10 must-see things to do in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a city I keep coming back to – there’s something about the atmosphere here that I just love. There’s a charm and a buzz, and just so much to do. I’ve been around 6 times now, and every time I’ve travelled with DFDS, Whether it’s a DFDS mini cruise to Amsterdam, or a longer trip where we’ve travelled by boat. I just think it’s a lovely way to ease your way into the city, as it’s only a 40 minute transfer into the city center.
There is just so much to do in Amsterdam, from museums to experiences to the canals to seeing the Red Light District. There truly is something for every one and every single age, which makes it a great place to explore. You don’t get tired of the place, plus you always leave wanting to go back.
So, let me share with you 10 must see things on your trip to Amsterdam…
Table of Contents
Top things to do in Amsterdam
Tony Chocolony
Tony Chocolony’s is about a five minute walk from Central Station, on the main road to Dam Square. If you’re a chocolate lover, you need to go here.
Not only is there a great range of chocolates, including exlusive flavours to the store, but you can also create your own personalised chocolate bars. Choose your flavours, toppings, and design the wrapper. It’s around £7 to do your own flavour, and it takes around 1-2 hours for them to create it, and it is totally worth it!
Free entry, no purchases required.
Anne Frank’s House
You can’t go to Amsterdam without visiting Anne Franks House. This is the house where, on 6 July 1942, the Frank family went into hiding. Containing their original items, as well as photos, videos and quotes you can learn all about this family’s story.
The Annex of the house, where they hid, has stayed empty since Otto Frank returned from Auschwitz in June 1945 and at his request, has stayed empty since then. The museum opened in 1960 and continues to share this important and harrowing story.
It is truly an honour to step foot in this house and hear this story – it’s incredible and sad and moving to be exactly in the spot where they lived.
You must book tickets online before you go, and they sell out quickly! Tickets are released in 6 week blocks and cost €16.00 for adults, and €7.00 for 10-17 year olds
Canal tour
I truly believe if you only do one thing when you come to Amsterdam, do a canal tour.
This is because you get to see the sites and get a feel for Amsterdam. So if you’re doing one of the Amsterdam mini cruises where you only have a few hours, then get yourself on a canal tour!
There are so many options for these canal tours, from hop on hop off, guided tours and tours that include food. Here are some stand out ones that sound a lot of fun;
- The classic canal tour with cheese and wine
- The evening canal cruise with pizza and beer – a great dinner activity especially in spring/summer
- The Amsterdam highlights tour – a great way to see the highlights of the city
The art museums
Amsterdam is an art lovers dream. There are so many different types of art museums from classics like the Van Gogh museum to the digital art museum NXT. Here’s your guide to art museums in Amsterdam;
The Van Gogh museum is one of Amsterdams most popular destinations, and it truly is a brilliant exhibition. With over 200 Van Gogh paintings, this is the largest collection of the artists work. As well as taking you on a journey through his life, it also explains the context of his work, his inspirations and influences.
Rijksmuseum celebrates over 800 years of dutch art history and features work from Jan Steen, Frans Hals, Vermeer, and Rembrandt. The dolls houses here a astounding and have so much detail, and they also have an impressive selecion of silverwear, Delftware and sculptures as well.
Moco Museum is the home of modern art and is home to art from Banksy, Kusama, KAWS & more. Not only does it house modern art, it also includes immersive art experiences and brings them to life. This is a really exciting art gallery which you won’t regret going to.
NXT Museum is a digital art museum, and is a fully immersive art exhibtion that pushes boundaries and makes you think about our relationships with the digital world. This is a unqiue museum which fully embraces technology.
STRAAT is a must visit for anyone who is interested in street art. There is a perfect blend of up and coming street artisits, and more established ones, and is a real celebration of street art. It is the largest collection of urban contemporary art and shows the variety of street art that there is.
Fabrique des Lumières is the largest digital art exhibition in The Netherlands where you can see stunning masterpieces of Dalí and Gaudí come to life in front of you. I find exhibitions like this incredible because you truely see the art in a new way, and can really feel it.
Heineken Experience
The Heineken Experience is the perfect spot for beer lovers to learn more about how this popular beer is made.
Not only are you taken on a tour to learn about the history of the brand, you can also sample along the way and have the option to create your own bottle!
A’DAM Lookout
If you’re looking for uninterrupted views across Amsterdam, then you need to visit A’DAM lookout.
There’s plenty to do here. For the thrill seekers, swing over the edge with Europes highest swing. Swing out over Amsterdam – this looks equal parts terrifying and exciting!
For those wanting a more chilled experience, there is the 360 viewing platform and bar and restaurant. There’s also a VR experience, a lift which has it’s own light show, and plenty of photo opportunities.
Walk the canals
There’s something to be said for just wandering and exploring the canals and streets by foot.
The city is great for walking a) because it’s flat and b) because things are relitively close to each other.
On my last trip, this is what we did as we’d done a lot of the big things, and just wanted to soak up the atmosphere and have a mooch around. Plus, it’s a great way to take photos which is always something I personally love doing on a trip!
Dam Square
Whilst Dam Square is quite a tourist trap, it’s also a must see because it is spectacular and is a hub of activity.
There’s a rich history to Dam Square; originally created to prevent flooding in the 13th century, it because renowned for the Dam Sqaure hippies in the sixties. Nowadays, you can find street entertainment, Madam Toussauds and lots and lots of pigeons!
The main attraction of Dam Square is the Palace and whilst it no longer is home to the Dutch Royal Family, it is still a spectactular building.
Chips at Fabel Frites
Whenever I searched things to do in Amsterdam in TikTok, Fabel Frites came up. I didn’t even intend to go, but as we were wandering , we came across the queue and 10 minutes later we were eating our fries with truffle mayo, Parmesan and onions and it was delighful and a must visit.
A food tour
I love food and I’m a big beliver that a great way to experience a place is through it’s cusine.
Booking onto a food tour not only will help you explore of the beaten track, but also try lots of new foods and traditional dutch food!
Booking your next trip to Amsterdam on a DFDS mini cruise
So, now it’s time to plan your actual trip to Amsterdam which is so exciting!
I always travel to Amsterdam by boat, and recently visited as part of the DFDS mini cruise to Amsterdam. As well as this mini cruise where you just have a day to explore the city, you can also add on extra days in the city to truly experience all that Amsterdam has to offer.
Travelling with DFDS is such a fun way to travel as you really are making the journey part of the experience. With on board entertainment, brilliant food options and some very comfy beds, it really is a brilliant way to travel.
I hope this helps you plan your next trip to Amsterdam. For more inspo for your trip to Amsterdam, click here to read more about the DFDS mini cruise to the city. For more travel guides, don’t forget to visit our travel guides section and for weekly emails, make sure to join our free newsletter for weekly postcards staright to your inbox!
