Category: Things to Do

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


Do and see more in Amsterdam for less with the I amsterdam city card:

Amsterdam City Card

Explore Amsterdam with the I amsterdam City Card

This card give you access to all major Amsterdam highlights:

More than 70 museums
City-wide public transport
Free bicycle rental
Free canal cruise
Skip-the-lines
Discounts at restaurants, attractions, concerts
More…

Amsterdam Light Festival: Is it worth it?

The annual Amsterdam Light Festival is a winter event that combines light, art and — of course — water.

The organization promotes boat-, walking-, and bicycle tours along the 24 light art installations.

2023 marks the festival’s 12th edition.

But is it worth it? We show you visitor reviews, share our own opinion, and suggest some excellent alternatives.

Van Gogh Museum — Plan Your Visit

Amsterdam’s Van Gogh Museum contains the largest collection of paintings by Vincent van Gogh in the world.

Our extensive Van Gogh Museum guide includes details about the collection, along with information about the current temporary exhibition: Van Gogh along the Seine.

NOTE: No ticket sales at the door. You can only visit the museum after buying timed-entry tickets online. We show you how and where.

Swimming in Amsterdam

Almost a quart of Amsterdam consists of water: rivers, lakes, canals, and so on. Small wonder that swimmers are well catered for.

Aside from indoor- and outdoor swimming pools, the city has many wild swimming spots. There are even some “urban beaches.”

Also: we’ll tell you whether and where you can swim in the canals of Amsterdam.

Things to do in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a city best explored with a good helping of serendipity, aided by some pre-trip planning.

Serendipity helps you stray off the beaten path, while planning makes sure you don’t spend your vacation standing in line at tourist hot spots.