Coming to Netherland and not visiting Amsterdam? You are surely gonna miss fun things to do in Amsterdam and the great sights across this capital city. The city got the nickname ‘Venice of the North’ for being as pretty as picture with vintage buildings lined on the banks of water, criss-cross canals, and colorful boulevards. Its magnificent beauty will captivate you forever and its construction history will flabbergast you.
The entire city is standing on million of poles and is 2 meters under the seawater. This is enough to make you see this city with naked eyes, but our list will give you more reasons to travel to this Sin City.
Things to Do in Amsterdam
1. Get Clicked Outside the Famous Rijksmuseum
Even if you are not into history and art, this museum will keep you hooked. The big ‘I am Amsterdam’ sign outside the building is the first attraction here. Click selfies here. Next, get inside the building and see the masterpiece ‘The Night Watch.’
As soon you move forward, the rare antiques and cultural artifacts will capture your attention. When bored, enjoy meal at the Michelin-starred restaurant inside the museum. Don’t worry about the language, they have English-guided tours.
Location- Museumstraat 1, 1071XX Amsterdam
Opening hours- 9 am to 5 pm all days
Ticket- 20 Euros
How to reach- Line 52 Subway is the best option to reach this museum from Amsterdam Central Station
Also Read:10 Unexplored Places in Alleppey to Discover “Venice of the East”
2. Discover Amsterdam the Lazy Way
Tired of hopping from one tourist place in Amsterdam to another? Take a break whilst watching the city’s sight from the cruise. The city offers some of the best cruise services that take you on nearly 60 minutes journey including meals.
Best Canal Cruise Services
- Amsterdam Canal Cruise- 60 minutes
- Semi-Open Boat Cruise- 60 minutes
- Wine & Cheese Cruise by Lovers Canal Cruise- 90 minutes
- Amsterdam Evening and Night Boat Tour- 1 hour
- Splashtours Amsterdam- 1 hour
Estimated cost- 14-32 Euros
3. Admire Nature at Vondelpark
An evening spent better is a day spent better and Vondelpark has everything to make your evening romantic and wonderful. The park is the largest in Amsterdam in terms of space and is filled with roses of different types.
The open-air theatre inside the Vondelpark takes care of visitors’ entertainment with on-stage musical performances. And if you wish to savor Dutch food while dancing to the beat, there are cafes too.
Location- West of Leidseplein and the Museumplein
Opening hours– Always open
Ticket- Free Entry
How to reach- Tram 2 will take you to this most visited park in just a few minutes
4. Get Closer to History at Anne Frank House
This is the place where the horrors of WWII and scars of victims like Anne Frank come alive. Each and every item inside the house is exactly how it was when Anne used to live here.
However, you must come pre-planned here as tickets sell out in advance so make sure you book the tickets 2-3 months before your visit.
Location- Prinsengracht 236-267, 1016 GV Amsterdam
Opening hours– 9 am to 5 pm
Ticket- 9.50 Euros for a standard ticket and 30 Euros for a guided tour
How to reach– From Amsterdam Central Station, take tram 13 or 17 and stop at Westermrkt and you are right there
5. Party in Icebar
Skip partying in regular bar when you are in Amsterdam. There’s a unique place that not only serve chilled beers but also cool atmosphere. The Xtracold Icebar is a welcoming refreshment that is made with 60 tons of ice. Temperature is minus 10 degrees C here, so go prepared.
You can visit the icebar even if you don’t drink; they have guided tour of 20-minute.
Location- Amstel 194,196, 1017 AG Amsterdam
Opening hours– 4 am to 10 pm and 2:40 am to 11 pm on Friday and Saturday
Ticket- 28.50 Euros
How to reach– Bus lines 22, 305, 314, 347, 37, 397, 41 runs to this coolest icebar in the city
6. Go on a Food Tour in Foodhallen
If you are a passionate foodie and always crave for unique flavor during the trip, come to Foodhallen. This tram depot turned foodies stop serves the best of Dutch, Mediterranean, Mexican, Italian, Japanese and Spanish cuisine. It should be on top of your list of things to do in Amsterdam.
Foods to Try in Foodhallen
- Cantonese dumplings from Dim Sum Thing
- Fried chicken from Holy Fried Chicken
- Hot dogs from Bulls and Dogs
- Dutch croquette meatballs from De Ballen Bar
- Slow-cooked pork from The Rough Kitchen
Location- Bellamyplein 51, 1053 AT Amsterdam
Opening hours– 12 pm to 23 pm
How to go– If you are in the city centre, foodhallen is only at walking distance or you can take a tram from Central Station
7. Capture the Glowing Art of Electric Ladyland
This place will blow your mind. It is a museum with a unique them which makes it one of a kind. Electric Ladyland is the world’s first museum with a wide collection of mineral artworks and paintings which are visually very appealing. They glow in the light.
Location- Tweede Leliedwarsstraat 5 1015 TB Amsterdam
Opening hours– 1 pm to 6 pm from Tuesday to Saturday
Ticket- 5 Euros
How to reach– This tourist destination is 20 minutes away from Central Station and 5 minutes from Anne Frank’s house. You can reach via taxi or walk to the museum.
8. Seek Pleasure in Red Light District
Amsterdam is full of life and unique places to visit but its Red Light district are not popular among all tourists. Only pleasure seekers can have fun at this brothel area and fulfill their desire of sex. If you are least interested, this is certainly not the best place or things to do in Amsterdam. For rest, you know what you are going to be served here.
Location- De Wallen Amsterdam
Opening hours- 24/7
Price- Minimum 50 Euros
How to reach- Take a 10-minute walk from Amsterdam Central Station and you’ll be right there
Also Read: Top Sex Tourism Destination Worldwide
9. Revive Childhood Memories at Efteling
One of the best things to do in Amsterdam is to enjoy rides at Efteling. This amusement park is a complete entertainer for tourists of all ages. Not just rides are amazing here but the fairy-tale appearance of this park makes it the most visited location.
Location- Europalaan 1, 5171 KW Kaatsheuvel
Opening hours- 10 am to 8 pm from Wednesday to Sunday
Ticket- 40 Euros
How to reach– Take bus line 300 from s-Hertgenbosch, it will drop you at the nearest bus stop of the park. Bus number 301, 136 and 800 also go to Efteling.
10. Bridge of 15 Bridges
Unbelievable and Astonishing! This bridge gives you a spectacular view of around15 bridges of Amsterdam from just one location. It is an unusual experience and should not be missed especially by couples.
Location- Intersection of Regulersgracht and Herengracht
Opening hours– 24×7
How to reach– Take a tram to Rembrandtplein and walk till Thorbeckeplien
When in Amsterdam, these are the best things to do if you really want to utilize your money properly. If you got more time, travel to museum of bags and purses in Herengracht or spend time in Aviatian museum. The Westerkerk church, IJ brewery, House of Bols, and Body Worlds Museum are few more places to visit in the Sin City of Netherlands.