10 unmissable experiences in Amsterdam

Cari B. • Oct 5, 2023
Whether you’ve got 48 hours or 4 weeks, you’ll never be short of things to do in Amsterdam. Good things come in small packages — and this compact European city punches well above its weight when it comes to history, culture, food, nightlife, and Amsterdam's most beautiful places to visit. Wondering where to start? Here are 10 Amsterdam experiences you can't miss.
Learn about Anne Frank's life on a walking tour of Amsterdam.

1. Uncover shades of light and dark in the city’s past

Start your Amsterdam sightseeing on a somber note with a World War II walking tour. Taking in the Anne Frank House, the old Jewish quarter, and the Auschwitz Monument with an informed local guide will give you a snapshot of the city’s recent history and introduce you to the inspiring story of Anne Frank herself.
Come and discover what lies behind the doors of the former Heineken brewery in Amsterdam.

2. Say “Cheers!” to the Heineken Experience

The Netherlands is the homeland of Heineken, the self-proclaimed “world’s favorite beer.” Among all the Amsterdam attractions, the Heineken Experience should be top of the list for every beer-lover, especially at Christmas when the brewery is decked out in decorations. You’ll learn all about how the iconic beverage is brewed and bottled, and even pick up a few pointers on how to pull the perfect pint yourself!
See Amsterdam at its most picturesque on a canal cruise. You’ll discover the city’s historic center, the skinny bridge, the Golden Bend, and more.

3. Set your trip to cruise control

Sightseeing (while fun) can be hectic. Why dash from one landmark to the next when you could sit back and relax? A city canal cruise is the perfect way to soak in all the sights that Amsterdam has to offer, from the historical Golden Bend to ultra-modern Overhoeks.
Don't miss out on the Van Gogh Museum. With timed-entry tickets, you'll see hundreds of paintings, drawings, and letters by the Dutch master himself.

4. See iconic paintings with fresh eyes

We all know a famous painting when we see one (on posters, t-shirts, and tote bags). That’s one thing. It’s another to come face to face with the work of a master. Get up close and personal with Vincent Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers” and many more famous works at the world-class Van Gogh Museum.
Feel the beating heart of Ajax while enjoying a 75-minute ArenA Stadium Tour.

5. Score yourself a stadium tour

Whether you’re an Ajax superfan or you simply love football, a behind-the-scenes tour of the Johan Cruijff Stadium is sure to be a winner. Get VIP access to areas normally off-limits to the public, including locker rooms, the dugout, and the pitch.
Follow in the footsteps of kings and queens and explore the Royal Palace of Amsterdam with an informative audio guide.

6. Have a royal time

You’ll feel positively regal as you stroll the halls and sumptuous grounds of Amsterdam’s Royal Palace. Lining up is for commoners, so make sure you sail past the waiting crowds with a skip-the-line ticket. Don’t leave without admiring the impressive royal art collection, featuring some of the Dutch masters.
Discover the charms of the Dutch countryside on this day trip from Amsterdam and visit the picturesque towns of Edam, Volendam, Marken, and Zaanse Schans.

7. Explore the picture-perfect countryside

Cheese, clogs, windmills — you’ll have a decidedly Dutch time when you make a day trip from Amsterdam to the surrounding countryside. Head to see traditional Dutch windmills at Zaanse Schans, enjoy a spot of cheese-tasting in Edam, and take a step back in time in the quaint fishing village of the Marken.
Take an in-depth look into the world of cannabis in Amsterdam.

8. Get a new perspective on pot

Forget what you’ve heard about Amsterdam coffee shops: they’re not grungy hangouts filled with haze, but a central part of the city’s thriving culture. Learn about the role ganja plays in the life of a city with a knowledgeable local guide who’ll give you an insider’s perspective on cannabis culture.

Visit the world's largest spring garden on a tour of KeukenhofGardens from central Amsterdam.

9. Go to heaven for flower-lovers

If you’re a bloom-aficionado, you’ve probably already heard of Keukenhof Gardens. Just outside the city, this sprawling complex is one of the best places to visit in Amsterdam in spring, with fields of tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils. Skip the line at the park’s en

Skip the ticket line at the Rijksmuseum and admire over 400 masterpieces by great artists such as Jan Steen, Frans Hals, Vermeer, and Rembrandt.

10. Enjoy world-class art

Vermeer, Rubens, Rembrandt...you’ll find all these renowned painters and more in the epic Rijksmuseum. Modernists like Mondrian aren’t neglected either! And the grand museum is, itself, a work of art, designed in glorious 18th-century style. Needless to say, it’s popular among art-loving travelers and locals alike, so skip the line with priority entrance.