The Best 18 Things to Do in Amsterdam For Your First Time

When most people think of things to do in Amsterdam, they probably think of weed, partying, and the Red Light District. Loads of backpackers and young travelers come here to party, let loose, and partake in the weed “coffee” shops. But there’s another side to Amsterdam that is just as popular. Just think of Amsterdam’s beautiful canals, windmills, and museums.

Amsterdam is a beautiful, historic city that started as a fishing village in the thirteenth century. It grew to economic prominence in the 17th century thanks to flourishing trade. To transport goods and a growing population, the Lords oversaw building more than 100 canals in Amsterdam. Many of the canals have UNESCO World Heritage status now.

With a flourishing economy, people had extra money to spend on luxury goods such as art. As a result, there was an explosion of art production and trade, and Amsterdam attracted some of the world’s best painters, writers, and creative minds, such as Rembrandt and Van Gogh. There’s a reason why Amsterdam has so many art museums!

While this city is small compared to other cities like Paris or London, don’t let its size underestimate how much there is to do and see! I spent three days in Amsterdam in May, saw so much, and still have more to see and experience. From its iconic Museumplein to the gorgeous canals, deciding where to go and what to do can be hard. So, to save you time, here’s a list of the best things to do in Amsterdam, especially if it’s your first time!

The Best Things to Do in Amsterdam (That’s Not Partying)

The following suggestions include a variety of sightseeing, museums, food and beverage, and experiences. But before diving into what to do and see, ensure you’re up to date with the new visa Europe is introducing for non-European residents in 2024.

Walk Along the Canals

Amsterdam’s canals are famous worldwide—and for good reason! The historic canal district of Amsterdam is a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing master hydraulic engineering and town planning. The canals run through beautiful buildings preserved from the 17th and 18th centuries, which you can enjoy while walking down the canals. Take a peek at the beautifully decorated interiors and blooming flowers in the spring. Locals love grabbing a bite and having an impromptu picnic along the waters. You’ll see tourists grabbing their Instagram pictures at the ends of the canals overlooking the foliage and picturesque houses. No matter where you go, the canals will look beautiful.

Where to Go

• Explore the residential Jordaan district that is hip and trendy. Discover cute boutiques, hip bars, and trendy restaurants where most Amsterdam young adults hang out. It’s a less touristy part of Amsterdam that offers less crowded streets and a slice of local life. I especially loved walking around this neighborhood when the canal and street lights came on at dusk.
• Damrak Street in Amsterdam is the main road connecting the train station to Dam Square and the Royal Palace. Next to the street is a partially filled canal that offers a splendid view of houses on the edge of the water. It looks like they’re floating on top of the water!
• Bloemenmarkt is a gorgeous floating flower market on the Singel Canal between Muntplein and Koiningsplein. The canal side of the market shows a stunning view of the floating flower market, and it’s stunning to see it with the old buildings in the background. I’ll go more in-depth in a later section of this blog.

Visit Cafes and Enjoy Coffee

Don’t get confused with the coffee shops that sell weed and those that sell actual coffee! One whiff outside and you’ll be able to distinguish between the two. But I highly recommend trying actual coffee in Amsterdam! After all, the Dutch consume more coffee daily than almost any other country! In the Netherlands, a ‘Koffie Huis’ (coffee house) or café sells coffee, whereas a coffee shop is a dispensary. I’ve had some fantastic coffee in Amsterdam, and the cafes are so cute and cozy.

Where to Go

• De Koffieschenkerij: This cafe is located in Oude Kerk, the oldest church in Amsterdam! It’s in the old sacristy of the church, which dates back to 1517. The owners, Job and Anne, created a super cozy cafe environment while preserving historical architecture. The hidden gem is their attic, which is so cozy and is the perfect place to enjoy a cup of coffee. Their outdoor seating is also delightful on a warm, sunny day. Their coffee is delicious, and so is their apple pie!
• Toki: A hip, minimal, and funky coffee house in the Haarlemmerbuurt neighborhood in West Amsterdam. It’s a very aesthetic cafe that serves cafe drinks, brunch food, and baked goods. This is my absolute favorite coffee shop in Amsterdam, and their drinks and food are amazing! The chocolate cake is to die for. This was the first and last place I visited on my trip to Amsterdam.

Visit the Van Gogh Museum

IMPORTANT: You can only visit the Van Gogh Museum with a bought online ticket. You cannot buy a ticket in person or at the door, so plan ahead! Students with ID (International) get tickets half off on weekdays.

