10 things to do in Amsterdam- 2026 Travel Guide

Planning a trip to Amsterdam? Discover the best things to do in Amsterdam, from exploring the famous canals and museums to cycling through Vondelpark, visiting the city’s beautiful tulip spots, and discovering the best places to eat and stay.

The Netherlands is the first country I ever traveled to, which is why it holds a special place in my heart. Since I was 16, I’ve been there three times, and I’m already planning my next trip!

Amsterdam is a great destination for a first trip abroad. It’s easy to explore, relatively small, and there’s so much to see and do. That’s why I wanted to share with you 10 things to do in Amsterdam and show you why I love this city so much.

💡Things to Know Before Going to Amsterdam

How long should you stay?

Amsterdam is perfect for a weekend getaway. In my opinion, two or three days is enough to discover the main attractions, walk around the different neighborhoods, and get a feel for the city.

Getting around

One of the best things about Amsterdam is how easy it is to get around. The city is very walkable, but the public transportation system is also excellent.

If you’re thinking about driving there, keep in mind that using a car in the city can be difficult. Amsterdam is famous for its bicycles, and bikes are everywhere! So, if you want to experience the city like a local, renting a bike can be a fun option.

💡Tips: If you come by car, use the P+R parkings to save money. (more info in the FAQ section at the end)

When should you visit?

Amsterdam is beautiful in every season, so there’s really no bad time to visit. However, spring is one of the most popular times to go, especially because the Netherlands is famous for its tulips.

If you visit between March and May, you’ll have the chance to see colorful flowers all around the country and, if you’re lucky, fields of tulips in full bloom.

Now, let’s get into the 10 things you absolutely should do in Amsterdam!

1.Vondelpark Cycling

Located near Amsterdam’s Museum Quarter, Vondelpark is the perfect place to take a break from the busy city. You can relax on the grass, have a picnic, or simply enjoy some people-watching.

The park is also a great place to cycle. The paths are spacious and easy to follow, making it a lovely way to explore the park at your own pace. Renting a bike and cycling around Vondelpark is definitely something I recommend if you want to experience Amsterdam like a local.

And here’s a little personal tip: there’s even a photobooth in the park! I take a picture there every year, and it has become such a fun little tradition. It’s also the perfect souvenir to remember your time in Amsterdam. 📸

2.Anne Frank House

If you’re interested in history, the Anne Frank House is a place you should definitely visit. But even if you’re not. I believe it’s an important place for everyone to experience. Remembering the past helps us understand what happened and reminds us why we must never repeat the same mistakes.

When I visited the Anne Frank House, I had an audio guide throughout the experience. It made the visit even more moving, as we learned more about Anne and her family while walking through the actual rooms where they lived and hid during the war.

Seeing the tiny spaces where the family spent years in hiding makes the story feel much more real. Walking through the rooms and following their footsteps was emotional and gave us a deeper understanding of what their daily life must have been like.

It’s definitely not a light or entertaining attraction, but it is a powerful and meaningful experience that I would recommend adding to your Amsterdam itinerary.

3.Hortus Botanicus

If you’re looking for a peaceful and beautiful place to escape the city, Hortus Botanicus is definitely worth a visit. This botanical garden takes you on a journey through different environments and climates, all in one place.

One of the highlights is the collection of botanical greenhouses, where you can explore tropical and arid environments. Walking from one greenhouse to another feels like travelling between completely different parts of the world. There is also a beautiful butterfly greenhouse, where you can walk among colourful butterflies surrounded by tropical plants.

Outside, the garden is just as lovely, especially during tulip season. The colourful tulip garden makes the perfect spot for a relaxing walk and, of course, some beautiful photos.

Café & Brunch

4.Van Gogh Museum

If you love art, the Van Gogh Museum is an absolute must-see in Amsterdam. It’s home to one of the world’s largest collections of Vincent van Gogh’s work, so you’ll have the chance to see some of his most famous paintings up close.

Among the highlights are Almond Blossoms, his famous Self-Portraits, and The Bedroom. Seeing these paintings in person is such a special experience, especially when you know the stories and emotions behind them.

The museum is quite large, with a lot to discover, so I recommend taking your time rather than rushing through the different rooms. Whether you’re a big fan of Van Gogh or simply curious about his art, it’s definitely worth adding to your Amsterdam itinerary.

5.GVB Ferry and Adam Tower 

Once there, you can visit the A’DAM Lookout, one of Amsterdam’s most popular viewpoints. From the rooftop, you’ll get an amazing panoramic view of the city. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try the famous Over The Edge swing, which takes you over the edge of the tower and offers an unforgettable view of Amsterdam from above.

It’s a fun way to combine a free boat ride, sightseeing, and a great city view in one experience.

6.Moco Museum

The Moco Museum was one of the most fun museums we visited in Amsterdam. It focuses mainly on modern and contemporary art, with works by artists such as Banksy and Andy Warhol. 🎨

What I loved about Moco is the way it combines art with social and political messages. Many of the works comment on issues in today’s world, from war and pollution to mental health, while still being colourful, creative, and sometimes playful.

