty shops at an easy pace.
1h 15m · Free
Evening Canal Cruise
Take a 60–75 minute illuminated canal cruise departing near Centraal Station or Damrak.
1h 15m · $20-30
Ferry to Amsterdam Noord
Take the free ferry across the IJ for a final scenic city view and a change of pace.
45m · Free
Heineken Experience
Take a lighter, interactive visit if the adults in the group want a classic Amsterdam brand experience.
1h 30m · €25-30
Heineken Square Cafes and Boutiques
Use the area around the square for a relaxed browsing and coffee break.
1h · Free
Hermitage Amsterdam (H’ART Museum) / Amstel Walk
Visit the art museum on the Amstel (check current exhibitions) and enjoy the riverfront architecture walk.
2h · $20-25
Hermitage Amsterdam Area Walk
Use the surrounding historic streets and canals for a relaxed walk and coffee stop.
1h · Free
Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam
One of the world’s oldest botanical gardens with greenhouses and outdoor areas.
1h 30m · $12-18
Houseboat Museum (Woonbootmuseum)
Tour a real houseboat on the Prinsengracht to see what canal life is like inside.
45m · $8-10
Jordaan Canal Walk
Continue through quieter residential canals and small bridges for a calmer side of the city.
1h · Free
Jordaan Neighborhood Stroll (9 Straatjes & canals)
Wander the narrow streets, browse small boutiques, and stop for stroopwafels or ice cream along the canals.
1h 30m · Free (plus snacks)
Jordaan Neighborhood Wander
Explore narrow streets, canals, hofjes (courtyards), and independent shops; focus around Egelantiersgracht and Brouwersgracht.
2h · Free
Jordaan Neighborhood Wander: Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes)
Explore boutique shopping district with independent galleries, vintage shops, design studios, and hidden courtyards. UNESCO-listed Canal Ring backdrop. No specific route—follow alleyways between lined canals.
2h · FreeRestaurants & Food
20 local favorites
Foodhallen
Trendy indoor food hall with street-food style stands offering everything from burgers and tacos to Dutch bites.
1h 15m · $18-30 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 Jaren
A comfortable canal-side dinner spot with broad seating and simple crowd-pleasing options.
1h 15m · €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
Moeders
Homey restaurant decorated with pictures of mothers, serving Dutch classics and tasting plates.
1h 30m · $30-45 per person
Pllek
Hip, industrial-chic waterfront restaurant built from shipping containers, with a small urban ‘beach’ and locally focused menu.
1h 30m · $25-45 per person
The Avocado Show
Fun, glamorous spot with creative avocado dishes and cocktails.
1h 30m · $18-25 per person
Albert Cuyp Market Stall
Fresh stroopwafels, herring, and coffee from street vendors at this bustling market.
1h · $8-12 per person
Back to Black
Coffee, pastries, and a calm start before a more local neighborhood day.
45m · €8-15 per person
Back to Black Coffee (Weteringstraat)
Specialty coffee and pastries in a calm setting near the canals.
1h · $10-18 per person
Bakers & Roasters
Finish with a satisfying crowd-pleasing dinner, great for a final family meal in Amsterdam.
1h 15m · €18-35 per person
Bakkerij Hartog
Pick up fresh bread, pastries, and coffee to start a slower market-and-neighborhood day.
45m · €8-15 per person
Bakkerswinkel Westerpark
Enjoy sandwiches, soups, and pastries in a comfortable cafe setting.
1h · €12-22 per person
Blushing Amsterdam
Grab a hearty breakfast close to the museums, with smoothies, eggs, and coffee.
1h · €12-22 per person
Brouwerij Troost Westergas
A comfortable brewery-restaurant with broad seating and easy choices.
1h 15m · €20-35 per person
Café 't Smalle
Gezellig brown cafe with canal views, serving bitterballen, soups, and jenever.
1h 30m · $15-22 per person
Cafe de Doelen
Sit down for a straightforward lunch near the historic center.
1h · €18-30 per person
Cafe de Dokter
Tiny, atmospheric brown café with drinks and small plates; arrive early as it’s very small.
1h 30m · $20-30 per person (drinks and snacks)
Café de L'Affiche
Charming vintage café serving exceptional coffee and pastries. Intimate interior, quiet atmosphere. Perfect pit stop during neighborhood wandering.
45m · $8-14 per person
Café de Sluyswacht
Atmospheric old lock‑keeper’s house serving drinks and simple Dutch bar food by a canal.
1h 30m · $20-30 per person (more with drinks)