The Van Gogh Museum showcases the life and artwork of Van Gogh and has the world’s largest collection of Van Gogh art. The building’s stunning architecture is made of two buildings connected by an entrance hall with a massive glass structure. You’ll get to learn about Van Gogh’s life by viewing his art in chronological order. The museum is nicely laid out, and the viewing experience is relaxing and easy. Some of Van Gogh’s more famous paintings are housed here, including the Sunflowers, The Potato Eaters, Almond Blossoms, and Bedroom in Arles.

I really loved the viewing experience; the pacing was great! Seeing Van Gogh’s artwork in person was emotional (for me), as the colors are so vibrant and beautiful. The captions explaining why he painted a piece were enjoyable to read, and you can feel his emotions with his art. Love, love, love! Make sure to book tickets ahead of time! I literally saw people get turned away the day I went.

Tip: If you’re a museum lover, consider getting a museum pass for Amsterdam. Several tourist cards are available: I Amsterdam City Card, Amsterdam pass, Go City Amsterdam, and the Museumkaart. Some of the passes include public transportation, and others do not. But if you want to go to as many museums as possible with the best value, the Museumkaart is your best bet.

Bike Around the City (With Caution)

Amsterdam is the second most bike-friendly city in the world (just behind Copenhagen), so do as the locals do and get on a bike! There are dedicated bike lanes throughout the city, and it’s actually faster to get around by bike than by car. There are up to 400 km of biking paths alone, so you can truly get anywhere by bike. You’ll see people riding to work, to meet up with friends, etcetera—it’s the default mode of transportation. You’ll even see people riding a bike and bringing an empty one to pick someone up!

While biking is ingrained in the city, if you choose to bike around Amsterdam, ensure you read up on the rules. Learn what signals to use when biking and what biking etiquette is like in Amsterdam. You want to have a good time and experience life as a local, but you don’t want to disrupt the flow of traffic either.

Visit Zaanse Schans

De Zaanse Schans is a beautiful residential area near Amsterdam in Zaandam and absolutely worth visiting. It’s best known for the picturesque windmills on the River Zaan, which you can enjoy by walking or biking along the paths. The windmills connect to various shops, including soap, antiques, sweets, souvenirs, and more. Enjoy a freshly made stroopwafel and take in the lush scenery. You can also rent bikes and explore the surrounding area. This was the most picturesque place I visited near Amsterdam, and the weather was absolutely perfect the day I visited.

Tip: You can get here from Amsterdam by bus! It takes about 45 minutes, and it’s really affordable. You can also take an Uber, but I recommend using public transit.

Visit the Flower Market (Bloemenmarkt)

Hours:

Monday to Saturday: 9:00 to 17:30 (5:30 PM)

Sunday: 11:30 to 17:30 (5:30 PM)

Bloemenmarkt is a gorgeous floating flower market on the Singel Canal between Muntplein and Koiningsplein. This is the best place to buy souvenirs, tulips, and flower bulbs of all kinds. The flower market goes all the way back to 1862 when merchants used barges to transport flowers to the city center. There, you can take back cute souvenir magnets, clogs, keychains, and, of course, tulips and flower bulbs.

I love the view from the water where you can see all the flowers displayed through the windows. I also found the cheapest prices for small souvenirs here, so if you find something you like at the flower market, you should get it there!

Tip: The first shop at the entrance to the flower market decorates the inside of their shop with a ton of flowers! It’s a nice photo spot, and they also sell a bunch of fresh flowers.

Walk Through the Red Light District

IMPORTANT: Taking pictures or filming women behind their windows is strictly forbidden. The same rule applies at a strip club, peep show, or sex theater.

From prostitution to erotic shops to museums and churches, the Red Light District has it all. Of course, this is the most infamous street in Amsterdam, and you should visit it once! Prostitution is legal in the Netherlands, and the workers stand behind a window facing the street. The name “Red Light District” comes from the red neon lights highlighting women in the windows.

The district is dead in the daytime, so definitely visit at night. However, it gets incredibly crowded in the evening, and you’ll be pushing through crowds of people to see what it’s all about. I walked through once at night and never went back. It was cool to see, though! If you visit, respect the workers and behave well, as some tourists are rude and treat them as spectacles. And whatever you do, do not take photos of the workers! Respect their rules and leave the camera in your pocket accordingly.

