Things to do in Amsterdam. Amsterdam is that city where old meets new and they go on a three-day date that turns into a weekend. It’s the kind of city that makes you think ‘Wow, I wonder how many bikes this city actually has?’ (Answer: Thousands and thousands. Buy/rent one and pedal your ass off, because you will never get bored in Amsterdam. Ever) Let’s take a look at the quirky, fun, awesome happenings of the city, shall we?
Take a Canal Cruise | Things to do in Amsterdam
But if there’s anything that defines Amsterdam (and it’s not all the bikes), it’s those canals. You can’t leave without taking one of those tour boats weaving around the city’s 165 canals, past the lovely old homes and tiny arched bridges and, sure, maybe someone living their best life on a houseboat. Want to feel extra smoochy? Go at dusk, or do a nighttime cruise when the city lights up like a fairytale. Maybe you’ll even spot a swan skating by, living its own Amsterdam life.
Go to the Van Gogh Museum
However clumsy you are as an artist, chances are you’ve doodled a picture that surpasses your expectation. The Van Gogh Museum, which holds the world’s largest collection of works by Vincent van Gogh, is the place to go to see what you were aiming for, or at least to be so inspired you feel compelled to buy a paintbrush on the way out. As much as the cynics and the tourists, you will always find yourself on the list of things to do in Amsterdam. And that shop you’ll visit, too. Don’t leave without buying yourself a pair of Van Gogh socks.
Cycle Through Vondelpark
OK, so you’ve heard of Amsterdam’s cycling culture, no doubt. This is where locals and tourists alike go to get some greenery and some fresh air. Get yourself a bike to rent and cycle through this graceful 120-acre park at your own pace. And even though you might be going pretty slowly compared with the Dutch cyclists who spin past you like bees, the experience is part of the fun. You’re less likely to get lost than in a maze, and there are plenty of cafés where you can stop off for a pick-me-up (after all that cycling you’ll certainly need it). Things to do in Amsterdam.
Wander Through the Jordaan District
Photo by Mohammad AldabbaghWant to experience the feeling of being in a postcard? Then you should visit the Jordaan district, one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in Amsterdam. Narrow streets, canals and cute little shops are what the Jordaan is about. Expect to find anything from antiques to art galleries to places where you can have the tastiest Dutch pancakes. This is the kind of place where you take a thousand pictures and still feel like you didn’t really capture it with your camera.
Visit the Anne Frank House | Things to do in Amsterdam
One of those sobering-but-essential things to do in Amsterdam is to head to the Anne Frank House. This is where Anne Frank, her sister and parents hid during the Second World War. The building is now a museum dedicated to her life and the wider Jewish experience of the Holocaust, and walking through the Secret Annex where she wrote her diary is a sobering and powerful experience.
Sample Dutch Cheese
One final observation for cheese lovers: Amsterdam stocks some seriously good cheese, and everyone has a shop that offers you to sample everything from Gouda to Edam. Please do make your pilgrimage to the Amsterdam Cheese Museum and take the tour: it’s real, not a fake tourist attraction, and there is some serious tasting involved. Grab that toothpick and get sampling. You will never look at supermarket cheese the same way again.
Explore the Red Light District
No mention of things to do in Amsterdam is complete without reference to the Red Light District, of course. Yes, it’s the place for – ah, let’s just say, the world’s oldest profession; but it’s also a veritable verve-vault of history and shops and restaurants. And the architecture! Just remember your manners – particularly when it comes to taking pictures – some things need to stay in the mind rather than the camera! Things to do in Amsterdam.
Get Lost in the Rijksmuseum | Things to do in Amsterdam
Art and history buffs will definitely want to visit the Rijksmuseum, which is dedicated to the works of Rembrandt, Vermeer and other Dutch masters. It’s also a beautiful building. Unless, of course, you get lost in the labyrinthine halls, where you could easily spend a full day inside. Or get separated from your friends (or family or half-severed arm). It’s that big.
Experience Amsterdam’s Coffee Culture
If the topic of Amsterdam’s coffee shops has crossed your mind, you’re probably thinking of the non-caffeinated version. But there are normal cafés where you can order a latte and a stroopwafel without worrying about any hallucinogenic surprises. Grab a stool near a window, order something from the menu, and just watch the parade go by. Amsterdam’s café culture is a perfect way to slow down and relax into the local atmosphere.
Check Out the Heineken Experience
This one’s for beer lovers: The Heineken Experience is an interactive tour through the making of one of the most renowned Dutch beers. You’ll learn how Heineken is made, the story behind the brand, and the best part is… you get to taste some freshly brewed Heineken. It’s one of those things to do in Amsterdam where you’ll feel more enlightened and thirst-quenched than when you started.
Final Thoughts
Amsterdam is a city for culture in miniature. You can get a taste of everything the city has to offer: art, history, good food, a cool and laid-back culture. While you’re cruising the canals or traipsing through its museums or enjoying a coffee in one of its cafés, you’re never far from all the great things to do in Amsterdam. Pack your bags, mount your bike, and let’s get started. Trust me, this is one trip you’ll never forget!