Best Things to Do in Amsterdam: Guide for First Timers

Originally published November 2018. Rewritten February 2025.

Amsterdam is a city often dubbed as a party destination but it is so much more. After four separate trips to The Netherlands’s iconic canal city, the historic charm, memorable restaurants, and sights are truly what sets it apart for me.

There’s an elegance to Amsterdam — picturesque canals with overhanging trees and reflections from the brick homes. There’s a “human-size” feeling to it all, where you can walk or bike everywhere. It’s the kind of city where locals and travelers blend seamlessly, typically over a canal bridge, a buzzing cafe, or a trendy boutique.

I think a lot of people don’t realize it until they come and visit for themselves. Often only thinking of Amsterdam for its red light district or endless “coffee shops,” you soon discover that this historic city is really rich in history and local culture. It takes a bit of time to explore and settle into what Amsterdam has to offer when there.

Over my several trips to Amsterdam, I find myself drawn to the Jordaan district. A mecca for local restaurants and boutiques, set over the “De 9 Straatjes” or 9 streets that connect quite possibly the most beautiful canals in Amsterdam.

I love a morning spent grabbing a coffee to go from local Pluk cafe, and then strolling through the canals to the Rijksmuseum. I share a lot about how I would organize my trip in this 3-day Amsterdam itinerary. Have you ever marveled at the Dutch masterpieces there? It’s something special to step back in time to experience some of Europe’s most influential artists who hail from the Netherlands.

So as you begin to plan your Amsterdam trip, I’ve put together a comprehensive travel guide that covers the very best things to do in Amsterdam. It’s a combination of everything from my four trips here. Some iconic sights, a handful of memorable experiences, and of course recommendations for where to eat and stay.

I hope you’ll find the side of Amsterdam that resonates with you! This incredibly diverse city has a lot to offer.

Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels and Things to Do in Amsterdam:

Over several trips to Amsterdam, I find myself always returning to stay in the Jordaan neighborhood. Mostly because you’re on the ring of the best canals, but secondly because you’re close to a lot on foot. If I were to pick my top three hotels to stay in Amsterdam they would be:

Hotels

1. Pulitzer, for the best canal-front hotel
2. The Hoxton, for the best boutique hotel
3. Conservatorium, for the best design hotel

Airbnbs

1. 1 Bedroom Luxurious Suite in Jordaan, for a cozy ground-floor stay with a garden-view soaking tub
2. 1 Bedroom Loft in Jordaan, for a charming attic loft in a 17th-century canal house
3. 1 Bedroom Canal Apartment in Jordaan, for waking up to canal views in the heart of the Jordaan

Things to Do

If you’re planning to visit popular attractions, it’s a good idea to book your tickets in advance. Many museums and guided tours can sell out quickly.

1. Night Canal Cruise
2. Day Time Canal Cruise
3. Cheese & Food Tour
4. Van Gogh Museum Tickets (Consider this Tour with Guide)
5. Anne Frank House Tickets (Consider this Guided Walking Tour)
6. Heineken Experience

Helpful Guides to Plan Your Trip

Planning a trip to Amsterdam? Don’t miss my Amsterdam itinerary, guide to where to stay in Amsterdam for a more comprehensive insight into the different neighborhoods and hotels I recommend, and my recommendations for the best restaurants and best boutique hotels in Amsterdam!

Travel Tip: If you plan to visit a few attractions, I’d consider purchasing an I Amsterdam City Card. The tourist card gives you access to and discounts on a variety of museums and attractions and unlimited use of Amsterdam’s public transport network for 24, 48, 72, or 96 hours.

The Comprehensive Amsterdam Travel Guide

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What to Know Before You Visit Amsterdam

How to Get from Amsterdam Schipol Airport to the City Center

The city center of Amsterdam is just a 20-minute train ride from Schiphol Airport, with trains arriving at Amsterdam Centraal train station. You can buy tickets at the machines located at the airport before heading to the platform, with prices starting from €5.20 for a one-way trip to Centraal.

