15 Best Things to Do in Amsterdam in 2025 | Top Attractions & Tips

Amsterdam is a city full of charm, with beautiful canals, old buildings, world-class museums, and lively streets. Whether you're visiting for a weekend or staying longer, there are so many great things to see and try. In this guide, you'll discover the best things to do in Amsterdam that will make your trip fun, exciting, and memorable.

1. Discover the Rijksmuseum

One of the most famous places in Amsterdam is the Rijksmuseum. It holds over 8,000 objects of art and history. You’ll find paintings, sculptures, and items from hundreds of years ago.

• Home to Dutch masterpieces like Rembrandt’s The Night Watch and Vermeer’s The Milkmaid

• In 2023, it welcomed around 2.7 million visitors

• Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Free entrance with the I Amsterdam Card

• Book tickets online to avoid queues

• New digital guide launched in 2024 for easier navigation inside the museum

2. Visit the Van Gogh Museum

The Van Gogh Museum is another popular place to visit. It gives you a look into the life of the famous artist, Vincent van Gogh.

• Features more than 200 paintings and 500 drawings

• Visitor numbers reached 1.7 million in 2023

• Daily limit set at 5,000 to improve guest experience

• Located in Museumplein next to Rijksmuseum and Stedelijk

• Special exhibit in 2025: Van Gogh's time in Paris

• Free cloakroom and upgraded app for digital tours

3. Explore the Anne Frank House

This museum is inside the building where Anne Frank and her family hid during World War II. It's a quiet but powerful place that teaches visitors about the past.

• Over 1.2 million visited in 2023

• Multimedia displays added in 2024 to enhance storytelling

• Museum includes the original diary and personal items

• Tickets are only available online

• Book at least 4-6 weeks in advance during peak season

4. Take a Canal Cruise

Amsterdam’s canals are not just pretty—they are a great way to see the city. A canal cruise offers a new view of its streets and buildings.

• More than 150 cruise operators now serve different canal routes

• Options include eco-friendly electric boats and luxury dinner cruises

• Evening cruises with light shows available from November to January during Amsterdam Light Festival

• Live guides, multilingual audio, and themed cruises available

• Average cost: €15–€25 for a standard cruise

5. Relax in Vondelpark

If you want a break from the busy streets, head to Vondelpark. It’s the biggest park in Amsterdam and loved by both locals and tourists.

• Over 10 million people visit each year

• Open-air theatre runs from May to September with music and comedy

• Dedicated fitness paths and yoga zones added in 2024

• Pet-friendly and great for cycling

• Visit nearby Film Museum for a short cultural break

6. Visit the Heineken Experience

The Heineken Experience is a fun way to learn about one of the most famous beers in the world. It's located in the old Heineken brewery.

• Fully interactive experience with brewing games and VR sections

• Daily tours available in 8 languages

• Adults-only venue (18+), tickets start from €21

• Taste test includes 2 fresh pints at the rooftop bar

• Over 1 million guests visited in 2023

7. Walk Through the Jordaan District

The Jordaan area is full of narrow streets, small shops, and cozy cafés. It's one of the best neighborhoods to explore on foot.

• Originally a working-class area, now a creative and food hotspot

• Includes the famous “9 Streets” shopping area

• Popular cafés include Winkel 43 (apple pie) and Café ‘t Smalle

• Farmers’ market every Saturday at Noordermarkt

• Great mix of locals and visitors enjoying the slower pace

8. Shop at the Albert Cuyp Market

If you like local markets, don’t miss the Albert Cuyp Market. It’s in the De Pijp area and has been running since 1905.

• Largest outdoor market in Europe with over 260 stalls

• Open Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Try fresh stroopwafels made in front of you

• Nearby restaurants serve diverse cuisine from Surinamese to Ethiopian

• Easily reached by tram lines 3 and 4

Read Also: Best Things to Do in London On Weekend

9. Learn at the NEMO Science Museum

The NEMO Science Museum is fun for both kids and adults. It’s shaped like a big green ship and easy to spot near the harbor.