Visit Albert Cuyp Market

Hours:

Monday to Saturday: 9:30 – 17:00 (5:00 PM)

Sunday: Closed

Looking for a place to eat good street food? Albert Cuyp is the best place for trying all the Dutch street food! The Market originated in 1905 and homes 260 stalls, making it the largest market in Europe. You can find fresh produce, clothing, accessories, food, and more at Albert Cuypstraat. It’s located in the Latin Quarter of Amsterdam, which boasts itself as one of the liveliest areas in the city.

If you want to try various Dutch food at the market, consider booking a food tour, where a local guide can show you all the best stalls. But my recommendations are to definitely try raw herring, poffertjes (mini Dutch pancakes), and stroopwafel! If you’re a big foodie, here’s a list of all the Dutch food you must try (and where to go for them) in Amsterdam!

Eat Fresh Stroopwafel

Probably the most iconic snack the Netherlands has to offer the world. It’s gooey and warm cinnamon caramel sandwiched between two thin waffles. It’s buttery, warm, cinnamony, and sweet—the perfect treat to accompany you while you walk along the canals. You can find this treat sold from small stalls and some cafes. You can also find premade stroopwafels in stores and at the grocery store, making the perfect souvenir!

Where to Go

Get a stroopwafel from Rudi’s Original Stroopwafels at Albert Cuyp Market. It’s an old-fashioned stall that makes each stroopwafel made-to-order, and they’re cheap! It’s warm and gooey; you can even get them dipped in chocolate. They’re known for being the best stroopwafels in Amsterdam.

Eat ‘Raw’ Herring

Herring is a street food delicacy and was an essential part of trade back then. Although the Dutch call the dish ‘raw herring,’ it is not raw. The fishermen freeze the herring, then lay it in salt for a couple of days to preserve the fish. The result is a herring with a soft texture but a good bite. It’s fresh and salty and not fishy in taste. The fish pairs exceptionally well with pickles and white onion. If you like sashimi, you’ll love raw herring. You can eat it with the condiments or in a sandwich called Broodje Haring. Both are delicious, but I find the broodje haring more delicious.

Where to Go

Frens Haringhandel is the place to try raw herring from! They’re located at the end of the flower market on the corner of Singel and Koningsplein. They’re one of the most popular places to get herring from, and their fish is smooth and delicious.

Try Dutch Apple Pie

Dutch apple pie, or Appel Gebak, is made with a crumbly streusel topping covering large apple slices. The pie is usually thick and served with whipped cream on top. It’s not too sweet, nicely spiced, and the apples are cooked to perfection. Of course, what better way to try Dutch apple pie than in Amsterdam? While most bakeries serve their version of Dutch apple pie, looking for the best one is worth the extra effort.

Where to Go

Without a doubt, the most famous place to try Dutch Apple Pie is Winkel 43. Located in the heart of the Jewish quarter on a picturesque street corner, Winkel 43 offers great people watching, but more importantly, the best apple pie in the city. I was so full from lunch when I went to try Winkel’s apple pie, so while I thought it was good, it didn’t wow me. The whipped cream was so fresh and delicious, though, I just wished the apple pie I got was fresher.

Visit the Anne Frank House

IMPORTANT: The Anne Frank House can only be visited with a ticket bought online for a specific time slot. You cannot buy a ticket at the door. You will be turned away at the door if you do not have a ticket. Tickets are only available on the official website. No photos or videos are allowed inside the exhibit.

The house where Anne Frank’s family hid during World War II is the most popular attraction in Amsterdam. Over 1.2 million people visit the house yearly! In the house, you’ll see the room where the Frank family hid, memorabilia of her time there, and her displayed diary.

I recommend this site for first-time travelers, but wouldn’t go again. It’s incredibly awe-inducing to see everything firsthand, but it’s also extremely crowded. There is a set path visitors follow, and the stairs up into the attic are extremely steep and narrow. I enjoyed learning about their life in hiding, but the experience was lackluster for me. All things considered, it’s worth going once to visit this important historical site.

Tip: Book your tickets ahead of time! The Anne Frank House sells out of tickets at least a month before, so plan ahead if you want to visit. The tickets are released the Tuesday 6 weeks before the visiting date, so make sure to snag your ticket ASAP.

For alternatives to the Anne Frank House, I recommend visiting the Jewish Historical Museum, or you can also book an Anne Frank walking tour to walk around the Jewish Quarter and learn more about what was happening in the city during World War II.

Go on the Heineken Experience Tour

NOTE: You must be 18+ to do this tour.

