40 Things To Do In Amsterdam
The only city where it’s more normal to bike through town and experience traffic on the bike lanes. In fact, bike lanes would have surpassed the car lanes if they could. In an attempt to count the number of two-wheeled vehicles, the city’s preserved & authentic homes distract you. Rows featuring perfectly symmetrical homes with distinct, bold colors glisten along the river. It’s not even sunset.
Creativity is a source of inspiration. If not from the coffee shops, then the ability to fit multiple people on a bike. A city where the only thing to possibly outnumber the overpopulated bikes is the coffee shops. The quintessential European fashion thrives here. Neutral colors, bold sunglasses & comfortable walking sneakers (because fancier shoes would make you really stand out) are a few of the staples. The many Museums, parks, gardens, coffee shops & bars overwhelm the itinerary and that’s where I come into the equation. Here are 40 things to do in Amsterdam that’ll make you wanna either visit every year or just move there!
Frequently Asked Questions
When to Visit: It’s honestly a tricky question. There is never a “perfect” time to go so I’ll leave that to your personal preference.
How To Get There/Travel Around
- Driving: For my locals, this one is the obvious choice- why make it more difficult right?
- Biking: Depending on how far you want to travel to make this commitment, biking is always a safe option. The city has designated bike lanes all over the city. I highly recommend renting bikes from a company like Black Bike Rentals which has excellent rates & the option to rent & return from their multiple stores.
- Buses/Train: Public transportation is too notch here so don’t discount it! Since border countries are all close by hopping on a train or bus sounds like the best decision.
- Plane: For my overseas folks, fly into the Schiphol Airport and then either train or take an Uber to your Airbnb/hotel.
Where to Stay In Amsterdam
1. AIRBNB: This is where I stayed & I absolutely adored it. It’s in a nearby town called, Duivendrecht, that’s about a 10-minute train ride to Amsterdam city and a 20 min bike ride. The place was so beautiful. You have a rooftop view of the beautiful town, a spacious area with a kitchen & dining room along with incredible hosts that prepared breakfast every morning which saved us money on spending at the restaurant. 10/10 would come here again!
2.Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Zaandam: This was a runner-up before finally deciding on the AIRBNB. A lot of places are expensive in the city center, so this one was one of the more affordable options.
Hotel Bellington | (my sister’s rec) **The stairs here are kinda crazy but in a decent location. 7min to Leidsplein, and right around the corner from the Rijksmuseum and VanGogh Museum. It’s nothing fancy but it gets the job done lol
Tips For Traveling To Amsterdam
1. Book museums in advance: places like the Rjishkmiseum, Van Gogh Museum & Anne Frank are in high demand, thus have created a system to prevent overselling of unused tickets by opening up tickets up to six weeks before the day.
2. Rent bikes for the day: This is a no-brainer. The city is extremely bike friendly with tons of option to rent from. I’d recommend getting the day passes from Black Bike Rentals (they have multiple locations so you can return the bike from a different location from where you got it if that applies) Before you arrive, order a phone holder on Amazon so you can leave your phone’s directions on the map without risking your life. I’d also get the basket in the front to carry your belongings. Also, if you’re going to be gone for less than 5 minutes (running to take a pic or go into a store) I wouldn’t lock your bike since it’s an extra step EVERY time you make a pit stop.
3. Save $ & Airbnb a little out of town: This is a no-brainer when it comes to saving money! For places like Amsterdam, you have tons of places close but that’ll cost you an arm & a leg. I absolutely adored where I stayed and it was only a 20-minute ride into town which is perfect since I couldn’t wait to bike all around the city.
4.Walking shoes >> fashion: European fashion is practical, timeless & chic. This doesn’t mean that they don’t wear nice shoes ever, but it’s not worth wearing uncomfortable stylish shoes if it means blisters. I highly recommend white, neutral walking shoes that’ll match all of your outfits.
5.Ramberplant= the best nightlife. From great vibes to reggaeton music- here is where the party is!
Things To Do In Amsterdam
1. Rent Bikes & Wander: Renting a bike is your best move to get a feel for the city. Pro Tip: Highly recommend Black Bike Rentals! The black bikes are perfect because they don’t scream tourist.
