Museums, Heineken, and trendy neighbourhoods await.
Van Gogh. Canals. Bikes. And waffles. Amsterdam is a city packed with treats for all your senses. This European capital has it all. On your journey into The Dam, you’ll stroll along cobbled streets, see beautiful buildings, take to the canals, explore quirky neighbourhoods, and live the life of a local for a few days. Say hello to Amsterdam: a cultural melting pot.
The top attractions in Amsterdam
If you’re a newbie to the city or an Amsterdam veteran, you’ll always want to put these top things to do on your Amsterdam bucket list.
Rijksmuseum
800 years of history
The national museum of the Netherlands is dedicated to Dutch arts and history. Step inside its grand doors for 800 years of history and some unparalleled art from the Dutch masters including Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh.
Anne Frank House
A sobering experience
You’ve read the book and know the history. Now it’s time to work your way through the house where the wartime diarist hid. This must-do Amsterdam attractions gets super busy – you’ll see the queues snaking well out the door. Book tickets in advance to avoid any disappointment.
Vondelpark
Lush and green
Just west from Leidseplein and the Museumplein, Vondelpark is one of the most famous of Amsterdam’s parks. It’s a 120-acre haven away from the tight streets of the city. Head here for the open-air theatre, playgrounds for the kids and cafes.
Van Gogh Museum
Best in the world
Whilst the Rijksmuseum gives a flavour of the famous Dutch artist, visit this dedicated museum for a real Van Gogh fix. It’s home to the world’s largest Van Gogh collection, including more than 200 paintings, 400 drawings and 700 letters.
Add these Amsterdam attractions to your bucket list
Spend your time in the city checking out these sights and neighbourhoods.
Jordaan
Quirky and cool
Break away from the tourist trail and get a slice of local life in Amsterdam with a few hours spent in Jordaan. The neighbourhood to the east of the city centre is packed with canals (you guessed it), as well as many independent art galleries, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, boutiques and more. It’s also home to the bustling Noordermarkt square market where you can pick up jewellery, clothes, antiques, and organic food.
Heineken Experience
Beer and views
If you like a beer, you’ll see Heineken everywhere in Amsterdam. And there’s no better place to sample the amber nectar than at the top of the Heineken Experience. It was once the main brewery, but they outgrew it in 1988. Today, it’s a museum where you can learn about the beer’s heritage and the brewing process. You’ll finish with a tipple on the rooftop for unrivalled views across the city.
Bloemenmarkt
Tulips and more
This picturesque floating flower market on the Singel Canal is the stuff on Instagram dreams. Make a beeline here to fill up your grid with colour. And if you want to pick up some flowers too, you’ll find tulips (of course) and bulbs of all kinds. It’s also the ideal place to grab souvenirs for home.
Amsterdam Canal Cruise
Take to the water
The best way to navigate the city and truly understand how it all interconnects is to take to Amsterdam’s waterways on a canal cruise. There are companies everywhere offering cruises, so you won’t be stuck for choice. Each cruise usually lasts at least an hour, the boats are heated, and you can buy drinks too.
Royal Palace of Amsterdam
Rich in royal history
You’ll find this breathtaking royal palace right at the heart of the city on the edge of Dam Square. It’s one of three palaces in the Netherlands for the Monarch. You can head inside its doors and enjoy an audio guide for the €10 fee. Perfect if you want to learn more about the history of the Dutch royal family.
Albert Cuyp Market
Street food heaven
This outdoor market is the largest in the Netherlands and has been an institution in the city since 1905. It’s open six days a week and features 260 stalls selling everything from shoes and luggage to fresh veggies and street food. If you eat one thing here, make it the stroopwafels – a true (and sweet) Dutch delicacy. The market itself is in Di Pijp – one of the city’s liveliest districts, so make sure you explore here too.
Amsterdam Hotels
Whether you want budget-friendly, the perfect location for the family or top-notch luxury, check out some of our favourite Amsterdam hotels.
Grand Hotel Amrath Amsterdam
5-star luxury
Just 500m from Central Station, this 5-star luxury hotel promises spacious rooms, a spa and swimming pool right in the centre of the city.
Hotel Not Hotel Amsterdam
Quirky and cool
This quirky hotel is around 15-20 minutes from the city centre on the tram. Expect unique concept rooms and an intriguing stay. You’re only around 2km from the heart of the action.
Generator Amsterdam
Budget-friendly designer hostel
Located in a former zoological building in Oosterpark close to the vibrant and hip De Pijp neighbourhood, this designer hostel is super cool and budget friendly.
Amsterdam Teleport Hotel
Family-friendly and fun
This fun family-friendly hotel offers modern studios ideal for the whole family. It’s just a 400m walk from Amsterdam Sloterdijk railway station. Plus, you can hire bikes too.
Amsterdam Costs
Amsterdam is a capital city, but it’s not as expensive as others in Europe. You can expect to pay:
Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: €60-70.
Pint of beer: €4-6 for a local Heineken or Amstel.
Mid-range hotel: €80-200 depending on the location and season.
Amsterdam is like nowhere else on earth. You’ve heard the stories, now seeing really is believing. Don’t miss the Dutch capital and its diverse Amsterdam attractions.
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