things to do in amsterdam

what to do in amsterdam

You don’t have to wonder if there is something to do in Amsterdam, there are many museums, attractions and things to see and to do.

It is therefore highly recommended that you plan and book tickets in advance!

Popular things to do in Amsterdam

These are just a few tips of the by far the most popular things to do in the city.

THE AMSTERDAM SWING

The Amsterdam Swing is a thrilling and unique experience that takes place on the roof of the A’DAM Tower, offering a panoramic view of Amsterdam. The attraction consists of a giant swing that swings back and forth over the edge of the tower at a height of 100 meters. It’s a must-try for thrill-seekers visiting Amsterdam, and the adrenaline rush is truly unforgettable.

CANAL CRUISE

Of course you cannot leave Amsterdam without boarding a canal cruise. Most cruises last an hour and are guided tours. There are also special cruises, such as evenings cruises with drinks and bites. Most ships have an open-air section. You can also do a tour in open smaller boats or even private boats, ideal for groups where full catering can be arranged.

A'DAM LOOKOUT OBSERVATION DECK

The A’dam Lookout observation deck is the place for a fantastic view of Amsterdam. The observation deck is part of the A’DAM Tower. You will also find the Amsterdam Swing here. Under this tower is the nightclub Shelter. An elevator with light and sound effects takes you to almost the top. The last part goes via the stairs. Enjoyed the view? Afterwards, have a drink at Madam Restaurant & Sky bar.

Things to see in Amsterdam

Amsterdam has some very famous museums, definitely worth visiting.

VAN GOGH MUSEUM

The museum is dedicated to the life and works of Vincent van Gogh, one of the most famous Dutch artists of all time. The museum’s extensive collection includes more than 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and 700 letters by Van Gogh, as well as works by his contemporaries and artists who were influenced by him. The museum also features temporary exhibitions, educational programs, and an interactive audio guide that offers insight into Van Gogh’s life and artistic development.

RIJKSMUSEUM

The Rijksmuseum is the largest art museum in the Netherlands and is dedicated to Dutch art and history from the Middle Ages to the present day. The museum’s collection includes over 8,000 objects, including masterpieces by Dutch artists such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Frans Hals, as well as numerous works of decorative art, sculptures, and historical artifacts. The Rijksmuseum is housed in a stunning 19th-century building.

ANNE FRANK HOUSE

The Anne Frank House is the actual house where Anne Frank and her family hid during World War II, and where Anne wrote her famous diary. The museum offers visitors a chance to see the secret annex where the family lived, as well as personal belongings and artifacts that provide insight into their daily life in hiding. Visiting the Anne Frank House is a powerful and emotional experience, and it’s an important reminder of the atrocities committed during the war, and the importance of human rights and social justice.

More things to do in Amsterdam

Apart from the top 3 museums and most popular attractions there is much more to do!

THIS IS HOLLAND 5D FLIGHT EXPERIENCE

Are your ready for an almost true flight experience above Holland? Then you should definitely visit this attraction in Amsterdam. In This is Holland you are soaring over The Netherlands from a bird’s eye view! Get ready for a bumpy flight and you might catch some rain on the way! And don’t miss the tulip fields.

VISIT RED LIGHT DISTRICT

Anyone who has been in Amsterdam knows about the Red Light District, no doubt about that! Although people outside the Netherlands call it the Red Light District, the Dutch call it ‘De Wallen’. This name comes from the streets, some of them end with ‘wal’, something you can compare with dikes. The neighborhood is one of the oldest parts of Amsterdam, it’s full of the typical historical buildings in Amsterdam. The history of this area goes back to the 14th century!

THE AMSTERDAM DUNGEON

The Amsterdam Dungeon is an interactive show that takes visitors on a journey through the city’s dark and gruesome history, with live actors, special effects, and multimedia displays. The show includes 11 different shows, each of which tells a different story from Amsterdam’s past, such as the Dutch East India Company, the plague, and the Spanish Inquisition. The Amsterdam Dungeon is a fun and immersive way to learn about Amsterdam’s history.

AMAZE AMSTERDAM EXPERIENCE

Amaze Amsterdam is an audiovisual experience that combines art, technology, and music to create a multi-sensory adventure for visitors. Each room features a different concept and theme, and the immersive visuals and soundscapes create a truly surreal and mind-bending experience. The journey through Amaze Amsterdam is both relaxing and stimulating, making it a great way to disconnect and immerse yourself in a different world for a little while.

AMSTERDAM ZOO - ARTIS

The Amsterdam Zoo is called Artis. It’s not just a typical zoo but also a botanical garden and aquarium. The zoo is home to over 700 species of animals, including lions, tigers, giraffes, elephants, and many more, and features beautiful landscaped gardens and historic buildings. The zoo also has a planetarium, an insectarium, and a butterfly pavilion.

BODY WORLDS

Body Worlds an innovative and educational exhibition that offers a unique perspective on the human body. Body Worlds showcases real human bodies, preserved through a technique called plastination, which allows visitors to see the inner workings of the human body like never before. The exhibition features over 200 anatomical specimens and provides a fascinating and insightful view of the human body and its functions.