If you prefer to skip the train, you can easily grab an Uber once you arrive. There’s a designated Uber pickup zone at Schiphol. For reference, our ride to the Jordaan area was around $60 for a direct door-to-door service.

How to Get Around Amsterdam

On Foot

Amsterdam is a city best explored on foot, especially if you want to take in the charm of its cobbled streets and picturesque canals. Be sure to download Google Maps to help you find your way around. If you prefer other modes of transport, you’ve got options like trams and bikes.

Trams

Trams are a convenient way to get around, connecting Amsterdam Centraal to areas like De Pijp, Jordaan, and Museumplein. Starting in 2025, ticket machines will no longer be available, so you’ll need to either buy tickets directly from the conductor on board or use OVpay — just tap your debit/credit card or smartphone against the reader when checking in and out.

Bike

For a truly local experience, rent a bike! With dedicated bike lanes throughout the city, cycling is one of the easiest ways to get around. There are also buses and ferries, but honestly, this itinerary is perfect for exploring on foot or by bike.

Book Tickets for Attractions Ahead of Time

If you’re planning to visit popular attractions like the Anne Frank House, it’s a good idea to book your tickets in advance. Many museums and guided tours can sell out quickly, so to avoid long waits or missing out, securing your tickets ahead of time is highly recommended. Here are a few tickets and experiences I’d suggest booking beforehand:

• Night Canal Cruise
• Day Time Canal Cruise
• Cheese & Food Tour
• Van Gogh Museum Tickets (Consider this Tour with Guide)
• Anne Frank House Tickets (Consider this Guided Walking Tour)

Consider Purchasing an I Amsterdam City Card

The I Amsterdam City Card is a convenient tourist pass that’s available for 24, 48, 72, or 96 hours. It offers discounts at various museums and attractions, plus unlimited access to Amsterdam’s public transportation network for the duration of the card.

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Where to Stay in Amsterdam

After several trips to Amsterdam, I always find myself coming back to stay in the Jordaan neighborhood. It’s not just because it’s surrounded by some of the city’s most beautiful canals, but also because everything you need is within walking distance.

I’ve included my short list of hotel recommendations below. For a deep dive into the different neighborhoods and hotels I recommend, check out my full guide to where to stay in Amsterdam.

Where I’ve Stayed Over Several Trips

1. Pulitzer (Jordaan) — A lovely canal-facing hotel that is a luxury boutique hotel. The design is incredible and feels like an authentic Amsterdam stay.
2. The Hoxton (Jordaan) — A more young, boutique hotel in Jordaan, offers many room types and has a chic laidback feel to it.
3. Conservatorium (Musuem District) — A luxury hotel set in the footsteps of all the best museums. It’s an incredibly designed hotel with great amenities and restaurants on sight.

My Top Picks for the Best Airbnbs

1. 1 Bedroom Luxurious Suite in Jordaan (Jordaan) — A beautifully designed ground-floor suite with a garden-view soaking tub and a private patio. The space is cozy and romantic, and the location puts you right in the heart of the Jordaan.
2. 1 Bedroom Loft in Jordaan (Jordaan) — A loft in a 17th-century townhouse with a private entrance, skyline views, and hosts who genuinely go above and beyond with local recommendations. Fair warning: the stairs are steep, but the space is worth the climb.
3. 1 Bedroom Canal Apartment in Jordaan (Jordaan) — A one-bedroom apartment on the first floor of a canal house with views right over the water. The bed is incredibly comfortable and the location is walkable to everything.

My Top Picks for the Best Budget Design Hotels

1. Adam Suites, for the best overall boutique budget hotel

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Best Things to Do in Amsterdam

Take a Canal Tour by Boat

If there is one way to kick off your trip, it’s by hopping on a canal tour by boat. It’s the best way to get oriented, learn about the history of the city, and settle in. There are dozens of companies that run canal tours, so it may seem overwhelming to pick. My two recommendations are to pick an evening canal tour or opt for a daytime one.

