What to Do and See in Amsterdam
By Kristen de Joseph, About.com Guide
- Amsterdam Must-Sees
- Amsterdam Museums and Attractions
- Districts of Amsterdam
- Amsterdam, City of Water
- Unusual Amsterdam
Amsterdam Must-Sees
Browse my picks for the best Amsterdam has to offer, from picturesque canals and lively squares to world-class museums and attractions.
Amsterdam Museums and Attractions
With more than 50 museums and Europe's largest historical inner city, there's no shortage of sights to explore in Amsterdam.
- Museums and Attractions A - Z
- Amsterdam Museums for Everybody
- Dutch Artists Not to Miss
- Best of the Dam (Dam Square)
Districts of Amsterdam
One of the most exciting parts about exploring a city is discovering its many different districts. Here you'll find the highlights of Amsterdam's neighborhoods, including area attractions, restaurants and the feeling each area evokes.
Amsterdam, City of Water
Amsterdam, and the Netherlands, owe much to their relationship with the water: from the canals that lace the city, to the dikes and polders that helped reclaim much of the country from the water, to a maritime history that shaped the modern world.
- National Maritime Museum
- Canal Museum Het Grachtenhuis
- NDSM Wharf
- Museum Geelvinck Hinlopen Huis
- Museum van Loon
Unusual Amsterdam
Amsterdam has its fair share of unusual, but unique and worthwhile attractions: from a water-borne cat sanctuary to its phenomenal museum of fluorescent rocks and minerals.
Seasonal Events and Holidays
Find out about Amsterdam's best festivals and how the Dutch celebrate holidays.
Restaurants, Cafés and Food
With such an international population, Amsterdam offers restaurants and cafés with everything from genuine Indonesian food to Mediterranean tapas. Of course, no visit is complete without trying some tasty Amsterdam street foods, tempting baked goods and traditional Dutch fare. These resources will help you learn where to eat in Amsterdam, what to order and even how to pay the bill.
- Amsterdam Restaurant Reviews
- What Is Rijsttafel?
- Cafes and Coffee Bars in Amsterdam
- Amsterdam for Lunch
Amsterdam for Adults
You've probably heard about Amsterdam's tolerant attitude toward soft drugs, the sex industry and alternative lifestyles. Find out more about these here.
- Are Tourists Still Allowed at Coffeeshops?
- Amsterdam Coffeeshop Basics
- Best Amsterdam Coffeeshops
- Cannabis-Related Attractions
Day Trips and Excursions
Explore the country beyond the capital with these day trip recommendations.