Amsterdam is well known for its liberal attitude towards soft drugs and prostitution. However, it is also a city filled with history, art and multicultural flavours, making it one of the world’s most exciting cities with plenty of things to do for every traveller.

Often referred to as the ‘Venice of the North’, the city has 165 canals and 1281 bridges. The biggest canals are Herengracht, Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht & Singel. It’s easy to move around the city and almost impossible to get lost. Keep walking and you will get to one of these main canals eventually.

There is so much to do in Amsterdam in all weathers. The city is home to many incredible museums, galleries, historical buildings and shopping centres. Vondel Park is one of Europe’s most beautiful parks and a great place to hang out in the summer.

I have done many day trips from Amsterdam. Some have been included here. Others (Delft, Leiden, Den Haag, Haarlem) have their own pages.

Things To Do In Amsterdam

Whatever your interests, you will find something that excites you in Amsterdam. The city attracts more tourists every year. It truly is an incredible, beautiful city that offers so much more than sex and drugs.

Albert Cuypmarkt

Located in the bohemian district of De Pijp, Albert Cuypmarkt is the biggest street market in the Netherlands, attracting tourists and locals to enjoy the atmosphere of this edgy but chilled-out market since 1905. Vintage clothes, fresh produce and Dutch favourites such as raw herring and stroopwafels make Albert Cuypmarkt and the De Pijp area a must-visit. Map.

Albert Cuypmarkt Opening Times: 9 am – 5 pm, Mon – Sat.

Anne Frank House

A visit to Amsterdam is not complete without a visit to the ‘Anne Frank House’ (map). This is where Anne Frank, her family and four others went into hiding for over 2 years before they were caught by the Nazis. Anne Frank wrote her diary here and it is now on display in the museum.

The museum became increasingly popular in recent years, meaning people were spending all day queuing to try to gain access. These days, you have to book a ticket in advance. If you want to visit, you need to forward plan as tickets can be sold out months in advance! The museum does release a small amount each day so bear this in mind if you do not have a ticket.

It’s a sombre experience walking around the attic but I would recommend it to everyone. It triggered an interest in the Holocaust for me that has subsequently taken me to Auschwitz and many other camps and museums.

Anne Frank House Opening Times: 9.30 am – 4.30 pm, Mon – Fri. 9 am – 7 pm, Sat & Sun.
Anne Frank House Entrance Fee: 14 Euros.

Begijnhof Chapel

It was only on a recent visit that I found out about this place. ‘Begijnhof Chapel’ (map) is a real hidden surprise. Enter through a door on Spui and you will discover a hidden medieval courtyard and church that used to be home to the women of the Catholic sisterhood. These women were like nuns but had more personal freedoms. When Catholicism was banned in the 16th century, the women were allowed to practice their faith as it was on private property. The chapel was given up but a new hidden church was built which can be visited today. The last of the Begijhhof women died in 1971.

Bloemenmarkt

Floating flower market dating back to 1862 and selling tulips and geraniums and other flowers. You can buy tulips in bouquets or as bulbs to plant your own. Make sure you are aware of the seasons as bulbs bought in the Spring won’t blossom. It is a busy area but one that is full of colour. Map.

Bloemenmarkt Opening Times: 9 am – 5.30 pm, Mon – Sat. 11 am – 5.30 pm, Sun.

Boom Chicago

Boom Chicago is an American improvisational comedy troupe that performs songs and sketches based on current local and worldwide events. The comedians take suggestions from the audience as to which direction the sketches will go. It’s pretty left so if you are a Trump-supporter or even a Brexiter, you might find you are the target of most of the comedy. Boom Chicago is over 25 years old. It began at a wonderful theatre in Leidseplein but its present home is at Rozengracht (map).

Click here for more information on events at Boom Chicago.

