Introduction: First Impressions of Amsterdam
If you’re planning your first visit to the Netherlands, chances are you’re asking yourself: What are the most important things to do in Amsterdam? This city is endlessly layered — canals, cafés, history, and art all woven into one stylish package. For first-time travelers, it can feel overwhelming, which is why I’ve curated this guide to the absolute essentials.
Here, we’ll explore the top things to do in Amsterdam, from cultural icons like the Anne Frank House and Van Gogh Museum to relaxing escapes like Vondelpark and surprising seaside getaways.
Museums: Cultural Things to Do in Amsterdam
1. Van Gogh Museum
The Van Gogh Museum is a deep dive into the life of one of the world’s most celebrated artists. With over 200 paintings and hundreds of sketches and letters, it brings you face to face with Vincent’s genius. Works like Sunflowers, The Bedroom, and Almond Blossom are highlights, but the quieter, lesser-known sketches give you a sense of the man behind the myth. This museum is one of the most unforgettable cultural things to do in Amsterdam.
💡 Pro Tip: Visit early in the morning to beat the crowds, and download the official app for an elegant, guided experience.
2. Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam
For fans of modern and contemporary art, the Stedelijk Museum is a must. Its striking building—nicknamed “the bathtub”—houses bold works by Mondrian, Kandinsky, Warhol, and Kusama. Exhibitions here often push boundaries, making it one of the more avant-garde things to do in Amsterdam.
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t miss the design shop, which is perfect for finding chic, functional souvenirs.
3. Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum is a national treasure. From Rembrandt’s The Night Watch to Vermeer’s The Milkmaid, its collection embodies Dutch Golden Age brilliance. Even the building itself is breathtaking, with vaulted halls and stained glass windows. Exploring it is one of the most classic things to do in Amsterdam.
💡 Pro Tip: Buy tickets online and visit early or late to enjoy masterpieces without the midday rush.
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Outdoor Attractions: Scenic Things to Do in Amsterdam
4. Keukenhof Gardens
Each spring, Keukenhof bursts into bloom with over seven million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. Though just outside the city, it’s considered one of the most magical things to do in Amsterdam during springtime. Walking through its rainbow-colored fields feels like stepping into a dream.
💡 Pro Tip: Arrive right at opening time to avoid busloads of tourists, and rent a bike to ride through the surrounding tulip fields.
5. ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo
Established in 1838, ARTIS is one of Europe’s oldest zoos. It combines animal enclosures with botanical gardens, a planetarium, and even an aquarium, offering more than a typical zoo visit. It’s a calm, leafy oasis, making it a family-friendly thing to do in Amsterdam.
💡 Pro Tip: Visit in the late afternoon—quieter crowds, more active animals.
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6. Vondelpark
Amsterdam’s most beloved park stretches across 120 acres and is filled with winding paths, ponds, and leafy trees. Locals jog, cycle, picnic, and perform open-air theater here. Spending time in Vondelpark is one of the most relaxing things to do in Amsterdam, a perfect pause between museums and sightseeing.
💡 Pro Tip: Pick up fresh bread, Dutch cheese, and stroopwafels from a local bakery and enjoy a picnic like the locals do.
Historical Highlights: Essential Things to Do in Amsterdam
7. Anne Frank House
A deeply moving experience, the Anne Frank House lets visitors step inside the hidden annex where Anne wrote her diary during WWII. Few things to do in Amsterdam leave as lasting an impression as this one—it’s an emotional, essential stop.
💡 Pro Tip: Tickets are released six weeks in advance and sell out fast. Book the moment they become available.
8. Royal Palace of Amsterdam
On Dam Square, the Royal Palace is a Golden Age masterpiece. Once the city hall, it now serves as a ceremonial palace for the Dutch monarchy. Touring its marble galleries and grand chandeliers is one of the most regal things to do in Amsterdam.
💡 Pro Tip: Check the schedule, as the palace sometimes closes for royal functions.
9. The Canals
Amsterdam’s canals are a UNESCO World Heritage site and the city’s beating heart. A canal cruise offers a front-row view of gabled houses, hidden courtyards, and charming bridges. It’s among the most quintessential things to do in Amsterdam, day or night.
💡 Pro Tip: Choose a small, open boat with wine and cheese for a chic experience.
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Beaches: Surprising Things to Do Near Amsterdam
10. Strand IJburg
This man-made city beach is only a short tram ride away. With golden sand, food stalls, and water sports, it’s a favorite with locals looking for a summer escape. It’s one of the more unexpected things to do in Amsterdam in warm weather.
💡 Pro Tip: Perfect for a late afternoon swim followed by cocktails at a beach café.
11. IJmuiden Beach
With wide sands and strong winds, IJmuiden is perfect for kite surfing and sailing. It’s livelier and more adventurous than the city’s other beaches, making it one of the more active things to do in Amsterdam.
💡 Pro Tip: Stay for dinner at a seaside restaurant and watch the sunset with fresh seafood.
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12. Bloemendaal aan Zee
This beach is where chic Amsterdammers flock for sunset cocktails and DJ parties. Often dubbed the “Ibiza of the Netherlands,” it’s one of the most energetic summer things to do in Amsterdam.
💡 Pro Tip: Arrive in the late afternoon for golden-hour vibes, and stay until the music takes over.
Bonus Things to Do in Amsterdam
- 13. Jordaan District – Wander through narrow canals, boutique shops, and cozy brown cafés.
- 14. Albert Cuyp Market – Sample fresh stroopwafels, herring, and cheese at Amsterdam’s most famous market.
- 15. A’DAM Lookout Swing – Get your adrenaline rush swinging over the skyline.
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Conclusion: Your Amsterdam Checklist
Amsterdam is a city of endless layers, but for first-timers, these are the musts: art-filled museums, moving history, canal cruises, tulips, and even a beach day. These highlights represent the essential things to do in Amsterdam—a little culture, a little leisure, and a lot of charm.
From the poignant quiet of the Anne Frank House to the sparkle of the canals at night, Amsterdam leaves its mark on every traveler. Start here, and you’ll already be planning your return.
