Amsterdam hits different than other European cities. Maybe it’s the way morning light bounces off canal water, or how you can bike from a world-class museum to a cozy brown café in ten minutes. After spending countless weekends here (and one very memorable month-long stay), I’ve learned that what to do in Amsterdam goes way beyond the typical tourist checklist.
Sure, you’ll want to see the Van Gogh Museum and take a canal cruise. But the real magic happens when you stumble into a hidden courtyard in the Jordaan, or when a local teaches you the proper way to eat pickled herring. This guide covers both the must-sees and the experiences that’ll make you feel like you actually know the city.
Start with the canals but do it right
Every Amsterdam guide mentions canal tours, and there’s a good reason for that. The UNESCO World Heritage canal ring really is the heart of the city. But here’s what most people get wrong: they hop on the first glass-topped boat they see.
Instead, try this approach. Wake up early (I’m talking 7 AM early) and walk the canals before the crowds arrive. The Herengracht and Prinsengracht are stunning in morning light, and you’ll have them mostly to yourself. Then, later in the day, take a smaller boat tour with companies like Those Dam Boat Guys or Blue Boat Company. Skip the big tourist barges.
For something completely different, rent a pedal boat or electric boat and captain your own canal adventure. It’s surprisingly affordable when split between friends, and you can stop wherever catches your eye.
The museum triangle deserves your time and strategy
Amsterdam’s three heavyweight museums—the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Stedelijk—sit within walking distance of each other. But don’t try to tackle all three in one day unless you enjoy feeling overwhelmed and cranky.
The Rijksmuseum alone could eat up half a day. Rembrandt’s “The Night Watch” gets all the attention, but spend time with Vermeer’s “The Milkmaid” too. The audio guide is actually worth it here—it’ll help you understand why Dutch Golden Age art was so revolutionary.
At the Van Gogh Museum, book your ticket online weeks in advance. Seriously. I’ve seen people standing in line for hours only to be turned away. The museum gets packed, but early morning slots (9-10 AM) are much more manageable.
Pro tip: The I amsterdam City Card covers these museums plus public transport, but only buy it if you’re planning to visit at least three major attractions. Otherwise, you’re just throwing money away.
Anne Frank House requires planning and perspective
The Anne Frank House is probably Amsterdam’s most emotionally heavy experience. Tickets sell out months in advance, so book as soon as you know your travel dates.
The house itself is small and can feel rushed when crowded. But that’s kind of the point—it helps you understand the cramped conditions the Frank family endured. Give yourself time afterward to process what you’ve seen. The nearby Westerkerk, where Anne could hear the bells from her hiding place, offers a quiet moment for reflection.
If you can’t get tickets, the Jewish Cultural Quarter offers powerful alternatives. The Portuguese Synagogue and Jewish Historical Museum provide important context about Amsterdam’s Jewish community before, during, and after WWII.
Neighborhoods tell the real story
Forget the Red Light District for a minute (we’ll get there). Amsterdam’s neighborhoods each have distinct personalities, and exploring them feels like visiting different cities.
The Jordaan
The Jordaan used to be working-class, but gentrification has turned it into Amsterdam’s most charming area. Narrow streets wind between independent shops, art galleries, and brown cafés that have been serving locals for centuries. Saturday’s Noordermarkt is perfect for vintage finds and organic produce.
Don’t miss the hidden courtyards (hofjes) scattered throughout the Jordaan. These were originally built as housing for elderly women and now offer peaceful escapes from busy streets. The Karthuizerhof and Claes Claeszoon Hofje are particularly beautiful.
De Pijp
De Pijp feels younger and more international than the Jordaan. The Albert Cuyp Market runs through its heart—it’s touristy but still functional, selling everything from fresh stroopwafels to vintage leather jackets.
The real draw is the café culture. Locals spend entire afternoons at places like Café Sarphati or Café de Reiger, reading newspapers and watching the world go by. This is where you’ll start to understand the Dutch concept of gezelligheid—that untranslatable feeling of coziness and togetherness.
Amsterdam Noord
Take the free ferry behind Central Station to Amsterdam Noord. This former industrial area has transformed into a creative hub without losing its gritty edge. The NDSM Wharf hosts festivals, markets, and art installations in converted shipping containers.
EYE Film Institute’s building alone is worth the ferry ride—it looks like a spaceship landed on the waterfront. Inside, they screen everything from silent films to experimental documentaries.
