Top Things to Do in Amsterdam

About the City

Ah, Amsterdam, the whimsical land of canals and cycling enthusiasts! Imagine a place where the buildings lean with quirky charm, almost as if they've had a tad too much gezelligheid (that's Dutch for cozy conviviality). Here, bikes rule the roads with an iron pedal and everyone's got their own two-wheeled steed. Watch your step, though, or you might find yourself with a closer look at the canals than you anticipated! Speaking of canals, they are the veins of the city, lined with houseboats where residents wake up to the gentle rock of the water – unless it's King's Day, when the city bursts in a frenzy of orange and the canals become a jovial armada of party boats. And let's not forget the scent of fresh stroopwafels wafting through the air, a true culinary hug. But every silver lining has its cloud, and in Amsterdam's case, it's the weather. The skies can be as moody as a Dutch master's painting, leaving you drenched as rain crashes down unexpectedly. And while the city preens with its cultural feathers, wallet woes are real – visiting those museums and indulging in Dutch cheese isn't always a budget-friendly escapade. In short, Amsterdam is a city of contrasts: historic yet hip, inviting yet unpredictable, and always, always charming in its own peculiar way.

Things to Do in Amsterdam

Crush a Cruffin from Saint Jean

Food & Drink

The croissant-muffin hybrids at Saint Jean are to die for! My fav is pistachio

Street Performance Showtime

Outdoors

Who doesn't love free entertainment? Stroll through Amsterdam's squares and open spaces, and you'll likely bump into street performers putting on a show. From jugglers to magicians, mimes to musicians...

Unlock Vintage Stories

The Unexpected

Become a sartorial sleuth and hit up Amsterdam's vintage shops to unearth clothing from eras past. Discover the history behind each garment and weave tales as you sport your retro finds. Vintage victo...

Herbal Botany Apprentice

The Unexpected

Go green in the city! Unleash your inner botanist and join a workshop to make your own urban herb garden. Not only will your kitchen thank you, but also you'll have the freshest basil on the block. Re...

Cheese Carving Connoisseur

The Unexpected

Say cheese, literally! Swap the paintbrush for a cheese knife and sculpt your own cheese masterpiece. Impress locals with your dairy daring creativity – who knows, you might just carve out the next ch...

Master the Art of Dutch Chocolate Making

The Unexpected

Ready to choc 'til you drop? Dive into the delicious world of Dutch chocolate crafting. Go from bean to bar, and learn the silky secrets of confectionery bliss. Stir, temper, and of course, taste – al...

Cycle Alongside Canals

Outdoors

Hop on a fiets (that's Dutch for 'bike') and become part of the bicycle brigade! Zigzag across canal bridges, feel the breeze in your hair, and mingle with the locals on their daily commute. Just watc...

Botanic Bliss

Outdoors

Plants are not just vital for oxygen; they're darn cool to look at too! Visit the Hortus Botanicus in Amsterdam and wander through thousands of plant species including a bunch that are super rare. Sta...

Kayaking the Canals

Outdoors

Ready for a paddle adventure through the city's veins? Kayaking Amsterdam's famous canals is a unique way to see the sights from water level. Just imagine gliding past those old gabled houses, under q...

Urban Climbing Quest

Outdoors

Ever looked at a building and thought 'I could climb that'? Well, don’t do that! Instead, head on over to an outdoor climbing gym where you can scramble up walls safely, with a proper harness and a ch...

Chow Down on Cheese

Food & Drink

Get ready to say cheese in more ways than one! The Dutch are serious about their cheese, and you can savor your way through gouda, edam, or any of the other melt-in-your-mouth varieties. Find yourself...

Explore the Rijksmuseum

Sights

Dive into Dutch history and art at the Rijksmuseum. With a treasure trove of masterpieces, from Rembrandt to Vermeer, this is your cultural playground!

Conquer the Negen Straatjes

Sights

Saunter through the Nine Streets, or 'Negen Straatjes', and get your fix of boutique shopping, top-notch eats, and cozy canal-side views. This hip shopping grid is where Amsterdam's cool cats prowl!

Unlock the Secrets of the Begijnhof

Sights

Slip through the inconspicuous gate to enter the serene Begijnhof, a hidden courtyard that dates back to the 14th century. It's like stepping into a time capsule with lush gardens and ancient homes!

Hunt for Hidden Gems at IJ-Hallen

Sights

Jazz up your wardrobe or find that perfect quirky trinket at Europe's largest flea market, IJ-Hallen. Be prepared to rummage and haggle your way to second-hand paradise!

Tiptoe Through De Wallen

Sights

Navigate the narrow lanes of Amsterdam's infamous Red Light District, De Wallen, but keep it clean and respectful. The area's vibrant history, quirky shops, and unique atmosphere make for an unforgett...

Sip on Dutch Jenever

Food & Drink

Brace yourself for a beverage that's gin's granddaddy – Dutch jenever! It's a juniper-flavored spirit that ranges from old to young, and drinking it is like taking a step back into Dutch history. Find...

Feast on Febo Croquettes

Food & Drink

Experience on-the-go eating, the Dutch way, with Febo's famous croquettes! It's a fast-food fantasy where you pull warm, crispy croquettes right out of a wall of vending machines. These snacks are stu...

Indulge in Oliebollen

Food & Drink

Dive into a warm, sugary treat that's like a hug from the inside! Oliebollen are Dutch doughnuts without a hole, typically filled with raisins and dusted with a blizzard of powdered sugar. They're a w...

Tea Time with a Twist

The Unexpected

Get cozy with a hot cuppa like never before! In Amsterdam, you can sip on your favorite teas inside repurposed old trams or even while floating on the canals. It's like a cuddle in a cup while you're ...