Travel Tip: Over several trips, I’ve done both evening and daylight canal tours. I find the evening one best on an arrival day as it gives you something to do after dinner or right before. It’s especially nice if you want to rest your feet as well or need to stay awake with jet lag!

Walk the  “De 9 Straatjes” Canals At Sunrise

As a Unesco World Heritage Site, the “9 Canals” between Raadhuisstraat and Leidsegracht are a must-see part of the city. For me, an early walk through the canals is the best time as it is sans the crowds and so peaceful. It is beautiful in early light and great for taking photos as well. You can’t go wrong with which canal you walk, so I’d pick one and just zigzag through. One downside to an early start is a lot of cafes don’t open until 9 am, so my favorite hack is to stop into the Pulitzer or Hoxton for a quick cup of coffee.

Peruse the Jordaan

Jordaan is akin to Manhattan’s West Village, it’s the life of the city with so many local boutiques, restaurants, and cafes. It’s where to spend a proper afternoon or morning in the city, plus great people-watching. The Jordaan is set over several blocks and has all the charm.

Stop into Pluk for a local cafe lunch as you pass through, and continue to De Kaaskamer to shop all things Dutch cheese. When in the neighborhood, stop by the longstanding bakery, Banketbakkerij Het Koekemannetje, for the best cookies in town.

Soak in Dutch Art at the Rijksmuseum

If you pick one of the many art museums, let it be the Rijksmuseum. It houses an extensive collection of art, history, and cultural artifacts, showcasing Dutch art and history from the Middle Ages to the present. The museum is especially famous for its Dutch Golden Age paintings, with masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Frans Hals, and many others. You will need to pre-book tickets for the Rijksmuseum.

The building itself is a work of art. Designed by architect Pierre Cuypers, the Rijksmuseum opened in 1885. Its architecture blends Gothic and Renaissance Revival styles, with its grand facade and impressive entrance making a striking first impression. Among its most famous works are Rembrandt’s The Night Watch, a large, dramatic painting, and Vermeer’s The Milkmaid.

Rent a Bike and Explore the Neighborhoods

When it comes to getting around the city in the most timely way, the best way is to do so by bike. It can feel intimidating as there are so many bikes, but trust me, you’ll get used to it quickly. Renting a bike can be a great way to see Amsterdam and more of its neighborhoods. Macbike and Yellow Bike are two companies to rent bikes from.

Travel Tip: If you’re unsure of renting a bike and self-exploring, consider hopping on bike tours to see the city. These are the two most popular in town: a 3-hour hidden gem bike tour and a 2.5-hour tour.

Spend a Friday Evening at the Van Gogh Museum

I always love to save the Van Gogh Museum for a Friday night if my itinerary works out. It’s open until 9 pm and works well to pair with a dinner date out on the town. The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam is a world-renowned museum dedicated to the life and works of the Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh. You will need to pre-book tickets for the Van Gogh. This guided tour of the museum is another option worth considering.

Located in the Museumplein area, it houses the largest collection of his paintings, drawings, and letters. The museum’s highlights include iconic works like Sunflowers, The Bedroom, and Wheatfield with Crows. It offers a unique insight into Van Gogh’s creative evolution, his struggles, and the influence of his art on the modern world.

Eat Your Way Through the Albert Cuyp Market

For those wanting the ultimate foodie experience, head over to the De Pijp neighborhood for the Albert Cuyp Market. The Albert Cuyp Market is one of the most famous and vibrant street markets in Amsterdam. Opened in 1905, this bustling market stretches along Albert Cuypstraat, and offers a diverse range of products, from fresh produce, cheeses, and seafood to clothes, flowers, and unique Dutch treats like stroopwafels (thin waffles filled with caramel). It’s a fantastic spot to experience the local atmosphere, interact with friendly vendors, and enjoy the local atmosphere.