• Received over 660,000 visitors in 2023

• Updated exhibits in 2024 focus on AI and sustainability

• Rooftop panoramic deck is free for all visitors

• Workshops include chemistry, robotics, and hands-on tech experiments

• Entry is free with Museumkaart or I Amsterdam Card

10. Visit Hortus Botanicus

This botanical garden is a quiet place to relax in the middle of the city. It’s one of the oldest gardens in the world.

• Over 4,000 plant species from around the globe

• New tropical butterfly house added in 2023

• Seasonal events like winter light trails and summer yoga mornings

• Café de Plantage offers local dishes in a garden setting

• Open year-round; check website for temporary exhibits

11. Tour the Royal Palace of Amsterdam

Located on Dam Square, the Royal Palace is used by the Dutch king for official events. Visitors can explore most of the palace when it's not in use.

• Built in the 1600s and still active for royal events

• Guided tours available in multiple languages

• Check official site for closure dates

• Audio guide included in ticket price

• Close to National Monument and luxury shopping district

12. Visit the Red Light District

This famous area, also known as De Wallen, is one of the oldest parts of Amsterdam. It’s known for its adult-themed shops, but it also has historic spots.

• 2024 regulations increased safety and reduced tourist disturbances

• Oude Kerk now hosts modern art exhibitions

• Prostitution Information Center offers educational walking tours

• Open during the day and night, with more police presence after dark

• Be respectful; photography of workers is not allowed

13. Take a Day Trip to Zaanse Schans

If you want to see traditional Dutch life, visit Zaanse Schans. It’s about 20 minutes from the city and feels like a village from the past.

• Eight functioning windmills open to visitors

• Cheese farm, wooden shoe workshop, and historic homes

• Entry to village is free; small fees apply for windmill visits

• Daily ferry and train connections from Amsterdam Centraal

• Popular with families and photography enthusiasts

14. Ride a Bike Like a Local

Amsterdam is one of the best cities in the world for biking. You’ll see bikes everywhere—and riding one is part of the full experience.

• Over 800,000 bikes in the city

• 767 km of dedicated bike lanes as of 2024

• Bike rental from €10/day with options for guided tours

• Amsterdam Bike City app helps plan safe routes

• Park at designated spots to avoid fines

15. See the View from A’DAM Lookout

For a great view of Amsterdam from above, go to A’DAM Lookout in the north part of the city. Take a free ferry from the central station to get there.

• 100 meters tall observation deck with 360° city views

• Europe’s highest swing: Over The Edge

• Rooftop bar and fancy restaurant Moon offer meals with a view

• Tickets start at €14.50; VR ride and swing are extra

• Book ahead during weekends and holidays

Conclusion: Discover the Best Things to Do in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is packed with fun, history, and surprises. You can visit famous museums, walk through peaceful parks, or explore unique neighborhoods. The best things to do in Amsterdam are easy to enjoy whether you're traveling alone, with friends, or with family. Plan ahead, get your tickets early, and enjoy the sights, tastes, and stories this amazing city has to offer.

From biking by the canals to enjoying Dutch snacks at a market, each moment brings something new. With 2025 offering even more updated attractions and eco-friendly options, now is a great time to explore the heart of Amsterdam—and have a great time doing it.

FAQ – Best Things to Do in Amsterdam

Q: What is the best time to visit Amsterdam?
A: April to October is the best time, especially during tulip season in April and May.

Q: How many days do I need in Amsterdam?
A: A 3- to 4-day trip gives you time to see the top sights and enjoy the city.

Q: Can I use public transport in Amsterdam easily?
A: Yes, trams, buses, and metro lines are fast and simple to use. You can also use OVpay to tap in with your debit/credit card.

Q: Are there free things to do in Amsterdam?
A: Yes! Walk the canals, visit free museums with the Museumkaart, explore parks, and take the free IJ ferry.

Q: What food should I try in Amsterdam?
A: Try stroopwafels, raw herring, Dutch cheese, fries with mayo, and bitterballen.

Q: Is Amsterdam safe for tourists?
A: Yes, it's very safe. Just watch out for bikes and keep your items secure.

Q: Should I book museum tickets in advance?
A: Yes. Popular spots like the Anne Frank House and Van Gogh Museum often sell out weeks ahead, especially in spring and summer.