Things to Do & See in Amsterdam - Museums, Monuments & Sightseeing
Whether you want to visit Amsterdam from A to Z or only have time for a canal boat tour, find ideas here to make your visit a memorable one. Find walking and biking tours of Amsterdam, suggested Amsterdam itineraries, the must-see Amsterdam museums and much more.
Reasons to Love the Nine Streets Area of Amsterdam
In the Central Canal Belt of Amsterdam lies a three-block by three-block water-woven district known to locals as De Negen Straatjes. These "Nine Streets" are filled with quirky shops, trendy boutiques, cozy cafés and cool restaurants, making it one of the city's best areas to wander all day.
In the Central Canal Belt of Amsterdam lies a three-block by three-block water-woven district known to locals as De Negen Straatjes. These "Nine Streets" are filled with quirky shops, trendy boutiques, cozy cafés and cool restaurants, making it one of the city's best areas to wander all day.
Open Studios Weekends in Amsterdam
Don't miss the chance to see artists in their workspaces and explore different areas of Amsterdam on these Open Studios weekends.
Don't miss the chance to see artists in their workspaces and explore different areas of Amsterdam on these Open Studios weekends.
Westergasfabriek Culture Park in Amsterdam
Find out why this former gasworks area -- transformed into a great spot for eating, drinking and playing -- is worth a visit while you're in Amsterdam.
Find out why this former gasworks area -- transformed into a great spot for eating, drinking and playing -- is worth a visit while you're in Amsterdam.
Ideas for Bachelor Parties in Amsterdam
Groups of guys hazing a groom are a common sight in this city. Here are some ideas to make your bachelor party in Amsterdam an uncommon one.
Groups of guys hazing a groom are a common sight in this city. Here are some ideas to make your bachelor party in Amsterdam an uncommon one.
Ideas for Bachelorette Parties in Amsterdam
Planning to celebrate a bachelorette party (or "hen do," as the Brits say) in Amsterdam? Here are a few unique ideas to take your girls' weekend beyond the basic tourist bars.
Planning to celebrate a bachelorette party (or "hen do," as the Brits say) in Amsterdam? Here are a few unique ideas to take your girls' weekend beyond the basic tourist bars.
Urban Beaches in Amsterdam
Every summer these urban spaces in Amsterdam turn into sandy city "beaches." Find out where you can evoke a seaside spirit on your visit here.
Every summer these urban spaces in Amsterdam turn into sandy city "beaches." Find out where you can evoke a seaside spirit on your visit here.
Climb Amsterdam's Church Towers for Bird's-Eye Views
In a city as flat as Amsterdam, it's tough to get a bird's-eye view of the skyline. Climb these church towers to see what the city looks like from above.
In a city as flat as Amsterdam, it's tough to get a bird's-eye view of the skyline. Climb these church towers to see what the city looks like from above.
Sunniest Spots in Amsterdam
When the weather forecast calls for mild temperatures and all-day sun, Amsterdammers plan their days around spending as much time as possible sitting outside in the rays. But sometimes the most popular spots go quickly, and even once you find that treasured seat on a café terrace, there's a chance you'll end up in the shade in a matter of hours. If you're lucky enough to experience Amsterdam…
When the weather forecast calls for mild temperatures and all-day sun, Amsterdammers plan their days around spending as much time as possible sitting outside in the rays. But sometimes the most popular spots go quickly, and even once you find that treasured seat on a café terrace, there's a chance you'll end up in the shade in a matter of hours. If you're lucky enough to experience Amsterdam…
Types of Canal Cruises in Amsterdam
A canal cruise through the watery ways of Amsterdam is a must for any visitor. Find out which kind of canal cruise is for you.
A canal cruise through the watery ways of Amsterdam is a must for any visitor. Find out which kind of canal cruise is for you.
Heineken Experience in Amsterdam
Find visitor information about the Heineken Experience in Amsterdam, housed in the former Heineken Brewery.
