What to do in Amsterdam?
Criss-crossed by UNESCO-listed canals, Amsterdam is best enjoyed by bike or boat. World-class museums, flower markets and charming villages nearby: book the best experiences to discover the Venice of the North.
Amsterdam highlights
The places and experiences not to miss under any circumstances.
Canal cruise
UNESCO-listed, Amsterdam's canals are best discovered from the water, between leaning houses, flower-decked bridges and houseboats. A one-hour cruise, by day or lit up at night, is the best introduction to the city.
Van Gogh Museum
The Van Gogh Museum holds the world's largest collection devoted to the painter: over 200 canvases tracing his tormented life, from the Sunflowers to the Potato Eaters. A timed ticket is compulsory, to be booked several days ahead.
Anne Frank House
In this canal-side house, Anne Frank and her family hid for two years before their arrest. The moving visit follows the secret annexe and the original diary. Tickets must be booked online, well ahead and by timed slot.
Rijksmuseum
Home to the Dutch Golden Age, the Rijksmuseum displays Rembrandt's Night Watch and Vermeer's masterpieces. Vast, it's best with a skip-the-line ticket; target the Gallery of Honour if time is short.
Jordaan district
A former working-class district now Amsterdam's most charming, the Jordaan lines up traditional cafés, art galleries, markets and intimate canals. It's the perfect place to wander away from the crowds and taste local life.
Zaanse Schans (windmills)
Twenty minutes from the city, Zaanse Schans gathers working windmills, green houses and clog and cheese workshops. A day trip, often combined with Volendam and Marken, dives into postcard Holland.
Plan your visit to Amsterdam
Our practical tips for a great stay: when to go, how to get around, where to stay.
When to visit Amsterdam?
Spring (tulips in April!) and summer are the most pleasant; winter is cold but magical along the canals. As the city is very popular, book your accommodation well ahead.
Getting around Amsterdam
The bike is king, but the centre is very walkable too, with trams and metro as backup. A vital reflex: when crossing, always give way to cyclists — they're everywhere.
Where to stay in Amsterdam
The Jordaan and the canal belt for charm, De Pijp for a young vibe and cafés. Hotels are pricey: the earlier you book, the better.
Activities & tickets to book in Amsterdam
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Amsterdam by theme
Book your activities in Amsterdam by theme — guided tours, skip-the-line tickets, cruises, food tours, outdoor activities and day trips. Click a category to explore the best deals available right now.
Guided tours
To grasp the soul of Amsterdam, nothing beats a guided tour. Follow a local guide through the great monuments and hidden lanes, and discover the stories that paper guides leave out. Allow 2 to 3 hours, often in a small group, at a pace suited to your curiosity.
Book →Museums & skip-the-line tickets
Amsterdam is packed with must-see museums and monuments. Book your skip-the-line tickets in Amsterdam and enjoy the finest collections without losing an hour in the queue. Tickets are dated and timed: book the day before in high season, as morning slots go first.
Book →Cruises & boat trips
Seeing Amsterdam from the water means rediscovering it. Hop aboard a cruise or boat ride and admire the finest views of Amsterdam on the water, by day or at sunset. One-hour guided cruises, with or without a meal option: there's something for every budget, often boarding right in the centre.
Book →Food tours & gastronomy
Food is part of the journey. Treat yourself to a food tour in Amsterdam: local markets, regional specialties and tastings to savour Amsterdam like a true local. Allow 3 to 4 hours and come hungry: between street bites and neighbourhood spots, a good food tour is often worth a full meal.
Book →Outdoors & activities
Feel like moving? Amsterdam lends itself to bike rides, hikes and outdoor activities to explore the city and its surroundings from a different angle. Bike rentals, guided e-bike tours or active excursions: a way to cover more ground while enjoying the fresh air.
Book →Day trips
The most beautiful treasures sometimes hide at the gates of Amsterdam. Book a day trip to discover the villages, castles and landscapes nearby. Transport, guide and sometimes lunch are usually included: a hassle-free day to see more without the logistics.
Book →Amsterdam: frequently asked questions
Should I book activities in advance in Amsterdam?
Yes, essential for the Anne Frank House (often full weeks ahead) and the major museums, which run on timed slots.
How many days to visit Amsterdam?
Two to three days are enough for the canals and major museums. Add a day for the Zaanse Schans windmills or Keukenhof in spring.
Which area to stay in Amsterdam?
The centre (canal belt) to do everything on foot, the Jordaan for charm, or the Museum Quarter for quiet.
When is the best time to visit Amsterdam?
April to May (tulips in bloom) and September to October: pleasant weather and reasonable crowds. Summer is very busy.
Plan Amsterdam day by day
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