Key Takeaways
- Focus on Museum Quarter (Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh) and canal cruises for must-sees.
- Visit in spring (April-June) or fall for fewer crowds and mild weather.
- Budget 150-250 EUR per day, including a mid-range hotel, meals, and attractions.
- Use an OV-chipkaart for bikes, trams, and buses; avoid peak tourist scams.
- Stay 4-5 days to explore the center, Jordaan, and day trips like Zaanse Schans.
Top 20 Rated Things to Do in Amsterdam
I’ve wandered Amsterdam’s canals more times than I can count, living nearby for years and returning often. These 20 experiences, rated by visitor feedback and my personal favorites, blend iconic sights with local secrets.
Each includes ratings from TripAdvisor (over 4.5 stars on average), hours, and booking links.
1. Cruise the Canals at Golden Hour
As the sun dips, hop on a classic wooden boat cruise from Lovers Canal Cruises. I once watched the 17th-century gabled houses glow pink, feeling the city’s pulse. Open daily 9am-10pm; adults 20 EUR. Book via their site or GetYourGuide. Rating: 4.8.
2. Explore Rijksmuseum Masterpieces
The Night Watch by Rembrandt stopped me in my tracks, surrounded by Dutch Golden Age art. Spend 2-3 hours; open 9am-5pm, closed Tuesdays. Tickets are 22.50 EUR via the official site or GetYourGuide. Rating: 4.7/5. Pro tip: The Audio guide adds depth.
3. Van Gogh Museum Deep Dive
Sunflowers and self-portraits in the world’s largest collection. I teared up at his letters. 9am-6pm daily; 20 EUR. Book ahead on vangoghmuseum.nl. Rating: 4.6/5.
4. Anne Frank House Emotional Journey
Standing in her secret annex was profoundly moving. Book months ahead; evenings 9am-10pm. 16 EUR via annefrank.org. Rating: 4.8/5. Arrive early to reflect.
5. Bike Through Jordaan Neighborhood
Rent from MacBike (3h for 12 EUR); Jordaan’s boutiques and cafes feel like locals only. Rating: 4.7/5 via TripAdvisor.
6. Vondelpark Picnic Bliss
Amsterdam’s Central Park; I picnicked here weekly. Free, open dawn-dusk. Rating: 4.6.
7. Red Light District Night Walk
Respectful evening stroll; visit Oude Kerk inside. Free area, church 12 EUR. Rating: 4.5/5. Go with group tours from GetYourGuide.
8. Albert Cuyp Market Street Food
Haring (raw herring) and stroopwafels; daily 9am-5pm. Free entry. Rating: 4.6/5.
9. NEMO Science Museum Hands-On
Interactive fun for all ages; roof terrace views are free. 10am-5:30pm; 17.50 EUR. Rating: 4.5/5.
10. A’DAM Tower Swing Thrill
Swing over the edge for 15 EUR from 10am to 10pm. Rating: 4.8/5 via Adam Lookout.
11. Zaanse Schans Windmills Day Trip
Cheese-making demos; bus from Centraal 30min. 20 EUR tours on GetYourGuide. Rating: 4.4/5.
12. Flower Market Bloom Hunt
Bloemenmarkt: tulips year-round. Free, 9am-5:30pm. Rating: 4.3/5.
13. Heineken Experience Brewery Tour
Beer history interactive; 21+ after 5pm. 23 EUR via official site. Rating: 4.5/5.
14. Dam Square People-Watch
Palace and pigeons: free. Rating: 4.4.
15. De Pijp Food Halls
Fonteinjas eats multicultural. Rating: 4.7/5.
16. Artis Royal Zoo Animals
Micropia insect house is unique. 25 EUR; 9am-6pm. Rating: 4.5/5.
17. Nine Streets Boutique Shop
De 9 Straatjes; coffee at Koffieschenkerij. Free. Rating: 4.6.
18. Rembrandthuis Etchings
His studio was recreated. 15 EUR. Rating: 4.5/5.
19. Volendam Fishing Village Trip
Bus 30min; cheese and clogs. Rating: 4.4/5.
20. STRAAT Street Art Museum
Urban murals; ferry free. 20 EUR. Rating: 4.7/5.
Personal Ratings and Insights
From my visits, Rijksmuseum earns 10/10 for depth, while A’DAM Swing is 9/10 adrenaline. Anne Frank House: 10/10 emotional impact. Avoid Heineken if crowds overwhelm you.
How to Stay Safe in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is safe (crime index 28/100 per Numbeo), but pickpockets target tourists at Centraal and Dam. I lost my wallet once; use anti-theft bags. Bike carefully, yielding to locals. Emergency: Police 0900-8844, Ambulance 112. Nightlife: Stick to groups in the Red Light.
Pro Tips Card
Where to Stay in Amsterdam
Jordaan for charm (Pulitzer Amsterdam, 400 EUR/night), De Pijp for vibe (Sir Adam, 250 EUR). Book via Booking.com, Agoda, or Hotels.com. Canal views add 50 EUR.
Pros and Cons Stacked Cards
Typical Costs and Suggested Budgets
Meals 15-30 EUR, museums 15-25 EUR, bike rental 10 EUR/day. Mid-range daily: 200 EUR/person. Backpacker: 120 EUR; luxury: 400 EUR.
Budget Cards
Money-Saving Tips from Experience
Get I amsterdam City Card (60 EUR/24h) for museums/transport. Eat at markets, use GVB day pass (9 EUR). I saved 40% bundling via GetYourGuide.
How to Get Around Amsterdam Efficiently
OV-chipkaart (load 20 EUR) for trams/buses/bikes. Walk center; bikes rule (rent via OV-Fiets). Avoid taxis (50 EUR airport-city).
Best Time to Visit Amsterdam
Spring tulips (April-May, 15°C) or fall foliage (Sept-Oct). Summer peaks with crowds; winter is cozy (0°C, Kings Day, May 27 lively). I prefer shoulder seasons.
How to Get to Amsterdam
Schiphol Airport train to Centraal (5 EUR, 15min). Book trains via NSInternational. From Benin City, fly via Kayak.
Exploring Around Amsterdam Area
Zaanse Schans windmills, Haarlem cathedrals (15-minute train ride), and Utrecht canals. Day tours Viator.
Recommended Tours to Book
Private bike (50 EUR), food walk (80 EUR) via TripAdvisor, GetYourGuide.
Ideal Length of Stay
4-5 days: 2 cities, 2 day trips. I did 7 once for depth.
Pros and Cons of Visiting Amsterdam
Pros
- Walkable, bike-friendly vibe.
- World-class art and history.
- Diverse food from Indonesian rijsttafel to herring.
Cons
- Tourist crowds in summer.
- Expensive eats/hotels.
- Rain is frequent (pack layers).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Amsterdam safe for solo travelers?
Yes, very safe; just watch belongings. I traveled solo often.
What is the best month to visit Amsterdam?
April-June for tulips, mild weather.
How many days do you need in Amsterdam?
4-5 days are ideal for highlights and relaxation.
Is it worth buying the I amsterdam City Card?
Yes, if visiting 3+ museums; saves 30-50%.
Can you visit Amsterdam without a bike?
Absolutely; trams and walking suffice.
Emergency Contacts and Pro Tips
- Police non-emergency: 0900-8844
- Medical: 112
- US Consulate: +31-70-310-2209
- Pro Tip: Download the GVB app for real-time transport.