The museum also has a digital immersive exhibition, which was such a cool experience. It makes you feel completely surrounded by the artwork and is definitely one of the highlights of the visit.

The museum itself is relatively small, so you can visit it in a couple of hours. If you’re interested in contemporary art, I definitely recommend checking it out!

And there’s a little bonus: some artworks are displayed in the museum’s garden, which you can access for free, even without visiting the whole museum. It’s a nice little stop if you’re already in the Museum Quarter.

7.🌷Flower Market

If you’re visiting Amsterdam in spring, the Flower Market is a must-see! 🌷 It’s one of the best places to experience the city’s love for flowers, especially tulips.

You’ll find all kinds of colourful flowers, which you can buy fresh or as bulbs to take home and grow yourself. There are also plenty of cute souvenirs, such as flower magnets and other little gifts.

The market is quite large, so take your time to walk around and explore all the different stalls. Even if you don’t plan on buying anything, it’s a lovely place to visit and soak up the colourful atmosphere.

📍 Address: Singel, 1012 DH Amsterdam, Netherlands

8.Tulip Museum

If you have some extra time in Amsterdam, the Tulip Museum is a nice little place to visit, especially if you’re curious about the history of one of the Netherlands’ most famous flowers. 🌷

The museum explains how tulips became such an important part of Dutch culture, how they are grown, and the fascinating story of the Tulip Mania, when tulip bulbs became incredibly valuable during the 17th century.

The museum is quite small, so you won’t need a lot of time to explore it. I enjoyed learning more about the history behind something that is so closely associated with the Netherlands.

That being said, I wouldn’t make it a priority on your first trip to Amsterdam. There are so many other things to see and do in the city, so I’d recommend visiting the Tulip Museum if you have some extra time rather than planning your itinerary around it.

9.Canal Cruise

One of the best ways to discover Amsterdam is by booking a canal cruise. The city is famous for its beautiful canals, and seeing Amsterdam from the water gives you a completely different perspective.

During a canal tour, you’ll be able to see many of the city’s famous landmarks and historic buildings while learning more about Amsterdam’s history. We booked a one-hour cruise through GetYourGuide, and it was a great way to explore the city without having to walk everywhere.

It’s also the perfect activity when you want to slow down and relax. Sit back, enjoy the views, and watch the city go by as you cruise along the canals.

If it’s your first time in Amsterdam, I definitely recommend adding a canal cruise to your itinerary! 🚤

10.Jewish Museum

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FAQ — 10 Things to Do in Amsterdam

-Where to Park in Amsterdam?

As I mentioned earlier, getting around Amsterdam by car can be quite difficult, especially in the city centre. For that reason, I recommend using one of the P+R (Park and Ride) car parks located around the city.

You can leave your car at a P+R and then take public transportation into the city centre. One of the biggest advantages is that the parking fee can be much cheaper when you use public transportation correctly.

For example, in 2025, we paid only €18 for four days of parking, which was a great deal compared with parking in central Amsterdam. It would have cost 180€if we hadn’t use public transportation, so save you bis ticket on the way back to the parking.

There are several P+R locations around Amsterdam, so you can choose one depending on where you’re staying and which part of the city you want to visit.

💡My tip: If you’re visiting Amsterdam by car, definitely look into the P+R options before your trip. It can save you a lot of money and, honestly, makes exploring the city much easier!

–Where to Stay in Amsterdam?

If it’s your first time visiting Amsterdam, I recommend staying in the Museum Quarter. It’s a great location because you’ll be close to some of the city’s most famous attractions, including the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum, and Vondelpark.

We stayed at Omega Hotel during our trip in February, and we had a really good experience. Our room was comfortable and perfect for our stay, and the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful.

One thing I especially appreciated was that they offered to keep our luggage after check-out, which meant we could spend the rest of our last day exploring Amsterdam without having to carry our bags around.

If you’re looking for a convenient place to stay, especially for your first trip to Amsterdam, the Museum Quarter is definitely an area I would recommend.

–How many days do you need in Amsterdam?
I recommend spending at least 3 days in Amsterdam to see the main attractions without rushing. With three days, you can visit museums, explore the canals, cycle around the city, and still have time to discover some less touristy spots.

–Is Amsterdam expensive to visit?
Amsterdam can be quite expensive, especially when it comes to accommodation and popular attractions. However, there are also plenty of free things to do, such as walking around the canals, visiting parks, and taking the free GVB ferry across the IJ.

–What is the best way to get around Amsterdam?
Amsterdam is very easy to explore on foot, but cycling is one of the best ways to experience the city like a local. The tram and metro are also convenient for longer distances.

–Is Amsterdam worth visiting in spring?
Absolutely! Spring is one of the best times to visit if you love flowers. The city’s parks and gardens are beautiful, and you’ll find tulips everywhere. It’s also a great time to visit the Flower Market and explore the surrounding countryside.

Amsterdam is such a beautiful and diverse city, with something for everyone. Whether you want to explore museums, cruise along the canals, cycle through the parks, or simply enjoy the city’s atmosphere, there is always something new to discover.

I hope this guide helps you plan your trip and gives you some ideas for your next visit to Amsterdam. Enjoy exploring!