This was a total surprise, but this was my favorite activity in Amsterdam! The Heineken Experience Tour is a tour experience at Heineken’s oldest brewery in Amsterdam, where you get to learn how Heineken started, how it grew so large, the beer brewing process, and how to best taste Heineken beer. On the tour, you can peek inside the original brew room and enjoy two ice-cold beers. (Did you know Heineken beer has an aftertaste of banana!?!)

I loved this experience because it was immersive and educational, and I loved learning about the history of Heineken as a brand. There’s even a cool amusement park-esque immersive and arcade experience at the end. I recommend doing the Heineken Experience Tour + Rooftop, which gives stunning views of Amsterdam. I learned about the rooftop day of and wish I could have gone up!

Take a Canal Cruise

A fun way to experience Amsterdam is by boat! Boat cruises are advertised everywhere in Amsterdam and can be as cheap as 10 EUR a ride. They range from the basic canal cruise to a nice boat dinner cruise as you take in Amsterdam’s scenery on the water. These tours are a great way to learn about the city from a new perspective. You’ll also get to go under iconic bridges and admire waterfront houses! The cruises usually last around an hour, so it’s the perfect post-dinner activity as you digest your food and relax your feet after walking around all day.

Shop at Waterlooplein Flea Market

Hours:

Monday to Saturday: 9:30 to 18:00 (6:00 PM)

Sunday: Closed

Waterlooplein is the oldest flea market in Amsterdam—and in the Netherlands! It started in 1883 with predominantly Jewish merchants, but the market changed drastically during WWII and Jewish persecution. In the ’60s and ’70s, hippies and wealthy American tourists established the Waterlooplein market abroad. Nowadays, you can find almost anything from the market, including vintage clothing, books, second-hand items, bags, and more. There are around 300 stalls to peruse and look through, each unique!

Tip: Bring CASH! Many vendors here do not take card, and you’ll want to snag some amazing pieces of clothing for even better prices. Multiple vendors sell pieces of clothing for 1 EUR each, so bring a 10 EUR note, and you’re golden. This market is also huge and may be overwhelming, so I suggest doing a quick walk around to scope out the stalls and then going back for your favorites.

Relax at Museumplein

Located in Museumkwartier, Museumplein is the largest central square in Amsterdam, surrounded by museums such as the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum. The square used to be the location of the World Exhibition of 1883 and was named Museumplein in 1885 with the arrival of the Rijksmuseum. It was reconstructed in 1999 by the Swedish landscape architect Sven-Ingvar Andersson, who added a pond and terraces.

It is used for large events like festivals and celebrations and has underground parking spaces and an underground supermarket. The square is also covered in grass, making it the perfect picnic or meetup spot with friends. Undoubtedly, you will see locals and tourists alike sitting on the meadow, enjoying the sun and catching up. Especially after a long day of walking around museums, sit and enjoy the ambiance while you rest your feet.

Tip: Every Wednesday afternoon from the beginning of September to the end of June, the Royal Concertgebouw (concert hall) on Museumplain offers a free concert at 12.30 p.m. Concerts in their Recital Hall require a ticket beforehand, which you can reserve here, but no ticket is needed for the concerts in the Main Hall.

Visit Vondelpark

If you can’t get enough of nature in Amsterdam, this is the place to go. Vondelpark is the largest urban park in Amsterdam, with 47 hectares or 116 acres of green space in the Amsterdam-Zuid neighborhood. It’s like Central Park to New York City or Golden Gate Park to San Francisco. It’s got everything you need: manicured lawns, swirling ponds, and winding paths. People flock to the park on a beautiful day to enjoy the weather. Twelve million people come to visit this park yearly.

Originally, Vondelpark was a private park, only open to the rich, but was bought by City Council in 1953. You can bike, walk, scooter, or rollerblade around and through the park. You can also take a picnic or play some frisbee on the lawn. In the middle of the park, you’ll find the famous Picasso abstract statue called ‘The Fish.’ I didn’t get a chance to visit on my last trip to Amsterdam, but what’s not to like about a big, beautiful park?

Have Fun Exploring Amsterdam

Don’t be discouraged if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the amount of things to do in Amsterdam. There are a million things you could do. Even if you lived in Amsterdam, you would still not be able to do it all. What’s most important is knowing what activities you enjoy most and prioritizing what you want to see. If you like food, make it a priority to try herring and other Dutch treats. If you like museums, perhaps look into a museum pass to visit them all. Take what sticks from this blog and curate the best Amsterdam itinerary for yourself. Happy travels!

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