Chimera Fantasy Giftshop

Chimera (map) is a magical fantasy giftshop located near Dam Square selling trolls, fairies, dragons, costumes, jewellery and incense. It’s a great place to wander around as they have so much interesting stuff, including the wonderful Nyform Trolls. You are not allowed to take photos for some reason, but I managed to sneak a couple.

Chimera Fantasy Giftshop Opening Times: 10 am – 6 pm, Mon – Sat. 11 am – 5 pm, Sun.

Chinatown

Located to the east of the red light district on the Zeedijk, Amsterdam’s Chinatown is filled with restaurants, asian supermarkets and the ‘Fo Guang Shan Holland Temple’ (map). Here you will find street signs written in Chinese and Dutch. As well as Chinese businesses, you will also find restaurants and stores from all over Southeast Asia.

Dam Square

Dam Square is the busiest square in Amsterdam. People visit to see the huge monument and surrounding buildings, including the Royal Palace. During the day, it is filled with street performers interacting with the jostling crowds. Be sensible with your belongings in this area. Map.

Dappermarkt

Dappermarkt is located in a muticultural area and this is reflected in the produce for sale and the surrounding restaurants. It is cheaper than other markets in Amsterdam. Try a kebab from ‘Beste Kebab’ at the northern end of the market with some crispy award-winning fries from ‘Vita’s Fries’ and for dessert try some mini pancakes from ‘Ome Tom’s’ and meet the happiest guy in the world!

Dappermarkt Opening Times: 9 am – 5 pm, Mon – Sat.

De Pijp

De Pijp is a bohemian area with a high student population creating a vibrant area with many restaurants, coffee shops and bar terraces. The lively Albert Cuyp market is at its heart. It is definitely worth leaving the city centre to explore this colourful area. Map.

Edam Day Trip

Edam is a small town north of Amsterdam that is famous for its cheese. Combine a trip to Edam with Volendam and Zaase Schans with the https://oldhollandtour.com/ travel ticket as there really isn’t a lot to do in Edam and you can explore the town in less than an hour. It is very beautiful though and definitely worth a visit.

Final Touch Snooker & Pool

Whilst there are many opportunities to play pool in Amsterdam’s bars and coffee shops, snooker is harder to come by. I couldn’t believe my luck when I discovered a snooker club opposite my hotel on the Prinsengracht. Me and a friend spent a couple of hours playing snooker and drinking Brouwerij t’Ij beer. It was a great afternoon. Map.

Final Touch Snooker & Pool Opening Times: 4 pm – 12 am, Mon – Fri. 12 pm – 12 am, Sat & Sun.

Hollandsche Schouwburg

A former theatre for almost 50 years, ‘Hollandsche Schouwburg’ (map) became an assembly point for Jews in WWII from which the Nazis would send them to concentration camps where most of them would meet their deaths. The museum is free entrance and offers a great insight into the lives of Jews in this area during the Holocaust. Map.

Hollandsche Schouwburg Opening Times: 11 am – 5 pm.
Hollandsche Schouwburg Entrance Fee:  Free Admission.

In the nearby Wertheimpark, there is an Auschwitz monument (map). Opposite Hollandsche Schouwburg is the National Holocaust Museum (map) which was under development on my last visit.

Koan Float

I visited here on one of my first visits and again more recently. ‘Koan Float’ (map) do massages but it was all about the flotation tank for me. It’s a great way to relax and rejuvenate. The staff talk you through the procedure and you don’t need to take anything with you as everything is provided. For more information visit https://koanfloat.nl/

Kriterion Cinema

‘Kriterion’ (map) is an International art-house movie theatre founded by anti-Nazi students in 1945. The cinema is small but the quality is great. I saw the horror film ‘Hereditary’ after a quick stop off at Rookie’s coffee shop. It was a great experience! Downstairs is a bar/cafe serving the excellent Brouwerij t’Ij beer. Check https://www.kriterion.nl/ for listings and enjoy a movie in this wonderful theatre.