Take a Day Trip to the Nearby City of Utrecht

One of the easiest day trips to a nearby city is Utrecht. I like to describe it as a smaller version of Amsterdam but with lots of vibrant sights. The city’s history dates back to Roman times, and its medieval center is home to stunning architecture, including the iconic Dom Tower, which is the tallest church tower in the Netherlands.

Utrecht is also a bustling student city, thanks to Utrecht University, one of the largest and most prestigious universities in the country. This youthful energy brings an exciting cultural scene, with many music festivals, theaters, and galleries.

Travel from Amsterdam to Utrecht

To travel from Amsterdam to Utrecht by train, you can easily catch a direct train from Amsterdam Centraal Station to Utrecht Centraal. The journey takes about 25 to 30 minutes, with frequent departures every 10 to 15 minutes, especially during peak hours.

Get Outdoors in Vondelpark

If you need time out of the city, one of my favorite spots for nature is Vondelpark. It’s Amsterdam’s main park and the spot to go for a stroll, bike ride, or picnic. The park is really large and you can spend some time here enjoying a quieter side of Amsterdam. We often pick up lunch to go and come down to the park to enjoy it.

Visit the Anne Frank House

The Anne Frank House is one of Amsterdam’s most poignant and powerful museums, dedicated to the life and legacy of Anne Frank, the Jewish girl who documented her experiences hiding from the Nazis during World War II. Located on Prinsengracht Canal, the museum is housed in the actual building where Anne and her family went into hiding in 1942, along with four others. It was here that Anne wrote her famous diary, The Diary of a Young Girl, which has since become one of the most widely read books in the world.

You can tour the hidden annex, where Anne and her family lived in secrecy for over two years. The rooms are preserved to reflect their conditions during that time, and the museum includes exhibitions about Anne’s life, her diary, the Holocaust, and the history of anti-Semitism. The museum also serves as a reminder of the horrors of war and the importance of tolerance and human rights.

It’s a very moving visit and one of the top things to do in Amsterdam, just remember to book your tickets in advance as there is very limited admission.

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Where to Eat in Amsterdam

Jansz

Inside the Pulitzer, Jansz was one of the restaurants I tried on my most recent trip and loved. It’s very chic and serves an elevated take on Dutch cuisine. You can try everything from hake to Dutch ribeye. You’ll want to reserve in advance, but it’s well worth it for an outstanding meal.

Tujuh Maret

With an Indonesian community at the core of Holland, eating Indonesian food is a must while in Amsterdam. The classic experience is rijsttafel or rice table where you can sample a ton of small dishes — it’s so yummy here we went twice!

Small World Catering

One of the best sandwiches I’ve had in a long time was at this deli meets cafe in the Jordaan. Someone recommended it to us on our last trip and I’m so glad we made the effort to get over here.

Raïnaraï

One of the few restaurants I make a point to get to every trip to Amsterdam. On our first trip, we came in here once for the mint tea + baklava and then came back in to eat lunch. And my most recent trip in December, I returned to the same delicious food. The food is rooted in North African/Moroccan and it’s so flavorful and fresh.

The Pantry

If you’re looking for traditional Dutch food, this one is good. We had lunch here one day and enjoyed a few classic dishes + local beer, just remember to call in advance to get a reservation.

Cafe George

Amsterdam is home to many brasseries, which are available on every block. I asked a friend who lives in the city, and this was her favorite one. So we had dinner at Cafe George and loved it. Has a bit of a Parisian vibe, with lots of classic brasserie dishes.

Pluk

Always a must when in Amsterdam, this cute cafe is a longstanding favorite in the city. They have two locations at the beginning of the Jordaan. Both are great and get equally packed. I usually go in for an easy lunch or get coffee to go from here.

Favorite Coffee Shops

There are many coffee shops selling coffee, not the other green thing! Some personal favorites are:

• Toki
• Bocca Coffee
• Lot 61

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