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Things to do in Amsterdam

Plan your trip to Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a city best explored with a good helping of serendipity, aided by some pre-trip planning. There is so much to do and see, both on and off the beaten path.

Here are the top Amsterdam sights and activities as selected by your fellow travelers:

What’s On in Amsterdam

One of the highlights of a visit to Amsterdam is an enchanting evening canal cruise. (Are you old enough to remember Disneyland’s coveted E-tickets? Well, this is our version).

The world famous museums are a big draw, of course. Currently the Van Gogh Museum features The Power of Pigments, a small-scale exhibition offering visitors a refreshing perspective of colorful drawings by 19th-century artists. (Yes, the extra show is included in your regular entry ticket).

Amsterdam Essentials…

You can also still observe the ongoing restoration of Rembrandt’s world famous painting, the Night Watch, at the impressive Rijksmuseum.

By the way, if enjoy visiting museums take a look at the money-savings i Amsterdam City Card, which gets you free, skip-the-line access to nearly all of Amsterdam’s museums. It also gets you into — and on top of — the A’DAM Lookout at the iconic A’DAM Tower, for unforgettable panoramic views of Amsterdam and beyond. And then there is the free use of the city’s public transport system!

Amsterdam Public Transport Tickets

Sure, Amsterdam is a walker’s dream. But as any local will tell you: you will also need public transport.

Discover Amsterdam at your own pace and enjoy unlimited travel on all trams, buses, ferries and the metro (day and night) for the number of days that suits your schedule the best.

The Enchanting Canals of Amsterdam

Speaking of “free” — seeing the picturesque canals of Amsterdam doesn’t cost a thing. A stroll along the Prinsengracht or Brouwersgracht, for instance, will create lifelong memories (not to mention countless Instagram-worthy photos).

Oudezijds Voorburgwal canal, with the Oude Kerk (Old Church), in the medieval city center of Amsterdam.

A canal cruise, relaxing and exciting at the same time, indeed remains one of the best ways to discover the city. It is not just the most popular tourist attraction in Amsterdam, but in the entire country of the Netherlands.

Amsterdam Nightlife

Then there is the nightlife — anything from pubs and restaurants, to theaters1There are some English-language theaters in Amsterdam, cinemas 2Most movies play in their original language, with Dutch subtitles., and discotheques.

Amsterdam and Serendipity

Ask people who have visited the city what to see and do in Amsterdam. You’ll get more tips and suggestions than you’ll have time for. But realize there’s something new to discover around every corner. A unique shop, a special neighborhood bar, a restaurant favored by the locals, and so on.

By all means, step into an Amsterdam café (preferably one far away from any of the well-travelled main streets), and strike up a conversation over a beer (or coffee). Who knows who you will meet. You wouldn’t be the first to be given a free tour, or to be invited to dinner at a local’s home.

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Iamsterdam City Card

The I amsterdam City Card is an excellent way to explore the city.

This convenient card gets you access to over 70 world class museums, top attractions and activities.

Also included: city-wide public transport, a free canal cruise, free 24-hour bicycle rental, a free ferry trip from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans (open air museum with working windmills and a clog factory), and much more.

Start browsing these articles if you need some inspiration on what to do and see in Amsterdam:

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I amsterdam City Card: Save Money, Time, and Hassle

Screenshot of benefits of the I amsterdam City Card
  • Over 70 world class Amsterdam museums, attractions, and events
  • Skip the line at most places
  • City-wide public transport
  • Free canal cruise
  • Free 24 hour bicycle rental
  • Discounts at restaurants, attractions, concerts
  • Much more…

The I amsterdam City Card is available in 1 – 5 days versions

Footnotes

  • 1
    There are some English-language theaters in Amsterdam ↩︎
  • 2
    Most movies play in their original language, with Dutch subtitles. ↩︎
Anton and Janet Hein
Publisher at DutchAmsterdam | Website | + posts

Anton and Janet Hein live and work in Amsterdam. We are the publishers of DutchAmsterdam.

Anton was born on a houseboat in the center of Amsterdam, right across from the iconic Westertoren and what later became the Anne Frank House museum. Having lived in nearly every district since then, he knows the city like his own back pocket.

Janet was born in England and raised in Ireland before moving to Amsterdam 43 years ago. Even to date she brings an expat’s perspective to the DutchAmsterdam website.

Last updated Saturday, August 29, 2026 CET (Central European Time)

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