2. Anne Frank House: To say the least, it was incredibly moving. I didn’t have an expectation, but given that we got to go to their rooms & the hidden annex was so surreal. The impact she has on the world is something that can’t be fully fathomed to the degree that the museum showcases it. I feel honored to have gotten the chance to see it & still can’t imagine the horror & fear they were put through. Pro Tip: Book in advance. Tickets become available 6 weeks before your date on that Tuesday. I’d also allot 1.5-2hrs here so don’t overbook yourself
3. Shopping: Right near the Anne Frank House there are a ton of stores to shop until you drop!! I loved visiting the ONLY New Balance store in Amsterdam! I’m so in love with my New Balance 574s that match the European chic vibes.
4. Museumplein Gardens: This area is super cute & relaxing to take a mini nap in the park. They have hot dog stands if you’re looking for a quick bite- it quite literally saved us since we were starving!
5. Canal Tour: You can’t go to Amsterdam & NOT do a canal tour! I got this tour & requested it outside of the Anne Frank House (they also drop you off at the same spot) Pro Tip: They’re flexible in the timing since they run every 10min. & try to score a seat on the front of the boat. Pro Tip #2, I heard that Pure Boats is a more local/less touristy experience.
BONUS: My Sister’s Recommendations
My sister Samantha actually went to Amsterdam right before me and has a ton of recommendations. Samantha and her friend spent more time in Amsterdam than I did and because of that they were able to fit more activities into their trip. She went during the peak tulip season so some of these I wasn’t able to do. If you plan in advance, you can experience the iconic tulips before all of the tickets get sold out! Ready to get inspired? Let’s see her recs!
Bloemenmarkt | Beautiful display of flowers.***My tulips were rudely stolen from customs, DON’T buy anything that doesn’t have the special USA-approved sticker on it, so none of the mix-and-match bulbs in the crates. I think you can still bring in seeds but I would look ahead of time before you lose out on $$
Keukenh of Gardens Tulip-Fields | This 5.5-hour tour departs from Central Station Amsterdam (bus pickup is in the back by tours and tickets…a lot of ppl got lost so should get there early to find it) to Holland’s colorful Keukenhof Park. Travel by air-conditioned bus through an area with endless tulip fields, one of the country’s most photographed and iconic landscapes. **Pack snacks to enjoy in the garden ??
Stroll through the Markets and streets of Jordaan | **The tour is really just walking around Jordaan lol still cute tho. I was able to find 2 jokes, they’re literally holes in the wall. If you find a random alley between buildings don’t follow your gut instinct and actually go inside… they’re just mini courtyards.
Additional Museums to Check Out | Rijksmuseum | €22.50 & Van Gogh Museum | €20
Amsterdam Highlights
Best Places To Eat In Amsterdam
1.Pancakes Amsterdam: Given that I booked the Anne Frank tour super early, there wasn’t much time to eat but going to this place next store. Welcome to Pancakes- where you can dry a Dutch pancake & experience your mouth melt over the flavors. Pro Tip: The pancakes are very big!! I recommend the spinach one along with the apple one to give it that perfect balance!
2. Little Buddha: Noodles have my heart. The noodles and vegetable dumplings satisfied all my taste buds! Pro Tip: This place is very affordable
BONUS: My Sister’s Recommendations
BRUNCH
- Ted’s Place | **really good french toast….i ordered the churro one with chocolate and honestly, way too much chocolate would just order a regular and ask for extra syrup. Europeans don’t like condiments lol
- CutThroat | Bottomless or Reg Brunch available **They have ticketed events for Friday and Saturday nights.. Missed out cuz I planned everything last minute. But can’t go wrong with Caribbean beats.
LUNCH
- Foodhallen | Foodhallen, Bellamyplein 51, 1053 AT: (perf for when you first arrive and aren’t sure what you’re in the mood for, it’s a food hall with many choices. Essentially the Chelsea Market of Amsterdam.
