Netherlands

Things to do in Amsterdam

Amsterdam's ring of 17th-century canals is small enough to cross by bike in 15 minutes, and the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk share one square at Museumplein. The Anne Frank House is the ticket to secure first; windmills at Zaanse Schans and the cheese towns of Edam and Volendam are within half an hour.

  • Anne Frank House
  • Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum
  • Canal cruise
  • Jordaan food tour

Experiences in Amsterdam

Food toursTaste the city the way locals eat it, stall by stall and bar by bar.Walking toursThe fastest way to understand a city on day one, with a local guide.Day tripsFull-day excursions to the places worth leaving the city for.Museums and ticketsSkip-the-line tickets and guided visits to the landmarks that sell out.Bike toursCover more ground at human speed: guided rides and bike rentals.Boat toursSee the city or the coast from the water, from short cruises to full-day sailing.

Top-rated experiences in Amsterdam

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Highlights

  • Anne Frank House
  • Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum
  • Canal cruise
  • Jordaan food tour
  • Countryside bike tour
  • Zaanse Schans windmills

Best time to visit

April and May bring tulip season and King's Day on 27 April, while June to August has the longest days. Spring weekends are the most crowded and expensive, and winter is cold and dark but quiet.

Getting around

Cycling and walking cover the centre, with trams and the metro for longer trips. Trains from Schiphol reach Amsterdam Centraal in about 15 to 20 minutes.

Local tips

  • Anne Frank House tickets are sold only online and are released about six weeks ahead; check the site as soon as your dates are set.
  • Never walk in the red bike lanes, and lock any rented bike to something fixed.
  • Keukenhof gardens open only from about mid-March to mid-May, so book transport and tickets together.

Day trips from Amsterdam

  • Zaanse Schans
  • Keukenhof
  • Haarlem
  • Edam and Volendam
Day trips →

Frequently asked questions

What are the top things to do in Amsterdam?

The most booked experiences in Amsterdam are Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum, Canal cruise and Jordaan food tour.

When is the best time to visit Amsterdam?

April and May bring tulip season and King's Day on 27 April, while June to August has the longest days. Spring weekends are the most crowded and expensive, and winter is cold and dark but quiet.

How do I get around Amsterdam?

Cycling and walking cover the centre, with trams and the metro for longer trips. Trains from Schiphol reach Amsterdam Centraal in about 15 to 20 minutes.

Do I need to book tours in Amsterdam in advance?

For headline sights and small-group tours, yes: popular slots sell out in high season. Most partners offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

How many days do I need in Amsterdam?

Two to three full days cover the main sights, plus one day for each day trip you want to add.

Nearby destinations

London358 km awayParis430 km awayBerlin576 km awayCopenhagen621 km away