Find visitor information about the Heineken Experience in Amsterdam, housed in the former Heineken Brewery.
St. Nicolaas Boat Club Canal Cruise in Amsterdam
Discover why this is my favorite way to see Amsterdam. The St. Nicolaas Boat Club offers FREE open-top cruises on Amsterdam's canals in restored steel-hull "garden flat" boats, once used by Dutch farmers.
Discover why this is my favorite way to see Amsterdam. The St. Nicolaas Boat Club offers FREE open-top cruises on Amsterdam's canals in restored steel-hull "garden flat" boats, once used by Dutch farmers.
Tour of Amsterdam Red Light District by Former Prostitutes
I'd recommend this tour for those who wish to learn about the history of the Amsterdam Red Light District and the prostitution industry here. You'll even get the chance to step inside a Red Light window.
I'd recommend this tour for those who wish to learn about the history of the Amsterdam Red Light District and the prostitution industry here. You'll even get the chance to step inside a Red Light window.
What to Expect in the Amsterdam Red Light District
The Amsterdam Red Light District has earned a world-famous reputation, which intrigues most visitors enough to pay a visit. Find out what to expect in this area -- some sights might surprise you.
The Amsterdam Red Light District has earned a world-famous reputation, which intrigues most visitors enough to pay a visit. Find out what to expect in this area -- some sights might surprise you.
Things to Do in Amsterdam on a Rainy Day
This list of things to do in Amsterdam on a rainy day proves there's plenty to enjoy in the city during wet weather.
This list of things to do in Amsterdam on a rainy day proves there's plenty to enjoy in the city during wet weather.
Walking Tour: Peaceful Places in Amsterdam's Southern Historic Centrum
These quiet corners, calm courtyards and tranquil canals of Amsterdam's Southern Centrum offer visitors surprisingly serene spots in an otherwise bustling area of the city. Discover them on this walking tour.
These quiet corners, calm courtyards and tranquil canals of Amsterdam's Southern Centrum offer visitors surprisingly serene spots in an otherwise bustling area of the city. Discover them on this walking tour.
Top 5 Things to Do in Amsterdam
Amsterdam may be a small city, but its attractions make a big impression. Here are the Top 5 things every Amsterdam visitor should see or do.
Amsterdam may be a small city, but its attractions make a big impression. Here are the Top 5 things every Amsterdam visitor should see or do.
Why Aren't Sex and Drugs on My List of Top 5 Things to Do in Amsterdam?
Find out why I write very little about the city's reputation for a sex and drug capital.
Find out why I write very little about the city's reputation for a sex and drug capital.
Best Small Canals in Amsterdam
Some of my favorite spots in Amsterdam exist along its "small" canals. Here, find my favorite of Amsterdam's small canals -- and the charming bridges, buildings and sights that will make them yours, too.
Some of my favorite spots in Amsterdam exist along its "small" canals. Here, find my favorite of Amsterdam's small canals -- and the charming bridges, buildings and sights that will make them yours, too.
Things to Do in Amsterdam with Kids
People who assume Amsterdam isn't an appropriate place for children don't know the city very well. There are plenty of fun and educational things to do with kids in Amsterdam -- find them here!
People who assume Amsterdam isn't an appropriate place for children don't know the city very well. There are plenty of fun and educational things to do with kids in Amsterdam -- find them here!
Amsterdam for Free
Use this list to find free things to do in Amsterdam. There are plenty of free Amsterdam attractions and experiences that can add value to your visit!
Use this list to find free things to do in Amsterdam. There are plenty of free Amsterdam attractions and experiences that can add value to your visit!
Romantic Things to Do in Amsterdam - Amsterdam for Couples
Use this visual guide to find the most romantic things do do in Amsterdam.
Use this visual guide to find the most romantic things do do in Amsterdam.