- Koopman Deli | Elandsgracht 100HS, 1016 VA Amsterdam, Netherlands: Under $5 sandwiches! good quick eats.
DINNER | **steal ketchup packets whenever you can to use for later…they are STINGY
- Xian Foods $ | (Over-the-counter order then sit-down style Asian eats) This is in Leidseplein by our hotel room so we could eat, freshen up at the hotel if we need and then go out in Leidseplein ??
SNACKS
- Fabel Friet | French fry place
- Van Stapele Koekmakerij | Really good cookie place.(Note there is a long wait like 30 minutes-ish…my friend waited and I tried one.. It was good…not a cookie person so idk if I’d recommend waiting for it)
Best Spots For A Night Out In Amsterdam
1. Club Smokey: This spot was amazing. Not only did the vibes match our energy, but the comfy booths, hookah, cider & music were so much fun! Pro Tip: This place is a great in-between place on the way to the next club! (You don’t need to dance as the couches are there for chilling with good vibes)
BONUS: My Sister’s Recommendations! (they went out every night so I trust their opinions!)
2. Club Noir: Afrobeats, dancehall (the drinks here are like 8oz…but the vibes are *fire emoji* ) DJ is very open to all of my many reggaeton requests lol
3. Club Air: $20 entry ticket but it includes a drink. The bathroom is €2 for unlimited use the whole night. Music is kind of a weird mix of 2010’s hit and modern hip hop.…kinda the same as a lot of places in Amsterdam/Europe tho.
4. Red Light Bar: “The best bar in the red light district”. A lot of weird guys (as you can imagine being in RLD lol) 3 floors tho, 1st floor has pool tables, 2nd chiller sit-down spot, and the top floor is dancing. The music was kinda wack when we went but still pretty cool and had good drinks.
5. Brazilian Roots- Reggaeton, and Latin hits all night & the best DJ by far of the whole trip lol drinks were good, €5 cover charge.
6. Additional Recs | Club Escape: (heard good things), Cafe t’Smalle: (Drinks on the canalside) & Club Paradise: (Bartender recommended this place)
The Best Coffee Shops
1. Smokey Coffee Shop: Right in the Rembrandtplein Square, you have this cool coffee shop. Feel free to chill outside or inside and they have decent food (nachos, grilled cheese & tasty drinks as well) Pro Tip: this area really pops off at night!
2.GreenHouse: The iconic Strain Hunters already perfected the best strains for your liking. They’re super knowledgeable about the ambiance inside is great! Pro Tip: Loved the Mango Kush flavor the best!
4. Abraxas: A very very cool coffee shop with lots of options to choose from, great ambiance inside & tons of seating options (3 floors worth)
5. Green Place Coffeeshop: Make it a pit stop on your final destination for the night! It’s a good time!
Free Things To Do In Amsterdam
- Zuiderkerk view from Groenburgwal Canal
- The Begijnhof is a hidden inner garden courtyard in the center of Amsterdam,
- Melkweg EXPO Photo Exhibition
- Skinny bridge (you pass this on the canal cruise)
- The Cat Boat (Poezenboot) |Boat with many stray/ abandoned cats you can hang with. (Donations accepted)
- Maze at Amstel Park
- Vondelpark: Check out the Picasso sculpture
Hidden Gem/ Cool Finds In Amsterdam
- Cute Sunset viewing spot: papiermolenluis brug 57
- Dinner drinks & party yellow house
- Rope swing: by de ceuvel amsterdam
- Walk down lomann staat
- Best neighborhoods: Jordaaan, Willemspark, Oud west & De-pijp,
- De Gooyer Windmill and Brewery ‘t IJ
There You Have It
You could get lost thinking about the hundreds of things to do here, but at the end of the day- take everything slow. You don’t have to run and do twenty things in one day if it means being in constant chaos. Take it day by day and you just might run into a hidden gem! There are obviously a ton more things to do in Amsterdam and given that I just scratched the surface, this is a destination I’d love to visit again! I really appreciate Flossy In Wonderland’s Instagram with great guides to navigating this wonderful city! If you like what you read, feel free to leave a comment & explore my page for more travel inspiration!
what do you think?