Moco Museum

Art house showing exhibitions from Banksy, Dali, Warhol and others. On my visit, I saw Banksy and Warhol but some exhibitions are temporary. Check https://mocomuseum.com/ for further information.

Museumplein

‘Museumplein’ (map) is the park located to the rear of the Rijksmuseum. Every year, it hosts the ‘UITmarkt Festival’.

It used to be the location of the ‘iamsterdam’ sign but this has since been removed.

The park leads you to Rijksmuseum Garden, behind the Rijks Museum.

Nieuwmarkt

A popular trading area since the 17th century, ‘Nieuwmarkt’ (map) still hosts a daily market. It is surrounded by bars and coffee shops and its location in the Chinatown area, adjacent to the red light district makes it a popular tourist spot. At its centre is ‘The Waag’ (map) which is the oldest remaining non-religious building in Amsterdam.

Oosterpark

Oosterpark is a popular park for the surrounding multicultural residents to relax, have a picnic or exercise. The park, the oldest in Amsterdam, has many sculptures and a lake at its centre. If you walk here from the centre, a nice route is to go through Waterlooplein and next to the Botanical Gardens. Map.

Red Light District

The De Wallen district of Amsterdam is the oldest part of the city. There are many bars, restaurants, shops, museums and, of course, cabins where sex is for sale. By day, you might not really even notice anything different about the area. People work there, people live there. You will get the occasional window open for business but it is nothing like it is in the evening. The district comes alive, mainly around the two main canals that run through the district and the narrow streets that connect them and the Chinatown area.

Whatever your opinion on legalised prostitution, you cannot really come to Amsterdam without visiting the red light district. Just be respectful. Don’t stare if you are not interested and certainly do not take any photographs of the girls unless you want to be physically assaulted and have your phone taken.

For more detailed information about the red light district, visit https://www.amsterdam.info/red-light-district/

Red Light Secrets – Museum Of Prostitution

The number of windows where prostitutes can offer their services has dropped dramatically in recent years. One of the old windows now provides information and support to the working girls. Another is a radio station. ‘Red Light Secrets’ (map) has opened right in the heart of the RLD and gives information about the history and current state of the area. It highlights the importance of preventing human trafficking in the industry and there are also exhibits that you can interact with. You can stand in a cabin and see what it is like to have hundreds of people pass and stare. You can even stand in an actual cabin and do your best to excite the public outside. It’s a fascinating and important museum and definitely worth a visit.

Red Light Secrets Opening Times: 11 am – 6 pm, Sun – Thur. 12 pm – 8.15 pm, Fri & Sat. Last admission is 15 minutes before closing.
Red Light Secrets Entrance Fee: 12.50 Euros.

Rembrandtpark

Rembrandtpark is a peaceful park with ponds, children’s areas and lots of biking and walking paths. Much quieter than Vondel Park, there are a few surprises to be found here such as sculptures and small communities.

Sarphatipark

‘Sarphatipark’ (map) is a small English-style park in the De Pijp area named after the Jewish doctor whose statue stands proudly once again after being removed by Nazis during war time. Whilst it is small, it is a very pretty area with a lake and bridges.

Sexmuseum De Venustempel

For just 5 Euros, you can spend around an hour in ‘Sexmuseum de Venustempel’ (map). It’s a fun and educational museum. There are lots of images of pornography through the years. My strongest memory was an image of an erect penis nailed to the wall. OWWWW!

Sexmuseum De Venustempel Opening Times: 11 am – 7 pm, every day.
Sexmuseum De Venustempel Entrance Fee: 5 Euros.

Theater Amsterdam

Theater Amsterdam was purpose built for the play ‘Anne’ which was based on the story of Anne Frank. The play was incredible and the stage effects was mindblowing. The play was in Dutch but each seat had a tablet with headphones where you could listen to it in many alternative languages. It was the most amazing theater experience I’ve ever had. If you get a chance to see a play here, go for it! Map.

Click here for listings and information.