Food experiences that matter
Amsterdam’s food scene extends far beyond tourist-trap pancake houses. Here’s what actually matters:
Stroopwafels: Get them fresh and warm from a market stall, not packaged from a souvenir shop. The Albert Cuyp Market has several good vendors.
Pickled herring: This is Amsterdam’s ultimate local test. Buy it from a fish stand (there’s a good one near the Bloemenmarkt) and eat it the Dutch way—hold it by the tail and lower it into your mouth. Don’t overthink it.
Brown café culture: These traditional pubs are Amsterdam’s living rooms. Café Hoppe (since 1670) and Café de Dokter (the city’s smallest bar) offer authentic experiences. Order a jenever (Dutch gin) and settle in for the long haul.
Indonesian food: Thanks to colonial history, Amsterdam has incredible Indonesian restaurants. Kantjil & de Tijger serves excellent rijsttafel (rice table) that’ll introduce you to flavors you didn’t know existed.
Beyond the obvious attractions
Vondelpark and cycling culture
Rent a bike—not because you have to, but because it’s genuinely the best way to get around. Amsterdam has more bikes than residents, and the infrastructure makes cycling feel natural even for nervous riders.
Vondelpark is perfect for bike riding, people watching, and understanding how locals use green space. On sunny days, it transforms into an outdoor living room where families picnic, musicians perform, and everyone seems to know each other.
Markets beyond Albert Cuyp
The Bloemenmarkt (flower market) is pretty but touristy. For a more authentic market experience, try:
- Boerenmarkt (Saturdays at Nieuwmarkt): Organic produce and artisanal foods
- Waterlooplein Flea Market: Vintage clothes, books, and random treasures
- Noordermarkt (Saturdays): Antiques and local crafts in the Jordaan
Hidden gems and secret spots
Amsterdam rewards curious wanderers. The Begijnhof, a hidden courtyard near Spui, houses one of the city’s oldest wooden houses. The entrance is easy to miss, but inside you’ll find a peaceful garden surrounded by historic buildings.
For contemporary art, skip the crowded Stedelijk and visit smaller galleries in the Jordaan or De Pijp. Many offer more intimate experiences with emerging Dutch artists.
Practical stuff that actually helps
Getting around: The GVB day pass covers trams, buses, and metros. But honestly, walking and cycling work better for most tourist areas.
Timing: Visit major museums early morning or late afternoon. Lunch hours (12-2 PM) are surprisingly busy everywhere.
Weather: Amsterdam weather changes fast. Bring layers and a light rain jacket, even in summer.
Tipping: Round up to the nearest euro at cafés, 10% at restaurants if service was good.
Cannabis tourism: If this interests you, stick to licensed coffee shops and be respectful. Many locals find cannabis tourists annoying, so don’t be that person stumbling around high in public.
The Red Light District deserves context
Yes, the Red Light District exists, and yes, you’ll probably visit. But understand what you’re seeing. This isn’t just a tourist attraction—it’s a working neighborhood where people live and work.
The area has fascinating history beyond sex work. The Red Light Info center offers educational tours that explain the district’s role in Amsterdam’s development and current debates about sex work regulation.
Walk respectfully, don’t take photos of workers, and remember that behind the neon and crowds, this is someone’s workplace and neighborhood.
Day trip options worth considering
If you have extra time, these day trips showcase different sides of Dutch culture:
Zaanse Schans: Touristy but genuinely beautiful windmill village. Go early to avoid crowds.
Keukenhof Gardens: Only open March-May, but spectacular if you’re visiting during tulip season.
Haarlem: A smaller, quieter version of Amsterdam with excellent museums and cafés.
Making the most of your Amsterdam experience
Amsterdam works best when you balance planned activities with spontaneous discoveries. Book museum tickets and restaurant reservations in advance, but leave room for wandering down random streets and ducking into cafés that catch your eye.
The city’s compact size means you can easily walk between neighborhoods, but don’t try to see everything in one trip. Amsterdam rewards return visits, and locals appreciate travelers who take time to understand the culture rather than just checking items off a list.
Most importantly, embrace the Dutch pace of life. Sit in a brown café for longer than feels necessary. Take time to watch canal boats drift by. Strike up conversations with locals—they’re generally friendly and proud of their city.
Amsterdam isn’t just about what you see; it’s about how the city makes you feel. Give it time to work its magic, and you’ll understand why so many visitors end up planning their return trip before they’ve even left.