Walking Tour of Amsterdam's Eastern Canal Belt
Calmer than the Western and Central Canal Belt areas, this eastern stretch offers some of the city's most idyllic views, small but impressive museums and excellent shopping and dining.
Calmer than the Western and Central Canal Belt areas, this eastern stretch offers some of the city's most idyllic views, small but impressive museums and excellent shopping and dining.
Walking Tour of Amsterdam's Western Canal Ring
Amsterdam's 17th-century expansion began in the Western Canal Ring, as workers dug by hand the new Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht waterways of the "Grachtengordel" (literally, "canal belt"). Today, the Western Canal Ring is home to a wealth of historic buildings, two of the city's most impressive churches, its oldest bridge, the moving Anne Frank House, and Amsterdam's hip, laid-back Jordaan neighborhood. Take this self-guided walking tour for a taste of all these and more.
Amsterdam's 17th-century expansion began in the Western Canal Ring, as workers dug by hand the new Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht waterways of the "Grachtengordel" (literally, "canal belt"). Today, the Western Canal Ring is home to a wealth of historic buildings, two of the city's most impressive churches, its oldest bridge, the moving Anne Frank House, and Amsterdam's hip, laid-back Jordaan neighborhood. Take this self-guided walking tour for a taste of all these and more.
Amsterdam's Top Historic Churches
Find pictures of and information about the top historic churches in Amsterdam.
Find pictures of and information about the top historic churches in Amsterdam.
I amsterdam Card - The Amsterdam Visitor Discount Card
If you're planning to visit at least two or three of Amsterdam's major museums and attractions, you might want to consider buying the "I amsterdam" card. Learn more here.
If you're planning to visit at least two or three of Amsterdam's major museums and attractions, you might want to consider buying the "I amsterdam" card. Learn more here.
Photo Gallery: Visual Tour of the Top 5 Amsterdam Parks
Use this visual guide of the Top 5 Amsterdam Parks to find respite from the city bustle, perfect picnic spots, space to run and hours of people-watching. Especially in sunny or warm weather, Amsterdam's best parks turn into outdoor living and dining rooms for locals and visitors alike, while performers, musicians and kids add to the entertainment value.
Use this visual guide of the Top 5 Amsterdam Parks to find respite from the city bustle, perfect picnic spots, space to run and hours of people-watching. Especially in sunny or warm weather, Amsterdam's best parks turn into outdoor living and dining rooms for locals and visitors alike, while performers, musicians and kids add to the entertainment value.
Rijksmuseum Visitor's Guide
Despite the ongoing renovation of its main building, the Rijksmuseum currently showcases its finest collection of 17th-century works in "The Masterpieces" exhibition. Much more than an art museum, the Rijksmuseum offers visitors a solid understanding of the political and cultural impact of the Dutch Golden Age through paintings, artifacts and personal belongings of the era's wealthiest families. Here, find resources for making the most of your visit to this must-see Amsterdam attraction.
Despite the ongoing renovation of its main building, the Rijksmuseum currently showcases its finest collection of 17th-century works in "The Masterpieces" exhibition. Much more than an art museum, the Rijksmuseum offers visitors a solid understanding of the political and cultural impact of the Dutch Golden Age through paintings, artifacts and personal belongings of the era's wealthiest families. Here, find resources for making the most of your visit to this must-see Amsterdam attraction.
Van Gogh Museum
Considered one of "the big three" museums in Amsterdam, the Van Gogh Museum holds the world's largest collection of the artist's work. The museum's annex also offers rotating special exhibitions.
Considered one of "the big three" museums in Amsterdam, the Van Gogh Museum holds the world's largest collection of the artist's work. The museum's annex also offers rotating special exhibitions.
De Oude Kerk (the Old Church)
De Oude Kerk (the Old Church) is Amsterdam's oldest monument, dating to 1250. The church holds concerts and special exhibitions regularly.
De Oude Kerk (the Old Church) is Amsterdam's oldest monument, dating to 1250. The church holds concerts and special exhibitions regularly.