Best of Amsterdam: My top 9 Activities

Trying to decide which activities to do in Amsterdam?

While Amsterdam is full of amazing experiences, make sure you add the following activities to your itinerary. These are what make Amsterdam so unique!

1. Anne Frank House Museum

  • What is it? The original house where Anne Frank and her family hid from the Nazis during World War II. It is now a museum that educates visitors about Anne’s life and the horrors of the holocaust. This was my favorite experience in the city.
  • Where: Westermarkt 20, 1016 GV Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • How long to spend there: 1.5-2 hours
  • Cost: 16 euros
  • Tip: Book your tickets 6 weeks in advance
Photos are not permitted inside. This is the outside of the house.

2. Van Gogh Museum

  • What is it? A museum showcasing the artwork of Vincent Van Gogh.
  • Where: Museumplein 6, 1071 DJ Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • How long to spend there: 2 hours
  • Cost: 32.50 euros
  • Tip: Splurge for the 3 euro audio guide at the door!

3. Canal Cruise

  • What is it? A tour on the canals of the city offering city insight from an expert tour guide.
  • Where: Most depart from Prinsengracht near the Anne Frank House
  • How long to spend there: 1 hour
  • Cost: Varies (The tour I took with wine and cheese was $40 per person at peak season)
Enjoying the cruise!

4. Explore the Jordaan neighborhood

  • What is it? A beautiful district of Amsterdam with bridges, canals, old houses, adorable shops and cats.
  • Where: District in the center city
  • How long to spend there: 15 mins – 1 hour
  • Cost: Free
  • Tip: Take photos on the bridges over the canals

5. Try stroopwafels from Hans Egstorf

  • What is it? The oldest bakery in Amsterdam with the most amazing fresh stroopwafels.
  • Where: Spuistraat 274, 1012 VX Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • How long to spend there: 5 mins
  • Cost: 7.5 euros

6. Heineken Experience

  • What is it? An interactive experience in the original Heineken brewery. Learn about the history of this famous beer, how it’s made, and have a taste!
  • Where: Stadhouderskade 78, 1072 AE Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • How long to spend there: 2 hours
  • Cost: 24.95 euros
One stop along the self-led tour.

7. Rijksmuseum

  • What is it? The national museum of the Netherlands full of art and historical artifacts.
  • Where: Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • How long to spend there: 2 hours
  • Cost: 25 euros
  • Tip: See Rembrandt’s famous “The Night Watch” being restored
You can’t skip a visit to this stunning library located inside of the museum.
Admire art that captures the history and culture of the Netherlands.

Activities to do in tulip season! (mid-March through mid-May)

8. Keukenhof Gardens

  • What is it? A beautifully organized tulip garden with millions of tulips on display
  • Where: Stationsweg 166A, 2161 AM Lisse, Netherlands
  • How long to spend there: 2-3 hours
  • Cost: $56 including bus fare and entrance to the gardens
  • Tip: Book your ticket in advance and try to visit during peak season (mid-April)

9. Bike ride through Dutch tulip fields

  • What is it? Rent bikes outside of Keukenhof Gardens. Ride around the Dutch countryside to see flowers fields in full bloom. It’s an unreal experience!
  • Where: Stationsweg 166A, 2161 AM Lisse, Netherlands
  • How long to spend there: 1.5-3 hours
  • Cost: 11 euros
  • Tip: This is the best way to see the authentic tulip fields in the Dutch countryside

Those are my Amsterdam must-dos.

If you’re looking to see the tulips at their peak, make sure you plan ahead so you’ll be in the Netherlands at the perfect time.

What’s something you think should be on this list? Let me know!