I never get tired of visiting Amsterdam. It’s such a vibrant city with a fantastic atmosphere and oodles of personality. From the iconic architecture to the miles of canals, and from the droolworthy Dutch pancakes to the impossible amount of museums, there’s so much to enjoy. It’s no wonder it’s such a hotspot for tourists!
But with so much to see, eat and do, it can be difficult to know where to start. And if you’re starting to plan your trip and find yourself in this boat, don’t worry… I’m going to share my top 10 best things to do in Amsterdam with you all. This list includes a mix of things that are definitely aimed at tourists, as well as some quieter, less busy options. There’s something to suit everyone and all budgets!
1. De Poezenboot (The Catboat)
If you’re an animal lover like me, De Poezenboot is for you. It’s a sanctuary for stray and abandoned cats on a houseboat, and you can climb aboard to visit them. You’ll get to see the cats lounging around, playing and enjoying the canal view. And what’s even better is that it’s free! However, the sanctuary relies on donations to stay afloat (pun absolutely intended), so if you can spare a few Euros, it would be massively appreciated.
The best way to visit is to book a time slot. You will need to show your booking for entry. Find De Poezenboot at Singel 38 – G, 1015 AB Amsterdam.
2. The Anne Frank House
I think this one speaks for itself, but a visit to the Anne Frank House is a must if you’re in Amsterdam. It’s really fascinating and moving to walk the floorboards that the Frank family once did, and climb into the annex where they lived during the war. It really is something that I think everyone should experience at least once, so make sure you grab tickets for this. Pro tip: the house is kept as close to its original state as possible with lots of steep stairs, so wheelchair users or people with reduced mobility may not be able to access the annex. Read more about the museum’s accessibility.
Tickets are released a month in advance and will sell out quickly. Find the Anne Frank House entrance at Westermarkt 20, 1016 DK Amsterdam.
3. Tony Chocolonely’s Super Store
This is one for the chocolate fans! Tony’s Chocolonely is arguably one of the best sweet treats that we have imported from The Netherlands. So why not go stock up while you’re in its home country? The Super Store is hidden away below the Beurs van Berlage, but once you find it, you’ll be in chocolate heaven. You absolutely have to do the ‘design your own bar’ experience, where you can pick the chocolate, the extras and design the wrapper (costs around 7.50 Euros).
Find Tony Chocolonely’s Super Store at Oudebrugsteeg 15, 1012 JN Amsterdam. You can also visit the Chocolate Bar round the corner on Damrak 213.
4. Foodhallen
Foodies, listen up. What could be better than a humongous indoor market with 21 individual street food and drink vendors? Not a lot! Foodhallen is an ideal spot to visit for lunch or to take up an afternoon if you want to browse some of the shops in the building too. There’s so much to choose from and a real community atmosphere. Make sure you’ve got plenty of Euros on your card because it’s going to be difficult to pick just one vendor!
Find Foodhallen at Bellamyplein,1053AT Amsterdam – inside De Hallen.
5. Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder (Our Lord in the Attic)
If you love history or slightly more hidden parts of history, you’ll love Our Lord in the Attic. This small, tucked away museum is completely unsuspecting. Given its modern entrance, you would expect it to be another art gallery. But instead, you venture through a tunnel below the building and up into the well-preserved 17th century house next door. And in the attic, you’ll get to see a three storey Catholic house church – the best preserved of its kind in Amsterdam – and learn all about its history. It’s truly so different to many of the other museums in the city and not too busy either. It’s a well kept secret!
Make sure you book your tickets online. Find Our Lord in the Attic at Oudezijds Voorburgwal 38-40, 1012 EH Amsterdam.
6. De Hortus Botanicus (The Botanical Gardens)
While Amsterdam isn’t too much of a concrete jungle, it can be quite nice to break away to a green space while in a city. De Hortus Botanicus is absolutely ideal, as you’re transported to far away places in the luscious gardens and greenhouses. It’s simply stunning! It’s also great if you’re a keen ‘grammer and want to snap something a little different to the canals. It’s also free when you buy an iamsterdam card, along with the zoo so you could easily tie them both in together for a day.
You don’t have to pre-book a ticket, but the option is there if you want to be safe. Find De Hortus Botanicus at Plantage Middenlaan 2a, 1018 DD Amsterdam.
7. Glow miniGolf
I know, who goes all the way to Amsterdam to play mini golf? We do! We love mini golf in our house and we found a brilliant (and totally unsuspecting) course in the city. This particular golf course is underneath a bar, so don’t be put off when you first walk through the door – I promise you’re in the right place. It’s also all UV painted, so it makes for some brilliant photos. This was one of the best things we did on our recent trip!
Book your mini golf slot online. Find Glow miniGolf at Prins Hendrikkade 194, 1011 TD Amsterdam.
8. NDSM
The public transport in Amsterdam is just fantastic and one of the best elements is the free ferry across the river. If you want to head over to that side, make sure you hop on the one that takes you to NDSM. This is a super cool, trendy area that’s got lots of street art (and a street art museum), quirky bars and restaurants, and the biggest flea market in Europe. It’s spot on if you’re looking to head away from the typical attractions of the city centre.
Take the free GVB Amsterdam ferry from behind Central Station (on the left-hand side) to NDSM-werf. These run approximately 2-4 times per hour and the trip takes 15 minutes.
9. Red Light Secrets
There’s no mistaking that the Red Light District is a major part of Amsterdam and it’s always been something that I’ve wanted to know more about. And if you’re in the same boat, you should take a look at Red Light Secrets. This walk through museum experience is inside an old brothel, and while it doesn’t tell you the history of the RLD (which is something I’m interested in), it gives you a look into the life of the sex workers there. It answers a lot of questions about how it all works, how the tourism affects it and the legalities of sex work. It’s really fascinating and definitely one for those who have burning questions about the area.
Note: some of the language used in the museum is a little outdated – I’m pinning it on the Dutch to English translation. Book your tickets online to receive a timeslot. Find Red Light Secrets at Oudezijds Achterburgwal 60, 1012 DP Amsterdam.
10. A canal cruise
And last, but certainly not least, I recommend a canal cruise. Yes, there are 100% aimed at tourists, but they’re a lovely way to fill an hour or so. You get a nice break and a chance to see the city from the water! Lovers is a highly recommended company to try and you get a pair of headphones to listen to the commentary as you sail. We gave Flagship a go on our recent trip because the boat was open top and the commentary is spoken to you by the people manning the boat. But there are lots of options available!
Check out this list on TripAdvisor for the top rated canal tours.
Of course, there are lots and lots of other things to do in Amsterdam, but I hope this list has inspired you!
What will you book for your trip?