Verzets Resistance Museum

You can spend a day in the Jewish quarter visiting the Holocaust museums and memorials. Don’t miss ‘Verzets Resistance Museum’ (map) which focuses on the Dutch resistance during WWII. There are many photos, films and artifacts from this period.

Verzets Resistance Museum Opening Times: 10 am – 5 pm, Mon-Fri. 11 am – 5 pm, Sat & Sun.
Verzets Resistance Museum Entrance Fee: 13 Euros.

Volendam Day Trip

Volendam is a traditional fishing town just 20 km north of Amsterdam and accessible by bus (110 or 316 from Central Station).

It is a very picturesque town and couldn’t be any more different from Amsterdam. Take a walk down De Dijk (map) to take in both the fishing boats on one side and the old traditional Dutch homes on the other.

As you’d expect in an English seaside town but less so here, you can even get a decent version of fish and chips!

After enjoying fish and chips, I had a coffee at ‘Cafe Lennon’s’ (map) which was a great place to sit out in the sun and observe the busy port.

Vondelpark

Vondelpark is the biggest and most popular park in Amsterdam, attracting 10 million visitors every year, both tourists and locals. On a nice day, the park is filled with people lazing around the park’s many lakes. Joggers, roller-skaters, musicians, cyclists and dog-walkers all enjoy the park. The park has a wide variety of trees and birds and it is interesting to see the hierarchy of the different species of birds and how they interact.

It is very easy to get lost in Vondel Park. The easiest route would be to enter from Stadhouderskade and walk around the left hand side of the park. Keep an eye out for a wonderful tree on your left, near the outer lake.

Once you get to Vondeltuin cafe, follow the path to make your way around the other side. This is where it gets confusing!

Vondelpark is one of the most beautiful parks in Europe and is definitely worth visiting, particularly on a sunny day.

You might get lucky and see a free concert at the Vondelpark Openluchttheater, or just sit yourself down next to one of the many buskers. There is always some activity in the park.

Waterlooplein Market

Open 6 days a week, Waterlooplein Market has been around since the 19th century. Some of the items on sale from its 300 stalls might be from that period! There are many stalls selling vintage clothes, books, souvenirs, etc. More interesting are the ‘blanket on the floor’ stalls that sell absolutely any old junk! You wonder who would buy some of this stuff then you go in a bar filled with junk and that’s probably their market. Definitely worth a visit. Map.

Waterlooplein Market Opening Times: 9.30 am – 5.30 pm, Mon – Sat.

Westerpark

Westerpark is located in a lively neighbourhood, often overlooked by tourists. The green spaces that surround the central lake are a great place to relax. The park is home to a former gasworks that have now been converted. Here you will find cafes, bars and restaurants plus a cinema and a brewery amongst many independent businesses. Map.

Located in Amsterdam West, the Westerpark is a wonderful place to walk, skate, relax or have a picnic with friends. This green expanse dotted with trees and ponds is part of the Westergas complex, a former gasworks that was completely renovated in recent years. Besides the park, this area is home to a nice selection of cafés, restaurants and bars, as well as an art-house cinema and a variety of small creative businesses. Many large cultural events take place here throughout the year, and certain buildings can be rented by the public for events, parties or even weddings.

Zaanse Schans Day Trip

Take a trip back in time to the Netherlands industrial past with a visit to ‘Zaanse Schans’ (map) where you can discover windmills, traditional houses and workshops and try on clogs and sample one of the many different types of cheese. There are also a number of museums in the area, a chocolatier and a brewery.

It is very touristy but the sights and smells will win you over. The whole area is stunningly beautiful.

There is a ferry boat that takes you across the river for just one Euro. It is really worth doing as there is a cute neighbourhood made up of old green houses.

There are some wonderful sights.

It is easy to get to Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam. A train from Central Station takes 15 minutes to reach Koog-Zaandijk and then it’s a 10 minute walk. I used https://oldhollandtour.com/ so I could combine my visit to Zaanse Schans with Volendam and Edam.

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